Dear Parents, Carers, and Students,

As we move through Term 2, I’m pleased to share some exciting updates on the progress of our school’s ongoing development projects, which are set to significantly enhance our learning and co-curricular environments.

Our Stage 3 building works are progressing well. The new Senior Construction Workshop at the end of D Block is nearing completion and will soon provide our senior students with a modern, industry-standard space to develop hands-on skills in construction and trades.

The new 40-classroom Learning Centre building is also on track for completion in time for the start of the 2026 school year. This new facility will offer flexible, contemporary learning spaces designed to support collaboration, creativity, and academic excellence.

In mid-August, we will begin work on a second stop-and-go car park within the existing front car park. This addition will help ease traffic congestion during drop-off and pick-up times and improve overall safety for our school community.

We’re also thrilled to announce that by the end of June, construction of the Providence Athletics Club facilities will be complete. This world-class athletics precinct includes:

• A World Athletics-standard hammer and discus cage
• Shot put circles
• A tartan training track with five 60-metre sprint lanes
• Two long jump pits

These facilities will be shared by both our students and the Providence Athletics Club and will provide the best athletics training environment in the greater Ipswich region. We look forward to seeing our students take full advantage of these resources to further develop their athletic skills and pursue their sporting goals.

We sincerely thank all parents and carers for your continued patience and support during these construction phases. While there have been some disruptions, the long-term benefits for our students and school community will be well worth it.

Yours Sincerely,  

Brendan Krueger

Foundation Principal

Pedagogy

Our staff are continuing their professional development journey to deepen their expertise in effectively engaging students with feedback. On Tuesday 3rd June, teachers participated in a series of breakout sessions focused on enhancing teacher feedback, peer feedback, and self-feedback strategies. These workshops, led by our own staff, offered practical tools and techniques that our teachers can implement in future lessons.

Below are some images from these valuable professional learning sessions.

We encourage families to be part of the feedback cycle in their child’s learning. A great place to start is by asking your child, “What did you learn today?” and “How are you going?” Our goal is for students to confidently articulate their Learning Goals and Success Criteria, and to reflect on the feedback they’ve received during their lessons.

Year 10

Alternate Program and Work Experience
Good luck to all Year 10 students participating in Work Experience placements over the next two weeks! We’re looking forward to visiting many of you and hearing about the valuable insights you gain from working in real-world environments.

For students not attending external placements, an engaging alternate program will be running at school. This includes virtual work experience, skill-building workshops, road safety education, CPR for Life training, and experiences with senior subject offerings. Please note that full attendance is expected for all students through to Friday 27th June.

Subject Changes for Semester 2
At the end of Semester 1, all Year 10 students will have the opportunity to request changes to their subjects to better align with their goals and interests. If your child is considering a subject change, they should contact their Head of Year—either in person or via email—before Friday 27th June.

2025 Student Resource Scheme (SRS) - 2nd instalment date Friday 16th May

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

Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9

For those families who are paying the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) in instalments, the 2nd instalment ($230) is now overdue.

The remaining payment due date is:

• 3rd instalment ($230) due Friday 15th August

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.  Statements will be sent again prior to the final instalment due date.

Following are the SRS parent information letters for each year level which outline the inclusions and cost of the 2025 SRS.

STEM Taiwan Global Student Program – Applications close Friday 27 June 2025 Dive into Taiwan’s dynamic STEM scene with industry visits, interactive workshops and an insider’s experience of Taiwanese school life.

Discover Taiwan’s tech-forward approach alongside its diverse cultural heritage.

 Who can apply?

• Students currently studying STEM subjects and planning to continue the study of these subjects.
• Students interested in Taiwanese culture (students do not need to be studying Chinese language to apply for this program)

 For more details, including full eligibility criteria, and to apply click here. 

STEM Japan Global Student Program – Applications close Friday 27 June 2025 Embark on an adventure in Japan, engaging in industry visits and hands-on activities showcasing Japan’s STEM advancements.

Explore historic sites, landmarks and experience life at local Japanese high schools while deepening your understanding of Japanese language and culture.

 Who can apply?

• Students currently studying STEM subjects and planning to continue the study of these subjects.
• Students interested in Japanese language and culture (students do not need to be studying Japanese language to apply for this program).

For more details, including full eligibility criteria, and to apply click here.

Performing Arts Term 2 Wrap-Up!

DANCE

Dance Academy

It’s been a busy and creative term in our Year 7–9 Dance Academy classes!

Our talented Year 7 dancers are putting the finishing touches on their choreography tasks, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and performance skills in the musical theatre genre. Meanwhile, our Year 8 and 9 students are preparing to submit their Artist Statements, reflecting on their movement choices, influences, and personal growth throughout the term.

As we look ahead, all classes will soon begin working on their exciting new Semester Two routines. Students will explore a range of styles including jazz, lyrical, and contemporary, diving into new techniques and performance opportunities. We can’t wait to see what they create next!

7 Dance

Year 7 Dance students are embracing creativity as they choreograph their own original routines, exploring popular dance styles from the 1970s to now. From disco and hip-hop to current trends, students are studying how music and movement have evolved over the decades. They are experimenting with rhythm, formations, and iconic moves to capture the essence of each era. This practical project encourages collaboration, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation of dance history. The final performances will showcase their ability to blend past and present styles into dynamic, entertaining choreography.

11 Dance

Year 11 Dance students have just completed their first senior unit, which culminated in the creation and performance of their own individual contemporary dance pieces.

In Unit 2, students shift their focus to investigating how both physical and virtual environments influence a choreographer’s creative decisions and the dancer’s ability to convey meaning. Through this study, they deepen their understanding of how different settings shape the development and communication of ideas in dance.

Students learn to analyse, interpret, and evaluate dance works by exploring how movement can be manipulated using key dance concepts and performance skills. They also examine how choreographers and performers in Australia use various environments to enhance their artistic expression.

This unit encourages students to combine practical and theoretical knowledge, helping them develop a thoughtful and creative approach to dance in today’s ever-evolving performance spaces.

DRAMA

8 Drama

Year 8 Drama students recently took part in an energetic slapstick workshop, learning how to fall, trip, and stumble safely. The session focused on building physical comedy skills, with students practicing exaggerated movements and classic comedic timing. These new techniques will be featured in their upcoming Children’s Theatre assessment pieces, helping them create engaging, humorous performances for young audiences. The workshop was a hit, filled with laughter and creativity.

9 Drama

Year 9 Drama students are gearing up for their final performance of the year! This term, they have explored the theme of risk-taking among young people through the play Juice, developing their acting skills in the style of Realism. Along the way, they’ve built confidence, strengthened their teamwork, and embraced the creative process.

This semester has been a powerful opportunity for students to express themselves, explore human emotion, and grow as performers. It would be fantastic to see these students continue their creative journey by selecting Drama in Year 10, where they can further develop their performance skills, deepen their understanding of theatre, and take their artistic expression to the next level.

10 Drama

Year 10 Drama students are continuing their deep dive into Verbatim Theatre, each directing a scene from Scattered Lives by Sally McKenzie. As part of developing their director’s vision, students are creating original set, costume, and lighting designs to enhance the emotional impact and meaning of their chosen scenes. The play explores powerful themes such as displacement, resilience, and the refugee experience in Australia. Through this hands-on process, students are gaining a deeper understanding of how theatrical design can support storytelling, highlight key themes, and give voice to real-life stories that deserve to be heard.

11 Drama

Our Year 11 Drama students have just wrapped up an inspiring journey through Verbatim Theatre, where they devised and performed their own original works based on real voices and stories. Their creativity, empathy, and commitment to authentic storytelling shone through in every performance.

Now, the class is diving into a new and exciting unit exploring Realism, Magical Realism, and Australian Gothic Theatre. These powerful styles challenge students to reflect on how theatre can hold a mirror up to society, revealing truths, sparking conversations and imagining new perspectives. As part of this unit, students will develop a dramatic vision, a conceptual blueprint for a performance that speaks to the world around them. From there, they’ll bring one of these visions to life on stage, blending imagination with insight to create theatre that resonates with modern audiences. We can’t wait to see what bold, thought-provoking work emerges next!

EXRA CURRICULAR

Dance Squad

Our amazing Dance Squad has had a huge few weeks, lighting up the stage with their high-energy performance at our recent Dance Night! Their commitment, passion, and polished routine wowed the audience and made us incredibly proud.

Next up, the squad will be representing our school at the Creative Edge Showcase Evening, performing alongside the studio dancers. We can’t wait to see them take the stage again and share their love of dance with a new audience!

Drama Troupe

Fresh from an outstanding performance evening at Drama Night, our talented Drama Troupe continues to impress! Their energy, passion, and stage presence lit up the night, leaving the audience inspired and entertained.

Now, the troupe is channelling that same creative spark into a new challenge: writing their own short film scripts. This exciting phase sees students bringing their ideas to life on the page, crafting compelling stories that will soon leap from script to screen. Naturally, collaboration is at the heart of this process. From brainstorming sessions to script development, students are working together, sharing ideas and supporting each other to shape bold, original narratives. We can’t wait to see these stories come alive in performance! Stay tuned—there’s more magic to come!

Vocal Ensemble

The Vocal Ensemble is in full rehearsal mode, preparing two exciting pieces for upcoming performances: Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac and Because by The Beatles. Blending classic harmonies with contemporary energy, the ensemble is refining their vocal technique, expression, and group dynamics. These songs will feature in both the highly anticipated Music Night and Performing Arts Week in Term 3. With rich vocal layering and emotional depth, the ensemble is working hard to bring each piece to life and captivate audiences with their performances.

Dance Night

What an unforgettable evening! Our annual Dance Night was a complete sell-out, and the energy in the Performing Arts Centre was electric.

The show featured a vibrant mix of musical theatre, jazz, contemporary, and lyrical routines, all performed with incredible passion and professionalism by our talented students. From start to finish, the audience was captivated by the creativity, skill, and dedication on display.

A huge thank you to our performers, backstage crew, and supporters who made the night such a standout success. We’re already counting down to next year’s show!

Musical

The energy is high, the pink is popping, and the cast of Legally Blonde: The Musical is well on its way to delivering a show-stopping performance! Rehearsals have been buzzing with excitement as students dive deeper into their characters and bring the world of Elle Woods to life with heart, humour, and a whole lot of hair flicks.

We’re well into Act 2 now, with scenes taking shape and choreography coming together with flair. From courtroom showdowns to iconic musical numbers, every rehearsal is packed with creativity, laughter, and impressive dedication. The cast is not only growing as performers but also as a team—supporting one another and truly embracing the spirit of the show.

With costumes, set pieces, and final polish on the horizon, this production is shaping up to be an unforgettable event.

Performing Arts Week is Coming!

Get ready for a jam-packed week of creativity and talent as we celebrate Performing Arts Week in Week 2 of Term 3!

The week will kick off with a vibrant Parade Performance on Monday, bringing energy and colour to the school grounds. On Tuesday, our talented music students will take the spotlight with live performances at the canteen and PAC alfresco area. Wednesday will feature a dynamic Dance performance on the stage in the PAC, followed by a fun-filled Drama games session on Thursday. We’ll finish the week on a high with Music Night on Friday – a showcase of incredible student talent you won’t want to miss!

We can’t wait to celebrate the performing arts with our whole school community!

Save the Date – Music Night 2025!

Mark your calendars! Our first annual Music Night is happening on Friday 25th July (Week 3, Term 2) and promises to be an unforgettable evening of live music and student talent.

Doors will open at 6:00pm, with the show starting promptly at 6:30pm in the Performing Arts Centre.

Join us for a night of amazing performances from our talented musicians, vocalists, and ensembles. It’s a highlight of the school calendar and a wonderful way to support the incredible work happening in our music program.

Save the date – we can't wait to see you there!

Student Success

Met West AFL

Yagera Sport – Winter Season Update

Preparations are well underway for the Yagera Winter Season, with teams now finalised and the first round of Gala Days scheduled to begin in Week 9 of this term.

Parents and carers will begin receiving permission notes and invoices over the coming days. Please ensure you check your junk or spam folders in case any emails are filtered.

* Important Reminder:
Students who are unfinancial from the Summer Season will not be eligible to participate in Winter Sport activities.

Best of luck to all our teams—go RVSSC!

On the sporting fields, lets continue to Achieve Excellence Together!

Ben Sharma

Sports Co-ordinator

bksha0@eq.edu.au

It is with a heavy heart that I write this last newsletter as the Defence School Mentor at Ripley Valley SSC as I complete my tenure at the college at the end of this term.

As is the case with nearly all Defence families, the posting cycle will see my family move out of location in the new year, so I will be taking the time between now and then to undertake the logistics that are involved with moving, as well as visiting family on the other side of the ‘Ditch”.

As the unofficial foundation DSM of the College, my role was to create a program that supported Defence students to access school-based social and emotional supports, provide Defence students with age-appropriate, social and emotional support, provide Defence families with information about the school environment and available DMFS supports relevant to their student’s development and to raise awareness and build capacity among school staff to respond to the social and emotional needs of students from Defence families.

Over the past 5 years, I have had the privilege of engaging with our Defence families, parents and students alike, and advocating on their behalf with the school’s executive and teaching staff. Our Defence student numbers have grown from 20 to 95.  From humble beginnings to an established program within the school, we have enjoyed a number of activities such as Defence parent catch ups, ADF support for Military commemorations at the college, the introduction of Amberley, the Defence Student Representative, established Defence Peer Mentors, enjoyed Defence Week activities including an obstacle course and visiting camels, assisting with the development of ANZAC Place, weekly Defence Hub activities for students, community engagements, wellbeing events, regular interactions with the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch and much much more.

I have been able to educate staff about the commitment required from families when supporting their Defence members, and the challenges they face, notably around the impacts the military lifestyle present on the education of their children.

The DSM program has been fully embraced and support by all the amazing staff at the college, which I give the most sincerest of thanks for and I have had the privilege of working with the wonderfully committed Student Support team people. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be the DSM at RVSSC, and I will always look back at my time here with the fondest of memories.

As the numbers of Defence students grow over these next few years, the level of support from the DSM program will grow too, and I wish the incoming DSM all the very best as they take over the reins in term 3.

To all of my 'Defencies', continue being awesome, goodbye for now and thank you for letting me be a part of your lives.

The Poppy Project

The flow of poppies for our Poppy Waterfall continues to flow, and I would like to make a special mention to the Toowoomba Women’s Shed for their recent contribution of 100 poppies that will be added to the Poppy Waterfall in time for the college’s Remembrance Day Commemoration.

The red poppy has special significance for Australians as they were among the first to flower in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium in the First World War. In soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground.

Australians wear a red poppy on Remembrance Day for three reasons:

• in memory of the sacred dead who rest in Flanders’ Fields
• to keep alive the memories of the sacred cause for which they laid down their lives
• as a bond of esteem and affection between the soldiers of all Allied nations and in respect for France, our common battleground.

Reporting Defence Related Absences

If you are a Defence member who will be posting away or deploying for a significant time, or if you are transitioning out of the ADF, could you please let me know.  This helps me and the college staff provide appropriate support for your child. 

Ripley Valley SSC Defence School Mentor: Tracey Cooper

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 0800 - 1430hrs

Email: tcoop203@eq.edu.au

Phone : 3819 5333