From the Principal's Desk
Welcome to Week 7, Term 1!
Over the past fortnight, I have been grateful that we are all living and working in-land during the extreme weather event of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. I hope our community have all stayed safe and dry during this unsettling time. Our students have shown resilience and determination as leading learners in our school, adapting to change and continuing to work hard on achieving their personal best in all areas of school life.
Inclusive School Sport - Come & Try Athletics Day
On Tuesday the 4th of March, Elyse travelled to Tamworth to participate in an Inclusive School Sports day. This Come-and-Try Athletics day, gave students the opportunity to experience athletics, in an enjoyable, non-competitive setting. The day was designed to include a diverse range of inclusive sport and physical activity opportunities and pathways. These modified opportunities focused on ability, participation, enjoyment and skill development in a non-competitive environment. Students had the chance to participate in a variety of races on the track, as well as in field events. Elyse completed in 50, 80 and 100 metre running races against other students from schools in the region. Elyse was then given the opportunity to receive coaching and skill development in discus, javelin, long jump and shot put. It was an enjoyable day in the sun and Elyse said she had a great day. Thank you to Mrs Casburn who supported Elyse to attend this event.
The Inclusive School Sport Unit have upcoming Boccia and Ten Pin Bowling competitions. If you are interested in your child attending these events, please contact your child's teacher to flag your interest so we can ensure their involvement in these fantastic events:
School Sport Unit: Participation opportunities
McMaugh Gardens Visits
Earlier this term, our students visited McMaugh Gardens for "Letter to a Senior" day. This was following a visit at the end of last year where our students made Christmas cards with their artworks, which they addressed and delivered to individual residents in person. I wanted to share some of the photographs from both visits, and look forward to a visit each term to continue strengthening the relationship between our school and McMaughs. At our last visit, many stories from Rocky River Alumni were shared, and residents were excited to hear about the updates and changes happening at our school.
DoE Menstrual Hygiene Program
The NSW Department of Education offers free menstrual hygiene products for NSW public school students.
The menstrual hygiene program aims to reduce any barriers that may prevent students from participating fully in school life.
As part of the program, our school has a dispenser that provides free pads for students to access during school hours. The dispenser is located in the female toilets.
We are pleased to advise that period underwear is now also available through the program. Our school can order period underwear at no cost for students. A note with this information has been distributed but if you didn't receive one and would like to order period underwear for your child, please contact Anne in the office.
Each pack of period undies contains 2 pairs that are the same size, colour and style. These are available to order upon request however there may be a short waiting period until the undies are delivered to our school.
Visit https://www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/we-look-after-our-schools/menstrual-hygiene-program.html to find more information.
PSSA North West Swimming Trials
Due to the impacts of tropical cyclone Alfred, the North West School Sport Association Swimming trial was regrettably cancelled. Please see the flyer below with information on the new trial dates. New notes will be sent home with students today.
Basketball Court Update
Our local assets officer has advised me that the pre-tender work for the basketball court "make over" has been completed, and the nomination for this job is approved and waiting in their system. This project is now awaiting funding which we are hoping will be allocated with the new budget at the start of the 25/26 financial year. We are hoping for some progress in this area in the latter part of the school year!
Second Hand Uniforms
The school welcomes you to donate uniforms your children have outgrown, to add to our clothing pool. Please bring clean items to Anne at the office. This is a cost-effective way for other families to purchase second hand uniform items which are still in great condition. The items are resold for $5 each. All money goes to the P&C who directly work towards supporting our students.
Our next assembly - Easter Hat Parade!
Our next assembly is on Friday 4th Apr at 2:15pm. On this day, we invite students to bring their own Easter hat or wear a crazy hair-do to parade at the assembly. The P&C will hold an Easter Egg hunt after the hat parade, before home time. This will be an exciting event for our students and we look forward to seeing families join us on this day. Please do not feel pressured to buy an expensive hat, or accessories. An Easter hat or crazy hair do can be as simple as a cardboard creation. We will offer all students an opportunity to create something in class so all students have something exciting to wear on the day.
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:
- Phone call to the school office: (02) 6778 4122
- Email to the school email address: rockyriver-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
- Notification through the school Audiri app
Soon, this will be able to be done through the School Bytes Parent portal, which will be a much easier way between families and the school to log and record student absences.
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