TERM 1 2023

Jingeri families

For those families new to us this year – welcome! Jingeri is a Yugambeh language greeting and you may hear me say this at events and assemblies. We are proud to acknowledge the Yugambeh and Jaggera traditional land owners and recognise that the site of our school has been a place of teaching and learning for tens of thousand of years.

Our 2022 results demonstrate that our high expectations continue to give students at Rochedale South State School a first class education. School disciplinary absences have reduced and academic performance has improved. Classroom teachers build positive, professional relationships with parents and students; a range of specialist teachers offer a high quality, well-rounded education; and many staff actively offer extra-curricular programming for our students to engage in their school across a range of pathways and interests.

With strong transition practices in place for every student, we have started the 2023 year smoothly; our classrooms are settled and our students are engaged in learning. We have an expert team of teachers and non-teaching staff at Rochedale South State School, all focussed on continuing to provide every child with opportunities to be curious, resilient, creative learners empowered to excel.

Our classrooms, systems and practices are inclusive of diverse learning needs. Our resourcing follows a model of equity – ensuring every child is given the same opportunities to succeed. At times, this may mean differentiated resources are in place, as individuals may have different support needs to ensure that they can access the same opportunities as their peers. We celebrate the incredible work of our teachers and teacher aides for the proactive planning in place to ensure all of our students are empowered to reach their personal best. We also have an incredibly talented inclusion team who continue to advance our school’s approach to delivering equitable opportunities to every child.

In 2023 we are streamlining our communication platforms following feedback from parents in 2022. Our communication strategy endeavours to improve the quality and frequency of communication schoolwide, including revamping our school website.

This year, building parent voice in the decision making of the school through our P and C is a priority, as this is where our strategic plans are shared with parents for feedback. The first P and C meeting for 2023 is scheduled for Monday 20 February and we welcome all parents to these meetings. 

At times, we acknowledge that parents may experience dissatisfaction with school based decisions. Parents are encouraged to meet with the relevant team working with your child/ren to share an open dialogue around their education. Where there are concerns you wish to raise, I am available by appointment and often for walk in meetings also. While it is not possible in my role to please all parents with the decisions across the school,  I care deeply that every child experiences a safe, supportive learning environment every day. The school solution to a concern may not be the action a parent has requested, however the outcome will always aim to focus on the wellbeing, inclusion, engagement and education of our students – parents and the school will continue to have this as common ground, with our children central to our decision making.  

Over the coming weeks I look forward to opportunities to share our strategic planning and the ways that Rochedale South State School is enhancing the education of our students within our learning community.

Stacey Wood
Principal

Welcome back to all of our students and families and a special welcome to those new to our school. It was great to see so many familiar, excited faces last week and we look forward to working with all students and families this year and seeing our students’ continued achievements and growth over 2023.

A personal welcome to our new families starting in Prep and across the school this year. We welcome you to our community and hope that you are at ease in our 3 hectare campus, engaging staff and welcoming community.  There are so many opportunities to contribute to the richness of our community and hope that you might engage with some of those opportunities.  Such as;

• Become a volunteer in classrooms
• Sign up for being a member of our P and C
• Volunteer in our Tuckshop

Just to name a few…  I’d also like to introduce you to our Community Liason Officer and long term member of our community Sarah Shannon.  You will find her on site Tuesday’s and Thursday’s.  She will be able to keep you in touch with events upcoming and run you through our volunteer training.

I personally have enjoyed the holiday period and was elated to see my son Noah turn four. I trust your holidays were enjoyed celebrating the festive season and welcoming the New Year in with friends and families.

 Safer Internet Day –

As we kick off the New Year it’s important to set the tone in our homes and classrooms.  Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 7 February 2023 marks 20 years of celebrating the initiative worldwide. Today, because so much of our lives are online, we believe in it more than ever. Technology has evolved dramatically in the last 20 years, creating huge benefits. However, it’s also exposed us to many risks with real-world impacts. This is why online safety awareness is crucial. 

 There are a range of helpful webinars for parents especially relevant for our laptop age students. 

 Term 1 topics:

• eSafety 101: how eSafety can help you (30 minutes)

For parents and carers of young people in primary and

secondary school.

• Setting your child up for success online (30 minutes)

For parents and carers of young people in primary school.

• Getting the most out of gaming (45 minutes)

For parents and carers of young people in primary and early

secondary school.

• Navigating online friendships (30 minutes)

For parents and carers of young people in secondary school.

ANXIETY ALERT –

This may seem like a contradiction in terms – being alert to anxiety – but if we look at it more carefully, ‘alert’ implies a controlled response to a situation, where ‘anxiety’ can become worry or alertness that gets out of hand, leading to unnecessary distress and other negative repercussions.

Anxiety is helpful in “normal” doses. Anxiety aids in motivating someone to study for a test, or avoid a situation that may be dangerous. The trick is that “normal” anxiety decreases once the danger is gone or once the material has been studied. If the anxiety persists once the need for it has passed, then there may be cause for concern.

You may be aware of these conditions that psychologists identify and categorise:  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These present anxiety in its extreme form. If you have any concerns that your child or anyone in your family may display signs of these it is important that you consult with a physician. However, there are times when a heightened anxiety response could be seen as normal.

Living in Brisbane and speaking with friends up north, the wet season can trigger anxiety in the most stalwart of locals; parent separation; a recent illness in the family; ‘shyness’ or discomfort in unfamiliar social contexts; exam stress; peer pressure; bullying; all of these situations may trigger anxiety as a response. You’re probably saying ‘Yes’ to having experienced all of these situations at some time in your life, and for your children too. All of these are now considered normal stressors in our modern lives. So rather than looking at the causes, my aim in this article is to focus on the responses – what to do and say when these stressors arise.

Here are some signs you may notice:

• Excessive and persistent worry
• Restlessness and irritability
• Crying or losing temper easily or frequently
• Avoidance and procrastination
• Disruption to sleep and eating patterns
• Decline in academic performance
• Truancy and school refusal
• Withdrawal from social, class or school activities
• Tiredness and fatigue

Here are some suggested responses:

• Teach relaxation strategies
• Fun – take time to build some into family life
• Model and have realistic performance expectations around school work, household chores, sport…
• Practice relaxation strategies at bed times and before school or other high energy activities
• Listen to your child’s concerns without trivializing them – they may seem minimal to you but insurmountable to your child
• Model and help them problem solve – this may or may not include telling someone at school
• Self-check by asking “am I adding to this anxiety with my own stress levels?”
• Follow through on the plan you formulated. Planning without the follow up action could add to a sense of powerlessness for your child
• Ask for help or advice if the anxiety is not reduced or relieved within a reasonable timeframe

Access to School Grounds STOP DROP GO AT ROCHEDALE SOUTH

The Stop-Drop-Go is there for everyone’s convenience but becomes unmanageable if cars are left parked in the zone. School staff supervise this area after school to ensure our students are safe as they leave school when waiting for pick up. However it is not the school’s responsibility to manage the “STOP, DROP GO” zone. School staff do not have any authority over road users.

Police and Local Law Officers have informed me that there will also be regular patrols to ensure drivers are adhering to the road rules. It is the responsibility of the driver of a vehicle to be aware of the Queensland Traffic Act and to drive and use the roads appropriately.

 I don’t believe anyone would deny that the safety of our school’s children is of the highest priority and making our “STOP, DROP GO”, work properly will add to a safe environment for all. Some points to ensure you follow are listed below.

• If there is no space available in the “STOP, DROP GO”, zone you need to move on (go around the block) or find another place to park.
• Under no circumstances do you park across the school driveways or any other driveway. The school driveways must be left clear for disability access, staff access, school service providers and emergency services.
• Always move as far forward as possible in the “STOP, DROP GO Zone to enable effective and safe use of the zone. This may mean you and your children need to walk a little further.
• Never leave your car parked in the “STOP, DROP GO Zone during operation hours. The zone operates from 7am to 9am and 2pm – 4pm on School Days.
• If you are a pedestrian, set the example to your children as well as respect road users by using our designated crossing areas.
• Above all be patient and respectful, our children’s safety depends on you. Remember children learn by your example.

Thank you to Logan City Council and Parents in keeping our Stop, Drop and Go a safe place for our families.

DATE CLAIMERS:

Meet the Teacher Night – Year Prep-6 (Tuesday 7  February)

Invitations have been sent home on Jan 31, advising of this opportunity to meet your child/ren’s new teacher for 2023. Check your junk mail for the link! I encourage you to take advantage of this online opportunity to ensure our home/school partnerships continue to be strengthened and support the learning of our students. Valuable information regarding class routines and expectations, along with curriculum information will be shared at these sessions.

Student Leaders Induction - Tuesday 14 February - 9:15am

The student leader induction ceremony will be held on Tuesday 14 February at 9:15am in the Performing Arts Centre. Parents of leaders will be sent a formal letter of invitation to attend.

SCHOOL PHOTOS - Monday 27- Tuesday 28

Little Images will be here once again on Monday 27 February to take our school photos, including sibling photos, extracurricular and leadership groups. Students will be expected to wear their checked dress shirt (except Prep) on this day. Little Images will deliver the packages with costing information the week before.

EVERY DAY COUNTS

Did you know? Research shows that in Queensland, higher student attendance at school is associated, on average, with higher student achievement.

Why is regular attendance at school important?

Regular school attendance will mean that your child gets a better chance at life. Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day:

• they learn better
• they make friends
• they are happier
• they have a brighter future.

More information regarding school attendance can be found at http://education.qld.gov.au/everydaycounts/parents-community/index.html

If your child is reluctant to come to school, please contact the school immediately for assistance and support. The attached poster outlines the impact missing “just one day” or being “just a little bit late” can have over the duration of your child’s schooling.

PAYMENTS

Rochedale South SS has a strict NO LATE PAYMENT Policy for all school excursions, camps and activities. If payment is not received via cash or internet banking by the Due Date, your child/ren will be unable to participate. Exceptions will only be granted with the permission of the Principal.

Excursions Costs Overview 2023

The school staff have worked together with the P&C to plan the calendar of events for 2023. We have attempted to ensure activities and fundraising events that have an associated cost are spread throughout the year. We have put together an overview to share with parents, as we appreciate some families may wish to start budgeting in advance for these costs.

There may be some changes depending on availability of dates at venues and increasing costs from vendors. There are also other events that occur throughout the year that involve a small cost such as Student Council Discos, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day Stalls, Free Dress Days and P&C or Chaplaincy fundraisers. In these instances, we will endeavour to provide sufficient notice to parents regarding these events/activities.

If you have any questions regarding the activities planned, please contact your child’s class teacher or the office.

See below for our expected costs in 2023

Yours in Education,

Craig Charles
Deputy Principal - Upper School

Dear families

Welcome to 2023.

As we all settle into the new year here are some key messages from the Inclusion team.

Inclusion for all is important and an embedded culture across our school. Class teachers have worked tirelessly building connections with students and establishing familiar routines as the school year begins. Parents are encouraged to communicate with class teachers any updated information for your child. Class teachers will respond, communicate and action appropriately.

Lunchtime Activities and Clubs

We are excited to share that our school is establishing a Wellbeing Hub which includes a range of games and activities for students during breaks. We also have an incredible number of teachers who have nominated to host clubs during break times and these are communicated through messages and at Parade. Every student has an opportunity to engage with these. Please watch for future events especially Parent Events being hosted in our Wellbeing Hub.

NDIS/Support Services on site in 2023- If you would like external services to access and support your child during school hours (and on site) in 2023, please complete the Access Agreement Consent Form and Consent to Share doc. These can be email to supportservices@rochedalesouthss.eq.edu.au for Principal approval. A parent information Fact sheet is also available.

Partnering with Parents/Carers event here on site in our Wellbeing Hub. Save the date- 6^th March. All parents and Carers are invited. INCLUSION MATTERS. Please join us for Tea and Talk. Information is attached in the flyer.

Supporting students with change and new routines

Positive Partnerships have excellent resources to assist families with change and transition. https://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/resources/practical-tools-information-sheets/transitions-and-planning-for-change

Autism Hub- There are number of services available to support families in term 1 and free webinars.

Here are the links with more information.
Parent webinars:

Supporting your child using visual supports: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/parent-webinar-supporting-your-child-using-visual-supports-tickets-476246896287

Making and maintaining friendships: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/parent-webinar-making-and-maintaining-friendships-tickets-476203586747

Strategies to support school refusal: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/parent-webinar-strategies-to-support-school-refusal-tickets-476210176457

Understanding sensory processing: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/parent-webinar-understanding-sensory-processing-tickets-476216224547

Setting up effective communication: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/parent-webinar-setting-up-effective-communication-tickets-476222051977

Setting up successful environments: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/parent-webinar-setting-up-successful-environments-tickets-476241750897

Family Connection, Supports and Network Services

Sometimes, we may need to reach out, chat to a friend or find a service who can help. Here at Rochedale South State School, we pride ourselves at stepping in and helping each other out. There are a number of services available to support students and families who are experiencing difficulties at home or school. Please reach out to a service, contact the school or your child’s class teacher. We understand it takes a team and are available to assist in supporting students and families.  

Here are some services that can be accessed.

 local Family and Child Connect service, call 13 FAMILY (13 32 64) to be referred to the closest office. A free, unlimited confidential service that helps families during tough times. Call 13 FAMILY (13 32 64). 

Triple P — Positive Parenting Program — A free parenting program for Queensland parents and carers to raise happy, healthy children and teenagers.

Parentline — A confidential telephone counselling service which supports parents and carers of children. Call 1300-30-1300.

Talking Families — A website full of useful tips to help start a conversation – either so you can ask for help for you and your family or offer support to a family you know.

oneplace — A free, online community services directory for Queensland parents, young people and families who are having tough times, to find help in your local area. 

Raising Children Network — A comprehensive website offering resources and information on parenting for children of all ages.

 

Yours in Education

Brigette Cannons
Head of Inclusion

Welcome back everyone I hope that you are all keeping well. The start of the year has been a very busy one here in the finance department and we thank all those families that have already paid their Student Resource Scheme (SRS) payments for 2023 utilising the BPoint facility, it really helps the receipting and reporting process.

Student Resource Scheme Invoices (SRS)

Invoices were emailed out to all families that we had signed agreement forms for. If you have not yet received an invoice for the Student Resource Scheme, please let us know. Some have been hiding in people’s Junk folders, so have a look there if you believe you should have received one by now. SRS forms are available in the office if you don’t think you have signed one as yet. The due date for all SRS, Consumables Student Resource Scheme (CSRS) and Year 6 Laptop fees is Thursday 9 February.

Invoices for Instrumental and Strings students will be coming out soon, once our teachers finalise who is participating in 2023.

Passwords for student online programs used both in the classroom and at home, will be issued by class teachers. Please put this in a safe place to refer to any time. Passwords will be issued only to students who have commenced payments of their SRS.

Payment Plans

We realise that the start of the year can cause some financial hardship to families, so payment plans are available to help make this a bit less stressful. Payment plan applications, as well as Centrelink Deduction Authority forms are available for anyone wishing to make payments this way. Please call the office and we will send one to you, or you can download them from our school website to fill in and return.

Facilities Update

A number of works were completed over the school holidays, including the replacement of the air conditioners in the library, making it a very cool place to be and the replacement of soft fall in the playgrounds to keep our students safe while playing. We also purchased new furniture for our Year 3 classrooms, check it out next time you are passing.

Wendy Grocott
Business Manager

I'm excited for another year of sport and events here at Rochedale South. Below is a list of important dates to mark in your calendar of our school sports carnivals for this year, dates for our Interschool Sport seasons, and a list of 10-12yr Logan District sports trial dates. We hope to see you at some of these carnivals and sporting events this year supporting our school teams and students. 

School Carnivals

School Cross Country Carnival: Wed 8 March (Term 1, Week 7) 

School Athletics Carnival: Wed 7 June [Snrs 3-6] & Thu 8 June [Jnrs P-2] (Term 2, Week 8) 

District Carnivals

District Cross Country: Thu 27 April (Term 2, Week 2) 

District Athletics: Tue 1 Aug (Term 3, Week 4) 

Interschool Sport

Semester 1 Interschool Sport [Soccer, Girls Touch]

Interschool Sport start: Fri 3 March (Term 1, Week 6)

Interschool Sport ends: Fri 9 June (Term 2, Week 8) 

Semester 2 Interschool Sport [Netball, Boys Basketball]

Interschool Sport start: Fri 4 Aug (Term 3, Week 4) 

Interschool Sport ends: Fri 10 Nov (Term 4, Week 6) 

10-12yr District Sports Trials

If your child is in the 10 - 12 year age range (born 2011- 2013) and plays club sport in any of the below listed sports and is interested in trialling for a Logan District sports team, please have your child let Mr. S know of their level of participation and their interest to be considered for nomination. Skills, effort and sportsmanship displayed in PE lessons are considered when selecting and nominating a student to represent Rochedale South SS at a Logan District Trial. Please see the attached list below of District sports on offer this year and their trial dates. 

Marcus Stilianos
HPE Teacher 

CHAPPY CHAT

I’m really excited about 2023…there is so much I’m thankful for about our amazing school community and so much I’m looking forward to - I love watching our young people grow and thrive as they profess through their schooling.

I love reading.  I always have a number of books on the go, often a novel but also non-fiction topics of interest. This year I’m going to share insights from Adam Grant’s book Think Again - The power of knowing what you don’t know.  Already I’ve been challenged to take on new ways of thinking and appreciation for perspectives that vary from my own.  

The gem I share from Adam Grant today is this…the curse of knowledge is that it closes our minds to what we don’t know.  Good judgement depends on having the skill and the will to open our minds.

We often think we are pretty smart (I do ?). So, compared to most people, how much do you think you know about these topics - more, less or the same?

# why did English become the official language of Australia?

# what job did Walt Disney have before he drew Mickey Mouse?

# from which spacecraft did humans first lay eyes on The Great Wall of China?

Well, if you think you knew anything, think again…Australia has no official language, Wal Disney didn’t draw Mickey Mouse - Ub Iwerks did, and you can’t actually see The Great Wall from space. (It’s in the book, I promise…p40-41)

The benefit of doubt makes us seek to understand and learn new things. Let’s encourage our kids to be learners for life by modeling our willingness to be open and growth minded, always seeking to learn more.

Coming up…

Chappy Meal deal is next Tuesday - order online and meals will be delivered to classrooms for first break.

Family CONNECT - Saturday 11 March we will host a epic Family Feud afternoon. Be prepared to join forces and battle it out in a live action games show in the PAC. Registration and other details out soon.

Keep an eye out for Chappy newsletters coming home soon!

Blessings

Cassie Love
School Chaplain: cassie.love@suchaplaincy.org.au  

0434 789 465 (direct work line)

SU Australia humbly expresses our gratitude for First Australian peoples, knowledge systems and connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and declare our commitment to reconciliation and seeking wholeness for all who call this country home.

Dear Parents and School Community

I would like to welcome everyone back to school and also welcome all our new families.  For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Carolyn Wyszynski and I am the President of the P&C Committee at Rochedale South State School.   My husband is Leo and you’ll see him around the school grounds and our son attends RSSS in Year  2. You’ll probably hear him or myself before you see us, lol.

This year with your help we hope to build our cohort of parents, carers, faculty and community of our current small Committee to make it a great functioning committee.

I know words like Committee and Meetings can be quite daunting and even intimidating to some people so I am hoping to make our meetings more of a discussion, still official but more friendly and inviting.  I want to hear your ideas.

We gather once a month, every third Monday at 7pm in the administration staff room, to talk about what we would like to see in our school, for our children.   We’ve all heard the words “the years at school will be the best years of your life”.   As a child I never believed it but they are and I want our children and every child attending Rochedale South State School to love their years at our school.  To have fond memories of the fun activities they were able to enjoy in part because of their P&C’s involvement.

We have many ideas we would like to implement in 2023 but we can’t do this without your help.  For every event we need volunteers who can help out in a number of ways. Behind the scenes leading up to event, on the day of the event, fundraising, tuckshop food prep and counter service at break times, are just a number of ways you can assist. 

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to come along to our first meeting of 2023 on Monday 20th February at 7pm to share ideas and hear some of the activities already in the works. 

I would like to thank Coles Springwood for their generous donation to our P&C to help one of our families in their time of need. We greatly appreciate their kind gesture. 

Looking forward to seeing you all at our upcoming meeting.

Kind regards 

Carolyn Wyzinski 
RSSS P & C President 

TUCKSHOP

Trading Hours 8.40-2.30

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday (Closed MONDAY)

Children will come to the Tuckshop window and hand in their orders either two ways:

1. A brown paper bag with order written on it and money enclosed or 

2. Tuckshop staff providing a bag (at an additional 10 cents) and writing children’s order onto the bag.

 Please send correct money or as close to if possible. If change is required, it will be given to the student at time of ordering. The window will be open both breaks for students to purchase ice blocks/snacks.

Flexischools is still available for online ordering and it has been great to see a number of new families using it.

Cut off time for placing orders through Flexischools is 8.30am.  If you have yet to set up an account

with Flexischools, just visit their website www.flexischools.com.au or go through our SZapp - Tuckshop Orders.

A menu has been sent home this week with new items listed and current prices.    We have a range of iceblocks in stock for counter sales .  Please note some items have increased in price this year.  If giving your child money to spend at break time please be aware of these increases so they have correct money.

Click here for copy of new menu.

If you are interested in volunteering this year and would like to do some hours in the tuckshop please pop in and say Hi and we can discuss your availability.

UNIFORM SHOP

Uniform Shop hours:  8:30 - 9:15 Monday ONLY

Our full range of stock is available to order online through FLEXISCHOOLS (through SZapp).  Once you have placed your order it will be delivered to your child's classroom. Please allow 2 days for delivery to the classroom.

Notes will be going home next week with Students in Year 6 who have not yet ordered their Year 6 shirt.  Students have till Thursday 9 February to order. No late orders can be accepted.  If you need a new form click here or please come to the tuckshop and collect one.

Melissa Treacy
Tuckshop and Uniform Convenor

2022 Enrolments are now available online.

Would you like to enrol or have a tour please contact us.              E: ars@ymcabrisbane.org

M: 0437 332 970        P: 3841 6613                      

Important messages from your Coordinator

Enrolments & Bookings

All families are required to re-enrol every year and this year we have made things nice and easy for you. An Enrolment Agreement has been sent out via email to all current families also hard copies are available at the service.

Please note that this Enrolment Agreement form is for returning children only – New students to the service still require a full enrolment submitted via QKenrol.

The enrolment process is now exclusively online via QK Enrol, and bookings can be made via the My Family Lounge App. If you need to make or cancel a booking with us and the app is not working for you, please send us a text or email and we can make changes to your bookings on your behalf. Below you can find some details that will help with the new online process.

New parents or anyone who needs to register for use of QK Enrol or My Family Lounge can access registration through this website below:

https://www.ymcachildcare.com.au/rochedale-south.html

Existing parents can log onto this website below:

https://www.qkenhanced.com.au/webui/Account/Logon

Lost Property

Please remember to check our lost property buckets for any water bottles, hats and jumpers your child may be missing.

Summer Fun

The summer holidays were a lot of fun at YMCA Rochedale South, making the most of each day and all of the activities that were on offer. We made visits to the Railway Museum, Laserforce, bowling and the movies. We even went rock climbing, hosted a dance party and so much more.

The first week back after the summer holidays is always a mad rush to get everyone and everything ready to go for the new school year to begin. For us at YMCA it is one of the best weeks of the year as well because we have so many new faces walk through our door to meet and greet. There is so much to look forward to, bring on 2023!

The YMCA Rochedale South OSHC Team