FROM THE PRINCIPAL
“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Revelation 21:4

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“You are never a failure as long as you can smile.”

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Changes on the horizon
Education Queensland and The Queensland Government will be introducing a non-compulsory Prep Year in 2007.  From 2008, the compulsory school starting age will increase by six months.  At this point of time, children will need to be six by 30^th June in the year they enrol in Year 1. Research shows that children who are older when they begin compulsory schooling are more likely to engage with and enjoy learning, and will have greater success throughout their education. However, the Prep Year is a non- compulsory year and will be universally available (therefore, there will be no need to place children's names on waiting lists (as is the case with the Preschool Year). The Prep Year's program is designed to improve children's social and problem solving skills and encourage a greater interest in learning.  It is designed to provide children with a solid base to the early years of education thus making the move to Year 1 easier. In 2007 the full time Prep Year will replace the current part-time Preschool program. So what does this all mean in simple terms? It means that Education Queensland is proactive in meeting families needs based on available research. As to children’s starting age at school in other countries – it varies greatly. Most European countries have a compulsory school starting age of six, but in England, Scotland and Wales, children are sent to schools at five and at age four in Northern Ireland. On the other side of the coin, some Scandinavian countries favour age seven as the entry point for primary school, arguing that the commensurate maturity along the way handsomely pays off throughout senior primary years, making students around fourteen years of age before going to high school. Clearly philosophies differ greatly on the subject. Education Queensland, after studying and researching various models, have arrived at the above model which will be implemented – and hopefully embraced – by parents, students and education providers alike.

The acronym P. & C. immediately puts the same smile and create that same fuzzy feeling as driving by a C.W.A. hall in the country. Both have a long, distinguished history of service. The latter stands for the Country Women’s Association. The former stands for Parents and Citizens Association and is one of the icons of schools throughout Queensland. In years gone by the P. & C. fulfilled the core role as fundraiser for the schools. Dedicated volunteers would be found manning the stalls outside shopping centres selling their wares of home made lamingtons, Anzac biscuits and a myriad of delectable jams alongside needlework and crocheted tea towels. Their efforts would yield a one-liner in the school newsletters “The P. & C. Lamington Drive went well.” That was the past. This is the present. The P. & C. of the 21^st Century has come a long way since its humble beginnings. The current P. & C. at Rochedale State School is made up of dedicated professionals who examine the identified needs of the school. Paramount amongst the P. & C.s role is fundraising which provides better resources for the school. Grants are plentiful these days – as are applicants. The ability to write successful grant applications from Queensland authorities, such as the Queensland Gaming Fund, Jupiter’s Casino and a host of private enterprises is an ongoing challenge, but yields promising results from time to time. In an age where volunteers are hard to find, few people put their hand up. All too often we accept people’s stock answer: ‘I’m too busy.’ I am sure that the recently elected P. & C. executive too is made up of ‘busy’ people, yet I thank them publicly, on behalf of the parents and staff at Rochedale State School, for putting their hand up and embracing the challenges of 2006. Their individual and combined talents auger well for our school community. Our ongoing support for the P. & C. of 2006 is vital. Everything they do is of direct benefit to your children. Do attend their monthly meetings and hear, first hand what they plan to, and are doing, during their term of office.

Record Updates
Despite our best efforts to contact parents, we have been unable to do so because the contact numbers we have recorded on our system are incorrect.

It is MOST

Please check with the school office and confirm that the contact details we have are accurate and up to date.

Your cooperation in this matter is URGENTLY required.

1J         Eamon B
 Beginning Year One with such a positive attitude and always giving 100%.

1L        Alex Y
Her conscientious approach towards her work and presentation. Well done Alex!

1B        Flynn L
Demonstrating our school and class values in the classroom and the playground. Keep upthe great choices!

1S        Britney H
Being a courteous and co-operative student who always does her best work.

2D       Jasmine B
Her consistent effort with reading and handwriting. She tries her hardest at all times.

2C        Wesley H
Making an excellent start to the year. Working well and making great progress. Well done Wes.

2J         Timothy G
Making a great start to Year Two at Rochedale State School.         

2B        Rebekah T
Making a big improvement in the presentation of her handwriting and always trying to make an extra effort in all areas.

2U       Erin Y
 Working consistently and quietly to complete her work correctly and neatly everyday.

3W       Shannon A
 Always displaying exemplary behaviour and making an excellent start to 2006. Well done Shannon!

4S        Andrew G
 Always being polite and helpful, as well as always trying his best.

4D       Phoebe R
Trying her best and for being helpful and co-operative in class.

4C        Holly G
Her wonderful thoughtful, helpful, caring nature and the excellent start she has made to Year Four.

4H       Ben K
Working consistently in class.

5F        Jessica R
 Excellent work in all activities, especially home work.

5I         Kristen B
 Exemplary work in all areas of her school work, especially creative writing.

5C        Elliot G
A well behaved boy who always tries his best with his work. Elliot always does very neat work. Well done!

5/6K    Jesse G
   Showing respect too all class members.

6L        Jonathan M
His interest and enthusiasm and the excellent start he has made to Year Six.

6R        Talitha V
Always producing work of high quality and having a great attitude to work.  

6C        Jake M
An excellent classroom attitude to learning and social development.

7S        Nathan G
Making a good effort to improve his work and organisation.  

7L        Desiree C
For completing all work carefully, precisely and neatly. A great start to Year Seven.

7F        Lauren A
For her conscientious approach to her Year Seven studies.    

7B        Catherine C
Demonstrating a consistent and conscientious approach towards all areas of her school work. Well done Catherine!

French Desiree C
 Excellent participation.           

Chinese Jack M
Participating in activities with commitment and interest..        

Choir
Music                  

ROSHCA  Montana S
Improved leadership skills.

LIAM SMITH
Principal

SCHOOL PHOTOS
School photos will be taken on Wednesday 8^th March. Please try to ensure students are in full school uniform and money is in envelope provided.

Band and Choir
Band and Choir photos will also be taken that day. Payment for these photos will be by orders taken after proofs are returned to school. Students need to bring their black pants, shoes and socks. Music shirts will be distributed on the day.

Music shirts will be kept at school this year and given out to students on a loan only basis when needed for a performance, therefore no $10.00 deposit will be required this year.

SCHOOL DISCO
Thank you to Bobby Brown our fantastic DJ who gives up his time organising dance competitions and keeping the students entertained at our school discos. The students had a great night dancing and socialising and in both sessions were extremely well behaved and well mannered. Congratulations to the many lucky door prize winners and dance competition winners. The junior session area will be extended in future to allow more room to groove. A big thank you to our talented teachers Mr Smith, Mrs Francis, Mr Jeffrey, Miss Lee, Mrs Grover and Mr Dale, who helped supervise, dance and serve food, not necessarily all at once. Parent helpers have been fantastic, thank you to Julie J, Cam D, Goran and Nicky R for helping set up and decorate the hall and help throughout the night. Hot dogs were prepared by the very best chefs in Brisbane, thank you Andrea & Linda (I know all the dance moves) P, Julie S and Barry and Deborah G. also to Sara H for ordering the hotdogs/drinks. Thank you to   the glow girls who glowed, Zoe B, Tracey A and Bronwyn K. Absolute 5 star Customer Service as always from Pat W, Anne D, Angela A, Jeff J, Sarah and the many mums that offered to help. Last but not least, there is no job too big for Jenny P, thank you for driving around looking for extra hotdogs.

Found: A small white hooded top, a denim jacket and a girl’s purse with a strap. If you are the owner of these lost items, please see the office.

The next disco will have a Crazy Hair theme and dates are still being confirmed so stay tuned.
Teuila on behalf of the P&C

Thanks for your support.

We get together for an informal time of prayer for the school community.

All welcome.
Enquiries, please call

Mary      3841 6322
Robynne 3219 9771

UNIFORM SHOP
Winter uniforms
An order form should be inserted in this week's newsletter.  If you didn't receive one, please feel free to download this form from our Website. All winter orders should be submitted by Friday 31st of March.  Please note that this is a strict deadline as we will only order this year's requirements.  Please take note of the price changes effective 1 March 2006.

Special!! - Football socks
Normally $5.50, but we are now selling them at $4.00 a pair! The only size left are: 3-7 and 13-3. This is a good bargain, especially now - its Footy season.

Chair bags
are back by popular demand.  An order has been put through and these will be available for purchase in Term 2.  New price - $8.00

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.

Second-Hand Uniforms
We now have a range for sale at reasonable prices. Come by and have a look.  Please note that there are no returns or refunds on second hand uniforms.

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 Conveno