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FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Thoughts for the Week
“Great is God’s love, higher than the heavens; His faithfulness reaches to
he skies.” Psalm 108:4
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“Believe that life is worth
living and your belief will help create the fact.” William James
(1842-1910)
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Mediocrity is an
all-too often used concept bandied around by parents, educators and
politicians. Clearly, mediocrity is not a complimentary word. It
conjures up images of acceptance of second best; not too wide horizons;
that’s good enough; that’s near enough. As educators, coaches, motivators
and constant innovators, teachers’ role is to replace mediocrity
with excellence. Yet how do we define ‘excellence’? I suggest
excellence has been hijacked by elitist groups in society focusing on the
fastest runner, the greatest weight lifter or the brightest researcher.
True, these people can clearly be accommodated under the rubric
excellence. Then there are the rest of us. We mere mortals who strive
towards excellence yet fall short at the time trials or barriers thrown in
our path yet don’t give up! I suggest this is the true measure of
excellence. In a school the size of
Rochedale State School with over 700 students there is a vast scale of
educational performance. Some students struggle with simple age
appropriate curriculum while others yearn for extended work. The teacher’s
role is to push, cajole, entice, inspire and enthuse individual students
to try their best. Once they do, there is no room for the word
mediocrity. If a child has made, what to others may seem trivial
improvements, yet enormous inroads to that particular individual, that too
must be viewed as success. Teachers who do not challenge students towards
greater success are simply not doing their job properly. Along the way
there will be pain as in the “no pain – no gain” nexus. This is where the
analogy of sports stars comes in. Training hard for track and field events
athletes experience pain, there is no doubt about it. After all, why do we
call the half way mark of a Marathon race Heartbreak Hill? Simply
because that is when the pain sets in. A little bit of pain yields much
gain, something most Year 7s are aware of as High School looms over the
horizon. Projects, assignments and term essays are challenges along the
way on this journey. By trying their best, each student jettisons
mediocrity replacing it with the more appropriate word success
adding individual runs on the scoreboard of life.
District and State titles
are again on the agenda.
Australian sporting bodies use regional events such as District and State
meets to scout for future talent. Many of the top athletes now signed to
the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra competed in track and field
events first at Primary School. From there they were selected to the next
level. District and State titles do not get anywhere near the publicity
they deserve, yet they are held in high esteem by anyone connected to
athletics. I am proud to announce that an unprecedented number of students
have made District, Regional and State teams. The names of all our
sporting reps and their teams are contained inside this newsletter. Well
done!!
Time
to put on your
walking shoes, folks! Walk-a-thons used to be immensely popular in the
1970s. Who could ever forget the inimitable “Norm” the couch-potato who
got conned into leaving the comfort zone of the TV couch, donning walking
shoes and improving his health in the process? Well, Rochedale State
School is reviving the pleasant tradition of walking in a novel
fund-raising event to aid our P.E. department. All proceeds from the event
will go towards purchasing new sports and playground equipment. This is
not a walk-a-thon at the ‘elite’ level, rather a pleasant stroll with
friends under the bright pre-winter sun. Imagine doing something which is
essentially good fun… and then raise a few dollars for our school. I could
not think of a better way to get exercise.
The
Prep-Year is
getting closer to reality every day. I am keen for parents and care givers
to feel very much part of the process of establishing this new Education
Queensland initiative. I am also mindful that much information is sought
by parents. To satisfy all inquiries and set people’s minds at ease we are
preparing an information day on Tuesday, 30th May. Two sessions
will run on that day to which you are most cordially welcomed. We intend
to stage these information and discussion sessions across the whole day,
and possibly during early evening in order to accommodate working parents
who may find difficulties attending the earlier sessions. A flyer with
time, place etc. is attached to this Newsletter.
Prestigious University of New South Wales
is at the forefront of
academic competitions for Primary aged school children. Students from
across Australia compete in subjects such as Mathematics, English and
Science. A great interest has been shown by many of our students. They
will take their place in the hall and, under exam conditions more akin to
the great halls of University of Queensland St. Lucia, work their way
through problems designed by the University of New South Wales . This is
an ambitious, yet most worthwhile task, benefiting all those who take
part. We also intend to run optional competitions simultaneously
guaranteeing a ‘full house’ atmosphere in our Great Hall. I wish
all our students well. Certificates, recognising the students’
participation, are normally issued by the university in due course.
Liam Smith
Principal
2006
Sport Representatives
Mt Gravatt District Sport
This
year we are very proud of the high representation our students have gained
in District Sporting teams. There are 31 schools in the Mt Gravatt
District.
Congratulations go to the following children who have gained selection:
Swimming: Maddison
W, Olivia W, Jordan R & Mitchell D
Softball: Bryanna
W & Jorden M
Rugby League:
Bradley F, Brendan M, Steve F & Reece P
Touch Football:
James B
Australian Rules Football:
Jordan R
Basketball: Steve
F, Chris McM, Ashlee K &Tahlia B
Netball: Ashlee K
Tennis: Joel G
Soccer: James B &
Tom A
Cross Country:
James B & Desireee C
Metropolitan East Sport
The Mt Gravatt
District teams than compete against the three other districts(Logan,
Redlands and Lytton) that make up the Metropolitan East Region. At these
carnivals a Met East team is chosen to compete at a State title. Six of
the children listed above have successfully competed and been chosen in a
Met East Team. This is a great honour for the individual child and our
school. |
Jordan R
will compete at
the State 12
years AFL
carnival in
Toowoomba from
June 11 – 15.
Steve F
will compete at
the State 12
years Rugby
League carnival
from June 22 –
28 in Brisbane.
Brendan McB and
Bradley F
will compete at
the 11 years
Rugby League
carnival in
Goondiwindi from
July 3 – 7.
Ashlee K & Steve
F
will compete at
the 12 years
State Basketball
carnival in
Caloundra from
July 15 – 19.
PETPEP
On Monday the 15th
of May, the Year
one children
participated in
a “Petpep” visit
as part of
learning to
become
responsible
community
members. We hope
you enjoy these
recounts.
I learnt about
birds. I learnt
about koalas
today. I learnt
about dogs. Amy
taught us how to
protect
ourselves from
dogs. They
taught us about
koalas. They
have two thumbs
on each hand. My
favourite part
was the koala.
Daniel M 1B
Today I had
three people.
One of the
people had a
dog. One of the
people had a
koala. One of
the people had a
bird. Amy from
the RSPCA told
me how to be
safe around
dogs. Ranger
Kelly taught me
how to care for
wild animals.
Kim and Louise
told me ho to
care for our
pets. I liked
the koala!
Ashleigh N 1B
INTERHOUSE
ATHLETICS
We begin our
field events in
the lunch hours
this week, all
children are to
attend their age
group event on
allocated days.
THIS WEEK AGE
GROUPS:
–
Monday –
Boys 12/13 Years
–
Tuesday –
Boys 11 Years
–
Wednesday
– Boys 10 Years
NEXT WEEK AGE
GROUPS:
Monday – Boys 9
Years
Tuesday – Girls
12/13 Years
Walk-a-thon
Last week
information was
given out about
the Group
Prizes. That
information was
incorrectly
stated. We are
re-issuing the
flyer with the
correct
information
today. My
apologies. The
sponsorship
forms will be
given out this
Wednesday, so
get those
sponsors
happening.
Mr Brown
P&C NEWS
Just a reminder
that our monthly
meeting
is tomorrow
night
Tuesday, May 23
starting at 7:00
pm, in the
Teacher’s
Staffroom. If
you are unable
to attend and
are able to
assist with
planning for the
Fete please
contact me on
0423 919 534.
Walk-a-thon
Our Walk-a-thon
will be held on
Friday, June 16,
a new flyer has
been included in
this newsletter
(due to an
error). The
funds raised
will be used to
purchase new
playground
equipment and
sporting gear,
for our school.
We have some
exciting
individual
incentives for
the children
which are on
display near the
Tuckshop, as
well as a class
prize
The Fete and
Walk-a-Thon are
our two major
fundraisers for
this year (we
are not
having a
Chocolate
Drive). So
please encourage
your child to
participate.
Julie Johnson
P&C President
0423 919 534
YEAR 7 RAFFLE
Please remember
tickets MUST
be returned to
Mrs Papas in the
library
TOMORROW,
Tuesday 23rd
May. The raffle
will be drawn
this FRIDAY, 26th
May on Parade.
Gotta be in it
to win it!
PLEASE RETURN
ALL TICKETS AND
MONEY NOW!
CRAFT GROUP FOR
FETE
Thanks for
everyone who
turned up last
week and helped
out at home.
Lots of
beautiful
scrunchies were
produced for the
fete in
September.
This week we
will be doing
some beading, so
join us if you
can.
When: Thursday,
25th
May at 10:30am
Where: P&C Shed
near the Year
5-7 play area
on the oval
What to bring:
Enthusiasm and
friends
Donations
needed:
Metal tins of
all sizes and
small gold
safety pins.
Ideas needed:
What to make
with calico.
Please call me
for any
information,
ideas etc
Kath R
CELEBRATE UNDER
EIGHT’S FRIDAY
26 MAY: 9:15am –
10:45am
This year is the
50 year
celebration of
Under Eight’s
Week. Rochedale
State School
will join in the
celebration by
holding an
activity morning
for all year
1,2,3 students
on our school
oval. The
students will
participate in
craft, music and
physical
activities
organised by
their teachers.
Parents are
invited to join
their children
as they
participate.
WORLD RECORD!!!!
Four Staff
members. Mrs
Papadimitriou,
Mr Jeffrey, Mrs
Berry , and Miss
Lee made the
World Guinness
book of Records
at the Greek
Paniyiri
Festival last
Saturday. It was
not for the
person who could
eat the most
baklava in one
minute; they
were part of the
longest Zorba,
containing over
1750 people in
one long
continuous line
for over 5
minutes.
Congratulations
to all.
Uniform shoP
WINTER
UNIFORM ORDERS
If you have
placed an order
for Winter
Uniforms, it is
now ready for
collection
UNIFORM
SHOP WEBSITE
If you can't
make it to the
Uniform shop
during its
normal trading
hours, we have a
website!
Uniform price
list and order
forms can now be
downloaded by
visiting
www.rochedalss.eq.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".
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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
As always if you have any queries, please feel free to contact me through the
school's email link:-Marishell.Scott@eq.edu.au
Thanks,
Mari-shell S
Uniform Shop 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 Sharon McF
23/5
Wed Melissa T
MEDIEVAL DAY
24/5 YEAR 6
Thurs
Sharon M
25/5 Sharon G
Fri INTERSCHOOL SPORT
26/5 Maryanne McN Amanda
Hankins APPLE SLINKY ORDERS DUE 1 HELPER NEEDED
Mon Kym B
29/5 Toni G
Tues Chris A
30/5
Wed Amanda R
LONE PINE 1L
31/5
Thurs
Maryanne McN
1/6
Fri
INTERSCHOOL SPORT
2/6 Maryanne McN Gaila D Melissa T
Mon Kym G
5/6 Toni G
Tues Shirley L
6/6
Wed Sue V
7/6 Cathy W
Thurs
Karen W
8/6 Sue G
Fri INTERSCHOOL SPORT
9/6 Maryanne McN
2 HELPERS NEEDED
Mon
12/6 QUEENS BIRTHDAY
HOLIDAY
Tues Anne D
13/6
Wed Angie L
14/6
Thurs
Douglas K
15/6 Amanda C
Fri Maryanne McN
16/6 Melissa T Gaila D
Mon Lyn L
17/6 Lesley H
Thank you
Leigh, Janelle and Year 7 girls (Alex, Brie, Jordan, Katrina, Lowana and Taylor)
for your assistance last week.
Apple
Slinky Machine
I know you have heard about
this terrific machine. Now is your chance to purchase one. The cost will be
$35.00 each. Order forms are available at the tuckshop. I am sorry
no cheques
will be accepted. This will be
CASH ONLY.
You have until Friday 26th
May to place your orders.
Delivery will be first week in June. Orders and money are to be in a sealed
envelope and placed in a container at the tuckshop. This machine is a hit at the
tuckshop. We have children who normally don’t eat apples but because of the
machine, they come back for more slinkies. This is a small investment for such
an ingenious invention. Order one today.
Kellogs Cereal Bowls
For all you children who
miss out on cereal at home, you can now purchase it from the tuckshop. There are
4 varieties:- Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes, Nutri Grain, Corn Flakes and Just Right.
These will sell for $2.20 each and includes milk and spoon.
ROSHCA
Monday
Afternoon Tea
Dip & Crackers
Craft Bead Bracelets
Outside Activity Hide n Seek
Tuesday
Afternoon Tea
Ice Blocks and Fruit
Craft Plaster Creations
Outside Activity Stuck in the Mud
Wednesday
Afternoon Tea
Dip & Crackers
Craft Colouring in Competition
Outside Activity Parachute Games
Thursday
Afternoon Tea
Fruit Platter
Craft Cork Collage
Outside Activity Novelty Races
Friday
Afternoon Tea
Pop Corn and Fruit
Craft Scooby Bracelets
Outside Activity Goal Kicking Competition
CHILD
CARE VACANCIES
Just Kiddin’ Child Care
Centre, established 1988 and privately owed has positions available Monday –
Friday for 15 months to 5 years of age
Under the
directorship of Sue Mansell and together with Licensee Sue Frawley our team of
experienced, qualified staff offer a high quality standard of childcare.
With our
philosophy of Caring*Nurturing*Education and in our small friendly environment,
your child will thrive at Just Kiddn’.
Phone
3841 0633
UKULELE CLASSES
Mr John McMillan is offering ukulele lessons as from the beginning of
next year, especially Grade 2 and 3 students. The classes will be held at the
school between 3 and 4pm. For further information and bookings please contact
John McMillan Phone 3341 2665 |
