WOW! What an incredible start to 2022. It has arguably been the most challenging of the past two years, with the Covid pandemic restrictions, natural disasters and school interruptions.  Everything has been thrown at us, and yet, as I walk around the school, I still see so many smiling faces and I am reminded of how resilient we can be in the most trying of times.

The Defence School Mentor Program (DMFS) provides support to children of serving Australian Defence Force members and their parents. The key focus is to help support ADF students during times of extended parental absences due to deployments, postings, exercises and training, to ensure their learning is impacted as little as possible by their parent’s service commitments.

This year we have welcomed new ADF families to RVSSC. Despite the frequent disruptions to school timetables, the students have integrated into their new school environment and I see many new friendships blossoming. I have been very fortunate to meet many of our new ADF students at the Defence Club, “The Drop Zone”, and in the coming weeks, I hope to meet more.

Last week saw the first Coffee and Chat for ADF parents, held at Forty West.  The Welcome morning tea allowed parents, both new and existing, to have an opportunity to meet in an informal setting, enjoy a coffee (provided by the lovely ladies at Forty West) and discuss the Defence School Mentor Program. The morning tea was also attended by Chris Jones (Education Liaison Officer for the Defence Member and Family Support), Kristian Atkins (our school Chaplain) and Brendan Krueger (RVSSC Principal). It was lovely to see parents making new connections. They also had an opportunity to learn about new programs and support the DMFS can offer.  I can’t wait for the next parent meet up in Term Two. The coffee groups are just one of the ways RVSSC supports our ADF families.

Our ADF school community has grown considerably in the past two years. 2020 saw 20 ADF students enrolled at the College.  This year we have 70 students made up of 60 ADF families.  The ever-expanding RAAF Base at Amberley and its proximity to Ripley Valley means our numbers will continue to grow over time.

For Defence members who are looking for support through the Defence Member and Family Support, please go to

https://defence.gov.au/members-families/About/Default.aspor

or call the Defence Member and Family Hotline on 1800 624 608.  I will also be emailing new programs and workshops as they become available along with other relevant information.

Tracey Cooper

Defence School Mentor

Ripley Valley State Secondary College