RVSSC extends its condolences to family, friends and work colleagues of the four Australian Army personnel who died in the MRH-90 helicopter crash, and acknowledges the effect this incident will have on the greater Defence Force community.

RVSSC has a significant Defence family community, and are aware that many of our ADF families have had partners and parents involved in this exercise. The impact of this event has served as a reminder of the price that can be paid by our Defence members and their loved ones in times of conflict and in peace.

As a mark of respect to the servicemen who died and as an expression of our deep empathy and compassion for their families, a bouquet of flowers was laid at our Cenotaph in ANZAC Way, at the front of the college, in their memory.

The flowers were gathered from the gardens of Ripley Valley SSC.  Native flowers represents the Australians servicemen who died in the service of this country. Statis and Rosemary represents the remembrance by those left behind, for their service and ultimate sacrifice.  Magnolia represents the peace that we all seek.

The Battle of Fromelles

On the 19^th July, Mr Krueger, two Defence student representatives and myself attended the 107^th commemoration of the Battle of Fromelles. 

The Attack at Fromelles on the 19th–20th July 1916, was a military operation on the Western Front during the First World War.  The operation was a disaster from the beginning and it is generally believed to be the greatest loss by a single division in 24 hours during the entire First World War. Some consider Fromelles the most tragic event in Australia’s history.

Our school was represented by our Defence Peer Mentors, Jackson Sheen and Ben Coop, who not only laid a wreath on behalf of the college, but were invited to present a speech about one of the 31^st battalion soldiers, Lt George Still.  Lt Still was the only Queenslander to be awarded the Military Cross for Gallantry in that battle.

Korean War Commemoration

On July 27th, Ripley Valley SSC Defence students Lucy Day and Charlotte Bell represented Ripley Valley SSC at the 70^th commemoration of the Korean War, where they laid a wreath on behalf of the College. 

Korean War Veterans and representatives of the Ipswich Korean Community also attended the Commemoration. In a very moving ceremony, Korean dancers performed a traditional dance and played drums.

Korean War veterans were honoured for their service by being presented with a quilt.  The quilts were made by the Australian branch of Quilts of Valour.

Quilts of Valour Australia aims to award quilts to Veterans, Service Personnel of the Australian Defence Force and our Allies as well as immediate family of Veterans and Defence Personnel who have passed. These awards are in recognition of their Service, Sacrifice and Valour for their country.

15 white doves were released to symbolise peace between our two nations.

RVSSC Defence Week

Week 3 was Defence Week at Ripley Valley SSC.  Each year, aspects of life in the ADF are showcased. This year's focus was 'Diversity in the ADF: The People and their Roles’

The students, who attended a whole school assembly, listened to a presentation by myself, and special guest speaker, FSGT Lewis MacIvor about our experiences of diversity as Defence Force members. Students were noticeably engaged by the presentation, and FSGT MacIvor was keep busy fielding all manor of questions from his captivated audience.

A visual display in our library elaborated more on the topic of diversity with a PowerPoint slideshow and items on display.

The week culminated in our first Staff V Students Military Style Obstacle Course challenge, that proved to be a popular, as it was challenging by all who participated. Physical challenges such as two-person carries, commando crawl under cam-nets and performing tasks while wearing military field packs were just some of the obstacles.

The final result was a close one, with 20 students crossing the finish line and staff crossing 22 times.  

This was our first Obstacle challenge which hopefully will become an annual event as part of Defence Week.

ABSENCE SUPPORT