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Dear Parents/Carers,
As we approach the end of Term 3, I have been encouraged to observe staff and students fulfilling our college motto of Achieving Excellence Together. I have witnessed students over the past few weeks actively seeking feedback on drafts, attending lunchtime tutoring sessions, after-school homework club and making sure they have submitted work on time and to the best of their ability. Despite the challenges and tiredness that we all often feel at this time of year, it is great to see our young people demonstrating these commendable qualities. As always, if you or your child are in need of assistance I encourage you to speak to our staff or student support team to help you through this busy season. We can't do everything alone and by working together we can achieve great results.
As this Term draws to a close, we are also in the final stages of planning for our Term 4 Awards Evening (Wednesday 19th October). Students have the opportunity over the coming weeks to nominate for a number of our college special awards and 2023 leadership positions. All students have been notified on parade and on student notices and I would encourage students interested in these special awards/ leadership positions to nominate as soon as possible. The Awards night is a fantastic evening where we celebrate the successes and milestones of our college throughout 2022. Further information on this event will be distributed in the near future.
Once again, thank you for partnering with us in your child's educational journey.
Yours Sincerely,
Brendan Krueger
Foundation Principal
Term 3 Interim Report Cards
All students are currently completing assessment that will contribute towards their Term 3 Interim Report Cards. Reports will be issued to parents via an automated email on Friday 16th September.
If you have recently changed your email address, please ensure that you provide new contact details prior to this date by email to
administration@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
If your child has experienced extenuating circumstances leading into assessment and is having difficulties managing their time, they can apply for an extension via the online forms (links below).
Year 7 Extensions: https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/250
Year 8 Extensions: https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/251
Year 9 Extensions: https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/252
Year 10 Extension: https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/253
Completion of these forms sends a notification to the relevant Year Level Head of Department, who will process the application and advise the student, parent/carer and relevant teachers of the outcome of the application.
Emily Prenzler
As Term 3 draws to a close, a range of preparations are being made for the year ahead. Subject selections have now been completed for Years 8, 9 and 10 and applications are open for student leadership positions in 2023. Nominations are also open for Special Awards which will be presented at our Awards Evening - held at the College on Wednesday 19th October from 6:30pm. Further information on these nominations can be found below:
Student Leadership Applications:
Applications are now open for Student Leadership positions in 2023. These include:
- Year Level Representatives for the Student Representative Council (SRC)
- Senior and Junior College Captains and Vice-Captains
- Senior and Junior House Captains
All applicants must complete the Student Leadership Application task that has been put on Daymap by Mr Lynn. All applications will be assessed based on a range of criteria that are linked to the school’s values of:
Respect, Responsibility and Perseverance.
Applications close at 11:59pm on 9th September, 2022.
Student Leadership Development Program:
All current school leaders and mentors have been invited to participate in the RVSSC Leadership Development Day on Tuesday, 13th September (Week 10), from 9am to 11:45am in the Lecture Theatre. This program will build on students’ leadership knowledge and skill-set. Topics include:
- Leadership Styles
- Time management
- Team-building
- Communication skills
Student Special Awards for 2022:
Nominations are also open for the Student Special Awards for 2022. These will be presented at the Awards Night on Wednesday 19th October. Currently there are 8 special awards that students can nominate themselves for – students can also nominate for more than one. These include:
- P&C Citizenship Award (Junior & Senior)
- College Culture Award
- Federal Member for Blair Leadership Award (Junior & Senior)
- Innovation Award
- College Wellbeing Champion Award (Junior & Senior)
To nominate students must complete a written application based on a range of criteria. This application can be accessed through the following link:
https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/50
Term 3 Rewards Day Trip:
Invitations recently went out to all students who met the criteria for our Term 3 Rewards Day Trip on the 14th September, 2022. Student will be travelling to and from Orion Springfield by bus. At Orion, students will watch a movie (Sonic the Hedgehog 2), followed by an opportunity to go shopping or visit the Orion Lagoon. The cost is $20 per student and a limit of 200 spots are available. To confirm a spot permission notes must be completed and finances paid.
2022 Student Resource Scheme (SRS)
The SRS payment is now overdue, if you have not finalised your SRS invoices (including elective subject fees for year 10) please make payment via one of the following methods.
Please note that non payment will result in the students individual laptop being collected. Your student will need to backup their data onto Onedrive as the laptop will be wiped and returned to the school fleet of computers. Families with outstanding fees will be notified via email commencing next week.
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.
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).
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
Michelle Mills
Business Manager
As we approach the end of Term 3, we have a few important dates that the students and staff will be participating in.
Wednesday 7th September - R U OK Day - A conversation can change a life!
Inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around you and start a conversation with those who may be struggling with life.
You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.
Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:
- Ask R U Ok?
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
Week 10 is Disability Action Week
On Monday 12th September we will have Robert Paino from Mission Australia speak at our school assembly about Disability Action Week. Robert is an above knee amputee who lost his leg to bone cancer when he was just 16 years old. His inspiring and personal story will hopefully encourage the students at Ripley Valley State Secondary College and teach them perseverance regardless of a disability.
This week will also see a number of our Physical Education classes participate in activities slightly different. Classes will play wheel chair basketball, blind folded volleyball and basketball with headphones on.
Disability action week raises awareness of how we can all play a role in raising awareness of disability issues and improve access and inclusion throughout the wider community.
In Support Services you will find:| Head of Department Inclusion | Jamei Pertzel |
| Guidance Officer | Janet Ingram |
| Speech and Language Pathologist | Nicole Anderson |
| Inclusion Coordinator (Coach) | Taletha Champs |
| Chaplain | Kristian Atkins |
| Defence School Mentor | Tracy Cooper |
| Youth Support Worker | Alicia Pickerill |
| Support Services Administrator | Rachael Pratt |
| Industry Liasion Officer | Marnie George |
Jamei Pertzel
Acting Head of Inclusion
Jamei-Ann Pertzel
Phone: 3819 5319
Email: jpert2@eq.edu.au
Students are required to self-nominate via the link below:
https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/50
These will be presented at the upcoming Awards Night on Wednesday 19th October 2022.
HOD - Junior Schooling
Successful student applicants will spend one day per week, over an agreed period of weeks attending a work placement within the following industry areas depending on host availability:
- Building & Construction (Carpentry, Bricklayer, Cabinet Maker, Plumber, Plasterer, Tiler, Painter & Decorator)
- Engineering (Boilermaker, Fitter & Turner, Sheet Metal Worker)
- Automotive (Light/Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, Diesel Fitter, Panel Beater)
- Dental (Dental Assistant, Dental Technician, Business Administration)
Todd Robson
Head of Department - Senior Schooling - Technology
ASSESSMENT! ASSESSMENT! ASSESSMENT!
We are in the peak assessment period across the English, Humanities and Languages faculties. Encouraging students to prioritise tasks and seek support early will help reduce the stress and anxiety that often increases at this time.
A reminder that English Homework Club is open every first break to support all students.
Since our last newsletter, 30 students from all year levels participated in the Cancer Council's Write a Book in a Day competition. Our three teams spent 12 hours on Friday 12th August, planning, writing, editing, illustrating, and publishing a book for the Children's Hospital Online Library. Not only did students use their creative writing and editing skills, they learned valuable lessons about team work, resilience and perseverance. Congratulations to all students involved, and a special thank you to Ms Champs for her organisation of this event.
Welcome spring and goodbye Week 8! As we approach the end of Week 8 I want to commend all staff, student and caregivers on their effort, perseverance and resilience as we are in the thick of assessment time. The majority of students should have now completed their maths exams for this term and I want to recognise the efforts of their teachers in preparing them, giving up extra time before school or at lunch to tutor. I also want to commend the effort of our students for showing up and trying their best. Teaching and learning will continue up until the last day of Term, so attendance and engagement is always expected as we prepare for Term 4.
A couple of notices from the Math faculty ahead of Term 4:
- Not prepared for class - we are seeing an increasing amount of students who are arriving to class unprepared for learning. Every lesson students must have a charged laptop, scientific calculator, diary, notebook and stationery. This is to ensure we can limit distractions at the start of the lesson and students can keep their notes organised across the term.
- UQ LYLAC project - if you have read previous newsletters you will know we are working with researchers from UQ this year to further enhance our inclusive practices in the Math faculty. We are so excited to be hosting UQ this week for our first round of coaching, observations and feedback. Parents of students in 9A have received an email and consent form to complete. Please ensure this is returned by COB Tuesday 6th September.
Tess Reeves
HoD Mathematics
As we race towards the end of Term 3, the science team has been busy with National Science Week (15th-19th August), as well as investigations in Years 7-9 in association with their assessment. Our wonderful senior teachers have also started to draft the units of work for our senior Year 11 subjects in 2023 which are Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Psychology.
During Science Week, students created fog rings and vortexes, utilised the power of mirrors to create kaleidoscopes and observed the energy water has under pressure as water rockets took flight during lunch breaks. The week ended with the annual watermelon explosion demonstration which took 116 rubber bands to destroy the watermelon.
As we head towards the end of Term, students are finalising their assessment across various grades, which for most was based around experimenting and justifying how changing a variable improves the outcome. Year 7’s designed their own balloon-powered or mousetrap cars which were then built and tested as a prototype to see how far they could go. They were then allowed to change one part of their car, resulting in a further distance (hopefully).
Our Year 8 students also conducted multiple physics experiments, based around designing, creating and then testing Rube Goldberg machines. Through their experimentation, students described the different types of energy being used and how it was transferred or transformed from one object to another.
The Year 9 classes investigated which salt would be best to create an exothermic reaction (release of energy) and endothermic reaction (absorption of energy) which was then used to investigate the effectiveness of salts to create cold packs.
Year 10 core students completed their rates of reaction experimental investigation for the Term and have started their new unit looking at motion and calculating speed, velocity and acceleration.
Our Year 10 Science Foundation students are wrapping up their investigation into DNA and have their exam scheduled in Week 9.
Our Extension Psychology class is busy delving into how the brain works, collating results for their investigation.
Finally, our Extension Chemistry class has been balancing chemical equations and investigating reaction types, as well as acid/base reactions, which can be seen below. The class begins their investigation this week and will submit their findings and report early Term 4.
A reminder that all assessment information can be found within Daymap and it is important to remind students that all assessments should be uploaded to Daymap as well. If, for any reason, your student 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.
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.
Tim Barclay
Acting Head of Department - Science
high risk practical workshop curriculum activity. Such experiences provide opportunities to introduce students to the concept of risk management and safe work practices.
Naturally, it is essential that all ITD staff are fully conversant with the management of safety in their workplace and that they carefully plan curriculum activities. To ensure the quality of safety education in ITD subjects, which comes under the Design and Technologies Department at Ripley Valley State Secondary College,
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) procedures that are linked closely to those of Industry practices have been implemented.
Lorinda Stiles
HoD Creative Industries
lstil21@eqeduu.au
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 their upcoming assessment period.
Year 7 students are heading into their examination period where they will complete the Personal Identities during Theory and Modified AFL during Prac.
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 the students will switch. During theory, students have been learning about Diversity and Inclusion and how the College can better provide accessibility and make recommendations to Mr Krueger to allows 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 Sports Marketing and Netball assessment which will conclude at the end of this Term.
Year 10 Health students have been exploring homelessness. In particular they have focussed on the factors that contribute to youth homelessness and statistics on Homelessness in Queensland. They have explored support services in the Ipswich Community and have participated in the Blankets for Brisbane initiative which collects blankets to donate to the homeless. Well done to the Year 10 Team.
If you have any questions regarding what is happening within your child's HPE class, please make contact with their Teacher:
Year 7 HPE Curriculum Co-ordinator: Mr. Ben Sharma (bkshak0@eq.edu.au) & Miss. Christie McKendry (clmck1@eq.edu.au)
Year 8 HPE Curriculum Co-ordinator: Mrs. Keesha Nugent (klnug1@eq.edu.au)
Year 9 HPE Curriculum Co-ordinator: Mr. Justin Clifford (jclif117@eq.edu.au)
Year 9 HSE Curriculum Co-ordinator: Mr. James Dunn (jdunn232@eq.edu.au)
Year 10 Sport and Rec Curriculum Co-ordinator: Mr. James Dunn (jdunn232@eq.edu.au)
Year 10 Health Curriculum Co-ordinator: Miss. Christie McKendry (clmck1@eq.edu.au)
Yours in sport,
Device "Health Checks"
Commencing in Week 10 as part of our Device Maintenance schedule, the technical team at Ripley Valley State Secondary College will be collecting student devices between the 12th September and 13th October 2022, and completing a health check on all devices. The health check will consist of:
- Checking for any damages that have not been reported to have fixed via Warranty (where possible), or through Accidental Damage insurance (Excess costs listed below).
- Checking that students have and are using the required laptop case.
- Checking students have the RVSSC sticker on their laptop, and their laptop is labelled correctly with all required cataloguing stickers still intact.
- Ensuring device is running at optimal levels, and re-imaging where needed.
As per the laptop agreement, if damage is found on the device or students are missing their RVSSC stickers &/or laptop cases, parents will receive notification of this, damage fixed and lost items replaced. An invoice sent to effected families as per the prices listed below:
ITEM / DESCRIPTION COST
- Insurance Excess - 1st damage in 12 months $50
- Insurance Excess - 2nd Damage in 12 months $100
- Insurance Excess - 3rd Damage in 12 months Cost of full repair (Quote will be provided)
- Damage to school bank laptop (Hot Swap) Cost of parts + $50 labour fee
- Laptop Case (7-9) $45
- Laptop Case (10) $70
- Replacement Charger $35
The schedule for the device health checks is below.
YEAR LEVEL DROP OFF PICK UP
- Year 9 Monday 12th September, Tuesday 13th September
- Year 10 Wednesday 14th September, Thursday 15th September
- Year 8A - 8C Tuesday 4th October, Wednesday 5th October
- Year 8D - 8F Thursday 6th October, Friday 7th October
- Year 7A - 7D Monday 10th October, Tuesday 11th October
- Year 7E - 7H Wednesday 12th October, Thursday 13th October
Please advise us at tech@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au if you know that your child will not be at school when their year level is completing their health checks so alternate arrangements can be made. Similarly, if you know of issues with your child’s laptop that has not been reported please advise our team so we can ensure issues are rectified.
Todd Robson
Head of Department - Senior Schooling - Technology
R U OK? Day - Thursday 8th September
R U OK? is a national charity dedicated to inspiring all of us to have regular, meaningful conversations to support anyone struggling with life’s ups and downs.
Due to the Student Representative Council being involved in activities off site on the Thursday, we will celebrate R u Ok Day on Wednesday 7th September. Activities organised by staff and SRC will include a cupcake sale and gratitude rock painting.
Staff will be asked to wear something yellow to remind each other about taking the time to check in on each other.
Click here to visit the R U Ok websitehttps://www.ruok.org.au/
Holiday Workshops for High Achieving Students.
High Achieving Year 7 and 8 students in Maths, Science and Humanities were sent home invitations last week to participate in BRAINways education workshops in the September Holidays. BRAINways EDUCATION programs provide opportunities for highly able and gifted students and are tailored for their special educational needs. Students will need the invitation letter to participate and the link is below. Places are very limited.
https://registration.brainways.com.au/quest-brisbane/
Janet Ingram
Guidance Officer
Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration
On Thursday 18th August, communities around the country paused to honour the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam Veterans.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day is commemorated on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. It marks a day when our Australian troops fought one of their fiercest battles of the Vietnam War.
However, when the fighting was over, our Veterans returned to divisive Australia, only to face a different and undeserved battle. At home they were shunned by their fellow Australians due to the political and social unrest of that time. The casualties of the Vietnam War would come long after the battle were over.
Others persevered, with their uniforms and medals locked away, they displayed a resilience we can only imagine. Their service to Australia did not stop when they stepped off the battlefield. Many went on to become teachers, farmers, business people, social workers and much more. In doing so, they helped to shape the Lucky Country we have come to enjoy in our lifetime.
Fifty-six years later, Australians now gather to honour, not only those who fought and died in battle but also those who showed courage, perseverance and resilience in the face of so much hostility from their own countrymen upon their return to home.
Lest We Forget.
Ripley Valley SSC was represented at the Vietnam Veterans Commemoration by two of our Year 10 ADF students. Jackson Sheen (Defence Peer Mentor) and Sebastian Nunn laid a wreath on behalf of the College at the Cenotaph of the Soldiers Memorial Hall in Ipswich. It is always a privilege to be able to represent the college and to have students who display respect, maturity and integrity during these sombre occasions. It was a very proud moment both for both Mr Krueger and myself, who were also in attendance.
Defence Student Mascot
This week we have welcomed a new addition to the Ripley Valley SSC Defence School Mentor Program.
Amberley the Koala is our official Defence Student Mascot. She will play a pivotal role in connecting our ADF students (especially those new to RVSSC) to the College and also help give them a better understanding of their Defence members role in the ADF.
Amberley will be able to spend time with our Defence families, experiencing what life is like both at home (during times when their family member is away) and also with the Defence member at work. Stories of her adventures will be delivered back to the Defence School Mentor via a journal. All the information collated will be ready to share with staff and students in a PowerPoint at the end of the year.
The program also aims to help promote a better understanding for the staff of RVSSC of military life, and some of the unique challenges ADF families face, especially during times of deployments, exercises and postings.
In between adventures, Amberley will hang out with me and the students at the Defence Club. She is always up for a photo opportunity!
Defence Club
Defence Club is held at second break in J2.07 (J Block, next to Student Services) every Wednesday and Friday.
Defence Club is a chill out zone for ADF students. It is a place where ADF students can make connections with other ADF students in the school, form friendship groups and seek support during times of distress (particularly during parental absences of postings).
Games, music, and quick crafts are also available.
Defence School Mentor
For more information on the Defence School Mentor Program at RVSSC, please contact Tracey Cooper at tcoop203@eq.edu.au or call 3819 5333
DMFS SUPPORT
For more information on the Defence School Mentor Program you can head to:
https://defence.gov.au/members-families/Family/kids/education.asp
To contact the Defence School Mentor:
Wednesday and Friday 0800 - 1400hrs
Email: tcoop203@eq.edu.au
Phone : 0436 944 525
Tracey Cooper
Defence School Mentor
Ripley Valley State Secondary College
Chaplain News
I seriously can't believe how quickly this term has gone and what a term it has been.
Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club continues to operate on Tuesdays' & Wednesday's from 8:15am until Access. If this is something that you want to help out with please contact me.
Love Bites
The Love Bites Program begins next Wednesday in period 4 (7th of September) and will be facilitated by myself and Alicia our Youth Worker.
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.
If your child has been selected please check your emails for the permission form and find the latest schedule:
Wed 7th of Oct period 4
Wed 5th of Oct period 4
Mon 17th of Oct period 1
Wed 26th of Oct period 4
Spiritual Support
One of my roles as Chaplain is to provide spiritual support. One of the ways I do this is to connect students to a local youth group. If you feel as a parent that this is something your child needs, please contact me and I will find local youth groups that are around where you reside.
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=spring
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Term 3 |
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Thursday 8th September |
Year 8 Leadership Day with YLead |
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Thursday 15th September |
P&C Meeting - 7:00pm - Community Hub |
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Thursday 15th September |
Report Cards issued via email to parents/carers |
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Friday 16th September |
Student Rewards Afternoon |
Last Day of Term 2 |
Monday 8.00am to 10.30am
Tuesday 2.30pm to 5.00pm
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.
