Ripley Valley State Secondary College eNewsletter

Defence News

We are now nearing the halfway point of term one and our new ADF students are beginning to settle into the college and adjust to their new surroundings.

DEFENCE CLUB

Part of the Defence School Mentor program is to provide a space where Defence kids, especially those who have posted into the Ripley area, are able to meet other Defence students, and offer an opportunity to develop new friendships, in an effort to minimise the impact moving and service- related parental absences can have on learning, especially in these teenage years.

ADF students, new and existing are embracing the Defence Club. With students from both the senior and junior school attending, and becoming familiar with each other, they are forming a network of their own in the wider school. This is beneficial to all students. Our youngster students feel supported by our seniors, and our seniors have an opportunity to act as role models to the younger students.

Defence Club runs every Monday at second break at the Drop Zone in J Block, just above the library. All Defence students are welcome to pop in as they wish. Games and some art supplies are available, and students are welcome to bring in their laptops and snacks if they chose.

COFFEE & CHAT

On Wednesday 8^th March, I will be holding a Welcome Morning Tea for all ADF parents, existing and new at the Providence Splash and Play, beginning at 0900 hours.

Every term, I host a ‘COFFEE AND CHAT’, which allows ADF parents to:

Meet other ADF parents of RVSSC (a great opportunity if you have just posted in)
Discuss any issues the Defence lifestyle may be having on their child’s education
Meet leadership and support staff of the College
Meet Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) Staff, including the Education Officer and the Family Liaison Officer
Be informed on all support that DMFS and the Defence School Mentor Program offer.
1^st Coffee is on me!

If you would like to attend, you can RSVP me via email at tcoop23@eq.edu.au

Defence Member and Family Support is a sector of the Australian Defence Force that provides Defence families with numerous programs and activities with an aim to support them as they face the unique challenges of being a Defence family.

Welcome to Brisbane

Saturday 25 March from 10am

Join DMFS for our Welcome Event at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Free entry will enable a fun day out in nature, enjoying the Australian wildlife.

There will be an opportunity to meet your local support organisations who can provide a wealth of information on services available to you in the Brisbane region to assist with managing the Defence lifestyle.

Explore our partner employment and education opportunities, finance and health services, local sporting and recreational groups and more. Food may be purchased from the onsite café, or you can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the grounds.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/an-adf-family-event-welcome-to-brisbane-tickets-46813838350

THE DEFENCE MEMBER AND FAMILY HOTLINE

1800 624 608

This is the first point of call for Defence families seeking support, information or connection with their community.

The Helpline can provide assessment, assistance, advice or referral depending on the family's needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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:

Monday and Wednesday 0800 - 1400hrs

Email: tcoop203@eq.edu.au