ANZAC Day

With April 25th rapidly approaching, preparations for the Ripley Valley State Secondary College ANZAC service are in full swing. This year's Service will be more in keeping with traditional services as opposed to last year, which was subject to many Covid restrictions. 

Plans are also in place to run an ANZAC stall during the first week of Term 2, with the help of ADF Students and the School Council, so keep your eye out on Facebook for further details. I have been advised that this year, badges and ribbons will be available for sale.

The Defence Kids Club is up and running at first break on Wednesdays. The club has been well attended by our ADF Students, and I have had an opportunity to get to know many new students to our school.  I have implemented a suggestion box in our Club room for the students to make suggestions on how to improve Defence Club, especially with the prospect of space in the new building next year.  It is important for our students to feel they can have a say in developing their support network within the school community, and the suggestion box is one way they have the opportunity to do that. I have had some terrific suggestions to date, both practical and not so practical. As I have said to students, we may not be able to accommodate all requests, but you will get 100% of what you don't ask for.

As the term draws to a close, it is time to submit reports to the Defence Community Organisation that gives a accurate account of the ADF student community within the school and their support needs. If you have not already done so, please let me know by email (tcoop203@eq.edu.au) if this term you are newly posted in, posting out, transitioning out of Defence into civilian life, MWDU, deploying/exercise or engaged in other service related absences.  All of this information help DCO ascertain appropriate funding for our school.  It has come to my attention that some parents are finding my emails in their Junk folders. If you have not seen an email from me, maybe check the Junk folder.  If it is not there, please let me know, so I can rectify the situation.

At this time, there are many of you dealing with Deployments. I am keenly aware of how stressful this time can be both for the partner at home and your children.  If you are having any issues, please let me know so that together, we can help make things a little bit less stressful. The Defence Family Helpline (1800 624 609) is a 24 hour hotline that is a good place to look for support in times of need.

It has been my privilege to watch new friendships form during this term. New students significantly outnumbered the original students, however, many seem to have made a smooth transition into their new educational environment. There are those who have found coming into a new school somewhat overwhelming. There are support processes in place with myself, the Chaplain (Kristian Atkins), the Guidance Officer (Lisa Henderson) and the HOD of Inclusions (Rhiannon Kemp) to help provide students with coping skills and practical advice should they need it.  Students and parents are encouraged to seek our help if they have any concerns.

I would like to wish you all a restful school holidays, a happy Easter and I look forward to Term 2 with all the 'Team' back together.