A very warm 'Welcome Back' to Term 2. With the cooler season approaching, this term is shaping up to be a busy one for RVSSC students and staff alike.

Our second ANZAC Commemoration was held in the Raptordome on Wednesday morning this week. I would like to say a big "Thank You" to RVSSC staff who have put a big effort into organising a service that is meaningful and respectful to all who have, and who are currently serving in both the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces. It will be with a sense of pride that ADF and non-ADF students will participate in the commemoration and also run an ANZAC Stall, with proceeds going to the Ispwich RSL so that they can support Australian Defence Veterans and their families.

ANZAC Day is an important reminder of how important camaraderie, selflessness and sacrifice has been to Australia, both in the past and for our future. It is a time when we can all reflect on the sacrifices many Australians have made in the past to secure the freedoms and rights we all have now and will continue to fight for in the future.  As a New Zealand born Australian citizen, this time of the year really impresses on me how the ANZAC spirit is alive and well, so long after those first brave ANZAC's landed at Gallipoli.

With many of our ADF students experiencing parental absences through long deployments, training exercises and unaccompanied postings, this terms focus will be on supporting these students and their families during the absence. I am working to organise another Coffee and Chat towards the middle of the Term, with a focus on discussing ways to best support parents and their children through what can be a very difficult time. This is also a great way for parents to connect with others in the community who may be going through similar experiences.  If you would like to offer suggestions on absence support before then, by all means, please contact me on 3819 5333 or email tcoop203@eq.edu.au. I am always open to new ideas.

The Defence Club will be running every Wednesday morning at first break. It has been a joy to see so many students attend, build new friendships and gain confidence within the school. These foundation students, whether they realise it or not, are laying the groundwork for a supportive Defence Student Community that will grow significantly in the coming years. This will make the transition into our school for newly posted students just a little bit less intimidating or traumatic.  It is the aim of the Defence School Mentor program to help ADF students build resilience to the challenges of military life. Our current students, I am sure, will be instrumental in that process.