From the Principal's Desk
Welcome to Week 7, Term 1!
This past fortnight, I have had the opportunity to engage in network-level professional learning alongside colleagues from across our region, with a focus on advancing our school’s strategic priorities in literacy. Participation in both the Rural North Writing Initiative and the Armidale Network phonics workshops has provided me with valuable insights and evidence-based approaches that will directly inform and strengthen our teaching practices. Collaborating with educators at a regional level reinforces our shared commitment to academic excellence and ensures that our programs remain forward-thinking and aligned. I am excited to bring these learnings back to Rocky River, working closely with our staff at the school, as well as our Thunderbolt Alliance Small School colleagues, to embed best-practice strategies that support every student in becoming a confident, capable reader and writer.
Recognising our young leaders
Congratulations to our students for the every day, little moments where they truly shine. I speak a lot of integrity and how students can embody this, and it was a pleasure to recognise this in one of our Year 6 Leaders, Harrison. I was proud to award Harrison with a special certificate for stepping up and supporting a peer who he could see was struggling. Harrison drew on intuitive compassion and understanding in a way that some adults even struggle to do so. He could see he had the power to make a difference in that moment, and he did. Well done Harrison.
International Women's Day
On International Women’s Day, our Stage 3 female leaders had the wonderful opportunity to attend a special event at Armidale Secondary College (ASC), gathering alongside other young women for an inspiring and empowering experience. The day was filled with uplifting stories from remarkable female speakers, highlighting the tremendous impact women have as pillars of community growth and positive change. Our students reflected on the privilege of accessing education and the freedom to pursue their dreams—a powerful reminder of why equality and opportunity matter so deeply.
As a female leader, International Women’s Day holds a special place in my heart. I am continually inspired by the resilience, creativity, and strength that our young women demonstrate every day. Mrs Deb Summerhayes, Deputy Secretary of Public Schools NSW, shared a valuable message for all: seek joy and fulfilment in everything you do. I echo this sentiment, encouraging our girls to be proud of their achievements and to embrace every opportunity with confidence and passion.
Thank you to the ASC staff for hosting such a vibrant celebration. International Women’s Day reminds us to recognise the achievements of women everywhere while championing the ongoing journey toward equality. It is a privilege to witness our students grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
Aboriginal Community Consultation Meeting
A wonderful community consultation meeting took place last Monday 2nd March at Rocky River, where we came together to develop initial ideas for the Aboriginal mural to adorn the front of our new school building in 2027. It was a privilege to collaborate with our Aboriginal families, the NSW DoE ACLO, Uralla AECG President and Secretary, Uralla Central AEO, and Anaiwan community elders. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mima Dave for sharing his journey and deep knowledge of Anaiwan culture with our students, highlighting ways to blend our school’s history with Anaiwan heritage in the mural’s design. We are also grateful to Aunty Bev for bringing clothing item samples to inspire our work. We eagerly anticipate digitising these designs onto a permanent uniform piece that students and staff will wear with pride for years to come.
I appreciate that this work has been a long time coming for our school, and I am grateful to be able to harness this opportunity to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal Culture and history in a way that leads what we do at our school.
North West Swimming Trial
Congratulations to the following students who represented Rocky River at the North West Swimming Trials on Monday 9th March 2026 in their respecive events. It takes courage, discipline and determination to compete at school swimming carnivals, especially Armidale Zone PSSA and then again at the North West Trial level. We are very proud to have such great representation of Rocky River through these swimming champions! Congratulations to Elyse who will progress to state level in her swimming events.
Toby - Mixed Open 200m Freestyle Peter Dobson Relay
Sarah - Mixed Open 200m Freestyle Peter Dobson Relay
Riley - Mixed Open 200m Freestyle Peter Dobson Relay
Chanse - Mixed Open 200m Freestyle Peter Dobson Relay
Zack - 8 Year Old Boys 50m Freestyle
Elyse - 8 Year Old Girls MC 50m Freestyle, 8 Year Old Girls MC 50m Breast Stroke, 8 Year Old Girls MC 50m Back Stroke
Building A Project Update
The official February Project Update is still the latest update on our school building project. We have enjoyed seeing productivity on the grounds with the Coffs Harbour Demolition team working efficiently to prepare the building to come down. They have begun deconstructing the exterior annexes to the building and completing internal clearing. We have appreciated how respectful and tidy the workers have been, ensuring their work is not interrupting our core learning time in classrooms.
New Building Design Competition
If you would like to have input on part of the new build design, check out our competition flyer. We are looking for designs which can be included on the perforated steel parapet which will wrap around the covered walkway along our classrooms and administration building. Entries are open with submissions welcome from any community member which a design or photo which meets the brief. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We can't wait to see your wonderful ideas!
NAPLAN - Years 3 and 5, 2026
Today, students in Years 3 and 5 commenced the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assessments. NAPLAN is a national assessment that helps measure your child’s skills in reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy. These assessments provide information to help support your child’s learning and progress. Further details can be found by clicking the link below:
Gabi Gabun 2026
The Gabi Gabun team are back this year, fortnightly on Wednesdays 10am-12pm, of odd weeks. We'd love to see more babies/children who are not yet school-aged, join in on the session. The resources from Gubi Gabun are wonderful, we encourage all to take up this enriching and FREE service to all!
Attendance
Please ensure your child's absences reasons are logged with the school. 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.
Enrolling Now for 2027
We are enrolling now for our 2027 Kindergarten intake! Please contact the school office to chat with Anne or myself or visit our website to complete an online enrolment application https://rockyriver-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/
Kindest regards,
Dani Clyde-Smith
Principal