From the Principal's Desk
Published by Rochedale State SchoolIt’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