Term 3 is notorious for being the 'longest' term of the year. That being said, it is not without a jam-packed schedule.
BATTLE OF FROMELLES COMMEMORATION
In week two, our Defence Peer Mentors will be representing Ripley Valley State Secondary College at the Battle of Fromelles commemoration, taking place the The Honour Stone, Soldiers Memorial Hall in Ipswich on the 19th July. Our Mentors will be participating in the service by presenting a reading of Lt George Still, Queensland's only Military Cross recipient, awarded for his part in the doomed battle.
DEFENCE WEEK
Week three is Defence Week. We have a significant Defence community at the college so, this time every year, we shine a spotlight on the Defence Force. Our students are able to gain some insight into military life, it's people and their commitments to service. This year's focus is on diversity in the Defence and how that relates to Defence members and their roles.
This year we are holding The DSM Defence Week Obstacle Challenge.
College staff will compete against students in a race that will pit experience and wisdom against youth and vitality, in a race that aims to highlight the college's core values of respect, responsibility and perhaps, most importantly, perseverance. All students are encourage to participate, either by participating or by encouraging competitors from the Oval stand.
Competition will be fierce, school pride will be on the line and at the end of the event, a trophy and bragging rights will be awarded to the victors. The challenge promises to be a lot of fun.
Other activities for the week include a guest speaker at our full school assembly and a display in our library.
CHILD OF THE ADF MEDALLION PRESENTATION
At the conclusion of term 2, Ripley Valley SSC had the honour of hosting the Child of the ADF Medallion presentation.
The medallions are presented to children who have shown resilience and growth in managing the challenges of the ADF lifestyle, particularly in the areas of mobility and parental absences.
The presentation was officated by DMFS Military Support Officer (MSO) MAJ Michael Ward, Group Captain Alan Bowers RAAF Base Amberley, Education Liaison Officer Nicole Ralph (DMFS) and Defence Social Worker (DSW) Lisa Hilliard, (DSW) Emily Cattell and Business Support Officer Brett Stokes.
Close to 200 medallions were awarded at the presentation, out numbering Brisbane's recipients. Due to the large numbers of ADF families in the Ipswich area, a second event will be held later in the year to cater for those who were not able to attend the RVSSC event.
Jackson Sheen receives his Child of the ADF Medallion
'In recognition of his demonstrated ability to adapt and
strive during times of uncertainty and change for him
and his family.
COFFEE & CHAT
For Defence parents (present and future) of the College, our Term 4 Coffee & Chat will be happening again around week five. This event is held every term, and allows Defence families of the college to get to know one another and create a local network. This is really beneficial to families who are new to the area as they post in from other locations.
ABSENCE SUPPORT
If you are deploying or posting, please let me or your student’s teacher know so we can best support them during this potentially challenging time.
