FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Thoughts for the Week
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1                  

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“It is human nature to think wisely and to act in an absurd fashion.” Anatole France

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It’s never too early.
Much publicity has lately been generated about Prep-Year and Pre-School. No, we have not forgotten our older students toiling away towards the end of their Primary School years. However, I would like to draw your attention to a project which we are about to launch, should the enclosed survey in today’s Newsletter show an interest. Let me first tell you some background information about the project so that you may be well informed about a new initiative at Rochedale. The project is simply known as Playgroup. Got a nice ring to it, hasn’t it? It was my privilege to launch at my previous school such a project approximately three years ago. Playgroup is designed as a warm and friendly get-together with toddlers, parents and a qualified Early Childhood Teacher and Teacher’s Aides. Playgroup generally meets once a week for ninety minutes in the morning. Playgroup caters for children 18 months to Pre-School. To help your deliberations as to whether you are in favour of such initiative at Rochedale I might simply add that the program is free of cost to parents, a gold coin donation is encouraged. The parent(s) remain with the child during wonderful, structured activities. Moreover, the parents get to meet other parents and observe their child’s interaction with other children in a structured, friendly setting. A boiling urn, coffee and biscuits further add to the social aspects of Playgroup for attending parents. Indeed, at my previous school we welcomed a set of dedicated grandparents who cared for their young grandchild by bringing her to Playgroup and meeting nice parents in the process. Playgroup draws on the good clean fun and brain stimulation featured on shows such as ABCs Playschool, now celebrating its 40^th anniversary as an early childhood educator. So what are the benefits of Playgroup to children, I hear you ask? Paramount among a string of benefits is clearly early literacy. Add to this key learning area early numeracy, both subliminally delivered with a great deal of fun, and the long term benefits become self evident. Should this week’s survey prove favourable interest in the program it is envisaged that we will immediately offer this outreach facility for members of the Rochedale community, many of whom no doubt will be enrolled students at our wonderful school in the fullness of time. I am looking forward to visiting the program and feel confident of its success.

Final commercial for this Friday!
Yes, I know you get tired of these commercials. I do too. Commercial television can be infuriating as the same message is beamed into our homes with predictable regularity. However! Yes, however with an exclamation mark, we are very keen to see as many people as possible this Friday. Here at Rochedale we do not have Open Days every month, week or day – apart from our Open Door policy – no we pride ourselves on showcasing our school to the greater community once a year. That is why it is important that you attend, meet and greet the folks in the school’s many engine rooms – the classes. This is where learning is taking place. This is where society’s future leaders learn. The Open Day, as in previous years, take on a friendly, open and inviting concept where people stroll around and observe what OUR school has to offer. Our Student Council will augment the number of hosts and ‘meet & greet’ people we have on hand to assure that your visit is a memorable one and that your impressions of our school become even more enhanced than before.

District Athletics around the corner
I would like to take this opportunity to wish our contingent of Rochedale Students all the best as they compete at District Athletics. School sport is the one area unaffected by adult athletes’ often-time questionable use of performance enhancing substances. In the quest for shorter times, greater strength and more bravado we note adult athletes’ temptation to cheat. That notion does not exist in school sports. Indeed, the school sports’ great charm rests in the age-old ideals of friendly competition where, win or lose, the student has a chance to show his/her innate physical ability in clean competition against other children. Watching the last 10-year-old student cross the line, albeit at a slow trot, in a long distance race, mother, father and old grandmother cheering him on, still send that inexplicable thrill through the heart of any PE Teacher or coach watching from the sideline. I can’t help seeing life itself as a race. Those who make the effort finish. Where they are placed, where they came, is less important than the fact that they took part. Having said all that, I naturally expect at least 3 golds and 2 silvers from our five competitors… no just kidding…! Enjoy the experience, you go to District Athletics with the school’s full support and best wishes for success!

Next week’s big day!
Just a reminder that EKKA Day falls on Wednesday, next week. Unlike the schools in Logan City, our next suburb to the south, we only have Wednesday off as a Public Holiday. Between now and then I would imagine the EKKA excitement building as always. Rochedale being a wonderful agricultural area may have a number of exhibits in this year’s Royal Show. Show bags, rides and anticipation usually dominate the EKKA’s ten days, however, there is so much more to see and do on the family day. It’s a day where country meets city. You haven’t arrived until you don your Akubra, step in to your R.M. Williams’ boots and park yourself at the ring events, getting ready for the fire works… or at least that’s the way it was when I was a child…

And that’s the way it is this Monday…

1J         Lily M
Always doing her best and having such a positive attitude towards her work.

1L        Jacob W
His tremendous efforts to achieve his best, which shows in his reading and writing. Keep it up, Jacob!

1B        Javan H
Showing co-operation in class and responsibility for his learning by being a good listener and worker.

1S        Caitlin E
Her conscientious attitude and her eagerness to learn.

2D       Lachlan R
Lachlan is an outstanding student who always displays an overwhelming ability to achieve high standards in all aspects of his schooling. Amazing effort.

2C        Shaleaha O
Making a wonderful effort in her reading and writing with excellent results. Well done Shaleaha.

2J         Joel M
Putting in a lot of effort to improve his handwriting.

2B        Sean G
A truly outstanding improvement in all aspects of school life, especially handwriting and behaviour. Many people have noticed and are very proud of you Sean!

2U       Shyanne N
Consistently putting in her best effort in all her school work.

3W       Shaniah R
Always trying her hardest and being a kind and courteous class member. Well done Shaniah!

3D       Drew S
Constantly producing work of the highest quality and standard of presentation.

3T        Brooke H
The bubbly enthusiasm she has towards every aspect of school. Brooke is a ray of sunshine in our room.

3N       Samuel W
Trying much harder to do neat handwriting and showing patience and persistence. Never give up, Encourage others, Do your best.

3K       Callum M
Never giving up, Encouraging others, and always Doing your best.

4S        Mitchell A
Following instructions promptly and displaying a positive attitude towards his work at all times.

4D       Rachel H
Being a helpful, considerate and responsible class member.   

4C        Bronwyn I
Always working enthusiastically and producing her best work at all times.

4H       Ryan K
Working consistently during all class activities. Ryan shows respect to all class members.

5F        Cameron M
A great attitude towards his work and consistent improvement in completing work on time.

5I         Nichola R
Always approaching her schoolwork positively and diligently.

5C        Karyn F
Finishing her Power Point Presentations to an excellent standard in her own time and ahead of time. Well done.

5/6K    Reece F
Always being a dependable, responsible, and reliable class member.

6L        Emma J           
The quiet conscientious way she approaches all aspects of school life.

6R        Olivia W
Excellent participation in class and always being courteous and co-operative.

6C        Brendon M
An improved attitude in the classroom and his excellent sporting achievements.

7S        Bradley M
Always demonstrating a helpful, mature and responsible attitude.

7L        Brie A
Always working hard and striving to do her best.

7F        Christopher C
For the improvement shown in his writing tasks and assignment work.

7B        Kayden E
Trying hard to improve his skills. Good work with places in the world, Kayden.    

French            

Chinese Ashleigh C
Participating in activities with commitment and interest.

ROSHCA Taylah C
For always displaying appropriate behaviour at ROSHCA.

Liam Smith
Principal

DATA COLLECTION FORMS – YEARS 3, 5 & 7
Thank you to all the parents who have returned these forms.  If you have not returned these forms as yet please do so by Friday 11 August 2006.

TRANSPORT EXCURSION 2D/2C
On Thursday 3^rd August 2C/2D went on a frenetic excursion. The day began with a car trip to Eight Mile Plains busway where they caught a bus to Buranola. The children then walked to the train station to Southbank. After a quick rest and a bite to eat the children went to the Maritime Museum. The tour through the museum was made unique by the volunteer personnel and their infinite knowledge and passion for ships and their heritage. The children then caught a City Cat ferry back across the river to Southbank. After lunch they enjoyed a display of transport history at the cultural museum followed by a bus trip home. The conduct displayed by the children throughout this momentous day was not only a credit to themselves but an amazing display of our school values. This is one child’s recount of the day as soon as she arrived home.

Our Transport Excursion by Olivia S
On Thursday 3^rd August we went on a Transport Excursion. We all went in different cars to catch the bus, then we went on a train, a ferry and a Citycat. We went to the Maritime Museum and had fruit for little lunch. My dad came along it was fun! Dad made duck noises, he is so funny and we played on the playground at Southbank and had McDonalds for big lunch.

We went to the Queensland Museum there were lots of old types of transport and other interesting things to see. Then we all got back on the bus to Eight Mile Plains where the teachers and parents drove us  back to school. I loved today, I have sore feet and I am tired but it was so much fun.
The End.

GROCERY DRIVE UPDATE
WOW!! Last week was great. Heaps of classes brought in a lot of items and showed they are serious about winning.

This week is PACKET WEEK – pasta, noodles, soups, biscuits, gravy, lunch/freezer bags, there are heaps to choose from. However, if you’ve put something else aside to bring – bring it! We need lots of different items to makeup a variety of Grocery Packs.

Now for the Leaderboard update:

3K have been consistent since we started and lead the “Lower Grades” at he moment. 3N and 2U moved up the ladder with big efforts but right behind them are 1S, 3W, 1B and 1J. It could all be very different again by the end of this week.

For the “Upper grades” 4S has put out a challenge to the rest of the classes – they want that Pizza Party – but then so does 4D, 5/6K, 6C and 4C by the amount of items they all brought in. However these classes shouldn’t get too comfortable because 5I, 5C, 6L, 6R and 7L are so close it will be interesting to see, after Thursday’s counting, who’s leading then!!

Here’s to another BIG week.
Sara H

TRASH N TREASURE 2^ND HAND CLOTHES
Now is the time to clean out your wardrobes and homes. We need all of your unwanted clothes and items to sell at the fete. Your trash is someone else’s treasure. Please leave all of you donations at the Activities Building in specially marked spots.

We also need plastic bags for a few of the stalls. Leave these in the hall in the specially marked box.If you have any queries contact Jenny P
 0402 011 696

UNIFORM SHOP
REMINDER:

Our Open Day - Friday August 11:  We will be showing the Correct Uniforms to be worn and the Uniform Shop will be open until 11.30 for Try-ons and to order your Uniform requirements for 2007.  Please note that if you are ordering your uniform requirements for 2007, you are required to put a 30% deposit and lay-by to be finalised by end of November.

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.

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 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
8/8

Wed     Angie L
9/8

Thurs  Douglas K
10/8     Amanda C

Fri       Maryanne McN
11/8     Gaila D, Melissa T

Mon     Anne D                                    SPORTS DAY
14/8     Kath R                         YEARS 1 - 3
  2 HELPERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!

Tues    Sharon McF
15/8

Wed                 EXHIBITION 16/8                 HOLIDAY

Thurs              EXHIBITION 17/8                 HOLIDAY

Fri       Maryanne McN                        PIE ORDERS
18/8     Amanda H, Kath R      & MONEY DUE

Mon     Lyn L
21/8

Tues    Chris A
22/8

Wed     Amanda R
23/8

Thurs  Maryanne McN
24/8     Douglas K

Fri       Maryanne McN                        INTERSCHOOL
25/8     Gaila D                                    SPORT Melissa T

Mon     Kaye S
28/8

Tues    Shirley L
29/8

Wed     Sue J
30/8     Cathy W

Thurs  Sue G                           PIE ORDERS
31/8     Karen W                      DELIVERED

Fri       Maryanne McN
1/9       Sylvia B, Kath R

Thank you Gaila and year 6/7 girls for your help last week.

Foreign Coins
We are receiving a lot of foreign coins, e.g. Fijian, American and even a car wash coin. These coins will not be accepted at he tuckshop. If we do receive such, your lunch order will be adjusted accordingly.

Big and Little Lunch Orders
Both Big and Little Lunch orders must be written out on separate bags. Thank you

Stationery
Just a reminder the tuckshop sells a variety of stationery needs.

Tuckshop Price List
Parents please note that the current price list is yellow. A lot of orders are coming through using last year’s prices. Spares are available at the tuckshop.

Apple Slinky Machine
The response to this machine has been terrific. I will take orders if you still want one. Cost is $35.00 and must be cash only. To order these I require 12 orders (supplier only takes orders of 12). Pop into the Tuckshop for a demo. Thank you.

New Product – Nacho Dippers
We are stocking a new product called Nacho  Dippers with Bolognese and cheese sauce. Cost is $3.00, available big or little lunch.

Junior Sports Day – Grades 1 - 3
Our Junior classes will be holding their sports day next Monday 14^th August. If parents require little lunch or big lunch, your orders must be in at the tuckshop by 9:00am sharp. Tea and coffee will be available with a voluntary donation to cover cost of tea/coffee, sugar and milk. Thank you. (A sausage sizzle is being held, please support this.)

Homestyle Bakery Pies etc
Going home with today’s newsletter are order forms for pies , lamingtons etc. Money and orders must be returned to the tuckshop by Friday 18^th August. There is a plastic container on counter. If you are paying by cheque please print name and address on back of cheque.

Delivery day is Thursday 31^st August. To be collected from 2:30pm in the activity hall. When ordering please consider who is going to collect your orders, as pies will need to be refrigerated by 4:00pm. Thank you.

ROSHCA

Monday
Afternoon Tea             Dip and Crackers
Cooking                       Honey Joys
Outside Activity           European Handball

Tuesday
Afternoon Tea             Honey Joys
Craft                            Party Hats
Outside Activity           Volleyball

Wednesday
Afternoon Tea            
Craft                            Feather Face Pencils
Outside Activity           Cops and Robbers

Thursday
Afternoon Tea             Dip and Crackers
Craft                            Paper Boat Race
Outside Activity           Rob the Nest

Friday
Afternoon Tea             Chicken Noodles
Craft                            Puppets
Outside Activity           Capture the Flag

 ROSHCA will be open Thursday 17^th August, Pupil Free Day. If you wish for your children to attend please see one of the ROSHCA team at the ROSHCA room, or call 3841 1943 to make your booking.

Operational hours – 7:00am – 6:00pm

Meals supplied – Breakfast till 8:15am, morning tea and afternoon tea.

Cost $22 per child, less with child care benefit.

FOUND!
One pair of Blue glasses, please enquire at office.

Playgroup Survey

I would be interested in attending a Playgroup program offered at Rochedale State School on Friday mornings from

9:00-10:00

Name_____________________   Telephone ___________________

(please return to the school office)