Newsletter Term 1 Week 9
From the Principal
Harmony Day Celebrations
On Friday we celebrated Harmony Day. A strength of Runcorn is its diversity. Many students came dressed in their national clothes or in orange. Celebrating Harmony Day extends to understanding and respecting differences of all kinds. It fosters inclusiveness, respect and the idea that people of all different cultures can make a valuable contribution to society. Our Student Code of Conduct and You Can Do It program supports the rights of each person as a valued member of our community. Each of us have the ability to ensure that our actions are safe, respectful and responsible. #everyonebelongs.
New P&C executive
Congratulations to the incoming executive team following the P&C Annual General Meeting last week. With a renewed focus on parent involvement, they are eager to strengthen our school community together.
- President - Adam Campbell
- Vice President - Ella Luong
- Treasurer - Kia Teck Tan
- Secretary - Nadera Kingsley
Together, we can make a real difference in our children’s education. Join the Runcorn State School and Runcorn State School P&C Facebook Pages for regular updates.
Attendance
As we near the end of term it is timely to promote regular school attendance as we can’t take our foot off the peddle. Students whose yearly attendance is at 90% means that the student over the course of a year will miss 4 weeks of school.
Some further statistics:
- 85% Attendance = students miss 6 school weeks per year
- 80% Attendance = students miss 8 school weeks per year
- 70% Attendance = students miss 12 school weeks per year
If your child is going to be absent from school, you must let the school know why the absence has occurred. Establishing good routines around school can assist with regular school attendance.
These include:
- a set time to go to bed
- preparing the uniform and school bag the night before
- a set time for starting and finishing breakfast
- setting a regular time for daily homework activities
- speaking about school positively
- sending your child to school every school day, including their birthday
If you are experiencing difficulty in sending your child to school, contact the school for advice and support. Remember, every day counts at Runcorn!
Complaints management
Every day at Runcorn, the staff work hard and make every effort to deliver the best education for the students academically, socially and emotionally. Decisions are made with the best interest of the child at the forefront. Occasionally, as parents or carers, these decisions might concern you. Often, incidents are reported to you by your child from one perspective. We can assure you that every complaint made is investigated. As per the Student Code of Conduct the first point of call is with the teacher. It is best that parents and the teacher meet to consider the concern. Most often concerns can be resolved right there at its early stages. However, if after trying this, the matter is still an issue, then please contact the Deputy Principal or Principal. Every problem has a solution.
Celebrations
Many faiths have celebrations at this time of the year, Naw Ruz, the festival of colour (Holi), Ramadan and Easter. Best wishes for all. This is the final newsletter for Term 1. We have continued to focus on the real work – teaching and learning and have achieved many milestones. Have a good rest and stay safe over the break.
Meg McClure
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Runcorn State School 125 Year Anniversary – 2026
Next year, Runcorn State School will celebrate 125 years since it first opened on 8 July 1901.
The main anniversary event will take place on Friday, 24 July 2026.
Now that the date is set, our next step in the early planning stage is to collaboratively determine a theme.
Please click on the survey below to vote for one of those options, or suggest your own.
Runcorn State School 125 Year Anniversary - 2026 survey
Roberta Matlock
Deputy Principal
From the Head of Department - Curriculum
End of term assessment
As the school term draws to a close, our teachers are actively finalising assessment tasks. To ensure consistency and fairness, all tasks are aligned across each year level, enabling teachers to make informed judgements about student progress in relation to the year-level achievement standards. In addition, common diagnostic assessment tools are employed to track student progress across the cohort. Clear targets and standards are set, particularly in literacy and numeracy, to guide student development.
At Runcorn, we take assessment moderation seriously. Next week, teachers collaborated to moderate their Term 1 English assessments, ensuring consistency and alignment within the year level. Next term, we will extend our moderation efforts to include our cluster schools to ensure our standards align with those of nearby institutions.
Supporting your child during assessment time can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to help them succeed. If you have concerns about your child’s progress or if they are experiencing difficulties with their assessment, please reach out to their class teacher.
Jillian Chittenden
Head Of Curriculum (HOC)
Head of Department - Inclusion
Inclusion capability day: Feeling inspired to make a difference at Runcorn State School
This week, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a professional development day all about inclusion. It was an inspiring event where educators from our Region came together to share how to make schools more welcoming and supportive for every student, no matter their background or abilities.
During the day, we discussed how our schools work to create an inclusive environment. We learned how small changes, like using inclusive language and working from a strengths-based perspective, can make a big difference in our classrooms and our school community. I left feeling energized and motivated to bring these ideas back to Runcorn State School.
I believe that we can create an even more inclusive environment here at Runcorn by raising awareness and making adjustments to our practices every day. By working together, we can ensure that every student feels valued and supported. Let’s continue to spread kindness, understanding, and respect for everyone!
I am excited to share these ideas with our school community and encourage everyone to take part in making Runcorn State School a place where every student belongs.
Julie Schooth
Head of Department (HOD) - Inclusion
Norman's News
Paws for Harmony: A Message about my observations of Harmony Day 2025
One of my special friends in Year 3 asked me recently about what I think about Harmony Day and while I may not speak your language in the way you do, I’ve learned through my work as a therapy dog that the language of kindness, acceptance, and harmony is universal. Harmony Day 2025 was a reminder of how we can all live together in peace, appreciating and celebrating our differences. So, this is why I think it’s important: -
🐾 Everyone Belongs
As a therapy dog, I have opportunities to meet so many different people. From young children to adults and people from all walks of life, I’ve learned one important thing: every single person matters. Harmony Day is a celebration of this very idea! It reminds us that no matter where we come from, what we look like, or what we believe, we all have a place in this world. Just like how I treat everyone with the same wag of my tail, we should treat each other with equal kindness and respect.
🐾 Embracing Diversity Makes Us Stronger
Have you ever seen a group of dogs at the park? There are all kinds of breeds—big, small, fluffy, and sleek. But no matter how different we look or act, we all have something in common: we’re all dogs, and we all deserve to have fun and enjoy life! Harmony Day is like that. It’s about recognizing that our differences—whether they’re in culture, background, or experiences—make us stronger as a community. We all have something unique to offer, and when we come together in harmony, we create something truly beautiful.
🐾 Respect and Understanding Are Key
Sometimes I meet people who are shy or nervous, and I know that it’s important to approach them gently, with respect. They might not feel comfortable right away, but if I stay patient and calm, we can build trust. That’s what Harmony Day is all about—taking the time to understand and respect others, even if we’re different. It’s about listening, learning, and offering support, just like I do when I sit quietly by someone’s side, offering comfort and companionship.
🐾 Celebrating Together
On Harmony Day, we celebrated all the wonderful things that make us who we are—our cultures, our traditions, and the special qualities that make us unique. Whether it’s through music, food, art, or just having a conversation, Harmony Day gives us the chance to share these aspects of ourselves with one another. Just as I love spending time with each person I meet, we should take every opportunity to celebrate the diversity that surrounds us and make others feel included.
So, I am grateful that we had the opportunity to celebrate Harmony Day at Runcorn. Whether you’re wagging your tail, sharing a smile, or offering a helping hand, you can make a difference by spreading harmony every day. Together, we can build a world where everyone is valued, no matter their background or differences.
Until next time,
Big licks and tail wags,
Norman
Music Matters
Save the date:
Anzac Day Ceremony Term 2 Week 1, Thursday 24 April – Band and Choir
Karawatha Music Program Term 2 Week 5, 19-22 May – All Band and Strings students
String Family Afternoon Concert Term 1 Week 10, Tuesday 1 April – Year 3 and 4 Strings students
Instrumental Music- Karawatha Music Workshop
Forms for Karawatha were due on Monday – Please return ASAP if you have not already done so.
Choir and IM- Formal Uniform
For all Music performances, students in Band, Strings and Choir are required to wear their formal uniform. Band and Choir have their first performance for Anzac Day on April 24. Please ensure that students involved in these groups have the correct uniform to perform in. These are available from the uniform shop.
String Family Afternoon Concert
There will be a concert for families of Year 3 and 4 Strings students on Tuesday 1 April in the Music Room. We will be showcasing what we have learnt during the term and look forward to seeing you there.
- Year 3 starting at 3.20pm
- Junior Strings starting at 3.40pm
Students will meet Mr Biedermann after school at 3.00pm. We look forward to seeing families there!
Year 4 Music
The Year 4 classes have made a great start on learning to play their recorders this term! Students are developing a beautiful, sustained tone that is soft and smooth (legato).
Year 6 Music
Year 6 classes (and 5/6M) are learning about the Blues in their Classroom Music lessons. As well as writing original lyrics for their class blues song, the students are performing on their own choice instrument to put together a Blues Band. Boomwhackers, Ukuleles, Piano, Glockenspiels, Singing and even some Band and Strings instruments are all coming together to make wonderful class Blues bands.
Alison Murray
Music Teacher
amurr51@eq.edu.au
Sports News
In Term 2 we look forward to the school athletics carnival and multiple Eastern Taipans trials.
Please keep an eye out for the Term 2 list of sports that students are available to trial.
Congratulations to Emerson who successfully made the Easter Taipans Basketball team. He will now be competing at the regional trials shortly for a place in the Met West team.
Parents will be contacted this week regarding next term’s district cross country carnival. If your son/daughter was born between 2013 to 2015 and finished in the top 6, please check your email.
Details of the carnival are below:
Date: Wednesday 30 April, 2025 – Week 2 of Term 2
Location: CJ Greenfields Sports Complex, Richlands
Cost: $6.00
Time: 8.30am to 1.00pm
Thank you for your support this term. Events may been run a little different than in the past but your support is appreciated.
Happy Easter and a safe, relaxing, holiday.
Please email me with any questions (lbrad101@eq.edu.au).
Well done to Grevillea on being the winning house!
Luke Brady
Sports 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
Health Teacher
Easter hat parade
Get ready for the Easter Bonnet and Fancy Hat Parade!
It’s almost time to showcase our most vibrant and colourful hats! Children in Prep to Year 2 are invited to take part in the Parade on Thursday 3 April 2.30pm. Get creative and design your hats at home. We can’t wait to see the wonderful hats and bonnets our students have created – whether it’s bright, bold or full of Easter cheer! Families are welcome to join us for this special celebration. Let’s make it a fantastic end to the term!
Melissa Ridgeway
Classroom Teacher
From the Administration Office
Outstanding Permission Forms
If you have any of the below outstanding forms can you please return to the office as a matter of urgency
- Karawatha music forms
An invitation to QParents has been sent to all new families this week. Please check your emails for your invitation code. A letter has also been sent home advising of you child's EQ ID. If you require any assistance with setting up your QParent account, please contact the office.
Student Resource Scheme
We would like to thank all of our families for supporting our Student Resource Scheme. The monies raised helps purchase learning materials used in each of our classrooms and specialist lessons. Your assistance enhances our student's learning outcomes.
Attendance
Runcorn State School's Admin team are available between 8.00am and 3.30pm each school day. You can contact us on 3323 8777 if you have any queries. Student absence texts can be sent to 0429 928 611 or a voice message can be left on 3323 8777 and press option 1.
If students arrive to school from 9.00 am onwards they are to present to the office to collect a late slip. This ensures that our rolls are marked correctly and prevents parents from receiving incorrect absence texts.
First Aid Processes
If children are injured or become ill at school, they will receive treatment within the classroom or in the Health Room. Parents/Carers will be contacted if necessary. Please note that staff must give Parents and Carers a courtesy contact home for all head related injuries (no matter how minor).
When a student is considered too unwell to remain at school, parents will be contacted to collect their student in a timely manner. If a student's condition deteriorates while waiting to be collected an ambulance may be called if deemed necessary.
If a student presents to the health room with a suspected allergic reaction, parents/carers will be contacted. As per Education Queensland policy, if a student requires an EpiPen to be administered parents will be notified. An ambulance must be called, and the student will be transported to hospital for further treatment. Children with known allergies will have their own school based EpiPen. We also hold a school EpiPen for any unforeseen emergencies.
Medication must be prescribed by a doctor or dentist and may only be administered to students by school staff. The medication must be taken to the school office in its prescription container and administered according to the doctor’s instructions.
Non prescribed oral medication such as Panadol and cough mixtures can only be administered by school staff with a pharmacy label and medical authorisation. Education Queensland prohibits students from carrying their own medication to school and requires Parents/Carers to deliver the prescribed medication to the office and collect after school or before weekends as needed. A school register of all medicines administered is kept.
Incursion/Excursion/Camp Payments
Runcorn State School is now a cashless school. Thank you for continuing to pay for your children's incursions/excursions/camp payments via our preferred methods:- BPoint and EFTPOS. If you require any assistance paying via BPoint, please contact the school office. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept payments over the phone.
DID YOU KNOW?..... that using BPoint is a convenient and secure way to pay for your child's school invoices. BPoint is a user-friendly online payment platform that enables you to pay your school invoices quickly and easily, without having to worry about sending cash or cheques through the mail or visiting the school in person. It can also be done by phoning the school on 3323 8777, choosing Option 2 which will redirect you to the BPoint payment platform.
By using BPoint, you can make payments from the comfort of your home or office at any time, day or night. You can also track your payment history and receive email receipts for each transaction, making it easier to keep track of your expenses.
BPoint offers a secure and reliable payment system, ensuring that your personal and financial information is protected. It also helps reduce administrative costs for the school, which ultimately benefits the entire school community.
We strongly recommend giving BPoint a try for your next school invoice payment. It's an efficient and hassle-free way to pay your school fees.
We have also included some easy to follow instructions. If you still require further assistance with the process please contact our friendly Admin team!
Newsletters
Don't forget that you can always collect a hard copy of the current newsletter from the office. You can also view/download it from our website: https://runcornss.schoolzineplus.com/enews?nid=23. You can also download the Schoolzine App from your App Store. Once downloaded, search for Runcorn State School and use password 4109, when prompted. Happy reading.
P & C Association
New Executive Committee
We’re excited to introduce our new executive team following our Annual General Meeting this week. With a renewed focus on parent involvement, we’re eager to strengthen our school community together.
Our mission is to:
- Encourage more parents to get involved
- Organise exciting events for families
- Raise funds to support school programs
- Create a strong connection between parents and teachers
Adam (President), Ella (VP), KT (Treasurer) and Nadera (Secretary) invite all parents and community members to join us on this journey.
Together, we can make a real difference in our children’s education. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming meetings and events.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Runcorn State School community.
Coordination Team
We are also thrilled to introduce our new coordination team, dedicated to enhancing our school community!
- Sally - Tuckshop Convener
- Yumiko - Tuckshop Assistant
- Jenny - Uniform Convener
- Paula and Andrew - Events Coordinators
- Adam - Fencing Coordinator
- Shena - Grants Coordinator
Together, this fantastic team is committed to ensuring a smooth operation of our tuckshop, uniforms, events, fencing projects, and securing grants to support our initiatives. We can't wait to see the great things they will accomplish this year.
Stay tuned for updates and upcoming events. Let’s support our team as they embark on this exciting journey.
Uniform Shop
Winter sale on now! Please check website for instore for more details.
Tuckshop
Contact: tuckshop@runcornss.eq.edu.au
Opening hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (8.30am to 1.45pm)
Birthday orders: Don’t forget that cupcakes and ice blocks are available to order via Flexischools.
Please note: cupcakes are only available Wednesday to Friday and all birthday orders must be placed at least two days prior.
The tuckshop also offers over the counter purchases Wednesday to Friday where students can bring cash.
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.
