Class allocations for 2022

Throughout each year, our school traditionally grows by 15 to 20 students and over the Christmas holidays we can enrol up to 30 new students. As I stated last week, this growth has seen our numbers increase from 850 students to the current 1028 is six years. The last two years have been unique and heavily impacted by COVID which has prevented much travel into Queensland and subsequently has disrupted our previous patterns of enrolment. How many people will move to Queensland – and into our Rochedale catchment – once the borders open in December it is difficult to predict. All of these variables make it difficult to accurately determine class numbers, sizes and teacher allocations for 2022. Currently it looks certain that we will grow by one class to 43 with seven drafts of Year 2 next year. We will continue to do our best and work with the figures we have, but this year more than ever, I am flagging the real possibility that there may be the need for class/teacher changes early next year if enrolments are impacted significantly over the holiday period. I can assure parents that we are working hard to try to get this staffing as right as possible to avoid any disruptions at the start of the new school year. I can also assure you that we will minimise any disruptions to students if class changes are deemed necessary.

Your opinion matters - School Opinion Survey

Earlier this year, all parents/carers, staff and our Year 5 and 6 students were invited to participate in the annual School Opinion Survey, which is undertaken to help schools identify what they do well and how they can improve. While the P&C, School Council and catching up with me in the school grounds, are forums for parents to give their opinions, the School Opinion Survey allows every parent the opportunity to have a say in our school, each year and helps set the future direction. The questions this year have been re-designed so it is hard to give a comparative view of the same questions over time, as the questions are no longer worded in the same way.

Results from this year’s survey have been received and are very pleasing showing that as a school, we are continuing on our improvement journey.

While all questions from the School Opinion Survey are important, and provide our school with useful information of future direction, I have included a summary of key responses from students and parents/caregivers.

I would like thank everyone who gave their input and opinions with this survey. It continues to be my great privilege to lead a community which strives to make Rochedale SS a great place of learning for every child.

Remembrance Day, 11 November

Each year on Remembrance Day, Australians observe one minute's silence at the 11^th hour, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. Our school will observe a minute’s silence on Thursday and students are encouraged to wear a poppy or to purchase one from our Student Council. The Flanders poppy has been the symbol of remembrance since the first Remembrance Day in 1919 commemorated the end of World War 1. If students or family members wish to buy a poppy, they are available before school outside of the office and first break play time all week leading up to Remembrance Day.

Final Call out for Prep 2022

If you are an existing family of our school with a child beginning Prep next year and you have not enrolled them yet, please make sure you contact the office urgently and fill in the enrolment form so your child is factored into our 2022 classes. Prep places are in extremely high demand for next year and to get the class numbers and mix right we need to know as accurately as possible who will be attending Prep in 2022.

Learner Profile:  Attribute focus for the week – Open Minded – Students should demonstrate an open mind towards others and be accepting, considerate and helpful of others within our school community. Students may also help resolve conflict by seeing all sides or reconcile with someone they may have had an issue with. Students should share their actions with their teacher.

Kind regards

Keith Graham

Principal

KEEP AN EYE ON THE PRIZE

In a few short weeks, we will be enjoying the Christmas break and lazing around a pool, but until then there is still much to do at school.  In week 6 there is still a formal academic program being delivered and assessment to undertake.  It is far too early to ‘down tools’ and wind down to the end of the year.  Below are some thoughts on supporting students to continue to put forth their best effort until that last school bell rings. 

• Work until the final buzzer

We want to raise responsible learners who don’t quit and are able to work hard despite distractions.  Goals are a great way to keep students motivated and on-task towards the end of a school year. Help your children select one or two small goals to accomplish before the end of the school year.  The goals should be challenging but reachable.

• Do the little things right

It is disastrous to accept a casual mindset at this time of year.  Routines, behaviour expectations and high standards matter all the time.  Support the school and your child’s teacher by reinforcing these daily. 

• What have the tough times taught us?

No one has smooth sailing all of the time.  Help children see how persisting with difficult tasks or situations this year has helped them grow and become stronger/braver/better.

• Celebrate Success

Help your child identify their personal and academic successes.  Success begets success, and by actively reflecting on the year’s highlights, it further increases the likelihood of more accomplishments to come.  Over 12 months, children will find so many areas in which they can be proud. 

• Be Future Focussed

Have some conversations at home about what your child will do the same next year (what worked?) and what will be different (what didn’t?).

• Enjoy the Events

While it can be crazy busy, keep children ‘present’ and encourage them to enjoy all the special events and ‘lasts’ for the year. 

YEAR FIVE CAMP IS HAPPENING

The Year Five Camp that was unfortunately postponed in August due to lockdown will happen next week.  The cohort will enjoy three days of adventure and team building activities at Kindilan, Mt Cotton.  It would be a gross understatement to say that the students are looking forward to their trip and it promises to be an incredibly valuable (and fun) experience.  I would like to thank the teaching team in advance for their commitment to students and organising the camp, (particularly Mrs Clarkson for working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the event) and for rescheduling their family lives to take on 24 hour supervision of 140 odd excitable students.

GLOBAL FORUM PARTICIPATION

This Tuesday, six selected high performing year five students with an international mindset and a keen interest in environmental issues will participate in youth forum.  The forum is a joint run venture by Asia Education Foundation, University of Melbourne and Education Queensland International to promote global Competence.  Students will learn about and develop an appreciation of the perspectives and world views of others and be encouraged to take action for collective wellbeing and sustainable development.  A key component of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program is to promote Global Citizenship and it is wonderful to be able to provide such a great opportunity for our students to participate in this event.    

2022 SCHOOL LEADERS UPDATE

Speeches and Voting for the positions of School and Vice Captains is happening today.   The process to select House Captains and Music Captains will occur in week 8.   I have been incredibly impressed with the calibre of candidates this year and look forward to presenting the successful students to the school community in week 10. 

Have a great week
Kellie Maxton
Deputy 5-6

As we approach the end of the 2021 school journey, it is important that we remind all students the importance of continuing to develop and demonstrate the attributes of the Learner Profile. The 10 attributes of the Learner Profile are a whole school focus at Rochedale State School. They help students acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They are also a great way to help remind children about expectations around communication, attitude and behaviour. The development of the attributes of the Learner Profile support our endeavour to encourage the students to be positive, active members of our Rochedale State School community.

The attributes of the Learner Profiles are not just for school. They can easily be utilised at home. Being Principled is a great one for home, doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Of course, the hardest part is trying to remember them and trying to use them. A good approach is to be reflective and ask the question: What Learner Profile attribute are you demonstrating?  Or Which Learner Profile attributes have you demonstrated today?

Natasha Floyd
HOD- Curriculum

2021 THE JUNIOR SWIMMING CARNIVAL  (YEARS 1 TO 3)

This year we will be holding 3 separate carnivals for our junior year levels whereby each year level will have their own carnival.  Each carnival will be held in the first session.  The swimming races will be: 25m with and 25m without a board and also a short course (10m) with or without a board.

Year 1 swimming session   -     Monday 22 November   9.15am to 10.30am

Year 2 swimming session   -     Tuesday 23 November   9.15am to 10.30am

Year 3 swimming session   -     Wednesday 24 November   9.15am to 10.30am

The emphasis in the junior swimming sessions is on fun and participation while allowing for some competitiveness.

The concept of having 3 separate sessions is to reduce the amount of time and sun exposure to our children. 

Please ensure your child has swim wear/towel/goggles (if needed) and sunscreen for their swimming day.

2021 SENIOR SWIMMING CARNIVAL (9YRS – 12YRS)

Monday 29 November        Start 9.00am  &  Finish  2.30pm

Every student will be encouraged to participate in the 25m or 50m events.  All swimmers will score points for their house regardless of place.  Points will be allocated to the age championship only when students compete in the 50m premier heat (the fastest 6 swimmers) of each event. These students are the 6 fastest swimmers in their age group (across all the strokes) and placement of first, second or third will go towards points for the age championship.

NB – those students who are not named in the Premier 50m events will swim the 25m events.

All 25m events will only contribute to the house points and not to the age championship. 

All students are to participate in the carnival and must bring cap/goggles (optional)/towel/swim wear/water bottle and sunscreen.  I would like every student to participate and have a “go” at all the events to try to score points for their house. 

Parents are encouraged to come along and enjoy the carnivals. At this stage parents who attend must wear a mask whilst moving in the pool area and around the school environment. Masks can be removed whilst seated. This aligns with the stadium rules set down by the Qld government COVID restrictions. If these restrictions are tightened then we have to implement a new set of rules pertaining to the Qld COVID health plan.

Welcome to Week 6 of Term 4!

Thanks to those who supported our 2021 BOOK FAIR!!! 

We had a fantastic come back after not being able to run the fair at all in 2020.

Despite losing a day to the reassigned Public Holiday on the Friday, we still managed to sell almost $15,000 in books and stationery. This results in the school receiving a substantial commission which is received in the way of resources.

Captain Read It

Congratulations to our Captain Read It Winners from Week 4&5 of Term4

Prep I         Mahalia M
Prep J        Hugh A
1M             Max Z
1J              Grace G
2P              Alliana W
2C              Babar B
3W             Alissia B
3F              Ilan N
4K              Abulfazl A
4F              Hana Y
5A              Toby F
5C             Tanisha R
6A              Gracy P
6C              Hunter C

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.