During Week 3 of this term Ripley Valley SSC held its first Defence Week.

This initiative is designed to help build a better understanding in the wider school community of the challenges that are faced by our ADF students, in particular, how those challenges might affect their education.  The focus this year was ‘The Impact the Military Lifestyle has on Defence Families’.

The week began with a guest speaker from the RAAF Base Amberley, who graciously shared experiences of her time in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).  Her presentation and PowerPoint detailed a career that has involved many moves and many absences due to her service commitments, including deployments.

Staff and students alike were offered a small insight into some of the challenges Defence members and their children face, due to the mobile lifestyle of the ADF. Students were particularly interested in the photo's that were shared as part of the presentation.

Our guest speaker is a full time serving member of the RAAF, a Defence spouse and a Defence mum and we are extremely appreciative to her for making herself available to come and talk to our school community.

A visual display was set up in the Library through the week, with stories from Defence students and staff who shared some personal experiences of life in the military, in particular the impact of postings and parental absences. Military items and uniform were also loaned to the school for the display.

The Defence Club also opened its door to the whole school. Students had the opportunity to chat with Defence students and to also participate in poppy making activities.

Defence Week was a real team effort and would not have been possible without the help from staff, students and ADF parents. As an ex-Defence member, spouse and Mum, I was so proud to be able to show this aspect of military life to the school and by extension to the wider community.  There are many Defence personnel, and their families, who call the Ripley Valley home. On behalf of the Ripley Valley SSC, I would like to pass on our appreciation to all Defence members, and their families, who work everyday to ensure the safety and security of Australia and its citizens, so that we may live our lives with a freedom many around the world are not afforded.

Vietnam Veterans Day

On the 18th August, we commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966.

It is a day where we recognise all that served and honour those who lost their lives during battle and those that returned only to still carry the physical and emotional scars of their service.

Lest We Forget

Ripley Valley SSC will be represented by our school Principal, myself and two ADF students of the college.

Commemorative services:

Ipswich RSL Sub Branch

10am – Honour stone Soldiers Memorial Hall

63 Nicolas Street, Ipswich

Club Services Ipswich

5pm – Honour Stone Top Car Park

5a Lowry Street, North Ipswich

Ripley Community & Defence Scout Group is launching! 

Ripley will be the first Defence supported Scout group in Australia. A Scout group that supports the children and families posted into the Amberley - Enoggera corridor. We currently have opportunities available for youth (5-25yo) to register to be part of the founding Australian Defence Scout group.  

We also have opportunities for currently serving and ex-servicing members, Defence community, friends and family plus the wider community in the Amberley - Enoggera corridor to take an active role in becoming Adult Leader, Adult helper or Committee member.  

As an adult member or youth member you’ll have access to heavily subsidised activities such as diving, surfing, snorkelling while gaining National and International accreditation.  

Scouts is a vocational training institution. All adult members can access free qualifications including outdoor adventure and business management. 

Applications are open to those who'd like to take up the opportunity to become an Adult Leader, Adult helper, Committee member or youth member, please see the attached link to complete your expression of interest - https://forms.office.com/r/VCJFC7bFjJ

 On behalf of 

Andrea Finch - “Koala” ?
0404 099 615
e: 21416@scoutsqld.com.au

Defence Member and Family Support Branch

For more information on the Defence School Mentor Program you can head to:

https://defence.gov.au/members-families/Family/kids/education.asp

To contact the Defence School Mentor:

Wednesday and Friday 0800 - 1430hrs

Email: tcoop203@eq.edu.au

Phone : 0436 944 525