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From the Principal's Desk

Published by Rochedale State School

School Review trip to South West Queensland

For someone who has never been west of Roma, the opportunity to be part of the review team for two small, remote schools in South West Queensland was an opportunity too good to pass up. Visiting Eromanga and Quilpie gave me a new appreciation for the challenges of outback education. While the two towns are ‘neighbours’ – only 120 odd kilometres apart – they certainly are not similar. Eromanga SS is a school of 7 students in a town of 40 people. Quilpie State College is larger with 60 students in years P–10 and 800 people living in town. When describing Rochedale SS to a Quilpie year 3/4 class, I explained that our school has more students than the population of both towns combined. Travel in this part of the world is by small plane or measured in hundreds of kilometres on dusty, single lane roads. Some students live on remote stations and travelling over an hour for work, school, shopping and essential services is just what you do. After landing in Charleville it took us 3 and a half hours to reach Eromanga by car. Things that we take for granted in city schools, such as relief teachers when staff are sick, are a luxury rarely available in these remote sites. The intent of the school review is to assist schools to forward plan and value add to them with an external lens. I hope I did this, but in turn I know the experience value added to me, made me appreciate education from a different perspective and hopefully made me a better principal. While it is always good to return home, my trip to the outback was a wonderful opportunity which I am extremely grateful to have experienced. I have included a couple of photos below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staffing

I would like to welcome Mrs Jessica Rigby back to school and to the leadership team after her two weeks of long service leave. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Tara Barron for filling in so capably as the acting Deputy Principal and acting Head of Diverse Learning and Enrichment during Jessica’s absence. A strength of a large school such as ours, is having a number of experienced and accomplished staff who are able to take on the various leadership roles when required.

I would also like to welcome back Mrs Natasha Ritchie from her long service leave.

In other staffing news, Mr Brad Legge has relinquished his Deputy Principal position here at Rochedale. Mr Legge has been pursuing various, different school opportunities this year to widen his leadership experiences and has made the decision not to return to Rochedale. As we currently have our full complement of Deputy Principals attached to our school, Mr Legge’s decision will not change the composition of the leadership team this year.

Classes for 2022

A reminder to all to please provide in writing, to the office, any educational considerations you would like the school to be aware of when allocating your child’s class placement for 2022. Please understand that we form classes with the best educational intentions for each child in mind, it is not a job taken lightly. It is a huge process for a school of this size to form classes each year and we ask you to understand that we cannot entertain late requests or requests that simply ask for specific teachers or particular friends to be in a child’s class. Classes must always be balanced in numbers and in educational dynamics. While your educational requests will be valued and considered, the final class construction is ultimately a school decision made in consultation with this year’s teachers. Please also remember that the final class make ups (for all state schools in QLD) will not be determined until staffing is finalised on day 8 of next year. I thank you for your understanding of this process.

Ekka Holiday 29 October

Just a reminder that Friday 29 October will be this year’s Ekka public holiday in Brisbane and our school will not be open.

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 in Term 4, students are expected to demonstrate these traits for the entire term.

Kind regards
Keith Graham
Principal

 

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Deputy News

Published by Rochedale State School

Around the Prep / Year 1 Classrooms

What does a living thing need to survive or thrive? What would happen if I took…away? These questions and more are being explored by our prep students in the Sharing the Planet unit of inquiry. They are developing an understanding of how all things in our environment are linked and that living things have needs to survive. They are learning that our actions can impact all living things. A major highlight in this unit has been our excursion to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where our students gained a deeper knowledge of the concepts from a real-life experience – not to mention they had the chance to touch a koala!

The learning experiences in Year 1 are focussed on developing an understanding that people share responsibilities to build communities. During this unit of inquiry, I have enjoyed watching each class build a model of a community. I have loved hearing their conversations on the community’s elements and to see them gain an understanding of the responsibilities members bring to that community for it to be a success.

It is a privilege to work alongside our teachers, who demonstrate outstanding commitment to our students’ learning. Every day, I appreciate watching our students engaged in their learning and to share in their celebrations.

I would like to share with you what a “walk around our classrooms” looks like with the following Prep and Year 1 photo galleries:

 

Prep

Year 1

Rochedale SS Transition Programs

Starting school is an exciting and significant milestone in a child’s life. Research tells us children are more likely to be ready to learn and enjoy a lifelong love of learning if they have a positive experience transitioning to school.

While our STARS transition program is well underway, our ROCKETS program is about to begin.

Our ‘ROCKETS’ program offers two morning visits during Term 4.  Sessions run from 9.30am – 10.45am over a two-week period.

  • Both visits focus on Prep classroom engagement and familiarisation with the school environment.

Prep Transition Information Night

ROCKETS parents/carers have been invited to learn more about the transition program, at an information session on Wednesday 20 October, between 4.30-5.30pm, in the RPAC. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the Rochedale SS team and hear important information on supporting a successful transition to school.

Please note this event is by invitation only

 

Prep enrolments for 2022 are now being accepted. To be eligible, students must be five (5) on or before 30 June in the year they enrol in prep. Enrolment packs are available from Administration.

 

 

Nicola Leslie
Deputy Principal (P-1)

 

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Curriculum Connection

Published by Rochedale State School

Enviroweek

 

Enviroweek is a time to stop and reflect on environmental issues to help ensure a sustainable future. A week to highlight simple changes we can choose so we can make difference. Enviroweek gives students a chance to connect with our local environment and community. It is important to engage students in inquiry discussions about environmental issues, asking key questions.

“What is the problem?”
“What is causing the problem?”
“How is it impacting on our future?”
“Who is responsible for the environment?”
“How can we do things differently?”

Actions can be big and small.

  • Reusable shopping bags
  • Containers for cash
  • Plant new trees
  • Design and create an edible garden
  • Set up a recycling system
  • Packing a nude lunch- no packaging
  • Donate unwanted toys and clothes
  • Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth
  • Shorter showers
  • Turn off lights when not needed
  • Turn waste into art by re-using and upcycling

It is then important for students to reflect and see the impact of positive everyday choices for them, their school, and our environment.

Start conversations with your family. Our students can be part of the solution and take action for a better future.

Natasha Floyd
HOD- Curriculum

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Book Fair 2021

Published by Rochedale State School

Book Fair – 2021

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, Book Fair will be held in weeks 4 and 5 (Tuesday 26 October to Monday 1 November).

Parents will be able to access bookfair only on Thursday 28 October.

The library will be open for parents to enter the Book Fair from 7:30am to 8:30am and 3:00pm to 4:00pm.

To reduce the number of people in the library we ask that students remain outside whilst parents are making their purchases.

You are welcome to pay using either cash or contactless payment via EFTPOS.

A reminder that you are able to pay for purchases online and record the receipt number on the back of your child’s wish list.

Keep an eye out for your child’s wish list that they will bring home with their book choices filled out. There are instructions on the back of this wish list regarding how to make your online payment.

Children will then be able to bring the receipt number to school on the back of their wish list and collect their items from the library.

We are excited to have the Book Fair back and look forward to raising funds for our school library. Although a different approach for 2021, we thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Many thanks,
The library team:

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2022 Booklists

Published by Rochedale State School

Booklists for 2022 were distributed last week.

The intent for sending lists home early will help with planning around holidays and financial commitments.

Please note you can also access a copy of these booklists on the school’s webpage…https://rochedalss.eq.edu.au/enrolments/booklists

You can also go to the Olympia Office Products webpage directly…

https://booklist.officebrands.com.au/olympia/rochedale-state-school/SelectYear

Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions.

 

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Library News

Published by Rochedale State School

Brain Teaser

Q. Unscramble the letters in the following phrase to get 4 nouns.  

          I'm a noun. Can pan fruit people stripe a salad?

A. passionfruit, apple, mandarin, cantaloupe

Congratulations to Serena Z in 3B who cracked this one.

Captain Read It

Congratulations to our Captain Read It Winners from Week 2 of Term 4

Prep C        Savannah H
1A               Hamish B
2D               Georgia W
3K                Lucas T
4R                Alex D
5R                Logan P
6M               Maggie E

Have a great week!
Jackie and Lorraine

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Honey Drive

Published by Rochedale State School

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 have received an order form. 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

 

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Dates to Remember

Published by Rochedale State School

DATE
EVENT
Friday 8 October
Parade, Interschool Sport
Friday 15 October
Parade, Interschool Sport
Friday 22 October
Parade, Interschool Sport
Tuesday 26 October
Book Fair
Wednesday 27 October
Book Fair
Thursday 28 October
Book Fair
Friday 29 October
Public Holiday
Monday 1 November
Book Fair
Tuesday 2 November
ROCKETS Transition Day, Funkybooks Incursion Year 1
Wednesday 3 November
ROCKETS Transition Day
Thursday 4 November
ROCKETS Transition Day
Friday 5 November
ROCKETS Transition Day, Parade, Student of the Month, Interschool Sport
Tuesday 9 November
ROCKETS Transition Day
Wednesday 10 November
ROCKETS Transition Day
Thursday 11 November
ROCKETS Transition Day
Friday 12 November
ROCKETS Transition Day, Parade
Monday 15 November
Year 5 Camp
Tuesday 16 November
Year 5 Camp
Wednesday 17 November
Year 5 Camp
Friday 19 November
Parade
Monday 22 November
Swimming Carnival Year 1
Tuesday 23 November
Swimming Carnival Year 2
Wednesday 24 November
Swimming Carnival Year 3
Friday 26 November
Parade
Monday 29 November
Swimming Carnival Year 4-6
Thursday 2 December
Carols Night
Friday 3 December
Parade, Student of the Month, Shuffle Up Day
Monday 6 December
Year 4 Camp
Tuesday 7 December
Year 4 Camp
Wednesday 8 December
Year 6 Graduation
Thursday 9 December
Report Cards Issued, Celebration Day
Friday 10 December
Last day of Term
Dates Subject to Change
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Absence Line

Published by Rochedale State School

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.

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P & C News

Published by Rochedale State School

P&C NEWSP&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.  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