Dear Parents/Carers, 

As we approach the end of Term 3, I know that many of us have been battling illness and tiredness as we farewell winter and look forward to spring.  This Term has been extremely busy for our college as we have embarked on the creation of our 4 year strategic plan for 2025 - 2028.  Alongside this 4 year plan we have also began work on our Draft Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for 2025 which further details how we will enact our four year plan with a specific focus on next year.  I have included a copy of these 2 documents for your perusal and information.  

As the year quickly draws to a close, we are also in the final stages of our plans and preparations for our first graduating cohort of Year 12's.  This year is an exciting year for our college and I look forward to celebrating this historic occasion with our college community in the coming months.  As our college continues to grow and plan for the future, we are careful to ensure that the great culture, programs and initiatives we have established continue to grow from strength to strength.

We are dedicated to fulfilling our college motto of "Achieving excellence together" and encourage you and other interested parties you know to partner with us as we continue to look for ways to improve.  

As we welcome in Spring and prepare for the end of this year, I look forward to celebrating with you the remarkable achievements of our college.

Yours Sincerely,  

Brendan Krueger

Foundation Principal

11 Weeks left of Year 11

On Monday 26^th of August we celebrated our grade 11 students and the fact they only have 11 weeks of Year 11 left before them become the first year 12 students of Ripley Valley State Secondary College.

 

Prior to students being able to eat the amazing cake prepared by Chef Claire they were encouraged to continue to try their hardest and remember they have the unique opportunity of leaving a lasting legacy as our senior cohort of Ripley Valley SSC. We are incredibly proud of what the students continue to achieve and look forward to journeying with them next year as the year 12 cohort of the College.

 

Next Steps Meetings

Over the last few weeks our year 12 students have undertaken meetings with a member of our year 12 team to discuss their next steps upon leaving Ripley Valley SSC. These meetings have focussed on preparing students for QTAC applications, University entry requirements, job applications, interview skills and resume writing.

It has been great to be part of these meetings and hear of the exciting pathways students will be pursuing upon leaving our College. While it will be sad to farewell our year 12 students in a few short months, I am excited to hear of the amazing things they accomplish in the years ahead.

 

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 the 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.

 

Year 12 Mock External Exam Block – Term 3

Starting in week 9, year 12 students will be undertaking a Mock External exam block. This exam block is an important aspect of the senior learning phase as it will provide students with an indication of what to expect for their end of year 12 external exams starting in term 4.

To help assist students and ensure that the exam block runs smoothly we ask that parents please take note of the following information.

• Year 12 students are only required to attend school for scheduled exams or VET catch up sessions. Students must arrive at the beginning of the exam session and are to wear correct uniform.
• When required for a scheduled exam session, students must remain in the designated exam room for the entire scheduled session with their teacher. Students will be able to leave at the conclusion of their exam.
• Year 12 students at school at any time other than an exam session or lunch break, will be working in the designated study classroom. The study room is a supervised room and a roll will be marked each lesson. Student’s expectations are to work quietly and independently.
• 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 11 EXAM BLOCK – Term 4

Early next term our year 11 students will be finishing their Unit 1 and 2 studies and completing their end of year exam block. This exam block is an important aspect of the senior learning phase as it will provide students with an indication of what to expect for their end of year 12 external exams.

The year 11 exam block will be held in the week starting from Monday 23^rd October. The exam timetable will be released early next term to all year 11 students and parents/carers.

To help assist students and ensure that the exam block runs smoothly we ask that parents please take note of the following information.

• Year 11 students are only required to attend school for scheduled exams or VET catch up sessions. Students must arrive at the beginning of the exam session and are to wear correct uniform.
• When required for a scheduled exam session, students must remain in the designated exam room for the entire scheduled session with their teacher.
• Year 11 students at school at any time other than an exam session or lunch break, will be working in the designated study classroom. The study room is a supervised room and a roll will be marked each lesson. Student’s expectations are to work quietly and independently.
• 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.

Todd Robson

Deputy Principal - Year 11 & Year 12 - Pathways & Partnerships 

trobs20@eq.edu.au

Reminders:

• Week 10 in a non-school week for Year 10 students. A number of students will be headed off to camp or Work Experience. If your child is yet to arrange a work experience placement and wants to engage, they must visit Ms George in the Library ASAP. 
• All students who are heading to camp will remain behind after assembly on Monday, Week 9 to be provided with more information. 
• We will continue to uphold high expectations for uniform and our electronic devices policy. Please ensure you are supporting your child to make positive choices before they leave for school in the morning. The uniform policy is available on our College website and in the student diary. 
• WesTEC EOI applications for 2025 are due back at the end of this week - if you discussed this opportunity at SETPlan and intended to submit an EOI, please do so by COB today.

Tess Reeves

2024 Student Resource Scheme (SRS) 

Statements have been emailed, 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. 

Any missed payments will be followed up in the coming weeks.

2025 Student Resources Scheme (SRS)

The draft SRS for 2025 has been submitted and approved by the P&C.  The SRS price has remained the same for the last 5 years and I am pleased to announce that there is only a minor increase to the Year 7,8 & 9 SRS.  The price will be increasing from $675 to $690.  Our regular arrangements of 3 installments ($230 each) or individual payment plans will still be available.

The price for Senior has also increased slightly due to rising costs of inclusions in the SRS. The price of our year 10, 11 & 12 SRS will be $600 + elective subject fees as per the subject selection handbook.

The parent information letters which outline all the Student Resource Scheme inclusions and show the value for money that the school is able to offer are attached below and will be sent home via email in Term 4 and included in future newsletters.

SRS_2025_Year_7_Parent_Information.pdf

SRS_2025_Year_7_Parent_Information _pdf 240.62 KB

SRS_2025_Year_8_Parent_Information.pdf

SRS_2025_Year_8_Parent_Information _pdf 240.33 KB

SRS_2025_Year_9_Parent_Information.pdf

SRS_2025_Year_9_Parent_Information _pdf 445.04 KB

SRS_2025_Year_10_Parent_Information.pdf

SRS_2025_Year_10_Parent_Information _pdf 566.75 KB

SRS_2025_Year_11_Parent_Information.pdf

SRS_2025_Year_11_Parent_Information _pdf 574.91 KB

SRS_2025_Year_12_Parent_Information.pdf

SRS_2025_Year_12_Parent_Information _pdf 574.84 KB

Michelle Mills

Business Manager

Device "Health Checks" – Year 9

Commencing in week 10 As part of our Device Maintenance schedule, the technical team at Ripley Valley State Secondary College will be collecting Year 9 student devices between the 9th & 13th September 2024, and completing a health check on all devices. The health check will consist of:

• Checking for any damages that have not been reported to have fixed via Warranty (where possible), or through Accidental Damage insurance (Excess costs listed below).
• Checking that students have and are using the required laptop case.
• Checking students have the RVSSC sticker on their laptop, and their laptop is labelled correctly with all required cataloguing stickers still intact.
• Ensuring device is running at optimal levels, and re-imaging where needed.

As per the laptop agreement, if damage is found on the device or students are missing their RVSSC stickers &/or laptop cases, parents will receive notification of this, damage fixed and lost items replaced. An invoice sent to effected families as per the prices listed below:

ITEM / DESCRIPTION COST

• Insurance Excess - 1st damage in 12 months $50
• Insurance Excess - 2nd Damage in 12 months $100
• Insurance Excess - 3rd Damage in 12 months Cost of full repair (Quote will be provided)
• Damage to school bank laptop (Hot Swap) Cost of parts + $50 labour fee
• Laptop Skin $15
• Laptop Case $45
• Replacement Charger $37

The schedule for the device health checks is below.

YEAR 9 DROP OFF / PICK UP TIMES

• 9A – Wednesday 11^th September, 9:10am – 9:25am
• 9B – Tuesday 10^th September, 10:15am – 10:30am
• 9C – Monday 9^th September, 10:15am – 10:30am
• 9D – Tuesday 10^th September, 12:00pm – 12:15pm
• 9E – Tuesday 10^th September, 10:35am – 10:50am
• 9F – Monday 9^th September, 10:35am – 10:50am
• 9G – Thursday 12^th September, 9:10am – 9:25am
• 9H – Wednesday 11^th September, 9:30am – 9:45am
• 9I – Wednesday 11^th September, 12:00pm – 12:15pm

Please advise us at tech@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au if you know that your child will not be at school when their year level is completing their health checks so alternate arrangements can be made. Similarly, if you know of issues with your child’s laptop that has not been reported please advise our team so we can ensure issues are rectified.

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 $45 to replace, and stickers are $15 to replace. If you have any questions please email:

tech@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au 

Todd Robson

Deputy Principal - Year 11 & Year 12 - Pathways & Partnerships 

trobs20@eq.edu.au

Ellen Grant

Head of Department - Teaching and Learning - Year 9G to 9I 

egran55@eq.edu.au

Over the coming weeks, English assessments are all due for submission. Teachers and support staff are working super hard to help students maximise class time to ensure their success. As parents and caregivers, you can support your child by reinforcing the importance of engaging in lessons, asking for assistance where necessary, and most importantly, attending exams and submitting on time.

In the classroom, our Year 7 English students have been learning about the power of poetry this term. Analysing poems to unearth symbolism and deeper meaning has unlocked student awareness of the comment literature can make about the world around us. From there, students will pitch a poem to an established artist or band, justifying why the poem would make an excellent song. It’s sure to be a treble-ific end of term!

I would like to thank Mrs Justine Bomm for her contribution to this newsletter.

Ms Jasmine Diesing

Head Of Department | English | Year 10E to 10G 

jbunt18@eq.edu.au

As we approach the end of Term 3, I would like to commend the effort and perseverance of staff, students and parents/ carers throughout the term but especially during the assessment period. Majority of the students have now completed the assessment for this term with the exception of few classes who are scheduled to do it early week 9. 

Our year 12 General Maths and Maths Methods students have now completed all internal assessments and are preparing for external exams. Students will be doing mock external exams during week 10 and will be provided with feedback to have them ready for external assessments in term 4. 

I would like to acknowledge the effort and professionalism of staff in teaching the content, preparing students for assessments and supporting students in class and through lunch time tutoring.

I encourage all students to actively engage in classroom activities and finish the term strong!

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

Head of Department - Mathematics - Year 10A to 10D

hsgor0@eq.edu.au 

Term 3 is shaping up to be quite a busy time for the Science faculty with a number of events occurring.

In week 5 we celebrated Support Staff Recognition Week and I would like to take the opportunity to thank our science technicians Savita Saini and Anitha Sudheesh Kumar. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our science classes are well equipped for all practical activities. We would not be able to operate as a faculty without their hard work.

Our year 11 Science in Practice class attended their mandatory fieldwork excursion down at Raceview where they collected and analysed water and insect samples to determine the impact of the local urban and industrial sites upon the natural environment. Students analysed three sites including two sites at various stages of rehabilitation. Students had a great time getting out the classroom and putting the skills they have learnt over the last few weeks to use. Thank you to Mr Meredith for facilitating this excursion.

Our year 8 students were privileged to be part of a guest presentation from Donate Life Queensland to discuss the statistics and processes around organ donation ahead of their upcoming science assignments.

In week 7 we celebrated National Science Week and the theme for 2024 is Species Survival - More than just sustainability. The theme aims to highlight the importance of science and innovation in ensuring the survival and thriving of different species in an ever-changing world.

National Science Week saw us build partnerships with some of the local primary schools as well as promote science within our own school. Students were treated to binary coding bracelets and a paper plane competition during our lunch break, while we joined our friends at Ripley Central State School to build marshmallow and spaghetti towers. Our Ignite class were also invited to Ripley Valley State School to assist the year 3's in identifying water bugs from local waterways.

Cora Newton

Acting Head of Department - Science - Year 11

cnewt71@eq.edu.au

As we wrap up another term in the Humanities department, it’s time to reflect on the incredible journey we've taken through the year so far. Our students have engaged deeply with the past and present, exploring the complexities of the human experience and the world we live in.

Historical Highlights

This term Ancient History saw our students delving into the intriguing world of ancient personalities. Hatshepsut, female Pharaoh of Egypt and her building projects, expeditions and military conquests were investigated and our learners explores how this woman became a formidable leader; a strong woman, living in a man’s world.

The modern era was equally captivating, with a focus on the transformative events of the 20th century. From the impacts the Second World War had on Australia and the rest of the world in Year 10, to the Cold War, leading into conflicts that occurred within such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War for our Year 12s.

Geographical Explorations

Our geography curriculum this term emphasized not only physical geography but also human geography. Students engaged in hands-on mapping exercises, creating detailed maps that highlight various physical features, climate zones, and human-made structures. Climate change has also been a central theme, with students investigating its global impacts and local indicators.

Legal Studies Insights

A key highlight was a deep dive into human rights and social justice issues. Students examined landmark cases and legislation that have shaped our understanding of justice and equality. Their assessment topics have covered technology and the law (Year 10) contracts and agreements (Year 11) and international human rights laws (Year 12)

Business Brilliance

In Business the focus has been on a multitude of topics ranging from the principles of economics, supply and demand, market structures, and economic theories through simulations and case studies. These case studies looked at the morals and ethics of big multi-national corporations, as well as the business practices of smaller national businesses.

Social and Community Studies Adventures

Students have examined the dynamics of society and identity this term, looking at topics that ranged from the role of social institutions in shaping individual and group identities to the impact of media on societal values.

Tourism Trends

In Tourism, students examined the multifaceted world of travel and tourism. They explored the economic, cultural, and environmental impacts of tourism on destinations. A significant theme was sustainable tourism, focusing on how to minimize negative impacts while maximizing benefits for local communities.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to the next term, we’re excited to continue our exploration of history, geography, legal studies, business, social studies, and tourism. Our curriculum will delve into new topics and offer more hands-on experiences, fostering deeper understanding and engagement in these vital areas. We encourage all students to keep their curiosity alive and continue asking questions about the world around them.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated teachers and enthusiastic students for making this term a success. Here’s to many more adventures in the Humanities!

 

Cecilia Hall

Head of Department - Humanities and Languages - Year 7F to 7I

chall213@eq.edu.au

Our Year 8 Japanese students have been comparing festivals and celebrations in Japan, Australia and India. In their assessments, the resourceful research by our students have highlighted insights to the differences between cultures. Japan has over 100,000 festivals annually. While commenting about the Ekka, students were interested to discover Japanese people enjoying hanabi (fireworks) that last for two hours compared to our short 20 minutes of vibrant displays. Students also noted how the hanabi culture is closely linked to Japanese spirituality.

Recently, Year 7 Japanese students have completed their dialogues and recipes in Japanese for their assessments while they designed and created an obento. Many students commented on the value and culture of obento in Japan, including why the obento started and how it has evolved, then how obento influences modern Australian eating habits. Additionally, our students were inspired by how the Japanese create a variety of delicate and well-balanced portions of all the food groups and flavours in an artful display. Ms Warrick organised this culinary experience - Arigatou Ms Warrick!

Georgina Wellwood

Japanese Teacher

gawel0@eq.edu.au

Ripley Valley Raptor Racers: A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

And just like that, it's over.

After seven long months of relentless hard work and unwavering dedication, six students in the Ripley Valley State Secondary College (RVSSC) Go Kart in Schools program have crossed the finish line—literally and figuratively. Friday, 23 August, marked the culmination of their incredible journey as the Ripley Valley Raptor Race team hit the track with fierce determination and grit. Competing against 14 highly competitive teams, our students secured an impressive 4th place overall, missing the podium by just 2 points! Their outstanding performance left everyone, especially Mr Clarke, brimming with pride.

Congratulations to our talented team members: Mikayla M, Micaela S, Daniel K, Jaz H, Jackson S, and Nathan D.

This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Starting with little to no knowledge of competitive go-karting, these students went above and beyond, committing countless hours to build a go-kart from the ground up. The team faced numerous challenges along the way—each one met with determination and resilience. They learned to design, modify, build, test, and race their creation with limited resources and time, demonstrating remarkable growth in both technical skills and teamwork. Their perseverance and passion truly shone through on race day, reflecting the essence of what the Go Kart in Schools program is all about.

This was truly a community effort, and the success of the 2024 Ripley Valley Raptor Racers wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, suppliers, and the broader community. We extend our deepest gratitude to those who contributed to this year's program:

Sponsors:

• Direct Steel – Nick and the team, without you we would still be just a dream.
  First National Action Realty Ipswich – Glen, Lisa, and Liesa, jumping onboard and keeping us rolling.
• A&BG Clarke – Go kart frame, tyres, and technical expertise.

Suppliers, Supporters, and Organisers:

• Andrew D at Marist College – Primary organiser and keeper of the trophy.
• CPR Kart Parts – Supply of Kart parts and wealth of knowledge.
• On Guard Safety Training – Keeping us safe on the day.
• Ipswich City Dirt Kart Club – Allowing us to use the facilities
• Top Two Motos – Supply of our PPE.

Your contributions have been invaluable, enabling our students to push the boundaries of what they thought possible. The lessons they've learned—both on and off the track—will stay with them for years to come.

The Ripley Valley Racers would like to thank RVSSC for supporting the Race team and all staff who helped out with the project, including Mr Phillip, Mrs Stiles, and Mr Krueger.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to the future, we're already planning for next year's program. With the experience gained and the lessons learned, the RVSSC Go Kart in Schools program is poised to reach even greater heights. We are excited to build on this year's success, continue fostering a spirit of innovation and teamwork, and inspire the next generation of students.

For students wishing to be involved, keep an eye out for the EOI later in the year.

If you or someone you know would be interested in supporting the team next year, please get in contact with us so we can make this an ongoing program.

Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!

#GoKarting #STEMinAction #RaptorRacers #RVSSC #RipleyValley #HardWorkPaysOff #GoKartInSchools

Well Done Mr Clarke for all your hard work supporting the Students in this great extracurricular activty. 

Lorinda Stiles

Head of Department - Industrial Design Technologies - Year 9A to 8D
lstil21@eq.edu.au

DANCE

Dance Academy

Recently the Dance Academy competed at the Ipswich Performers Dance Festival coming away with some very successfully results! 

Grade 9 and Under Entertainment 

Grade 9 and Under Lyrical

Grade 9 and Under Jazz

Grade 9 and Under Jazz

We are so proud of all of our students and can't wait for our final eisteddfod of the year in Week 9 at the Lockyer District Dance Festival. 

Want to sign up to trial for our Academy? Trial EOI's close Week 8 Friday. Use the link below to sign up. 

https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/form/742

Year 7 Dance

Students have been busy learning technical and expressive skills for their upcoming performance task!

This task requires students to learn popular dance movements to fun, upbeat music. As students navigate moving their body to the rhythm there are also working on their spatial awareness, coordination and expressive skills. 

Students will performance their dance routines to an audience of their peers, building confidence by encouraging self-expression and mastery over physical movements, allowing individuals to see tangible progress and improvement. The rhythmic and creative nature of dance also fosters a positive self-image, as dancers gain pride from their unique styles and accomplishments.

Year 10 Dance

As Year 10 dance students transition from their performance task to a choreography task, they embark on an exciting journey of exploration and expression through contemporary dance. This new challenge invites them to delve into social issues, using the fluidity and versatility of contemporary movement to convey powerful messages and raise awareness. By crafting their own choreographic pieces, students will not only refine their technical skills but also develop a deeper understanding of how dance can be a compelling medium for social commentary and personal reflection.

Cert II Dance

On the stage, our certificate II class recently competed at the Ipswich Performers Dance Festival and won 1st place for their Jazz routine! We are so proud of all of our students and can't wait for our final eisteddfod of the year in Week 9 at the Lockyer District Dance Festival. 

In the classroom our students are learning skills in their final style of the year "Street Dance". Students have been collaboratively choreographing their routine with their teacher including the actions, music selection, costume selections and formations. Students have been learning skills of effective communication, time management and the art of teaching. We can’t wait to see this final routine on stage at Showcase. 

Year 11 Dance

Year 11 Dance students have been working very hard on their Dance Film Clip project. This project saw students choreographing their own contemporary dance routines, teaching this to a group of selected students, filming on locations, editing and presenting this as a multimodal presentation with choreographic intent and an analysis of choreographic problems. Once this task is complete, students will be moving into evaluation of contemporary performance. 

Year 12 Dance

Having successfully completed their final project, Year 12 students have showcased their unique dance styles through an innovative fusion of movement techniques. With their creative achievements behind them, they now turn their focus to preparing for external exams. This next phase involves a thorough examination of diverse dance performances, where they will interpret their meanings and analyse the application of dance concepts, deepening their understanding and appreciation of dance as both an art form and a critical tool for expression.

DRAMA

Year 8 Drama

Year 8 drama students have successfully completed their group performances in the style of Australian theatre, showcasing their collaborative skills and creative talents. As they transition into the reflection phase, they now focus on analysing their performances, evaluating how effectively they integrated the elements of drama to convey their intended meanings. This critical reflection will help them understand their strengths and areas for growth, enhancing their ability to communicate dramatic concepts with greater impact in future projects.

Year 12 Drama

Year 12 Drama students created an incredible final project that took Contemporary Theatre techniques and re-imagining a classic text. Year 12 Drama in Practice students performed an excellent Verbatim Theatre / Documentary Drama student-devised piece that comments on the experiences of new mothers in the healthcare system. With these phenomenal performances behind us, it is now time to prepare for their external exam. Students will examine a recorded live professional performance that combines a vast array of stylistic conventions and elements of drama to communicate an important societal message. Students will need to use their analytical and evaluative skills to interpret and examine the use of dramatic languages in communicating meaning to an audience. While it will be a challenging task, it is certainly one that the students are capable of tackling. We are looking forward to seeing their success in practicing these skills with the upcoming Mock Exams.

MUSIC

Year 10 Music

This semester, our Grade 10 students have been delving into the fascinating world of program music, exploring its evolution from 1570 to the present day. Program music, known for its extramusical meaning, is complemented by various storytelling mediums such as poems, artworks, videos, or narrated stories, adding depth to the musical experience.

As part of their Semester 2 programmatic unit, the Grade 10 Music class is excited to host a special performance afternoon. Students will showcase their understanding by performing pieces of program music accompanied by programmatic mediums, typically muted videos. This event promises to be a valuable opportunity for students to gain performance experience and deepen their grasp of musicianship, which is essential for their continued growth in senior music.

We look forward to celebrating their hard work and creativity at this upcoming performance. Thank you for your support in fostering our students' musical journeys.

Year 12 Music

We are excited to highlight the exceptional work of our Grade 12 Senior Music students. They have recently completed IA3 that showcased how music can powerfully convey narratives. This impressive effort not only demonstrated their creativity but also embodied our school’s values of responsibility and perseverance.

As they now turn their focus to preparing for their external exams, our students are honing their skills in delivering clear and concise analyses under tight deadlines. Their dedication and hard work continue to set a high standard and inspire us all.

Congratulations to our senior musicians for their outstanding achievements and best of luck in their upcoming exams!

Our Senior In Practice students are diving into an engaging exploration of music’s commercial power and its role in today’s diverse soundscape. Their current project is all about understanding how music thrives in the modern era, blending creativity with commercial insight.

As part of this hands-on experience, the students are preparing a dynamic setlist for an upcoming busking event right here at the school. This opportunity will allow them to showcase their talents and connect with the school community through live performances.

We eagerly anticipate their performances and the unique energy they will bring to our school. Stay tuned for more details and join us in supporting our talented students as they take the stage

Instrumental Music

Our Instrumental Ensembles are gearing up for an exciting performance season, ready to impress audiences with their dedication and hard work. Recently, many of our talented students showcased their skills at the P&C bingo night, delivering performances that truly highlighted their commitment and musical excellence.

As we move into the later parts of the year, it’s crucial for all ensemble members to be punctual and well-prepared for rehearsals and performances. Consistency and preparation are key to ensuring that our ensembles continue to shine and deliver outstanding musical experiences.

We appreciate the continued support of our students, parents, and staff as we look forward to a season filled with exceptional performances. Thank you for helping us make this a memorable and successful time for our instrumental ensembles.

Our music students recently had the exciting opportunity to attend the grand final of the 2024 QLD Fanfare competition. Their presence at this prestigious event was met with praise from the general public, who were impressed by their exemplary behaviour and enthusiasm.

The experience was invaluable for our students, offering them a chance to witness the top student performers in the state and gain inspiration from their outstanding performances. We are proud of how our students represented our school and look forward to seeing the positive impact this experience will have on their own musical journeys.

Certificate III Community Dance, Theatre and Events

The Certificate III Community Dance, Theatre, and Events class at Ripley Valley State Secondary College made their mark with a stunning production of Generation Gap on Friday of Week 7. This performance, the first of its kind at the college, was a remarkable success, drawing praise from all who attended.

The students showcased their talents in dance, drama, and music, delivering a show that was both funny and engaging. Despite facing anxiety and stress in the lead-up to the event, each student rose to the occasion, delivering performances that were full of energy and creativity. Their ability to overcome these challenges made the show even more special, highlighting their resilience and dedication.

The success of Generation Gap is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the students and the support from the school community. It was an evening filled with laughter, emotion, and a strong sense of pride in what these young performers had accomplished. We are incredibly proud of this class and eagerly anticipate the creative endeavours they will bring to the stage next year. The future of the arts at Ripley Valley State Secondary College looks brighter than ever!

EXTRA CURRICULAR

Dance Squad

Recently the Dance Squad competed at the Ipswich Performers Dance Festival coming away with some very successfully results! 

Grade 12 and Under Entertainment 

Grade 12 and Under Jazz 

Grade 12 and Under Contemporary 

 We are so proud of all of our students and can't wait for our final eisteddfod of the year in Week 9 at the Lockyer District Dance Festival. 

Cheer

Results are in! The Raptors cheerleaders have hit the competition mat for the first time. The athletes took out 3^rd in their division and HIT-ZERO, a cheer-term for no deductions, for their routine. Despite an anxious morning, the athletes worked as a team on the mat and came out with an amazing result that they should all be very proud of. The cheerleaders will perform their routine at the Performing Arts Showcase in week 2, next term. Now, they turn their focus to Nationals which will round out the season in November!

Drama Troupe

Rehearsals for Showcase are well underway, and our Drama Troupe students are buzzing with excitement to unveil a line up of new productions this year! They've been mastering their lines, honing their vocal skills, and transforming their physicality to bring dynamic characters and hilarious scenes to life. Keep an eye out for details on how to snag the most coveted tickets in town and get ready for an evening filled with laughter and entertainment!

Showcase

Showcase is right around the corner and we are heading into our intensive rehearsal schedule. Our students have been working hard in their curriculum lessons and extra -curricular rehearsals to ensure their performances are stage ready for our audiences on the 11^th and 12^th of October. Tickets go on sale Monday week 10 – 9^th September at 10am. The ticket link will be advertised on Facebook and Daymap notices for the general public and will also be sent to Performing Arts families via email.

If your child is performing in Showcase then please ensure you take a copy of the rehearsal schedule below. It has also been sent home via email with the permission form. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me – Jess Starkey Head of Department Performing Arts via email: jxsta12@eq.edu.au

Jessica Starkey

Head of Department - Performing Arts - Year 8E - 8H

jxsta12@eq.edu.au

Janet Ingram

Guidance Officer - Years 10, 11, 12

studentservices@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au 

Emily Leschke

Guidance Officer - Years 7, 8, 9

We are coming to an end of the term but there is still a lot to happen!

Pastoral Care

With school chaplains, their role is to provide emotional, spiritual and social support to the students and wider school community. One of the ways that we provide support is with one-on-one pastoral care conversations. If you would like them to provide support for your child, please email them at  chaplaincy@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au 

Breakfast Club

Our Breakfast Club program is still operating Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:15-8:45am. We hope to increase this to 4 days a week shortly so stay tuned. If you want to help out, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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 17^th of October, 4pm here at the college. Please get in touch if you'd like additional information.

R U Okay Day

R U Okay Day is coming up next Thursday the 5^th of September. The point of the day is to encourage people to have a conversation so they feel supported. There are 4 things everyone can do.

1. Ask
2. Listen
3. Encourage Action
4. Check in

Our R U Okay Day is going to help students to have those conversations. Please look at the image to see everything that the Peer Mentors have planned for the day.

We are looking forward to the last 2 weeks of the term.

       

Kristian Atkins        Alicia Pickerill        Jacob Millerick

Chaplain                  YSC                         YSC

Student Wellbeing - Chaplain and YSC                                                 

studentservices@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au

Term three is one of the busiest times for military commemorations outside of ANZAC and Remembrance Day. In the space of one month, commemorations for The Battle of Fromelles, The Korean War Veterans and most recently, Vietnam Veterans Day were held at the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch, and attended by representatives of Ripley Valley SSC.

Vietnam Veterans Day

To support our US allies, the Australia government sent almost 60,000 service personnel to South Vietnam from 1962 to 1975. Conscription forced many of these troops to serve. 521 servicemen died and more than 3000 were wounded.

This photograph shows a 'welcome home' parade in Brisbane. The parade was held for Australian soldiers who had returned from service in South Vietnam.

To commemorate the 51^st anniversary of the cessation of hostilities, Jayla Cameron, our RVSSC Year 10 Defence Peer Mentor, supported by the college DSM, laid a wreath, on behalf of RVSSC, to honour, not just the 521 soldiers who died in the conflict, but also the thousands of soldiers who returned home, changed forever by their experiences both in Vietnam, and in Australia in the aftermath of what came to be known as ‘an unwinnable war’

The Poppy Project

In the lead up to ANZAC Day 2025, the Poppy Project aims to create a ‘Waterfall of Poppies’ to be displayed at the college.

Students, staff and parents are encouraged to crochet a poppy or poppies, that will be stitched together to create the artwork. The aim is to collect 500 poppies to make the waterfall.

If you would like to crochet a poppy for the project, please see the details below.

Defence School Mentors (DSM's) - Nurturing the Mental Health of our ADF Students

The role of DSM's is to support students from Defence force families to lessen any negative impacts the military lifestyle may have on education and learning. 

Key areas of support are:

1. Welcoming
2. Integration
3. Parental Absence (due to military service)
4. Farewells.

If your Defence family is requiring extra support for your child at the college, please contact the DSM, who can help facilitate the appropriate support with the many support staff at school, along with DMFS and its affiliate support organisations such as Open Arms and Kookaburra Kids.

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