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From the Principal's Desk

Published by Rochedale State School

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Certainly, the shopping centre I visited yesterday left me in no doubt that Christmas is just around the corner. The decorations were up, there was a buzz of festivities in the air, and it appeared that many people’s shopping has already lifted to that Christmas level of purpose and determination. In hindsight, not being able to find a carpark at 9:00am should have been a forewarning for me of what was going on inside. It is not just the shops that are ramping up for the Christmas break. The end of the school year is fast approaching and the school has a very ‘busy’ feel to it as students and teachers finish off the year’s programs. Many students are already talking about their holiday break and the Year 6s are sharing their nervous excitement as they prepare to move into high school and a new phase of their educational journey. I would like to remind all students that school rules and expectations are in place right up until the final day of school. The last few weeks of school are not a time to behave or act differently, this ensures that all staff and students can continue to learn and work unhindered.  It has been a wonderful year and I would like the last few weeks to be just as positive as the previous three and a half terms. Parents can support their children by reminding them of our ongoing expectations and helping them to keep adhering to all of our school expectations.

Principal’s position for 2022

As I indicated last week, I will be undertaking an Internal Reviewer’s role for next year and will not be at Rochedale in 2022. Since announcing this news, I have been humbled by the words of support I have received from our community which has further reinforced what a wonderful school we have here at Rochedale. The acting Principal’s position has been advertised, but due to the required timings of the selection and approval processes, it is unlikely that I can provide a name or any information about my replacement before school breaks up. The position will probably be confirmed in the second week of the holidays. I have always maintained that the school is not about the principal and have worked hard to never make Rochedale about me; I am just one person of many who have contributed to making Rochedale the wonderful and successful school that is. That said, it would be naïve of me to say that the principal is just another role as the position is pivotal in guiding the direction and leading the work to ensure our students gain the best education possible. Whoever takes over will want to continue our school’s success. With the commitment and direction of the staff and leadership team, I am confident the great work we do here will continue in 2022 and we will maintain the very special place that we have developed together.

Interschool sport

Once again interschool sport was impacted by COVID and as is typical in semester 2, also by the weather. When restrictions were lifted we did our best to continue with the sport program, however many wet Fridays did make it difficult. While we aimed for a big make-up day with some extra games, the weather again turned against us and forced an abandonment of these extra rounds. The decision was made by our District Committee to end the season where we are with no finals. The top team on points for each sport would be awarded the premiership. Three of our teams finished as District Premiers, they were: Junior A Boys Touch Football, Senior A Boys Basketball and Senior B Boys Basketball. Well done to these teams for an outstanding effort in a very interrupted season. With the season now over for the year, may I congratulate all players who represented our school this season and give my sincere thanks to the teachers who coached our teams and made interschool sport, in another challenging year, still possible. Without teachers volunteering their time for interschool sport, we could not offer this program. A special thanks to Mr Brown for being our interschool sport co-ordinator and all-round sports guru.

Swimming Carnivals

Continuing with the sports theme, this week sees the lower school take to the water for their Swimming Carnivals – Year 1- Monday, Year 2 - Tuesday and Year 3 Wednesday for the morning session. (Please note, the Years 4 to 6 Carnival will be held next Monday). Unfortunately, with the COVID restrictions in place we were unable to hold these carnivals last year. Things have changed and we are extremely happy to be in a position to return to our carnivals this year. Currently COVID guidelines allow for 100% capacity in outdoor stadiums, so we are pleased to invite parents to come along and spectate and cheer our swimmers on. While the mask mandate is lifted, please feel free to wear one if you prefer. We do ask that you restrict spectators to a maximum of two per household so that our grandstand does not exceed capacity, and also maintain social distancing within the pool compound. I wish all the junior school well over the three-day event.

Road work at front of school

Just a warning that work will commence on the bus stop and footpath opposite the school at the site of the new child care facility. This work is essential to the overall build and will probably commence this week. I have been assured that impact on traffic and existing road lanes is minimal, however there will be disruptions to foot traffic on that side of the road. I know traffic is an issue but with Year 12 finishing last week, and Year 11 and Redeemer Lutheran College finishing this Friday, I am hopeful that traffic volume will be reducing as we see the year out, minimising the impact of these works. As always, I ask for your patience while the work beyond our school gate is completed.

Learner Profile:  Attribute focus for the week – Balanced – Students should read a variety of authors and books to become balanced readers and share their week’s reading list with their teacher. Depending on age and reading ability of students this may be done as a whole class, small groups or individually. Check with your class teacher how it will be done in your particular room.

Kind regards
Keith Graham
Principal

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Deputy News

Published by Rochedale State School

Transition to 2022

At Rochedale State School we are very proactive in transitioning our students.  Whether it be from Kindy to Prep, Year to Year or Primary to High school.  We have recently completed our STARS and ROCKETS pre-prep transition program and we are now looking at class placement for all students in the school for 2022.  As an Administration team, we take this process very seriously and ensure that each students’ needs are highly considered when forming classes.

At this time of year, most students are curious, and hopefully excited, about what next year will look like.  For some students however, we acknowledge that this time can be difficult.

Transition Year to Year 

Often students who experience anxiety will already be thinking deeply about next year, asking questions such as- Who will my teacher be? Where will my classroom be? What will be different about the new year level? How will the expectations of the new teacher be different? How differently is it in the next year level?

At Rochedale, we do our best to alleviate these concerns by ensuring that all students are aware of their teacher and class group by the end of the current year, rather than waiting until the first week of the following year.  Next week, Friday December 3, is our “shuffle up day” where students have an opportunity to meet their new teacher, new classmates and the questions above are briefly addressed.  This assists with eliminating stress, or fear of the unknown, over the holidays.

For identified students, we have already started having conversations around next year and have begun to provide specific targeted lessons around coping with all these changes.

If your child is experiencing anxiety around transition, please advise their classroom teacher.  A suggestion to help alleviate some of this anxiety would be to discuss with your child the routines and procedures that will be the same in 2022.  The drop off pick up routine is the same, the bell times are the same, the playground (if same), library and LOTE lessons are in the same place etc.

Transition to Prep

Parents are always encouraged to share all information about their child that is relevant to the school setting.  This could include developmental concerns, disability, reports completed by medical professionals providing critical information etc.  This knowledge is imperative for the school to ensure that your child’s needs will be catered for in Prep. 

If you are a parent of a child starting Prep in 2022, and you have information to share, please email Amanda Ross (aross184@eq.edu.au) to make an appointment with Nicola Leslie and I to discuss your child’s needs as soon as possible.

Transition programs for Prep students with diverse learning needs, or students requiring additional support, may include: additional transition days (on top of that which is provided through STARS and ROCKETS) tailored to the needs of the child and personalised transition booklets, including social stories to read through over the holiday period in preparation for 2022. 

Transition to Year 7

Students with diverse learning needs may require additional support when transitioning to high school. State high schools and some private schools may offer additional transition programs for these identified students.  We are currently in the process of liaising with several high schools facilitating transition programs for students with identified needs.

If you are concerned about the transition process for your child, please contact me.

Jessica Rigby

Deputy Principal Year 2 / Head of Diverse Learning and Enrichment

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Curriculum Connection

Published by Rochedale State School

Year 5 Camp

Last week the Year 5 students went on a 3 day camp at Kindilan Adventure Camp. This was their first experience at school camp, due to the restrictions of last year preventing the year 4 camp.  As you can imagine that meant a large group of very excited grade 5 students headed off on a bus looking for adventures.

Over the 3 days, activities pushed the students out of their comfort zone to try new things. This risk taking, in a safe environment, led to a great sense of achievement after leaping on the flying fox, reaching the top of the climbing wall, screaming on the giant swing, and canoeing around the ‘island’. There were also a variety of team building challenges that enabled students to work together and communicate with each other to solve problems.

Early morning walks were popular with students observing nature and spotting birds. Night times provided more opportunities for fun and laughter with wacky races and chats around camp fires.

It was wonderful to see the students bonding with each other and overcoming challenges and even fears. The Kidilian camp allowed students to create great memories while developing independence, resilience and friendships.

Thank you to the Teachers that came along for the adventure and guided the students through the days and the long nights!

Natasha Floyd
HOD Curriculum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Student Council

Published by Rochedale State School

Last Friday the student council held a wear bright colours day to put a smile on our faces. Students were asked to bring in a gold coin donation on the day. The students had a successful day raising $975. The money raised will be used in our Rochedale Outdoor Learning Area.

Thank you to all the Rochedale students who participated. It was fantastic to look out at parade on Friday to a sea of bright colours. In these busy last few weeks, we certainly appreciated putting a smile on all our faces. Thank you, Rochedale State School, for getting behind this event. 

Student Council

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Library News

Published by Rochedale State School

Welcome to Week 8 of Term 4!

Captain Read It

Congratulations to our Captain Read It Winners from Week 7 of Term4

Prep D        Boston A
1L                Mia L
2D               Lachlan A
3B               Stella Q
4R               Chloe C
6R               Dylan G

Have a great week!
Jackie and Lorraine

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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

"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
Secretary Rochedale State School P&C

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Vacation Care Program

Published by Rochedale State School
Vacation_Care_Program___Dec_Jan_2021_2022__005_.pdf