Newsletter Term 3 Week 9
From the Principal
Newsletter Week 9
End of Term
As we near the end of Term 3, it’s pleasing to look back on some of the positive achievements that we’ve made so far this year. Our school has welcomed new staff as well as several new students. Thank you for making them feel welcome and including them into the Runcorn family.
We have continued our strong improvement agenda this year based around three major priorities. These are:
- Curriculum - Optimise the learning growth for every student in literacy
- Capability - Expand professional collaborations evidenced in visible expertise and visible culture
- Culture - Prioritise staff and student wellbeing to facilitate a culture of shared responsibility and collective improvement
Our school has made some good progress toward the goals that we have set for ourselves this year. As I walk around the school, I see students learning in calm and organised classes and high-quality teaching taking place. Our school has a lot to be proud of regarding the effort that we’re making towards improving student learning outcomes.
Tuckshop
From Term 4 the school will take over the tuckshop. Interviews were held this week, and we would like to welcome Yumiko Yamazaki to the Runcorn State School team as our canteen supervisor. The tuckshop will remain open from Wednesday to Friday. The school will resume preparing the food on site with reduced menu items. An audit was undertaken by our School Council chair and the most purchased items over the 6 - month audit period will remain on the menu. The reduction in the available menu items is to support a reduction in the workload of the convenor. The school will continue to use Flexischools and will remain cashless in line with our school office. We will continue to need volunteers to help support the service so please make contact if you can help.
Congratulations
Our congratulations go to Edison in Year 6 who recently competed in the Oz Schools Instrumental Championships. Making his way through auditions he made it to the Queensland State Final where he placed 3rd!
We are so proud of his efforts and for the hard work he put in to achieve this outcome. Well done, Edison!
Thank you
Thank you to our P&C who ran the recent Father’s Day stall for our school community. Having our P&C visible and active in our school community is important to us. Working together to achieve some fantastic things for our students. In saying that, a connected community does not exist without the dedication and commitment of our amazing staff who ensured our students were able to get to the stall to buy the special goodies.
I wish all students, families, and friends a safe and enjoyable Term 3 break. School resumes on Tuesday October 7, as Monday October 6 is the King’s Birthday Public Holiday.
Meg McClure
From the Deputy Principal
On Wednesday Week 8 our music team presented a wonderful night of entertainment at Sunnybank State High School. Our strings, band and choir students are dedicated students who are always working to be the best they can be. Working with our music mentors from Runcorn State High School, students presented a wonderful display of their talents. Thanks go to all staff that helped on the night but especially to our amazing music team - Ms Murray, Mr Biedermann and Ms O’Callaghan. Thanks also to our wonderful P&C who were there to support the efforts of the school with refreshments and raffles.
Roberta Matlock.
Head of Department - Curriculum
The Big Write
At Runcorn, we are passionate about helping our students grow into confident and creative writers. Each week, our classes take part in The Big Write – a dedicated writing session designed to build stamina, fluency, and a love for writing.
During The Big Write, students are given an engaging prompt, such as a picture, sentence starter or words. After a short warm-up and planning discussion, students spend an extended period writing independently. The focus is on keeping the pencil moving, developing ideas, and experimenting with vocabulary and structure.
This regular practice not only strengthens writing stamina but also encourages students to reflect on their progress and share their writing with others.
This week's Big Write prompt was created by Luna, one of our Year One students. We look forward to seeing our students’ creativity continue to flourish through The Big Write this week and can’t wait to share some writing from this week’s prompt.
Jillian Chittenden & Rachel La Sala
Head of Department - Inclusion
R U OK? Day – Raising Awareness and Starting Conversations
Thursday 12 September is R U OK? Day, a national day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of checking in with those around us.
While our school is not marking the day with specific activities, it's still a valuable opportunity to reflect on how we can support each other — especially our children — by encouraging open conversations about feelings and mental wellbeing.
R U OK? Day reminds us that a simple question like “Are you OK?” can make a big difference. For children, learning to talk about emotions and to check in with friends can help create a more caring and connected environment, both at school and at home.
We encourage families to use this day as a gentle prompt to talk with their children about the importance of kindness, listening, and looking out for one another — not just today, but every day.
To learn more, visit www.ruok.org.au
Julie Schooth
Norman's News
It’s been a fur-tastic fortnight at Runcorn popping into classrooms! I’ve had the tail-wagging pleasure of spending time with so many paws-itively amazing students while they’ve been hard at work learning, creating, and (my favourite part) sneaking me belly rubs under the desks!
From snuggling up during story time to practicing deep breaths during mindfulness moments, I’ve been one busy pup. I even helped one student “paws” and take a break during a tricky math problem—turns out, a fuzzy head on your lap can really help you multiply your focus!
We’ve also had a bark-load of fun with reading sessions. I’m always all ears (literally), and I absolutely love listening to students sounding out and blending those sounds to make meaning. Their pride in their growing skills is infectious!
I can’t wait to keep lending a paw as everyone learns and grows. Just remember: if you're feeling ruff, I’m always happy to lend an ear, a nuzzle, or a tail-wag.
Until next time—stay paws-itive and keep up the great work!
Until next time,
Big licks and tail wags,
Norman
Japanese News
Year 4
Students have finished their assessment on Our Family Unit. They have learnt about otsukimi, Moon viewing festival and made a rabbit with origami. Please ask your child why they made a rabbit. They can share what they have explored about this traditional event during lessons.
Year 5
Students have been working on the assessment task which is to design a bilingual restaurant menu. Do they look yummy? By touching and smelling, they explored the plastic food samples. We will look into it a little more next term.
Junko Nagashima
Japanese Teacher
Health Happenings
Our assembly awards focus this fortnight are the Confidence Key and the Thinker Learning Asset.
Confidence at Runcorn State School looks like:
- Students striving to do their best
- Students not feeling afraid to make mistakes
- Students willing to try new things
- Students actively communicating their feelings, thoughts and ideas in and out of the classroom
- Students showing independence in different activities
- Students taking pride in themselves, their learning, and products of their learning
Effective Thinkers at Runcorn State School are:
- Open minded
- Flexible
- Persistent
Congratulations to all students who have been acknowledged for demonstrating the above skills and have received tickets and/or awards from staff. Our Principal Ms McClure is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Principal’s Afternoon Tea.
This event is a special occasion where lucky students have the opportunity to attend, based on a draw which occurs during Monday’s assembly. It's an enjoyable and rewarding experience for the selected students, as they'll have the chance to spend some quality time with our principal and engage in discussions and activities during the afternoon tea. This event recognises and rewards students for their achievements, efforts and positive behaviour. Fantastic effort Runcorn!
Sheridan Stirling
Music Matters
Save the date:
Term 3 Week 10 Wednesday September 17 – Karawatha for Yr 3 Strings
Term 4 Week 3 Friday October 24 – IM Band and Strings Excursion to Qld Symphony Orchestra
Strings Update
All students have now completed their term assessment and reflected on their performances. The students have really thought about what they can do well and what they need to continue to improve upon. Everybody should be very proud of their achievements!
Congratulations to Edison in Year 6 who recently competed in the Oz Schools Instrumental Championships. Making his way through auditions he made it to the Queensland State Final where he placed 3rd.
We are so proud of his efforts and the hard work he put in to achieve this outcome. Well done Edison!
Yr 3 Strings Karawatha Program
A reminder to all Year 3 families that the Karawatha Beginner String program will be held at Runcorn State High School (Hill Rd) on Wednesday 17 September. Students will be directed from the 2-minute drop off zone down to the Performing Arts Building, where they will begin at 8.00am. Students are welcome to bring up to $10 to spend at the tuckshop in their break time. There will be a parent concert in the Performing Arts Theatre starting at 1.45pm. Students will need to be collected between 2.15 and 2.30pm.
Students will need to be dressed in their formal uniform. They will also need their school bag with water bottle, hat, fruit break, lunch and afternoon tea. All students need to bring their instrument, accessories (rock stop/shoulder rest and rosin), Essential Elements book and their Karawatha music booklet (given to them at school this week). Can everyone please put your NAME on all your belongings. No music stand is required for Karawatha.
Singfest - Senior Choir
The Senior Choir had fantastic day at Singfest last Wednesday. They met up with 5 other schools to rehearse in a mass choir of almost 300 students! It was a wonderful opportunity to work with two guest conductors and they finished the day with a concert for their families. Thanks to parents Ella Luong, Hajung Lee and Katheryn Johnson who came along and supported the choir on the day, to our principal Ms McClure for coming along and making the day so much fun for our choir students. Another big thanks must go to our admin staff Mrs Schultz, Mrs Hedley and Mrs Kennedy for the amazing job they do in making these days happen for our kids. Senior Choir will recommence in Week 2 next term, Wednesday 15 October at 8am with new songs. New members are welcome to come along and join in!
Music Showcase concert
Mrs Alison Murray
Sports News
Welcome to the final newsletter for Term 3
Continuing on from the previous newsletter relating to what each year level is currently exploring here at Runcorn, please note that this week and next will be assessment weeks. It is extremely important that students attend their PE lessons during this two-week period as these marks constitute 50% of their Semester 2 report card grade. On a different note, can I also please ask that you remind your child to bring their water bottle to their PE lessons? With the current hot weather, it is vital that water is consumed regularly during their lessons.
Last Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 September, Runcorn was fortunate to have 2 competitors competing at the Met West Track and Field carnival where there were over 400 competitors. Congratulations to both Chloe and Kai on your performance in high jump (Chloe) and discus (Kai). Chloe came12th and Kai came 13th and whilst neither placed in the top 3 – these are extremely respectable positions considering the calibre of athletes that were competing. This was an amazing opportunity for both Chloe and Kai to see what it takes to compete at the next level, and we hope it inspires them to continue training.
Finally, with school holidays just around the corner, swimming will start again Week 1, Term 4. The below table displays what is required and what is not, for our swimming lessons.
Please make sure you child has what is required for our first lesson back.
As always, any questions please email me.
Have a great fortnight.
Mr Brady
lbrad101@eq.edu.au
From the Administration Office
Absences
Parents and caregivers must send children to school every school day under Queensland law unless there is an acceptable reason such as:
- illness
- doing work experience
- competing in school sporting events
Letting us know your child will be away - each day
If your child is going to be absent from school, you must let the school know and if possible, it is best to advise the school beforehand by:
Emailing office@runcornss.eq.edu.au
Calling our absentee line (07) 3323 8777 and press option 1 or send a text only to 0429 928 611.
Avoid keeping your child away from school for reasons such as:
- birthdays
- shopping
- visiting family and friends
- if they sleep in
- looking after other children
- minor check-ups or care, such as haircuts, dentists or other routine medical or other health appointments as these should be made either before or after school or during the school holidays.
Establishing good routines around school can assist with regular school attendance.
These include:
- having a set time to go to bed
- having a set time to get out of bed
- have their uniform and school bag ready the night before
- have a set time for starting and finishing breakfast
- set a time for daily homework activities
- speak about school positively
- send your child to school every school day including their birthday and the last day of term right from Prep age
If you are experiencing difficulty in sending your child to school, contact the school principal for advice and support.
QParents
Runcorn State School would like to remind you that we are a cashless school and as such, the best way to help us help you, is to sign up for the QParents App.
QParents is a secure online portal created by the Department of Education for parents of Queensland state school students, providing 24-hour access to their child's information. It allows parents to access various student data and administrative functions, such as enrolment history, report cards and you can even advise us if your child is sick without having to make a call.
Having QParents means you can also pay invoices or check up on any outstanding fees directly ensuring excursions or incursions are paid in time for your child to attend.
We strongly encourage you to start using QParents and you can download the app or visit the QParents website.
There are so many uses for QParents so please take a look and download the app today.
https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/registration/account-owner/invitation/
P & C Association
“Bright Light Disco” is coming
We STILL need volunteers to make it happen, please help.
If you’re available to lend a hand, please click on the link and select any timeslot when you’re free to help. Every little bit helps, we’d love to have you on board.
https://volunteersignup.org/HLBER
Uniform Shop
Second-hand uniforms
Are your children outgrowing their uniforms? Any good condition pre-loved uniforms can be dropped at the uniform shop during opening hours. These uniforms provide an affordable option to some families.
📣 Tuckshop 🎉
Birthday orders: Don’t forget that cupcakes and ice blocks (Zooper Doopers) can be ordered via Flexischools. Please note that these are only available Wednesday to Friday, and all birthday orders must be placed at least two days prior.
Special Note: Tuckshop and Uniform Shop are now Cashless
To come into line with the Runcorn State School being a cashless school, the Tuckshop and Uniform Shop will now be cashless shops as well. All tuckshop orders need to go through Flexischools and you can pay for uniforms either in person or via the website electronically.
Some events will still have cash facilities, this is just for the tuckshop and uniform shop.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Community News
Jabiru offers before and after school care and vacation care at Runcorn State School. Our team includes a range of friendly people who are into craft, sport and outdoor exploration, so there’s something for everyone at Jabiru Runcorn.
