Guidance Officer
Personal Development programs on offer in Term 3, 2023
The Student Support Services staff at Ripley Valley State Secondary College, are committed to helping young people develop the skills they will need to be effective citizens. We will be offering students opportunities to take part in a range of personal development programs aimed to assist in building resilience, problem-solving, social and communication skills.
The skills learnt in the small group programs are above and beyond what is offered in the Positive Behaviour for Learning Curriculum for all students. If you feel your child needs to build their resilience or a boost to their social and emotional wellbeing, please get in contact with the relevant staff member below. Participation in the programs is voluntary.
Rock and Water Program
Who: Students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10
When: Thursday on rotating roster
Where: B Block (Community Hub)
What: Rock and Water is a program designed to decrease bullying and depressive feelings, and increases self-esteem, self-regulation and social acceptance. It also aims to build self-confidence, self-respect and self-reflection through psychophysical training. Rock and Water is delivered as a course of lessons consisting of different exercises and games.
Contact: Kristian Atkins katki121@eq.edu.au
YSC Girls Group
Who: Girls in Years 7, 8 and 9
When: Maths and English Extension Lines
Where: SSS - J207
What: Girls’ Group has been developed and facilitated by the RVSSC Youth Worker, Alicia Pickerill who has a background in Psychology and program development. Girls’ Group is designed to offer a fun and engaging way for female student to explore a range of topics including; self-esteem, confidence, friendships, body image, self-care, mindfulness and goal setting.
Throughout this program, students will utilize arts and crafts to create and develop their own reflective journal that they can keep and reflect back on as needed.
Contact: Alicia Pickerill apick125@eq.edu.au
Indigenous Boys Program
Who: Boys who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
When: Wednesday Session 4 in Term 2 and Term 3
Where: F1.25 (Art Courtyard)
What: This program is run by members of the Boorrumpah Goupong Aboriginal Corporation. It consists of Ugarapul cultural knowledge, language and stories from Ipswich and the surrounding areas. The program works to build students’ understanding of: self and family history; self-respect; perseverance; traditional games; culture and tribal law; and self-reflection. The program is free and runs during Session 4 on Wednesdays from Week 2 to Week 9.
Contact: Jacob Millerick jmill697@eq.edu.au
Love Bites Program
Who: Students in Years 10, 11 and 12
When: End of Term 3 and start of Term 4
Where: B Block (Community Hub)
What: Love Bites is a highly regarded program that aims to provide young people with a safe environment to examine, discuss and explore respectful relationships. The Love Bites Programs take a strengths-based approach and views young people as active participants who are able to make choices for themselves and their relationships when supported with information and opportunity for skill development.
Contact: Kristian or Alicia on apick125@eq.edu.au and katki121@eq.edu.au
Janet Ingram
Guidance Officer