Principal change for 2022

Last Thursday I was offered, and accepted, a new 12-month position as a School Reviewer in Central Office as part of the Education Improvement Branch. My role will be to lead school review teams around Queensland, giving feedback to schools and guidance in their future direction. While I never actively looked for alternative positions, as I thoroughly enjoy being part of the Rochedale community, I feel this opportunity is too good to pass up. My recent review experience out west, showed me how enriching this role is in terms of professional development and I believe the learnings I can take away from being a School Reviewer will make me a better principal and a better educator. My greatest fear as a school leader is to become stagnant and lead out of habit instead of with explicit purpose. Broadening my knowledge by working with other schools and leadership teams will ensure that I keep refreshing and growing as a school leader. My new role is only for 2022 and my plan is to return to Rochedale in 2023 once my temporary position finishes. The principal position here at Rochedale is being filled through an Expression of Interest process. I will advise you of the successful applicant once this process is complete. Rochedale is a wonderful school and I know there will be many quality applicants.

I am extremely confident that the direction Rochedale is on, and the great work we are doing here, will continue regardless of who fills the principal’s role; school success is a team sport and certainly bigger than any one individual.

COVID update

As vaccination rates rise around Queensland, some restrictions regarding COVID are easing. Last week, the mask wearing mandate for our local government area was lifted meaning that mask wearing is no longer required in schools. People entering our school grounds and buildings are no longer required to wear a mask if they can socially distance from others. Of course, if students, staff or parents elect to continue to wear masks, as a school we will always respect people’s individual choice and circumstance. I once again thank all in our community for their ongoing support with COVID this year. I don’t want to get ahead of myself or sound too optimistic but maybe there is light at the end of the COVID tunnel.

Parking around the school

On Friday the manager of the BP service station, opposite our school, came to see me about concerns regarding school parking in the afternoon. It appears some parents feel that this service station is a pick-up area for school and are using the BP grounds for this purpose, preventing customers from accessing the fuel. The manager expressed concern that cars were blocking access for customers and in some cases, cars were actually parking at the bowsers, waiting for students, without any intention of filling up. We have a wonderful relationship with our neighbours but maintaining this does rely on everyone’s good will. Unfortunately, within society there is (at times) an individual ‘me’ perspective instead of a broader collective perspective of ‘we’. Please don’t let your convenience inconvenience our local business. We have a designated pick-up bay and yes it can take time, but it is safe and ensures that other people are not inconvenienced or have their business losing money for the sake of your 10 minutes. As a school community, I would like to think we are better than this.

Learner Profile:  Attribute focus for the week – Inquirer - This week students should construct a question of inquiry which interests them and find the answer to it. It may be done as part of the whole class Unit of Inquiry and related to the class program or may be something of independent interest to the student. Students should discuss and they share their actions with their teacher. 

Kind regards
Keith Graham
Principal

Over the past two weeks our ‘ROCKETS’ pre-prep students have been visiting our prep classrooms. I enjoyed seeing their smiles and hearing their stories of all the activities they took part in while in the classrooms. It was delightful to see our current prep students welcoming and supporting our pre-preps and being proud to show them around. Starting school is a big step for children and assisting them to transition to school successfully is important for their journey in continuing to be successful learners. We know that a positive start to school helps to build trusting relationships, foster a sense of belonging and build confidence for future learning experiences. 

We also value the importance of building partnerships with professionals in prior-to-school settings, to assist in providing a smooth transition to school. I accepted an invitation from Rochedale Kids Early Learning Centre to meet with community members and discuss school readiness and transition to school. Working collaboratively, we can share relevant information and ensure the successful continuity of learning and transition for our students.

Nicola Leslie
Deputy Principal (P -1)

Over the last 3 weeks, the student council has been running an Arts Competition. The council are trying to support the development of our Rochedale Outdoor Learning Area. As part of this, they wanted to raise awareness about Koalas and their precious environment. Students were asked to create an art piece that could be a drawing, colouring in, poster or painting.

The student council received a variety of creative pieces from talented risk takers in our school. A selection of student council members then had the difficult task of judging all the great artwork. A winner was chosen from the Prep to 2 sector, 3 to 4 sector and 5 to 6 sector.

On behalf of the student council, thank you to all the participants for your support. Keep developing those amazing artistic skills.

Natasha Floyd
HOD- Curriculum

Welcome to Week 7 of Term 4!

Student Borrowing has Finished for 2021!

As our year quickly draws to a close we find ourselves at that time where student borrowing has finished. Any students who currently have books borrowed will need to return them by the end of this week (Friday 19 November).

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, 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.

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.

"Dear Parents & Guardians

Rochedale State School P&C is after feedback on the services it manages for the Rochedale State School community. We would appreciate if you could complete this survey to assist us with improving our services next year.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BG6KJ7C

Thank you in advance
Alan Burchill
SecretaryRochedale State School P&C

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

To assist with a smooth transition from 2021 to 2022 can you please read the information below.

Existing Bus Pass

Students with an existing bus pass need to reapply if:

1. Their home address has changed
2. They are repeating a grade
3. Transferring to a different school in 2022 (this includes transitioning from Primary to High School)

Automatic renewal of bus passes is a result of data matching process and relies on the accuracy of information held by:

1. Department of Transport and Main Roads
2. Centrelink
3. Clarks Logan City Bus Service and
4. The school the child attends

What do Parents need to do when they receive a continuation letter from Department of Transport & Main Roads

Continuation letters will be forwarded to Parent/Guardian from DTMR.

Once received, letters can be brought into Clarks Logan City Bus Service Depot, 42 Jutland St, Loganlea for processing after the 10^th January 2022, during office hours Monday-Friday 11am – 1pm.   Please follow COVID 19 advice when visiting our Depot.  (Original letters must be submitted).

Please ensure that your child’s details are identical and current with each of the above-named entities.

Applications for the 2022 school year can now be applied for on line at www.qld.gov.auschooltransportassistance

All enquiries can be directed to Clark’s Logan City Bus Service email info@clarkslogancity.com.au

For more information refer to our Website www.clarkslogancity.com.au