New Youth Support Coordinator for RVSSC

My name is Alicia Pickerill and I am the new Youth Support Coordinator at Ripley Valley State Secondary College. My role is to provide a confidential service to support students of Ripley who are at risk of disengaging from their education. I will be working collaboratively with students, their families and staff to identify barriers to education, develop goals and support the progression and achievement of these goals through a series of individual sessions as well as referrals to external organisations.

I have a degree in Psychology and have worked extensively in the government and non-for-profit sectors providing case management and coordination support services to young people. My most recent role has been developing and implementing a range of life skills programs for young people.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, travelling and cooking.

I will be working part time and will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Student Support Services Team.

I am very excited to join the team at Ripley and am really looking forward to making a difference in the lives of our young people and their families.

Alicia Pickerill

Youth Support Coordinator

Chaplain News

Over this past term we have had many interruptions and many unforeseen circumstances arise. As a chaplain I am here to support your child throughout the ups and downs of life. One of the ways I provide support is with one-on-one pastoral care conversations. If you would like me to provide support for your child or if you have any questions or concerns yourself, please email me at katki121@eq.edu.au. 

Breakfast Club

Due to the unforeseen circumstances Breakfast Club, one of the extra-curricular programs of the school will start up again in Week 2 in Term 2. Breakfast Club will operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:15-8:45 am. This is an excellent way for the students to engage with one another over food or milo and doesn't cost them anything. If you want to volunteer for this, please feel free to email me.

Mentoring Program

The Chaplaincy Service is looking to implement a mentoring program this year. The mentoring program will bring in community people who will meet with a student 1 on 1 on the school grounds, in an open space where they will spend an hour a week talking with them. The mentor is a life mentor and will undergo child safety training by the College as well as SU. The mentor must be over 21 years of age and have a blue card to participate. 

This is a great way for the wider Ripley Community to be involved with the College and to help support students. If you want to be a mentor or if your child is someone who you think would benefit from this program, please contact me.

I'm looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

Chaplaincy Committee

The Local Chaplaincy Committee is the supporting and guiding body behind the Chaplaincy Service helping to shape it to meet the wellbeing of the school community at both here at RVSSC & at the Primary School. If you would like to attend and be a part of the committee, we have our next meeting on Thursday the 19th of May at 4 pm at the primary school.

SU Camps

Scripture Union Australia, the organisation that employs the chaplains here in Ripley Valley and in hundreds of schools across the country is also a camping organisation. If you are looking for something for your child to do over the holidays, please follow the following link. https://sucamps.org.au/?season=autumn

I'm looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

Take care