From the Principal's Desk

School Administration and Support Staff Recognition Week

All public, high and central schools across NSW will celebrate SASS Recognition Week from the 4-8 September.  SASS staff (School Ancillary & Support Staff) are all staff employed at the school to support teaching, learning and the overall functioning of the school. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful team at Rocky River.  Please believe me when I say, that the school would not function without Anne, Claire, Denise and Chris.  Thank you so much for your hard work and support.  We all appreciate everything you do!  I would also like to make a shout out to Julie in the NSW Department of Education Office in Armidale,  who is an amazing support to our local schools including Rocky River.  We are truly blessed to have such wonderful support.  Thanks everyone! 

Father's Day BBQ Breakfast

The P&C will be providing a free BBQ breakfast on Friday 1st September from 8am for any fathers in our community to celebrate Father's Day. Please feel free to come along and join us!

Welcome Tess McCosker

We welcome Tess McCosker to our school for the next four weeks, working with our Upper Division students. Tess is a pre-service teacher from the University of New England. We trust Tess will learn lots about our programs and take away some great ideas. Welcome Tess! 

North West Athletics

All the best to our team (Abby, Sam, Naomi and Harrison C) who will compete in the relay team event at the North West Athletics Carnival next Wednesday in Tamworth.  Thanks to our parents for organising transport and supervision for the day.

Upper Division Sydney Excursion

Thank you again to those parents who have kept up with payments for the upcoming excursion to Sydney for students in Upper Division. The excursion must be paid in full before we depart.  Please see suggested payment plan below:

NSW Department of Education and P&C Formal Partnership Agreement

The NSW Department of Education and the P&C Federation NSW signed a formal partnership agreement highlighting the strong, ongoing working relationship between both organisations.

The Agreement underpins and reinforces the importance of parents in their child’s education and supports the way schools, P&C Associations and parents and carers work together to ensure students achieve their potential through public education.

Strong, meaningful partnerships across education communities - between students, parent and carers, teachers, educators, school and department staff - foster engagement and positive learning and wellbeing outcomes.

If you would like to read the agreement, please click the link below:

Mr Hunt Away

I will be away next Wednesday and Thursday as I will be participating in another school's External Validation process.   An External Validation (sometimes called "EV") is a process where each school assesses itself against the School Excellence Framework and provides evidence of how they have made their judgments.  A panel of two principals from different schools hold a discussion with the school about their findings.  Each school in NSW participates in the EV process every 5 years and Rocky River will do this next year. This opportunity next week, will give me an insight into what other schools are preparing as part of the process.

Bush Fest Choral Day at NECOM

On Wednesday 6th September our students have been invited to participate in the Bush Fest Choral Day at NECOM. Notes will go home regarding this over the next week once we receive further information.  Parents and friends are invited to come along to watch the concert at 1pm.

Information on how to help your children

You will notice in the "Whole School Activities" section of today's newsletter, some information for you to use at home when helping your children with their reading.  We will be adding short information pages, links and attachments in the coming weeks in our effort to have a solid link between school and home. If you have any special requests, please let me know!

Have a great fortnight!

Brad Hunt

Principal