FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Thoughts for the Week
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”   Luke 1:37                               

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“A joy shared is a joy doubled.” Goethe (1749-1832)   

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"Blink, and it's over..."
quipped one Year 7 student this morning when asked, 'How was your holiday?' I guess two weeks passes quite fast when you are having fun. By the sounds of students and staff, the September/October break was a roaring success. Everyone has had a well earned rest before the 10-week spurt towards the finishing line. The lack of rain and the inability to water our grounds have created a somewhat parched look, a look we unfortunately have to get used to until summer rains - whenever they come - again restore the emerald green fields and well nourished gardens. The jacarandas are in full bloom signaling annual university exams, high school graduations and last, but not least, our own seniors' graduation and rite of passage as we bid them farewell in a couple of months' time. While Christmas Concerts, Graduation, End of year Report Cards recur every year, the 'events' are just as welcomed by participants and spectators. When I look at my desk calendar I see the Melbourne Cup, Remembrance Day and a host of other happenings around the school, all sprinkled throughout this 10-week term which began today. The water in our pool is warm and inviting, making ideal conditions for our ongoing swimming program between now and Christmas.

Staff changes
In every organisation there are staff changes. At Rochedale there are only minor changes of which you need to be aware. Mrs Gail Underwood (2U) will be on Long Service Leave until the end of the year and Mrs Vicky King will continue her Long Service Leave for the next two weeks. Our Deputy Principal Clint Burton is away for the first two weeks of Term 4 and will be replaced by Year 7 teacher, Tony Sanderson, who will be acting in the role of Deputy Principal. Good, reliable and professional replacement teachers have been secured to backfill the positions vacated by staff on leave.

Interns at Rochedale
More good news comes with the arrival of three 4^th Year Bachelor of Education students. These competent interns have ostensibly finished their academic studies leading to teaching. The intern program provides a valuable additional teaching resource at our school. Our enthusiastic trio comes at no cost to the school; in fact their presence is a net gain as they bring their newly acquired craft and enthusiasm along to classrooms where they will work and assist class teachers in their daily programs. I take the opportunity to welcome them to Rochedale, trusting their stay will be useful and productive.

“Roll Up, Enrol Now, Roll Up, we need you now!” cried the World War I posters in Brisbane in 1916. May I assure you that nothing sinister is intended on this occasion. This is simply just a friendly reminder that the time to enrol your child for next year’s Prep-Year and/or Year One, is right now! Yes, there are still places available!!! The time has never been better than now for a visit, by your friends, relatives and neighbours in the area to Rochedale State School. To have your child’s place in the Prep-year assured already takes a lot of weight off parents’ shoulders.

You can just imagine that for many parents with pre-school-age children the task is daunting and is often left to the last minute. This is where our greater school community comes into the picture. Your information about our school, communicated across the neighbour’s fence is an ideal way to attract new students to our school. Planning and preparation is easier for everyone once our numbers are finalised for 2007. 

We have always said that people do notice the students from Rochedale State School.  The following appeared in The Sunday Mail during the holidays.  Congratulations Year 7s.

Liam Smith
Principal

TERM 4 SWIMMING
Swimming lessons begin this week for all students.
Swimming is a compulsory component of our school physical education program as reading is of our literacy program. Your child requires a medical certificate to be given exemption from these lessons.

Please encourage your child positively to participate in the school swimming program. Our pool is heated and the water quality is checked daily. Each child will need swimming togs, a bathing cap and a towel. Protective swim shirts or t-shirts may also be worn.

Two piece togs for girls and baggy board shorts for boys which hinder their swimming ability are inappropriate for swimming lessons. All clothing needs to be named clearly.  

TWO OUTSTANDING YOUNG WRITERS OF ROCHEDALE
Congratulations to Jessica D and Sarah C of 6L on their selection for the Meanjin Writers’ Camp which is conducted by the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association to encourage and develop talented young writers.

The girls will spend three days with other students from schools in the Brisbane area meeting and working with authors such as Pat Flynn. Well done girls! Rochedale State School is very proud of you!

BP ROCHEDALE
A thank you to all the parents and teachers for supporting our school by buying petrol at the BP across the road. We encourage you to keep supporting our school.

UNIFORM SHOP
I hope everyone had a great school break. Welcome back to Term 4! TheUniform Shop will be open again this Thursday and Friday from 8:00am -9:00am.

REMINDER:
Size 3 shorts (Prep) will be available for purchase by the end of November for $16.50. The price difference is due to a special order as our normal supplier for rugby knit shorts are unable to supply this. Just a reminder that all lay-by's are required to be finalised by 30 November, otherwise cancellation fees will apply.

SPECIALS!!
Skorts now selling for $21. Normal price - $26 - Saving of $5 (Sizes 8-16 are available)

Have you lost your Tazlon Jacket?  At the end of Term 3, a lot of Tazlon Jackets had been returned to the Uniform Shop.  If your name is listed below, please come and collect it.

Ashleigh Bentley 2x
Sarah Obrist 5K
Daniel Freeman
Dominic Stevens-Robert
Jaie Cavatin
Brooke Walsh 1J
Luyt cher
Grimes
M. Hadley
Wallce
Ben Geaylley
Nicholas Carson
Brooke Janssen
+ 3 no named tazlons

Don't forget our 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 cannow 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 thatweek. 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 thecheques 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.

If you have just enrolled, or are new to the school - we have surplus new winter uniforms, which are available for purchase. Otherwise, we have secondhand uniforms at reasonable prices.

As always if you have any queries, please feel free to contact me through the school's email link:-Marishell.Scott@eq.edu.au

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    Sharon McF
10/10

Wed     Melissa T
11/10

Thurs  Sharon G
12/10

Fri       Maryanne McN                        INTERSCHOOL SPORT
13/10   Amanda H                       Kath R

Mon     Lyn L
16/10

Tues    Chris A
17/10

Wed     Amanda R
18/10

Thurs  Douglas K
19/10   Maryanne McN

Fri       Gaila D                                    INTERSCHOOL SPORT
20/10   Melissa T                     Maryanne McN

Mon                                        
PUPIL FREE DAY
23/10

Tues    Shirley L
24/10

Wed     Sue V
25/10   Cathy W

Thurs  Karen W
26/10  

Fri       Maryanne McN                        INTERSCHOOL SPORT
27/10   Kath R                        

Mon     Karen W
30/10

Tues    Anne D
31/10

Wed     Angie L
01/11

Thurs Douglas K
2/11     Amanda C

Fri       Maryanne McN                        INTERSCHOOL SPORT
3/11     Gaila D                                   
 Melissa T  VOLUNTEER NEEDED

 Welcome back everyone. This Term is a short one, only 10 weeks, with swimming carnivals, carols night and graduation along the way.

Thank you Amanda H for picking up our bakery while Karen K was on holidays. Thanks

Red Product - Deleted
One of our popular dairy products is now placed in the RED category of Smart Choices Healthy Foods. – chocolate Dairy Dessert – 70c, will not be available this term. Please delete from yellow Tuckshop Price lists. Thank you

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!

Bathing Caps
Just a reminder swimming will start this term and bathing caps will be available to purchase from the tuckshop. Speedo rubber caps in blue or yellow $3.30, Lycra caps in blue only $5.50.

SQUAD SWIMMING
Swim Squad starts today !!
Come in and introduce yourself  to our new coach Mr John Austin.

Junior Level:                3:15 – 4:15
Intermediate Level:      4:15 – 5:15
Senior Level:               5:15 – 6:45
Adult squad: Tuesday and Thursday 6:45 – 7:45
Any queries please call Anne Dee on 3342 5253 or 0402 114 544.

LEARN TO SWIM
Learn to swim classes start this week. Please remember to bring your togs, cap and goggles if required. If you would like to book lessons and have not yet registered please phone Teuila on 3341 0297 or 0408 220 470. Lessons are Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.

ROSHCA

Monday
Afternoon Tea             Dip, crackers and fruit
Inside Activity             Playdough Fun
Outside Activity           Soccer

Tuesday
Afternoon Tea             Dip, Crackers and Fruit
Cooking:                      Chocolate Slice
Outside Activity           D1 and D2

Wednesday
Afternoon Tea             Chocolate slice and Fruit
Craft:                           Bath fizz
Outside Activity           Bombardment

Thursday
Afternoon Tea             Dip, crackers and Fruit
Craft                            Sequin art
Outside Activity           Obstacle course

Friday
Afternoon Tea             Popcorn and fruit
Craft                            Balloon Fun
Outside Activity           Fugitive Stake-out
Breakfast: Toast and assorted cereals served daily.

PHOTOS OF THE BIG 75
Did your child tell you about the big 75 they made on the oval?

Photos of the school from the air are now available. Orders can be placed and photos can be viewed at the office from tomorrow, Tuesday 10^th October.

Prices are $5 for 1 photo, $10 for 3 photos, $15 for 6 photos and $20 for 6 aerial photos and 1 A4 size 4 photo montage of the school throughout the years. The A4 montage on its own is $10 or $7 if ordered with any other photos.

GROCERY DRIVE UPDATE
A huge THANKS goes to all students,parents and teachers for supporting the Grocery Drive this year with so many donations. We were able to pack up 200 trays for the Grocery Wheel on Fete Day aswell as passing on heaps of chocolates, soft drinks and baking goods to the respective stalls and this was done entirely with the donations we received.  That is an amazing effort!! I would also like to thank Lynelle B and Gary H for all their help with counting, sorting and packing.  This year saw alot of classes determind to win and it was neck and neck in both lower and upper grades with some winners not being determind until final counting on the last day of donations.

 And here they are: 
1^st Prize: Pizza Party: 3N  &   4S
2^nd Prize: Cold Rock Ice-Cream Cake: 2C & 6L 
3^rd Prize: Ice-Blocks:  1S & 3K , 4D, 5C & 6C

 Congratulations to these classes and thank you to everyone for their support. Sara H