From the Principal's Desk
Published by Rochedale State SchoolMany cultures, one community.
This is how I proudly describe our school. Rochedale State School has many different and diverse cultures that combine to make up our unique community. In a world where difference is often used to divide and marginalise people, it is so important that we, as a school, actively teach and model respect, tolerance and acceptance. As an IB World School, we want to make our students, who will be the leaders of tomorrow, accepting of difference and embracing of others in a harmonious world community. While this attitude should be present every day, it is even more relevant this week as 15 – 21 March is Harmony Week where we celebrate the cultural diversity of our students and staff. Falling during Harmony Week is our National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on Friday. These two themes are intertwined as often bullying is based on difference or the unacceptance of others. By teaching our students about anti-bullying and harmony we hope to help them understand that while we may have different cultures, religions, skin colours, beliefs and languages; we are all part of the one global community. Children’s attitudes (and consequently the attitudes of tomorrow’s adults) are influenced strongly by home. As adults, we all carry the responsibility to make the world a better place and respect difference and encourage tolerance. Linking Harmony week and the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence is the colour orange and to support these two important themes we are inviting students to wear orange to school on Friday (Year 5 and 6 students going to interschool sport will need to ensure they have their proper sports uniform to change into for their games). So this Friday, let us colour our school orange and while doing so, make the world a better place for everyone.
Educational Queensland International
EQI is a branch of our Department of Education with a focus on working with international students and jurisdictions for the benefit of all involved. EQI arrange many of our study tours and provide opportunities for international teachers to visit Australian schools. Over the past 12 months EQI have been working on a project to highlight the international mindedness of QLD schools and recognise some of the great practices that occur. Rochedale State School was one of 12 schools chosen across QLD as an exemplar for other schools. Last week, students and key staff were filmed sharing our practices and inclusive culture, which embrace our community diversity. Later on this year, we will work with other schools to help them develop their own school practices. This recognition is testament to the work we do here at Rochedale ensuring every child and family feel welcome within our school and the value we see in diversity. Rochedale State school; Many cultures, one community.
School photos
Next week, all classes will be having their school photos taken on either Tuesday or Wednesday – please see your class teacher for the exact day and time. Being a formal occasion, it is expected that all children will be correctly dressed in their formal school uniform. Shoes should be black and hair should be neat and tidy and tied back with blue ribbons if necessary. (Children can change in and out of their formal uniform for the photo if their preference is to wear another style of uniform each day). As always we thank you for your support with our school uniform and for helping us maintain our positive school look and image. The payment envelopes have been sent home; please ensure that your child brings the payment envelope with them on the day to hand directly to the photo staff – not the school. If you have paid for the photos online with your code (our preferred method), you are not required to bring the envelope on photo day.
Please note; our staff photo will be on Tuesday morning at 8:00am meaning staff may be unavailable for meetings or chats at this time.
Building Works
The new ROSHCA building is in the final stages of completion and should be handed over to the school this week. Once handed over, the P&C will then begin work on the internal fit-out before commissioning this building into use.
Parking – we made the news.
Rochedale made the television news last week in a general story about traffic congestion around schools and the illegal practices of drivers around pick–up and drop-off times. A school of our size, in a growing suburb, is always going to generate traffic, however the impact of this to all in our community can be minimised if we consider others and follow the rules. Please do not wait double parked in our carpark. While it may seem convenient for you, it is extremely dangerous for children to run out to and from cars parked like this while other cars are backing out or driving around you into oncoming traffic. In the rain last week many parents decided to avoid the dedicated drop off area and instead chose to drop off children near the crossing area of the front car park or use the turning circle in front of Admin – both of these habits endanger students’ safety. Our children’s lives are precious and are surely worth you waiting five minutes in the pick-up line to ensure a safe collection or drop-off. Additionally, if you are parking outside the gates, please be mindful of our neighbours and local businesses. Please do not park on private property and do not block trade by using business parking for school parking. We at Rochedale SS try to be caring neighbours and we rely on everyone attached to our school to do the right thing to look after all in our community. Thank you.
Learner Profile: Attribute focus for the week – Balanced – Students should read a variety of authors and books to become balanced readers and share their week’s reading list with their teacher. Depending on age and reading ability of students this may be done as a whole class, small groups or individually. Check with your class teacher how it will be done in your particular room.
Kind regards
Keith Graham
Principal
