From the Principal's Desk
Published by Rochedale State SchoolCitius, Altius, Fortius or Faster, Higher, Stronger
Is the motto chosen by Baron Pierre de Coubertin in 1894 when he instigated the modern Olympic Games. At the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics last Friday night, a new word was added; Together, highlighting the fact that the world has experienced levels of disconnection recently and the Olympic Games is a chance to re-unite the globe. This connectedness reflects de Coubertine’s vision for the modern Olympics. De Coubertine saw the modern games, not as a competition for beating others, but as an opportunity for individuals to beat themselves and set an example for others. He believed that by challenging yourself and raising your personal bar, you will inspire others to also become better.
This ideal is clearly illustrated in the history of the four minute mile. For years this milestone was seen as impossible to achieve and perhaps beyond the limits of the human body. Then on May 6, 1954 after years of athletes trying, Roger Banister broke the four minute barrier, running the distance in 3:59.4. For Banister this showed a sense of extreme belief to do what was considered undoable. He was able to create a certainty within himself without seeing any proof that it actually could be done. For others, it set a new standard for themselves as they now saw what was possible. Just 46 days later, Australian John Landy broke the four minute barrier and over the next few years a mark which was seen as unreachable for many years, was repeatedly broken by more and more runners once they realised that it was indeed possible. Once one person proved that it could be done, many others were able to do it, sending the important message: once you stop believing something is impossible, it becomes possible.Through collective endeavours, anything can be achieved.
The Olympic ethos is just as pertinent in the classroom as it is in the sporting arena. Believe in yourself and push yourself beyond your current limits. As a school we never want to be satisfied that we have reached the limits of our achievements, we always want to be extending ourselves and creating a belief that, if we commit, we can all achieve what others may feel is impossible and set a new standard. Most importantly, lets do it together.
PS - the current record for the mile is 3:43.13 held by Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj.
COVID Update
While some restrictions around indoor capacities were lifted last week, which allowed us to welcome limited numbers of parents back on parade last Friday, the mask restrictions remain in place for at least another week. Please wear a mask when entering any buildings on school site, or if you are in the open and social distancing with other adults and students, cannot be maintained. Parents invited to this week’s Student of the Month Parade will be required to wear a mask unless restrictions are lifted by Friday morning. Once again, I thank you all for your co-operation and understanding with our COVID guidelines which ensure the safety of students and staff while at school.
School Opinion Survey
The 2021 School Opinion Survey period is now open and completion of the annual School Opinion Survey is undertaken online. Access details for the Parent/Carer Survey have been emailed directly to your school registered email address. While participation in School Opinion Survey is voluntary, I would strongly encourage all parents and carers to provide their opinions as the greater the number of responses, the more closely the survey results will be representative of the overall opinions held at our school. The information provides important feedback to our school going forward. It is just as important to know the things that we are excelling in as it is to hear about the areas we can improve. In previous years we have had a small return rate, this could be because people are happy with Rochedale State School, and indeed verbal feedback from parents would suggest that people love our school. Nevertheless your feedback is important to us, even to say we are doing well, as a higher return rate increases the validity of the data. The online Parent/Carer Survey will remain open until this Friday 30 July.
Carparking
I need to once again return to the issue of car park safety and common sense. Unfortunately, as Benjamin Franklin once quoted; The problem with common sense is, it isn’t so common. Last week I was sent some footage of a car blatantly parking in the middle of the road-way blocking other cars from exiting the proper parking bays. When the car eventually moved, it went forward with the traffic for a while and then suddenly proceeded to reverse with no warning, back into the traffic to squeeze past two cars, narrowly missing them, to find a new parking spot. When another car honked to alert the driver to their dangerous behaviour, the driver used less than appropriate words and gestures to indicate that they clearly didn’t care. I know parking is at a premium during peak periods and it is not possible for everyone to park exactly at our front door. In this regard we are no different from many other schools in our area. As always, student safety is our priority and we rely on the partnership of parents to ensure this safety is upheld. Some drivers need to try a little bit harder to be courteous and patient, it just takes common sense. I hope our driving community can prove Benjamin Franklin wrong.
Learner Profile: Attribute focus for the week – Knowledgeable – Students demonstrate a desire to learn more and become more knowledgeable by completing all school and homework tasks to the best of their ability. To achieve this goal, students are expected to demonstrate this attribute for the entire term.
Kind regards
Keith Graham
Principal
Students in Prep to 2 have already been engaging with the CBCA's (Children's Book Council of Australia) shortlisted books in 2021's Book of the Year Competition, and giving their opinion on which book they think should win.
Premier's Reading Challenge
Captain Read It
