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- Principal's Report
- Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning
- Deputy Principal - Culture and Engagement
- Deputy Principal - Pathways & Partnerships
- Junior Secondary
- Business Manager
- Information Technology (IT)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities and Languages
- Performing Arts
- VET
- Student Services - Inclusion and Guidance Officer
- Student Wellbeing - Chaplain and YSC
- Defence News
- School Sports News
- Uniform Shop
- Community Notices
- Upcoming Events
Dear Parent/Carers,
I hope you were able to have a restful and relaxing break over Easter and are enjoying the cooler change in weather. This term is always busy within our college as we host a range of events and public holidays. This week our college held our annual ANZAC day service and it was a pleasure to commemorate this significant day with our staff, students and wider college community. This year we unveiled the latest statue for ANZAC place which acknowledges the support and service of our defence families. Once again, I want to personally thank the many defence service members in our college community, both past and present, who have served our nation to preserve our rights and freedoms.
Next week we host our first parent teacher interviews for the year and I look forward to meeting many of our new and existing families once more. It is always a pleasure to catch up with parents/carers at this event and talk about your child's progress so far. If you are new to Daymap or need assistance to book your parent teacher interview please contact the administration office on 3819 5333 or via email at administration@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
This week our college also hosted a school review team as part of our planned review and re-development of our 4 year whole school strategic plan. Following this review, and the survey feedback we have received from staff, students, parents and community we will begin to collate and co-develop our college strategic plan for 2025 - 2029. I look forward to sharing this information and co-developing this new strategic plan with you over the coming weeks and months.
Once again, thank you for your ongoing support and partnership with our college.
Yours Sincerely,
Brendan Krueger
Foundation Principal
Parent Teacher Interviews
Senior Uniform – Winter Options
We understand that many of our families have been caught off-guard by the recent cool weather and changes to regular Uniform Shop Hours due to Public Holidays.
The Uniform Shop is open:
Monday 8:00am – 10:30am
Tuesday 2:30pm – 5:00pm
Thursday 2:30pm – 5:00pm
Or you can order online at any time via the website: https://www.wearitto.com.au/schools/ripley-valley-state-secondary-college
Our Uniform Policy can be found on our College Website and a condensed version is in the Student Diary on pages 22-26. It outlines Winter Options for Senior Students as follows:
- College Unisex Pullover (knitted jumper)
- College Unisex Spray Jacket and Pants (tracksuit as per Junior Years)
- Senior Shell Jacket (a more structured option)
- OPTIONAL – College Blazer available via Special Order only from the Uniform Shop
A reminder that the Senior Uniform also comes with a long pant (trouser) option for both styles.
Hoodies, Beanies and Non-Uniform Jumpers are not permitted at any time.
Students who are out of uniform should report to Student Administration upon arrival at school.
They will be provided with a clean loan item to use for the day.
Students who demonstrate consistent non-compliance with College policies and procedures may be ineligible to participate in extracurricular events and may receive behaviour consequences in line with the Student Code of Conduct.
Year 10 Exam Block – Monday 10th – Wednesday 12th June
This Term, Year 10 students will participate in their first Exam Block.
During an Exam Block, students are only required to attend school for their scheduled exams. Students will receive a personalised exam timetable indicating the subjects, times and locations of their exams.
- Students who are unable to be collected from school or walk home safely at the conclusion of exams will be supervised in a Study Room within the College Library.
- Students are expected to be in full school uniform when attending school.
- When required for a scheduled exam session, students must remain in the designated exam room for the entire scheduled session with their teacher.
- Any VET students with outstanding modules of work will be required to attend VET catch up sessions during the exam block. Students will be required to attend these sessions until all required work is completed.
Year 10 Work Experience – Monday 17th – Friday 21st June
All Year 10 students are expected to engage in the Work Experience program. Mrs Marney George (Industry Liaison Officer) has organised placements for all Year 10 students in line with the preferences that were submitted in early Term 1.
Students have started receiving the paperwork for their placements. These need to be signed by the student and a parent/guardian and returned to Mrs George in the Careers Hub as soon as possible please.
Students are expected to make contact with their Work Experience business/supervisor prior to their commencement to confirm:
- Dress standard required
- Start and Finish times
If students are unable to participate due to illness, they should advise both the Work Experience employer and the school of their absence.
The last day of formal schooling for Year 10 students in Term 2 is Friday 7th June.
Welcome Back!
Welcome back to another eventful Term at Ripley Valley SSC! I hope all were able to enjoy the Easter break and have returned with renewed energy for the Term ahead. Already we have hit the ground running with several key events on the horizon. These include: our ANZAC Service, the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey, Parent Teacher Interviews, and Year 7 and 10 Immunisations.
College ANZAC Service
On Thursday the 18th April the College will hold our annual ANZAC Service in the Raptor Dome from 8:30am. This is an important event our school calendar, and an opportunity for our community to gather to pay our respects and commemorate those who have given so much for our Nation. As always, we are pleased to be able to share this service with a range of special invited guests, including: Political representatives, Council members, personnel from the Australian Defence Force, as well as our parents, carers and friends of the College.
As part of this Service, the school will unveil a new commemorative statue created by our very own Digital Technologies teacher and ex-Defence member, Mr Clarke. In the coming days this statue will be added to other statues featured in ANZAC Place.
As in the past, there will also be a dawn service at ANZAC Place at the front of the College at 5am on the 25th April. All community members are welcome to attend this special event.
Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey
In keeping with our continued focus on student wellbeing, all students will be invited to complete the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey over the first few weeks of Term 2. The purpose of this survey is to measure how students view their wellbeing and engagement so that we can meet their needs and support them in the best way possible.
The survey measures many aspects of students’ wellbeing, engagement, and experience at school. These aspects include: resilience, school climate, relationships, sense of belonging, motivation and perseverance, academic self-concept, personal social capabilities, future outlook and aspirations, general life satisfaction and general health.
The information collected through the survey will be kept confidential. No personal information will be shared with anyone outside of the Queensland Department of Education. The Queensland Department of Education will store the data according to strict guidelines. Student’s answers will be de-identified. They will only be reported back to the school as part of their year levels’ results. No one at your child’s school will be able to see their individual responses.
Participation in the survey is voluntary. Choosing not to participate will not affect your child’s education in any way. If you do not wish for your child to participate in the QEW Survey, please contact the school.
On the day, teachers will arrange for students to take part in the Survey online during class time. It will take about 30 minutes to complete. If your child requires additional assistance, teachers and/or support people are able to help them.
More information, including FAQs, can be found on the Education website: https://qed.qld.gov.au/publications/reports/statistics/schooling/students/queensland-engagement-wellbeing-survey
You can also contact the QEW Survey team by email: QEWSurvey@qed.qld.gov.au
School Immunisation Program (SIP):
Information has recently been sent home to all students in Years 7 and 10 regarding the Queensland School Immunisation Program. The first Clinic visit to the school is planned for Thursday 30th May.
Your child should have already received a consent pack that contains an information sheet with details about the disease, benefits of immunisation and any common side effects and a vaccination consent form. This consent form is due by the 15th May. Only students with a completed and signed consent form on the day of the school immunisation clinic will be vaccinated. If you do not return a consent form or the form is incomplete, you may be contacted by the immunisation provider to check if you consent to have your child vaccinated.
Further information around this program can be found at: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/immunisation/adolescents#sip
I wish all students an enjoyable Term ahead, and look forward to celebrating their successes as they meet the challenges before them.
Welcome back!
Welcome back to all our staff, students and families. I hope you had a lovely and relaxing time during the break and ready for another term.
Pathways - Health Academy
Congratulation to the 5 year 11 students who were successful in securing a traineeship with West Moreton Health in either Nursing or Allied Health. With only 15 positions available in the region this demonstrates an extraordinary acknowledgement of the work completed as part of the RVSSC Health Academy to prepare students for these opportunities. While this a great achievement, it is a small stepping stone for our Health Academy with further partnerships being finalised in order to support more students with traineeship opportunities.
QCE review date claimer
At the end of the first unit of year 11 students will be required to participate in a QCE review and parents are encouraged to attend. During this process students and parents will meet with a member of the College's Leadership team to discuss their progress and their intended pathway. These review meetings will occur in Week 9 of Term 2 with more information provided during Term 2.
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 & Year 12 - Pathways & Partnerships
Welcome back to Term 2! I hope all of RVSSC Families had a restful break. This Term is particularly busy with curricular and extra-curricular events and activities.
Excellence Academy Trial Day 2:
In Term 1, 2 and 3, the College hosts 'Excellence Academy Trial Days' which sees students new and existing who are interested in applying for one of the College's successful Excellence Academies. The following Excellence Academy Trial Days are as follows:
- Trial 1 - Friday 22nd March (Week 9, Term 1) - completed
- Trial 2 - Friday 7th June (Week 8, Term 2)
Students who are interesting in applying to participate in one of the Excellence Academies can do so via the link below:
This will close Friday 31st May at 7:00am. All applicants who apply after this date will be moved to Term 3.
Year 9 PPP:
As a part of Ripley Valley State Secondary College's commitment to student success, all Year 9 students and their parent/carer will participate in a Pathway Preparation Plan (PPP) meeting. This meeting is a critical aspect of the transition into the Senior Phase of Learning. The Pathway Plan is finalised at a compulsory interview held with a member of the College's Leadership Team. At the interview Year 9 students and their parent/carer will have the opportunity to discuss future pathways, study options and career goals for your child's future education.
Careers Expo:
We are holding a Parent Information Evening as part of our Career Expo, where we will explain Senior Schooling and the importance of subject selection, along with the differences in expectations from Junior to Senior school. We strongly urge you to attend. Attendance at this information evening will assist you in making informed decisions about your child’s future pathway. This information session will be held on Tuesday 4th June during two time slots from 5:00pm-5:30pm & 5:30pm-6:00pm. Our Career Expo additionally runs that afternoon from 2:45-3:15pm & 4:00pm-6:00pm in the RaptorDome.
Dance Academy:
Dance Academy students have their first eisteddfod fast approaching! Students will be competing at the Ipswich Combined Teachers Dance Festival on the 2nd May. Students have been working hard on their Jazz and Musical Theatre performances and we can’t wait to see them hit the stage. They will have 4 eisteddfods, Dance Night and Showcase to display their skills throughout the year and for you to show your support!
eSport Academy:
FUSE Cup:
Following the notable achievements in the Term 1 FUSE Cup, students are diligently engaged in preparations for the forthcoming Just Dance and Super Smash Bros competitions. We extend our sincere best wishes to all participating students in these upcoming events. May each competitor exhibit their utmost skill and sportsmanship. Good luck to all!
Going Cross-Curricular:
This term, the Year 9 mathematics cohort will undertake the task of gathering statistics from Super Smash Bros matches to ascertain the premier player/class in Year 9. We eagerly anticipate the outcomes of this endeavour and look forward to witnessing the insights gleaned from the data analysis. We are excited to see esports branching out into other faculties to aid with student engagement and learning.
Australian Esports League:
Starting week 3, our elite Rocket League team begin to compete against a variety of different schools from around Australia to determine the AEL champion for term 2. Our team is actively practising hard to ensure their best possible chance in this competition. Good luck!
Football Academy:
This term we have many competitions that the Football Academy students will be partaking in. These consist of:
- QFSL Matchdays 3 - 6
- SFL Matchday 3 + Shield/Champions Finals
- FQ Futsal Opens, 15 B/G and 13 B/G
All permission notes and team lists will be distributed by Mr. Sharma in the coming weeks. If you do need to contact him directly, reach out to him on bkasha0@eq.edu.au
QFSL Tables:
SFL Tables:
Team of the Week (QFSL) - Matchday 3 against Chisholm Catholic College
Ignite Academy:
World Science Festival Brisbane
What a fantastic weekend at the City of Science event in March! Ignite educated and entertained many of the 24,000 visitors who passed through Southbank that weekend. Check out the photos below!
I look forward to all the exciting things happening in the Junior Secondary World this Term.
Head of Department - Junior Secondary - Year 7A to 7E
2024 Student Resource Scheme (SRS) - 2nd instalment date Friday 10th May
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 2nd instalment is due on Friday the 10th of May.
The remaining payment due date is:
- 3rd instalment due Friday 9th August
Statements will be emailed by 3/5/24 (week 3 of this term), please note that if you have already made a payment or set up a payment plan through direct debit or Centrepay these statements are for your information only. Statements will be sent again prior to the final instalment due date.
Any missed payments will be followed up in the coming weeks.
Following are the SRS parent information letters for each year level which outline the inclusions and cost of the 2024 SRS.
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 paymentplan@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.
Finally, please note that the Administration Office will be operating under reduced hours Wednesday 24th April 2024.
Michelle Mills
Business Manager
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 & Year 12 - Pathways & Partnerships
Welcome to term 2! I hope you all had a restful and refreshing break.
Term 2 is a busy term for mathematics department as most of our students will be completing an assignment and an exam. Year 7 students will be learning algebra and geometry this term. Students in year 8 and 9 will be learning statistics to compare data sets and make meaningful conclusions. Year 10 students are doing various topics involving algebra, geometry and probability.
Students in year 11 will be continuing with unit 1 content and will have an exam for unit 1 in the middle of this term. Students are encouraged to attend maths tutoring if they require additional support to prepare this assessment.
Our year 12 students in maths methods and general maths have already completed unit 3 assessments and have now started with unit 4 content. Students will be doing an exam for unit 4 content upon completion of content. Students in Essential Maths have their CIA later this term for unit 3.
All students are required to bring a notebook and other necessary equipment to all maths lessons and actively engage in classroom activities.
Some general notices:
- All students MUST bring a scientific calculator to class every lesson and will require this for the exam.
- Mathematics tutoring is on every Tuesday (1st break) and Thursday (2nd break) in C01, weeks 2 - 9. All students are encouraged and welcome to attend.
Please be sure to reach out to myself or your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns about their progress in Mathematics. We look forward to meeting with many of you at the parent teacher interviews next Wednesday.
Haranoop Singh Goraya
Acting Head of Department - Mathematics - Year 10A to 10D
Ellen Grant
Head of Department - Science - Year 9F to 9I
Welcome back! As we embark on a fresh journey into Term 2, there is an air of excitement buzzing through our classrooms and staffrooms. With notebooks/laptops ready, minds open, and curiosity piqued, everyone is ready and set to dive deeper in the depths of human history, culture, society and geography.
This term promises to be one of discovery as new territories are charted. From unravelling the mysteries of ancient civilisations, unpacking the battles of WWI and WWII to conducting field research into the impact humans have had on our landscape, our classrooms will be packed with content designed to ignite passion and understanding.
Get ready to see students roll up their sleeves and engage in interactive experiences that being material to life. Year 7s and 8s are delving into the realms of Geography, Year 9s are headed to the battlefields and related theatres of WWI. Year 10 students are looking at youth justice (Legal Studies), ancient Rome (History), climate changes that are impacting our coastlines and liveability (Geography), and of course hoe superannuation impacts the Australian economy (Economics and Business). Our senior students are engaged in their various topics within our suite of subjects on offer – the topics and experiences too many to name all!
Stay tuned for information on upcoming excursions, and extra-curricular activities (Archaeology Club), and classroom activities that are designed to enrich the learning experience.
Here is to a term filled with discovery, enlightenment, and endless possibilities!
Head of Department - Humanities and Languages - Year 7F to 7I
All students are invited to Japan Club on Thursdays, during Weeks 3 to 8 after school from 3 to 4pm.
Topics include learning about the rich history and culture of Japan whilst also preparing students to use language effectively for the Japan Trip.
Ripley’s students and community warmly hosted Mr Kawana and Mr Yamazaki on the 14th-15th March last term. Both the teachers who are from our sister school in Chiba Japan, were impressed by the diverse classes they visited. Our tour guides from Year 7 Japanese showed leadership as they were given the opportunity to speak and showcase the school. Claire provided iconic Australian foods that were oishii.
The Japanese teachers have expressed their intention to meet the Japan Tour students in April 2025 when we arrive in Tokyo.
Georgina Wellwood
Japanese Teacher
Drama Night
In week 10 of Term 1, the Drama team put on their first ever Drama Night. This event showcased our student talent from Drama curriculum classes and also our extra-curricular Drama Troupe. The night was a huge success and a testament to the staff and students hard work, dedication and passion! Congratulations to all students involved. A huge thank you to the Drama Team: Joc McLeod, Tina Dixon, Kiera O'Neill and Georgi Gard. Thank you to Mrs Warrick, Ms McGovern and the year 11 Cert II Hospitality students. And a shout out to Darcy MacIvor for taking photos on the night and the Senior Drama class for running the show.
Upcoming Events:
Ipswich Combined Teachers Dance Festival
Our Dance Squad and Dance Academy students are off to their first competition for the year on Thursday of week 3. They will compete at the Ipswich Civic Centre against other schools from the region. Our teams will be performing a variety of routines including Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop.
Dance Night
We invite you to our first ever annual Dance Night! Please save Friday 31st May to come along and watch all of our amazing dancers share their hard work with you. Please note this event has limited seating so keep an eye tuned to social media for ticketing details. Information for student performers will come home in the next week.
Showcase
Save the date! Our annual Showcase event will be on October 11th and 12th 2024 at 6pm in the Performing Arts Centre. Information for student performers will come home this term.
Creative Generation
Over the coming weeks, our students and teachers involved in auditioning for Creative Generation State Schools on Stage. This is the 20th year of the show and we are so excited to see these performers up on stage in July. A big congratulations to the following students:
Brooklyn - Dance Company
Pennina - Senior Dance Ensemble, Hip Hop Crew and Musical Theatre B
Emma - Senior Dance Ensemble and Musical Theatre A
Lucie - Massed Dance A and Hip-Hop Crew
Willow - Massed Dance A
Erana - Massed Dance B
Indie - Massed Dance B and First Nations Dance
Aurora - Massed Choir
Victoria - Massed Choir
This term our student performers will embark on their C-Gen journey with weekend rehearsals. The rehearsals are run by industry professionals, and is an exciting opportunity for students to learn and study alongside others from schools all across the state. This culminates in 4 performances from 18th to 21st July at Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre. Tickets can be bought through Ticketek.
Students currently involved in a performing arts subject or extra-curricular group will have the opportunity to watch the matinee performance on July 18th, with more information coming throughout the term.
Jessica Starkey
Head of Department - Performing Arts - Year 8E - 8H
James Gerchow
Head of Department - VET & Digital Technology - Year 11 & Year 12
7 Simple Parenting Strategies That Work
If you’re a parent, then you are likely interested in finding ways to interact with your children that create a strong relationship, foster positive behaviour, and helps you respond to behavioural problems.
Take a look at any bookstore and the shelves will be full of advice. But figuring out which strategies are actually effective can be a challenge. The American Psychological Association was asked about the best research-based parenting strategies that showed effectiveness in improving behaviour, strengthening the bond between parents and children, and helping parents react to behavioural problems that arise.
The following seven empirically tested parenting strategies were the result.
1. Praise. Studies have shown that the behaviour that gets attention is the behaviour that you’ll get more of. Attention to undesired behaviour — often in the form of reprimands or punishment — will increase undesired behaviour. At the same time, specific, labelled praise of desired behaviours increase that behaviour. Parents should not offer praise indiscriminately. Instead, parents should give specific feedback on exactly what the child did that the parent liked.
2. Ignore Minor Misbehaviour. If a misbehaviour is minor and not dangerous, ignore it. Ignoring when a toddler throws food on the floor or a pre-teen slams a door, while responding with attention when they ask nicely or express their feelings teaches the child that good behaviour is a reliable way to get attention.
3. Understand Child Development. Understanding developmental milestones can help a parent attend to and praise steps towards that milestone. Knowing a four-year old wants to please friends will make you more likely to praise their positive behaviour with friends. At the same time, understanding that young teens typically have concerns about body image, looks and clothes might make it easier to ignore all that extra time spent in front of the mirror.
4. Do Time-Outs Right Along With Quality Time-In. Brief and immediate time-outs have been shown to work best, particularly when paired with parents who are also modelling positive behaviours and praising good behaviour. Keeping calm — often a real challenge at the moment a misbehaviour is occurring! — and praising compliance makes time-outs more effective.
5. Focus on Prevention of Misbehaviour. Paying attention to when a child gets tired or hungry can prevent a large portion of meltdowns. Planning ahead and anticipating potential problems and teaching a child ways to cope with problems when they arise can even eliminate the need to use time-out.
6. Take Care of Yourself First. Children are negatively affected by parental stress, with 86 percent of children reporting that parental stress bothers them. It can seem nearly impossible when you’re busy with the demands of parenting, work and life, but it is essential to take time to exercise, maintain hobbies and connect with friends and partners.
7. Take Time and Do Nothing. Spend time with your child (experts recommend 1 hour a week per child) doing nothing but being with them, acting interested in them, and expressing positive thoughts and feelings to them. Avoid teaching, inquiring, correcting or offering alternative perspectives.
At times, parenting can feel like you’re in in an airplane in turbulence in a thunderstorm and the oxygen masks have dropped. As with on a plane, when parenting it’s important to remain calm, put your oxygen mask on first — before you help your children and give specific instructions of what to do, with lots of positive feedback for good behaviour.
www.generationnext.com.au - Dr Ramesh ManochaIf, 2012
Happy Parenting!
Janet Ingram
Guidance Officer - Years 10, 11, 12
studentservices@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
Being aware of what stress looks like in our
Body & Mind
Stress is the body's physiological and psychological response to perceived threats or challenges, triggering a cascade of reactions aimed at preparing the body for action.
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Cognitive / Psychological Response:
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Emotional Response:
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Physiological Response:
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Behavioural Response:
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When we notice these reactions in our mind and body, we need to access our happy chemicals which are naturally occurring in our body to help us feel better. Below is a list of our Happy Chemicals and suggestions on how to access them.
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DOPAMINE The Reward Chemical
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OXYTOCIN The Love Hormone
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SEROTONIN The Mood Stabiliser
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ENDORPHIN The Pain Killer
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Remember, during times of stress - listen to your body and respond with kindness.
Welcome back to Term 2!
Emily Leschke
Guidance Officer - Years 7, 8, 9
Welcome back to another school term, we trust and hope you had a well-rested Easter holiday break.
Pastoral Care
A school chaplains role is to provide emotional, spiritual and social support to the students and wider school community. One of the ways to provide support is with one-on-one pastoral care conversations. If you would like this support for your child, please email Kristian at katki121@eq.edu.au.
Breakfast Club
Our Breakfast Club program will start operating as of next week and will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:15-8:45 am.
Chaplaincy Committee
The Local Chaplaincy Committee is the supporting and guiding body behind the Chaplaincy Service helping to shape it to meet the wellbeing of the school community here at the College. If this sounds like something you would like to attend, our next meeting on Thursday the 16th of May at 4pm here at the college. Please get in touch if you'd like additional information.
Strength Program
The Strength Program is a boy’s program that is open for year 9 & 10s that will run from week 3 to 6 on a Thursday. Strength is a unique personal development and group mentoring tool that uses an inspirational, practical and experiential approach to learning. This program is founded upon the premise that every life counts and has intrinsic value, and fosters an awareness of this belief. As a result, participants are equipped to become effective global citizens for the future.
If this is something you would like your child to be a part of, don’t hesitate to contact Kristian.
Looking forward to the term ahead
On April 25th 1915, between 0430 and 0445, the 3rd Brigade and the 3rd Field Ambulance of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) landed at Gallipoli, in a place called Ari Burnu. The New Zealanders landed later that day, in an area overlooking Ari Burnu. The British and the French also made landings at strategic points along this coastline.
In the ensuing fight to secure a narrow wedge of land stretching two kilometres along the beach, both allies and foes would suffer heavy casualties before the sun set that day; and so began a campaign that would last eight months.
Strategically, this campaign was a disaster. The allied forces were eventually overcome by the Ottoman soldiers, resulting in a retreat. The last of the allied troops withdrew on the 20 December 1915. The Gallipoli landing has since etched its way into our history books, becoming a defining moment in time for Australia and New Zealand.
Despite the overwhelming challenges the ANZAC soldiers endured, stories of bravery, courage, initiative, discipline and mateship arose. From the initial landings, when troops surely knew the dire situation they found themselves in, to the many months of trench warfare and disease and death, the ANZACs not only earned the respect of their fellow countrymen, but also the respect of their enemy. In time, this conflict would forge a BOND between Australia and Turkiye that still exists today. From this campaign, the ‘Legend of the Anzacs’ was born.
The ANZAC Spirit became the fibre of what it means to be Australian. The sense of humour, the loyalty to mates, and the disregard of danger when help is needed, are all characteristic of what we see time and time again in our own communities. The attitude of rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done, no matter the personal cost, has been illustrated during times of natural disasters and hardship across our country. We have all seen the rallying of communities to help those in need when suffering unimaginable loss. This is what it means to be Australian; this is the ANZAC Spirit. Born from those who, when faced with making the ultimate sacrifice, forged ahead with courage and hope, to secure a brighter future for the generations to come.
When you go home, tell them of us and say, “For your tomorrow, we gave our Today”
Lest We Forget.
ANZAC DAY 2024
DMFS SUPPORT INFORMATION
Defence Member and Family Hotline - 1800 624 608
DMFS https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services
To contact the Defence School Mentor: Tracey Cooper
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 0800 - 1430hrs
Email: tcoop203@eq.edu.au
Phone : 3819 5333
Tracey Cooper
Defence School Mentor
Ripley Valley State Secondary College
Hi Sports Fans,
Welcome back to another packed term of sport! This term we are offering a range of sporting opportunities including our annual athletics events, district cross country carnival, A range of major sports, Yagera Sport nominations & our Ripley Athlete Development Program.
District Sports
District Cross Country is being held week 2 Tuesday 23rd of April. The top five runners from each age group have been invited to attend with permission notes and invoices being sent out last week. Please make sure we are getting them done before Sunday 21st of April. The bus will leave the college at 7:30am with students expected to be at the college at 7:00am.
Minor Sports
Yagera Sports
The winter Yagera season will be starting this term with nominations now open for students to complete. Trials will begin in week 3. This term the sports will include: Netball, Rugby League, Volleyball, Basketball & Football. More information can be found on Daymap and on assembly.
Major Sports
Schools Cup AFL
Schools Cup AFL is the first AFL tournament the school has participated in. The tournament is being held in Springfield on the 6th of June for Juniors and the 12th of June for Seniors. The teams being offered for this competition include:
- Junior Boys (Grade 7, 8 & 9)
- Junior Girls (Grade 7, 8 & 9)
- Senior Boys (Grade 10 & 11)
- Senior Girls (Grade 10 & 11)
If you’re interested in being a part of these teams, please contact the following or attend the Thursday second break training sessions.
Ms McKendry via clmck1@eq.edu.au
Mr Turner via dturn106@eq.edu.au
Vicki Wilson Netball
The tournament will be held at Western Districts Netball Association on Tuesday 4th June. For information around training schedules please see Daymap. Juniors will be training every Friday second break and both juniors and seniors have a training session Monday 3pm - 4pm.
If you have any questions about this competition, please email the coaches:
Junior: Ms Ivanko via rcapl2@eq.edu.au
Senior: Ms Robson via asrob0@eq.edu.au
All Schools Touch Football
This year the college has finally been accepted into the Queensland and Brisbane all schools touch football competitions. This embarks our first ever touch football program! This year we will be offering a 15 Boys and 15 Girls Team with our focus on building a large-scale program. If interested in these teams or if you would like to participate in touch football and just want to improve come along to the trials Week 2 and 4 on Thursday afterschool 3pm - 4pm.
If you have any questions about these events, please contact the coaches:
Mr Clifford via jclif117@eq.edu.au
Mr Exelby via rxexe0@eq.edu.au
Cross Country
On the second last day of term one we ran our annual Cross Country Carnival. The day was a super exciting event with participation was great considering the weather. Students dressed up in their Jobs themed outfits and competed individually to make the district teams and in their houses for the Cross Country 2024 and Spirit House trophies. A huge thank you to all the staff and student helpers who assisted in organising, preparing, setting up and helping throughout the day. It is always awesome to see our college come together to make days like this happen.
Of Course, there can only be one house that wins the Cross Country 2024Carnival:
In Last Place with 1498 Points was Blaine!
In Third Place with 1543 Points was Perry!
In Second Place with 1565 Points was Flinders!
In First Place with 1645 Points was Goolman!
Age Champion is the title awarded to the best three athletes of each age group. Our 2024 Cross Country Age Champions are:
Athletics Carnival
Our annual athletics carnival will be held on Thursday and Friday of week 9 this term. The Thursday carnival will be nomination only, with nominations opening to students at the end of week 3. This year if students nominate for an event on the Thursdaqy it is expected that they participate for the entire day. The Friday will be our whole college carnival. Event nominations will also come out for the Friday in week 3. The events we offer include:
RAD
The Ripley Athlete Development Program will continue this term on the same times as last term:
- Wednesday Afternoon 3pm – 4pm
- Thursday Morning 7:30am – 8:15am
The week 2 sessions, however, will be cancelled due to public holidays and parent teacher interviews. The focus of this term will be on improving athletic ability in the lead up to our athletics Carnival as well as improving general fitness.
For more information on this event please contact Mr Clifford via jclif117@eq.edu.au
Justin Clifford
Sports Co-ordinator
