From the Principal's Desk
Welcome to Week 6, Term 4!
As we reach the latter end of Term 4, we are avidly preparing for strong transitions into the new year. We are consolidating with our Year 6 students, organising and prepping for our upcoming swim scheme program, developing Semester 2 student reports, and crafting our end of year creative projects to be showcased at Presentation Day in Week 10 (plus so many other exciting initiatives). We are transitioning our Pre-K students, setting them up for success in Kindergarten 2026, and are trying to pause to sneak in some time for reflection as time seems to be flying by. We are so proud of the achievements of the year that has been, and are prepping a bittersweet farewell to our wonderful Year 6 cohort.
It was a pleasure to meet Jaz Taylor, former Rocky River Public School P&C President (+ other executive positions), parent of past Rocky River students, and strong advocate for our school and the wonderful provision of programs and opportunities that we provide. Jaz jumped at the opportunity to visit our school with her photography expertise, and spent some time with the staff and students, capturing some beautiful moments which reflect the true essence of our school. If the end of Term 4 wasn't busy enough, we're also currently undergoing our mandatory school website upgrade; Jaz's photos will help better reflect the human aspect of the work we do at our school and promote the work of the people which make up the heart of our school community. We want our website and social media to better reflect what we do, and we thank Jaz for the wonderful shots. A special mention to the staff and students who enjoyed the chance to show off everything from saxophones to chook handling!
Uralla Christmas Street Fair
This Friday 21st November, our students are invited to participate in the small schools Christmas Carols event at the Uralla Christmas Street Fair. We are singing two songs we have been practicing with the carols kicking off at 6:30pm. Students do not have to wear uniform - the teachers will have the song lyrics and anything required there at the event to support participation. Although this is not a mandatory event, we hope families will come down to enjoy the night and support the carols segment with lots of representation from Rocky River Public School!
Logistical Information - Bus Route Changes
Please read the attachment below which outlines a disruption to the bus route on the afternoon of the Uralla Christmas Street Fair, this Friday. Please check if this affects your child travelling on the bus so you are aware of any changes.
Australian War Memorial Certificate
It was a pleasure to receive a certificate of appreciation from the Australian War Memorial commending our students on their behaviour and respectful conduct during our recent visit in Canberra. I always tell our students how proud I am of the way they carry themselves and represent our school in public. This certificate is a wonderful acknowledgement of that conduct, and indeed, a very proud principal moment for me yet again. Congratulations to all Stage 3 students.
Presentation Day
Our Presentation Day assembly is Tuesday 16th December 9:00am (Week 10). We look forward to parents, families and friends joining us to celebrate the achievements of our students!
P&C Raffle
It's that time of year again! Please consider donating an item for the very successful annual P&C raffle, to be drawn during morning tea after the Presentation Day assembly event. All donations can be handed in to the front office and we will pass on to the P&C. We had so many wonderful donations last year which made the raffle a huge success. Thank you all for supporting our school in this way, and for your continued generosity.
Friendship Garden
Last week, our students had the chance to display their NAIDOC themed rocks in our friendship garden base. With the new seating around this area, this space has become so inviting and is used in many formal and informal ways during the school day. Thank you to the 2024 Year 6 cohort for their gift to the school of the friendship garden itself, and the current P&C committee for building on this space through funding the installation the new seats this year.
Building A Update
We are awaiting the final design for our new building and are eager to share this publicly with you all! In the meantime, planning for demolition of the old building is proceeding. I look forward to sharing a formal update from NSW Infrastructure soon.
Gubi Gabun Play Session Trial - Term 4
Thank you to the wonderful families who have spread the good news on the wonderful play group happening each fortnight at Rocky River. With two sessions left to go, we encourage as many families to come and check it out. The educators have been so supportive of our school and very complimentary of our students and inviting school environment. What a pleasure it is to host little ones onsite!
Term 4 Promotional Play Session - Remaining Dates:
Tuesdays 10am - 12pm
- 25th of November
9th of December
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.
Kindest regards,
Dani Clyde-Smith
Principal