Go west young man!

This historical saying has usually been credited to New York Tribune editor Horace Greeley who coined this phrase to encourage people to leave the relative comforts of the American East Coast and join America’s westward expansion in search of riches in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush. One hundred and sixty odd years later, my Assistant Director General (School Improvement) has harnessed the essence of the phrase and has asked me to ‘go west’ this week and visit Eromanga SS and Quilpie SS as part of a school review team. Every state school in Queensland undergoes a review approximately every 4 years. The review team consists of: Central Office personnel, external experts and current school principals, who spend 2 or 3 days at each school giving a critique and recommendations to help the school with forward planning. So, while I no longer fit into the demographic of young (my birthday yesterday reinforced this fact as I increased my age by yet another year), I will be heeding the request of my ADG, and the advice of Horace Greeley and go west – if only for a week – to join the review team and seek the riches of professional development. I hope I can contribute positively to the future of the schools I visit, and in return I hope that by visiting remote schools and seeing new perspectives I can continue to grow myself as a school leader. I am looking forward to the adventure. In my absence, Kellie Maxton will be the acting Principal. Please see Kellie, or any of the other Deputy Principals, with any immediate issues which cannot wait until my return. See you again in Week 3 as we continue to close the year out and plan for 2022.

Classes for 2022

Very soon we will commence the very complex process of organising next year’s classes. Currently we are working on ‘best guess’ figures and as is the case with all allocations (staffing and classes), final make-up will depend on actual numbers of students and will not be finalised until Day 8 of 2022. We are a growing school (we will probably grow by at least one class next year) and we aim to get class formations as accurate as possible by the end of term, to avoid large changes at the beginning of next year. Soon teachers will be asked to look over their current year level and make recommendations on student combinations and how these impact on learning. The current teachers will then construct next year’s draft of classes considering; friendships, academic ability, social and emotional factors, gender and age balance, and behavioural considerations. The Admin Team will then look over these drafts before finalising our classes for next year. If there are any educational considerations you would like the school to be aware of when allocating your child’s placement for 2022, please let the office (not the class teacher) know, in writing, and these will all be considered. Circumstances and staff change, so please don’t presume that if you have submitted a consideration before that it is ‘on file’ and will be considered each year – annual, up-to-date information is always appreciated if you feel it is necessary. Please understand we cannot entertain requests which simply ask for specific teachers (we have yet to determine which year level teachers will be on in 2022) or for particular friends to be in a child’s class.

Important: To help with the class make-up process for next year, please let the school know, through the office, if your child(ren) is not returning to Rochedale next year.

Prep 2022 - Enrolment Reminder

Enrol right now. Don’t wait for tomorrow, next week or next month! The 2022 Prep Year is filling fast. It is now time to crunch numbers and fill the waiting classes for 2022. To avoid disappointment, I strongly urge parents to enrol their eligible children right now. If you are an existing parent of our school in catchment or with a continuing sibling next year, please finalise any 2022 enrolments immediately. An enrolment isn’t confirmed until we receive all valid paperwork. With over 125 Prep students enrolled already for 2022, it is extremely important that all existing families finalise their enrolments as soon as possible to help us organise the classes for next year.

Rochedale Road roundabout upgrade

This information was mentioned in last week’s newsletter but I wanted to forefront it in my section too. Initial work on the long-term solution for the roundabout at the intersection of Rochedale Road and Priestdale Road will commence this term, with the majority of works taking place next year. The project is funded by the Federal Government and Local Councils and is scheduled for completion at the end of next year. This upgrade will include the removal of the roundabout, additional turning lanes, lights and controlled crossings. This project was part of the Federal Government’s re-election campaign and will greatly improve safety for our students making their way to and from school. Before we get to the end of the project, please understand that it does mean 12 months of construction around our school and the associated delays in traffic – please keep in mind the long-term benefits during the short-term construction period.

Ekka Holiday 29 October

Just a reminder that due to the cancellation of this year’s Ekka there was no Show Holiday in August; the Show Holiday has been moved to Friday 29 October. Please plan ahead and note that Friday 29 October will be a public holiday in Brisbane and our school will not be open.

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.

From Brisbane airport awaiting my flight out west.

Kind regards
Keith Graham
Principal

2022 School Leaders Selection Process

Next week we will begin the selection process to select on 2022 school leaders.  Rochedale State School has a proud tradition of student leadership and our selection process has been refined over time to ensure that fitting candidates are selected to represent our school.  Currently, the following formal leadership positions are awarded;

2 X School Captains

2 x Vice School Captains

2 X Waratah Sports Captains, 2 X Jacaranda Sports Captains, 2 X Banksia Sports Captains

2 Music Captains

Rochedale is a co-educational school and as such, every effort will be made to ensure that both genders are equally represented in the selection of our formal student leadership positions.  Both boys and girls are encouraged to seek leadership opportunities and our wider student body should have a range of peer leadership models.  Examples of the characteristics we are looking for in our school leaders:

• Exemplifies the Learner Profile
• Role model for other students
• Continual high level of good behaviour in class and playground
• Always in correct school uniform
• Confident public speaker
• Responsible, reliable and able to work independently
• Uses time effectively and appropriately
• Good attendance record and commitment to school activities
• Possessing initiative and the ability to inspire others
• Interacts with various children across the student body 

Our selection procedure is deliberately designed to be rigorous to ensure nominee’s exhibit the independence and responsibility necessary to fulfil the positions they are applying for. For your information, below is an outline of the timelines and procedure that will be used this year (please note the dates published may be subject to change). 

WEEK 3

FRIDAY 22 October - After parade Year 5 students will be informed about the process for election of school leaders for 2021. This will include explaining to the children what qualities a school leader should have demonstrated during their time at Rochedale SS. Students who wish to nominate will complete pro forma detailing information about themselves. Students can nominate themselves in more than one category, but can only be awarded one position.

WEEK 4

TUESDAY 26 OCTOBER - Nominations forms must be handed in to the Office by end of day.

The forms will be read and reviewed by the school administration team. An endorsed list for school captain will then be drawn up.

THURSDAY 28 OCTOBER (TBC)- School Captain nominees present a one minute speech to Year 6 students. Staff to give feedback on speeches to school leadership team to help determine the final group of candidates. The final list of candidates should be approximately 10 to 12 students.

The final list of students can now ‘campaign’.

WEEK 5

Campaign Week.

WEEK 6

Monday 8 November (TBC) - School Captain nominees present a two minute talk to Year 4 and Year 5 students and a secret ballot is held. Captains are then selected.

WEEK 8

House and Music Captains begin their campaign

WEEK 9

Music Captain nominees  present a one minute talk to school music program students and a secret ballot is taken at the conclusion.

House Captain nominees present a one minute talk to Year 4 and 5 students in house groups and a secret ballot is taken at the conclusion. 

WEEK 10

School leaders for 2022 announced at final parade for 2022. 

In past years, this process has been an extremely exciting time for our Year 5 students and a tremendously important ‘growth’ opportunity.  I wish all aspiring student leaders the best of luck and look forward to presenting our new batch of leaders to the school community at the end of the term. 

MUSIC Program and RPAK Success

Mr Graham has previously written about the tremendous performances of both our instrumental groups and RPAK in the final week of last term.  We certainly have so many talented students in our school!

I wanted to also personally acknowledge our extremely dedicated instrumental teachers, Mr & Mrs Eames, Mrs Robyn Foreshaw and Mr David Sandford together with our fantastic dance instructor, Mrs Amy Smith for all their hard work supporting our students in their pursuit of artistic expression.  I also wanted to recognise the parent body for your support of Rochedale State School’s Arts programs, you are, as the song goes ‘the wind beneath the wings’ of our students getting them to rehearsals, encouraging practise etc. 

Getting to present both evenings to the community created many challenges and false starts due to COVID but I was thrilled with the results.  The good news is there are plans for our instrumental groups to squeeze in some final performances at parade before the year’s end and we have the annual Christmas Carols evening to look forward to on Thursday November 2.  Thanks to Mr Alan Burchill, I have some great action shots of the RPAK Showcase to share. 

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

World Mental Health Day was celebrated for the first time on October 10, 1992, and takes place on this date each year. It celebrates awareness for the global community, helping people feel hopeful by empowering them to take action and create lasting change. Good mental health is an important part of a healthy child development. It helps children build positive social, emotional, behavioural and communication skills. Current research strongly links wellbeing with all aspects of learning and achievement.

Today in 2021, lives are sometimes so busy, especially as we cope with the continually changing Covid-19 situation. It’s in these times that it is so important that we look after our family’s wellbeing.

We can all do small things in our daily life to help promote wellbeing:

• As the daylight lasts longer, take a walk around the block.
• Sit in the backyard and share a snack while you chat about your day.
• Go to bed early, rest is so valuable.
• Encourage positive self-talk, be kind to yourself.
• Yoga and stretching activities.
• Listen to music and even dance.
• Play a board or card game.
• Try mindful activities like colouring.
• A little gardening in fresh air.
• Take time out and read a book.

Taking care of ourselves is about finding and restoring balance. It is important to ensure both our physical and mental health are a priority in our lives. Enjoy family time and create a lasting change.

Natasha Floyd
HOD- Curriculum

It’s that time of the year again!

This year’s bookfair will take place in Week 4 from Tuesday 26 October through to Monday 1 November. Please remember Friday 29 October is the People’s Day Long Weekend.

With COVID19 restrictions in place, the 2021 bookfair timetable will be as follows…

Tuesday 26 October: Students only (from 8:30am)  Wednesday 27 October: Students only (from 8:30am)  Thursday 28 October: Parents only (7:30am to 8:30am – 3:00pm to 4:00pm) (Students 8:30 to 2:50)  Friday 29 October: Closed – Public Holiday  Monday 1 November: Students only (from 8:30am)

Please note, parents will have access to the fair on Thursday morning and afternoon. We ask that you come prepared with wish lists and names of the books. Students will not be allowed into the library with parents to reduce the number of people in the library.

Students will be provided with time before school, morning tea, lunch and after school. Please encourage your students to give their money to the teacher in the morning to reduce the risk of money getting lost.

Hi Rochedale State School community,

This week is QLD mental health awareness week and the theme is ‘Take time – for mental health’. Many dollars are spent on keeping our bodies fed, clothed, and looking good but how much time and money do we spend on keeping our mind and wellbeing in optimum health. Take the time to really care for your own mental health and wellbeing, your life will be all the better for it. One simple thing that I do almost every day, is to look up at the beautiful sky and watch the sunrise or sunset, or even the clouds in all their magnificence. You can find resource, activities and tips at www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au. Below are some thoughts from a past chaplain, Rachel Doherty, on how important play is for a child’s mental health.

5 things that make play important for kids

Play. Is that an unusual thing in your house these days? There’s not a lot of time for it between swimming lessons, football practice and dance classes. But making time for unstructured, free play makes kids more resilient and happier. Here’s five things to know about play:

1. Play is a learning space for kids. It helps them explore the world and make sense of it.
2. Play lets kids work through stress and worry. Being in control of their own space and movements helps kids unwind.
3. Play encourages creativity. There are fewer limits on what can kids can do in their own world.
4. Play lets kids master their bodies. Whether they’re running, drawing or crawling, play involves manipulating their muscles, bones and brain.
5. When play runs out, kids learn about boredom. It might be a foreign concept these days, but boredom helps kids to think for themselves. They learn to look for opportunities, make more of what they have and solve their own problems.

So next time you’re not sure what to do with the kids, tell them to go play. Grab a cuppa, sit back and see what they do.

Kindest regards,
Sue Murphy [Chappy Sue]

The Rochedale State School Chaplaincy Committee are holding a Honey Drive as our major fundraiser this term. All profits raised will go to our school’s Chaplaincy program and we ask for your support. 

Hopefully, you received an order form last week. The order form and correct money must be returned by Thursday 28 October, to the box in the office. 

Orders are expected to be ready in week 6, likely on Tuesday 9 November (collection details TBC depending on covid restrictions at the time).

Please see the attached flyer for the range of products available for purchase through this fundraiser.

For more information about Chaplaincy at Rochedale or if you have questions about this fundraiser, please contact me – a.eames@optusnet.com.au

Welcome to Week 2 of Term 4!

Brain Teaser

Q. I have no eyes, no legs, and no ears, but I'm strong enough to move the earth. 

     What am I? 

A. A worm

Congratulations to Cecelia L in 3B who cracked this one.

Q. Where was the dinosaur when the sun went down?

A. In the dark

Congratulations to Abeeha S in 3B for figuring this one out.

Q. Why did dinosaurs eat raw meat?

A. Because they didn't know how to cook.

Congratulations to Hudson B in 5A for figuring this one out.

Q. What do you need to know to teach a dinosaur tricks? 

A. More than the dinosaur knows.

Congratulations to Grace W in 6N who cracked this one.

Captain Read It

Congratulations to our Captain Read It Winners from Week 10 of Term 3

Prep B         Rainbow P
1M               Emir T
2C               Miranda A
3G               Ethan D
4P                Andy L

Congratulations to our Captain Read It Winners from Week 1 of Term 4

Prep D         Dejan P
1L                Bella E
2F               Chaeyeon Y
3F               Eva W
4M               Oliver N
5R               Imogen W
6M               Lincoln P

Have a great week!
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.

P&C NEWSLETTER - TERM 4, WEEK 2 - 2021

P&C NEWS: P&C (eq.edu.au)

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, the previously advertised Movie Night and Disco Night have been cancelled.  If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to pandc@rochedalss.eq.edu.au

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

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 (eq.edu.au)

We are gearing up for Back to School 2022. 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

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

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

Enrolments for Term 4 classes (Wks3-8) are Open Now!

For more information visit the website www.madsquad.com.au