From the Principal's Desk
Published by Rochedale State SchoolWelcome to Week 2 and a shorter than normal week due to yesterday’s public holiday.
All gave some, some gave all - Lest We Forget.
ANZAC Day is a very important part of Australian culture and one of the most solemn days on our calendar. I would like to congratulate all of our students for their excellent participation throughout last Friday’s Anzac Day ceremony. After not being able to hold a live event last year due to COVID, it was wonderful to return to a school ANZAC service in our hall this year to pay tribute to the service men and women of Australia. The behaviour of the students in the audience and the perfect performance by our school leaders, student representatives and our school band ensured that our school’s Anzac ceremony was a memorable event for all who attended. Anzac Day activities have become significant events on our school calendar and are important learning experiences for our students. Thank you to Mrs Maxton for the organisation and running of this ceremony.
Year 6 Camp
This morning we farewelled a very excited bunch of Year 6 students (and their equally excited teachers) as they headed off on a four day camp to Tallebudgera Camp School. Tallebudgera has been operating camps for a very long time – I attended myself, all those years ago - and I am sure our crew will have an extremely fun time. I am looking forward to joining them for the day on Thursday and re-discovering my kayaking and tobogganing skills. Camps are such an exciting and valuable part of our school curriculum and I would like to thank the Year 6 teaching team for organising this event and for giving up their personal time to be with their students on camp. It will be a fantastic week.
Winter uniform
It is great to see that our students are adhering to the ‘School Uniform Policy’, thank you so much for your support. Please note that black shoes are a part of our uniform policy for both the formal and sports uniforms. As we enter into the cooler months, students are expected to wear the school winter uniforms and not just jumpers of any colour. It is also important for all uniforms to have student’s names because when we have cold mornings and warm days it is common for students to shed the warmer layers of clothes (jumpers and track pants) during the day and at play times and forget to collect them again. If these items are labelled it is easier to re-unite clothing with the correct owner. The uniform rule is just as important as every other rule at school and is viewed as such. How can a teacher give a student an ‘A’ comment for behaviour on their report card, or select them for Student of the Month or other accolades, if every day they demonstrate through their uniform that they choose not to follow our school rules. Please help us promote our school’s great image and reputation in the community by supporting our uniform policy.
Maintenance
April/May is certainly one of the best times of the year for weather in Brisbane; cool mornings, warm days and glorious sunsets. Best of all the sunny spells have meant that work has recommenced on our junior playground after many weeks of disruption due to rain. The block terrace work has been completed, some of the artificial grass put in place and wooden platforms built around key trees. The old shade sails and poles have been removed ready for the new structure and the earth works are being completed to install three slippery slides on the far bank. (I have included an updated photo below). Once completed, this area will be a terrific playground for our junior students. If the sunshine holds out, we should hear the sounds of laughter and the noise of children playing in this new area before the end of term.
Learner Profile: Attribute focus for the week – Principled – students respect the rights of others and take their own responsibilities seriously. Students arrive to school on time, return from breaks and get to all classes on time. To achieve this goal, students must be principled for the entire term.
Please note: This Monday, May 3 is a public holiday for Labour Day so we will have another short week next week with school re-commencing on Tuesday May 4. I hope you enjoy our second long weekend of the term.
Kind regards
Keith Graham
Principal