Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration

On Thursday 18^th August, communities around the country paused to honour the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam Veterans. 

Vietnam Veterans’ Day is commemorated on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. It marks a day when our Australian troops fought one of their fiercest battles of the Vietnam War.

However, when the fighting was over, our Veterans returned to divisive Australia, only to face a different and undeserved battle.  At home they were shunned by their fellow Australians due to the political and social unrest of that time.  The casualties of the Vietnam War would come long after the battle were over.

Others persevered, with their uniforms and medals locked away, they displayed a resilience we can only imagine.  Their service to Australia did not stop when they stepped off the battlefield. Many went on to become teachers, farmers, business people, social workers and much more.  In doing so, they helped to shape the Lucky Country we have come to enjoy in our lifetime.

Fifty-six years later, Australians now gather to honour, not only those who fought and died in battle but also those who showed courage, perseverance and resilience in the face of so much hostility from their own countrymen upon their return to home.

Lest We Forget.

Ripley Valley SSC was represented at the Vietnam Veterans Commemoration by two of our Year 10 ADF students. Jackson Sheen (Defence Peer Mentor) and Sebastian Nunn laid a wreath on behalf of the College at the Cenotaph of the Soldiers Memorial Hall in Ipswich. It is always a privilege to be able to represent the college and to have students who display respect, maturity and integrity during these sombre occasions.  It was a very proud moment both for both Mr Krueger and myself, who were also in attendance.

  

Defence Student Mascot

This week we have welcomed a new addition to the Ripley Valley SSC Defence School Mentor Program.

Amberley the Koala is our official Defence Student Mascot. She will play a pivotal role in connecting our ADF students (especially those new to RVSSC) to the College and also help give them a better understanding of their Defence members role in the ADF.

Amberley will be able to spend time with our Defence families, experiencing what life is like both at home (during times when their family member is away) and also with the Defence member at work.  Stories of her adventures will be delivered back to the Defence School Mentor via a journal. All the information collated will be ready to share with staff and students in a PowerPoint at the end of the year. 

The program also aims to help promote a better understanding for the staff of RVSSC of military life, and some of the unique challenges ADF families face, especially during times of deployments, exercises and postings.

In between adventures, Amberley will hang out with me and the students at the Defence Club.  She is always up for a photo opportunity!

Defence Club

Defence Club is held at second break in J2.07 (J Block, next to Student Services) every Wednesday and Friday.

Defence Club is a chill out zone for ADF students. It is a place where ADF students can make connections with other ADF students in the school, form friendship groups and seek support during times of distress (particularly during parental absences of postings). 

Games, music, and quick crafts are also available. 

Defence School Mentor

For more information on the Defence School Mentor Program at RVSSC, please contact Tracey Cooper at tcoop203@eq.edu.au or call 3819 5333

DMFS SUPPORT

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 - 1400hrs

Email: tcoop203@eq.edu.au

Phone : 0436 944 525