Welcome back 

The past week has reminded us all of the pace at which our world can change and that the impact of COVID-19 is certainly not over. This morning it was wonderful to welcome back our students and see their happy faces once again. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Rochedale staff for the great work they did, in a very short time, to ensure continuity of learning for our students last week. Each and every staff member rose to the occasion and did a fantastic job pivoting and adapting to each new circumstance. I sincerely wish to commend them. I also wish to thank parents/carers once again for their understanding of school routines changing and in particular for observing our new drop off procedures this morning; hopefully these will not need to be in place for too long.

There is no doubt, recent times have posed challenges for all of us, but our fabulous community spirit here at Rochedale, ensures we were able to rise to each one. I am so very proud, not only of the way our teachers and students have conducted themselves in adjusting to what has been, but of you, our parents and community members. On behalf of all staff, I sincerely thank you for your patience and support. The positive feedback from our school community and the willingness of parents and carers to partner with us in support of your children’s learning, has been greatly appreciated. 

No one can predict what the future holds, but I am confident that together we can face whatever challenge is placed in front of us. For now, it is important to regain a sense of business as usual and focus on what really matters; the students and their learning.

The Ekka

The Brisbane Exhibition was cancelled last week and for Brisbane our Show Holiday has been delayed. While other government areas experienced their Show Holiday today, we in the Brisbane area will need to wait until a new date is announced. At this stage it is looking like a day in Term 4. I will keep you posted but remind all that this week is a five-school day week for Rochedale.

Prep enrolments

While many things are different in 2021, other things remain constant such as our planning forward to the next year of school. To date we have 115 Prep students enrolled within catchment for next year. To help us with classes and numbers for next year we ask that any Prep in catchment students, or siblings of current students who will be continuing in 2022, to register and return your completed paper work, including birth certificate, to the office ASAP to secure your place. Even if you are an existing family you must still complete the enrolment process for your Prep child for next year. Enrolling early not only allows us to plan our staffing and classes as accurately as possible, it also provides the opportunity for your 2022 Prep child to participate in our transition program which is so valuable in assisting with the transition into school.

Prep STARS

Unfortunately, our Prep STARS transition program has been postponed for the past two weeks due to COVID related guidelines. If current restrictions remain in place, we may also have to cancel next week. We will endeavor to adapt our program and provide alternative days to all who have missed out. Once we have some more certainty around restrictions we will finalise a plan and forward any details. We will also communicate with next Monday’s STAR families (and beyond) once a decision has been made about the immediate future of these Monday visits. Thank you.

Learner Profile:  Attribute focus for the week – Risk Takers – Students should try something new or attempt something challenging in relation to their school work. This may be done as an entire class or as an individual, check with your class teacher. If it is being done individually, children should share their risk-taking goals with their class teacher.                

Kind regards
Keith Graham
Principal

Our school supports, “Every night, every child, reads!”

We often hear parents ask, ‘How do I help my child read at home?’

There are many ways you can help your child read at home. They learn best watching their family members use reading and writing in everyday life – reading for enjoyment, sharing stories, cooking with recipes, shopping lists, junk mail, websites, birthday cards, street signs, etc. Our homes really provide many rich literacy learning opportunities.

Reading with your child everyday helps to build a love and joy of reading. Using reading opportunities as a time to spend together, not only shows your child you are interested in their learning, but also can bring laughter, fun and excitement. When families read together and talk about stories they are building general knowledge of the world around them.

It is important to read to your child in your home language if your first language is not English. Experience shows that using your home language will help your child to learn to read in English.

Our top tips for home reading include:

• Make a special time for reading with your child, away from interruption. Find a time that works best with your family’s routines.
• Expose them to a variety of different text types and authors. Let them choose books of interest to them.
• Read aloud to children. It helps them to learn and hear language and will help to encourage them to enjoy books and reading.
• Always encourage their attempts and praise their efforts.
• Before reading:
  • Talk about the pictures and cover of the book.
  • Ask questions, “I wonder….” “I predict……….”,
  • “What characters might there be in this story?”

• During the reading:
  • Read the book or text together. Encourage children to join in.
  • Pause reading from time to time and ask questions about the text, “What is the main idea of the story, pictures, diagrams?” “What do you think might happen next?” Be mindful of how many questions you ask to ensure reading is an enjoyable experience. Interrupting the story too often can make children lose the meaning and enjoyment of the text.
  • Explain the meaning of new or unfamiliar words as you come across them.
  • Using and modelling appropriate expression can aid your child to interpret the text.

• After reading:
  • Ask your child to retell the events of the book.
  • Discuss any new learning that has come from reading the book.
  • Make a personal connection to the story “I remember when……” “This reminds me….”
  • Ask questions, “Were my predictions correct?” “Did you learn something new?” “Why did a character behave this way?” “What would you do?”
  • Share your favourite part of the story and ask them what part they enjoyed.
  • Act out an event from the story.
  • Compare this story to other stories you have read. Which parts were similar or different.

Re-read enjoyable books! Books can be read many times and become family favourites. Focus on different parts of the text each time. Each time you read the text it can bring a new experience and new conversations /reflections of the text.

Happy reading!

Mrs Nicola Leslie
Deputy Principal

Chinese Speaking Competition

Mrs Wang, organised an opportunity for interested Year 6 students to participate in the Chinese Language Teachers of Queensland Association Speaking Contest earlier in the year.  Big congratulations to Talia T, from 6C who received a special commendation and a gift voucher prize for her efforts.  Talia, a non-native Mandarin speaker shared with the whole school at an assembly her speech which was very impressive!

On-line Writers Journalism Course

At the beginning of the year, a number of high performing students in English were given an opportunity to participate in a State-Wide On-line Journalism Course.  Hundreds of students enrolled in the course at the beginning of the year and 82 successfully completed all quizzes and assessments, including Rochedale State School’s own, Oscar B and Rudra T.  The course required determination, hard work and resilience and our students who have finished the course clearly demonstrated these qualities.

The boys went on to be selected as two of only ten students in Queensland to receive an invite to participate in a week-long Ekka Writer’s Camp.  Unfortunately, the camp was cancelled due to COVID restrictions, however it doesn’t diminish Oscar and Rudra’s tremendous efforts and I am sure the whole school community joins with me in congratulating them on their hard work and achievements. 

Camps

Another COVID Lockdown casualty last week was the scheduled Year Four and Year Five camps could not go ahead as planned.  This was incredibly disappointing for families and the year level teams.  However, I am pleased to report that after negotiating with Kindilan and Thunder Bird Park respectively we have managed to secure alternative dates for both camps towards the end of the year. 

Year 6 Exhibition

Last week, Year Six students continued their Exhibition journey through the Home Learning format.  Students needed to put all of their ‘Approaches to Learning’ into action as they independently navigated researching their questions and communicating with their partner/s remotely.  Teams are over the halfway mark and are due to give their teachers a mid-way check in this week, reporting on where they are up to with their research, understandings of the topic and art piece. 

Have a great week
Kellie Maxton
Deputy Principal (5-6)

Australian Curriculum

The Australian Curriculum states knowledge, skills and attitudes are important for students to learn, helping young Australians become successful, confident, active and informed citizens in the future. The curriculum is presented in a developmental sequence of learning from Prep- Year 10 as students progress through their education journey.

The Australian Curriculum has Learning Areas that set out the subject knowledge that children need to learn at the various stages of their education.

The eight learning areas include:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• The Arts
• Technologies
• Physical Education
• Languages

At Rochedale State School, the IB-PYP framework is the learning approach we use to deliver the Australian Curriculum. This framework allows students to learn in inquiry-based and student-centred classrooms, enabling students to learn between, across and beyond traditional subject boundaries. Students can then make strong links and deepen their understanding, helping them make connections to the world beyond the classroom. The IB-PYP framework encourages students to take responsibility for their education, asking questions and building research skills, so they can become life-long learners.

Currently at Rochedale Sate School, we are undergoing a collaborative Curriculum review to ensure the delivery of the most up to date Australian Curriculum through our PYP framework. Teams of teachers will look deeply across all learning areas, aligning their content descriptors to our Programme of Inquiry, optimizing student outcomes. It is an exciting process for our staff and teachers to be a part of.

Natasha Floyd
HOD- Curriculum

Hi Rochedale State School,

Life at the moment is giving us so many opportunities to action just how flexible, resilient and optimistic we can be. Over the weekend, like so many Australians, I had more time to spend in front of the television to cheer on the Olympians. The journalists took us through some of the background stories of the people competing and how they overcame adversity to be in Tokyo. The sacrifice, focus and discipline to reach their goals and stand in the moment, of all they had dreamed of despite the setbacks, truly is inspiring.

Whether you are a sports fan or not, there is something incredibly special about overcoming obstacles, staying the course and achieving your heart’s desire. Many people along the way, play a big part in supporting a person to fulfill their ambition. Each Olympian that spoke, from all countries, thanked their coach, their family and everyone that cheered them on and believed in them. As family, school staff, student or friend we play a part in helping each other to dream and achieve our dreams. So today I encourage you, whether you are in lockdown and masked up or not, look at the bigger picture – life goes on, people overcome and we can all dream big!

Kind regards
Chappy Sue

ABSENCE LINE 3340 8388 or

text 0427 890 693 (24 hours)

*******IT IS NOW A REQUIREMENT THAT ALL STUDENT ABSENCES BE REPORTED ON THE DAY OF THE ABSENCE TO THE SCHOOL OFFICE*******

To report a student absence, please call the absence line on 3340 8388 or text our SMS line on 0427 890 693.  These lines are both open 24 hours a day.

When recording an absence on either our phone line or SMS line, please state the following:

1. Your name
2. Student's name
3. Student's class
4. Reason for absence

Please speak clearly and slowly and help us with spelling of names when calling the phone line.

Unfortunately, we have had to postpone the Disco, we hope to hold it later in the year. Father's Day Stall will still go ahead. Thank you to our core volunteers. Social Distancing measures will be in place. Class days and times will be put in the newsletter soon. If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to pandc@rochedalss.eq.edu.au

Disco - postponed to a later date - we will keep you updated.

Father's Day Stall - Day 1 -Tuesday August 31 - Junior School classes.

Father's Day Stall - Day 2 - Wednesday September 1 - Senior School classes.

SNACK SHACK NEWS:

We are trying to limit the receipt of cash over the counter, please consider our online options or eftpos when ordering.  At the last P&C meeting a new menu was approved. Qkr! has been updated. Any concerns or questions you may have please email fsmanager@rochedalesspandc.com.au or pandc@rochedalss.eq.edu.au

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS:

Uniform Shop is once again online only for the next couple of weeks. Online orders through Qkr are always processed on a Thursday. Please be patient while we work through them. If your order is not delivered to your child's classroom on the Thursday it will be delivered on the Friday after parade. Uniform delivery is subject to class times and if your child's class is not there this will cause a delay. Every effort is made though to make sure the orders are delivered directly to the teacher for distribution to your child. Any questions or concerns can be sent to uniform@rochedalesspandc.com.au

Kind regards
Michelle Duncan
Admin Asst. RSS P&C
07-3340-8365