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- Business Manager
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- Creative Industries
- Pathways
- Guidance Officer
- Chaplain
- Defence News
- House Co-ordinators
- Canteen News
- Uniform Shop
- Community Notices
Dear Parents and Carers,
First and foremost I want to thank you and our wider school community for your utmost support and understanding over the past week as we have entered lockdown and the tightest restrictions we have experienced to date. It is often through times of difficulty and hardship that we learn and grow and if this pandemic has taught us anything it is how to adapt to a rapidly changing world. I have been particularly impressed with the professional and supportive manner of our teaching and non-teaching staff and equally impressed by the support of parents in keeping their children at home and supporting the on-line content provided through DayMap. Rest assured, that while we are all hoping for a speedy end to this lockdown, we have plans in place to further enhance the online learning experience should the lockdown restrictions be extended. As we receive updates from the Chief Health Officer and Department of Education we will keep you posted with the latest news and advice.
In other school news, our Stage 2 college buildings continue to progress and are set for completion at the end of the school year. We look forward to welcoming our new and existing students into these facilities in January 2022. In other facilities news, this term a number of enhancement projects are underway throughout the college with the planned painting of an ANZAC mural at the front of our college, installation of combination football/soccer posts on the oval, stage curtains in the sports centre and the current marking out of 2 international Futsal courts in the Raptordome. These enhancements will significantly improve a number of key programs within our college such as our new Football/Futsal Academy starting in 2022, our existing dance and instrumental programs and community participation.
Our enrolments for years 7-10 for 2022 continue to increase and I would encourage any parents who are intending to enrol their children in our college next year to submit an EOI form asap (form available via website or administration). With over 600 students expected to be enrolled in our school next year we are already planning and preparing for the rapid increase in staffing, resources and learning spaces. All these aspects take time and knowing exactly who will be enrolled next year helps us in this process of providing proper transition and support of new students to our college.
Last week the P & C Association and myself had the pleasure of finalising and approving the new senior school uniform commencing with our year 10 students in 2022. The new senior uniform reflects our school colours and values in a more mature style and will assist our students who transition from year 9 into our senior school next year. It is anticipated that these new uniforms will be available for purchase at the end of this year and I look forward to seeing our year 10 students wear these uniforms with pride in 2022.
Once again I would like to thank you - our parents,carers and college community for your continued support and partnership as as we fulfil our school motto of Achieving Excellence Together.
Yours sincerely,
Brendan Krueger
Foundation Principal
Online Learning
Thank you to all of our parents/carers and students for a successful week of online learning. Please continue to regularly check your emails for updates about online learning.
Daymap will continue to be the cornerstone of our learning processes at Ripley Valley SSC and our parents/carers are encouraged to regularly check their student's progress via their Parent Portal account to view homework, assessment tasks and results as they are released by our teaching staff.
Parent Teacher Interviews and PPP Meetings
Once again, thank you to all parents/carers that were able to attend our Parent Teacher Interviews last week. Over 300 individual meetings were held last Wednesday between parents/carers and our teaching staff. It was wonderful to see so many parents/carers having productive conversations about their student's learning progress and what is coming up in Semester 2.
Semester 2 Assessment Schedules
Assessment Schedules will be released via Daymap today. Parents/Carers and students can access these through the Daymap Parent Portal by clicking on their student's name. The Assessment Schedule will then appear under the Student Activity Menu as a PDF file. It will require a PDF viewer application to open on a mobile device or computer.
It is a great idea to print the Assessment Schedule and put in on the fridge as a quick reminder of your student's upcoming assessment. Students are often working progressively towards their assessment 3-4 weeks before it is due to be submitted.
Emily Prenzler
Year 9 Subject Selections for students commencing Year 9 in 2022
Subject Selections will be available for students to complete on One School from9.00 am Thursday the 5th August and will close next Thursday the 12th August at 3.00 pm. Detailed instructions on how to complete this process have been emailed to parents/carers and current year 8 students. Further information is also available on the College website (please click on link below). Students will be required to select 4 Elective Subjects in addition to the compulsory subjects. They will study two of these Electives per Semester (a total of 4 Electives studied in Year 9).
Awards Evening
Planning for the 2021 Awards Evening is well underway. The evening will be held on Wednesday the 20th October, commencing at 6.30 pm. Further communication will follow closer to the event. Please be sure to diarise this event.
Raptor Awards
Earlier this Term we reminded students about the Raptor Awards. The Raptor Awards are a holistic way to celebrate student achievement. There are three levels of the Raptor Awards: Gold, Silver and Bronze. The awards are based on 4 main criteria. GPA (Grade Point Average), Attendance, Effort and Culture (participation and commitment to extra-curricular activities programs and events). Students that receive Gold Raptor Awards will receive their awards during the Awards Evening, Silver Award recipients will be acknowledged on Parade and Bronze Awards will be presented during Access Classes.
I look forward to providing you with another update closer to the end of this Term.
Invoices Student Activities
The Hurting Game performance and the USQ STEAM Discovery Day were both on the same day. As a result, IGNITE students that attended the USQ STEAM Discovery Day and had also paid for The Hurting Game have had a credit applied to their account.
Student Resource Scheme (SRS).
Thank you to all families that have arranged payment plans. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to check your balance or if you need any payment records.
Individualised payment plans by Direct Debit - are still available for students that are commencing at Ripley Valley in Semester 2. 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.
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 – 9:30am and 2pm – 3pm (other times by appointment).
Centrepay Deduction - Payment by Centrepay deduction can also be arranged through the office.
Michelle Mills
Business Manager
Our teachers are setting Learning @ Home work as homework via Daymap so parents can keep up to date with what work is being set for students. If you are having issues logging in please email our team so we can help you get set up!
THIRD PARTY WEBSITE - PERMISSION FORMS
Thank you to those families that have returned the Third Party Website consent form. If you have not yet completed, can you please do so ASAP. Please click the link below
HOD - Digital Technologies | Pathways & Partnerships | IGNITE
Angela Waugh
Email: awaug24@eq.edu.au
Learning at Home:
In these strange time, it is important that we look after ourselves and the wellbeing of our families. Get in touch with us if you need assistance or help with learning at home. If you, like many families, are finding learning home stressful and chaotic- check out the resources below:
Getting started
The Autism Hub and regional autism coaches have created the following resources to support families with students with autism to begin learning@home. We understand that each student with autism is unique and we encourage you to select resources and activities that you know will harness the strengths of your child to support their learning.
Resources will continue to be developed and added to this page.
Transition to learning@home(PDF, 93KB)
Supporting learning at home
Below are resources and activities to support you to keep your children with autism motivated and engaged with their learning:
- Visual schedules(PDF, 222KB)
- Setting up a learning space(PDF, 103KB)
- Staying connected(PDF, 71KB)
- Building understanding(PDF, 101KB)
- Presenting a task(PDF, 176KB)
- Using interests to promote engagement(PDF, 657KB)
Wellbeing for children with autism
Below are activity ideas to help you support your child’s wellbeing and engagement. These activities are linked to the Australian CurriculumPersonal and Social Capabilitylearning continuum.
- Wellbeing activities Kindergarten to Year 2: Edition 1(PDF, 715KB)
- Wellbeing activities Kindergarten to Year 2 Edition 2(PDF, 1.1MB)
- Wellbeing activities Years 3 to 4: Edition 1(PDF, 676KB)
- Wellbeing activities Years 3 to 4: Edition 2(PDF, 1MB)
- Wellbeing activities Years 5 to 6: Edition 1(PDF, 752KB)
- Wellbeing activities Years 5 to 6: Edition 2(PDF, 759KB)
- Wellbeing activities Junior Secondary: Edition 1(PDF, 752KB)
- Wellbeing activities Junior Secondary: Edition 2(PDF, 892KB)
Rhiannon Kemp
Head of Inclusion
Rhiannon Kemp
Phone: 3819 5319
Email: rxtoo0@eq.edu.au
Over the last two weeks, students have been busy covering content that will set them up for success later in the term during the assessment period. Staff in the English, Humanities and Languages faculties have been drawing on a range of teaching strategies to help students draw on prior knowledge, learn new content, and consolidate skills.
Students in Miss Champs’ classes have been working collaboratively to pool their shared knowledge, firstly recording their ideas, and then sharing their work in a classroom gallery walk.
In Ms Diesing’s Year 9 English class, students have used infographics to record and display their notes. This technique uses pictures, symbols, colour and words to record information - a technique that will benefit students as they progress into the senior phase of schooling.
Through student-centred learning, Ms Wellwood has uncovered some excellent teachers in the making. Students from Ms Wellwood’s classes have been taking turns in teaching their peers. This strategy empowers students to own their learning, consolidating knowledge and skills. It also gives other students the opportunity to learn from their peers, access one-on-one teacher support, and students are often more comfortable asking for help in a student-centred classroom.
Last week on assembly, Miss Champs also introduced an exciting opportunity for our students to participate in the ‘2021 Kid’s Cancer Write a book in a Day competition. The Write a Book in a Day competition is a team writing competition open to writers from Year 5 to adult. Books are written and illustrated by teams of up to 10 writers in a consecutive 12-hour period on one day. Each team is provided a unique set of parameters to write their story: two human characters, one non-human character, an issue, a setting and five random words. We have more than 30 keen writers and artists who expressed their interest in participating. We will take the first 30 students to return their forms. Permission forms are due back by Monday 9th August 2021.
Jasmine Diesing
HOD - English | Humanities | Languages
Here we go again! It is giving me a huge sense of deja vu to be writing another newsletter article during a lockdown. I hope you and your family are all keeping well and in good spirits during this difficult time.
I want to use this newsletter article to remind parents that learning will still be occurring across Maths, Science and HPE throughout the duration of lockdown. Teachers are all available via email if your child needs any support and all learning opportunities have been provided via Daymap.
We appreciate all of the support you give your child during these lockdowns and we know that trying to support your child with at-home learning can become very stressful for both parents and children. We are here to help so please reach out if you are having any problems or would like further (or differentiated) resources for your child. We will work with your child upon their return to the classroom to best prepare them for their assessment items. Assessment due dates will also be reviewed to ensure sufficient time to support student success with these tasks.
Key Dates/Postponement:
- Yagera Senior Day that was scheduled for 3rd August, 2021 has been postponed. The new date is yet to be confirmed but we will update you once a new date has been set.
- Science Week is scheduled for Week 6 of this term however we will confirm closer to Week 6 if postponed due to Covid restrictions that may be in place at that time. We are delighted to bring a lot of exciting opportunities for your child to engage in STEM activities.
If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding Maths, Science and/or HPE, please contact me at the College or via my email tsmur0@eq.edu.au
Tess Reeves
HoD Maths, Science & HPE
Deep learning continues. So far our weeks this term have been full of fun, engaging activities for our creative industries students. Usually this time of year our students would be experiencing a week of lunch time activities to inspire them to consider creative industries pathways, but unfortunately we have had to postpone. We are excited to share the creative range of curricular opportunities we have in the creative industries later on in the term.
Year 7 Dance are learning about dance components. They are able to identify and analyse the elements of dance using choreographic devices and production elements in different dance styles. They are also learning a class dance choreographed by Ms Starkey. This practical performance enables students to demonstrate their ability to use the elements of dance, choreographic devices and dance styles. Students will have the opportunity to perform this dance at the end of year showcase, if they wish.
Year 8 Drama have been working on their responding task. They have learned about the Elements of Drama and how they can be used to enhance Dramatic works. In class time they have been creating freeze frames to demonstrate and manipulate role, relationship and status. This week students have watched a Children’s Theatre piece and are analysing a scene to put into and article review.
Year 7 Music are learning about the elements of music and how it informs the construction of popular music. This is used as the basis of all assessment identifying preferences in music and justifying points of view from evidence based practices. The classes will soon begin learning guitar with prac club starting during Monday lunchtime (pending covid) of week 7. High achieving students have the opportunity to be invited to perform at the end of year showcase.
Year 9 Music are looking how music is visually communicated and organised through scores. It has been fantastic seeing the students identify elements of the music not apparent just through listening and using their skills to put on in class performances! Week 6 will see our Year 9's begin working on their individual instruments and how technology can be used to assist and enhance modern performances. Their practical studies will conclude with an afternoon concert in which students are encouraged to perform for family and friends. High achieving students have the option to perform at the end of year showcase. Unfortunately, COVID has postponed excursion plans but this will be revisited in Term 4.
Instrumental Music students have been excelling on all fronts this year with all ensembles learning their first set of songs ready for performances in Semester 2. To continue this progress it is essential students are at as many rehearsals and lessons as possible. Typically, ensembles only have 10 rehearsals per term and if only 2 are missed that’s 20% of the preparation time!
Concert band performed for members of staff in term 2 week 10.
Year 8 Art have been working on site specific Ephemeral art. There are many forms of ephemeral art, from sculpture to performance, but the term is usually used to describe a work of art that only occurs once, like a happening, and cannot be embodied in any lasting object to be shown in a museum or gallery. Our students explored natural elements to create these wonderful Ephemeral examples.
Year 9 Design Manufacturing, have just completed their investigation task and anticipating the reopening of the workshop to begin working on their resin stool. We are very lucky to have our workshop updated to include air ducting system and advance manufacturing equipment. Students will learn basic workshop skills, around safety, using hand tools and plant machinery which will guide them to future pathways in senior.
Year 9 Design Engineering have been creating concepts for their edge lit light, working through the design process using convergent thinking and divergent thinking strategies to meet the design brief.
Calling all year 9 students interested in trade or construction pathways. A rare opportunity is available for students to experience a tour through the construction site of the new buildings at Ripley Valley. Badge Construction will take interested students on a tour and provide information on different trades and jobs required in construction. Numbers are limited, please express your interest below in the EOI form, for more information please contact Mrs Stiles on lstil21@eq.edu.au
Lorinda Stiles
HoD Creative Industries
lstil21@eqeduu.au
Thank you to all the students and families that came to speak with us for their Pathway Preparation Plan Meeting last week. It was so nice to discuss our students interests, ambitions and possible pathways while selecting their Year 10 Subjects. We are excited about the range of subjects that we have on offer for our students next year.
Griffith Uni's 2021 Open Day
Griffith Uni is holding their 2021 Open Day very soon. It was scheduled for the 8th August however due to lockdown it has been postponed. The Open Day will showcases their Gold Coast, Nathan and South Bank campuses and you can attend live information sessions, tour the facilities and talk to teachers and study experts. Register online so you are the first to hear when this has been rescheduled for!
They are also holding a virtual open house which ends on 20 August. Find out about Griffith Uni through 24/7 access to study and student support information. You can join them for Griffith LIVE every Tuesday from 4 – 6 pm and Thursday from 12 – 2 pm to chat with study advisers and listen to live webinars. Click on the above link to gain access.
USQ Open Days
Starting study after school may feel daunting now, but it doesn’t have to be. Open Days are a great way to get a feel for study and chat directly to the university team. USQ will be holding their Open Days on:
- 8 August at their Springfield and Ipswich campuses (postponed)
- 15 August at their Toowoomba campus
- 22 August via a virtual format
Register now and you have a chance to win one of four $1000 gift cards!
Getting ready for Senior - Study Skills
HOD - Technologies | Pathways & Partnerships | IGNITE
From the Guidance Officer to students and their families:
I am still here and available for phone appointments about a range of issues, including (but not limited to):
- anxiety about the current situation
- personal issues (family, relationship, mental health, etc etc)
- time management/study skills
To make an appointment, you can email Janet Ingram jingr34@eq.edu.au. Please note we can only call you on a parent’s phone, so if you would like to keep the call confidential, we will need to arrange a time for you to call the school.
There are some great activities designed to help you take care of your wellbeing attached, as well as a fact sheet about your wellbeing and safety. Some further information directed at parents but potentially quite useful to you can be found here: https://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/learning-at-home/wellbeing-of-students
If you are feeling upset or distressed you could try:
- Talking to a parent or trusted adult family member
- Checking out these resources at Black Dog Institute: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/mental-health-resources-to-help-you-through-lockdown/
- Visiting the Headspace website for information on stress related to COVID-19 and other topics (https://headspace.org.au/), as well as access to phone and e-counselling support (https://eheadspace.org.au)
- Contacting Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or visiting their website (https://kidshelpline.com.au/)
- Calling Lifeline Australia’s telephone counselling service on 13 1114 or visit their website (https://www.lifeline.org.au/)
I look forward to chatting with some of you soon ?
Janet Ingram
Guidance Officer
Chaplain News
Dear Parents/Carers
I understand that many of you are feeling anxious about everything that is going on in regards to COVID-19 and the lockdowns. As a School Chaplain, my role is to provide emotional, spiritual and social support to the students, parents and wider school community. If you would like me to provide support for your child, please email me at katki121@eq.edu.au or contact the school office.
Rock and Water
This term I am planning to run the Rock & Water program from late August with a group of Year 8 boys.
Rock and water is a program that decreases bullying and depressive feelings, and increases self-esteem, self-regulation and social acceptance. It also builds self-confidence, self-respect and self-reflection through psychophysical training.
If you think this is something that your child could benefit from, please email me. If your child has been selected for the program, keep an eye out for an email with their permission form.
Breakfast Club
Due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19 Breakfast Club will not operate. We are excited to kick the program up again as soon as we can. If this is something you would like to volunteer for please let me know by emailing me.
I hope that you keep yourself safe over this lockdown period and I look forward to seeing all the students return to school.
Take care
Last week was a very busy week for students and parents of RVSSC with Parent Teacher Interviews and Year 9 students choosing their subjects for the first cohort of Year 10. I would like to acknowledge the hard work put in by all the staff of the College to ensure these important occasions ran as smoothly as possible.
POSTINGS
A friendly reminder to families who have received (or are soon to receive) advice on end of year postings. If your family will be affected by a posting at the end of this year, or earlier, please let me know so that I can ensure your child is farewelled appropriately. I can also assist with information and tools that might assist students with transitioning to a new location and school.
DEFENCE CLUB
Defence Club continues this term at first break every Wednesday. Defence Club is a great way for new and existing students to develop friendships with other students in the school who share the same unique challenges that Defence life presents. Students form a supportive environment with peers within the College's student community, along with helping to build resilience and self-reliance.
COFFEE AND CHAT
The next Coffee and Chat is Scheduled for 1st September at 9.30am to be held at the Providence Splash and Play. Your first coffee will be on me. Due to the ongoing Covid restrictions, more information will be provided closer to the date.
REMEMBRANCE DAY ART PIECE
The art piece for Remembrance Day is underway. I have taught myself to knit poppies, (thanks Youtube!) and at last count I have knitted 23 poppies. I am aiming for 200, so if anyone can help add to my collection, that would be wonderful. The knitted or crochet poppies will form a waterfall, symbolising the sacrifice of thousands and the tears spilled for their loss. They also represent Flanders Field.
A life-size silhouette of an Australian soldier paying respects to three crosses (representing the three Armed Forces) will complete the art piece. When completed the scene will be displayed in the Art display window opposite the Cafeteria.
If anyone would like to help out in the construction of this project, please feel free to get in touch. I can be contacted by email tcoop203@eq.edu.au or phone 38195333.
In this time of lockdown, I would like to acknowledge how difficult this time can be for many people in our community. For our children it can be an anxious and uncertain time. If there is anything I can help with or you are looking for specific information, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am only to happy to help.
Tracey Cooper
Defence School Mentor
Ripley Valley Cluster Schools
We are approaching midway through Term 3, and how busy it has been! There are specific focuses and activities that have been set for our students this term.
Rewards Day:
House & Sports Coordinator (Goolman and Perry)
Jessica Starkey
House Coordinator (Blaine and Flinders)
RVSSC canteen is a fun, friendly environment and we need your help!
If you have free time during the week pop in for a cuppa, a chat and also to help out on any day of the week between 9am and 1pm. Your children will love seeing you volunteer too!
A special acknowledgement and thanks to our regular volunteers Karina and Lyn. Your time and help is very much appreciated.
RVSSC canteen is open first and second break every day. Apart from our freshly cooked daily meal choices we also have an extensive online menu where you have a great menu selection every day of the week. Jump online and pre order for more choices.
Did you know that with our MSA ordering system you can monitor purchases, set spending limits, inform of allergy alerts, check balances and top up student accounts? Please see link below to access the MSA ordering system
I'll leave you with a fun, healthy lockdown recipe.
Get the kids in the kitchen cooking, its maths, science and delicious food all rolled into one lesson.
Rice puff choc slice
Ingredients
10 dates each
2 cup puffed rice
0.25 cup honey
0.33 cup margarine
1 tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste)
1 tbsp cocoa
1 tbsp vanilla essence
Recipe
- Blitz dates and puffed rice in food processor quickly (you want large crumbs)
- Heat margarine, sugar, tahini, cocoa and vanilla in pan on low to medium heat until melted and combined.
- Add liquid to food processor and mix on low until combined.
- Line a slice tin with baking paper. Add mixture and press down with your hand.
- Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Slice and enjoy (store in freezer).
Regards
Chef Claire
ENROLMENTS OPEN FOR 2022
Our enrolments for Year 2022 have now opened. If you have a sibling who will start Year 7 or know of anyone that is intending to enrol their child in 2022, our enrolment forms are now available through the school website.
