Congratulations Rochedale State School!

Last Friday night the Leadership Team and I attended the rescheduled, on-line version of this year’s Australian Education Awards – usually they are held in Sydney in August. These awards celebrate the great work undertaken by the thousands of government and private/independent primary and high schools around Australia; just being short listed as a finalist is a huge honour. It is therefore with much pride and elation I can announce that Rochedale State School was named Australian Primary School of the Year (Government) for 2021. This is an outstanding achievement and something all in our community should be proud of. Every single member of the Rochedale Team works hard to provide the very best for our students and their families. To get this recognition is a magnificent reflection of our staff, students, parent and community members who contribute so much to our school each and every day. This prestigious school award was achieved through the collective efforts of the Rochedale Team and every single staff member is a part of this award and should feel extremely proud of their work. Additionally, I was surprised and humbled to win two individual awards - Primary School Principal of the Year (Government) and the overall Australian Principal of the Year. While these last two awards may be in my name, I am fully aware that individual achievements are very rarely solo. Success has many parents and individual achievements still require valuable support teams working behind the scenes to ensure success. I know I am only able to achieve what I do because of the wonderful and talented team I have working with me. These awards are for all of us and I would like to sincerely thank and congratulate everyone on the Rochedale Team. It is an honour that our work has been recognised in this way.

2021 the year that was.

Again in 2021 we faced challenges which would have been unimaginable two short years ago. While the challenges were not as sudden and unexpected as in 2020, the ongoing nature of the changes and restrictions certainly enacted feelings of COVID fatigue and impacted people’s emotional well-being. It is at times such as this that frustrations can rise and the negative feelings can get the better of us. I would like to think that as a school community we again rose above a crisis mentality and displayed creativity and innovation to actually thrive – our student results would say this was exactly the case. While some saw restrictions and problems, I would like to think we saw opportunities. Opportunities to do things differently to maintain our commitment to students and their learning. Our NAPALN results this year showed a continued upward trend and are the best results Rochedale has ever achieved to date.

As a school community we can certainly be very proud of how we continued to respond and overcome the challenges of 2021. Thank you all for the continued support I received as principal and for the trust and belief you gave the staff, this enabled us to keep focussing on our core business of teaching and learning. We all hope COVID, and the restrictions we have had to work around, will be consigned to the history books in 2022. However, if challenges continue I have the absolute confidence that our school community has the professionalism, calmness and expertise in staff to overcome and keep doing our best for our students. I cannot thank the community, the staff and the school Leadership Team enough for all the work you have done to help navigate through the past two years. I hope you understand how much this support has meant to me. I am extremely humbled to have the privilege of leading such a wonderful school and community throughout this pandemic and when looking back at 2020/21 some time in the future, I truly believe we can say, - to quote Winston Churchill - “this was our finest hour”. So, with the school year almost over and the finish line now in sight and I am sure all in our community are looking forward to a well-deserved break. I think we have all earned it!

Staffing 2022      

The end of a school year usually means some changes in staffing. Heidi Burns (Prep and Prep transition), Chris Shields (Year 1) and Gai Allen (Year 1) finish their contracts with us on Friday. Charlotte Boyd our Speech Pathologist has taken up a teaching position at another school for next year and we wish her well for her change in career. I would like to thank all of these staff for their commitment to Rochedale and wish them well in their future endeavours. There are also other staff who will not be immediately returning to our school for the start of next year but are still connected to Rochedale and part of our staff. Both Gabby Pitman and Brenda Collins will continue to work as Guidance Officers in 2022 and will not be returning to Rochedale, and Faye Berry will continue to act as the Support Teacher Literacy and Numeracy at Belmont State School. Jo Broadbent is continuing her leave to pursue teaching at university and work in the Early Childhood sector. Margot Calder will be taking 6 months long service leave at the beginning of the year and Ryan Trama will also be taking leave for the start of the new year. Paul Kelly has extended his leave to continue with his recovery and Denise Wardle has extended her carer’s leave for a term to continue to look after her mother. I would also like to pass on our best wishes to Kellie Maxton and Catherine Atkin our Guidance Officer who are both expecting new babies in the new year and will be taking the first three terms of 2022 off on maternity leave. On behalf of our school community, I would like to thank all of these staff for their dedication to Rochedale and for their contribution to our students’ learning journeys throughout their service and wish them well until their return.

Work for 2022

Over the holidays work will begin on our new building. This building will accommodate our school’s growth and will contain 12 new classrooms. Associated work will include an upgrade of the staff carpark at Gate 1, the removal of the existing Year 3 demountable buildings and a refurbishment of some older smaller classrooms. This work should be completed by the end of the year and be in place for the start of the 2023 school year. Please note while this construction takes place, parts of our Year 3/4 playground will be fenced off to ensure student safety and uninterrupted construction. I am sure once it is finished you will agree that the work will be of great benefit to our school and I thank the government for investing this extra money into Rochedale.

Book drop off 2022

In line with continued parent feedback, we will again have a time when parents can drop off student books and resources prior to the first day of school. Friday 21 January between 8:30am and 9:30am classrooms will be open for you to walk directly to and leave these book packs; teachers will not be available for talks at this time as they will be involved in professional development activities. Please note that the classrooms will be closed to parents at all other times. The school Office will be open from Monday 17 January.

End of year dates to note:

Monday – Tuesday 6/7 December – Year 4 Camp

Tuesday 7 December – Year 6 Celebration Day/Excursion

Wednesday 8 December – Year 6 Graduation and Farewell evening

Thursday 9 December - Final parade and formal Year 6 farewell, Class break-up day and electronic report cards sent home.

Friday 10 December – Clean-up Day – children are expected to be in uniform and will be assisting with the final preparation of rooms for next year or undertaking pen/pencil and paper work under the supervision of teachers. (It may not necessarily be their own teacher as some of the teachers will have been reassigned other duties in preparation for 2022. Those children in attendance will be grouped appropriately and provided with school work under appropriate supervision.)

Learner Profile: Attribute focus for the week – Reflective – students who are reflective think about how their actions impact on others and make the correct choices to ensure everyone at school can focus on our core business of teaching and learning. Children who need help with being reflective are directed to our Reflection Room as part of the school behaviour management plan. Children who haven't been to the Reflection Room this term qualify for this term’s final learner profile attribute.

Students who have achieved all ten weekly Learner Profile attributes this term have earned a Learner Profile Award recognising their outstanding achievement – a Bronze Award if this is their first one, a Silver Award if they achieved an award already this year, a Gold Award for students who have received two awards, and a Rochedale Award for students who have received an award each term this year. Well done to these students!

Holiday note

I would like to remind everyone that the school is private property and is not to be used outside of school hours, including holidays, without express permission. Security and police personnel will patrol the school grounds and unauthorised trespassers may be prosecuted. Unfortunately, the holiday period is a time of increased damage and vandalism, please help us to protect school property by calling School Watch on 13 1788 or the police if you see anyone acting suspiciously or inappropriately on the school grounds.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the school community for their support this year. It takes a community to educate a child and this school/home partnership allows Rochedale SS to provide the best education possible for all students. As mentioned, I have been seconded into Central Office next year and Rochedale will have an acting Principal for 2022. I take this break with the confidence of knowing that the great work and our established direction will continue in my absence. Our school is in a great place and I always said I would only ever step out of my role as principal if the school was travelling well. I also hope I am leaving Rochedale, which was always a great school, in a better place than when I began here.

On behalf of our dedicated teachers, aides, administrators and ancillary staff I would like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday. Have a safe, relaxing break and remember school will start for all students on Monday 24 January. Please ensure students are ready to start work from this first morning. For now, I wish you all goodbye.

Thank you and Merry Xmas

Keith Graham

Principal

Year 5 Dance Showcase

Last Thursday, the year five cohort were able to showcase their newly acquired dance learnings to a very large crowd of appreciative parents.  It was very impressive to see students perform their developed and taught choreography in such a confident and polished way.  The highlight of the day for me was the fact that, with the exception of two students, the whole year level fully participated in the showcase regardless of some students feeling initially apprehensive about dancing/performing or being confident in their own ability levels.   Risk-taking at its finest. 

The implementation of Rochedale State School’s Dance Specialist position at the end of 2018 has been a tremendous success. Not only have our teachers and students in the targeted year levels of three and five been supported with the dance curriculum in the classroom but the school has been able to offer outstanding extra-curricular opportunities for those students with an interest in Performing Arts through our Rochedale Performing Arts Kids group.  I am pleased to say that next year the program will continue to operate and expand into the Year one curriculum for term two.  

This is the first cohort who were taught for both year 3 and 5 Dance. It was incredible to watch them extend on the skills they learned in year 3 and apply new skills they learned this term.   Mrs Smith worked with the year level to explore how movement is used to create meaning using the Elements of Dance.  The theme of Heroes and Villains was used to do this. The students enjoyed exploring how to create meaning through movement in their choreography task about a hero or villain of their choice or making. Sequences of their choreography is performed in each class group’s dance. 

Big thank you to Mrs Smith and the classroom teachers for working so hard with the students on their performances.  The endeavour certainly provided many opportunities not only to refine their skills in the Arts, but learn wider life lessons such as confidence, resilience and the value of practice! Congratulations to our year five students for their tremendous efforts.  It was truly an enjoyable afternoon!

Good Luck and Farewell Year Six

Mr Graham wrote in his newsletter article last week about the theme of change and noted that the only thing constant in life is change.  Life pulls us forward often in unexpected directions, ready or not.  My own impending maternity leave is testament to this!  Week ten is a special week for our Year Six cohort as they celebrate the successful completion of their primary schooling and they look forward to the challenges that high school, and adolescence more broadly offer.  The class of 2021 have been a terrific cohort and all the Rochedale Staff and wider community wish them the best with their future endeavours.  They leave us as fine, living examples of our Learner Profile. 

I would like to acknowledge our 2021 elected student leaders for their dedication and leadership in the school.  They have fulfilled their duties admirably and have been a pleasure to work with.  I would also like to thank the year level parent body for their support during their time at Rochedale State School.  I look forward to the official Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday night to celebrate all their achievements. 

Congratulations and see you all soon

Being the deputy rostered on the final newsletter has given me an opportunity to also congratulate Rochedale State School for being named Australian Primary School of the Year (Government) for 2021. It is an outstanding achievement and something all in our community should be proud of. I can’t say enough what a pleasure it is to come to work each day and work with the best; cleaners, grounds, office ladies, teaching and support staff and of course the leadership team.  I also get the privilege of working with such amazing students and supportive families. 

Big congratulations to Keith for receiving his individual awards; Primary School Principal of the Year (Government) and the overall Australian Principal of the Year.  They are incredibly prestigious honours and he is a worthy recipient.  Dr Graham has led Rochedale State School to new heights as principal and I am sure the whole community wishes him the best with his new position for next year and look forward to having him back in 2023. 

I am about to re-direct my energies to ‘other duties’ next year but look forward to ‘being back on board’ in term 4.  Until then, I wish all in our community a happy and safe holiday and a successful start to 2022. 

Kellie Maxton
Year 5-6 Deputy 

What a busy end to our Term 4 we have had to finish the 2021 academic year.

Swimming carnivals for years 1 to 6 have been held over the last two weeks. It may not have been the best weather, but students, teachers and parents still showed commitment and contributed to successful events. Thank you to Mr Brown for his organisation over the 3 days. It was wonderful to see so many students being risk takers and having a go at multiple races. Also great to see, was our Rochedale community coming together to support the young athletes, a pleasant change from last year’s restriction.

At the end of last week, we had a successful shuffle up day, where students were able to have a little experience of their next year’s classroom. This opportunity helps relieve stress and answer some questions that students may be asking. It is important to promote the attribute of being open minded when helping children cope with change. Thank you to all the teachers and staff who helped with the success of this transition afternoon.

As we approach the summer holidays, it is evident that students are tired and are in need of a rest. As a part of our well-being, finding balance is so important. So, I hope students take the time for their much-needed rest with a little down time, maybe reading their favourite book. I am looking forward to seeing everyone feeling refreshed and energised when school starts again for all students, on Monday 24 January.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
Natasha Floyd
Head of Department- Curriculum

As we approach the end of year we have a large amount of lost property.  All lost property will be on display outside the RPAC building on Tuesday morning 7 December.  If your child is missing any clothing or hats please check this table on Tuesday as all lost property will be disposed of by Thursday 9 December.

Welcome to Week 10 of Term 4!

Captain Read It

Congratulations to our Captain Read It Winners from Week 9 of Term4

Prep I        Sarah A

1M             Remy H

2P               Oscar H

3F               Ethan F

4E               Zara J

5M              Japji K

6C               Grace L

Have a great week & Merry Christmas!
Jackie and Lorraine

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.

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS: Uniform shop (eq.edu.au)

PREP2022 Online Ordering through Qkr! has been disabled for the holidays but will be reopened in January for ordering. If you have older children, then please order through the regular Uniform Shop menu. Pickup dates available will be Wednesday January 19, Thursday January 20 and Friday January 21. We are unable to open for those dates currently but hope that changes. Please visit the website for info on size charts & pricelist etc. 

• Swimcaps are now back in stock. These are different to our previous ones.
• We are currently out of stock of formal shirts sizes 4, 6, 8 & 10. These are on their way to us however and are expected late this month.

Wednesday and Thursday this week will be your last opportunity this year to buy uniforms. 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

SNACK SHACK NEWS: Tuckshop (eq.edu.au)

Snack Shack's final day for 2021 will be Wednesday December 8.  Any concerns or questions you may have please email fsmanager@rochedalesspandc.com.au or pandc@rochedalss.eq.edu.au

ROSHCA NEWS: ROSHCA (eq.edu.au)

All information regarding enrolling at ROSHCA can be found on the school's website or by emailing us at roshca@rochedalesspandc.com.au

P&C NEWS: P&C (eq.edu.au)

Want to have more input or just want to get involved? The RSS P&C meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month during term times, and we love to see new faces and hear fresh ideas. The P&C AGM is held in February on the last Tuesday of the month. If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to pandc@rochedalss.eq.edu.au

Finally, the RSS P&C Executive and Staff would like to thank you for your support this year and wish you all the best for a safe, happy, and healthy Holiday Season. We look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.