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Dear Parents/Carers,
Welcome to our final school newsletter for 2020 and as I reflect on our foundation year of schooling we have achieved so much. It is difficult to believe that only 12 months ago our College was still very much a construction site and students and staff were visualising what our school would be like. Today, we have over 150 students enrolled in years 7 & 8 with more than 300 students expected at our school next year. While our student numbers have grown, and will continue to rapidly grow over the coming years it is important to remember who we are and what we have achieved to date.
This year saw the introduction of the first 1:1 laptop program in a school in the greater Ipswich region and our staff, students and parents have utilised this technology to enhance learning, communication and education in multiple ways. Even the challenges and disruption of learning at home due to COVID 19 did not prevent our students from learning and the laptop program greatly assisted us all during this period. As we continue to enhance our use of technology, our school staff are currently on track to be the first Microsoft accredited school in the greater Ipswich region. This accreditation enables our teachers and students to fully access and utilise the software and programs within the Microsoft suite of educational products enhancing students learning experiences even further in 2021.
Another highlight for this year was the creation of our first student representative council and election of house and school captains for 2021. This process has allowed our students to take ownership and develop their leadership skills within our College and their input in designing our sporting house mascots, 'war crys' and positive school culture has been commendable.
This year also saw the establishment of our P & C Association. Every month more than 15 members regularly attend and their commitment to our students, College and values has been outstanding. This year they have obtained more than $14,000 in community grants and have worked tirelessly to enhance the College facilities and community connections with initiatives such as our foundation pavers, ANZAC memorial and mental Health Week activities to name but a few. I want to especially thank Maria, Karina, Renee and Samantha for their executive roles within the P & C throughout this year. As we prepare for 2021 I would encourage any current or future parents to join our P&C and continue the great work already started this year.
Next year will see more growth and development of our College with the introduction of new subjects and electives in year 9, and the commencement of our stage 2 building works and additional facilities and staff. The $39 million Stage 2 building works will see the creation of our senior science laboratories, purpose built library and resource centre, eSports HUB, auditoriums, canteen and IT service centre along with more classrooms. These significant works are due for completion at the end of next year in anticipation for our first cohort of senior students. Over the Christmas holidays barrier fencing will be erected and major ground works is due to commence in January. Further information and updates will be provided early next year as the construction works progress and I look forward to sharing this information with you.
As we plan and prepare for next year, our College's focus will be 4-fold with an explicit improvement agenda on continuing to build and promote our positive school culture, teaching and learning, student pathways and partnerships with local business, industry and training organisations. Our four year strategic plan has recently been endorsed by the P & C and will be available on our website. I would encourage you to read this document and see how you may be able to assist us on our improvement journey.
As the year rapidly draws to a close I wanted to thank you, the dedicated parents and carers who have helped make our College the great place it is. In such a short time we have already established a reputation for high expectations, innovation, inclusion and connection to community and I look forward to building upon our foundation year in 2021. Once again, thank you and I wish you all a safe and happy holiday.
Yours sincerely,
Brendan Krueger
Foundation Principal
New Teaching Staff
Over the past few weeks we have welcomed new teaching staff into the College to support with our increasing enrolments in 2021.
Ms Karen Logan and Mr Justin Clifford have joined our teaching team in Maths, Science and HPE. Ms Mel Mons Wolff has joined as our Visual Arts teacher for 2021.
We also recently welcomed our 2021 staff at Day 1 of the Staff Retreat.
They are:
Mrs Tess Reeves - Head of Department Maths/Science/HPE and Head of Goolman House
Mr Srikanth Sogathur - Digital Technologies and STEM
Ms Bree Sippel - English and Humanities
Ms Genevieve Martins - English and Humanities
Mr Tim Scott - Music and Media
Mr Tim Barclay - Science and Mathematics
Mr Anthony Lynn - Design Technologies and Arts
Ms Georgina Wellwood - Japanese
These staff members will be officially joining the Ripley Valley team in January 2021.
Assessment
All students are currently completing their final assessment tasks for the year and learning will continue in classrooms until the official end of the school year on Wednesday 9th December.
If your child has experienced extenuating circumstances leading into assessment and is having difficulties managing their time, they can apply for an extension via the online forms (links below).
Before due date form: https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/72
After due date form: https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/73
Completion of these forms sends a notification to the relevant House Head of Department, who will process the application and advise the student, parent/carer and relevant teachers of the outcome of the application.
Semester 2 Report Cards
End of Semester Report Cards will be issued to all parents/carers via email at the end of Week 9. This Report is a cumulative result based upon all summative assessment completed during Terms 3 and 4.
These will be sent via an automated email from the information stored on One School. If there have been changes to your active email address, please update your details with our Administration Staff administration@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au to ensure you receive your child's report.
Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions about the Semester 2 Report Card.
2021 Stationery Lists
This year our College has partnered with COS to assist you in purchasing all stationery requirements for your child/ren in 2021.
Please see the Year Level Letters for the stationery requirements for your child/ren and follow the steps to place your order.
Orders placed prior to 6th December will receive free delivery.
Emily Prenzler
Remembrance Day Service
We held our first Remembrance Day Service on the 11th November. As part of the service, Defence Chaplain Tony Shumack held an official dedication to our new ANZAC memorial. Ex Warrant Officer, Mr Wayne Gibbon of the Royal Australian Airforce and Representative of Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch shared a moving speech which highlighted the sacrifices of those who have served and are currently serving in our Australian Defence Forces.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community and students for attending this historic occasion. We look forward to holding future events in ANZAC Place.
Orientation Day
Students commencing Year 7 in 2021 will join us for an Orientation Day on Friday the 4th December. The Orientation Day will provide students with an opportunity to experience a 'day in the life' of a student at RVSSC. Faculties have some exciting activities planned for students to showcase their departments including popping sultanas in Science and creating bag tags in Design and Technology. The afternoon will conclude with parents/carers invited to join us for an afternoon tea commencing at 2.00 pm.
Year 9 Subject Selections
Subject selections for students in Year 9 2021 have been finalised. Students will receive their timetables over the next couple of weeks. Year 9 will provide students with opportunities to explore elective subjects including Media, Design Manufacturing Technologies and Food studies to name a few.
As our Foundation Year draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe break. I look forward to building upon our success next year.
HOD - Digital Technologies | English | Humanities
Angela Waugh
Email: awaug24@eq.edu.au
This term in English we have been investigating and developing our writing techniques by reading and deconstructing the novel, Wonder by R.J.Palacio. We examined the similarities and differences of a literary memoir, an autobiography and a biography. We identified and analysed the authors use of structure, narrative ‘points of view’, character development, language features and figurative devices to construct a novel through the collection of a variety of ‘literary memoirs’.
We created visual representations of our learning with tasks such as ‘texta talk’ – a silent discussion, character sociograms – showing the connection between the protagonist (August Pullman), primary and secondary characters. We also used character development visuals to show how August and his sister Violet, developed throughout the novel.
We then choose a significant event from our own life and wrote a literary memoir of about our own event.
Year 8 English
As our year comes to a close, it has been good to reflect on some of the highlights of not only starting the new school year, but paving the way for classes to come. All of the students in Year 8 have really set the tone for their learning journey in English at Ripley Valley State Secondary College by always trying their best, reflecting on their efforts and always looking at how they can improve their work to demonstrate to others what it means to persevere and strive for success.
Thanks to the teachers for their inspiration and dedication in creating and engaging students to ensure they always had fun and interesting lessons to make sure they produced their very best efforts.
The students began the year analysing the best parts of living in Ipswich. As COVID took control of term 2, the students discovered the ancient civilisation of Egypt from the comfort of their own homes and explored what we can still learn from the past. Term 3 set the creative juices running as ideas were thrown around and the future RVSSC Café was given a name, logo and fully derived business plan. Finally, we finished the year with a civics unit based around Mrs Easdale’s favourite topic, the Australian constitution and how the government comes to decisions.
Year 8 Humanities
Raids, gore, blood, looting and funny helmets were all a part of the Vikings History unit that began the year. Term 2 saw the students build-up knowledge of the Australia consumer laws through online learning before creating their own consumer affairs segment. The green screen made its debut at the college as students found images and video to help explain the differences between marketing to boys and girls or how to identify a scam. Minecraft was the tool for term 3 as students created landforms and landscapes. The young Geographers explored how landforms influence both the physical world and the interactions that people have with their surrounding environment. The year finished off with a dissection of how the government make laws and the importance of acknowledging the hardships of our first peoples in the years since European settlement.
Overall, Humanities has launched with a bang at RVSSC and we look forward to rolling out more real-world units across year 9 in 2021.
Showcase Next week:
Doors open at 4.30pm, and performances starting at 5pm. With performances from our Primary School Neighbours, our dance squad, drum line, choir and special classroom acts it is sure to be a fun filled afternoon. A Gold Coin Donation at entry will go towards future Creative Industry Performances and costumes!!
Following our COVID safe plan, please pre-register that you will be attending the event. Register your attendance here: https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/79?preview=1
If your child is performing please remember to sign the rehearsal permission note send by Mr Ezzy or Mrs Starkey via email recently.
Design Technology
This term 7C, 7D & 8B have created some amazing Pinball machines in Design Technology.
In this assignment, students designed and created a pinball machine. They explain how force, motion, and the features of technologies affects designed solutions and influence design decisions. They create and adapt design ideas, make considered decisions using appropriate technical terms and graphical skills. Students apply project management skills to document and use project plans to manage production processes. They independently and safely produce effective designs using safe workshop practices.
Introducing Ms Mons Wolff - 2021 Art Teacher.
I am so excited to be introducing Visual Art to RVSSC in 2021 and to join such a fantastic Creative Industries team! I have been an Art teacher for 20 years this year, and my passion for teaching art is still constantly ignited by the curiosity and creativity of young minds.
In my own art practice I work with figurative ceramics, paint everyday scenes from suburbia on reclaimed timber and complete the occasional large scale mural. I'm keen to undertake some mural projects here at Ripley Valley. I am a mum of two kids both on either side of the high school transition, so we will all likely journey into senior schooling together!
I look forward to getting to know your student and helping to unleash their creative potential.
RVSSC - The first school song!
On Thursday 19th November Ripley Valley had the pleasure of welcoming professional song writer and performer Josh Arnold to help the school compose its very first school song!
25 students attended the workshop and pretty quickly the budding song writers had a concept and melody worked out. Amazingly enough the chorus was completed in the very first hour and the rest of the song took form throughout the rest of the day.
An original recording of the song will be presented during the Creative Industries showcase this coming Thursday the 4th of December. If you wish to come along make sure you register at the link above!
Lorinda Stiles
HoD Creative Industries
lstil21@eqeduu.au
RVSSC Student Page
Our amazing Head of Digital Technologies (and everything else!) Mrs Waugh has put together a Student Page for all students to access as their go-to for information and support.
The Student Support Services Committee have also been adding sections to the page to help students know:
- What’s happening around the school
- Information on Student Wellbeing
Recently we have added the Student Toolkit to support students with tips on:
- How they learn
- How to ask for help
- Positive affirmations about learning
- How to use Learning Tools through Microsoft software
- Links for extra support and online tutoring.
The snapshots below let you see what is available and I would encourage sitting down with your child and exploring what is there.
If you have any feedback or ideas on other things we should include let me know by filling our this short survey form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xccAZrUWr0uekzI72MAdugqYLdXclitPolxdFq1wAX9UMlIwWlFGRk8zRVpSQjlGOUI4QUJRQ1JDTS4u
Home page
Student Toolkit
Student Toolkit (scrolled up)
Mircrosoft Learning Tools Trial
We are quickly coming to end of Phase 1 of our Trial. Feedback from staff and students have been very positive. For 2021, we are looking at making this technology available in all classes.
Here is some of the feedback we have received:
From the students:
"Its easier to write and its fun."
"that it has a normal voice "
From Staff:
"I feel that using the tools have really supported all students and has placed the focus away from what they can't do to what they can."
"Students are more comfortable sharing their ideas as there is no emphasis on their reading and writing abilities."
Personalised Learning Plans
All students’ Personalised Learning Plans will be sent home at the end of this Term for you to review.
Not all students will have one of these plans, but if your child does, we ask that you read through the strategies and comments with them.
Here are some questions to help guide your review:
- Do you agree with the strategies of support being used in the classroom?
- Does your child feel the support is helpful for them?
- Do you have any suggestions for teachers to consider to better support your child?
- Does your child want to add something to their plan?
Your feedback in these plans are crucial for our teachers to ensure the strategies in place are working for your child. We value your child’s input as well into their plan. As they move through secondary, they will become their own advocate for their learning and support needs.
If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us 3819 5333.
Last but not least, have a wonderful, relaxing holiday! We look forward to working with our RVSSC community in 2021!
Rhiannon Kemp
Head of Inclusion
Rhiannon Kemp
Phone: 3819 5319
Email: rxtoo0@eq.edu.au
Love Bites Program
In week 10 our youth worker Jeff Dukleski (QYFSS) is running the Love Bites program for a select group of students. This program is about healthy and respectful relationships. Students will be involved in the program on Monday 7th December at the school. We have limited spots available. If you would like your child to participate, please email me on llodw1@eq.edu.au for more information.
Holiday Support For Families
Even with school being closed over the summer break, support is still available to children and families through Queensland Youth and Family Support Services. QYFSS is able to continue to support families by providing information, advice and referral through case management to youth aged 8-21 years that are at risk of disengaging from school, education, family or the community. They can be reached on (07) 3818 1050.
Would you like more support for your child?
This year has been tough for many of us, including our kids. COVID-19 has impacted our lives in many ways, including affecting young people’s mental health. If you notice changes in your child’s behaviour, or think something is troubling them, help is available.
Talk to your child’s teacher or the school Guidance Officer if you are concerned.
Guidance officers can help with counselling and advice on educational, career, behavioural, personal, family and mental health and wellbeing issues.
Lisa Henderson
Guidance Officer
2021 Student Resource Scheme (SRS) Payment methods
The invoices for the 2021 SRS will be emailed to all families by Friday 29/01/2021. These invoices will be for the full amount payable for the year which is $675.00. Following are some payment method examples
Instalments – 3 equal instalments of $225.00 which will be due 19/2/2021; 7/5/2021 and 30/7/2021
Individualised payment plans by Direct Debit - Set and forget. If you would like to set up a direct debit payment using your bank account or credit card, 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. As an example – a payment of $29.50 per week commenced on Friday 19 February will pay the SRS in full before the final due date of 30 July.
How to pay
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. Call 1300 631 073
In person at the office– The payment window will be open for EFTPOS, cash or cheque payments Monday to Friday 8am – 9am and 2pm – 3pm (other times by appointment).
Centrepay Deduction - Payment by Centrepay deduction can also be arranged through the office.
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.
Michelle Mills
Business Manager
In the weeks gone by at Ripley Valley SSC, our students have been involved in some extensive activities around the college. In Week 6, we welcomed Kylie, an Indigenous artist who helped us celebrate NAIDOC Week at college. This saw our Student Representative Council Members, House Captains and Indigenous students at the college engage in some traditional indigenous paintings that will be later released to the school community. We look forward to having Kylie provide the school with some Indigenous artwork that will be used in our future Interschool Sporting Jerseys!
Our 2021 leaders have been working hard to prepare for next year. So far we have announced the School & House Captains. In week 1 of next year we will start preparing students to apply for the Access Leader positions. Access Leaders will make up part of the Student Representative Council and get to be the voice of the students in the school.
On Monday 23rd November our students were rewarded by attending Wet'N'Wild in order to celebrate our foundation year at the college. Overall the students enjoyed the day, and some students even got to race the teachers on the aqua racer, how lucky. As the school grows and develops there will be criteria in order for the students to attend our termly rewards days.
James Dunn
House & Sports Coordinator (Goolman and Perry)
Jessica Starkey
House Coordinator (Blaine and Flinders)
Tracey Cooper
Defence School Mentor
Ripley Valley Cluster Schools
Chaplain News
Over the past month, I have continued with the Arcade Games space, the FRIENDS Resilience Program and the ever popular Breakfast Club. If you want to volunteer for the Breakfast Club program, please email me at katki121@eq.edu.au.
Throughout 2021, I will concentrate on relationship building with everyone at RVSSC. A part of my role is to have pastoral care conversations with the students. If you want me to have a chat with your child, feel free to email me.
During the last couple of weeks of the schooling year, I am looking into fundraising events for 2021. As some of you may know, my position is funded through grants, donations and sponsors. This allows me to stay at the school to work within the areas of social, emotional and spiritual support for the RVSSC community. 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-chaplaincy-tax-deductible/ Any donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
Lastly, the organisation I work for SU QLD is also a camping organisation. This means that during the school holidays there are camps that your child can attend. The Christmas Holidays are no different. If you would like to know more information about the camps we organise you can do so by this link: https://sucamps.org.au/camps/
I wish you and your family a happy and safe Christmas break.
Take care
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. Additional trading hours are listed below for those students who cannot come during the normal trading hours.
They also offer a layby option for school uniforms and school bag.
Travelling on public transport is an important part of school life for many students. A step-by-step guide helps you to plan the journey, choose the right student travel card or assistance, set up auto top-up on a go card, work out the fare based on zones and know about roles and responsibilities for safe travel.
View the Public Transport Guide for Parents on the TransLink website.
Travelling on public transport is an important part of school life for many students. A step-by-step guide for parents is available to help you navigate all student travel information: www.translink.com.au/travel-with-us/school-travel/guide-for-parents
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.