FROM THE PRINCIPAL
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”  Romans 12:12

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“May your faith be the sunshine that brightens your day.”

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What’s for lunch? asked a child the other day. She was sitting with her two friends and I guess her question was more rhetorical than anything else. Her school bag had been ‘baking’ for hours in the unforgiving +31 degree heat with an accompanying high humidity. An earlier made ham sandwich which Mum had packed around 7 o’clock had by lunch time metamorphosed into something most unpleasant. The ‘problem’ is repeated in almost every Queensland primary school across the State. In the absence of Mess Halls, catered lunches served under ideal conditions to children properly seated at tables, we are left to do ‘the best that we can’ to ensure children’s safety and well being. Eating is an integral part of the school day. It is also a social experience where children are afforded the opportunity to interact with each other over food and drink, something their parents do on a regular basis. The ‘fare’ in school lunches is as varied as the students’ ethnic and social backgrounds. While some parents emphasise fresh fruit and biscuits, others favour the classic two slices of white bread  with Vegemite, a Popper to go and, a few grapes in season. Teachers do an excellent job explaining the Food Pyramid to students across all grades. My concern is confined to food safety. While ham sandwiches, salami and good ‘ole luncheon/Devon sandwiches are no doubt filling hungry tummies, they must be refrigerated. If not, they easily become contaminated and provide risk of food poisoning for the consumer, e.g. the young child eating the meat some 4-5 hours later. There are some excellent freezer blocks and other gadgets you can buy, freeze and wrap around lunches so that risk of food poisoning is minimised and I would advocate their use across the school.

The best advertising sign is not necessarily the most expensive one. Strolling through a country flea market yesterday I came across an old man selling citrus trees. His weather-beaten face, callused hands and dirty finger nails were all tell tale signs of a hard-working man off the land. In front of his neat rows of orange, lemon and grapefruit trees he had a hand painted sign which read: “The best time to plant a citrus tree was five years ago. The second best time is today!” I was quite taken back by the sign and thought about its message, a message which we can transpose to just about anything in life. Imagine if you contemplated starting piano lessons for your child; imagine if you thought about riding, swimming, tennis or what ever lessons for your offspring. The citrus sign would have relevancy. I suggest that we are all guilty of putting off things in our lives, be it for a variety of reasons. As we can not go back five years in time, we can certainly commence something new and worthwhile in our families every day. After all, your children begin something new and exciting every day of their lives at Rochedale State School, they don’t mind if you emulate their achievements. And now I guess you’re curious to know whether I bought an orange tree from the old man? Actually, I didn’t, but should I be in the market for one I will no doubt visit him again. Perhaps he will have another deeply philosophical sign for me to read and ponder.

Congratulations
To Maddison W who swam her Personal Best on the weekend at the Brisbane Swimming Association meet at t Chandler. Maddison came 2^nd in the 50m freestyle 9 yr girls. Well done.

LIAM SMITH
Principal

STUDENT SAFETY
Due to recent media reports of the spate of attempted abductions of children near schools in south- east Queensland, students are advised to follow these basic safety principles:-

·         Students should move to and from school in at least pairs

·         Students should not talk to strangers

·         Students should not accept gifts from strangers. If approached, answer “No Thank you” and move smartly away.

•   Students should wait within school grounds if they are being picked up by a parent or guardian

·         Students should notify school staff or parents if they see anyone behaving suspiciously near schools or on the way to/from school.

ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA
On Friday 31 March the school is hosting an ‘Arts Extravaganza’. This night is to appreciate and enjoy children’s art work, entertainment and to celebrate the schools 75^th Anniversary. We are still in need of raffle prizes, donations, gifts or business contacts. Also if there are any budding artists who wish to help or donate canvas, ceramics, pottery or paintings please see Kate Duncanson (Yr 2D). Tickets for the night are also available from Kate.
 

SPORT EXPO
On Friday 24 February all children in Years 5 & 6 will be transported after parade, free of charge, to Rochedale High to participate in a SPORT EXPO. Later this week all children will be bringing home a flyer outlining all the details of this exciting event.

All children received a flyer outlining the details of this exciting event. The flyer included a permission note that must be returned to class teachers before Friday.

PARENT’S PRAYER GROUP
The Parent’s Prayer Group is up and running for the year.  We would love to welcome any parent or friend of Rochedale State School to join us anytime they can, as we pray for the school community.

We meet on Wednesday afternoons for 15 minutes between 2.30 pm and 2.45 pm (just before we pick up our kids) in the upstairs area between the Grade Three classrooms.

Just a reminder, there is a Prayer Point Box for use by anyone within the school community who might like the Parent Prayer Group to pray for specific needs.  The Box (with pens and paper) is located on the CRE Bookshelf in the area between the Gr 3 Classrooms.

Please call us if you have any queries.

Mary       3841 6322
Robynne 3219 9771

UNIFORM SHOP
We now have a range of Second-hand uniforms for sale at reasonable prices. Come by and have a look. For a limited time we are selling school bags with the School logo, every bag purchased will receive a bonus pack - Gymsack/Swimming bag, lunch cooler and a wallet.  This is great value as the school bag

lasts for a long time and it is supported by Chiropractors. We have 2 sizes, 20 litre and a 30 litre.

Winter uniforms
An order form will be sent out to each parent/caregivers next week in the newsletter to order their child's winter uniform requirements for this year.  All information will be detailed in this form.

UNIFORM SHOP WEBSITE
If you can't make it to the Uniform shop during its normal trading hours, we now have a website!  Uniform price list and order forms can now be downloaded by visiting www.rochedalss.qld.edu.au - and clicking on the word "Uniform Shop" on the left hand side of the page.  Once the form has been completed, please submit this to the office and I will process your order that week.  You may opt to get your child to pick up the order for you, and a receipt will be issued.  If you are paying by cheque, please make the cheques payable to "Rochedale State School - P&C Association".  I have also created an order form with credit card facility.  Please feel free to use this option, all details will be strictly confidential and will be returned to you once the order has been processed.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me through the school's email link:- mscott119@eq.edu.au

Thanks
Mari-shell S
Uniform Convenor

tuckshop News
If for any reason you are unable to work on your rostered day, please give Norma a call on 3341 1149.

TUCKSHOP
Tues    Anne D
21/2     

Wed     Angie L                        PIZZA DAY
22/2                                         

Thurs  Douglas K
23/2      Amanda C 9:15am

Fri       Maryanne McN
24/2      Georgina S 8:30am – 11:00am   Gaila D

Mon    Kaye S
27/2      Sylvia B

Tues    Sharon McF
28/2

Wed     Melissa T
1/3

Thurs  Sharon M
2/3        Sharon G

Fri       Maryanne McN

3/3        Amanda H   Julie McN

Mon    Kym B
6/3        Toni G

Tues    Chris A
7/3

Wed     Amanda R 9:30am
8/3

Thurs  Douglas K
9/3        Maryanne McN

Fri       Maryanne McN
10/3      Georgina S 8:30am – 11:00am   Gaila D

Mon    Anne D
13/3

Tues    Shirley L
14/3

Wed     Sue U
15/3      Cathy W

Thurs  Karen W
16/3      Sue G

Fri       Maryanne McN
17/3      Nicky R Pat B   

Thank you Anne for helping me on Friday.

Pizzas Ham and Pineapple
We have now run out of these pizzas. We are only stocking cheese and Bacon.

Banana and Blueberry Muffins
For a limited time you may purchase these muffins for 80c each.

Pizza Day
Wednesday is Pizza Day. You can still order hot food and sandwiches etc. Enjoy!!

ROSHCA Program
Monday
Afternoon Tea              Dip, Crackers and Fruit
Craft                            Hama Beads
Outside Activity            Continuous Cricket

Tuesday
Afternoon Tea              Fruit Platter
Craft                            Straw Painting
Outside Activity            Soccer

Wednesday
Afternoon Tea              Popcorn
Craft                            Pipe Cleaner Creations
Outside Activity            Wall Ball

Thursday
Afternoon Tea              Dip, Crackers and Fruit
Craft                            Sand Candles
Outside Activity            Obstacle Course

Friday
Afternoon Tea              Dip, Crackers and Fruit
Craft                            Canvas Painting
Outside Activity            Human Knot

AUDITIONS FOR TELEVISION SPECIAL
We are looking for 5 – 15 year old males and females to perform an ensemble song and dance routine in a world-wide television special with international guest stars.

We also require 15 children in the same age group to perform a ‘hand glove’ routine that requires no experience in song or dance.

Must be available for a training program for 5 weeks fro beginning of March until the Easter break.

For an appointment o more information, please contact Rosie

Phone:  (07) 3267 8390
Mobile: 0408 744 788
Fax:      (07) 3267 6605
Email:   pgauditions@yahoo.com.au

PRETERM BABY RESEARCH PROJECT
Speech pathologists at the Perinatal Research Centre of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital are investigating the communication and literacy development of children who were born preterm.

Children who were born less than 32 weeks who are now at primary school (Preschool/Prep to Year 7) are needed for the research.

The research will be conducted at school or home. For further information please contact Dr Alison Holm (email: a.holm@uq.edu.au, telephone: 3636 2103)