Dear Parent/Carers,

What a start to the 2022 school year!  Despite the challenges of Covid and the devastation of the recent floods and the many more that you may have experienced in recent times it is reassuring to know that some things have not changed.  One such tradition was our pleasure to officially welcome the Year 7 students and all new students to our College on Monday 7th March.  This special parade, attended by a number of parents and invited guests, allowed us to celebrate and recognise not only our new students and families but also announce our 2022 student leaders.  A full list of all the student leaders for 2022 are listed further down in this newsletter.  Once again, congratulations to all our elected student leaders and I look forward to working with you throughout this year.

For those who have visited our College recently you would have seen the ongoing works of our stage 2 building program.  Obviously, building supply issues and Covid have had a significant impact on its final completion and I hope that most works will be completed by the start of Term 2.  Unfortunately, due to these building delays we decided to postpone our annual College Community Open Day, however we have rescheduled this event for Saturday 7th May.  Further information on this event will be provided closer to the date and we look forward to letting all members of the community see our new state of the art facilities.  

Between now and the start of next term we welcome a number of new staff to our College.  Mr Daniel Pym will be joining us as Deputy Principal (Year 7 & 8) commencing Term 2.  I thank Mrs Angela Waugh (Acting Deputy) and Mr James Dunn (Acting HOD) for back-filling behind this role in Term 1 while we undertook an extensive statewide recruitment process to fill this position.  Mrs Angela Waugh will return to HOD Senior Schooling in Term 2 and Mr Dunn to the HPE department.  We welcome Daniel as the new Deputy Principal who comes to us with extensive experience from a large high school and will bring a wealth of knowledge, passion and experience to the Culture and Development portfolio.  I would also like to welcome Alicia (Youth Support Coordinator), Leesa (Art Teacher), Jedd (Science/Math teacher), Sky (Science, Math, HPE teacher) and Tim, Beth, Natalya and Georgia as our new Teacher Aides. 

As our College continues to grow and mature so too will our need for additional staff and facilities.  But more than "boots and books" as we plan and prepare for these changes we need you.  We need to work together as one; staff, students, parents, business, industry and community groups to provide the best possible learning environment and conditions for success.  Only by working together can we fulfil our College motto of Achieving excellence together.

Yours Sincerely,     

Michelle Mills

Business Manager

As we approach the end of Term 1 (already!), I want to commend all of our staff, students and families for, once again, continuing to overcome all of the challenges that we faced throughout this term. Mathematics can already feel very daunting for many students so we are very aware that the added challenges of Covid isolation periods, flooding events, and delays to the term have added a lot of pressure for our students and teachers. As a result we have made some changes to our Term 1 assessments: 

• Across most year levels we have reduced the content that we are assessing during the Term 1 exams.
• Exam dates have been pushed back later in the term - these exam dates should be available to view on Daymap. Most Mathematics exams will be taking place across the last two weeks of term. 
• Absences on Exam Day - we understand there may be a higher absentee rate as we approach exams. Please ensure your child complies the the College's Assessment policy. If you child cannot attend school on a day of a scheduled exam, we ask that you contact the College to approve this absence from school. Any unexplained absences will require the student to apply for an extension via the College's SharePoint page. 
• Mathematics tutoring - available Tuesday at 1st break and Thursday at 2nd break in F113. All year levels are welcome to attend. 

Maths Trick from Mr Gerchow:

Did you know that percentages can be flipped?

Eg. 8% of $50 = 4

AND 50% of 8 = 4

Or 60% of 25 = 15

AND 25% of 60 = 15 

So, if you ever find a percentage difficult to calculate quickly, try flipping the values. 

I wish you and your families all the best for the upcoming Easter Holidays and hope that you have a restful break.

Tess Reeves

HoD Mathematics

tsmur0@eq.edu.au 

It is hard to believe that the first term of 2022 is already drawing to an end. Despite the disruptions there has been plenty happening in the science classrooms. The beauty of science is that it provides a framework to answer the interesting and important questions about the world. This term has seen students across all year levels engaging in both the theoretical and practical aspects of science to both formulate and answer some of the questions we have.

Our Year 7 students have immersed themselves with some of the equipment in the laboratory and completed their Bunsen burner licence. As part of their assessment students have worked collaboratively to make predictions and solve problems when looking at filtration techniques.  

This term, the Year 8 students have been studying the rock cycle and how the three main forms of rocks can be transformed from one type to another. As part of the unit students engaged in making crystals and are investigating how the cooling rate effects the size of the crystals and modelled the rock cycle using Starburst. For their assessment they have investigated how scientists in different fields collaborate to solve problems. This has allowed them to research the role of geologists and how an understanding of the rock cycle helps them when working with mining engineers.

Within Year 9 students have explored ecosystems, the relationship that exist within their systems and how energy flows through the system. Students have looked in depth at how human and environmental impacts can benefit or adversely effect the balance within the system and how the system responds to these changes. This week students have been revising their unit concepts ready for their exam in the coming week.

Our varied pathways in Year 10 have seen both the core and extension science classes looking at the role of DNA and genetics when considering simple inheritance. Students were also able to complete an experiment in the laboratory where they isolated and extracted DNA from strawberries. Our Physics and Chemistry elective students have spent the term investigating electricity and how this can be applied in circuits as well as investigating magnetism and the link between the two when considering electromagnetism and solenoids. Finally, our foundation science students looked at Newton’s laws and how the understanding of motion and these laws can help us investigate everyday problems that are discussed in the media. Student’s applied their understanding to explain why rules in sport regarding concussions are important and how using our science knowledge we can prevent further injuries.

Todd Robson

HoD Science 

trobs20@eq.edu.au 

What has been happening in our  Creative Industries classrooms. 

Year 7 Design Technology:

Year 7 students have been busy in the workshop creating their lolly dispensing machine. 

9 Design Engineering:

In engineering we have researched and designed an Edge light for their assessment project. Now we are in the workshop, soldering wires, gluing joins and etching acrylic.

Year 10 Design Engineering:

In year 10 Design Engineering, students have been exploring different technologies used to create graphical representations. Students have used CAD programs such as Revit, Photoshop and Illustrator to create a cabin design. 

Year 10 Design Technologies:

In year 10 Design Technology students have been exploring metal and created a metal tool box, demonstrating their knowledge of reading plans, creating developments and safe workshop practices. 

Food Technologies:

 

Dance:

All of our dance classes have been working hard to present their performance tasks. Year 7’s studying Popular Dance, Year 9’s are working on Lyrical Dance and our Year 10’s have been having fun in Hip Hop. After this our students will move into theory work where they will be analysing dance routines and creating a written response.

Extra- Curricular Dance:

This year we are proud to announce that we have two Dance teams here at RVSSC. Our Dance Squad is our representative team who will compete in local and state competitions and our Dance Troupe is our developing team who will be performing at our Showcase. Both of our teams have started training and we look forward to seeing them progress across this year.

Year 8 Media:

In 8 Media we are finalising our designs for our animations. Students will have a choice between claymation (using physical objects and a still camera) or Adobe Animate (stop motion animation software) to create their stories next term.

Also excited to have the Green Room lighting set up along with a portable green screen.

Year 8 Art:

In Year 8 Art the students have been exploring Ephemeral Art. Ephemeral art is a work of art that only lasts for a short amount of time, perhaps occurring once, and cannot be embodied in any lasting object. It can be a sculpture, performance art or a temporary design such as a mandala.

Year Music & Instrumental:

Drama:

Lorinda Stiles

HoD Creative Industries
lstil21@eqeduu.au

What a busy Term!

The students and staff within the HPE Department have hit the Term running and are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. A special mention to all the HPE staff who have gone above and beyond for our students to make sure they are prepared for the current/upcoming assessment period.

Year 7 students are enjoying their first term of HPE at the College, and have been learning about Personal Identities during Theory and Modified AFL during Prac. It is refreshing to see that the students are enjoying their initial experience into what HPE is like in senior school.

Year 8 students are heading into their examination period where they will complete an exam based on 'Risky Business'. This see's the students demonstrating knowledge they have learnt throughout the term of positive risk taking, identifying types of stimulant, depressants and hallucinogenic drugs, and the short/long term effects of these. During the practical lessons, they have been engaged in Modified European Handball, and this is a massive hit!

Our Year 9 HPE students are currently in either a practical or theoretical block, and at the conclusion of this week will see the students switch. During theory, students have been learning about Diversity and Inclusion, and how the College can better provide accessibility of Ripley Valley State Secondary College to make recommendations to Mr Krueger to allow students to be involved equitably in the college’s sporting culture.

Year 9 HSE students have been learning both theoretical and practical methods of providing CPR and First Aid. During practical lessons, they have been exposed to the game of Touch Football, and have been taught how to create movement strategies and movement concepts in attacking and defensive opportunities throughout the game. 

Year 10 Sport and Rec students have been rolling through their Basketball tournaments which have seen them organise, run and reflect on their designed Basketball tournament. Students have been placed into groups of 2-3 and have run a 30 minute Basketball tournament that is focused on increasing participation for Year 5 & 6 students in the sport of Basketball.

Year 10 Health students have been exploring aspects of their personal health. They have identified the external influences such as friends, family and others who all contribute to forming their identity, relationships and behaviours. They have explored the PERMA+ framework and investigated strategies to implement into their lives to improve overall wellbeing.

Lastly, we welcome Miss. Sky Wang who will be joining the HPE Faculty for Term 2. She will be picking up HPE 9E and HPE 7H from Mr. Anthony Lynn and Miss. Damika Doorley. I would like to thank the two staff members who are both teaching out of their curriculum expertise, however, have done a fine job guidance of our HPE Unit Coordinators. 

Next Term the HPE Curriculum schedule is as follows:

If you have any questions, please shoot me an email on jdunn232@eq.edu.au

Yours in sport,

This term has been a very busy one for the Year 10 students. They have had many opportunities from being involved in construction, to learning how to be a Barista and to applying to be a part of medical research team at the University of QLD.

The main focus for Year 10's was around securing their location for their 4-Day Work Experience in Term 2. It was enlightening to see how many of the Year 10 students had an idea of what they would like to do in the future....I know at that age I certainly had no idea!

I have seen the likes of: 

- Tradesman (carpenter, tiler, diesel fitter, and electrician to name a few)

- Engineer (chemical, mechanical, and civil)

- Education (early childhood, primary and secondary teaching)

- Healthcare (aged care nurse, surgeon, psychologist, cosmetic nurse, dentist, pharmacist to name a few)

- Defence Force

- Animal Care (VET, Vet Nurse, Zookeeper)

We were lucky to have Kate and Phil from SCIPS (our external company) who will be assisting us in managing the Year 10 Work Experience Placements. A reminder for the following information for when Work Experience is and when registrations close:

- Registrations Close: Friday 25th March 3pm

- Work Experience Dates: Monday 9th - Thursday 12th May - Week 5, Term 2

HOD - Pathways & Partnerships 

Supporting a Young Person after a natural disaster

Life changes for everyone during and after a natural disaster, even if we haven’t been directly present at the event. 

Young people are especially vulnerable to the indirect effects via third parties, whether that be through stories of family and friends affected, or by exposure to media of natural disasters. 

There is no right or wrong way to react to a traumatic event. 

Encourage your young person to engage in activities that promote a healthy headspace.  As much as possible, support young people to maintain regular routines and stay connected to regular activities such as sport, school, and spending time with friends.

People who experience traumatic events are often able to recover, and do not experience ongoing symptoms or difficulties.  For some it is important to access professional support to navigate these challenges. It can be hard to know when it’s time to seek professional support. Commonly, it’s when someone experiences difficulties for longer than a couple of months after an event, and it’s having an impact on the way they want to live their lives.

What is the Harding Miller Education Foundation?

The Harding Miller Education Foundations mission is to bridge the long-term societal gap of opportunity for girls in year 9-12 within the public-school system who have high academic potential and are experiencing challenging socio-economic circumstances.

Each scholarship is valued at $20,000 and is the most generous scholarship available to public high school students across Australia! Details can be found on our website: 

www.hardingmillereducationfoundation.org.au/apply-for-a-scholarship/

The scholarship program and funds are all managed by the Foundation and the student (and family).

Janet Ingram

Guidance Officer

WOW! What an incredible start to 2022. It has arguably been the most challenging of the past two years, with the Covid pandemic restrictions, natural disasters and school interruptions.  Everything has been thrown at us, and yet, as I walk around the school, I still see so many smiling faces and I am reminded of how resilient we can be in the most trying of times.

The Defence School Mentor Program (DMFS) provides support to children of serving Australian Defence Force members and their parents. The key focus is to help support ADF students during times of extended parental absences due to deployments, postings, exercises and training, to ensure their learning is impacted as little as possible by their parent’s service commitments.

This year we have welcomed new ADF families to RVSSC. Despite the frequent disruptions to school timetables, the students have integrated into their new school environment and I see many new friendships blossoming. I have been very fortunate to meet many of our new ADF students at the Defence Club, “The Drop Zone”, and in the coming weeks, I hope to meet more.

Last week saw the first Coffee and Chat for ADF parents, held at Forty West.  The Welcome morning tea allowed parents, both new and existing, to have an opportunity to meet in an informal setting, enjoy a coffee (provided by the lovely ladies at Forty West) and discuss the Defence School Mentor Program. The morning tea was also attended by Chris Jones (Education Liaison Officer for the Defence Member and Family Support), Kristian Atkins (our school Chaplain) and Brendan Krueger (RVSSC Principal). It was lovely to see parents making new connections. They also had an opportunity to learn about new programs and support the DMFS can offer.  I can’t wait for the next parent meet up in Term Two. The coffee groups are just one of the ways RVSSC supports our ADF families.

Our ADF school community has grown considerably in the past two years. 2020 saw 20 ADF students enrolled at the College.  This year we have 70 students made up of 60 ADF families.  The ever-expanding RAAF Base at Amberley and its proximity to Ripley Valley means our numbers will continue to grow over time.

For Defence members who are looking for support through the Defence Member and Family Support, please go to

https://defence.gov.au/members-families/About/Default.aspor

or call the Defence Member and Family Hotline on 1800 624 608.  I will also be emailing new programs and workshops as they become available along with other relevant information.

Tracey Cooper

Defence School Mentor

Ripley Valley State Secondary College

New Youth Support Coordinator for RVSSC

My name is Alicia Pickerill and I am the new Youth Support Coordinator at Ripley Valley State Secondary College. My role is to provide a confidential service to support students of Ripley who are at risk of disengaging from their education. I will be working collaboratively with students, their families and staff to identify barriers to education, develop goals and support the progression and achievement of these goals through a series of individual sessions as well as referrals to external organisations.

I have a degree in Psychology and have worked extensively in the government and non-for-profit sectors providing case management and coordination support services to young people. My most recent role has been developing and implementing a range of life skills programs for young people.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, travelling and cooking.

I will be working part time and will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Student Support Services Team.

I am very excited to join the team at Ripley and am really looking forward to making a difference in the lives of our young people and their families.

Alicia Pickerill

Youth Support Coordinator

Chaplain News

Over this past term we have had many interruptions and many unforeseen circumstances arise. As a chaplain I am here to support your child throughout the ups and downs of life. One of the ways I provide support is with one-on-one pastoral care conversations. If you would like me to provide support for your child or if you have any questions or concerns yourself, please email me at katki121@eq.edu.au. 

Breakfast Club

Due to the unforeseen circumstances Breakfast Club, one of the extra-curricular programs of the school will start up again in Week 2 in Term 2. Breakfast Club will operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:15-8:45 am. This is an excellent way for the students to engage with one another over food or milo and doesn't cost them anything. If you want to volunteer for this, please feel free to email me.

Mentoring Program

The Chaplaincy Service is looking to implement a mentoring program this year. The mentoring program will bring in community people who will meet with a student 1 on 1 on the school grounds, in an open space where they will spend an hour a week talking with them. The mentor is a life mentor and will undergo child safety training by the College as well as SU. The mentor must be over 21 years of age and have a blue card to participate. 

This is a great way for the wider Ripley Community to be involved with the College and to help support students. If you want to be a mentor or if your child is someone who you think would benefit from this program, please contact me.

I'm looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

Chaplaincy Committee

The Local Chaplaincy Committee is the supporting and guiding body behind the Chaplaincy Service helping to shape it to meet the wellbeing of the school community at both here at RVSSC & at the Primary School. If you would like to attend and be a part of the committee, we have our next meeting on Thursday the 19th of May at 4 pm at the primary school.

SU Camps

Scripture Union Australia, the organisation that employs the chaplains here in Ripley Valley and in hundreds of schools across the country is also a camping organisation. If you are looking for something for your child to do over the holidays, please follow the following link. https://sucamps.org.au/?season=autumn

I'm looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

Take care

Interschool Futsal Competition

Congratulations to our Interschool Futsal Teams who competed at the Yagera Futsal Gala Day in February.  The RVSSC teams did exceptionally well with 3 out of the 4 teams competing in the grand final, coming away with two 1st place and one 2nd place.

Year 10 boys - 1st place

Year 8 girls - 1st place

Year 10 girls - 2nd place

Year 8 boys - 5th place

What an amazing achievement for our students and coaches.

Interschool Volleyball Team - winners

Congratulations to our Interschool Volleyball teams who competed in the Yagera Volleyball Gala Day recently.  The Year 10 girls won the competition which is a huge achievement as they have been playing together since 2020.

Big congratulations to the Year 8 Girls volleyball team who competed with only 4 students attending.  Great work girls.

THE CANTEEN WILL BE CASHLESS TERM 2!!!

Online Ordering System for the Canteen 

Starting at the beginning of Term 2 the canteen will be cashless.  Ordering can be done online.  You can order from the menu on the MSA ordering system or top up your students card so they purchase at the canteen directly, using their barcode in their diary.  Please see link below to access the MSA ordering system.

Plastic food containers donations please

The canteen is looking for donations of plastic food containers and microwave safe bowls with lids.  Tupperware, Deco, Sistema - all shapes and sizes are welcome along with big storage containers.  These can be put in the box in Student Reception.  We appreciate your support.

St Patrick's Day at RVSSC

Ripley Valley SSC got into the spirit of St Patrick's Day by offering various 'green' goodies for sale for the students and staff.

Claire Heffernan

Chef

Uniform Shop - Normal Trading Hours

Monday  8.00am to 10.30am

Thursday 2.30pm to 5.00pm      

Newly elected P&C Committee

Maria Mavroudis, who has been our P&C President for the past 3 years resigned her position to focus on other projects.  We give a big thank you for all of her enthusiasm and hard work.

On the night, Maria was also presented with a life membership for her efforts as being part of community advisory committee prior to the P&C set-up and being the first P&C President, providing solid foundation for our team in our first years.