Welcome back to term 4, arguably the busiest and quickest term of the school year. 

The Defence School Mentor Program has an action-packed term lined up as we head towards the end of the year, and yes…Christmas!

DEFENCE PEER MENTOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI)

EOI's will be sent out this week for the Ripley Valley SSC Peer Mentor program for 2023.  This year, a Defence Peer Mentor was added to the program.  This was an initiative from our current Year 10 Defence Peer Mentor (DPM) Jackson Sheen.  The DPM is a Defence student who offers peer support to our Defence students who experience the unique challenges they face, specifically in the areas of extended parental absences and regularly moving schools due to the military commitments of their parents. The DPM is supported by the Defence school Mentor (DSM). 

The Peer Mentor program not only benefits students needing support, but also the mentors themselves.  Skills acquired through the program in the areas of support and communication will be carried into the mentor’s adult lives and future careers.

The ability to help others using their own experiences will enhance their own self-confidence, empathy and overall wellbeing.

For further information on the Defence Peer Mentor (DPM) role, please feel free to contact me

DEFENCE STUDENTS 2022 PHOTOGRAPH

In 2020, our Defence student body numbered twenty Year 7 and 8 students.  This year the number is sixty- three students of full-time serving families (plus additional students from families transitioning from Military service), with that number expected to rise next year as students from local feeder schools, and those posting in from other bases and camps, join our school.

As many students move from school to school, I feel it is important for them to feel like their time at a school is important. Even if it was for a short period of time, their time at RVSSC was important and that they were valued members of the school.   

For that reason, this Term I will be endeavouring to take a Defence Student Body photograph.  The photo will be available to all Defence students who would like one and will be a nice keepsake in times to come.

OTHER TERM 4 EVENTS

• Wellbeing Expo: held in Week 2, the Wellbeing Expo will showcase extra support avenues available to our students including DMFS, Kookaburra Kids and Open Arms
• Remembrance Day Commemoration: 7 November 2022
• Christmas Coffee & Chat for Defence Parents: Week 5
• Amberley, our Defence Mascot, will be heading out to the RAAF Base Amberley for some work experience
• Posting out parties: Farewells for our ADF students who will be leaving us this year.

SUPPORT

As always, if anyone is looking for support, please contact me via email or phone, so that we can work together to find the right help for you.

I look forward to assisting you with any support needs this term.

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