Deputy Principal - Culture and Engagement
Overview:
Term 1 is almost complete and the Easter Holidays will soon be upon us. Before our students get there, however, they must first meet the challenges that lie ahead, and demonstrate our core value of Perseverance as they complete their end of Term assessment tasks. I am certain that, though hard work, preparation and maintaining a growth mindset, all of our students can succeed in the tasks that are before them.
It is also a good time to look forward to the events ahead. These include:
School Immunisation Program (SIP):
Early next Term information will be sent home to all students in Years 7 and 10 regarding the Queensland School Immunisation Program. Clinic visits to the school are planned for Thursday 30th May and Thursday 15th August, 2024.
Before the school visit, your child will be given a consent pack that contains an information sheet with details about the disease, benefits of immunisation and any common side effects and a vaccination consent form. Please read the information sheet, sign the consent form indicating whether you wish your child to be vaccinated, and return it to the school. Only students with a completed and signed consent form on the day of the school immunisation clinic will be vaccinated.
If you do not return a consent form or the form is incomplete, you may be contacted by the immunisation provider to check if you consent to have your child vaccinated.
Year 7 students are offered vaccination against:
- Human papillomavirus(HPV): 1 dose
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough): 1 dose.
This age group requires these vaccinations because:
- they need a booster dose for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
- some immunisations need to be given in early adolescence (human papillomavirus) because the immune response is better at this age for this vaccine.
Year 10 students are offered vaccination against meningococcal ACWY strains: 1 dose and Meningococcal B vaccine (2 doses).
This age group requires this vaccination because:
- some of the highest rates of meningococcal occur among 15 to 19 years of age and this group can transmit the meningococcal bacteria to people who are at increased risk of infection, including young children
- the vaccine protects young people and reduces risks for the community as a whole by decreasing the proportion of people carrying the bacteria in their nose and throat.
Further information around this program can be found at: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/immunisation/adolescents#sip
End of Term Rewards Trip:
Invitations have now been sent to those students who qualify for the End of Term Reward Day Trip on Thursday 28th March. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the Rewards Trip to Orion, Springfield and Event Cinemas. In order to qualify students must have:
- Completed a Ripley Rewards Application Form
- Maintained 95% attendance
- Had no suspensions and no more than 2 Administrative Detentions
- Completed all assessment to date
If you have any questions or concerns around this excursion, or your child’s eligibility, please contact the Year Level Coordinator Team at YCO@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
ANZAC Day Service:
Our annual school ANZAC Day Service will be held on Thursday 20th April in the RaptorDome from 8:30am – 9:30am. We welcome all parents, carers and friends of the College to attend this service, which will be followed by a morning tea.
Year 10 Camp
Year 10 Camp is being run at Kokoda Park later this year (Monday 9th – 12th September). Kokoda Park provides first class outdoor activities such as rock-climbing wall, high ropes and other outdoor adventure activities. By providing exposure to thrilling, challenging and thoughtful activities, Kokoda Park camps allow students to grow and develop skills through situations they wouldn’t find in a classroom. Further information about this experience will be sent out to Year 10 parents and carers before the end of this Term.
Early Pick Up Process:
Recently we have noticed a rise in the number of students who are being collected early from school without early notification. Just a reminder that when an early departure is known, it is part of our process that the office is informed prior to 8:45am on the morning of the departure. This can occur either through a note brought by the student to Administration or via a phone call (3819 5333) or email (administration@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au) from the parent/carer. Please see the graphic below for further details regarding this process.
