From the Principal's Desk

Welcome to Week 8, Term 3!

Our latest harvest of brussel sprouts were shared yesterday afternoon. They survived the snow storm but didn't quite make it up to the gate, with eager students claiming their bag as soon as they saw them! I hope these veggies are enjoyed in some delicious dinners in the coming days!

This term, I have had the privilege of spending some extra time in the K-2 classroom as an instructional leader. It has been brilliant watching our young student's minds grow and develop, applying learnt strategies in Literacy and Numeracy independently across all Key Learning Areas. Last week, we trialed the introduction of a new strategy to support confidence and independence in spelling. 

Students are now using a "Try Card" which is housed safely in their writing books. When completing a writing task, if hesitant on the spelling of a word, students can "have a try" on their Try Card, writing their phonetic understanding of how they think the word would be written (sounding it out), or drawing on the visual spelling pattern they think the word may follow. A teacher then ticks the correct letters and fixes incorrect inclusions in the word on the Try Card. From there, students use this to write the word with correct spelling in their book. This helps students who often want to get it right the first time, so will avoid giving it a go directly onto their worksheet or in workbooks. Try Cards are helpful for subject-specific language, but also high frequency vocabulary which would only require one correction, as students then refer to the corrected spelling during future writing sessions as the word is needed. It's pleasing to work as a cohesive teaching team when implementing new strategies such as the Try Card, to build confidence in early Literacy in the classroom!

Special Visitors

Last Tuesday we welcomed Mr Hobbs (Director, Educational Leadership) and Mr Lees (Principal, Mullumbimby Public School) for a visit. I had the honour of showing Mr Lees around our school and sharing the exemplary work our students and staff are involved in each and every day. Mr Lees was excited to hear about the LISC Inquiry Cycle work of the staff across the Thunderbolt Alliance of schools, and how we are collaborating within our alliance. Mr Hobbs and Mr Lees were the first recipients of our new half-dozen Rocky River egg cartons and Mr Ridley's take home ice cream packs. I'd like to acknowledge Anna in Year 6 for her wonderful egg carton design which featured on these cartons (all digitally hand-drawn). Our visitors were blown away with the creative and resourceful ways we are utilising our grounds in both an educational and functional approach. We thank you both for the joyful visit and chance to share the brilliant happenings at Rocky River!

An Evening with ACOS Certificates

It was a pleasure to award our Years 3-6 students with their ACOS participation certificates at our morning assembly this week. All 22 students participated in the rehearsals, lead up work to ACOS week and the day-time performance rehearsals in Week 6. Not all students were able to attend the evening performance, however, we acknowledge all students who committed their time and effort into the process of this public education initiative, in the creative and performing arts.

SASS Recognition Week

SASS Recognition Week is an important opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS) in NSW public schools. These dedicated professionals play a vital role in the smooth running of our schools, supporting teachers, students, and school leaders in a wide range of administrative, operational, and student-focused tasks. Their commitment and hard work help create a positive and efficient learning environment, making a real difference in the daily lives of school communities. SASS Recognition Week highlights the essential role these staff members play and expresses our gratitude for their ongoing dedication and support.

As SASS Week came to an end last Friday, I wanted to highlight the invaluable difference our wonderful SASS team make at Rocky River, ensuring our work for the students can happen day in and day out. Thank you to Anne (SAM), Nicole (SLSO), Tim (GA), Jeanette (School Counsellor) and Nat (School Cleaner) for keeping our school operating at such a high level!! 

NECOM's Bushfest

Last week, all students K-6 attended NECOM's Bushfest. The day included rehearsals of the two focus songs which the combined choir, made up of many public schools, performed at an afternoon concert. Rocky River students in Years 3-6 also performed "The Lighthouse" which we saw featured at New England Sings last year. NECOM staff reiterated the value of students singing in large choirs. It was lovely to see the sense of community and to have our small schools participate in such a large scale event.

PLP Meetings

Thank you to the families who took the time to meet with their child's teacher about their personalised learning plan for Semester 2. It's been lovely to have conversations with students and parents about learning progress and both academic and personal goals that students are aiming to achieve by the end of the year.

Snake Prevention

We are currently revising our snake emergency response procedures. The following controls are being implemented as we head into the warmer months:

• Signs around the school for staff, students and visitors to be aware of potential snake activity
• Improved snake safety education for staff and students
• Updated first aid kits located at multiple outdoor sites around the school
• Elimination of snow storm debris (the rain this week will delay the work but it is high on our priority list)

• Improved deterrent measures; snake vibration repellants and research/consultation around housing a flock of guinea fowl on school site

   

We will keep parents updated on further details as we implement the above controls. Any suggestions or input around these processes are welcomed. Please see myself or Anne in the office to discuss further.

Blue Tree Project

Yesterday, Stage 3 students took part in painting a Blue Tree to raise awareness for mental health, which will soon be installed at Beca Bakes. It was a wonderful hands-on experience for the students to contribute to this meaningful community project. Following the painting session, we enjoyed morning tea with students from Uralla Central School and Kentucky Public School, generously provided by Beca Bakes. Bek McFarlane shared insights about the importance of the project and encouraged everyone to check in with one another to support wellbeing and happiness. Our Rocky River students also took a moment to reflect and share one positive goal they hoped to achieve this week to bring themselves joy. 

Don’t miss the Blue Tree community event happening this Sunday at Beca Bakes, featuring car boot sales, a free sausage sizzle, and additional chances to help paint the tree before it’s officially installed!

NSW DoE Check-in Assessment

This week, our Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 students will be participating in the Check-in Assessment, a short, online assessment designed to help teachers understand how students are progressing in reading and numeracy. The results provide valuable insights to support learning and tailor teaching to meet each student's needs. We encourage all students to do their best and remind families that the assessment is just one of many ways we track learning growth.

Gubi Gabun Play Session Trial - Term 4

Gubi Gabun Childrens Mobile Service Inc is a not-for-profit service that provides funded play sessions to families in the New England Region. For over 40 years it has been their mission to ensure that children and families in remote communities have been afforded the opportunity to engage in rich, responsive and meaningful early childhood programs.

Gubi operates 2 mobile vans with 4 educators, providing weekly and fortnightly services to 14 rural locations within 150km radius of Armidale. I am pleased to announce our school will be hosting promotional play sessions for Gubi Gabun in Term 4. If there is an interest from the community, we will continue to host play sessions in 2026. Please share this widely as we welcome as many local families to access this fantastic play opportunity at our beautiful rural school setting.

Term 4 Promotional Play Session Dates:

Tuesdays 10-12pm

• 14th of October & 28th of October
• 11th of November & 25th of November
• 9th of December

Kindergarten 2026 Transition Program

Enrolments are open for Kindergarten 2026, and we are excited to launch our brand new Term 4 transition program! Our aim is to support children in familiarising themselves with basic school routines, and beginning to build some social connections and familiar faces that they can look forward to seeing on their first day of Kindergarten!  If you are thinking of enrolling your child to start school next year, or know someone who is interested, please contact our school office (02) 6778 4122 or pop in for a visit! We look forward to welcoming lots of smiling, new faces to our beautiful school.

PSSA NW Athletics Trials 

Congratulations to our relay team; Phoebe, Harrison C, Anna and Chanse who competed in the North West Athletics trails last week. It's a great achievement to make it to this competitive level of athletics in our region. The team represented our school and zone with pride. We love seeing the students wearing their North West hoodies like a badge of honour. Well done to the team!

Building A Project Update

I presented the following school rebuild project updates at the September P&C meeting last Monday:

• Tender documentation has been completed, which means the department is getting ready to appoint a construction contractor for the upgrade. 
• Final documentation for the planning process (Draft Review of Environmental Factors) has been prepared, with submission to the department expected by the end of next week. 
• The planning and tender processes will run at the same time, with both expected to go for approximately six weeks from Monday 1 September 2025. 
• Demolition timing will be confirmed after a construction contract has been awarded, in consultation with the principal and DEL to align with school operations. 

• The design is currently undergoing minor changes and finalisation, with the main design development now underway. 

   

  The department is the best point of contact if you have questions about this project. The department can be contacted by phone on 1300 482 651 or by email schoolinfrastructure@det.nsw.edu.au 

   

  While these processes take time, the department is proceeding as quickly as possible. Thank you for your cooperation during this important work. 

Lockers in Stage 2

Stage 2 have welcomed their own lockers into the middle classroom this week. Thank you to Mr Hine for organising the removal of hooks in this space to increase functionality and organisation for our Stage 2 students!

Help Shape Wiser Screen Habits 

Parent/Carer & student survey 

Our school has been invited to participate in a study on best practice screen use. Parents/carers can complete a 10-15 min anonymous questionnaire and/or, if they wish, give permission for their child to do a student survey: Take the Parent/carer and student survey. You can opt to receive a summary of the statewide results. Your insights will directly inform new classroom resources and policy. Thank you for your support.

Attendance

Reasons for absence

Thank you to all who are prompt in notifying the school of their child's absences both full day and partial day, including the justified reason of why their child was away. It is important that this communication comes through to the school via the correct channels:

• Absence submission through the School Bytes app (preferred method)
• Phone call to the school office: (02) 6778 4122

• Email to the school email address: rockyriver-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au 

   

Extended leave

Please remember to complete the extended leave or travel form if you are planning to take your children on holidays during the school terms. This must be completed prior to the planned travel.

Kindest regards,

Dani Clyde-Smith

Principal