Supporting our Defence families
Defence families are an important part of the
Ripley Valley State Secondary College community.
With RAAF Base Amberley located nearby, many students in our local community
have a parent or caregiver serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
We understand that Defence life can bring unique experiences for students,
including postings, changing schools, deployments, exercises and extended
periods of parental absence.
Ripley Valley State Secondary College has its own
Defence School Mentor (DSM) to provide dedicated support
to Defence students and their families throughout their time at the College.
If your family is connected to the Australian Defence Force,
we encourage you to make contact with our Defence School Mentor
when your student joins Ripley Valley State Secondary College.
Meet our Defence School Mentor
Leslee Duggan
Defence School Mentor
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About our Defence School Mentor
Leslee provides a familiar point of contact for Defence students
and families at Ripley Valley State Secondary College.
She works alongside College staff to help Defence students feel
connected, supported and understood throughout their time at RVSSC.
Leslee can assist students through the different stages of Defence
family life, from settling into a new school following a posting,
through periods of parental absence, to preparing for another move.
Email:
ldugg21@eq.edu.au
Phone: (07) 3819 5333
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How our Defence School Mentor can help
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Starting at RVSSC
Helping Defence students become familiar with the College,
make connections and settle into their new school community.
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Parental absence
Providing additional support during deployments, exercises,
courses and other extended periods when a parent or caregiver
may be away from home.
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Wellbeing and connection
Helping students connect with appropriate school based supports
and navigate social, emotional, friendship or classroom challenges
when required.
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Postings and changing schools
Supporting students and families when another posting is approaching
and helping make the transition to a new school as smooth as possible.
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Defence life at RVSSC
Supporting Defence students is also about creating opportunities for connection,
belonging and understanding within the College community.
Our Defence School Mentor helps Defence students connect with others who may
share similar experiences and works with College staff to build awareness of
the Defence lifestyle.
This includes activities for Defence students and involvement in significant
occasions such as ANZAC Day and
Remembrance Day.
Moving to RVSSC?
A Defence posting can mean a new home, new community and new school all at once.
If your family is moving into the Ripley Valley area and your student will be
attending Ripley Valley State Secondary College, we encourage you to make contact
with us as early as possible.
Our Defence School Mentor can help your student begin making connections with
the College and provide an ongoing point of contact as they settle into their
new school environment.
When should I contact the Defence School Mentor?
Families are welcome to contact Leslee at any stage. You may find it
particularly helpful to get in touch:
- when your student first enrols at RVSSC
- when your family receives a posting
- before or during a deployment, exercise or extended parental absence
- if your student is finding it difficult to settle into the College
- if your student is experiencing friendship, wellbeing or classroom difficulties
- when preparing to leave RVSSC for another school
- if you would simply like to discuss what support may be available.
About the Defence School Mentor Program
The Defence School Mentor Program supports children from Australian Defence
Force families through participating schools across Australia.
Defence provides funding to eligible schools to employ a Defence School Mentor.
The program helps Defence students connect with their school community,
access appropriate wellbeing support and strengthen their sense of belonging.
Ripley Valley State Secondary College participates in the Defence School Mentor
Program, providing dedicated support for eligible Defence students and families
within our College community.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR PROGRAM
Useful resources for Defence families
Defence Member and Family Helpline
Defence members and families can contact the Defence Member and Family
Helpline for information and support.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
1800 624 608
Contact our Defence School Mentor
If your family is newly arriving at RVSSC, preparing for a deployment or
posting, or you simply have a question about support for your student,
please contact Leslee.
Leslee Duggan
Defence School Mentor
Email:
ldugg21@eq.edu.au
Phone: (07) 3819 5333