Newsletter Term 1 Week 9
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers
Last week, we celebrated Harmony Day. As mentioned in the last newsletter, a strength of Runcorn is its diversity. On Monday 18 March many students came 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.
On Monday 21 March, we had 13 visitors from other schools visit our classrooms. The work we do in Inquiry learning has been recognised by the Assistant Regional Director and it was on his request, that we hosted this visit. Here are some comments from the guests: Students and Staff had knowledge of the language and spoke comfortably with it; Children seamlessly used and articulated metalanguage; there were authentic connections with other learning areas; all children were engaged.
Thank you to the teachers for opening up their classrooms and open to feedback.
Student Leader Induction
On the same Monday we had the student induction parade. Congratulations to the student leaders for stepping up and nominating for a position, going through a thorough process and taking on board the responsibilities of being a student leader. Well done to the leaders who led the induction and gave votes of thanks. They were confident and articulate. You did us proud.
COVID Update
Please can you ensure that if your child is not feeling well and showing any flu like or diarrhoea symptoms, that he/she does not come to school. We saw an increase in positive cases last week. We continue to maintain hygiene practices with hand sanitiser available, hand washing and additional cleaning. If we have an increased number of staff off work and are unable to get relief staff, we might have to collapse classes with low numbers to ensure that all students are appropriately supervised.
Landscape Updates
Tabled last year at the P&C Meeting were designs for the landscaping of the Nature Play and Playground areas. This year we were very fortunate to receive funding from the Region to assist bringing these plans to reality. The plans include decking seats around the trees near the Pick Up Zone, Teepees, river area, rocks, logs and other natural items that will enhance the play and learning spaces for all students. The work extends from the Science Lab past the Pick Up Area. This work will begin on 4 April and the areas will become worksites with no access for school children or community. This will also have implications regarding access from the Pick Up and Drop Off Zones as this area will be temporarily closed. We are working closely with the Brisbane City Council to provide a safe alternative solution.
Norman's First Birthday
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Norman's First Birthday celebrations for Tuesday, Term 1, Week 10, have been postponed until 26 April. Instead, next Tuesday will be a free dress day where you can come dressed as "Norman". Please read Norman's News at the end of this newsletter.
Celebrations
Many faiths have celebrations at this time of the year, Baha’i New Year, the festival of colour (Holi), Ramadan and Easter. Best wishes for all.
This is the final newsletter for Term 1. It has proven to be an interesting term but we have continued to focus on the real work – teaching and learning and have achieved many milestones. Have a good rest and stay safe.
Michelle D'Netto
From the Deputy Principal
A Message about Cybersafety and Cyberbullying
The internet, mobile phones and instant messaging provide opportunities for children to learn, be creative and socialise online. However, the online environment also provides numerous opportunities for harm to be caused to children. Our school is aware of the risks to children in the online environment and this message is to advise you of our efforts in respect to keeping your child safe online.
The school recognises students access various social media sites and apps via personal electronic devices and home networks. The school is not responsible for monitoring your child’s compliance with social media apps, website age requirements and terms and conditions.
There are a number of potential risks and concerns for students when communicating online. These include accessing and posting inappropriate content, cyberbullying, oversharing, and engaging in conversations with persons they do not know in the real world.
It is unacceptable for students at our school to engage in cyberbullying, or other inappropriate online behaviours. Our school’s ICT Acceptable Use Agreement and Student Code of Conduct are found at the bottom of the school website front page https://runcornss.eq.edu.au/ and provides written guidelines on acceptable online behaviour by students. If an online incident negatively impacts on the good order and management of the school, the school may impose disciplinary consequences for this behaviour. This could include suspension and/or exclusion in serious cases. In serious cases the school may also report an incident to the police.
I recommended that you discuss with your child the importance of engaging in safe and positive online behaviours and that you highlight the importance of being a responsible digital citizen. Help your child to take steps to block anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable, harassed or bullied. If your child is connected to any social networking site, reviewing their ‘friends list’ and adding them as a friend yourself may help you manage their safety and reduce the risk of them associating with inappropriate contacts.
You should check that your child is accessing sites and apps that are age appropriate. For example, Facebook, Instagram, Discord, Tik Tok and Snapchat require a user to be at least 13 years of age to create an account. As your child approaches this age, pressure from friends to create accounts may intensify. Encourage your child to always ask permission before using a new website or downloading a new app.
If your child has created a social media account and they do not meet the age requirements, I recommend that you work with your child to remove all posted content and deactivate the account.
For more information about age requirements, app functionality, and reporting options, click on the help sections on these common social media website or app.
- https://help.instagram.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/help
- http://support.tiktok.com/
- https://support.snapchat.com
- Discord Terms of Service.
To better support your child’s technology use at home, you may wish to visit the below websites which contain valuable advice and resources:
The Department of Education has recently published the document ‘Online awareness: Information for parents and caregivers’. This guide provides important information for parents about cybersafety and cyberbullying. It suggests what actions parents and caregivers can take if their child is the target of or is responsible for inappropriate online behaviour. The guide is available at: https://behaviour.education.qld.gov.au/resources-publications/Documents/cyberbullying-parents-caregivers-guide.pdf
Please remember, as a parent you play an important role in helping your children have safe and positive experiences online.
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 timetable for 2022 NAPLAN testing at Runcorn State School:
Please contact Ms Matlock if you require further information about NAPLAN online. rmatl2@eq.edu.au 3323 8777.
Roberta Matlock
From the Head of Department - Curriculum
Literacy in Prep
Prep students continue 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!
Exciting New Arrivals in the Library
You may have noticed some exciting new titles in the library over the past fortnight. A large order came in from Scholastic Book Club filled with a range of fresh books for our library shelves. We have new graphic novels, novels for middle and upper school, non-fiction texts and fun picture books. Check out the photo below for just a few of these new reads. These books were all ‘purchased’ using rewards our school has collected from your Book Club orders so keep up the good work. Thanks to all the families that purchased through Book Club in 2021 and into 2022.
Rachel La Sala
The Big Write
The Big Write continues! Below are the two pictures we used to stimulate our ideas for writing over the past two weeks. I can’t wait to see the what our impressive Runcorn authors create.
Happy writing!!!
Rachel La Sala
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. We are seeking assistance to cover 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
Senior Choir will be performing during the Anzac Day Ceremony - April 22nd 10am. Please make sure students wear their Formal uniform for this performance and be at all rehearsals in preparation for this special day.
Instrumental Music Messages
Strings:
Year 3 Violin and Viola Beginner Strings will need to purchase shoulder rest for next week’s lesson - Tuesday, 29th March. To get the correct fitting shoulder rest you will need to take your instrument to a Music Shop and ask for a shoulder rest to fit your instrument.
The shoulder rest must be A Clip-on shoulder rest. These rests have “feet” on either side that attach to the rim of the instrument. They are often adjustable both in terms of height and also the angle at which they can be attached to the back of the instrument. A black shoulder rest is preferred.
Thank you and have a great break String Students.
Band:
Band lessons and ensemble are up and running now. We apologise for the delayed start to the year due to illness. We are pleased that Mr Schilling is now back with us.
Ms Hopper
Environment Club News
Dear Runcorn Community,
At the end of 2021, Runcorn State School received a grant of approximately $2500 to establish an Organic Waste program throughout the school by the end of April 2022. The Environment Club (formally Garden Club) is the community group that will implement this and we are asking all of you to help in a little way. As part of the grant, Subpods (see below) will be conveniently placed in the school. One has already been placed in a garden bed outside the Prep buildings. Another two will be situated in the Heritage Garden area when that is complete. These Subpods are homes that worms can move in and out of, between the Subpods and garden beds. All we need to do is feed them our fruit break scraps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xlzyr7yL90
If you have some spare time, watch the You tube link above or pop on down to the Prep area to have a look at the Subpod because it has all the information you need inside the lid.
You will also notice posters designed by the students of Year 5 and 6 popping up around the school. Teachers and support staff will ask the students to put their Fruit Break Compost into a container like the one in the photo above.
Environment Club is now open to all year levels and will be held:
Tuesday lunchtime 11am – Ms Daglish’s room – students bring lunch to C block upstairs
Friday lunchtime 11am – Mrs McNamara’s room – students bring lunch to C block upstairs
We are hoping for your support on the venture. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
The Environment Club Mrs McNamara and Ms Daglish
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
When Term 1 finishes, so does swimming until Term 4. Please ensure your children bring their swimmers on swimming days so we can complete their assessment.
Remember, No Swimming cap and swim shirt = no swimming
Leave jewellery at home on swimming days to prevent injuries. Please name all school uniforms, underwear, socks and 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
Training has started and teams are working out the rules ready for their first game of soccer or basketball. Bring on Term 2, Week 2, Friday 29th April.
District Cross Country
Our Runcorn school team has been selected ready to compete at the Eastern Taipans District Cross Country. Permission slips and payments were due on Wednesday 23rd of March. Can you please return permission slips and make payments. We are competing at CJ Greenfields Sportsgrounds, Freeman Rd, Richlands on Tuesday 29th of March. Good luck to all.
District Sporting Teams
We have had several children trying out to represent the Eastern Taipans at the Metropolitian West regional sporting competitions in touch football, rugby league and netball over the last few weeks. Congratulations to Tayla who has been selected in the Eastern Taipans Girls 10 -12 years Netball Team.
If your child competes in club sport at a high level, let us know so they can be informed of when District Sports Trials are occurring.
Mrs Sutherland
Norman's News
My goodness it is imPAWsible to believe the curve-ball that has been thrown at us this week! I had been so excited about our PAW-ty with a Purpose scheduled for 29th March from 3.15-4.15pm. But sadly it’s proven to be “mission impawsible” for me to attend as some of the hoomans that I live with have been feeling a “bit ruff” and are having to isolate. I hope that you can “fur-give” me but “one sick puppy” has meant that I can’t be at school at the moment either!
I know that the team had been working hard to organise a fun afternoon and that the staff at RSPCA were also excited that they were chosen to receive our gold-coin donations from the walk, so we aren’t just going to “roll over”, we are going to celebrate next Term, on TUESDAY 26TH APRIL! While this is “disapawnting” news, it is “impawtant” that we stay “pawsitive” and look forward to all being together on this day with all of the fun activities going ahead then! Gold coin donations collected for the walk on the 26th April will again be gifted to the RSPCA. In the meantime, we can thank our “lucky paws” that there will be an opportunity for everyone to look quite “fetching” on the 29th of March when you can come in free dress and Dress Like a Dog! It would be “mind-beagling” for me if you could send through any photos that you take on Tuesday dressed up as a dog to Mrs Schooth on jscho128@eq.edu.au.
I have had my nose to the ground and my ears pricked and have heard that students have also been excited about the badges that have been made with my face on them! My tail has been wagging even faster knowing that you are feeling excited to be wearing my image! I am so grateful for the way that I have been welcomed at Runcorn and it is such a pleasure to have pats and cuddles (and sometimes a sneaky kiss) with both staff, parents, siblings and students. Please remember that the money raised from the badges is going to be given back to the P&C… after all, they have supported me from the beginning and helped with my training and insurance expenses! The P&C help our school community so much. If you haven’t purchased your badge yet, and still want one, they will continue to be on sale this week… just $2 and sold by our wonderful student councillors.
So, until my return to school, please “don’t stop retrieving”. I am missing you all and can’t wait to see you again soon.
Big hugs and tail wags,
Norman xx
P&C News
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 meeting or help in just one way - it makes the load lighter for everyone. Bring a friend and make it fun.
What can you contribute? Come and see one of our current, friendly, hard-working P&C members.
Operations Manager
At our last meeting it was voted in favour of advertising and employing an Operations Manager for 12 hours per week on a temporary basis until the end of the 2022 school year. This position has now been successfully filled.
VOLUNTEERS WELCOME
With the recent lifting of restrictions we are able to have volunteers in both the Tuckshop and Uniform Shop!
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!
TUCKSHOP
Operating Hours – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (8:15am- - 1:45pm)
Volunteers NOW WELCOME.
Flexi Schools
Tuckshop ordering is online only.
Over the counter cash sales for Ice blocks, ice creams and other frozen treat sales are 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.
Cupcakes and Ice Block Buckets are available for order 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.
Check out our extensive NEW menu 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 8am-8:30am for the remainder of Term 1. You can also still book an appointment, please use the QR code provided. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT? Email all orders to rssuniform@outlook.com and we will deliver your order to your child’s classroom as soon as we can.
BEAT THE RUSH........Next Wednesday is the last week to order winter uniforms before the holidays. 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 us to express your
interest.
Events
Have you got a fundraising idea? Please get in contact with our Events Coordinator – rsspcevents@outlook.com or our President – rsspcpresident@outlook.com
FIND US ON FACEBOOK!!!
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, Runcorn State School P&C Association, to stay up to date on everything!!
On behalf of the P&C Runcorn State School 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!
