FROM THE PRINCIPAL
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.”  Psalm 24:1

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“There’s nothing more precious in this world than the feeling of being wanted.” Diana Dors (1931 – 1984)

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“Ambassador of the school” is a generic term which applies to everyone wearing a Rochedale State School uniform. On the way to and from school our students are observed by the public at large. Whether walking in groups or individually; whether riding a bike or scooter; the message is the same. How our students are perceived by our community is important. I was pleased to get a phone call the other day from a member of the Rochedale community complimenting a boy and girl walking to school, carrying a musical instrument, school bag and a bright smiling face as they strode down the busy Rochedale Road footpath. The community member, who was walking her dog, added that the children said “Good Morning,” as they passed. This greeting pleased the pensioner enough to make a complimentary phone call in praise of two of our students. I would like to encourage every child at this school to display similar good manners and courtesy to pedestrians on their way to school. Ambassadors of Australia, to all corners of the globe, were once ‘ambassadors’ of their schools.

Harmony Day 2006
Australia's first National Harmony Day was held on 21 March 1999 to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. National Harmony Day promotes the social, cultural and economic benefits provided by Australia's rich cultural and linguistic diversity.  It is a simple and powerful way of expressing that there is no place in our community for racial intolerance or disharmony.  It also encourages a sense of citizenship and pride in our nation and local community. This year Woolworths has aligned with the Scouts and Girl Guides to organise community barbeques across Australia to celebrate Australian multiculturalism. The orange ribbon originated as a symbol of anti-racism.  Now, as a positive symbol of harmony in our community, it is a simple but effective way of showing others that we believe living in harmony in a culturally diverse society benefits all citizens. To make your own orange lapel ribbon, fold 15cm of narrow orange ribbon into a loose loop and attach with a safety pin. Rochedale State School will celebrate Harmony Day tomorrow.

Only 10 more sleeps
To the Art Extravaganza on Friday 31^st March!  What a terrific evening we will have!  Teachers and parents have worked tirelessly for months.  Ms Duncunson and Mrs Conroy have rallied the teachers; sponsors have been secured; donations have rolled in.  The excitement has steadily been building towards this wonderful cultural activity for our school.  The outcome of all these efforts will only be as good as your support on the evening.  Having the Art Extravaganza on the eve of our school’s 75^th Birthday we hope to attract a many past students and parents to our school on the evening.  I welcome all and sundry to what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

At the keyboard, this Monday…

LIAM SMITH
Principal

P&C NEWS
The next P&C meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 28, in the Teachers’ Staffroom starting at 7:00pm.

All are welcome.

Tip Top Fundraiser
Included in this newsletter is a flyer explaining this fundraising activity. Simply send in the empty bags from Tip Top products. The collection point is located outside of the Tuckshop. The school will receive 10c for each bag collected.

STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS
Free Dress Day
Student Council will be holding a free dress day on Thursday 23^rd March to raise money for a small freezer so we can continue to sell icy-cups.  The theme for the day will be “come dressed as your favourite sportsperson” or “supporting your favourite sports team.”

BOOKCLUB
Bookclub forms were handed out last Thursday. Completed order forms and money are due back to your child’s Teacher TOMORROW, Tuesday 21^st March. Late orders cannot be accepted. Payment may be made by cash, cheque or credit card. Please read the order form carefully, sometimes an extra coupon must be completed and signed by a parent.
Thank you,
Denise M
Bookclub Convenor

MT GRAVATT EAST SWIMMING
Madison W, Jordan R and Olivia W recently represented Mt Gravatt district at the Regional Swimming trials. All three performed well on the night.

MT GRAVATT DISTRICT SPORT
Congratulations to the following students who have been chosen to Represent Mt Gravatt District at the Metropolitan East Trials during Term 2.
James B – Boys Touch football
Brendon M – Boys 11yrs Rugby League
Bradley F – Boys 11yrs Rugby League
Steve F – Boys 12yrs Rugby League
Reece P – Boys 12yrs Rugby League

PAST STUDENTS SHINE IN THEIR CHOSEN SPORT
Alice Mills and William Zillman both attended Rochedale State School from 1992 to 1998. Alice as she did at the Athens Olympics is swimming for Australia at the Commonwealth Games. She has so far won 2 Bronze Medals.

On Sunday William played his first senior game in the NRL competition for the Canberra Raiders. Canberra lost but William scored two tries.

Great to see two past students of Rochedale realising their dreams!

FRIDAY AFTERNOON SPORT
Below is a list of the Interschool sport Teams, their coaches and the fields at which they play. Games are held between 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Senior Boys Tiger Tag – Mr Sanderson
Sunnybank Rugby Union Fields

Junior Boys Tiger Tag – Ms Loveday
Sunnybank Rugby Union Fields

Senior Girls Netball – Ms King
MacGregor Netball Courts

Junior Girls Netball – Mrs Fenwick
 MacGregor Netball Courts

(Both Sunnybank Rugby Union and MacGregor Netball Courts are in DM Henderson Park Padstow Rd, Sunnybank.)

Girls Tiger Tag – Ms Seib
MtGravatt East League (Wecker Rd)

Boys Soccer – Mr Brown
  17/03 – MacGregor Primary
 24/03 – Stolz Oval
  31/03 – Mansfield Primary
21/04 – Stolz Oval
28/04 – MacGregor Primary
  05/05 – Stolz Oval
 12/05 – Stolz Oval
 19/05 – Mansfield Primary
 26/05 – Stolz Oval
  02/06 – Stolz Oval

(Stolz Oval is Redeemer’s playing fields on Priestdale Rd, Rochedale)

 Boys and Girls Tennis – Mr Whalley
 Sunnybank Tennis Centre (Padstow Rd)

Year 5,6 and 7 students remaining at school will be actively involved in learning the skills of games like AFL, Netball, Soccer and Volleyball.

UNIFORM SHOP
Winter uniforms
Uniform Order forms can be downloaded 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.

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.

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.

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
21/3

Wed     Angie L
22/3     

Thurs  Amanda C        9-30am
23/3     

Fri       Gaila D Jenny C INTERSCHOOL SPORT
24/3      Katrina B  Alison M

Mon    Kaye J
27/3      Sylvia B

Tues    Chris A
28/3

Wed     Melissa T
29/3

Thurs  Sharon M
30/3      Sharon G

Fri       Amanda H     Gaila D                  INTERSCHOOL SPORT
31/3      Leanne W, Douglas K

Mon    Kaye S
3/4        Toni G

Tues    Sharon McF
4/4

Wed     Amanda R 9:30             PIZZA DAY
5/4

Thurs 
6/4        HELP NEEDED TODAY

Fri       Gaila D
7/4        3 HELPERS NEEDED

Mon 10/4 –

Mon 17/4
EASTER VACATION

Tues   
18/4      PUPIL FREE DAY

Wed     Angie L
19/4     

Thurs  Douglas K
20/4      Amanda C

Fri       Gaila D
21/4      2 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Thank you Leanne, and Gaila for helping on Friday.

Chocolate X Buns
We are selling these for 90 cents every day up to theEaster vacation.

New Drink
We now have available the new Thorpedo low GI drink.  Price is $1-50 and comes in Troppo and Berry flavours.

Popcorn
Did you know popcorn is classed as a Green Food?  It is made from corn and has natural flavours with no nuts, MSG or artificial colours.  You can purchase popcorn in bags for 70 cents