Newsletter Term 4 Week 1
From the Principal
Welcome Back
A big welcome back to all students and families. When 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. There was a lot to celebrate during Term 3. The music showcase delighted everyone that attended, and we also had the science fair that was a resounding success.
Term 4
Term 4 is always an exciting term for students with swimming, concerts and end of year celebrations. However, we will continue to focus on quality teaching and learning and strike a balance between the events and the core business. During the course of the term, the school will begin to prepare for the year ahead. We will meet the 2026 prep students as well as other students joining us in the new year. Sadly, we also say goodbye to our Year 6 students and other families that might be moving away from Runcorn. To this end, if you know that you are not returning in 2026, please notify the office by email by 30 October on admin@runcornss.eq.edu.au . This will help us predict, as accurate as possible, our numbers for next year.
Requests for specific teachers will not be considered
When organising class groupings for the upcoming year our staff commit a lot of time to working out the best combinations. This takes many weeks and many drafts of classes as well as matching teachers to class groups. I believe and trust that our teachers will do the best they can to make sure classes are balanced and have the right combinations for teaching and learning in 2026. If you have any considerations regarding classes for 2026, please see your child’s teacher. These requests will be considered when class lists are being formulated. Teachers may be changing year levels so please do not put in any requests for specific teachers. We thank you for your support with this process.
Meg McClure
From the Deputy Principal
This term we will be transitioning our 2026 Prep students and their families and our 2025 Year 6 students in their exciting education journey into high school.
2026 Stationery lists will be sent home with students in the upcoming weeks.
A link to the 2026 stationery lists will also be uploaded to our website and emailed to families when they are available.
Roberta Matlock.
Head of Department - Curriculum
Welcome back
After your Spring holidays, we hope you had time to rest and recharge ready for a busy last term of 2025. Term 4 always brings a flurry of excitement as classrooms gear up for end of year events and celebrations, the last units of learning before transitioning to new year levels and multiple chances to show their thinking skills through assessments for Semester Two report cards. Check out your cohort newsletters for more information on all of the exciting things your child will be exploring this term.
Parent reminder: Check and make sure that we have your most current and correct email address on file. This will ensure that you receive your child’s report card at the end of the term. Contact the front office to make any changes.
DATE CLAIMER – Academic Awards Ceremony
On Tuesday November 25, 2025 we will celebrate and acknowledge our high achieving students and those who strive to be their best. The following awards will be presented to students in each cohort: Excellence in English, Excellence in Mathematics, Overall Academic Achievement and School Spirit. Students are selected by teachers through analysis of achievement data (both summative and diagnostic assessments). Parents of students receiving awards have received a letter of invite later in the term.
Jillian Chittenden & Rachel La Sala
Head of Department - Inclusion
Dyslexia Awareness Month
October marks Dyslexia Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on this common learning difference that affects millions of people around the world. Dyslexia can influence how individuals read, write, and spell, but it in no way reflects intelligence or potential.
Throughout the month, organisations and advocates will be sharing events, resources, and stories to help build understanding of dyslexia and the importance of early identification and support. With the right strategies and encouragement, individuals with dyslexia can thrive at school, at work, and beyond.
Let’s work together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and celebrate neurodiversity. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or supporter, your awareness and advocacy can make a real difference.
Join the conversation using #DyslexiaAwarenessMonth and take some time to explore how we can all help create more inclusive learning environments for everyone.
Julie Schooth
Norman's News
I hope you all had a pawsome holiday filled with plenty of rest, fun, and maybe even a few tasty treats. I certainly did! I spent my break at home with Harvey, and we had a fetching time — long walks, sunny snoozes, and a few sneaky snacks (strictly for quality control, of course).
Now I’m back and ready to lend a paw around school again! I’ve missed seeing all your smiling faces and getting my daily dose of pats and cuddles. Term 4 is shaping up to be a busy one, but I know our pack is up for the challenge. Let’s stick together, stay paw-sitive, and keep spreading kindness like confetti — it makes tails wag and hearts happy!
Here’s to a fur-tastic Term 4 full of learning, laughter, and maybe a few extra belly rubs along the way.
Until next time,
Big licks and tail wags,
Norman
Japanese News
Year 5 & 6
On week 10 last term, Year 5 and 6 students enjoyed Japanese bento delivered by Nonbei Sake Bar & BBQ. They ordered in Japanese and tried their best using chopsticks to eat the authentic Japanese food. A big shout out to staff who volunteered to help to make this incursion possible!
Junko Nagashima
Japanese Teacher
Health Happenings
Welcome back to our wonderful Runcorn Community. I trust that you had a relaxing holiday and that the students are ready to tackle the new term. Our focus at Runcorn State School this fortnight are the Organisation Key and Self-Manager Learning Asset.
Organisation at Runcorn State School looks like:
- Students having all supplies ready to do school work
- Students safely and quickly lining up in their correct area after the music plays in the morning and break times
- Students ensuring necessary stationery and belongings (including books, pencils, hats and water bottles) are ready every day and for each lesson
- Students ensuring bathroom breaks occur before school and during break times
- Students ensuring library books are returned to school on time
- All learning tasks are completed in a timely manner both in and out of school
Effective Self-Managers at Runcorn State School are:
- Resilient
- Responsible
- Reflective
Staff across Runcorn State School will be actively looking for students displaying organisation and self-management skills. Each week, one student per class will be awarded with a certificate to acknowledge their dedication to consistently displaying these skills.
Sheridan Stirling
Music Matters
Save the date:
Term 4 Week 3 Friday October 24 – IM Band and Strings Excursion to Qld Symphony Orchestra
IM Band and Strings QSO Excursion – PAYMENT REMINDER
A reminder for IM students who returned consent forms for the Qld Symphony Orchestra excursion on Friday 24th October, that invoices were issued before the holidays and payment is due this week, Friday 10th October. Please ensure this excursion invoice is paid promptly so we can purchase the train tickets. Further information about the excursion will be emailed to families in Week 2.
Music Showcase concert
Mrs Alison Murray
Sports News
Swimming in Term 4
Swimming started back this week and what wonderful weather we have had.
Please ensure your child has what is required for each lesson, see table below;
As always, any questions please email me.
Have a great fortnight.
Mr Brady
lbrad101@eq.edu.au
Tuckshop News
Tuckshop
Opening hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Important: The daily order cut-off time is now 8.15am — please get your orders in before cut off time.
Please collect all cold desserts and drinks from the tuckshop for students in Years 1 to 6.
All prep student’s lunchtime drinks and Afternoon Tea orders will be delivered to students by staff; however, lunchtime cold dessert orders must be collected by students from the tuckshop.
How to order:
- Via Flexischools , or
- Over-the-counter purchases can only be made Wednesday to Friday with card payment.
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.
Volunteers Needed in the Tuckshop.
You don’t need cooking or kitchen experience to help in the Tuckshop. You can help in one or more of the following ways:
- Putting sticker labels on bags
- Sorting bags into categories (Hot Food, Sandwiches etc.)
- Filling drink orders
- Preparing and heating up food
- Making toasties, hotdogs and wraps etc
- Peeling apples (and even using the slinky machine)
- Baking
- Placing hot food items (e.g. potato gems, chicken nuggets) in bags, ready to pack into orders
- Placing hot meals (e.g. lasagne, spaghetti, fried rice, pizzas) into bags, ready for sorting into delivery boxes
- Placing orders into class tuckshop delivery boxes
- Washing up
It’s an excellent way to help out in your community by providing an important service to students and staff. To volunteer: email tuckshop@runcornss.eq.edu.au with your preferred days and times that you can assist.
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
P&C Goals Update
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.
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.
