Enrolment forms for Prep 2026 are now being accepted.

TERM 3 2025

Jingeri families!

Congratulations on a wonderful Semester 1 of learning achievements! The academic outcomes of students at Rochedale South State School continues to shine. Please join us at P and C meetings where I share detailed data sets that are not for publication if you would like to see the incredible progress our young people continue to make. We are truly achieving our vision – Creative, resilient, curious learners empowered to excel.

This achievement is enhanced when student attendance is strong. This fortnight I have been meeting with families where we are facing chronic absenteeism. These meetings have been incredibly positive, with clear and achievable actions to support each child. Thank you to these families for authentically partnering with the school in support of your little people – positive learning outcomes for our children are strengthened when we team together. While our first wave of meetings has focused on children attending below 80% of the time, invitations for a second wave of meetings and plans will be coming later this term for students attending below 90% of the time. For any families who need support with your child’s attendance – we are here to help.

When interacting with staff at school, it is important to remember that the department has outlined clear protocols for communication. This includes establishing reasonable waiting period of two or more business days before you may hear back about an inquiry, as well as speaking politely to staff, and acting as positive role models for our students. You can view these resources here Parent and Community Code of Conduct , here No excuse for school abuse and here Communicating with your child’s school.

It is also timely to remind families that the School Opinion Survey links have been sent out by the department to parent email addresses – typically one link per family. This survey is an opportunity to rate various areas of the school anonymously. Each year I actively interrogate the data from families, staff and students to inform strategic plans and decisions for the running of the school in the following year. Please check your junk email box if you cannot see the link.

Finally, a message to families of 2026 Prep age children - our enrolment interviews are well underway! We encourage families to enrol this term so that important events such as our Prep Orientation Day are not missed! Please contact the office if you would like to enrol or email enrolments@rochedalesouthss.eq.edu.au

Stacey Wood
Principal

Hello Rochedale South State School community!

It is with great joy that I return to our school following a period of parental leave. During my absence, the leadership team, staff, and students have continued to work with dedication and purpose, ensuring our community remained firmly focused on our school motto – Creative, Resilient, Curious, Learners who are Empowered to Excel. This has been made evident through our Semester One results. I wish to particularly acknowledge Mrs Jennifer Bampton for her continued leadership in guiding our students and community along this path in my absence.

On a personal note, my family and I are overjoyed to share the news of the arrival of our fourth child and second son, Isaac Charles. He was welcomed into our lives with immense joy and thanksgiving, and we are deeply grateful for the love and support shown by our school community during this special time.  

It is a privilege to serve this community and to witness daily the way our students, staff, and families work together to make our school such a vibrant and supportive place.

The Importance of Attending School Every Day!

We understand and deeply appreciate how hard you work to support your families, and we value the example you set for your children every day.

Consistent school attendance is just as important for your child’s success—it builds strong learning habits, ensures they don’t fall behind, and helps them develop responsibility and routine. Every day at school offers new opportunities for growth, connection, and learning that can’t be fully replaced. Your support in making attendance a priority shows your child that their education matters. Thank you for partnering with us to help them succeed.

Please ensure your child arrives at school on time each day. Being on time helps students start their day calmly, settle into routines, and ensures they don’t miss important learning or instructions. It also teaches responsibility and sets them up for a successful day. Every minute counts!

We're excited to introduce Attendance Bingo—a fun and engaging way to encourage students to come to school every day! Each day when the class is present or meets a certain criteria, they get to mark a spot on their bingo card. Completing a row earns a small prize and helps build the habit of regular attendance. It's a simple, positive way to celebrate showing up and staying committed to learning!

If you are having difficulty getting your child to school, please let your Deputy Principal know, so that we can work together on an attendance plan.

Upcoming Events

16^TH September

This term is packed with more exciting events that support learning, connection, and community! Students will take the lead in their Student-Led Conferences, proudly sharing their progress and goals.

17^th September

Year 1 students will enjoy a hands-on Fire Truck incursion, exploring fire safety in an engaging way.

Students will also take part in Think U Know, promoting online safety on this same day

18^th September

Our Prep Celebration of Learning Morning invites families to see firsthand the wonderful growth and achievements of our youngest learners.

19^th September

All year levels will continue exploring the important values in our Respectful Relationships program.

It’s shaping up to be a term full of learning, growth, and memorable moments!

Prep Enrolments for 2026

If you have a child starting Prep in 2026, now is the time to enrol! We are conducting enrolment interviews this term and continuing into early next term. Securing your child’s place early helps with planning and ensures a smooth transition into school. Please contact the school office to book your interview or for more information. We look forward to welcoming our future Prep families!

We Are Respectful

At school, we are working hard to explicitly teach students the importance of respecting one another, both in words and actions. A key part of this is learning how to resolve conflict and disagreements in safe, respectful ways. We kindly ask parents to support this message by having a focused conversation at home about handling conflict without physical misconduct. Encouraging children to use their words, seek help when needed, and listen to others’ perspectives helps reinforce these important skills. Together, we can build a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Wild Rangers Presentation  – Year 1 Incursion

Our Year One students had a fantastic time during the Wild Rangers presentation, getting up close with fascinating animals and learning all about wildlife and conservation!

In English, our Year One students are exploring information reports, learning how to research and write about animals by using facts, headings, and clear sentences.

Change of Teacher for 1O

Mrs Hannah Owen will be taking Maternity Leave as of this week.  Mrs Amy D'Castro will be teaching the class full time.  Mrs D'Castro is currently on staff,  teaching Arts and has been teaching in 1O over the past few weeks.  We wish Mrs Owen all the very best for her maternity leave.   

Alice Harvey
Deputy Principal P-2

Dear families

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.

Thank you.

Brigette Cannons
Head Of Inclusive Education

Learning in Term 3

We are pleased to see how well our Prep to Year 6 students have engaged with their learning tasks during the first few weeks back from holidays, settling back into routines and making a positive start to Term 3.

Curriculum Newsletters

Class teachers have communicated Term 3 Curriculum Newsletters with parents which include detailed information about the focus units of work for this term. These newsletters will outline key learning objectives, ensuring you are aware of what your child will be learning throughout the term.

Additionally, we are excited to announce that our Student-Led conferences will take place in Week 10. These conferences are a wonderful opportunity for you to see your child's work samples, hear from them about their learning experiences, and discuss their progress with their teachers. It is a chance to celebrate achievements, identify areas for growth, and set goals for the future. Your participation in these conferences is highly valued and contributes significantly to your child's educational journey. An opportunity to book appointments will be sent out to all parents later this term.

Book Week

Parents and carers are invited to attend our Book Week Parade which will be held in the PAC at 9:15am on Friday 22^nd of August.

All students will be once again invited to come dressed as their favourite book character on this date. Dressing up is about celebrating the love of books and there is no need to have a bought or fancy costume – be creative! During the parade, each year level will parade across the stage to background music in class groups and stop for a photo opportunity.

The theme for Book Week 2025 is Book an Adventure.

To complete the challenge:

• Prep to Year 2 must read or experience at least 20 books
• Years 3 and 4 must read at least 20 books
• Years 5 to 9 must read at least 15 books.

 

Experiencing books can include shared reading, listening to stories, or reading picture books.

Every student who completes the challenge, and returns the completed record reader form to the office, will receive a Certificate of Achievement. I look forward to seeing as many of our students as possible take part in the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Please see key dates and links below:

Date	Activity
6 May 2025	Reading period commences for Prep to Year 9 students*
22 August 2025	Reading period finishes for Prep to Year 9 students* Student reader record forms submitted to schools
October 2025	Certificates of Achievement issued

The following links for your reference:

*  letter of explanation

*  record sheet

Carla Williams
A/Head of Curriculum

Esports Update

Term 3 Esports Program has something for everyone!

Every Monday and Tuesday Second Break

I am very excited to offer students an opportunity to try out our new Nintendo Switch and race their friends in Mario Kart. Students who race will add their names to our Born to Race Wall of Champions.

This term we will be having a Click Speed Comp. This is a fantastic game for students to develop their accuracy using the mouse and is a game that students of all ages can participate in. There will be a champion announced in each year level.

Students can also participate in Minecraft Free Play and Geometry Dash Lite Free play. An excellent option for those who are looking for something less competitive but are still keen to be a part of the Rochedale South Esports Community. Even Cal is getting in on the action!

What is the right amount of gaming time?

Even though gaming can be positive, it needs to be balanced with other meaningful activities like getting enough sleep, connecting with family, socialising with friends, being active and completing schoolwork. 

There is no magic number of hours, but your child may be spending too much time playing games if their gaming starts to have negative impacts on them or your family.

Look out for signs such as:

• less interest in social activities like meeting friends or playing sport
• not doing so well at school  
• tiredness, sleep disturbance, headaches or eye strain 
• changes in eating patterns
• reduced personal hygiene
• obsession with particular websites or games
• getting angry when being asked to take a break from online activity, or appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer
• becoming withdrawn from friends and family.

In some cases, setting clear limits as a family may be enough to help you to deal with too much gaming. But if you notice any changes in your child that concern you, contact a counselling or support service to help you. 

You can also read eSafety’s guide to managing screen time for parents and carers to manage the amount of time your child spends gaming or create a Family Tech Agreement together

Elisa Weston
Technologies Teacher P-6, eSafety Champion

Our new state of the art basketball courts are now ready to play on. We hope the students enjoy the new rubber surface, we are one of the first schools to be provided with this type of surface to play on. We thank our regional facilities officer Leah for making this project happen for us.

Casual Cleaners wanted

We are looking to increase our pool of casual cleaners we can call on if our regular cleaners are away. If you or anyone you know has cleaning experience or is interested to learn on the job and is able to work from 5am to 8am of a morning and/or 2pm till 6pm of an afternoon, please email your resume to me at BSM@rochedalesouthss.eq.edu.au including your availabilities, experience and references for consideration.

Wendy Grocott
Business Manager

Enrolments are now available online.

If you would like to enrol or have a tour please contact us.             

E: ars@ymcabrisbane.org           M: 0437 332 970

                         

Important messages from your Coordinator

Wednesday ASC

YMCA relocates to the Jacaranda Room every Wednesday afternoon and returns to the hall at 5PM to provide space for the Musical Rehearsals. We are in full swing of the Wednesday ASC routine. This will continue until the exciting Musical performance is held in September. It is wonderful to see that the children are used to the change of environment and are also enjoying the space.

 Lost Property

Are your kids missing water bottles, hats and jumpers? Chances are we have them!

Our lost property is located on a table at the back of the stage.

 Fun Days Out & About

 At Rochedale South YMCA we know how to make the most of each day, participating in all the fun and games that are on offer. Over the Winter Holidays, we did our best to improvise where needed and also stay on track. Leaping into action with the first excursion of the hols to Wynnum Inflatable World was a great success! The kids spent two hours playing hide-and-go-seek-tiggy throughout the giant inflatable playground until we had to tear them off to get back on the bus. Our second excursion to Ipswich Nature Centre was literally a real “hoot”! Each group explored the walk-a-bout trail visiting each animal friend along the way. The groups then enjoyed a real treat playing on the playground at Queens Park after a picnic lunch. The excursion was a great day out and a great end to the school holidays.

The YMCA Rochedale South OSHC Team