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Dear Parents/Carers,
This year we have committed ourselves to the comprehensive review of our school's progress over the past 4 years with the intention of future planning for the next four years. Part of this process has involved undertaking staff, student and community surveys alongside a 3 day external school review process. The findings of these surveys and external school review report will be made available in the coming weeks and early next term I look forward to unpacking this information with you as we plan our future goals and priorities for 2025 to 2029. This will form a key priority for our college in Semester 2 with the intention of having a draft whole school Strategic Plan mapped out by September this year and endorsed for the start of 2025. As we undertake this process, I encourage you to become involved in this process where possible and continue to partner with us well into the future. Your feedback, input and support is valued and I look forward to watching our college continue to grow and mature over the coming years.
In other news, I am looking forward to the opening of our new Performing Arts Centre (PAC) at the end of May. This purpose built facility will enhance the teaching and learning experience for students in music, instrumental music, dance, drama and media studies. I am looking forward to welcoming students and the wider community into this amazing facility over the coming months.
As we continue to plan for the future and create new learning opportunities for our students, I encourage you to continue to partner with us as we plan for the future and look for new ways of working together.
Yours Sincerely,
Brendan Krueger
Foundation Principal
- Academic Pathway
- Workforce Pathway
- Blended Pathway
Students then have the opportunity to work through their PPP Booklet that is required to be completed prior to their PPP Meeting early in Term 3.
This information is also shared with parents and carers as part of our upcoming Career Expo on Tuesday 4th June.
Parents and carers are welcome to explore the stalls from 3:00pm and then attend the PPP Information Session at either 5:00pm or 5:30pm.
Exam Block – Monday 10th – Wednesday 12th June
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.
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) is confirming 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.
We hope our Year 10 students enjoy this opportunity to experience the world of work!
Academic Excellence Morning Tea
On Thursday 9th May, we hosted the first of our Excellence Morning Teas for the year. This event focussed on our highest academic performing students whose impressive efforts are the result of ongoing hard work, perseverance and dedication to their studies. It was lovely to share this moment with the students, as well as the parents and carers who attended. The next Excellence Morning Tea will occur in Term 3 and focusses on students who have demonstrated top marks in their Behaviour and Effort for Semester 1.
Yarning Circle Opening Ceremony:
We are excited to announce the opening of our Yarning Circle as part of the development of our new Performing Arts Complex (PAC). This space will be dedicated to fostering community, storytelling, and preserving our connection to country. The Yarning Circle has been designed to create an environment where every voice is heard, and every story is valued. Parents and special guests are invited to the opening ceremony will occur on Tuesday 11th June from 10:30am to 11:30am at the PAC.
School Immunisation Program (SIP):
Just a reminder that the first Clinic visit for the School Immunisation Program for students in Years 7 and 10 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 was 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
End of Term Rewards Trip:
Students now have the ability to apply for the end of Term Rewards Trip on Friday 21st June by completing the relevant Microsoft Form that has been posted on Daymap. This Term students will be attending Urban Extreme Adventure Park. In order to qualify students must have:
- Completed a Ripley Rewards Application Form
- Maintained 95% attendance
- Had no suspensions and no more than 2 Administrative Detentions
- Completed all assessment to date
If you have any questions or concerns around this excursion, or your child’s eligibility, please contact the Year Level Coordinator Team at YCO@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
Year 10 Camp
Year 10 Camp is being run at Kokoda Park later this year (Monday 9th – 12th September). Kokoda Park provides first class outdoor activities such as rock-climbing wall, high ropes and other outdoor adventure activities. By providing exposure to thrilling, challenging and thoughtful activities, Kokoda Park camps allow students to grow and develop skills through situations they wouldn’t find in a classroom. Further information about this experience will be sent out to Year 10 parents and carers throughout this Term.
I wish all students a productive Term ahead, and look forward to celebrating their successes at the end of the Semester.
Regards,
QCE review
At the end of the first unit of year 11, students will be required to participate in a QCE review with parents 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 this term with information sent out earlier this week.
Todd Robson
Deputy Principal - Year 11 & Year 12 - Pathways & Partnerships
We are halfway through Term 2 and there have been a lot of events that have taken place throughout the term regarding 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 Lecture Theatre (J106).
Dance Academy:
A massive congratulations to our Dance Academy students who recently competed at the Ipswich Combined Teachers Dance Festival and placed for both of their routines!
? 1st Place – Year 9 and under Jazz
?2nd Place – Year 9 and under Musical Theatre
In our curriculum classes our Dance Academy students have moved onto their final task in this unit, choreography. This task requires students to make up a routine in groups of 4 using a variety of complex actions, choreographic devices, formations and levels.
Year 7/8 students will be creating a Musical Theatre
Year 9 students will be creating a Jazz
We can’t wait to see what they create!
eSport Academy:
Year 9 students have been working hard on collecting Super Smash Bros statistics for their assessment where they compare performance stats across the Year 9 cohort to determine the best class at Super Smash Bros. We wonder who it will be.
The FUSE Cup:
We recently competed at the second round of The FUSE Cup for Just Dance. Our athletes gave it their all and came third overall. We are proud of their efforts and wish the winners luck at the State and National finals.
This Friday our Super Smash Bros athletes will be competing for a spot at the State and National finals and we wish them all the best for their upcoming competition and we will give you an update of their results in the next newsletter.
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
- ISSA Cup - Wednesday 15/05/2024 at Ripley Valley SSC Oval
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
Team of the Week (QFSL) - Matchday 4 against Tamborine Mountain SHS
Ignite Academy:
In the Classroom...
Our Ignite students are hard at work, planning, building and refining their assessments for the term. There's a diverse range of learning happening across the three year levels!
Year 7 Ignite – The pressure is on! Hydraulics has been our focus for Term 2 and the students have just begun planning and research around creating their own hydraulic systems. Some very creative ideas coming together already.
Year 8 Ignite – Joining the business and technology worlds, the students are digitally augmenting some of our favourite board games and working on finding the right approach to launch the next global marketing phenomenon!
Year 9 Ignite – We're deep in the final year of the Ignite program for our Year 9 students and things are rocketing along. Three teams of 9 have been entered in the Australian Space Design Challenge and are currently designing their own versions of human settlements orbiting around Mars. Big teams, big challenges, and hopefully some big results!
World Science Festival Queensland – Toowoomba and Ipswich
After a very successful World Science Festival Brisbane with line ups in the rain of guests waiting to enter our tent, our Ignite students are hitting the road! We've been invited to join some of the regional events to support science education in the wider community. Keep an eye out for more photos in the weeks ahead! Or better yet, come along and visit us at the events.
Toowoomba – Saturday 18 May, Cobb+Co Museum, 27 Lindsay St, East Toowoomba
Ipswich – Saturday 20 July, Workshops Rail Museum, North St, North Ipswich
Gifted Awareness Week – Week 6
We are celebrating Gifted Awareness Week here at RVSSC in Week 6. Gifted Awareness Week was founded in 2015 by the Australian Association for the Education of the Gifted and Talented (AAEGT) to raise awareness of the identification, support and learning needs of gifted children and to celebrate the dedication of individuals and educational bodies who are making a positive difference in the lives of gifted children and their families.
RVSSC's motto of Achieving Excellence Together is embodied in our Excellence Academies and the opportunities they provide for some of our high potential, gifted and talented students to thrive in their specialist domain. We are very excited to be sharing the work that Ignite has done in enriching the education of these students during 2023-2024 at the Queensland Association of Gifted and Talented Children's (QAGTC) State Conference in Week 6.
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
We are super excited to announce that for the first time in the history of our school, we have entered the maximum amount of Reader’s Cup Teams in 2024! Each year, we are permitted two junior and two senior teams, and while we have always had a team in each category, this year we have doubled our chances.
We wish all of our Reader’s Cup teams the best of luck as they prepare for the upcoming competitions.
We would like to thank Ms Wilkinson in the library for her support in securing additional books and additional registrations, and Mr Shaw for managing the junior teams.
On Tuesday 30th April, our Year 12 General English students had the opportunity to attend an incursion see a professional theatre production of Shakespeare's, 'Macbeth'.
The Shake and Stir Theatre Company performed the classic Shakespearean text using contemporary and cinematic theatre techniques to create an engaging and thought-provoking show. This condensed version of the play introduced the characters, themes, and events in preparation for our in-depth text study.
In Year 8 English, collaborative and kinaesthetic learning experiences are boosting student engagement in a wide range of 21st Century skills including creativity, decision-making and communication. From the creation of debating arguments, to physically representing Australia’s population statistics, students are actively engaged in their learning at Ripley Valley State Secondary College.
I would like to thank Ms McLeod for her contribution to this edition of the newsletter.
Ms Jasmine Diesing
Head Of Department | English | Year 10E to 10G
It is great to share the updates with the community about what's happening in the mathematics classrooms in term 2. Students have been engaging well in classroom activities and assessments. Our junior students have been working through assignments in the last few weeks. Maths staff have provided students with quality feedback on their assignments and students have been implementing this feedback to improve their learning outcomes.
Mathematics staff have been working hard to improve student engagement in mathematics and have improved our assessments. For example, our year 9 team, led by Mrs Jarred, has developed an assignment on statistics where students play an eSports game and then use the data from the game to compare their class with the rest of the year level by analysing and interpreting the data. Year 7 and 8 students have also been working on some amazing ideas and implementing mathematical skills.
Students in all year levels will have an exam towards the end of this term and are encouraged to actively participate in the classroom activities and make the most of supports in place such as maths tutoring and homework club. I look forward to working with the students during my class visits and maths tutoring to support them in their educational journey.
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 10A to 10D
Ellen Grant
Head of Department - Science - Year 9F to 9I
Japanese
All students are invited to Japan Club on Thursdays, during Weeks 3 to 8 after school from 3 to 4pm.
If attending, parents can sign the following form:
https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/678
The Year 8 Japanese students have been sensei each week in groups. They have developed their communication skills by team building and knowing the unit’s content about time and calendar events before they create and teach activities to the class. By all accounts and reactions by the students themselves, this has been very successful! The singing contest was won by a group of energetic boys!
Our Year 7 Japanese students have been sharing their research about culture, language, geography and food in Japan. They enjoyed learning about kodomi no hi (Children’s Day) which is celebrated in Japan annually on the 5th May.
The Education Perfect Languages Championship 2024 from the 7th-14th May allowed any student from RVSSC to participate in their chosen language, with thousands of students across the globe participating.
119 students from Ripley participated in the competition and they gained 59,162 points! The highest result is an Elite, which is the first time a student has received Elite for the school. We congratulate all the students on this amazing effort, as well as all the Japanese learners!
| Athish Hariharan | Elite |
| Shaylee Gurung | Gold |
| Lex Steinhardt | Gold |
| Ash Jones | Gold |
| Tatia Fuimaono | Gold |
| Antonette Maguchu | Gold |
| Clara Domrow | Silver |
| Bior Deng | Silver |
| Caitlin Taylor | Bronze |
| Victoria Thomson | Bronze |
| Saachi Sen | Bronze |
| Nathan May | Bronze |
| Kanishka Sharma | Bronze |
| Jeshua Elms | Credit |
| Aliyah Torrefranca | Credit |
| Hannah Rayner | Credit |
| Clare Joseph | Credit |
| Kacey Baker | Credit |
| Zainab Ismail | Credit |
| Jayden Elliott | Credit |
| Rodvin Zandi | Credit |
| Lhotse Cameron | Credit |
| Harnoor Sandhu | Credit |
| Benji Sawyer | Credit |
| Brooklyn Lim | Credit |
| Natarlia Embrey | Credit |
| Lakshmi Praveen | Credit |
| Nash Wilkins | Credit |
Georgina Wellwood
Japanese Teacher
DANCE
Dance Academy
A massive congratulations to our Dance Academy students who recently competed at the Ipswich Combined Teachers Dance Festival and placed for both of their routines!
1st Place – Year 9 and under Jazz
2nd Place – Year 9 and under Musical Theatre
In our curriculum classes our Dance Academy students have moved onto their final task in this unit, choreography. This task requires students to make up a routine in groups of 4 using a variety of complex actions, choreographic devices, formations and levels.
Year 7/8 students will be creating a Musical Theatre
Year 9 students will be creating a Fosse inspired Jazz routine
We can’t wait to see what they create!
7 Dance
Year 7 Dance students have recently completed their performance task. Students gained confidence in their performance skills and took the stage with great technical and expressive skills! They have now started their final task for the year, choreography. Students will take on the challenge of creating their own dance performance as they "dance through the ages". They will apply their knowledge of the Elements of Dance and cleverly use choreographic devices as they work in groups to finish their master piece.
10 Dance
Year 10 Dance have begun planning their group choreography task. They are now immersed into their creative ideas and will be individually choreographing 1 minute of Hip Hop choreography. They will then begin the challenging task of teaching their group members their choreography to bring the masterpiece together!
Cert II Dance
Our Certificate II students compete at the Ipswich Combined Teachers Dance Festival with their Jazz routine "Love Shack". Students were up against some tough competition and placed Very Highly Commended! Students are now straight into their new contemporary routine expressing emotional maturity with a very heavy topic. Students will then add this routine ready for the next eisteddfod.
11 Dance
Year 11 Dance students have moved onto their next assessment where they will examine how purpose and context influence the manipulation of movement through the selection of elements of dance, structure and production elements to communicate meaning. As stimulus for their own choreography, students will choose and research an iconic figure from history; taking their life story, the impact they had on a society and their human experience and express this through Contemporary dance. We are looking forward to seeing their creations.
12 Dance
Year 12 Dance Students have been in the creative process of choreographing a contemporary dance piece exploring socia-political themes such as mother nature and the effects of global warming, woman's pro-choice rights, femininity and domestic violence. Each dance piece is design to provoke an audience into considering how they feel about the issue and how they can make a change. They have selected a variation of complex movements and emotive movement qualities to communicate their choreographic intent.
DRAMA
8 Drama
Exploring the world of exaggeration, characterisation and story-telling, Year 8 Drama students are currently writing their own Children's Theatre script based on children's stories or folktales. Shortly, their written creativity will come to life as the student-devised scripts are transformed into live productions by their peers. Including humour, slapstick and high-energy performance, the Drama team are hopeful that these performances may be showcased as Children's Theatre pieces for younger students in our community.
9 Drama
This term, Year 9 Drama students will be delving into the fascinating world of Realism Theatre, a genre that aims to capture life as it is, exploring authentic human experiences and emotions. As part of our exploration of Realism Theatre, the Australian play, Juice, by Stephen Davis, will allow students to consider their own journey and how they view themselves in a world where expectations are ever-present. This powerful play engages teenage audiences as it delves into the various pressures and challenges that young people face while navigating their final few years of high school. Juice offers our students a unique opportunity to explore complex human emotions and experiences through theatre. It will assist in developing their acting skills, empathy, and understanding of the wider community. As we dive into this text, it has been excellent to see how students are engaging with their emotions; it's clear that our class will have a meaningful and enriching experience within the Realism style.
12 Drama
This term, Year 12 Drama students have created their own unique concept for a piece of Political Theatre that can be used as a tool for social change, bringing about awareness to issues in our wider community. As always, I have been impressed with the candour, curiosity and maturity with which this class discusses a wide range of topics, some of which they feel very passionately about. The students used excellent creativity and critical thinking skills as they navigated how best to portray some of society's most troubling issues. Moving forward this term, Drama students will begin examining Postmodern and Contemporary theatre styles, something that is new for them and bringing about a lot of excited questions already!
Year 12 Drama in Practice students have created a Design Folio, designing the costume, sets, lighting and even devising and recording their own sound effects for a Political Theatre production of Angela Betzien's War Crimes. Set in a forgotten coastal town, this performance tells the gripping story of six teenage girls who have fallen through the cracks of society, fighting to earn their respect and leave their mark by whatever means possible. It has been excellent to see Drama in Practice students consider how design could be used to further communicate the powerful meaning of this piece to modern audiences. Moving forward this term, Drama in Practice students will be considering how they can use theatre to provide a voice to those in our community who may be marginalised, or who don’t have the platform to share their stories. Discussions about organising interviews to use real words as part of the dialogue in their scripts has already begun; it's clear this is going to be a very exciting unit!
MUSIC
9 Music
In Year 9 Music, we are working hard at learning how to compose our own music! Students are working on Soundtrap to create compositions that are harmonious and use chords and melodies. The class loves using this technology, and is a great gateway for students to start using software similar to industry standards!
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
If you have any questions about instrumental music then please contact Mr Ezzy: dezzy9@eq.edu.au
EXTRA – Curricular
Dance Squad
A massive congratulations to our Dance Squad students who recently competed at the Ipswich Combined Teachers Dance Festival. All dancers put in a massive effort, showing so much determination and team work! Thank you to all the parents and supporters who came and cheered on our dancers!
We came away with the below results
2nd Place – Year 12 and under Musical Theatre
3rd Place – Year 12 and under Student Choreography
Highly Commended – Year 12 and under Contemporary
Cheer
Family Fun Day on Saturday 11th of May was an opportunity to showcase some of RVSSCs Performing Arts extra curriculum activities. The Cheerleaders gave a small demonstration of some level one basics and gave the crowd the option to join in on some stunting. The experience was welcomed and rewarded with positivity and encouragement.
Drama Troupe
After a very successful Drama Night at the end of Term 1, Drama Troupe members have the performing bug and can't wait to begin considering future productions. This term, they will turn their attention to honing their acting skills, this time with a focus on Realism. Holding a mirror up to society, acting and reacting as naturally as possible is not as easy as it looks. However, the troupe members have been engaging excellently in workshops that challenge them to act realistically, even in scenarios that may not be their 'normal'. In the images, students have created their dilapidated house that has been ravaged by the siege of Sarajevo, and they are embodying the roles of children who have found one another amidst the rubble. It will be an exciting term ahead as Drama Troupe members continue to astound us with their fantastic growth mindset, eagerly engaging with this new set of acting and ensemble skills.
Vocal Ensemble
Our vocal ensemble have their first eisteddfod after school on Friday 24th May! Please see below for additional rehearsal times.
- Monday 20/5/24 (2nd break) – B Block
- Wednesday 22/5/24 (7:30am – 8:30am) – B Block
- Friday 24/5/24 (7:30am – 8:30am) – B Block
If you have any questions, please contact Mr Coles jcole338@eq.edu.au
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.
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 19th to 21st July at Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre. Tickets can be bought through Ticketek: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=CREATIVE24
Students currently involved in a performing arts subject or extra-curricular group will have the opportunity to watch the matinee performance on July 19th, with more information coming throughout the term.
Dance Night
Come along to Ripley Valley's first ever Dance Night! You will get to see performances from our representative teams Dance Squad and Dance Academy. We've also got lots to share from our curriculum classes, cultural groups and cheer team!
WHEN: 31st May 2024
TIME: Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6pm start
WHERE: Raptordome
Tickets go on sale on Monday 20th May at 10am. A ticket link will be released via our school Facebook page.
Please remember that student performers are required for the following rehearsals:
Saturday 25th May - Full cast rehearsal - 8am - Midday in the Raptordome
Friday 31st May - Dress Rehearsal - Periods 3 and 4 in the Raptordome
Please see emails for further information and permission form.
Jessica Starkey
Head of Department - Performing Arts - Year 8E - 8H
- PPP'S - Year 9 into 10 Presentation
- SETP's - Year 10 into 11 Presentation
- QTAC - Year 12 into University Presentation
More information will be sent to families of those year levels in the coming weeks.
James Gerchow
Head of Department - VET & Digital Technology - Year 11 & Year 12
From Monday 24 April - Friday 5 May we celebrated Guidance Officer Week.
Guidance Officers play a vital role in our Wellbeing Team and offer counselling and guidance on academic, career, personal and wellbeing matters. Guidance Officer Week raises awareness of the Guidance Officer role.
About Guidance Officers
Guidance officers deliver a broad range of services to school community members. They contribute to the development of a comprehensive student support and wellbeing program that is responsive to the needs of the school community.
Guidance officers may work directly with students in addition to working with a student's teachers, school support personnel, family, other specialists or external support providers.
Support offered by guidance officers includes providing advice and counselling on educational, behavioural, vocational, personal, social, family, and mental health and wellbeing issue.
Guidance officers are required to be registered teachers in addition to having either a Master of Guidance and Counselling or a 4-year degree in psychology. The role of a guidance officer is rich and diverse. These You Tube videos External link highlight the rewarding work that can be undertaken in the role.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6-6joqkaR0&list=PLgjv5epyrnQBzApfRrAFaAtlLGU6LFYA3&index=2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTm89Djft4U&list=PLgjv5epyrnQBzApfRrAFaAtlLGU6LFYA3&index=5
Janet Ingram
Guidance Officer - Years 10, 11, 12
studentservices@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
Area of Control
"Feeling upset about something outside of your control is like sitting on a rocking chair.... It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere"
During conversations with our young people who are experiencing stress, it is sometimes useful to bring into focus our 'area of control'. Prompting questions may include things like:
- What can you control in this situation?
- What can't you control in this situation?
- How can you make the situation better by focusing on what is inside your area of control?
- What things should we try not to fixate on because they are outside your area of control?
Teaching our young people that sometimes we need to let things go and focus on what we can actually do to help ourselves is a big part of becoming emotionally intelligent.
Next time your young person is facing a challenge, try bringing some focus back to their area of control and help them brainstorm an action plan they can control.
Emily Leschke
Guidance Officer - Years 7, 8, 9
RVSSC ANZAC ASSEMBLY
On April 18, RVSSC commemorated ANZAC Day with a whole school assembly that was as moving as it was respectful.
Staff, students, invited guests, and ADF personnel all participated. Our Army and Navy cadets performed their duties as flag orderlies with a professionalism that was a credit to their uniform, and our wonderful Piper, Adam Regnart, played his pipes soulfully as attendees laid wreaths. Our school choir gave a wonderful rendition of both the Australian and New Zealand national anthems, rising to the challenge of singing in another language.
Our commemorative assemblies are a reflection of the College’s desire to acknowledge and give thanks to all those Australians who have served, fought and died for this country.
This year, RVSSC also acknowledged the service and sacrifice of our Defence families, with the unveiling of our latest statue. The statue is dedicated to Defence families and acknowledges the immense support that is asked of and given by family members of Defence Force personnel. Families regularly sacrifice time with loved ones, friendships, their careers, and are often relocated around Australia.
The new statue was modelled from the Kelly family, who are one of our many Defence families, and was also sponsored by RVSSC, the P&C and SU Chaplaincy.
The statue has now been mounted on a plinth and is currently situated in ANZAC Place, along with our other silhouettes, at the front of the college.
Ripley Valley Dawn Service
The Ripley Valley Dawn Service was held in ANZAC Place, at the front of the College at dawn on April 25th
Our three Defence Peer Mentors, Jayla Cameron, Ben Coop and Jackson Sheen, recited emotive poems from the war to those gathered in quiet reflection, and wreaths were laid to honour those who have died in past conflict.
We Will Remember Them
Lest We Forget
Coffee & Chat
Our Defence parent coffee catch up is next scheduled for the 29th May. Information about the Coffee & Chat will be emailed to Defence parents.
The Coffee & Chat is a wonderful opportunity for Defence parents to meet up, make connections, and to find information and support that is on offer from the Defence Member and Family Support Branch, especially around education, employment support, postings and deployments.
GO WITH THE FLOW: A Posting and Deployment Workshop
Next week, a student workshop will be held to help support Defence students as they navigate the challenges postings and deployments have on their education. Students will have the opportunity to talk about their experiences, share coping strategies and be informed of supports they can access through the college.
Defence parents and students are encouraged to contact the DSM, to register their child for the workshop.
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
