WELCOME ADF FAMILIES TO RVSSC

A big WELCOME to all of our returning and new RVSSC Defence Force families.  2022 sees a significant increase in ADF students and their families to the College and I can't wait to meet you all.  My hours are Wednesday and Friday 0830 -1445.

Defence School Mentor Program

Defence recognises that the impact of the Defence lifestyle on children is a major challenge for Defence members and their families. For example, the 2019 ADF Families Survey identified that the most important consideration for Defence families was their children’s education.

Furthermore, these family-related factors have featured consistently among the top ten reasons for leaving among ADF members transitioning from permanent ADF service.

For this reason the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) provide the Defence School Mentor Program (DSMP) in schools.

For the purposes of the Defence School Mentor Program, a ‘Defence family’ is defined as:  

'the immediate family of a Defence member, meaning their spouse or interdependent partner, and any children who normally live with the Defence member. Other dependents as nominated by a Defence member can also fall under their immediate family (for example, any children they are a guardian for).'

The Defence School Mentor Program provides a mentoring service to students to assist with the transition between schools and also to help those coping with parental absences due to deployments, exercises and lately, Covid quarantine. The program also strives to promote resilience amongst our Defence students.

This is done by:

Defence Club held at second break.

Y 7-9 Wednesdays

Y 10 Fridays

Drop-ins at the DSM's office are whole heartedly encouraged if a student feels the need for extra support. 

Parents are regularly kept informed, via email of the latest support programs, family events and workshops that will be available through the year (and there are many!) including DMFS, DVA, Mates4Mates and the RSL.

I can also check in with parents by phone to see how students (and parents) are coping, especially in times of absences.

The Defence School Mentor Program and Ripley Valley State Secondary College value the sacrifices ADF members in our community and their families make every day in their contribution to Australia's security and we strive to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for students during their time at the College.

If you are an ADF family and you have not yet identified as such to the school, you can contact our Adminisration on 3819 5333 or alternatively you can email me at tcoop203@eq.edu.au.

Despite the obvious challenges, I hope 2022 brings you all good fortune, especially for those of you who are newly posted to the area.  With newly constructed classrooms, library, a dedicated School Services Hub and many clubs and activities  available; I am positive your students are set for an action packed year.

Take care everyone and all the best for Term 1

Tracey Cooper

Defence School Mentor

Ripley Valley State Secondary College