As Term 1 draws to a close and we prepare for the cooler months of Autumn, I find myself reflecting on the arrival of all the new ADF students and their families who have joined our College this year. RVSSC now has 74 families of full time Defence force personnel and 8 transitioning families.

I am slowly starting to recognise the new faces in the sea of blue uniforms around the school, while getting to know others at the Defence Club.

DEFENCE CLUB

Defence students new to the College are encouraged to pop in at the Drop Zone to meet other Defence students and form a supportive network of their own.

The ‘Drop Zone’ is open every Monday at second break. It provides a space where ADF students, especially those who have posted into the Ripley area or those with parents away for long periods of time, can form new friendships or seek support from those who have had similar experiences.

Our more senior ADF students regularly visit the ‘Drop Zone’, which gives younger students an opportunity to become familiar with, and seek support from, older students with a little more life experience.

                        Defence students painting a wooden Soldier silhouette for our Library's ANZAC Display

COFFEE AND CHAT

Last week saw the first Coffee and Chat for the year, held for Defence parents of the school.

It was an opportunity for new Defence parents of the College to meet the DSM, existing Defence parents, Defence Member and Family Support staff, our College Chaplain and Deputy Principal. 

In the relaxing surrounds of the Providence Splash and Play, our Defence parents were able to enjoy a cuppa, meet new people, share stories and gather information about support they can access through the Australian Defence Force, that is specific to the needs of military families.  

It is always a privilege to meet new parents and be able to offer support, should they require it.

RIPLEY SCOUTS

Enquire about being a Section Leader with Ripley Scout Group. 

Learn new skills, enjoy adventure and meet new friends while making a difference to young people in your local community!

As a Leader you can gain formal leadership qualifications, develop programs, work with like-minded individuals, and teach young people life lessons through offering them the experiences of a lifetime. You don’t need to have any Scouting experience, but you may need to keep up with some adventurous people and their adrenaline-packed adventures!

ARE YOUR KIDS LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE? ARE YOU KEEN FOR THEM TO LEARN LEADERSHIP, LIFE SKILLS & VALUES THAT WILL LAST THEM A LIFETIME? 

At Ripley Scout Group, we provide opportunities to youth members aged between 5 - 25 years old.

The purpose of Scouting is to encourage the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual development of young people for them to take a constructive place in society as responsible citizens and members of their communities.   

Instead of learning in a formal way, Scouts get ‘hands on’, tackling projects in small groups or teams – we call them patrols. Youth members are engaged and getting involved while making decisions.

Learning from mistakes, ‘learn by doing’, our youth members are guided and advised by our trained Adults Leaders.

Our youth leading, adults supporting model, ensures our members develop into active citizens with all the skills and experience required to achieve in their future personal and professional lives. 

For more information: gl@ripley.scoutsqld.com

Proudly supported by Defence Member Family and Support (DMFS),

Ipswich RSL Sub Branch, Young Veterans & Rotary Club of Greater Springfield 

DEFENCE PEER MENTORS 

This Term saw the Defence Peer Mentor (DPM) leadership role officially recognised. 

A big congratulations goes to Ben Coop (Year 10) and Jackson Sheen (Year 11) who are our two Defence Peer Mentors (DPM’s) for 2023. 

Jackson initiated the Defence Peer Mentor Leadership role in 2023 and together we have worked to provide mentors specifically catering to the unique challenges Defence students face.

Along with carrying out duties to assist the Defence School Mentor, our DPM’s primary role will be to offer support, at a peer level, to ADF students during times of postings and extended parental absences, (e.g., Deployments). They make themselves available for support both at Defence Club and in the school yard during break times.

Our DPM’s have completed Peer Mentoring training along with our other Peer Mentors, and I am looking forward to working with Ben and Jackson through the year. 

 

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 

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.

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

Phone : 3819 5333