FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Thoughts for the Week
“But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.”

                                    Mark 9:27

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“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the car I drove. But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”

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Father-of-the-Year is an annual award which reverberates with positive connotations. In most Rochedale homes children celebrated their Fathers yesterday. These celebrations received no coverage in the media nor did they seek it either. To be a good father takes skill, devotion, trial and error and a pervading feeling of never giving up. Fatherhood commences at the birth of a child. It endures to the end of life itself. Eighty year old pensioners welcome their sixty year old children with the same gratifying feeling as twenty-five year-old adults welcome their toddlers through the bedroom door waving a home made card or a simple gift. So where did Father’s Day begin? It began, like so many other traditions, from the grassroots up. It began with Sonora Smart Dudd, a woman who sought to honour her father in 1909. Her dad, a Civil War veteran, was left a widower with six young children when his wife passed away in childbirth. He managed to raise all his children alone on the Washington farm and was now old and frail. Others were so impressed by the idea that it became adopted not only throughout the USA but also in Australia and New Zealand. The more public face of Father’s Day was a much later addition. The first Australian Father of the Year was awarded in 1957 and went to Sir Edward Hallström, Kt. F.R.Z.S. an industrialist and philanthropist who was integral in the establishment of Taronga Zoo. Since then, the Australian Fathers Day Council has continued to award an inspirational role model for Fathers and children of Australia. The Council was established by the Chairman of David Jones, who on a visit to New York witnessed a Father of the Year lunch and was so impressed by the idea he formed The Father's Day Council. This year’s Queensland recipient is 83-year-old father of two, Salvation Army Commissioner Bill Cairns. In his citation we read of a man “who has brought comfort, care and support to many thousands of children not only here but in neighbouring South-East Asian countries.” Fathers have a great responsibility in contemporary society. Yesterday was a day when we could contemplate this responsibility and enjoy the unique role to the fullest.

Election time again…

We are now in the home straight of the Queensland State Election 2006. Our school will morph into a polling booth come Saturday. Our democracy, which ought never to be taken for granted, is alive and well. Both sides have presented their cases to the voters of Queensland. From billboards to radio and television, not forgetting the print media, Premier Beattie and Opposition Leader Springborg have tried the gentle – and not so gentle – art of persuasion as to why one side or the other should be entrusted with the mandate to govern Queensland for the ensuing three years. Like a football grand final, itself not far away, there can only be one winner in this contest. Regardless of the outcome I hope that the winner is the populace of Queensland. Meanwhile, several members of our teaching staff shall man the polling booths between 08.00 a.m. and 06.00 p.m. Casting your vote in free and fair elections is one of the greatest assets we have as Australians. Do speak to your children about the fact that you are going to vote next Saturday. You may be surprised about how much they already know about democracy of which voting is such an integral part.

How many know where the name Rochedale came from?

Rochedale was named after an Irishman, Mr. W. Roche, who took up 300 acres in the area in the 1870s. After the First World War a meeting was held concerning the need for a local post office. This required a local name and the name Rochedale was agreed on. Rochedale is generally a low-lying flat suburb, with Bulimba Creek forming its eastern boundary and Priest Gully part of its western boundary. Several smaller tributaries of these creeks also cross the suburb. In the 1981 Wildlife Survey, Rochedale recorded 94 species of birds of many types, eleven species of reptiles and seven species of native mammals, including koalas, possums, wallabies, and flying foxes. The Roche family settled in the area in the 1870s. T. Roche may have gone shearing to get the money to start his orchard and vineyard. Later the orchard and his vineyard provided an income. The Roche home soon became a landmark in the area, with social and musical gatherings popular. ‘A cultural Oasis’, is how the Brisbane Courier described the home. An annual cricket match for Brisbane journalists was held there. William Roche was involved in the erection of the second school at Eight-Mile Plains in the 1870s. Catholic Church services were held at tom Roche’s house when the priest came from Beaudesert every three months. William Roche was born in Limerick in Ireland in 1838. He migrated to Australia around 1861 and married Kate McDermott in Brisbane in 1867. She had arrived in Moreton bay from Ireland three years earlier. In 1868, they leased 50 acres of land in Rochedale and in 1875, they bought it outright, having already fenced it and built a homestead there. Subsequently, he selected another 361 acres, in three portions, which included the land now occupied by our wonderful Rochedale State School.

 William cleared the land and planted grapes and an orchard, and also went shearing for a period each year to pay for the property. Kate managed the farm and looked after their only child, Thomas, who was born in1872. William died in 1902 at 64 years old and Kate died in 1915 aged 75. The homestead was called ‘Rochedale’ in 1916, but it was situated in ‘Eight Mile Plains’. After World War I the land was no longer used for grapes but for small crop farming. Emil Obrist and his family came to the Broadwater area in the Nineteenth century. In 1900 they bought land from the Fisher family, on the red-soil ridge at Rochedale and Miles Platting Roads.

Fruit and vegetables were sold and provisions brought from Brisbane. The children walked through the bush to get to the school at Eight-Mile Plains. In 1912, Emil Obrist put down the first water bore in the suburb. I somehow wonder if Emil Obrist’s generation was more frugal with water in and around Rochedale than our present generation? Perhaps we should name one of our bubblers the ‘Emil Obrist Fountain’?

And that’s the way it is this first week of spring 2006…
 

1J         Ksenia L
Showing such enthusiasm and enjoyment when reading books.

1L        Rowan L
Showing a great improvement in his work due to his enthusiasm and determination. Keep it up, Rowan!

1B        Maddy P
Consistently upholding our school values. Keep up the great behaviour and work in class!

1S        Lachlan W
Always giving his best and demonstrating the school values.

2D        Shannae F
Consistently producing excellent writing samples and displaying a wonderful eagerness to learn. Well done Shannae.

Jayme S
Consistently tries her hardest at all times. Jayme has produced wonderful descriptions and recounts this term and is a commendable student.

2C       

2J         Kyra S
Displaying exceptional classroom behaviour and always demonstrating school values at all times.

2B        Brea A
Always using excellent manners to teachers and peers. Brea has also been working hard to improve her handwriting.

2U        Madeleine G
Never giving up on her power writing and always showing respect and consideration to her class members.

3W       Jeremy G
Always putting 100% effort into everything he does and for being a caring and helpful member of 3W. Well done Jeremy!

3D        Liam H
Leading others with his maturity and high work standards.

3T        Lucy W
Her enthusiasm and hard work in all areas of school. Well Done Lucy. Keep it up!

3N        Tate H
Achievements in Typerights. Tate is on Level 3 Part 3. He really enjoys improving at typing. Well done Tate!

3K        Kaisha T
Never giving up, Encouraging others. Doing her very best, Exceptional levels of behaviour and school work..

4S        Daniel C
Being such an avid reader as well as a tremendous help to both his teachers and peers. Well Done!

4D        Nicole K
Working well at her school tasks, especially her speaking topics. 

4C        Samantha D
Her enthusiasm and commitment to her academic work.

4H        Brianna M
Always working conscientiously and participating well in all class activities.

5F        Scott W
Trying really hard with his creative writing.

5I         Maddison W
An outstanding attitude and achievement in the content and presentation of daily work, especially her project work.

5C        Olivia G
an enthusiastic attitude with Typerites and always polite.

5/6K     Kelly G
Producing quality work in all areas. Well done, Kelly.

6L        Matthew G

Being consistently, enthusiastic and conscientious in French lessons.

6R        Lathen B
Always displaying good manners and working diligently in class.

6C        Erin L
Her pleasant and positive attitude to class work and peer interaction.

7S        Janay L
Displaying a food effort and attitude towards her work.

7L        Alex A
Always participating and working to a very high standard.

7F        Bryana W
Her first class efforts in the musical, academic and sporting areas of this year.

7B        Amy B
Consistent conscientious effort in all areas. Excellent effort, Amy!

French             

Chinese Lorna G
Participating in activities with commitment and interest.

ROSHCA Kathryn Y
Her extra efforts in completing her homework and helping others.

Liam Smith
Principal

75^th ANNIVERSARY
As you are aware this year is Rochedale State School’s 75^th anniversary and to mark this occasion we have produced Bumper Stickers. These bumper stickers are available in the school colours (blue or yellow) with our 6 core values displayed in the background – respect, responsibility, consideration, co-operation, fairness and honesty. These bumper stickers are made of an ultra-violet resistant material.

Our bumper stickers will be available at the 75^th anniversary stall at the fete, but if you would like to pre-purchase, the please complete the attached form below with $2.00 and forward it to Vicky king or Gayle Healey.

Bumper stickers are a great way to promote our school.

Name:______________________ Class:_______

Number of stickers required: _________

Colour preference:         blue background   

 yellow background 

PREMIERS READING CHALLENGE
A reminder that just 2 weeks of reading remain in the Premiers Reading Challenge. Students from year 1,2 and 3 must read or experience their allotted number of books and return their student reading records to Mrs Francis by 15 September.

TUCKSHOP
Tues    Anne D
5/9

Wed     Angie L
6/9

Thurs  Douglas K
7/9        Amanda C

Fri       Maryanne McN                        INTERSCHOOL
8/9        Gaila D, Melissa T         SPORT

Mon    Anne D
11/9

Tues    Sharon McF
12/9

Wed     Melissa T
13/9

Thurs  Sharon G
14/9

Fri       Maryanne McN                        INTERSCHOOL
15/9      Amanda H                    SPORT    Gaila D

Mon    Lyn L
18/9

Tues    Chris A
19/9

Wed     Amanda R
20/9

Thurs  Maryanne McN
21/9

Fri       Maryanne McN                        INTERSCHOOL
22/9      Gaila D, Melissa T         SPORT

Mon    25/9 to Fri 6/10
HOLIDAYS

Fete Stall Convenors
If you require stock of spoons, cups, foam trays, chips, paper bags etc from Canteen Supply for your stall at this year’s fete, your order must be in by Thursday 7^th September 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. I need 7 orders.

Healthy Food Competition
Brisbane Markets are running a healthy foods competition through the tuckshop. Each time a students buys a healthy item with fruit or vegetables in it e.g. toasted ham and tomato, salad sandwich or salad box, corn on cob, fruit cup, a piece of fruit etc. you will receive a boarding pass card and one fresh for kids Token Sticker. Collect 4 stickers and stack them onto your boarding pass, then hand this into the tuckshop and you will be given a wrist band, you also have the chance to win prizes, Sea World Passes, Ipod Names, $25 Retail sports Voucher. See poster at tuckshop. Offer closes Friday 15^th September.

Red, Amber, Green
Do you know what these 3 colours represent for smart choices Healthy Food and Drink criteria?

Red – occasionally – e.g. lollies, cream buns, chocolate custard donuts, sweet biscuits, certain ice cream, donuts, soft drink, deep fried food (hot chips)

Amber – Select carefully – e.g. chicken nuggets, pizzas, pies, cheese and bacon rolls, muffins ham, chicken meat, dairy products, ice blocks.

Green – have plenty of – e.g. fruit, vegetables, bread, cereal, raisin toast, rice cakes, noodles , pasta, eggs, corn on cob, water, baked beans, English muffins, tuna, dairy products.

Your body will feel better on the inside if you have a small serving of food from the amber range and plenty from the Green list. Enjoy eating healthy food!

ROSHCA
Monday
Afternoon Tea              Dip, Crackers and Fruit
Inside Activity               Ladybug on Leaf Collage
Outside Activity            Frisbee Netball

Tuesday
Afternoon Tea              Fruit Platter
Craft                            UFO Creation Competition
Outside Activity            Parachute Games

Wednesday
Afternoon Tea              Dip, Crackers and Fruit
Craft                            Cakes
Outside Activity            Flying Dutchman

Thursday
Afternoon Tea              Cakes and Fruit
Craft                            Foxtails
Outside Activity            King

Friday
Afternoon Tea              Popcorn and Fruit
Craft                            Bookmarks
Outside Activity            Soccer Ball

September Vacation Care
Dates: Monday 25^th September – Friday 5^th October

It’s that time again, time to make your vacation care bookings. If you need care for your child/ren during this period please make a booking with the ROSHCA team. A booking deposit of $20.00 is payable when making your booking. This deposit will be absorbed by your child care fees during this period. To avoid disappointment please make your booking as soon as possible.

To collect your program and/or make a booking please see Fran or Zoe at the ROSHCA room.

LOST

Tazlon Jacket lost on the 25/08/06
Bobbermien-Sek
Please return to 5I or phone 0400 297 266.

INDOOR SPORTS – MULTISPORTS DAY

Date:                Tuesday 3^rd October
Venue:              Oz Sports Springwood
 3269 Logan Road, Underwood
Sports:              Cricket, Netball, soccer
Cost:                 1 person $15 or book 2 or more people for $10 each. So bring a friend to play in your team.
Time:                9:00am – 4:00pm
Age group:        8 – 15 years
What to bring:   Packed Lunch, Drink Bottle
Coaches:           Queensland Development Officer  Current Australian
Players
Closing date:     Friday 22^nd September