From the Principal's Desk

Welcome to Term 2!

Term 2 started off with two School Development Days for staff. Our teachers attended a small schools combined event at Sandon Public School based on the High Potential Gifted Education (HPGE) Policy which was a great way to collaborate with our small school colleagues across the Armidale and Northern Tablelands, Tamworth and Moree regions. This professional learning provided a chance for reflection on all the offerings at our school. I truly pride myself on the provision of access to a range of extra-curricular activities that we offer, for ALL students at Rocky River Public School. We know what equity means and this underpins all of our decision-making. It's an honour to work in a small school like ours, providing our student cohort every possible opportunity available to flourish.

ANZAC Day

A big thank you to the students and staff who marched in the Uralla ANZAC Day commemoration service during the school holidays. I was disappointed to not be able to attend this time, but very proud of the fantastic representation of our wonderful small school at this event. Thank you to our generous P&C who supported students on the day with water and icy poles. 

Pop Up Dance Party

Yesterday, our students were pleasantly surprised by a "pop up" dance party as they exited their classrooms for Recess! Unicorn DJ made an appearance to brighten the days of our students, bringing a vibe like no other! This initiative was a postponed event, apart of the Uralla Shire Council Youth Week planned activities. Thank you to Beth Platford and the council crew for organising an event aimed at bringing some happiness and excitement into the lives of our students!

Life Skills GO Check-ins

What we are doing:

At Rocky River Public School, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment for all our students. To further this commitment, we are implementing the Life Skills GO program. This evidence-based, online platform is designed to nurture the social, emotional, and physical development of your child, equipping them to thrive both in school and in life. It involves the students checking in regularly with their teachers, using a digital check in tool. In Week 1, we introduced all students to the new "Check-in" station at the front office where we ask students to stop by each morning as they arrive to school. This process takes under a minute, allowing students to reflect on how they are feeling at that point in time though a series of prompts on an iPad, using their own personal QR code. This informs teachers of how students are tracking and assists us in supporting your child's wellbeing whilst at school.

Why we are doing it:

Our decision to adopt Life Skills GO is driven by the need to implement trauma-informed practices that enhance student engagement, improve classroom behaviour, and boost learning achievement. By doing so, we aim to create a positive classroom environment that leads to better attendance rates, fosters a safe and supportive atmosphere, and ensures that every student feels secure, valued, and capable of academic success. This initiative is not just about immediate outcomes but about building a resilient and thriving school community where all students can reach their full potential. We believe that by investing in the wellbeing of our students, we are laying the foundation for their future success. It will take time for this to be well integrated into our school routine and we thank you for your ongoing support whilst we do so.

Premier's Sporting Challenge Ambassadors

I was pleased to present our Sport Captains; Harrison and Toby, with the Premier's Sporting Challenge Ambassador badges. These badges identify our Year 5 Sport Captains with a reminder of their leadership responsibilities. Both students are doing a great job at leading by example, and supporting whole-school P.E. set up and equipment management. 

Year 6 Friendship Garden Plaque

The 2024 Year 6 Friendship Garden is now complete with Mr Hine attaching the plaque to the brick work today. This addition to our school has been a highly popular and enjoyable area for our students during recess and lunch activities.

Monthly Building A Project Update

Please see below the most recent update delivered at the May P&C meeting on Monday 5th May 2025:

• The concept design for the building has been received by the department and feedback is being provided by school leadership. 
• We are planning for the preferred design to be confirmed by the end of May 2025. 
• Once this design is confirmed it will require more in-depth design work including schematics, engineering, sustainability, building compliance and fire safety. 
• It is expected the final design will be approved in Term 3 2025. 
• We are continuing the planning approvals process for the demolition of the current building. 
• Demolition of this building is expected to be completed during the July school holidays. 
• The department understands the community’s continued interest regarding construction timelines. 
• The department is working towards construction beginning in early 2026. 
• An expected timeline for completion will be provided once a building contractor is appointed later this year. 
• The department will provide a formal project update during Term 2 2025. 
• The department is the best point of contact if you have questions about this project. 

While these processes take time, the department is proceeding as quickly as possible. Thank you for your cooperation during this important work. 

If you have any questions about this project, please contact School Infrastructure on 1300 482 651 during business hours or email schoolinfrastructure@det.nsw.edu.au. 

If you feel you did not receive an answer to your query through the above contact, please notify myself or Erica Peterson (P&C President) to ensure your query is addressed through the appropriate channels.

Lower Division Classroom Tap

Please see attached the final works notification regarding work involving management of the water filtration system attached to the hand washing tap/sink in the Lower Division classroom which has been resolved.

Athletics Carnival Canteen

Our wonderful P&C are running the canteen at the Athletics Carnival Friday 16th May. Please see price list attached below, and check out the P&C page in this newsletter for more information around how you can get involved!

Term 2 Calendar on School Bytes

As you are aware, our school is now exclusively using the School Bytes app for all messaging and communication through to parents. The Audiri App is no longer a platform used by our school. One handy feature of the School Bytes Parent Portal is the calendar. This term, I have set up a digital calendar within School Bytes, rather than sending out a paper based copy to parents in week one. As dates are subject to change, this will mean parents have the most up to date information on events happening at school. I hope this increases the efficiency and accuracy in information sharing between the school and families. If you are having trouble accessing this calendar, please contact Anne or myself. Next step... colour coding events! Watch this space...

School Photos

We are excited that school photo day is near - this Friday 9th May. Photos will be held first thing on Friday to ensure we are all looking our best. A friendly reminder that students must wear full school uniform this day. Please read the information below which have discussed with all students this week at school.

All students:

Please support your child by reminding them to button up their polo shirt on Friday morning before arriving to school (top button undone is ok), wearing a clean school polo, ensuring any hair pieces are school colours (light blue, maroon or neutral) and wearing black shoes.

Girls: Please wear navy blue socks or stockings, navy blue shorts, skorts or slacks (preferably no exercise tights, bike shorts, trackies etc)

Boys: Please wear grey socks, grey shorts or grey pants (preferably no trackies)

Year 6 students:

Year 6 students will be required to come to school in their formal uniforms for individual portraits and the leadership photo with myself. Parents, please help remind your Year 6 child about bringing their Year 6 polo as well as their regular school polo with them on the day, as we have added a "fun" photo opportunity for students in their Year 6 shirt. If students are able to arrive at school prior to 9am, we can get all of the formal photos done early, to allow ample time for changing into other polos.

Photo orders:

Online ordering is available and we encourage parents to use this option. A link to this information is below. Please follow the instructions carefully and contact MSP Photography via the information on the flyer if you have any questions or concerns.

Call out for Wire Netting

As mentioned in our newsletter at the end of last term, our fantastic GA, Mr Hine, has grand plans to revamp the chook enclosure at our school. Unfortunately, we are still seeking more materials to make this a possibility. If anyone has approximately 30m of wire netting lying around which they could spare, please contact the school office - it will go to a great cause!

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 Bytes app

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