Welcome to Week 6, Term 3!

We are truly living and breathing the performing arts this fortnight in the lead up to 'An Evening with ACOS', which commences 6pm tomorrow night. All of our Year 3-6 students are participating in the massed choir, with our neighbouring public schools which make up the Armidale Community of Schools (ACOS). Five Stage 3 students are participating in the combined orchestra performances and two Stage 2 students are performing in the combined Aboriginal Dance. It is a a privilege to participate in such a large-scale event, celebrating the performing arts offerings, and the wonderful talents of students in the public education system. I'd like to thank all of the parents who are supporting their child's participation on the night, and who have helped prepare in the lead up to the event. Seeing the final items come together at rehearsals this week has been exciting, knowing our students have access to sing, play and perform in such large-scale performing art pieces in the broader community.

ACOS Information Reminder for Parents - Thursday 28th August

Rocky River Public School Years 3-6 students need to be dropped off at Uralla Central School by 4pm where there will be free pizzas available for dinner for students. Please drop off students at the front of the school to a Rocky River School staff member. Orchestra students will need to have their instruments with them. All students will travel by bus with the performers from Uralla Central School to Armidale Secondary College, leaving at 4:45pm.

Please Note: Parents are not able to transport their own children to the event. Every performer at An Evening with ACOS must travel with their school by bus.

IMPORTANT

All students performing at ACOS are expected to stay until the finale at the end of the evening. All performers will be part of the finale. At the end of the finale, performers will be taken back to their area to collect their belongings and then will be escorted to the 'courtyard' area near the front gates at ASC to be collected by a parent at 8pm. Rocky River Staff will wait with the students in this area with the school banner so that we are easy to locate. This is the only area that parents/carers can collect their child from. Please do not take your child from the hall or go to the classrooms. As you can appreciate this is a large school with many people attending the performances and we need to maintain the safety of the children in our care at all times.

The mobile phone number that can be used to contact Rocky River Staff on the night is 0436 942 430.

We look forward to seeing you there!!

Tillbuster Winds

In line with the week's musical theme, Mr Ridley and I had the pleasure of seeing Phoebe, Anna, Harrison, Henry and Ivory perform at the NECOM Beginner Music Program Winter Concert last night. The entire evening was a display of fine musical talent, however, the Rocky River students along with their ensemble peers were an absolute stand out, bringing the sheet music to life with a captivating and comical undertone in their performance. It was an honour to see our students perform in such a creative display of talent!

The group's next public performance is at the Armidale Farmer's Market on September 14th, approx 9:30am, Curtis Park.

Selective High School Class Placements

We are incredibly proud of Henry, Anna, and Phoebe for earning a place in the Teal class at Armidale Secondary College. This remarkable achievement reflects their hard work and dedication. This opportunity will provide them with a challenging curriculum designed for high-achieving learners, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and advanced problem-solving skills. Learning alongside like-minded peers in the Teal class will set a strong foundation for their future educational and career success. Congratulations to these outstanding students!

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 Athletics Trials in Tamworth

Congratulations to all of the Rocky River students who competed in the PSSA Armidale Zone Athletics trials held in Tamworth last Friday. Despite the weather warnings and last-minute relocation to Tamworth, the sun was shining and our kids that were able to go had a great day!! Thank you to Mrs Harper, Mrs Morris and Mrs Casburn who attended as our small school alliance officials. Thank you to Coach Peterson for your support and dedicated training sessions for our students in the lead up to the trials AND for continuing to train and prepare our relay team who have successfully qualified for the PSSA North West trials next week. We also congratulate Elyse for her determination on the day as she now progresses to North West next Wednesday in her events, too! Congratulations to all students on competing at this level!

Personalised Learning Plan Interviews

We look forward to meeting with parents and students for a 10 minute timeslot on Monday 1st September 3:00pm - 5:00pm. We value the opportunity to sit with you and your child to discuss their goals and targets for the current semester. If you haven't already, please book in a time through the School Bytes Parent portal.

School Re-build July Project Update

The recently published July project update is still the most recent information available on our school re-build project. We are excited for the new state-of-the-art building which we will be teaching and learning in, in 2026. Please click the link if you haven't already seen what exciting infrastructure awaits Rocky River!

Upper Division Lockers

Thank you to Sandon Public School for passing on some donated lockers which were collecting dust. Mr Hunt had promised our senior primary students lockers for their bags and belongings, and I am so pleased to be able to deliver on this promise in a way that is resourceful. Thank you to Mr Hine for coordinating the pick up, and for moving them into the classroom. Stage 3 lockers are set up in the bottom room, and we are currently looking at a functional set up for Stage 2.

For Sale!

We are looking to sell our ride on lawn mower which has recently been replaced. Please phone the school with enquiries - all offers will be considered! The profits from this sale will go towards supporting extra-curricular activities for our students.

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

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