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- Principal's Report
- Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning
- Deputy Principal - Culture and Development
- Technology @ RVSSC
- Head of Inclusion
- English
- Health and Physical Education
- Creative Industries
- P and C
- Community Notices
- Guidance Officer
- Business Manager
- House Co-ordinators
- Defence News
- Chaplain
- 2021 IGNITE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM FOR YEAR 7-9 - APPLY NOW!
Dear Parents/Carers,
This week we celebrated our first awards evening in the 'Raptordome' and it was an absolute pleasure to recognise the outstanding achievements and efforts of our students in our foundation year. I also had the pleasure of announcing our first school captains and vice captains for the College and I congratulate Erin Boby and Abbey Marshall (School Captains) and Ella Kearton and Joshna Johnson (Vice Captains) as they look to lead our student body in 2021. The awards evening was a great opportunity to recognise not only our student successes, but also our college achievements to date. Over the past 12 months we have accomplished much as a college community and I want to thank you for your support and assistance throughout 2020.
As we look to next year, plans are already well underway as we look to build upon the solid reputation and great work we have achieved to date. Next year our College will nearly double in size with over 300 students already enrolled for years 7 to 9. This significant student growth will see a significant increase of teaching and support staff as we look to expand subject offerings and continue the great work in teaching and learning established in 2020. Over the coming weeks and months, construction will also commence on our stage 2 building works program which will be completed for the start of the 2022 school year when we welcome our first group of year 10's into the senior school. While this rapid change can seem overwhelming at times, our college remains committed to our school's vision and values. Our belief that all students can achieve and that by working together we can achieve more remains unchanged. Indeed, as our College grows and matures, our commitment to these core values and vision becomes even more important and I encourage you to remain connected and involved in our college community as we grow.
As we plan for the future, I want to thank those parents and community members who provided feedback about our College's Strategic Plan survey over the past few weeks. Our 4 year Strategic Plan is being updated with plans for it to be endorsed at our next P & C meeting. Our focus for the next four years remains unchanged with Pedagogy (best teaching practice), Positive Behaviour for Learning (College culture), Pathways and Partnerships remaining our core goals. A copy of the endorsed Strategic Plan will be available on our website once approved. To complement this strategic school planning process the Department of Education has also been invited to conduct a review of our College in our foundation year. Part of this review is to gain further departmental and community feedback as to what we have done well, what we can improve and what we need to do to ensure we are properly equipped for the future. Further information on the school review process will be shared in our next newsletter.
On the 11th November, another significant event will be held for our College community. All students, parents and community members are invited to attend the dedication of our ANZAC memorial. A Remembrance Day service and dedication of the memorial will commence at 10.15am and I thank the P & C Association for their hard work in fundraising, supporting and creating this significant project. Plans are already underway for further works in ANZAC place in 2021 and I would encourage any members of the school community who would like to be involved to contact the school or P & C for further details.
Once again, thank you for a great foundation year and your continued involvement in our College and your child's education. As we reflect on the year that has been, and the year to come may we all remember to fulfil our school motto of 'Achieving excellence together'.
Yours sincerely,
Brendan Krueger
Foundation Principal
School Tour and Enrolment Information Sessions
Our final School Tour for the year is coming up on Tuesday 3rd November from 3:30pm - 4:30pm. The tours have been very successful and we receive many compliments from the community regarding the conduct, manners and professionalism of our Student Tour Guides. These tours are designed to showcase our College to families in the wider community who are considering enrolling their children at Ripley Valley State Secondary College in future years. They are also a great opportunity for incoming Year 7 students to familiarise themselves and see our College facilities prior to the upcoming Orientation Day. If you would like to attend the School Tour, please register via this link: https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/49
After the School Tour, we will be holding an Enrolment Information Session for parents/carers and students who are beginning at the College in 2021. There is only one further opportunity after next week to complete the Enrolment Information Session to finalise your 2021 enrolment.
Staffing Changes
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Riley Stewart for his time and efforts at Ripley Valley. Mr Stewart has capably stepped in to teach Ms Tull's classes and will be missed by students and staff when he finishes next week.
Over the next few weeks we will have two new teachers joining our team. We are very fortunate to have these permanent members of our teaching team joining us prior to the end of the school year. Mr Justin Clifford and Ms Karen Logan are joining our teaching team in the Maths, Science and HPE Faculty. Mr Clifford begins at the College in Week 5 and will be teaching the classes that are currently with Mr Stewart. Ms Logan will be joining our team in Week 7 and will be taking some Maths and Science classes.
In our next newsletter, I will be introducing you to all of the new teaching staff that will be joining our College in 2021. We are very fortunate to have recruited a highly skilled and experienced teaching team to complement our existing teaching staff. They will be joining us for a two day Staff Retreat later this term and we will also introduce them to you via our social media platforms.
Teaching and Learning Partnerships
Over the past few months we have been building our partnerships with universities and other organisations to support the professional development of our staff. This occurs through ongoing opportunities as we plan our new Year 9 curriculum offerings for 2021 and create our Pathways curriculum for Years 10-12.
Our teaching staff are busily creating the units of work and assessment and setting up learning spaces with resources for all of our new Year 8 electives - Food Studies, Visual Art, Media Arts and Drama. In the Year 9 curriculum, we are excited to be running the electives of Music, Sport and Exercise Science, Manufacturing, Engineering, Dance, Drama and Media Arts alongside our core curriculum offerings.
We are also partnering with USQ in a research project. This project involves researchers following our progress as a new school and tracking how we are ensuring a positive culture is developed in our College community. This is an exciting opportunity for our staff to be working with university researchers to ensure our school is implementing best practice teaching and learning opportunities for all learners.
Emily Prenzler
Our College hosted its first Awards Evening on Wednesday this week. The evening was a massive success and it was great to celebrate the achievements of our Foundation Students. The evening showcased the wide range of student achievement from academic, sporting, musical and cultural achievement. The evening was also a great opportunity for us to reflect as a College Community on all that we have achieved this year.
There have been many people involved with ensuring the evening was a success. We really value the contribution of staff and students to ensure the night ran smoothly.
Thank you again to those that sponsored our Special Awards including the Ripley Valley State Secondary College Parents and Citizens Association, Honourable Lance McCallum MP-State Member for Bundamba, Honourable Shayne Neumann MP-Federal Member for Blair and Modern Teaching Aids. The perpetual trophies for these awards will form the start of a strong history of Tradition at our College.
The evening concluded with Mr Krueger announcing the much anticipated list of School Captains and School Vice Captains for 2021 which are listed below:
School Leadership 2021
The Ripley Valley State Secondary College Junior School Captains for 2021 are
- Erin Boby; and
- Abbey Marshall
The Junior School Vice Captains for 2021 are
- Ella Kearton
- Joshna Johnson
The School Captains commenced their official duties by presenting Mr Krueger with a copy of the College Master Plan.
From left to right - Joshna Johnson, Ella Kearton (Vice Captains), Erin Boby and Abbey Marshall (School Captains)
Special Awards
Congratulations to the recipients of the Special Awards listed below:
The Ripley Valley State Secondary College Junior Citizenship Award (sponsored by the Ripley Valley State Secondary College P&C Association) - Erin Boby.
The College Culture Award (sponsored by the State Member for Bundamba, Honourable Lance McCallum MP) - Ella Kearton
The Junior Leadership Award (sponsored by Federal member for Blair, Honourable Shayne Neumann MP) - Sophie Russell
The Innovation Award (sponsored by Modern Teaching Aids) - Charlotte Coates
I have included a link to a gallery of Award Evening photos below which includes a photo of the Student Leaders providing Mr Krueger with a gift on behalf of the Student Representative Council.
I look forward to providing you with another update toward the end of this Term.
HOD - Digital Technologies | English | Humanities
Angela Waugh
Email: awaug24@eq.edu.au
Microsoft Learning Tools Trial-
One of our Year 7 classes have been testing our Immersive Reader and Speech-to-text software through the new Microsoft Apps. Using the tools, students are able to record their ideas easily and listen to their written responses spoken back through their laptops. This helps with picking up grammatical errors or missing information in their writing.
Listening to Word documents through Immersive Reader can help students with proofreading, increase their comprehension, assist multitasking and support their learning. Have a go!
Listen with Read Aloud
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On the Review tab, select Read Aloud.
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To play Read Aloud, select Play in in the controls.
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To pause Read Aloud, select Pause.
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To move from one paragraph to another, select Previous or Next.
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To exit Read Aloud, select Stop (x).
Change Read Aloud settings
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Select the gear icon in the controls at the top right.
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Use the Reading speed slider to change the reading speed.
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Under Voice Selection, select the voice you want.
“Inclusive education, in early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, adult and community education, is the foundation for social inclusion and participation of all citizens.”
(from the Blue Skies Scenario, Blue Skies Group Queensland 2009)
Come along to a FREE workshop for parents of students with disability in state schools to learn about:
- Developing and using a positive vision to help your child meet their goals in school and in life
- Communication tips, advocacy skills, and building an effective relationship with your school
- What an inclusive education looks like, and how the Department’s Inclusive Education Policy supports your child’s inclusion
- Overcoming challenges and who can help
Attendance at this workshop will be limited to 25 attendees to ensure that we comply with COVID Safe Plan requirements in place at the venue. Download flyer below for more details...
If you cannot attend the workshop but would like more information, go to:
https://cru.org.au/families-for-inclusive-education/resources/working-collaboratively/
Rhiannon Kemp
Head of Inclusion
Rhiannon Kemp
Phone: 3819 5319
Email: rxtoo0@eq.edu.au
| Competition | Name of winner |
| Who am I? | Ella Kearton 8B |
| Kahoots | Ella Marshall |
| Book Blurb | Ella Marshall |
Health and Physical Education
In Year 7 HPE, students will be completing their switch in practical activities from Cultural Games and Cultural Dance. Students will be assessed from a split between both activities to form their final practical grade for Term 4.
In Year 8 HPE, students will be completing their switch in practical activities from Tchoukball and European Handball. Students will be assessed from a split between both activities to form their final practical grade for Term 4. Students can transfer the skills and strategies learnt in their first practical activity to improve their overall grade for the term.
HPE Team
Term 4 has shaped up to be a very busy term so far, especially for the Creative Industries team, as we continue to achieve more first in our growing school.
This past week year 2 and year 3 students from Ripley Valley State School has visited the Design Technology facilities. On Tuesday, year 3 students experienced a demonstration of the 3D printers, laser cutter and vacuum former to learn about the process of heat and thermoplastics. Thursday, year 2/3 were lucky enough to be the first people to cooking in our junior kitchens, making cookies and learning about textures and senses. It was wonderful to be able to share our facilities with our neighbours on the hill.
Mr Ezzy and Mrs Starkey have been working overtime with the Dance Squad, Drumline and Instrumental Music students to prepare them for our end of year Showcase. On Awards night both the Dance Squad and Drumline made their debut appearance. It was fantastic to watch all the students and we are so proud of what they have achieved.
SAVE THE DATE:
We will be holding our very first showcase in the Raptor Dome.
Thursday 3rd of December 5pm
Lorinda Stiles
HoD Creative Industries
lstil21@eqeduu.au
Foundation Park Pavers
The P & C Committee is pleased to announce that the Foundation Pavers are currently being manufactured in Victoria. However, due to COVID and state restrictions the planned delivery and installation of the pavers in October has been delayed. At this stage, the foundation pavers are expected to arrive at Ripley Valley State Secondary College in late November and will hopefully be installed over the Christmas holiday period. We look forward to their unveiling in 2021 and thank you for your patience during this time.
Uniform Shop - New Trading Hours
The uniform shop has new trading hours, they are now open Monday 8.00am to 10.30am and Thursday 2.30pm to 5.00pm.
They also offer a layby option for school uniforms and school bag.
In recognition of the outstanding efforts of school staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, the last two days of the school year, Thursday 10 and Friday 11 December, have been declared student free days. Our school will be closed on these days.
View the updated school calendar at https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/calendar/term-dates.
Spark their Future
The Queensland Government's Spark their Future website offers a wealth of information on how to engage your child in their
education. From information on helping your teen make good choices about school and life, to tips on how to communicate with school staff, the website is a great resource for parents and carers. Click the link to take a look:
Student Wellbeing Page
Students now have access to wellbeing information via the Student Sharepoint page. This site will become an online resource containing information on support services, articles and tips on maintaining wellbeing. The site will be updated regularly and can be found here:
Support Staff Availability
We have a number of support staff available to students and families. The 'SSS Team' can support students with engagement; friendship issues; family concerns; learning support; employment; mental health; and much more. If you, or your child wishes to see one of our support staff team, you can email them directly or contact our office to book an appointment.
Lisa Henderson
Guidance Officer
Student Laptops - end of year break
Students with accounts that have been paid in full, have an established direct debit plan or Centrepay payment authority will have access to their computers over the end of year school break.
If there is a balance owing on your account, the computers will be collected on Friday 4/12/2020.
The final payment for the 2020 SRS is now overdue.
Statements showing the total balance left to pay have been mailed and follow up of outstanding payments will commence this week.
Payment via BPOINT is appreciated. To make your payment via BPOINT you will need your invoice number and CRN (Client Reference Number) from your statement or invoice.
Telephone payments are also available - Call the school 3819 5333, select option 2 and have your invoice number and CRN handy.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact Michelle Mills - Business Manager via Email - bsm@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au or Phone (07)3819 5333 to arrange an appointment to discuss payment plan options. Any information that you provide will be confidential.
Position Vacant
Michelle Mills
Business Manager
What a busy few weeks we have had with many events around the school. We would like to start by congratulating and acknowledging the award winners that were announced at last night’s Awards ceremony.
Year 7 Subject Awards
Lily Goulding: HPE Subject Award
Lotus Hodges: English Subject Award
Blade Hooper: Design and Technology Subject Award
Emaan Ismail: Humanities Subject Award
Charlotte Nieuwenhuizen: Science & Music Subject Award
Alex Sandilands: Maths & Digital Technology Subject Award
Elly Weston: Ignite and & Dance Subject Award
Year 8 Subject Awards
Charlotte Coates: Ignite, Humanities & HPE Subject Award
Anisa Geo: Dance & Maths Subject Award
Abbey Marshall: English, Science and Music Subject Award
Jack O’Hare: Design and Technology Subject Award
Imogen Ralston: Digital Technology Subject Award
Gold Raptor Awards:
Maiya Dixon
Lily Goulding
Isaac McDonald-Moetara
Ashlene Sebastian
Elly Weston
Erin Boby
Charlotte Coates
Anisa Geo
Joshna Johnson
Christie Joseph
Ella Kearton
Sienna Landry
Abbey Marshall
Sophie Russell.
Sports Awards:
Damian Hill – 12 years boys age champion Cross Country and Athletics
Cherie Young – 12 years girls age champion Cross Country and Athletics
Jack O’Hare – 13 years boys age champion Cross Country
Kupah Ipo – 13 years boys age champion Athletics
Lily Goulding – 13 years girls age champion Cross Country and Athletics
Harrison Coates – 14 years boys age champion Cross Country
Rory Donohoe – 14 years boys age champion Athletics
Charlotte Coates – 14 years girls age champion Cross Country
Sky Harkins – 14 years girls age champion Athletics
Nathan Dade- 15 years boys age champion Cross Country and Athletics.
The recipient of the Junior Sportswoman of the Year has been involved with the following sports:
- Central Comets 13-15 District Football Trialist
- Australian Futsal Association Schools Program QLD Trialist and Representation
- Ripley Valley SSC Year 7/8 Girls Futsal Team
- Ripley Valley SSC Year 7/8 Girls Touch Football Team
- Ripley Valley SSC Year 7/8 Girls Football (Soccer) Team
Congratulations to the RVSSC Sportswoman of the year – A’ishah Julius
The recipient of the 2020 Sportsman of the Year has been involved with the following sports:
Central Comets 10-12 Boys Softball Trialist and Representation
Met West 10-12 Boys Softball Trialist and Representation
Ripley Valley SSC Athletics Age Champion – 12 Boys
Ripley Valley SSC Cross Country Age Champion – 12 Boys
Ripley Valley SSC 7/8 Boys Futsal Team
Ripley Valley SSC 7/8 Boys Volleyball Team
Ripley Valley SSC 7/8 Boys Football (Soccer) Team
Congratulations to the RVSSC Sportsman of the year – Damian Hill
Team of the year – Boys football coached by Ben Sharma
Harrison Coates
Jeremiah Abraham
Tyson Low
Malakai Gibson
Isaac McDonald-Moetara
Eben Patrick
Lucas Caine
Ethan Broadrick
Nkoski Ndlovu
Makiah Zieler
Damian Hill
Connor Shearer-Sparks
Joel McCandless
Llyle Vorster
Trey Williams-Jones
Seth Threlfall
Last night we were also thrilled to announce our 2021 House Captains.
Blaine House Captains: Charlotte Coates & Lucinda Milfull
Flinders House Captains: Anisa Geo & Sienna Landry
Goolman House Captains: Sophie Russell & Jack O’Hare
Perry House Captains: Mavis Starkey & Harrison Sheedy
It was our honour to present all of these students with their awards and positions. We look forward to working with the House Captains over the next year. Our silver and bronze award recipients will receive their certificates over the next week at Assembly and also in Access classes.
We have many more events coming up over the next few weeks, the first of these being another school tour for prospective 2021 students. This will be happening on Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm - 4.30pm. If your child has signed up to volunteer their time for this we have sent home a permission & information form. Please ensure you complete this ASAP.
In week 6 we will have indigenous artist Kylie coming to the school to work with some students on an Art work to celebrate NAIDOC week. Kylie is also in the process of creating another piece for the school. Pictured below is her work in progress. We look forward to seeing this on display in our school upon its completion.
We are so close to the end of the school year and to celebrate our Foundation year we will be taking the students to Wet n’ Wild for our annual rewards day. We have sent home information and permission forms and look forward to a fun day on Monday week 8. Please keep an eye on the school Facebook page and your emails for other events that will pop up between now and week 10.
James Dunn
House & Sports Coordinator (Goolman and Perry)
Jessica Starkey
House Coordinator (Blaine and Flinders)
Defence News
REMEMBRANCE DAY
On Wednesday, the 11th of November, we will all stop for one minute, reflect on the sacrifice of the men and women who have fought and died in wars and conflicts around the world in an effort to bring about peace.
Remembrance Day began on the 11th November 1918 with the cessation of World War One. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the sound of war across the Western Front in Europe stopped and the guns fell silent. Germany had called for an armistice and agreed to an unconditional surrender. This was the day the Allied Nations chose to remember and honour their fallen. They called it Armistice Day.
Seventy million people had been mobilised worldwide in the war effort that resulted in 9-13 million dead, many of whom with no known grave.
As the years have passed, and more conflicts and wars have arisen, the day has evolved. Armistice Day was renamed to what we now know to be Remembrance Day. We now commemorate all who have fought and died in their Nation's name. It is a day for us to reflect on how their sacrifice paved the way for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today, and to be thankful for their courage, bravery, selflessness, and honour.
May we never have to pay the price they did for peace. Lest We Forget.
The students of Ripley Valley State Secondary College Defence Community are making a wreath that will be laid on Remembrance Day at the College. This will be the college's first Military commemoration and as such, will be an important and significant day for our school community.
Tracey Cooper
Defence School Mentor
Ripley Valley Cluster Schools
Chaplain News
Over the past month the Arcade Game room opened, the Friend Resilience Program started and the Breakfast Club recommenced on both Tuesday and Friday mornings. If you want to volunteer for the Breakfast Club program please email me at kati121@eq.edu.au.
During the next month the activities mentioned will continue however I will focus on relationship building with everyone who is a part of the RVSSC community. A part of my role is to provide pastoral care conversations. This means to have conversations with students with the view to help and support them in the areas of social, emotional and spiritual needs. If you want me to have a chat with your child feel free to email me.
As some of you may know that my position is funded through grants, donations and sponsors. If you would like to support the chaplaincy service here at RVSSC financially, you can do so by this link: https://www.suqld.org.au/donate/ripley-valley-state-secondary-college-tax-deductible. Any donations over $2 are tax deductable.
I look forward to building stronger relationships with everyone here for the remainder of the term.
Take care
Please note: If your child has been invited and approved to be placed into our IGNITE class next year you do not need to apply. If you have not accepted the invitation, however would like to be re-considered please complete the application above.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate in contacting Angela Waugh on awaug24@eq.edu.au