Dear Parents/Carers, 

Welcome back to Term 3 and the joys of winter with shorter days and cooler nights.  Around this time every year, I like to take a moment to reflect on our Colleges' progress and achievements so far.  In fact, at the start of each term, all of our teaching staff and leadership team take time to reflect on our progress, analyse our key data results and plan and take action to ensure that our priorities and goals are on track.  

This week, we looked at our Semester 1 reporting data, student attendance data and students effort and behaviour data.  Overwhelmingly, it was pleasing to see the great progress many individuals and cohort groups had made in these vital areas.  Equally pleasing, was the visible pride staff have shown through their efforts and actions to see students improve.  I know that not all students will achieve academic success, but character traits like effort, behaviour and regular attendance are proven keys to better outcomes and opportunities for students later in life.  I thank all parents/carers for their partnership with us to ensure that their child does the best they can while at school. I encourage you to speak with any classroom teachers or support staff if you have concerns.

This term we are undertaking significant planning and preparation for our first cohort of Year 12's in 2024 and also our first five years of schooling.  Plans are under-way to celebrate these significant milestones and further information will be shared over the coming weeks and months. 

The Stage 3 building works for the building in of further classrooms under J block and the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) are well under way and I look forward to J block being completed for the start of 2024 and the PAC for mid next year. 

As always I encourage parents to contact the College if you have any questions or concerns and I look forward to meeting many of you at the upcoming Parent Teacher interview night.  

Yours Sincerely,

Brendan Krueger

Foundation Principal

Welcome back to all students and families for Term 3.

While in many grades Term 3 sees the start of the new semester, for our Year 11 students they have been busy working on their Unit 2 studies since Week 8 of last term. We wish them all the best for this unit and encourage them to keep working towards their goals.

QCE Reviews

At the end of last term QCE reviews were held for our Year 11 students. These meetings provided a great opportunity for students and parents/carers to meet with a member of our school leadership and discuss student progress. These meetings were able to focus primarily on congratulating students on their success in Unit 1 and provide some strategies for small areas of improvement.

From these meetings students were able to reflect on their progress and begin to immediately put their action plan to work as they started Unit 2. I wish students all the best as they continue on their senior schooling pathway and look forward to celebrating their continued success.

Assessment reminders

As part of the school assessment policy, it is imperative that students are adhering to assessment due dates. As per QCAA guidelines, the school is only able to use evidence that is submitted by the student on or before the due date (submitted drafts or final tasks).

If a student does not submit any work for an assessment or do not attend an exam on the due date, they will receive a not rated (NR) and not receive a subject result for that unit of work. This will impact on a student’s academic progress and their QCE eligibility.

For these reasons it is important that students and parents do not plan any absences during the school term and are aware of when all assessment items are due. If a student is unable to complete their assessment task or an exam due to an illness or emergent issue, they are required to complete the AARA (illness and misadventure) request and attached the QCAA confidential medical report form.

Student Drivers and Passengers

During the senior years of schooling many of our students become drivers and start driving themselves to school. Whilst this is a significant and exciting time for our young people it is critical that we know who they are. 

Therefore, we request that if you have a student driver that you access the Student Driver Permission form and complete with your student and submit as soon as possible. This is to ensure the safety of your student.

It is also important that as parents/guardians you understand that we have a duty of care for all our students and that your son or daughter does not drive other students in their car without the prior appropriate permissions. Once again this is to protect the wellbeing of all of our students. If your child will be transporting other students, it is important that the Permission to be Transported by a Student Driver form is completed by all passengers and their parents/carers.

We would also like to remind all parents that students are not permitted to leave the school grounds without written permission from parents provided to Administration. It is not acceptable for students to leave the school grounds at any time during the day to get 'things' from their cars.

As a school we appreciate any support and reinforcement of these expectations from parents/guardians. Thank you for your ongoing support in this area.

If you have any questions about students driving, please contact Mr Todd Robson - Deputy Principal.

Todd Robson

Deputy Principal - Year 11 - Pathways & Partnerships

trobs20@eq.edu.au

Welcome back to Term 3! There are a lot of events happening in the Junior Secondary world, most importantly our final Excellence Academy Trial Day, Year 9 PPP Meetings and End of Term Rewards Day.

Year 9 PPP:

A reminder that all Year 9 students will endure their scheduled PPP meeting with a member of the College Leadership Team/Executive Team as their case manager. Important information can be seen below:

• where: J Block Level 2
• when: Wednesday 26th July (Week 3)
• what to bring: completed PPP booklet and signed year 10 student agreement form
• time: booked Daymap meeting time
  
  

If you are still yet to book your PPP meeting or are in need of assistance, please send me an email and I can best navigate this for you. A reminder these meetings are compulsor for your child to complete the transition in Year 10 2024.

Dance Academy:

We are looking for dancers who are keen to be a part of our 2024 Dance Academy program in either years 7, 8 or 9. Our last trial day for Dance Academy is coming up on Friday 8th September (week 9). This will be your final chance to audition for our Dance Academy program. The EOI for this process will open shortly so please stay tuned to our socials for this.

We understand that the trial process may be daunting so if you are currently at RVSSC in years 7 or 8 then we will be holding some fun "come and try" sessions for those students who are considering signing up for our week 9 trial date. During these sessions you will get to learn a jazz routine that is at the standard of our Academy program. "Come and try" will run on Mondays at second break in the dance room (J111) from weeks 2 - 4. Students are welcome to come along to all sessions or just one! If you would like some more information about the Dance Academy program then please see Miss Starkey, Miss Doorley or Mr Dunn.

IMPORTANT DATES: 

• Week 2-4 Monday second break: Come and Try Jazz routine
• Week 9 Friday: Academy Trial Day

Ignite Academy:

Students from the Year 7 and 8 Ignite Program have had a highly successful end to Term 2 with the completion of the Reimagine Swanbank project alongside CleanCo Queensland.

The students have been involved in the project since Term 1 and have presented their ideas on the future of the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub to the CleanCo team. During the end of Term 2, four students participated in the community panel on behalf of the Ignite classes to develop a masterplan for the precinct. Another 5 students presented the work completed by the Ignite class to the 30 community members. It was wonderful to see the change in conversation as the students brought a new perspective to the panel with their innovative ideas.

The masterplan has been released to the panel and we are looking forward to sharing the results of our work with the wider community over the next few months. Congratulations to all students involved - your work is having a meaningful impact on the community. Particular thanks to Nash, Gracelyn, Ewan and Sameera for giving up three weekends to work with the panel, and to Athish, Leilia, Irene, Campbell and Antonette for presenting our work to the panels.

We were also lucky enough to present at the recent Sustainability and Science Schools Showcase hosted by the Chief Scientist of Queensland. Brooklyn, Hannah, Tatia and Kanishka presented to other schools and teachers on a range of sustainability projects that our Ignite program has been working on. This was a huge task and the students did an incredible job representing our school, program and their classmates' fantastic work. 

Football Academy:

Students in the Football Academy have three match days remaining. Below are details of the remaining fixtures below. Match day emails with fixture details and team lists be sent out in the week leading in to each matchday. Please look out for an email from Mr. Sharma bksha0@eq.edu.au 

Round 7

• Balmoral SHS @ Balmoral SHS – Thursday, 10 August
• Teams – All
• Travel – Bus provided

Round 8

• Robina SHS @ Springfield United FC – Wednesday, 16 August
• Teams – All
• Travel – Students find their own way to and from venue

Round 9

• Pimpama SSC @ Springfield United FC – Thursday, 24 August
• Teams – All except Senior Girls
• Travel – Students find their own way to and from venue

Excellence Academies:

Our third and final Excellence Trial will take place on Friday 8th September with registrations opening in Week 2. Please also complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) for enrolment at the same time. If you have any questions, please email: excellence@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au.

Head of Department - Junior Schooling & HPE - Year 7A to 7D

jdunn232@eq.edu.au 

2023 Student Resource Scheme (SRS) 

Thank you to those families who have already made payments or set up payment plans.

For those families who are paying the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) in instalments, the 3rd and final instalment is due Friday 4th August.

3rd Instalment payment amount

• • Year 7, 8 and 9 $225
  • Year 10 $165 + electives
  • Year 11 $162 + electives

Statements will be emailed to all families next week. Please note that if you are making regular payments and have a payment plan, these statements are intended for you to track your progress only, no action is required.

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.

Phone payments using Credit/Debit card – Call 1300 631 073 Option 2. You will need your Customer Reference Number (CRN) and Invoice Number from the bottom left corner of your invoice.

In person at the office– The payment window will be open for EFTPOS, cash or cheque payments Monday to Friday 8am – 12pm (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 date you want the payments to start and how often you would like the payments made e.g. weekly ($27.00 over 25 weeks) or fortnightly ($56.25 over 12 fortnights).

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

Michelle Mills

Business Manager

Parent Access to Daymap

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

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

To have your password reset, or for any other log in issues with Daymap please email the IT team on:

tech@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au 

School Laptop Expectations - Being prepared for learning

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 

Todd Robson

Deputy Principal - Year 11 - Pathways & Partnerships

trobs20@eq.edu.au

Welcome back to term 3 RVSSC community. I hope you all had a relaxing time with your family and friends. This term we welcome Mrs Sebastian to the maths faculty. She will be taking over Ms Gordon’s classes. We are excited to welcome her to our teaching team.

Students are being invited to nominate themselves to participate in the Australian Mathematics Competition. This competition is a 75 minutes online, exam style challenge that will challenge their critical thinking skills against general numeracy components. If your child wishes to be involved, they need to register their interest by seeing Mr Goraya at the College by Wednesday 19th July, Week 2 of the term.

Year 9 students and parents/carers will be doing PPP interviews later this term. Maths department is offering specialist mathematics (must be done in conjunction with maths methods), maths methods, general maths and essential maths in year 10. Please see PPP booklet sent out by Mr Dunn for the pre-requisites to select these subjects.

Year 10 students and parents/carers will also be involved in the SET-P process to choose subjects for year 11. Maths department is offering all the senior maths subjects i.e. specialist mathematics (must be done in conjunction with maths methods), maths methods, general maths and essential maths. Please check the SET-P booklet for pre-requisites.

We look forward to another exciting term and wish all our students the best as they get back in to the learning routines within all their classes.

General Notices:

• Mathematics tutoring is available every week. Tuesday at 1st break and Thursday at 2nd break in CG01. All students are welcome. 
• All students should be prepared for class, every lesson by bringing a scientific calculator, notebook, stationary and a charged laptop. Please support your students to be prepared for learning to ensure we can maximise our teaching & learning time. 

Haranoop Singh Goraya

Acting Head of Department - Mathematics - Year 9A to 9D

hsgor0@eq.edu.au 

Ellen Grant

Head of Department - Science - Year 8F to 8I 

egran55@eq.edu.au

Cecilia Hall

Head of Department - Humanities and Languages - Year 9E to 9G

chall213@eq.edu.au

Japanese

Year 7 have started a new unit called itadakimasu, which introduces them to Japanese food, including the importance of its presentation and Japanese dining etiquette. To learn their new vocabulary, Fridays will be spent on creating some group roleplays! They also are able to enter their 3 minute videos to the Video Matsuri for the Japan Foundation.

The Year 8 Japanese students recently attended the Consulate-General of Japan in Brisbane City where they were provided with an exciting opportunity to learn about Careers using Japanese language, and a hands-on experience with Japanese food and wearing the traditional clothes. The students tried on Japanese yukata and happi. They had a traditional lunch of teppanyaki and were highly entertained and in awe of the skills of the talented chef. The students are now currently collecting the photos and small videos to create a montage. They shopped briefly at Daiso to gather some decorations for their bento boxes. We are grateful to Andrew at the Consulate-General for his engaging and informative talk and presentation.

              

Year 9 have started their new topic on leisure activities. They will learn to create invitations and plan for their excursion about tourism at Movie World on the Wednesday 9^th August. The intercultural and cultural aspects of this topic leads the students to explore leisure activities which families and young people in Japan enjoy; and discover popular places that families and teenagers go to hang out in Japan. This ties in perfectly with the trip to Japan and their wish lists!

Year 8 and Year 9 are also excited to create video entries for the Video Matsuri!

Georgina Wellwood

Japanese Teacher

gawel0@eq.edu.au

Welcome back to Term 3! We have a big term coming up with lots of events for our Performing Arts students. Our junior classes (Years 7-9) have now changed their rotation in electives for Semester 2 so we look forward to welcoming our new classes into Dance, Drama and Music. The Performing Arts not only teaches subject specific content but a variety of life skills such as; leadership, empathy, critical thinking, technology, confidence, communication, global citizenship, collaboration, connection and creativity. We encourage all of our Performing Arts students to give it a go, try their best and have fun whilst engaging in Dance, Drama or Music.

DANCE

Our Dance Teams have two eisteddfods coming up this term. The Ipswich Performers Dance Festival and the Lockyer District Dancing Festival. In our curriculum classes our students will study two strands of making and responding where our students get to experience performance, theory and choreography.

DANCE ACADEMY

We are looking for dancers who are keen to be a part of our 2024 Dance Academy program in either years 7, 8 or 9. Our last trial day for Dance Academy is coming up on Friday 8th September (Week 9). This will be your final chance to audition for our Dance Academy program. The EOI for this process will open shortly so please stay tuned to our socials for this.  

We understand that the trial process may be daunting.  If you interested in trialing for the Academy in Week 9, we will be holding some fun "come and try" sessions for those students in Year's 7 to Year 9. During these sessions you will get to learn a jazz routine that is at the standard of our Academy program. "Come and try" will run on Mondays at second break in the dance room (J111) from Weeks 2 - 4. Students are welcome to come along to all sessions or just one! If you would like some more information about the Dance Academy program then please see Miss Starkey, Miss Doorley or Mr Dunn.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Week 2 - 4 Monday second break: Come and Try Jazz routine

Week 9 Friday: Academy trial day

DRAMA

Our Drama Troupe is extending their creativity and improvisation skills into the original comedic style of Commedia dell' Arte.

In our curriculum classes, our students will study a range of dramatic styles through the strands of making, performing and responding. This variety of task types engages our students in devising theatre, performing and analysing whilst Drama students grow their skills in confidence, collaboration and critical thinking, all of which will help them in future pathways.

MUSIC

This term we welcome a new class of Year 9 students who will begin learning the fundamentals of music reading, performing and creating! Senior music has begun examining how social, political and cultural identities can be communicated through music in both a modern and historical context. Our ATAR students have begun planning their projects while In Practice is developing their performance craft to communicate their own identity through music.

Instrumental Music is back in full swing preparing for the Bingo Night performances next Saturday! All of the students are working hard to perfect their performances and we hope to see you all at the event. Semester 2 also welcomes a number of new students to the instrumental program and existing beginners moving into one or more ensembles. In all cases students have been enthusiastic and keen to explore their own skills within our program.

CREATIVE GENERATION

Our CGEN team have been busily rehearsing throughout the holidays, finalising their vocal numbers and dance items. Our dance and musical theatre cast participated in two blocking days at the start of the holidays, while our vocalist got ready with sound checks. This has culminated with shows this week July 13th - 15th at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. All students and staff involved are excited, and looking forward to the shows.  Photos of the show will be in the next newsletter, as well as on our school social media.

SHOWCASE

Showcase preparations are well underway and all of our student performers should now know what items they will be in. Permission forms and information letters will be going home by the end of week 2. A list of important dates and rehearsals can also be found below. Remember to put October 13th in your calendar for our annual Showcase event!


IMPORTANT DATES:

Saturday 26th August DANCE rehearsal 8am - 12pm

Thursday 7th September FINALE rehearsal 3pm - 5pm

Thursday 5th October TECH RUN 3pm - 5pm

Saturday 7th October FULL CAST rehearsal 8am - 12pm

Thursday 12th October REHEARSAL TBC 3pm - 5pm

Friday 13th October DRESS REHEARSAL 8.45am - 2.45pm

Friday 13th October SHOWCASE! Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6pm start

BINGO NIGHT

The RVSSC P&C and Music Department are teaming up for an exciting new event in week 2 this term!

Christmas in July Bingo Night.

Tickets include 15 games of bingo, 1 dabber and table savoury/sweet platters.

The Vocal Ensemble, Stage Band and other small music groups will be performing throughout the night for your entertainment, with funds going towards performance uniforms for these music groups.

Dress up, decorate your table and enjoy a night of drinks, bingo, music and laughs!

CERTIFICATE COURSES

Next year we are introducing the Certificate II in Dance! This pathway qualification provides individuals technical skills and knowledge to prepare for work in the live performance industry. The qualification is designed for those with a foundational level of lyrical, jazz or ballet dance techniques. Students may have experience in amateur performances, community events, or have attended dance classes. They will be at the beginning of their career developing performance skills in various genres with job prospects as a trainee dance performer in the industry. The Certificate II in Dance will have a large focus on practical skills and some theoretical knowledge in a defined context. Students will incorporate artistic expression and expressive techniques in performances for audiences. All students completing this Certificate will be required to perform live at eisteddfods as a representative team for RVSSC. For more information about this new subject, please email Miss Doorley at ddoor4@eq.edu.au

In 2024, we will be introducing the Certificate III Community Dance, Theatre and Events. It is a flexible arts subject that covers a broad range of jobs and skills in the creative industries. This certificate covers Dance, Music and Drama at an industry level and the course is tailored to the individual.

Students may dance, sing, act, compose music, play an instrument, write scripts, design lighting, sound or sets; choreograph or direct. Students will hone their chosen craft, while working together on performance events. Students will be responsible for the creation, ticketing and marketing of their annual event. This may be a showcase of their combined skills, a play, a charity fundraising performance or a musical. From the budgeting and costuming to the food and venue, the possibilities for their events are endless.

Each cohort of students makes these choices with the guidance of their teacher and through experiences with outside industry professionals. Through this course, students grow as individual entrepreneurial artists while learning to work collaboratively on events.

The skills gained in their own craft, knowledge of event management and networking make this certificate a great choice for any student looking to turn their passion for performance into transferable and employable skills. For more information about this new subject, please email Miss O'Neill at

krone0@eq.edu.au

EXTRA - CURRICULAR

We offer many extra-curricular groups in the Performing Arts across Dance, Drama, Music and Instrumental Music. Students enter these groups via audition.  For those students who may have an interest in the Performing Arts but are not quite ready to trial for a team, we will be offering fun "come and try" activities across the Term at lunch times. Keep an eye on notices for these events.

Below is a copy of our extra-curricular training schedule. 

Jessica Starkey

Head of Department - Performing Arts

Head of Year 7E to 7H

jxsta12@eq.edu.au

Welcome to semester 2 of 2023, this year we have some exciting, fun projects to push students creative and critical thinking, we are excited to share the journey with students, parents and careers.

Year 7, 8 and 9 students who are new to our elective classes this term, will be required to sign an activity consent form.

In our subject students have the opportunities to learn new skills using a wide range of tools and equipment. Including 3D Printers, Laser Cutter, Kiln, Cameras, Greenroom, CAD Software, Commercial Kitchen, Coffee Machine, CNC Router, CNC Plasma Cutter and much more. All of this wonderful equipment can have an element of risk when learning how to use them. It is a requirement that we have parent consent for a number of our classes this is so that as parents you understand the risk associated with the class and cost of equipment. 

Below is a link to our Design Technologies Parent Consent form - All students in year 7,9,10 & 11 studying Design Technologies, Design Engineering, Design, Engineering Pathways or Construction are required to have this completed before beginning practical activities. If your child is studying more than one of these subjects, they are only required to complete the form once.

Parent Consent Design Technology https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/397

Below is a link to our Media Parent Consent form - All students in year 8,9 & 11 studying Media Arts, Applied Media or Film, TV and New Media are required to have this completed before beginning practical activities. 

Parent Consent Media https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/398

Term 3 Assessment Details

Year Level	Class	Assessment Starts	Draft Date	Due Date	Assessment Type	Unit
7	Design Technology	Wk5 L1	W7 L3	W8 L2	Practical Task – Project	Toy Truck
7	Design Technology			W9 L3	Examination	Factors that Impact Design - Material Properties
8	Food Technologies	Wk5 L1	***	Wk6L3	Examination	Let's Eat!
8	Food Technologies	Wk8 L3	***	Wk8L1	Practical Task – Project	Let's Eat!
8	Media Arts A	Wk5 L1	Wk8 L1	Wk9 L1	Practical Task – Project	Stop Animate and Listen
8	Media Arts B	Wk5 L1	Wk5 L3	Wk6 L2	Assignment - written	Movie Poster Analysis
8	Media Arts B	Wk6 L3	Wk8 L3	Wk9 L3	Practical Task – Project	Movie Poster
8	Visual Arts	Wk4 L1	Wk7 L3	Wk 8 L3	Practical Task – Project	Erasure
9	Design Technology	Wk 3 L1	Wk6 L3	W8 L3	Practical Task – Project	Metal Tool Box
9	Design Technology			Wk9 L3	Examination	Metal Tool Box
9	Design Engineering	Wk3 L1	Wk7 L1	Wk8 L1	Design Folio	Heli Car
9	Food Technologies	Wk5 L1	Wk7L3	Wk8L3	Practical Task – Project	Healthy Hamburgers
9	Visual Arts	Wk2 L2	WK 7 L2	Wk 8 L3	Design Folio	Surrealism
9	Media Arts	Wk 2 L2	Wk 7 L1	Wk 8 L3	Extended Response	Magic Edits
10	Design Technology	W1 L2	W7 L1	W9 L3	Design Folio	SkateDeck Art
10	Design Technology	W1 L2	W7 L1	W9 L3	Design Folio	Wine Vane
10	Design Engineering	Wk3 L1	W7 L3	W9 L3	Practical Task – Project	Time Machines
10	Food Technologies	Wk3 L2	Wk 6 L1	Wk 7 L3	Design Folio	High Tea (Take away)
10	Visual Arts	Wk 3 L2	WK 7 L3	Wk 9 L3	Practical Task – Project	Printmaking
11	Cert I Construction	Wk 1	WK 7 L3	W8 L3	Assignment - written	Online
11	Cert II Engineering	WK 1	WK6 L3	W7 L3	Practical Task – Project	Welding - BBQ Plate
11	Visual Art	Started	WK 6 L3	W7 L3	Practical Task – Project	FAI3 - Art as Code Inquiry Folio
11	Visual Arts in Practice	Started	WK 6 L3	W7 L3	Practical Task – Project	See as Clients
11	Industrial Technology Skills	Started	WK 8 L3	Term 4 W4 L3	Practical Task – Project	Sheet Metal
11	Design			W6 L1	Examination	Commercial Design
11	Film and TV			W6 L3	Examination	Story Forms
11	Media Arts in Practice	Week 1	Week 5	W6 L1	Project	Representation

Lorinda Stiles

Head of Department - Creative Industries and Food Studies - Year 8A to 8E
lstil21@eq.edu.au

James Gerchow

Acting Head of Department - VET and Digital Technology - Year 11

jgerc6@eq.du.au

The Harding Miller Education Foundation is an Australian charity that offers scholarships to girls experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. Their mission is to create a positive social impact by lifting educational outcomes of high potential Australian girls currently experiencing hardship. By supporting female scholars, they are investing in the future of Australia.

“When women are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous” Michelle Obaba.

Girls and young women face many challenges in getting an education that boys and men do not. Some of the barriers include pregnancy, domestic and care responsibilities, and outdated perceptions that educating girls is not as valuable an investment as educating boys. However, there is indisputable evidence that educating women results in stronger economies, reduced poverty for children and families and that it can have a real impact in reducing the gender pay gap that exists in Australia.

A scholarship from Harding Miller is designed to support a female scholar over a four-year period. During that time, these students will be provided with a dedicated, personal coach who is able to support and guide them through the program.

The Harding Miller Educatiion Foundation believe it is important to provide the right learning tools to succeed in education. For example, in some households, it may be difficult for parents to afford a laptop or even school uniforms for their children. This can place significant barriers to education. For that reason, the Harding Miller Education Scholarship includes such essential items as:

- A high-quality laptop in the first year
- High-speed internet
- Remote IT support
- $2,500 worth of online face-to-face tutoring
- Online homework help
- Prepaid expense cards for items such as uniforms, textbooks and school excursions

To be eligible to apply for a Harding Miller Education Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

- You must be a female student who attends a public high school in Australia
- You must currently be in Year 8, going into Year 9 in the upcoming year
- You must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident
- You should be able to demonstrate high academic results or the potential to achieve high results
- You must show that you are looking to continue on to tertiary education
- You must be experiencing low socio-economic circumstances.

If you believe that you meet these criteria, then we encourage you to apply for a Harding Miller Education Scholarship.

Applications are open every year during Term 3. 

After registering an account with the Harding Miller Education Foundation, you can begin the application process and submit your application online. You must ensure that you submit the following documents with your application:

- Two school reports (Year 7, Semester 2 and Year 8, Semester 1)
- Your NAPLAN report
- Signed parental/guardian consent
- A reference from your Principal

Part of the eligibility criteria is showing that you are committed to continuing onto higher education. This is something that is highly regarded during the selection process. You could demonstrate your motivation to continue tertiary education in a number of ways, including your personal participation in extracurricular activities, school events and volunteering activities.

Janet Ingram

Guidance Officer

studentservices@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au 

Term 3 is notorious for being the 'longest' term of the year. That being said, it is not without a jam-packed schedule.

BATTLE OF FROMELLES COMMEMORATION

In week two, our Defence Peer Mentors will be representing Ripley Valley State Secondary College at the Battle of Fromelles commemoration, taking place the The Honour Stone, Soldiers Memorial Hall in Ipswich on the 19th July. Our Mentors will be participating in the service by presenting a reading of Lt George Still, Queensland's only Military Cross recipient, awarded for his part in the doomed battle.

DEFENCE WEEK

Week three is Defence Week. We have a significant Defence community at the college so, this time every year, we shine a spotlight on the Defence Force. Our students are able to gain some insight into military life, it's people and their commitments to service. This year's focus is on diversity in the Defence and how that relates to Defence members and their roles.

This year we are holding The DSM Defence Week Obstacle Challenge.

College staff will compete against students in a race that will pit experience and wisdom against youth and vitality, in a race that aims to highlight the college's core values of respect, responsibility and perhaps, most importantly, perseverance. All students are encourage to participate, either by participating or by encouraging competitors from the Oval stand.

Competition will be fierce, school pride will be on the line and at the end of the event, a trophy and bragging rights will be awarded to the victors. The challenge promises to be a lot of fun. 

Other activities for the week include a guest speaker at our full school assembly and a display in our library. 

CHILD OF THE ADF MEDALLION PRESENTATION

At the conclusion of term 2, Ripley Valley SSC had the honour of hosting the Child of the ADF Medallion presentation.

The medallions are presented to children who have shown resilience and growth in managing the challenges of the ADF lifestyle, particularly in the areas of mobility and parental absences.

The presentation was officated by DMFS Military Support Officer (MSO) MAJ Michael Ward, Group Captain Alan Bowers RAAF Base Amberley, Education Liaison Officer Nicole Ralph (DMFS) and Defence Social Worker (DSW) Lisa Hilliard, (DSW) Emily Cattell and Business Support Officer Brett Stokes.

Close to 200 medallions were awarded at the presentation, out numbering Brisbane's recipients. Due to the large numbers of ADF families in the Ipswich area, a second event will be held later in the year to cater for those who were not able to attend the RVSSC event.

Jackson Sheen receives his Child of the ADF Medallion

'In recognition of his demonstrated ability to adapt and

strive during times of uncertainty and change for him 

and his family.

COFFEE & CHAT

For Defence parents (present and future) of the College, our Term 4 Coffee & Chat will be happening again around week five. This event is held every term, and allows Defence families of the college to get to know one another and create a local network. This is really beneficial to families who are new to the area as they post in from other locations.

ABSENCE SUPPORT

If you are deploying or posting, please let me or your student’s teacher know so we can best support them during this potentially challenging time.

THE DEFENCE MEMBER AND FAMILY HOTLINE

1800 624 608

This is the first point of call for Defence families seeking support, information or connection with their community.

The Helpline can provide assessment, assistance, advice or referral depending on the family's needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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 

Defence Member and Family Support is a sector of the Australian Defence Force that provides Defence families with numerous programs and activities with an aim to support them as they face the unique challenges of being a Defence family.

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:

Monday Tuesdays and Wednesday 0800 - 1430hrs

Email: tcoop203@eq.edu.au

Phone : 3819 5333

Tracey Cooper

Defence School Mentor

Ripley Valley State Secondary College

Christmas in July - BINGO

The Ripley Valley SSC P&C, in conjunction with Stockland Providence are holding a fundraising event on Saturday 22nd July.  

Please refer the link below to purchase tickets:

http://ripley-valley-state-secondary-college-pc.square.site/

REMINDER - OUR CANTEEN IS CASHLESS!!!

On-line Ordering System for the Canteen 

The canteen is a cashless facility, with on-line ordering available.

How to:

• Order from the menu on the MSA ordering system (see link below)
• Top up your students card so they purchase at the canteen directly, using their barcode in their diary.