Welcome back families to our final term at Rochedale South for 2024!

Term 4 marks the beginning of the end for another wonderful year of learning, growth, and community at Rochedale South State School. As we approach this busy and exciting time, our focus sharpens on academic achievements and preparing for the celebrations that recognize the hard work of our students, teachers, and families. This term will be filled with highlights such as our Year 6 Graduation, Christmas Concert, and Student Awards, but also moments to reflect on the journey we've shared.

In addition to the major events, I’d like to remind everyone of some key dates for Term 4:

• WEEK 1: Assembly commences fortnightly on odd weeks—parents are welcome to join.
• WEEK 3: Free Dress Day.
• WEEK 4: Year 1Excursion.
• WEEK 5: Student Leadership Applications open, Parent Music Night & Awards (TBC), Inclusion Matters Workshop, RSHS Transitions, and Principal Morning Tea.
• WEEK 6: Interschool Sport Finals.
• WEEK 8: Sports Awards Assembly and Reporting Closes.
• WEEK 9: High School Transitions.
• WEEK 10: Graduation and Swimming Prep for Years 3 & 5.
• WEEK 11: Christmas Concert, Class Awards Assembly, PBL Rewards Day, and Movie World Excursion.

With these dates in mind, we are all eager to conclude the year with a sense of accomplishment and pride. I would also like to echo a thought from educational leader Steven Francis: as we enter the final stretch, let’s “hasten slowly,” taking time to nurture ourselves and our families amidst the excitement.

Nature Play – Enhancing Play Value in Our Play Areas

We are thrilled to announce new developments in our play spaces, designed to foster imaginative and creative play. Partnering with Nature Play Queensland, we are incorporating more natural elements into our playgrounds, encouraging students to explore and engage with the environment. These spaces are being transformed into areas where students can connect with nature while developing their physical and social skills. More information about how we are looking to increase the play value of our site will be coming soon!

Olympics Unleashed – Inspiring Our Students

In Week 4, we will welcome a special guest from the Australian Olympic team to inspire our Year 3-6 students. We are excited to announce that Alec Danelutti, BMX Freestyle Olympian, will be visiting our school as part of the Olympics Unleashed program. Alec will be with us on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024. This visit is part of a program, designed to motivate students by sharing the journeys of elite athletes. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to hear firsthand what it takes to pursue excellence and to be reminded that their own dreams and goals are achievable.

Math Inquiry – Driving Innovation in the Classroom

Our commitment to world-class education continues with our ongoing focus on Math Inquiry. This term, we are building on the collective expertise of schools and leading research from around the globe to enrich the teaching of Mathematics. Our teachers are embracing innovative approaches that deepen students' understanding of mathematical concepts, promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Positive Behaviour for Learning @ RSSS

What a way to start our term.  This fortnight we have had a sharp focus on articulating our capabilities to manage ourselves and manage social situations.  Each child has formed a SMART goal to align with what they know about themselves.  I'd encourage each of our families to talk about what personal goal their child is working on this term. 

Additionally to begin this term, we will be celebrating our student of the week, with students decending upon the PAC to celebrate their achievements of being Safe, Responsible, Respectful, Learners.  Students who missed out by a freckle, don't dismay, there is a final Principal's Morning Tea will be hosted in Week 5 and 10 of this term.  

See below our lovely students relishing in their hard earned morning tea with Mr Charles, Mrs Wood and Mrs Bampton.

This term, our focus continues to be 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 are continuing our spotlight 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. This fortnight our focus is on using the High 5, a response that helps give a scaffold to all students to respond to others in the playground when things aren't going right. 

To support our parents in implementing Restorative Practices at home and during the final phase of our year, 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, emphasising 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 student