Ripley Valley State Secondary College
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18 Parkway Ave
Ripley QLD 4306
Subscribe: https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: principal@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
Phone: 3819 5333

School Newsletter (Week 5, Term 2)

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School Newsletter (Week 5, Term 2)

Dear Parents/Carers, 

As we farewell the public holidays and wet weather of late it has been my pleasure to observe and participate in a number of College activities this term.  From our moving ANZAC service held in April, our Community Open Day held in May and the many achievements of our students both in and outside the classroom. It is truly a privilege to be part of such a vibrant College community.  The highlight of my work week is being able to visit classrooms and see students engaged in learning, talking to teachers who are passionate about their students and hearing of the remarkable achievements of our young people in such a wide variety of pursuits.  All of this is not possible without you.  Your support of the College and involvement in your child's education makes a significant difference and I appreciate your partnership with us. 

As our College continues to grow considerably, thought and planning is constantly given to the future development of our school to ensure that we are providing meaningful pathways and opportunities for all our young people.  Significant planning and ongoing discussions are occurring with universities, TAFE and various business/industry bodies to make sure that our students are in the best position for life after school.  We want your child to achieve excellence and together we are working to make sure that happens.  To assist in this process we are currently recruiting a number of new Head of Department (HOD) positions to commence in Semester 2 this year to help lead the growing areas of Junior Secondary, Senior Schooling and Performing Arts.  I congratulate Mrs Jessica Starkey who has been appointed the HOD Performing Arts for Semester 2, 2022.  We are also investing in the recruitment of specialist teachers and support staff to further enhance our learning opportunities in 2022 and 2023.  Our new librarian, Ms Kay Wilkinson, will start with us in the coming weeks and we are looking to add another administration officer to our team in the next month as well.  

All of this change, combined with the day to day operations of the school can seem daunting at times.  However, by working together we have proven and continue to prove that we can Achieve Excellence Together.

Once again, thank you for your support.  

 Yours Sincerely,     

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Brendan Krueger

Foundation Principal

Pre-service Teachers
Over the past five weeks, we have welcomed 10 Pre-service Teachers to our College from QUT and USQ. This week, another two Pre-service Teachers joined us from USQ.  We welcome Mr Simmons-Bliss and Ms Statham who will be working with Ms Martins/Ms McKendry and Mr Gerchow/Mr Robson.
I wish to express my sincere thanks to our teaching staff for their commitment to educating our future teachers and to our students for welcoming additional staff into their classrooms.
On behalf of the College, I would like to say thank you to the supervisors and good luck for the future to our Pre-service Teachers:
Mr Jaremenko (Mr Dunn)
Mr Anderson (Ms Martins and Ms McKendry)
Mr Baxter (Ms Nugent)
Ms Bui (Ms Champs)
Ms Hardy (Mr Barclay)
Mr Palmer (Ms Mahipus)
Mr Dyason (Mr Clifford)
Ms Powell (Ms McLeod and Mr Sharma)
Mr Devin (Ms Parish)
Mr Correia (Ms Gordon)
Mr Richards (Ms Vidotto and Mr Sogathur)
Daymap App - Updates
Assessment Schedules are always available on Daymap for all students, parents and carers to access.
Daymap is very responsive to parent/carer feedback about any issues you are experiencing with the website or APP. They have recently provided us with information to assist parent/carers experiencing technical issues after a recent update.
If you are having trouble signing into the Daymap app, please go to this website from your internet browser on your mobile phone:
This should then allow you to log in and connect to your Daymap app.
Please contact tech@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au with any feedback or issues you have with Daymap about their software and we will either problem solve at the College or get in contact with Daymap on your behalf.
Assessment - Applying for an extension
As we head into the Assessment season for the Semester, it is timely to remind you that our College has an electronic process to support your child in applying for an extension. From the Student Sharepoint page (which automatically opens when your child opens their Internet Browser) students click on the link to make their application. You will then be advised via email regarding the outcome of the process and new due dates for your child.
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    Emily Prenzler

    Deputy Principal - Year 9 and 10 - Teaching & Learning

    It has been an eventful and engaging last few weeks for the Year 7 and 8 students at Ripley Valley SSC. Things kicked off with the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey which was offered to every student at the College. The purpose of the survey was to gather vital information about students’ perceptions around their wellbeing, engagement and experiences at school. The results of this survey will be used to guide our Positive Behaviour for Learning framework, and better support our students by meeting their needs. 

    Our Year 7 and 9 students also completed NAPLAN over the last couple of weeks and it was pleasing to see their level of engagement and effort in all the tests that were administered.

    Finally, all students had the opportunity to be involved with the Elevate Workshops that were run earlier this week. The purpose of these workshops was to build effective study skills, increase motivation, and build confidence. By all reports, the students thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and took away some new practices for their learning and development.

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    Daniel Pym
    Deputy Principal Year 7 and Year 8 - Culture and Development

    2022 Student Resource Scheme (SRS)

    Just an early reminder that the third and final payment for 2023 SRS is due Friday 12 August.  

    Payment Options

    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 instalment amount of $225.00 and then continue.  Instalments will be due 25 February; 6 May and 12 August.

    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).

    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 $27.00 per week commenced on Friday 25 February will pay the SRS in full before the final due date of 12 August.

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

    If you would like an update on your account or a statement at any time please email the school office admin@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au

     

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    Michelle Mills

    Business Manager

    As we continue to see students absent due to illness or close contacts we are all very thankful that our students have access to school laptops. It makes this situation a little easier, knowing all students have a device and can access their school work easily while absent. Please remember that if you have any issues regarding your laptop or accessing work you can contact our Tech team at:

    tech@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au

    Parent Access to Daymap

    Don't forget to download the Daymap App so you can do everything on the move! Daymap Parent Portal can be found here:

    https://ripleyvalleyssc.eq.daymap.net/daymapconnect

    Instructions on how to Download and set up the Daymap APP can be found on the Ripley Valley SSC website under the support and resources tab. To have your password reset, or for any other Daymap issues please email:

    tech@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au

    School Laptop Expectations

    We are seeing an increased number of students coming to school with laptops that have not been charged. Please ensure you have a system at home to help remind your child to put their laptops on charge each night so that they are prepared for learning each day. Chargers are NOT allowed at school as they are a safety hazard. Student laptop batteries are made to last all day - and if they are not lasting a school day, they need to visit Tech Support.

    Students are also required to bring their laptop case to school each day, and have the Ripley Valley sticker on their laptops at all times as it provides extra protection for their device. Cases are $35 to replace, and stickers are $10 to replace. If you have any questions please email tech@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au 

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    Todd Robson

    Head of Department - Technology

    In Support Services you will find:
    Head of Department Inclusion Rhiannon Kemp
    Guidance Officer Janet Ingram
    Speech and Language Pathologist Nicole Anderson
    Inclusion Coordinator (Coach) Jamei Pertzel
    Chaplain Kristian Atkins
    Defence School Mentor Tracy Cooper
    Youth Support Worker Alicia Pickerill
    Support Services Administrator Rachael Pratt 
    Industry Liasion Officer Marnie George
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    We look forward to supporting you.
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    Rhiannon Kemp

    Head of Inclusion

    Rhiannon Kemp
    Phone: 3819 5319
    Email: rxtoo0@eq.edu.au

        It is my absolute privilege to introduce a new club to our school community:

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        Squadratics is a Mathematics club to encourage excellence in Numeracy and Problem Solving skills. The club will meet every Wednesday at 2nd Break in CG01. All students are welcome!

        The aim of the Mathematics club will be to prepare students to compete at Mathematics competitions and offer an opportunity for gifted & talented students to be further challenged with their Maths skills.

        Each session will include speed facts, problem solving skills and learning of new numeracy skills.  

        The club will be coordinated by Mrs Constable and Mrs Reeves. Please feel free to contact us at the College if you have any questions or would like more information. Please encourage your children to come and sign up for this club if it is something that interest them. 

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        Tess Reeves

        HoD Mathematics

        tsmur0@eq.edu.au 

        As we head to the middle of Term 2 it’s evident that time is flying by. Learning has been jammed packed due to several short weeks from all the public holidays back to back.

        As we head towards the end of semester, we will see students begin to start working on assessment across various grades. All assessment information can be found within Daymap and it is important to remind students that any assignments should be uploaded to Daymap as well. If, for any reason, your child needs to apply for an extension this should be done online and more information can be found in their student diary or on the College SharePoint page.

        Across the grades we are seeing many classes engaged in practical activities and it is an important reminder that students must comply with the College’s uniform to be allowed to engage in these lessons as a matter of safety. Please ensure your child has the appropriate leather footwear available and their hair tied up.

        If you ever have any questions around what is happening within your child’s Science class please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me. 

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        Todd Robson

        HoD Science 

        trobs20@eq.edu.au 

            We are quickly approaching the half way mark of the term, and indeed the year! Learning new knowledge, concepts and skills is slowly making way for practice and consolidation with assessment’s being released already, or very soon. You can support your child through assessment by encouraging them to be organised, prioritising work to be completed, and accessing support when necessary. English Homework Club will re-open again very soon for the assessment ‘season’, and will run every first break in J1.21 and J1.22. All students are welcome to attend. Keep an eye on Daymap, and our social media platforms for more information.

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            Our teachers work so very hard to design engaging and meaningful lessons to get the best possible work from their students. I had the privilege of watching Ms Marks Year 7 English class develop their creative writing skills last week, exploring mood and atmosphere in the dim light of battery powered candles. Ms Marks chose the perfect, rainy day, to plunge her classroom into darkness, stoke up a flickering fire on her interactive screen, and set her students the task of writing eerie, mysterious and sometimes creepy narratives. I am so grateful that students at our school get to experience the joy and passion of learning from dedicated teachers like Ms Marks!

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            This year students from Ripley Valley will once again participate in the Cancer Council's Write a Book in a Day. A 12-hour writing competition where students plan, write, edit, and plan a story using an individual set of parameters. This year we have five teams who are wanting to participate in this wonderful event. If anyone would like to join, we still have a few more spots available - please email Miss Champs (tcham77@eq.edu.au) for more information. We are also seeking sponsors for our five teams, allowing them to enter their published books into the competition. If any businesses or individuals are interested in sponsoring our Write a Book in a Day team, please email Miss Champs (tcham77@eq.edu.au) for more information. 

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            The Community Open Day was a brilliant success for the students of Japanese to share their work, art and origami. Many parents of the students learning Japanese visited the new classroom and were impressed. They had the opportunity to catch up with me, sip on some green tea, make origami and view a green screen recording. Lorelei, Jayla and Lexi came to the classroom to meet families and shared their experiences of learning Japanese.

            Our Year 8 Japanese students have the opportunity next week, to attend an excursion to the Nerima Gardens – the Japanese gardens of Ipswich. Students will have the opportunity to experience authentic Japanese gardens and traditions including the Peace Bridge, the Tsukubai Stone Water Basin, and the Tea House; a special building designed for holding Japanese tea ceremonies. The garden has an important function in preparing guests for the Japanese tea ceremony, and our students will have the opportunity to experience the tea ceremony as well. The keen Year 8s can take photos for their assessment which is a bilingual e-brochure for visiting Japanese tourists.

            In the near future, all Japanese students will go online via Teams straight to Japan, talking with Japanese peers from the co-educational Boyo Junior High School in the city of Yamatake, prefecture of Chiba. The students are very excited as some of them will have the opportunity to speak in Japanese and as an exchange, the students from Japan will speak in English. We will sing a song and share some of the Zen garden designs that students from both Year 7 and 8 have prepared. This is one of three schools in Japan that we will continue to talk with to find the best sister school for Ripley Valley SSC.

            ‘Friyays’ have become popular for all our learners of Japanese providing the students opportunities to choose to create Japanese art, games and making sushi. ‘Hats off’ to the Year 8 class for decorating the classroom – they are the leaders for language at the school and are vibrantly stepping up to more responsibilities. The students in 7A initiated an excellent suggestion to make sushi to share as a way to meet the Year 8's. Jayla suggested to make gifts in return. The Year 7 classes are ready to make sushi in our kitchen.

            The paper crane count is growing to more than 500 for the school.  The students are reminded that the cranes represent peace and hope in all conflicts.

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            Ms Jasmine Diesing

            Head Of Department - English | Humanities | Languages

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            Dance
            In curriculum classes our Dance students are all working on their choreography tasks. Our Year 7's are creating a Popular Dance routine that incorporates styles across the eras. This week they have been working on their best disco moves for the 70's section of the routine. 
            Our Year 9's are working on their Emotion in Motion choreography task. They are required to show the emotion of either Love or Hate in their Lyrical Dance routines. They have also been incorporating the use of a prop into their work to communicate their meaning.
            Year 10's are working on a school yard inspired Hip Hop piece. They are working in small groups and using costume, props and set to help tell their chosen storylines.
            Our Dance Squad had their first public performance last week at the Ipswich Show. Despite wet weather conditions, the whole team made it to the show in one piece and performed their Contemporary and Jazz routines. This was an awesome experience for the team and they will continue to rehearse and train for their up coming competition at the Ipswich Eisteddfod in June. 
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            Drama

            This term in Year 8 drama, students have been looking at the different factors involved in putting together a dramatic play. They have studied Indigenous perspectives in the play “Honey Spot” by Jack Davis and explored themes such as unintentional racism and reconciliation. By stepping into the role of a Director, students will now apply this knowledge in creating their own Directors Concept, inclusion of set and costume designs and a detailed directors vision statement.

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            Year 9 Drama students have been engaging with the heritage style of Commedia Dell’Arte, manipulating voice and movement to create stock characters and specific ‘lazzi’ (comedy) routines. Students learn how to employ improvisation skills and practice creating spontaneous scenes when provided with stimulus. This week students learnt about ‘mask etiquette’ and began building on their artistry by embodying the Commedia characters with the enhancement of the character masks.

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            Advancing from the Year 9 Drama ‘Director Concept’, Year 10 students undertake a study of the style and conventions of Verbatim Theatre. Students will examine how the same issues can be interpreted and communicated through various perspectives and using this lens they will create a directors concept for a scene from the Australian Play ‘Scattered Lives’ by Sally McKenzie. This researched based play, employs contemporary dramatic forms to highlight social justice and political issues. Students will then view a filmed version of the live production and through the style of a modern podcast,  analyse the use of conventions of Verbatim Theatre and actors skills.

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            Design Technology

            Meet Mr. Rielly

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            Mr Rielly is one of our current Pre-service teachers who has been completing his final university placement in the teaching area of Design and Technology at Ripley Valley State Secondary College. Mr Rielly also happens to be one of our fantastic Teacher Aides at the College. 

            He has been working with the Year 7, Year 9 and Year 10 Design and Technology students for the last 6 weeks, teaching them a range of topics from the design process in a circular economy with the Year 7’s, the production of Ukulele in Year 9 and Skateboard design and production in Year 10.  

            Mr Rielly will be finishing up with us as a Pre-service teacher in Week 6 and we wish him all the best as he returns to his full-time studies and full-time role as a Teacher Aide at the College. 
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            Lorinda Stiles

            HoD Creative Industries
            lstil21@eqeduu.au

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            We are fast approaching mid-term and our HPE students are either entering their assessment phase or are completing their assessment for their theory/prac block change.

            Unfortunately, a number of public holidays has not allowed our students to be fully immersed in the content they are learning currently, so we are working hard towards providing student specific content to assist in their preparation for the assessment phase of HPE. 

            All assessment information can be found within Daymap and it is important that students, staff and parents/caregivers stay on top of assessment expectations (producing quality drafts), reminding them of due dates and where/how to upload assessment. If your student cannot submit their assessment or cannot be present during a set exam lesson, your child will need to apply for an extension (link can be found on the student Sharepoint). This will then be directed to your student's Head of Year who will make contact with the student and parent/caregiver to advise of the outcome.

            A reminder that if students are out on the oval during their practical session, they are expected to be wearing the College Hat. If a student does not have a hat, they will not be able to participate in the lesson. Their Teacher will provide written work to complete during that lesson. If a student is refusing to participate in practical lessons advising they "won't wear a hat" this will then be referred to their Head of Year for further escalation of consequences.

            At the end of this Term students in Year 7 and 8 will lose their HPE line and will be transitioning in to Humanities. Current students who are studying Humanities will then be participating in HPE until the end of year.

            If you have any questions regarding what is happening within your child's HPE class, please make contact with their Teacher:-

            Year 7 HPE Curricuum Coordinator: Mr. Ben Sharma (bkshak0@eq.edu.au) & Miss. Christie McKendry (clmck1@eq.edu.au

            Year 8 HPE Curriculum Coordinator: Mrs. Keesha Nugent (klnug1@eq.edu.au)

            Year 9 HPE Curriculm Coorindator: Mr. Justin Clifford (jclif117@eq.edu.au

            Year 9 HSE Curriculum Coorindator: Mr. James Dunn (jdunn232@eq.edu.au)

            Year 10 Sport and Rec Curriculum Coordinator: Mr. James Dunn (jdunn232@eq.edu.au)

            Year 10 Health Curriculum Coordinator: Miss. Christie McKendry (clmck1@eq.edu.au

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            James Dunn

            HOD – Health and Physical Education

            jdunn232@eq.edu.au 

            House Competitions have begun!

            This Wednesday was Ripley Valley’s inaugural House Competition, in which students had the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities at lunch-time to score house points and individual prizes. This week, our students competed in a handball competition. There was fierce competition between all students involved, with the final showdown between a representative from each House surrounded by a very loud crowd. In the end, the champions were Flinders, with Perry coming in a close runner up.

            Each week RVSSC will host a House Competition, so make sure to look out for the Student Notices so that you don’t miss out!

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            Jason Coles

            Year Coordintor Year 7
            jcole338@eq.edu.au

            Careers Expo:
            On Wednesday 13th July (Week 1, Term 3), the RVSSC students will have a unique opportunity to discover their passions and explore their talents. The Careers Expo is an event designed to provide the students with an opportunity to connect with future or potential stakeholders in an immersive and interactive way. Students will find out specific information about services and different industries. There will be a opportunity for parents/guardians to be involved in a Community Session that will run after-school. Please look out for communication via social media to find out more information.
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            Year 10 Work Experience:
            During Week 4, our Year 10 students embarked on their first ever Year 10 Work Experience. This saw our students engage in placements of their desired career pathways, aspirations or options. Unfortunately due to some placements not being available the College had to place students in areas that may have not been their first preference. 
            A huge thank you to Mrs George, Mr Dunn for organising placements and getting paperwork together.  Another huge thank you to our Workplace Hosts for ultimately taking on students for their Work Experience Placement. We look forward to planning Year 10 Work Experience for 2023.
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            Elevate Education:
            During Week 5, we had Elevate Education deliver their study skills programs to our Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 cohort. Elevate’s study skills seminars are designed to achieve behavioural change amongst students. The challenge in any study skills program is getting students to use and apply the skills they learn. Elevate gets students using the skills from its seminars by using an integrated process that works. This is the second time we have had Elevate Education come and present to our students.
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            Year 9 PPP Meetings & Senior Schooling:
            On Tuesday, the Year 9 cohort were presented an information session on the Introduction to Senior School and what Senior Schooling looks like at Ripley Valley SSC. Our Head of Department Pathways, Mr. Dunn and Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning, Mrs Prenzler, presented to the Year 9 cohort specific information about Year 10 subject selections, pathways, assessment expectations and student conduct in Senior Schooling. The Year 9 students will be engaging in the PPP process starting from Week 7, Term 2, along with the PPP meetings with parents/caregivers in Week 3, Term 3. It is important for our students to understand how their selected subjects can benefit them towards their chosen pathway or career options. If there are any questions relating to your Year 9 student or the PPP process, please contact Mr. Dunn or Mrs. Prenzler.

            Dates to claim:

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            Year 11 2023 Subject Information:

            During Period 4 on Wednesday, our current Year 10 students completed a survey identifying what subjects they may wish to study in Year 11 2023. Depending on student interest, we will be finalising what subjects options Year 10 students will be able to select for Year 11. In Week 9, our Year 10 students will have a Parent Information Night where they will receive information on what Year 11 looks like for our senior students.

            Please reach out if you have any further information regarding your student, pathways or career options.

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            James Dunn

            HOD - Pathways & Partnerships 

            jdunn232@eq.edu.au 

            Positive Education and Character Strengths

            Positive Education is one of the approaches that we have adopted at Ripley Valley State Secondary College to help us achieve a strong community that values belonging and connection.

            Positive Education refers to the way that some schools and other education settings have been able to apply the research and practice from positive psychology to their own contexts. In particular, some schools have sought to embed simple, research-based practices into their classrooms, staff rooms and playgrounds. The purpose is to build positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment and health (PERMAH), in order to boost wellbeing.

            PERMA is the organising framework for the Positive Education Practices that have been designed for schools.   Many schools have since added the H for Health. Each letter in the PERMAH framework refers to a pillar that leads to greater wellbeing. Therefore, the six pillars for the Positive Education Practices are:

            Positive emotion (P);

            Engagement (E);

            Relationships (R);

            Meaning (M);

            Accomplishment (A); and,

            Health (H).

            For more details on each of these PERMAH pillars follow the link below - Introduction to PERMAH.

            http://www.unleashingpersonalpotential.com.au/pos-ed-explained

            CHARACTER STRENGTHS

            This term at Ripley Valley State Secondary College we are working with students to identify their Character Strengths. Character Strengths are the positive parts of your personality that impact how you think, feel and behave and are the keys to you being your best self, and the things you might want to work on.

            Character Strengths are not about things that you are good at - although knowing your strengths may help you recognise the things that you are likely to be good at.

            Further information on Character Strengths can be found at http://www.viacharacter.org

             

            You can also take the free questionnaire to find out your own character strengths.

             

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            Janet Ingram

            Guidance Officer

            DEFENCE NEWS
            As we approach the middle of Term 2, preparations for upcoming events are underway.
            Coffee and Chat
            Save the Date: The next Coffee and Chat for Australian Defence Force (ADF) parents of RVSSC will be at 0900hrs on Friday 3 June 2022 at the Providence Splash and Play. Come and enjoy a free coffee from Forty West on me, meet other ADF parents of the school and enjoy a relaxing couple of hours of information, networking and general chit chat. The focus for this terms gathering will be:
            • the wellbeing of our ADF students, particularly those coping with parental absences and anxiety, 
            • highlighting the military lifestyle and the challenges it presents to ADF families, to the Colleges staff and broader community.

            Defence Week

            Term 3 will see RVSSC's first DEFENCE WEEK. From the 25-29 July, the Defence School Mentor Program will highlight the impact the military lifestyle has on families of the ADF. Along with some lunch time activities, there will be a visual display in the library featuring personal stories from Defence Force families, highlighting the challenges they face when posting into new locations or being away from their families on long deployments. There will also be information about operations our ADF are involved in, and some historical facts about the Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian Navy.

            DEFENCE WEEK will be a great opportunity for the wider school community to learn more about the role the ADF plays in our local community, nationally and internationally, as well as what is asked of the families who support our Defence members.

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            Tracey Cooper

            Defence School Mentor

            Ripley Valley State Secondary College

            Defence Member and Family Support
            Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608
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            Chaplain News

            Time has flown, I personally can't believe how quickly this term has gone. With all the public holidays I feel like momentum can start. 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

            Love Bites

            Myself and our Youth Worker Alicia will be delivering the Love Bites program to selected students in Week 9 & 10 of Term 3 and Week 1 & 2 of Term 4.

            What is Love Bites?

            Love Bites is a highly regarded program that aims to provide young people with a safe environment to examine, discuss and explore respectful relationships. The Program takes a strengths-based approach and views young people as active participants who are able to make choices for themselves and their relationships when supported with information and opportunity for skill development. Love Bites education is focused on three critical areas for learning; knowledge (youth-led collaborative learning, attitudes (critical thinking and decision-making) and behaviours (problem solving and communication skills). The overall aim of this program is to equip young people with the knowledge needed to have respectful relationships, encourage and develop their skills in critical thinking and assist them in being able to problem solve and communicate effectively. When equipped in these areas, we believe that young people can make the right choices for themselves and their relationships that are free from violence and abuse.

            Alicia and myself will be the facilitators of the sessions and have received specialised training in the Love Bites program. Alicia and I will also be available to provide support and assistance to students before, during and after each session if required.

            If you wish for your child to attend these workshops please send an email myself or Alicia (apick125@uq.edu.au). Once we have received your email we will be in touch with further information and a permission form.

            Youth Alive

            This past week the Youth Alive team came into RVSSC and played some music, games and more importantly cooked pancakes for our students.

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            Youth Alive is a Christian organisation that runs drug and alcohol free events for high school age students. Their next event is Tonight (20th of May) at 6:30pm at Cityhope Church in Ripley. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.

            Breakfast Club

            Breakfast Club, one of the extra-curricular programs of the school has started up again after COVID restrictions, floods and more. Breakfast Club will operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:15-8:45 am and it is entirely free. 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

            A program that the Chaplaincy Service is looking to start up this year is the mentoring program. The mentoring program will include community people who will spend 1 hour a week, 1 on 1 with a student within our community in an open space on the college grounds. 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.

            Chaplaincy Committee

            The Local Chaplaincy Committee is the supporting and guiding body behind the Chaplaincy Service helping shape it to meet the wellbeing of the school community here at RVSSC. If you would like to attend and be a part of the committee, we have our next meeting on Thursday the 11th of August at 4 pm here at the College.

            Take care

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            Kristian Atkins
            Chaplain
            Alicia Pickerill
            Youth Support Co-ordinator

            Welcome back sports fans,

            We are entering another busy period of sport. During this time, it is super important that we are encouraging our students to check the notices every morning and afternoon for any sport related notices – including changes to training timetables, coach absences etc. If a student wants to be in a team, it is vital that they are attending every training session. If they cannot attend a training session due to family commitments, they must let their coach know the morning of their training session. If a student misses three training sessions and no explaination has been provided by the parent, they may be asked to leave the team providing a spot for a student who is more committed.

            Athletics Day

            On the last day of Term 2 we are holding our annual Athletics Day event. This is being announced on assembly Monday with the dress up theme of the day. With record numbers attending and participating Cross Country this year, we hope to continue this trend moving into athletics. Students will nominate for the events prior to Athletics Day, however late nominations will be accepted on the day. Some events will take place in the days leading up to the carnival – before, after school and during lunch times. The events planned include:

            • Shotput
            • Javelin
            • Discus
            • Long Jump
            • 100m Sprint
            • 200m Sprint
            • 400m
            • 1500m
            • Relays

            If your child participates in athletics outside of school in an event not listed, please contact Justin Clifford for the opportunity to attend districts (For example: high jump).

            Vicki Wilson Cup

            On Wednesday 1st June (Week 7), we are sending our first competitive netball team, outside of the Yagera sport competition, to compete against both state and private schools. The girls have been training really hard for this competition and we wish them all the best.

            Street-smart AFLQ Competition

            Unfortunately, due to students not attending training, we have decided to cancel the AFL teams for this year. It is very important for students to be attending these training sessions and if we do not have the numbers, these competitions cannot go ahead.

            Ripley Athlete Development Program (RAD)

            RAD will start up again in Week 6 on a Wednesday afternoons.  RAD will run from 3pm on the oval.

            A huge thank you to the P&C for providing a grant to the sport team enabling us to get equipment for a gym at the school.

            If you have any fitness equipment that you would like to donate to the school, please contact Justin Clifford (jclif117@eq.edu.au) or James Dunn (jdunn232@eq.edu.au).

            Yagera Sport Winter Season

            Yagera sport is a competitive competition played in our district over a range of sports. The sports offered in the winter season include:

            Rugby League

            Netball

            Basketball

            Volleyball

            Football

            Year 8 Girls

            Year 7 Girls

            Year 10 Boys

            Year 7 Boys

            Year 8 Boys

            Year 10 Girls

            Year 8 Girls

             

            Year 8 Boys

            Year 10 Boys

            Year 8 Boys

            Year 9 Girls

             

            Year 9 Boys

            Year 8 Girls

            Year 10 Boys

            Year 10 Girls

             

            Year 10 Boys

            Year 10 Girls

            Trials are being run for this competition across Week 5 and 6 of this Term. If we do not get enough students attending trials, the team will be removed from the competition. It is important that students are wearing the correct gear when trialling for these sports. For example, Rugby League players must have a mouth guard and football boots. Our current training schedule is:

            Tuesday

            Before School:

            • Yagera Basketball

            After School:

            • Yagera 9 Boys volleyball
            • Vicki Wilson Netball
            • All football (Soccer)

            Wednesday

            After School

            • Yagera 7/8 Volley
            • Ms Roberts Volleyball Squad
            • RAD

            Thursday

            Before School:

            • Mr Duns Volleyball Squad
            • Mr Simmons Volleyball Squad

            After School

            • Yagera 10 Boys Volley
            • Yagera Rugby league

            Friday

            Before School:

            • RAD

            Lunch time

            • Yagera Netball Training

            As always, any questions related to sport please contact the sports coordinator Mr Justin Clifford (jclif117@eq.edu.au)

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            Justin Clifford

            Sports Co-ordination

            REMINDER - THE CANTEEN IS CASHLESS TERM 2!!!

            Online Ordering System for the Canteen 

            Just a reminder that the canteen is now 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.

            Your MSA ordering system can monitor purchases, set spending limits, inform of allergy alerts, check balances and top up student accounts? 

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            Claire Heffernan
            Chef

            Term Two

            Monday 23rd May

            Headspace Information Session for Year 7 students

            Friday 10th June

            Trial Day for Excellence Academies in Year 7, 2023

            Mon 13th June – Wed 15th June

            Year 10 Exam Block

            Thursday 16th June

            P&C Meeting 7:00pm – 8:00pm Community Hub

            Wednesday 22nd June

            Student Rewards Day

            Thursday 23rd June

            Report Cards issued via email to parents/carers

            Friday 24th June

            Athletics Carnival                         

            Last Day of Term 2

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            Monday  8.00am to 10.30am

            Tuesday 2.30pm to 5.00pm

            Thursday 2.30pm to 5.00pm      

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            SAFE AND RESPECTFUL SCHOOL COMMUNITIES 
            Your child, our student. One team.
             

            We all deserve respectful, safe and non-violent environments, so aggression and harassment of any kind—physical, verbal or otherwise—isn't acceptable.

            When you interact with school staff, remember we're all on the same team to support your child. We all have your child's best interests at heart, and the best way to achieve a positive learning experience is to work together.

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