Welcome to Term 3.  I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Mrs Allison Heironymus to our team.  Allison will be replacing Annie Gamlen for week 1 and 2 of this term while Annie is away on leave.  

Semester 2 Timetable

Year 7 and 8 students will complete four Elective Subjects this year.  The Elective Subjects are Design and Technology, Digital Technology, Dance and Music.  Students have already completed two of these Electives in Semester 1.  Students have received new timetables and have now commenced study for their remaining two Electives.

Year 9 Subject Selections - Expression of Interest

The Junior Secondary Handbook provides key information about all subjects including key skills, topics studied and assessment.  I encourage you to take the time to peruse this document with your child and discuss their areas of interest to assist them in making choices about elective subjects. 

This semester our Year 8 students will select their Elective Subjects for Year 9 in 2021.  Students will complete a total of 4 Elective Subjects throughout the year (2 Elective Subjects per Semester).  At this stage we are in the process of gaining an Expression of Interest from students to inform our Elective Subject offerings for Year 9 in 2021.

Year 8 students will complete a short Survey in Access Class next Friday the 24th July 2021 to indicate their preferred Elective Subjects by ranking the Elective subjects from 1-13 (1 is their Top preference and 13 is their least preferred Elective).  Student will complete the official Year 9 Subject Selections at school during Week 5 this Term when they will select four Elective Subjects.

We will use the results from the Survey to determine which 6 Elective Subjects will be offered when students complete their official Year 9 Subject Selections at school in Week 5 this Term.  Electives offered will also be influenced by the availability of specialist teaching staff.

Student Investiture 

Our Student Investiture will be held on Monday the 27th July 2020 commencing at 8:45 AM in the Sports Hall.  Parents/Carers of Student Leaders are welcome to attend.  If you are attending, please park in the undercover carpark (Botany Drive).  Parents/carers of Student Leaders are invited to join us for a short morning tea at the conclusion of the ceremony.  Please complete the sign in register upon entering the Sports Hall as part of our Covid Safe Action Plan.  Lift access is available if required.

This is the most popular APP among our students, and the most dangerous. This APP is currently being reviewed, and looks as if it will be banned in Australia in the coming months due to how dangerous it is. Most of the students that I have seen have inadvertingly been giving their location away to strangers and contacting and talking to strangers around the world. Nudity and explicit content is the 'norm' on this APP. Research indicates that TIKTOK is the leading APP that is considered detrimental to teenage mental health issues and anxiety.

2. Snapchat

Snapchat is an APP that allows users to send photos and videos that disappear after they're received. It's rated ages 12+. The filters and special effects allow users to alter pictures. The issues that I am seeing with our students with snapchat are that because most students think all the videos disappear after so many seconds they have become emboldened to post more risque pictures and videos of themselves and sharing them with peers and strangers. Furthermore, most of the students I have seen about Snapchat are inadvertently sending their location. The GeoFilters, Timestamps and other features are removing all safety and security settings from posts and students are putting themselves in danger. There are also add-on APPS that can be downloaded so users can keep the videos forever. 

3. Instagram

Instagram is a hugely popular photo-sharing site, owned by Facebook, so you may be more familiar with it than with other photo-sharing apps. Users can add cool filters or create collages of their photos and share them across Facebook and other social media platforms. The biggest issue I am facing with our students and Instagram are students creating fake accounts for the purpose of "trolling" someone. These accounts are difficult to trace without access to student's personal devices. I encourage all parents to check your child's instagram account, and ensure there are not multiple accounts.

4. Tellonym

This is an anonymous messenger App. It is common for cyberbullying and sexual content. It also offers unmonitored access to the internet

5. Bigo Live

There is no age verification and users have to provide personal information like their age and location. This is a place where bullying, nudity, violence, and profanity is common.

6. IMVU

This is a virtual world game like SIMS. Users interact with each other as avatars. IMVU stands for Instant Messaging Virtual Universe. There is nudity and sexual encounters in areas that are for 18+, but there is sexual talk and behaviours in the regular area of IMVU as well. There is a Chat Now feature that randomly pairs users with other users and can lead to inappropriate pairings and interactions. All profiles are public, and there can be bullying and predators trying to get other users to share their phone numbers and to send pictures.

7.  Houseparty

Houseparty is a video chatting app that's pretty open. Friends can communicate with each other through live video and texts in chat groups. There's no screening and the video is live, so there's nothing to keep kids from inappropriate content. Users can send links via chat and even take screenshots. There's also nothing keeping friends of friends joining groups where they may only know one person.

8. Tinder

Tinder's developers describe the app as "the fun way to connect with new and interesting people around you." But it's mainly used as a dating tool or an anonymous "hook-up"  locator by 20-somethings. Unfortunately some of our younger tweens have decided to share the APP around and partake in some conversations with strangers. The app is rated ages 17+ but Tinder's privacy policy allows teens as young as 13 to register (the app connects with Facebook — which is also technically for ages 13+ — to pull in photos for users' Tinder profiles). Tinder helps people find others in their geographic location and allows users to view each others' photos and start instant messaging once both people have "liked" one another. The geo-location features and anonymous nature of the app put kids at risk for catfishing, sexual harassment, stalking, and worse. If found on your child's devices please delete immediately.

9. askfm

This app allows users to interact in a question-and-answer format — with friends, peers, and anonymous users alike. The app is rated ages 13+ and is most popular in Europe but is catching on in the U.S and now in Australia. Cyberbullying is prevalent on this APP.

10. Whisper

This 17+ app's motto is: "Share Secrets, Express Yourself, Meet New People." Whisper lets users set up anonymous accounts to make their messages or confessions overlap an image or graphic (similar to e-postcards), which other users can then "like," share, or comment on. While it allows for creative expression, it can also take overly personal content viral. The app also shows a user's location. Although the app is geared toward older teens and adults, younger children are finding their way to it and putting themselves in danger.

Upcoming Parent Information Night

Due to the issues that our students are facing in terms of social media, I will be holding a parent information night on Navigating technology with a Teen including cybersafety and social media. This will be focused on giving you information about what to look out for, setting rules and boundaries, and further information about the APPS and websites our students are on. I will also help you with understanding how to monitor and filter home internet. Further information for this will be made available in the coming weeks.

HOD - Digital Technologies  | English | Humanities

Welcome back!

We have some new additions to our Student Support Service Team!

Kristian Atkins- Chaplain

My name is Kristian Atkins and I have the incredible privilege to serve the

community of Ripley Valley as the school chaplain across both schools. Why

have I chosen to be a chaplain? For most of the past seven years I have gained

experience working with children as an OSHC educator and as a youth leader in

my local church. I love people and love helping them. I will do all I can to help

people achieve the dreams and goals that they have set for themselves. I want to

support students, staff and their families socially, emotionally, spiritually and

practically. I’m very excited to get to know everyone within the school

community, and am more than happy to have a chat or just listen. Please look

out for me and come and say hi!

Tracey Cooper- Defence School Mentor

Hi. My name is Tracey Cooper and I am the Defence School Mentor for both Ripley Valley State School and Ripley Valley State Secondary College. I am responsible for supporting students of Defence Force families as they arrive or leave the two school campuses, helping them to make the adjustment into a new school, and to offer support during times of parental/carer absences due to deployments.

I am married to a currently serving Defence Force member and have three sons who have all experienced the disruption that military life brings.

I am really excited at the opportunity of meeting the students and families of the Australian Defence Force and helping to make your experience at this school one that is supportive, positive but most of all, fun!

Thank you to all the staff and students for making them feel very welcome on their first days at Ripley Valley! 

Semester 1 Report Cards:

By now you would have received your child's report card for Semester 1. Some of you may have reviewed this already with your child. 

This week we are focusing on Goal Setting as we reflect on results and plan for improvement. Chatting with your child around their goals will help them focus on their achievement. Displaying their goals somewhere at home can also help as a visual reminder of what they are striving for. Another great opportunity to keep them motivated, is attending our Homework Club!

Below are some great tips on helping your child set SMART goals and the details for Homework Club: 

Homework Club

From Week 2, Homework Club will be back! This is for all students wanting a quiet place to do their homework, or support or help with their homework.

Every Tuesday afternoon from 3:15pm - 3:45pm 

The resource every parent should know about If you’re looking for resources to navigate the ins and outs of parenting, the Talking Families website is full of useful tips, tricks and resources to support parents with children of all ages. They recently released three new activities you can do together as a family, which serve as a great conversation starter between parents and their children. Every family looks different, and it’s about celebrating your family and its strengths. Find out more at the Talking Families website. Looking for an activity to connect as a family? Talking Families has released three new activities for families to reflect on life together. Every family looks different — it’s about celebrating YOUR family and its strengths. https://bit.ly/2VGkOQC #talkingfamilies #familystories Looking for an activity to connect as a family? Talking Families has released three new activities for families to reflect on life together. It’s about celebrating YOUR family and its strengths. https://bit.ly/2VGkOQC #talkingfamilies #familystories

Rhiannon Kemp

Head of Inclusion

Health and Physical Education

In HPE this term, we are focusing on Nutrition (sports nutrition and healthy diets) and Athletics. Over the next coming weeks our Year 8 students will be participating in a Tetrathlon (4 athletic events consisting of: 100m, 800m, Shotput and Longjump). Students will complete a series of pre and post attempts to see if they have made improvements in their running, jumping or throwing. For theory, students will also investigate sports nutrition concepts in relation to the adolescent athlete. Our Year 7 students will also participate in athletics, however, will focus purely on one event to improve on. For theory, students will investigate the importance of a good nutritional options in a sustainable school tuckshop. Overall, we look forward to seeing how our Year 7 and 8 can demonstrate understanding of healthy diets, nutrition and improving on their athletic results.

Science

Welcome to the term of Chemistry.  All students in Year 7 and 8 will be participating in many practical experiments this term.  We are also busy preparing for National Science week which will be occurring the week beginning August 15.  During this week we will be engaging our students with a variety of activities from how to explode a watermelon, to watching some student made films about the life of plastic.  Watch this space for all the exciting things coming up in Science.

Maths

In Maths this term the Year 8's will be exploring some fractions, a problem solving activity will be about determining quantities in a cake recipe using their knowledge of fractions.  The Year 7 students will be learning about algebra and how letters and numbers make sense in Maths.  

Lauren Tull

Head of Department - Mathematics, Science and HPE

This term we will be celebrating Creative Industries Week to recognise the creative opportunities at Ripley Valley State Secondary College, including dance and drama, music, visual art, digital media, and design and technology. 

Creative Week brings us together to celebrate the many skilled and creative students, who are interested or looking to explore dynamic careers and global opportunity within our exciting creative economy.

Leading into subject selection for students entering year 9 in 2021, Creative Week will provide students a chance to experience different activities and ask the Creative Industries teachers questions about the subject offerings for 2021. Each day during second break students can participate in a different activity including Drama, Dance, Music, Chalk Mural and Team Design Challenge.

We also welcome Students to submit a creative design to display their own unique talents, this could be an original artwork, drawing, photography, digital artwork, sculpture or any other creative form. These works will be on display around the school during the week. 

Submission should be either handed in or emailed to Mrs Stiles lstil21@eq.edu.au. Please make sure you have your name and class clearly labelled on your work. 

Lorinda Stiles

HoD Creative Industries
lstil21@eq.edu.au

I hope that you had a wonderful break and are ready for a great term ahead. While term 3 is a great time to reflect on academic achievement so far, it is also a good opportunity to consider the mental wellbeing of your child. If you notice any differences in your child's appetite, sleep patterns, motivation or relationships, then it is important to encourage them to communicate their concerns to a trusted adult.

It is also crucial to encourage self-care through exercise, sleep and nutrition. Young people require daily exercise (preferably outside), a balanced diet and between 8-10 hours of sleep per night in order to function well. 

There are a number of support options available to parents and young people. Kids Helpline offers some great resources on their website (www.kidshelpline.com) and Parentline offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (1300 301 300). Kids Helpline is now also offering KHL Circles, which is a safe online peer support group designed to assist young people in engaging with peers. The link is available on the website. 

Students also have access to support at school, and can now make appointments with me through a link on Daymap. This term, I am also running a number of support groups including: The BRAVE Program, an online cognitive-behavioural therapy program; Rock & Water, a practical group designed to assist students in building self-esteem and self-efficacy, and Seasons for Growth, a small group that helps students manage feelings associated with grief and loss. If you would like your child to take part in any of these, please email me on llodw1@eq.edu.au.

Take care

Lisa Henderson

Guidance Officer

Student Resource Scheme (SRS) Payment methods

Thank you to those families who have already made payments to your students SRS. Following are the payment methods and information for our new families.

BPOINT – Use the link in the box at the bottom left corner of your invoice, this will take you directly to the payment screen to enter your details. Paying in instalments? No problem, just enter the amount you are paying and then continue.  

Phone payments using Credit/Debit card – You will need your Customer Reference Number (CRN) and Invoice Number from the bottom left corner of your invoice or statement. Call the school 38195333 and select option 2.

In person at the office– The payment window will be open for EFTPOS, cash or cheque payments Monday to Friday 8am – 12pm. (other times by appointment).

Direct Debit – Set and forget, If you would like to set up a direct debit payment using your bank account, email bsm@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au with the $ amount you would like to pay, the date you want the payments to start and how often you would like the payments made eg weekly/fortnightly.

Centrepay Deduction - Payment by Centrepay deduction can also be arranged through the office.

Statements have been emailed today, if you have a direct debit or centrepay deduction set up no further action is required, the statement is for your records only. 

For those who have been paying in term instalments of $168.75 due dates are-

Term 3 - 24 July

Term 4 - 16 October

If you have not received your statement please contact the school office via phone 3819 5333 or email admin@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au

Michelle Mills

Business Manager

Welcome back to Term 3.

James and I have now completed our first full term as the RVSSC House Coordinators. We have had a wonderful time working with the students to create a positive House culture. Term 2 finished on a high with our Inter-House Cross Country and Athletics Carnival. We were excited to see friendly competition between each of the houses, and everyone joining in and having fun. The Student Representative Council (SRC) put on a barbeque to raise funds for the SRC and it went down a treat. A big thank you to Chef Claire for making House themed cupcakes to sell on the day. Results from the carnivals will be shared in week 3.

This term we are working on a few very exciting projects. The SRC are currently busy with designs for the time capsule and the House Leaders will be sharing our brand new House shirts with the school community. We will also be taking our Rewards Vault out to Foundation Park at selected lunch times, so that students can use the stamps they have gained to collect rewards as part of our Positive Behaviour for Learning culture.

Our most important event this term is the Student Investiture where all of our School Leaders will be sworn in and receive their badges. This will be on Monday, 27^th August (Week 3), and we are looking forward to officially recognising our Leaders. 

James and I are looking forward to an action packed Term 3 and we thank you for your continued support.

James Dunn
House & Sports Coordinator (Goolman and Perry)

Jessica Starkey
House Coordinator (Blaine and Flinders)