As we approach the end of this term, it's a moment to celebrate the remarkable learning we have seen and growth of our students across the school.  I think this is encapsulated by what Dr. Seuss once said, "Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory." This term, we've seen our students embrace our school motto, becoming “resilient, creative, and curious learners empowered to excel.” As we experienced our learns most recently share their learnings in the Student Led Conferences this past week and in the many moments shared this term. 

Our focus on Positive Behavior for Learning (PBL) and Restorative Practices has created an environment of respect and understanding. From our PBL rewards day to our work with the philosophies of Adam Voigt’s restorative classrooms, our commitment to building strong relationships, empathy, and problem-solving skills has strengthened our school community. As we prepare for the next term, we look forward to your contributions in the consultation for our Student Code of Conduct, shaping the values that guide our learners on their journey. Thank you for being a part of these memorable moments.

Highlights from Term 3

Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Honouring Our Elders  

During this special week, as we celebrate NAIDOC Week, National Indigenous Children's Week, and Reconciliation Week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and participation. These events have highlighted the strong sense of community that thrives within our school.

Central to our celebration of NAIDOC Week is the theme "For Our Elders," recognizing the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous elders in shaping our community. Aunty Jessica Skeen and our ATSI students have crafted a breathtaking mural, symbolizing the connections we build when we embrace our cultural diversity. This mural reminds us of the importance of preserving our heritage and the unique stories we all bring to our shared narrative.

Over the past ten weeks, the Gift of Gallang program has empowered students to connect and learn beyond the classroom. It has sparked conversations, fostered understanding, and promoted unity within our community. It demonstrates that learning extends far beyond textbooks, offering students the opportunity to engage with their Indigenous peers and gain a deeper appreciation for their culture.

We especially recognise the power of  the 'Smoking Ceremony' that was led by Uncle Gavin Tyson. This ancient ceremony symbolizes the vital role of fire in Indigenous life, from cooking to storytelling, ceremony, and healing.

Uncle Gavin Tyson's leadership in conducting this ceremony enriched our students' understanding of Indigenous culture. Its focus on healing and unity aligns perfectly with the spirit of NAIDOC Week and our commitment to an inclusive learning environment.

We thank our staff, students, and the broader school community for making this NAIDOC Week a meaningful experience. Let's continue to honour our elders, celebrate our diverse heritage, and build lasting connections that strengthen our school's unity.

Musical

Star Warts the Musical: A Galactic Journey Concludes with Gratitude

As the curtains draw to a close on another unforgettable school term, we find ourselves reflecting on a stellar journey that transcended galaxies, ignited our creativity, and brought our school community closer than ever. "Star Warts the Musical" has been the epicentre of our shared experience over the past three terms, and I am here to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible staff, students, and community members who made this production possible.

From the very first auditions to the final encore, our staff poured their hearts and souls into bringing this space-faring extravaganza to life. They not only dedicated countless hours of rehearsal but also infused the show with their passion, transforming our school auditorium into a cosmic battleground where the forces of humour and talent collided. Special mention goes to our musical team, led by the director Mr Hogan, who orchestrated the whole musical with the precision of a lightsabre duel.

Our students, the stars of the show, shone brightly in their roles, embracing the unique blend of humour and musicality in "Star Warts." Whether it was the catchy melodies of "Squeeze the Sauce" or the side-splitting antics of "Lord Yoga," their performances left us in awe. We witnessed the growth of each actor, not only as performers but as individuals who learned valuable lessons about teamwork, dedication, and the power of laughter.

But our gratitude extends beyond the school walls. The entire community rallied behind us, supporting us in ways that inspired the force within us all. From local community donating props to parents volunteering their time and expertise, we couldn't have asked for a more supportive group of allies in our mission to bring "Star Warts the Musical" to life.

As we reflect on the impact of this production, we see its ripple effect throughout our community. Laughter and catchy tunes echoed through our halls and now our brains, bridging generations and fostering a sense of togetherness. The humour and wit of the musical, with nods to iconic songs like "The Millennium Penguine" and "The Umpire Stikes Back," brought smiles to faces young and old, reminding us that laughter truly unites.

But the true magic of "Star Warts the Musical" lies in its ability to inspire. It taught our students that with dedication, creativity, and a touch of humour, they can achieve the extraordinary. It reminded our community that when we come together to support a common cause, the impact is felt far and wide.

Thank you, staff, students, and community, for making "Star Warts the Musical" a journey we will cherish forever. May the force of unity, creativity, and laughter continue to be with us as we embark on new adventures in the years to come.

Book week

This year's Book Week, themed "Read, Grow, Inspire," has been a vibrant celebration of the written word and the magic it weaves in our lives. Throughout the week, our school community embarked on an inspiring literary adventure, diving into the pages of books that took us to far-off lands, introduced us to heroes, and encouraged personal growth. The enchanting stories we've explored have ignited our imaginations and fostered connections that will endure.

Our young readers, in particular, have been a source of inspiration. Their boundless enthusiasm for books and the curiosity they've shown while exploring new narratives have warmed our hearts. It's evident that the seeds of a lifelong love for reading have been sown, and we couldn't be more thrilled. Our dedicated staff have played a crucial role, nurturing this passion and guiding our students to discover the transformative power of literature.

As we celebrated the culmination of Book Week 2023, let's remember that the magic of reading continues to enrich our lives. The stories we've encountered will stay with us, inspiring us to dream, learn, and grow. "Read, Grow, Inspire" isn't just a theme for a week; it's a reminder of the enduring impact of books and the joy of sharing that magic with others. Thank you to our school community for making this literary celebration a resounding success. Together, we've celebrated the written word, and we're excited to continue this journey of discovery and inspiration.

I had the privilege of celebrating so many students work but I’d like to share just one with you.  Zara in 5L, during the course of her studies relating to the democratic voting system in Australia, the class have been voting, over the past two years, have voted to name the plants in her classroom.  Zara's connection to her classroom environment and learning always shines, but this book week, her love of learning was taken to a whole new level!

Read her inspired writing here.

Celebrating a Term of Positive Behaviour

As we bid farewell to another enriching term at our school, it's time to reflect on the incredible strides we've made in fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Our journey with Positive Behavior for Learning (PBL) has been a resounding success, and we're excited to share the next steps in our pursuit of a harmonious school community.

This term, our focus has been on reinforcing the principles of PBL and nurturing an atmosphere of respect and understanding. The dedication of our staff and students in embracing these values has been truly commendable. Together, we've created a learning environment where each individual feels valued and supported.

We're also thrilled to celebrate the fantastic engagement of our students in the Cal Club, an initiative that rewards positive behaviour and participation in our school community. As part of our PBL rewards day, lower school students enjoyed an Art session, a Movie session, and a PJ Disco, while our Upper School students dove into an exciting Gaming session, followed by movies and board games. These activities were designed to promote interactions and strengthen the bonds between all students across the school.

This approach aligns perfectly with our commitment to Restorative Practices, which emphasises  building strong relationships and fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability. The interactions and connections our students forged during these fun-filled activities are a testament to the success of our efforts in creating a harmonious and inclusive school environment.

As we move into the next term, our spotlight will continue to shine on Restorative Practices. We're excited to introduce the principles of Restorative Practices into our classrooms and school community, enriching the interactions between students and further fostering a sense of belonging.

To support our parents in implementing Restorative Practices at home and during the upcoming holidays, here are three practical steps:

1. Active Listening: Take the time to actively listen to your child. Encourage open and honest communication by asking open-ended questions about their day, feelings, and experiences. Let them know you value their thoughts and feelings.
2. Problem-Solving: When conflicts arise, guide your child through a problem-solving process. Encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts, listen to others involved, and work together to find a resolution that benefits everyone.
3. Model Empathy: Be a role model for empathy by demonstrating understanding and compassion in your interactions with your child and others. This helps them develop empathy and understanding towards their peers.

Additionally, to further reinforce the principles of PBL and Restorative Practices, we have introduced posters in all our playgrounds. These posters serve as visual reminders of our shared values and help improve the personal and social capabilities of our students. They are aligned with the Australian Curriculum's Personal and Social Capabilities, emphasizing skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and responsible decision-making.

You can explore this approach by visiting https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1133320/restorative-parenting/ or https://www.parentsvictoria.asn.au/issues/restorative-practices-2/ to gain a deeper understanding of the values we're instilling in our students.

As we embrace Restorative Practices in the upcoming term, we're excited about the positive impact it will have on our school community. Together, we're creating an environment where every student can thrive academically and socially.

In the upcoming term, we'll be initiating a consultation process regarding our Student Code of Conduct. This valuable effort is aimed at ensuring that our code of conduct remains inclusive, supportive, and aligned with our school's values. Your input and feedback will be greatly appreciated as we work together to create a respectful and positive learning environment for all our students. Stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved and contribute to this important discussion.

PBL Rewards Day Term 3

National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence

Rochedale South spent a lesson on Friday last week to talk about ways in which we can combat Bullying as a school community. 2W created a paper chain to show our connections to our community. On each chain, they wrote down the names of the people who support them and who then can talk to.

School responses to reports of bullying can be much more effective when parents and carers report bullying and support school staff efforts to respond to it. If your child reports that bullying is occurring at school, or the bullying is occurring outside school hours and involves students from the school, you should let the school know about the situation.

Working together with school is the best way to help your child resolve bullying issues.

Schools will work with you to resolve the situation and will also work with the other student's parents. Due to privacy laws, they will not be able to share information about any other students involved. Please contact Deputy Principal Alice Harvey P-2, Deputy Principal 3-6 Craig Charles of Principal Stacey Wood for support around this issue.

Prep Orientation Day for 2024 Thursday October 12

As part of the transition process, the school will be hosting an ‘Orientation Morning’ on Thursday October 12 starting at 915am. This day is an invitation to all our 2024 Prep enrolments and their parents/guardians.

Orientation Day is a really important day. Parents will take part in a ‘full submersion’ of what to expect next year. Children will spend the morning in a Prep classroom to learn about learning routines and help familiarise themselves with the school.

We are really looking forward to this event and welcome all new families!

Please look out for your email invitation. If you have any questions, please contact the office on 3340 0700.

Pick of the Crop Year 2 Incursion Wednesday 13^th September

A very big thank you to Linda Brennan from Eco Botanica, who is an Environmental Educator for hosting our Year 2 sessions. Our students got their hands dirty and learnt about how things grow.

Inclusion Matters Partnering with Parents workshop was a huge success. Thank you to the parents who attended to hear Peta Anne Burns talk about strong emotions- anxiety and transition to school. Choking on Butterflies was timely, age appropriate and realist. Here is what some of our parents have said.

Thank you to our P& C who provided tea and coffee for our talk.

SAVE THE DATE- Term 4 Inclusion Matters Partnering with Parents - Monday 30- October 4 - 5pm

Communication and student needs

If you require any information in regard to your child’s learning or supports, please contact your child’s class teacher. Our Teachers will be able to direct your enquiries if further investigation actions or supports are required.  We value student voice. We value parent voice and we value positive partnerships with parents and our community.

Wellbeing Hub Activities and News- Lunch time

We have an increase of students attending this space during breaks. It is a great space to engage in quiet calm activities during the play break. We have painting, skipping, Lego, blocks, puzzles and lots more. In week 5, we are celebrated NAIDOC WEEK with a range of activites.  For our Elders.

Activities continue to change and evolve as students share their ideas and work on making this a great space to be.

Lifelong learners

Book Week

Such fabulous costumes! Such a fun parade! Thank you to all the parents and students who participated in the fun of Book Week.

See the fabulous staff Book Week photo below.

Reading at home – Say the sounds and read the word

The P-2 information session on reading with your child at home was a great success. Some of the key points discussed were:

• The importance of developing vocabulary and background knowledge as the basis of comprehension. Good opportunities for this include through reading to your child, engaging in rich conversation and engaging in a range of different experiences.
• Encouraging your child to ‘Say the sounds. Read the word.’, if they are struggling to read a word.

If you would like to find more information on how to model the 44 sounds, you can find a video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5WMaT4OaSo&t=14s

Home readers

Our P&C donated $5000 to fund the purchase and processing of additional decodable home readers in Prep and Year 1. Decodable readers are levelled so that students are only reading known sounds. If the home readers have been funded by the P&C, you will see a sticker in the front of the shiny, new decodable home readers.

Jennifer Bampton
Head of Department - Curriculum

So much has been going on the past couple of months. 

We hope the winners of the Budjerah concert Raffle had a fabulous time, it went longer that I had expected but his show was well worth it. He is an amazing artist and loves his fans, spending a lot of time after the concert taking photos and signing autographs. The raffle raised just under $250. 

The Winter Pie Drive raised $1156.61 for the school. Thank you to everyone who supported the P&C with this event. We acknowledge there were some issues on delivery date with late arrival, but we have plans in place for next time.

We are near the end ofTerm 3 and we have had a lot going on. 

The Tuckshop & P&C ran a Theatre Snack Bar on the 2 Musical evenings. Thank you everyone who were lucky enough to attend the musical. It was a great show. 

Our Father’s Day Stall was a great success with students eager to shop. We hope you enjoyed their choices. 

The P&C is running the Colour Run for 2023 which will be held this Saturday 9th September 2023. We haven’t changed anything that Chappy Cassie has done in previous years. Everyone would have received their booklet and letter to parents weeks ago so if you haven’t created a profile please do. 

https://myprofilepage.com.au/

Remember you need to raise just $10 to run in the day and additional runners are $2 each. When your child raises $10 online they will be eligible for a prize. The more they raise the better their prizes are. 

I would personally like to thank the following people for their help 

Musical shirts: Emma Daley, Sandra Barrett, Kirsty LeDan

Musical Snack Bar: Melissa Treacy, Alina Orams, Emma Daley, Becky Ko, Danara Blom, Wendy Budd, Rebecca Brennan, Mrs Hage, Leo Wyszynski and John Malakos 

Father’s Day stall: Kylie Stanney, Emma Daley, Sarah Judge, John Malakos and all the teachers who performed an amazing task of wrangling very excited Students waiting for their turn to shop

Also thank you to our Sponsors for the Prizes for the Father’s Day Raffle

YMCA

SuperCheap Auto

Lyza Co Hair Boutique

Kirsty LeDan 

We are always calling out  for Volunteers to help with. We need a large pool of eager Volunteers to jump in and help so we can make our children’s time at Primary School days they can look back on and say WOW we had a blast. Without Volunteers we are unable to run all the events we have planned. Our Colour Run needs at least 40 people. So please if you have a few hours you can spare on any events, write your name on the forms at either the Admin Office or Tuckshop with contact details so we can share the load and not burn out those who are always putting their hand up. The saying “it takes a village”, it is true in all aspects of your children’s lives. Thank you in advance.