Newsletter Term 1 Week 7
- From the Principal
- From the Deputy Principal
- From the Head of Department - Curriculum
- From the Chair of Embedding Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Schools (EATSIPS)
- From the Resource Centre
- Prep 2023
- Music Matters
- From the Japanese Teacher
- Sporting News
- Norman's News
- P&C News
- Community News
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers
I sincerely hope that you and your family are okay and that the floods have not had an impact on you. Please let us know if your child/ren are showing any signs of distress over this. There has been a lot of media coverage and we hope that this has not given rise to anxiousness when it rains. Thank you to everyone for the continued support during these changing times.
It is wonderful to see children back at school and getting on with their learning. I am very proud at how all students have managed the settling in period. We have seen many good examples of the 5 Keys to Success: Persistence, Organisation, Confidence, Getting along and Resilience.
Volunteers
Volunteers are essential to the work in classrooms and schools. Now that restrictions have eased, please consider supporting our school. All volunteers must sign in at the office. I will be running a brief session at 5.30PM before the P&C on Monday 21 March. Volunteers must read the information in the link below and hand the signed declaration in this link to the office before being able to volunteer. It is worthwhile attending the session or discussing this information with the classroom teachers.
Please stay connected by reading the newsletter and checking the school calendar. There have been several changes due to COVID and the Big Wet. Cross Country and Gala Day were a couple of events that were postponed. Cross Country went ahead this week and a big thank you to Mrs Sutherland for the organisation. Congratulations to all students who participated and well done to the place-getters.
Visitors to our school
On Monday 21 March, the Assistant Regional Director and approximately 18 Principals and Teachers will be visiting our school and the classrooms. They are curious about our inquiry learning journey. This is a great honour and we hope that we can learn from their feedback.
Are you curious about inquiry? Why not come to the parent workshop scheduled for Term 2, Friday 29 April 8:45am. Creating a culture of thinking and encouraging curiosity is a priority for the school. We will share the theory and ideas of how inquiry and investigation can be promoted in the home. Children are naturally curious, so how do we build on this? Please let the office know if you are interested in coming.
Three-way Sharing
Our three-way sharing was held this week. We invited students to come with their parents to the interview where they could share what they have learned. Thank you to everyone who took this opportunity to connect with the classroom teacher and learning. We hope that this was mutually beneficial for everyone. We had 308 bookings made through Schoolzine.
Student Resource Scheme (SRS)
Runcorn State School manages a student resource scheme on behalf of our parents and students. The main aim of this scheme is to utilise our collective purchasing power to benefit all families. The resources purchased from these funds provide a large range of opportunities for our students’ use and to enhance their learning. These forms were sent home with students last week.
Thank you to the many families who have already paid the 2022 SRS.
If you have not already done so, please:
- Complete the SRS participation agreement form and return to the school office as soon as possible.
- An invoice will then be emailed to you. Please pay this (BPoint or Direct Deposit preferred) within 14 days of receipt.
- Please contact the school office if you wish to enter into an instalment arrangement as this will need to be approved by our Business Manager, Barbara Seiler.
Harmony Day
A strength of Runcorn is its diversity. This diversity will be celebrated on Monday 18 March with many students coming dressed in their national clothes or in orange. Celebrating Harmony day extends to understanding and respecting differences of all kinds. We all belong. This ethos should be evident in every aspect of our lives: in the classroom, playground, pick-up, shops… Our Student Code of Conduct and You Can Do It 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.
Please be aware that PCYC are the school's after school providers and lease different spaces from the school. These include: the Old Library, Girrawheen Place, Science Lab and Basketball Court. At 3:00pm, we understand that many parents remain behind with their children who use the playground. We respectfully ask that you move to the perimeter close to the playground, leaving Girrawheen Place free for the PCYC Educators to set up their resources. This is a service that is valued by the school community.
Michelle D'Netto
From the Deputy Principal
NAPLAN
NAPLAN is an annual assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It tests the types of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. The tests cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The assessments will be undertaken from Tuesday 10 May 2022 – Thursday 19 May 2022.
This year Runcorn State School will participate in NAPLAN Online for all subtests except Year 3 writing which will still be paper based. NAPLAN Online is a tailored test that adapts to student responses, presenting students with questions that may be more or less difficult – resulting in better assessment and more precise results.
An account of students, parents/carers and teachers sharing their insights about the benefits of NAPLAN Online can be seen at NAPLAN accessibility (6 min 23s).
An explanation of the tailored tests can be viewed at Tailored testing video (3 min 6s).
The NAPLAN online Public Demonstration site https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site is a space where students, parents and carers are invited to familiarise themselves with the types of questions and related functionalities available in the online NAPLAN assessment including:
- range of question types
- onscreen tools, timers
- range of question formats available.
There are no answer to the demonstration site tests.
Please contact Ms Matlock if you require further information about NAPLAN online. Rmatl2@eq.edu.au (07) 3323 8777.
Roberta Matlock
From the Head of Department - Curriculum
Literacy in Prep
Prep students continuing to build their literacy skills in the areas of reading, writing speaking and listening. An element of this learning is responding to a variety of texts and being able to share and explain their likes and dislikes. PW invited me into their classroom last week for a book launch! They had reading Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? and had been thinking about and sharing their favourite animals from the story. There was some amazing artworks and explanations!
The Big Write
The Big Write continues! I was lucky enough to have some brave authors share their writing with me this week. Pop into the library to see their amazing work on display! Below are the two pictures we used to stimulate our ideas for writing over the past two weeks.
Happy Writing!!
Rachel La Sala
From the Chair of Embedding Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Schools (EATSIPS)
Dear Parents/Carers/Community members,
Last year Runcorn State School committed to developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our RAP aims to support our school community in developing an educational environment that fosters higher levels of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories cultures and contributions. Through our RAP, we will commit to strengthening relationships, respect and opportunities in the classroom, around the school and with the community.
Developing our RAP is a long-term commitment that will require ongoing consideration and collaborative effort. Within our community, there is unique knowledge and valuable experience that we would love to see reflected in the Actions that we commit to in our RAP. Therefore, to ensure our RAP creates meaningful and sustainable change, we would like to seek your support. This letter is a second call to action for parents/carers/community members to express their interest in helping to drive our RAP development and implementation journey, especially those families who are new to Runcorn State School this year.
Our first meeting to discuss the RAP and establish a working party was in November last year, however if you would like to be involved in any way with the development and ongoing implementation of our RAP, including being part of the RAP Working Group, please get in touch with myself or another staff member via email: sjarv3@eq.edu.au to discuss further.
Our next EATSIPS (Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Schools) meeting to develop this RAP is Friday 18th March 8:15am in the school Library.
To learn more about Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali program and RAP development process, you may also like to visit: www.reconciliation.org.au/narragunnawali
Kind regards,
Shena Jarvis
Chair of EATSIPS
From the Resource Centre
The library is now open for quiet reading and borrowing before school from 8.15am and during lunchtime. As usual students will need to have their library bag with them to be able to borrow.
We have just received a shipment of fabulous new books, including a large number of the ever-popular graphic novels. As some of our regular volunteers’ children have now moved on to high school, we are seeking assistance to cover these new library books, either at home or at school. If you would like to arrange to collect a small box of books to cover at home please email admin@runcornss.edu.au or phone the office to arrange.
If you would like to help cover books at school please pop into the library after 8.15am on any day that suits you. Please be aware that volunteers must be fully vaccinated and must sign in at the office. For further information regarding volunteering at our school please refer to the information provided by Mrs D’Netto at the beginning of this newsletter.
Happy Reading,
The Resource Centre Team
Prep 2023
Music Matters
Senior Choir
A reminder that Choir rehearses every Wednesday morning at 8am. Students who have signed up are required to attend each week so as to not fall behind with our repertoire.
Instrumental Music Messages
Strings:
Congratulations to all String Students for attending rehearsals, being organised for lessons and having your equipment. String rehearsals unless otherwise advised are:
- Senior Strings - Tuesday Morning 7.30am
- Junior Strings - Tuesday Afternoon 3.00 to 4.00pm
Band:
We apologise for the delay in starting the Band program for this year.
Unfortunately, Mr Schilling is unwell and he will be back with us as soon as possible.
Ms Hopper
From the Japanese Teacher
Volunteer Sewers Wanted!
In preparation of materials for future lessons and now looking for a couple of volunteer sewers.
Fabrics have been cut and ironed. All you need to do is to sew straight all 4 sides of the square fabric. If you can help, please contact Mrs. Nagashima(jxnag0@eq.edu.au).
Mrs Nagashima
Sporting News
School Swimming for Year 1 to Year 6
Fingers crossed the wet weather is gone and we can get back to swimming. Lets pack our swimming bags with our swimmers, swim shirts with sleeves, caps, towels and goggles if required.
No Swimming cap & swim shirt = no swimming.
Leave jewellery at home on swimming days to prevent injuries.
Please name all school uniforms, underwear, socks & shoes, swimmers, towels, caps and goggles. Items can get mixed up or left behind. We cannot return lost property if no names are on them.
Gala Days
With the wet weather we have not had a chance to run our Friday trials. These are to provide children with an opportunity to try their chosen sport. We have fingers and toes crossed for a dry Friday afternoon. Please return the permission and payment slips now. Our first game will be in Term 2 Week 2, Friday 29th April. This will give the children time to train with their coaches and team mates.
Year 3 to Year 6 School Cross Country
As we held the successful Cross Country on Thursday, 10 March, a school team from the finalists will represent Runcorn State School at the Eastern Taipans District Carnival on Tuesday 29th of March.
Mrs Sutherland
Norman's News
I am getting soooo excited about my first birthday and the celebrations that are going to take place at Runcorn on the 29th March! I understand that invitations to my “pawty” went out this week. I hope you got yours and that you can be there to join in the fun!
I have been busy trying on some outfits for the day. I wonder which costume suits me best?
Besides the thought behind my outfit, our staff and the P&C are working hard to make this event an opportunity for us to come together as a school and to do something nice for our wider community as well. There can be no denying that doing things for others actually has a beneficial effect on developing our own well-being.
So, when I saw on the news that some of the RSPCA centres were affected during the floods, I thought it would be great to support a charity that does so much work to assist wildlife, people and their pets. I know that the rescue services have been super busy responding to hundreds of calls for animal help so now, more than ever, our donations will be appreciated. I really hope you can be there for the walk, to donate to the RSPCA and to enjoy some after-school fun and food that will also support our own P&C!
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Schooth on jscho128@eq.edu.au
Much love, licks and tail wags,
Norman
P&C News
We Need Your Help
To be able to continue to offer the services at the tuckshop and uniform shop onsite and run events that bring joy to our children, we need more volunteers. The P&C exec are a group of hard-working parents who volunteer their time and would like to rely on other parents stepping forward.
You know the saying, many hands make light work.
Come to a P&C meeting or help in just one way - it makes the load lighter for everyone. Bring a friend and make it fun and lighten the load.
Our P&C AGM will be held on the 21st March, followed by our general meeting. Our AGM is the meeting where all executive positions will be vacated and nominations and voting will be undertaken for this year. If you are keen to get on board and make a difference to our school, please think about nominating and taking up a position. Some positions only require a few hours of work per month, while others are a little more involved. Many of our executive have been in their positions for a number of years and would be happy to discuss what’s involved if you would like further information. For further information on these roles please email rsspcpresident@outlook.com
What can you contribute? Come and see one of our current, friendly, hard-working P&C members.
Operations Manager
At our last P&C meeting it was agreed to advertise for an Operations Manager for 12 hours per week on a temporary basis until the end of the 2022 school year. A position description was emailed to the community. Please apply if you are interested. If you would like any further information on this please contact Debbie via email – rsspcpresident@outlook.com
TUCKSHOP
Cupcakes
Don’t forget the Tuckshop still offers cupcakes or ice blocks for any special celebration. These can be ordered on Flexi schools and must be ordered at least 2 days in advance. Please see the birthday option in the flexi schools app. No over the phone or over the counter orders can be taken.
Flexi Schools
Please remember our Tuckshop is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We look forward to your continued support of our Tuckshop.
The Tuckshop will continue to provide online orders only. We will continue to provide over the counter ice blocks, ice creams and other frozen treats sales at first break only. We strongly encourage you to order afternoon tea online, as afternoon tea over the counter sales are dependent on having volunteers to serve. Ice blocks can continue to be ordered online and picked up by your child from the Tuckshop. Please refer to Flexi schools for more information.
Have you checked out our new menu! Have a look here https://runcornss.eq.edu.au/SupportAndResources/FormsAndDocuments/Documents/2022/2022%20Tuckshop%20Menu.pdf we welcome your feedback!
Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop is now open every Wednesday from 8:00am-8:30am for the reminder of Term 1. You can also still book an appointment to secure a time, please use the QR code provided. Otherwise, orders can still be emailed to rssuniform@outlook.com and we will deliver your order to your child’s classroom as soon as we can.
BEAT THE RUSH........With the cooler weather approaching have you thought about updating your winter uniforms? Jackets, jumpers and tracksuit pants are all available now. Orders for winter uniforms can also be ordered via email. Order forms are available on the school’s website.
If you have any old uniforms that you would like to donate please send them in with your child and let us know via email (rssuniform@outlook.com) and we will collect from their classroom.
Are you handy with a sewing needle or sewing machine or would just like to learn? We are looking for volunteers to make scrunchies, hair bows, headbands etc. to stock in our Uniform Shop. All material will be supplied. This can be done at home or we can arrange a sewing circle depending on availability. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents in the community. Please contact rssuniform@outlook.com to express your interest.
Volunteers
With the recent lifting of restrictions we are able to have volunteers in both the Tuckshop and the Uniform Shop again. Interested? Drop by the Tuckshop or Uniform Shop and see what it is all about, we would love to have you. Please remember you must be double-vaccinated and sign in at the office. For further information regarding volunteering at our school please refer to the information provided by Mrs D’Netto at the beginning of this newsletter.
Events
Do you have a fundraising idea? Please get in contact with our Events Coordinator – rsspcevents@outlook.com or our President – rsspcpresident@outlook.com
ARE YOU A RECYCLING WARRIOR?
Did you know that you can support the P&C Association and whilst helping the environment? All you have to do is use our scheme ID (C10025917) when making a deposit of cans, poppers or bottles at any recycling centre. All proceeds come back to the P&C Association. You can, we can, we all can make a change.
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook Runcorn State School P&C Association to stay up to date on everything.
On behalf of Runcorn SS P&C Association Executive
Community News
PCYC
Our vacation care program is out! Spots are filling fast. Come join us for a fun filled nine days with three incursions.
Runcorn State High School – Open Evening
We’re excited to announce that we will be opening our doors to not only prospective students and their families, but to all of our current students and their families during our Open Evening on Tuesday, 29 March from 3.30pm to 6pm.
Whether you have a student in Year 4, 5 or 6 who is looking to enrol at Runcorn State High School over the coming year/s or a student who is currently enrolled, this is a great opportunity to tour our facilities, explore our programs, attend a number of presentations and meet key staff and student leaders.
Guided tours will depart from the Blues Sporting Hall every 15 minutes from 3.30pm. Visitors will get the chance to have any questions they may have about high school life answered by staff.
A Principal’s address will be held at 4.45pm and 5.45pm and at these times one lucky visitor will win a full uniform pack valued at up to $350.
We look forward to meeting you on the evening!
Mansfield State High School French Immersion Program Open Days 22 and 23 March 2022
For further information, please contact:
Ms Allison Peel, Head of Department (Languages)
Mansfield State High School
Phone – 07 3452 5356
School website: www.mansfieldshs@eq.edu.au
