As the middle of term 4 approaches, the last activities for the year are well and truly under-way.

CHRISTMAS COFFEE & CHAT

Wednesday the 2^nd November was our last Defence parent catch up morning tea for 2022. The Christmas Coffee & Chat was held at the Providence Splash and Play. This was a great opportunity to reflect on 2022, provide feedback on how we can improve the Defence School Mentor program within the College and catch up with one another for a coffee and some Christmas nibbles.

POSTING OUT

This year sees our first RVSSC families posting out of RAAF Base Amberley since the College opened in 2020. 

Posting can be an extremely stressful time for ADF families, especially when it is done over the Christmas holidays. Our exiting students’ resilience is tested during this time as they close one chapter in their lives and begin a new one. Changes in schools, friendships, leaving extended family, and the uncertainty of where they will be living next, is a tough test of character for anyone, but is testament to the adaptability of our Defence kids. 

I wish our departing families all the very best in their new locations.  It has been a privilege for me to be in a position to offer support to you and your children during your time at RVSSC. I cannot emphasise enough that Ripley Valley SSC’s loss will be another schools gain. 

AMBERLEY (Defence Student Mascot)

Amberley the Koala has been very busy, gaining insight into the military lifestyle by spending time with the Air Refuelling Operators of 33 Squadron (Airbus KC-30 Multi Role Tanker Transports) and the Loadmasters of 36 Squadron (Boeing C-17 Globemaster).

Amberley’s role is to help not only Defence students, but all members of our College community, to engage with and understand the many diverse roles our ADF parents have in the military and how that translates to the broader community.

This is done by Amberley accompanying our ADF parents to their squadrons or units (Army, Air Force and Navy) where and when possible. Amberley’s adventures are then documented (by journal and photo’s) and will be presented to staff and students later this term at assembly. Exciting stuff!

Amberley’s journal is proving to be an engaging read for our students.

 

 

REMEMBRANCE DAY

At the 11^th hour, of the 11^th day of the 11^th month, Australia will pause to our honour the service personnel who have fought and who have died in the many conflicts around the world since World War One.

It is a time for reflection on how we live our own lives, and how much of what we take for granted is owed to the sacrifices made in those conflicts.

LEST WE FORGET

SUPPORT

For more information about the DSM program or the support that is available to ADF Members and their families, head to:   

https://defence.gov.au/members-families/

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