Newsletter Term 3 Week 1 - 3

From the Principal

Under 8s Day

Congratulations to our Early Years team for their wonderful work at the end of last term on our Under 8’s Day! The event was a great success and the students had a wonderful time. The theme of the day was ‘Play – in an ever-changing world’ and our students had the chance to play and learn with their friends. The event had many activities for students to choose from and is a demonstration of the strength and commitment of our Early Years team.

Prep Enrolment for 2023

Our Preparatory Year enrolment process for the 2023 school year has commenced.  In terms of the enrolment process, parents are invited to complete an enrolment form and collect an enrolment package from the front office. Our Prep program for 2023 includes opportunities for our new students to join our school in a Pre-Prep program which will be held over four weeks during Term four. This program will be a great way of connecting and engaging with our school in preparation for next year. We encourage you to enrol your child early, to ensure your place is guaranteed for 2023 and to give us a clear idea about the number of classes we can form.   All enrolments require a Getting to Know You chat with one of our Prep teachers.  

Prep 2023 Information evening, Thursday 4th August, 6pm - 7pm.

Staffing

Over the past twelve months it has been noted in the media that there are teacher shortages within our State and Country. Our school has teachers in place for all of our classes, however when teachers are away, primarily due to illness, we have experienced difficulty finding replacements through our normal means. At times this has meant that we have had to prioritise having teachers in front of classes instead of teachers undertaking their normal inclusion role. Inclusion teachers perform an integral role in the school providing support for classroom teachers with the various needs of students and it is not a decision we make lightly. Please rest assured that the changes we make are due to a collective and unrelenting focus on doing the best for every child at Runcorn State School.

Please welcome to our school:

Miss Uppman who has joined us as our 1D Class Teacher and Mrs Dolores as our 2C Class Teacher.

Meg McClure

From the Deputy Principal

Runcorn State High School Yr 4 STEM Horizons Extension Program

Congratulations to Year 4 students - Jackson, Yilin, Anab, Sophia who were selected to participate in a 4 week STEM program focussing on Energy for Our Future.  Students investigated factors affecting energy output of a wind turbine, and analysed the data mathematically to form conclusions about the optimal number, angle,  length and shape of turbine blades to create optimal electrical output.  Utilising computer  drawing tools, students then produced  their blade designs on a 3D printer.  Students compared results of their blade designs and discussed the pros and cons of design. 

We thank Runcorn State High School for providing this program of challenging activities to broaden our students perspectives using  critical and creative thinking, collaboration and communication.

At the end of Term 2 Year 6 students and parents/carers were provided with the opportunity to meet representatives from Runcorn State High School, Sunnybank State High School and MacGregor State High School as part of their Transition program.  Our students asked questions and sought advice to help inform their decision making about High Schools.

Roberta Matlock

From the Head of Department - Curriculum

Welcome back from the winter break – I hope you all stayed safe and healthy and are ready for another excited term of learning here at Runcorn. 

STEAM

Term 3 is all about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths) with STEAM and Science week’s all coming up over the next 10 weeks.  I will highlight interesting STEAM opportunities we offer as the weeks progress. 

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The challenge is still on!  Make sure you get reading and fill out your student record form (see your teacher if you have lost yours).  The challenge will end in week 7 of this term so you have plenty of time to catch up and smash the challenge!

The BIG Write

The Big Write continues with our writing stamina and quality growing every week.  Below is our stimulus for this week – if you are feeling brave and do any writing at home please forward to me at rlasa2@eq.edu.au for display in our Resource Centre. 

Rachel La Sala

Music Matters

Save the Date:

• Strings on Parade: Week 4 Monday 1^st August
• IM 2023 Recruitment Information Evening- August 15^th Runcorn State High School time TBC (5:30pm/6pm)
• Music Showcase Concert at Sunnybank SHS- Senior and Year 3 Choirs, Strings and Band- Week 8 Wednesday 31^st August 6pm TBC
• Singfest- Senior Choir: Week 8 Thursday 1^st September

Mariel Hopper - mxhop2@eq.edu.au

What is happening in Japanese?

In the end of Term 2, we welcomed Japanese Tea Masters to school and Year 4 students had an opportunity to experience Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Thank you P&C for purchasing flexible learning furniture for our Japanese classroom!  Students are touching and smelling the tatami mat which has a very unique fragrance. Our students are also enjoying sitting on the floor with the nice floor cushions. We are very happy to have this Japanese touch in our room.

Junko Nagashima

Japanese Teacher

From the Health Teacher....

This Semester at Runcorn State School we are drawing special attention to the ‘You Can Do It’ program. The program is based on five essential social and emotional foundations, known as the ‘five keys’, which aim to promote success for students. Our focus this fortnight is the Organisation Key.

Organisation at Runcorn State School looks like:-

• 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 and essential stationery, 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

Staff across Runcorn State School will be actively looking for students displaying organisation skills. Each week, one student per class will be awarded with a certificate to acknowledge their dedication to consistently displaying organisation skills.

Our focus at Runcorn State School this fortnight is the Getting Along Key. 

Getting Along at Runcorn State School looks like:-

• Students working cooperatively with each other in and out of the classroom
• Students solving/resolving problems in a calm and friendly manner
• Students making responsible choices
• Students being friendly and patient to those around them
• Students listening while others are speaking
• Students helping those in need

Staff across Runcorn State School will be actively looking for students displaying skills of getting along. 

Well done to all students who have been acknowledged so far for displaying the You Can Do It Keys to Success! Getting along makes Runcorn State School a better place to learn and grow.

Find out more information to support your child/ren here: https://www.youcandoiteducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/YCDI-IA-5Keys-That-Unlock-childrens-Potentialv2.pdf

Zoya Daryau

Sporting News

Junior Sports Day

Junior Sports Day will be held on Tuesday 9^th of August for Prep, Year 1 & Year 2 students.   It would be great to see all children dressed in their house coloured shirts which must be sun-safe, with sleeves and collars. 

District Track & Field Team

Our school team competed at the Eastern Taipans District Athletics Competition at QSAC on Monday 18^th & Tuesday 19^th July. Everyone showed great sportsmanship and did their best with many children beating their personal best. We are proud to announce that Riley and Toa have been selected for the Eastern Taipans Athletics Team to compete at the Regional Championships. Congratulations to all.

Intraschool Sport

Intraschool Sports Team for Year 5 and 6 students will complete against other teams from our school on :

• Term 3 - Friday 29 July, 12 & 26 August, 9 September,                    
• Term 4 - Friday 14 & 28 October, 11 & 25 November

Ms Sutherland

Norman's News

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope that you all had a “pawsome” break and found some “down” time for rest and relaxation. I had a wonderful holiday with Harvey and my hoomans. I went for lots of lovely walks and drives in the car and also enjoyed lots of time curled up on the lounge watching some classic movies like “The Fox and the Hound”, “101 Dalmations”, “The Adventures of Milo and Otis”, “Beethoven” and “Marley & Me”. Do you notice a common theme amongst my favourite shows?

I was also lucky enough to have a big haircut and groom with PAWS ONLY GROOMING. Harvey came along too and we were almost unrecognisable when we came home smelling so good! The cold weather means that we are often wearing jumpers and coats and unfortunately this also means that our fur an get a little matted. A short hair cut definitely helps with this. Don’t worry though, I’m still really soft and cuddly if you want to pat me.

I was very excited to return to Runcorn after the break. It was great to see everyone’s smiling faces again and to welcome some new students to our great school. Everyone seems to be settling in and making some fur-bulous new friends.

Dressing up to support our wonderful State of Origin team was also lots of fun in Week 1! A big thank you to Mrs Bayle for my outfit! I happen to think I might just be the cutest mascot ever and I’m sure it was my support that helped the Queensland team secure the victory for another year. Such a re-bark-able performance.

Until next time, big licks and tail wags,

Norman xx

Environment Club News

Please check out the Heritage Garden. The vegetables, herbs and pest repellent flowers are growing voraciously. The lettuce is even ready to be picked and hopefully will be used in the tuckshop. Classes can visit any time (pretty sure it fits in the curriculum somewhere). Families are now starting to explore this space before and after school. The chilli plant that can be accessed by staff if you are thinking of cooking something hot for dinner. Help yourself.

Each class now has an amazing Maze Compost Caddy like the picture below. Don’t forget to empty the fruit scraps into the Subpods regularly and the lids can be locked shut using the handle. Hopefully, these caddies won’t get as smelly as the clear containers.

The collection of BREAD BAGS and WRAP BAGS is going very well. The official WONDER boxes are filling fast. One is still in the front of the office and one is in the PCYC front entrance for the collection of both bread bags and wrap bags from any bread company, not just Wonder. The bags collected will be swapped for points towards sporting equipment for the school.

The next venture that Environment Club we are hoping to fully launch this Term is collecting of bottles etc for the containers for change program. Clear containers will be positioned in both eating areas soon and the Environment Club students will bag them up ready to deposit at the appropriate drop off vending machine. Hoping to raise much need funds for the school. Any staff member keen to contribute to this project can deposit their glass, plastic and cans in the TOMRA Reverse Vending Machine near Macgregor State Primary School (pictured below) using the Scheme ID number below.

Thanks for all your support with these ventures.

Please remind students that Environment Club is open to all year levels and will be held:

Tuesday lunchtime 11:30am – Ms Daglish (children need to listen for the announcement)

If you have time, check out the Subpod in Prep garden and the Heritage Garden and we thank the Runcorn community for the support with both the collecting of fruit scraps and bread/wrap bags.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

jmcna155@eq.edu.au               mdagl3@eq.edu.au

P&C News

TO OUR RUNCORN COMMUNITY

Term 3 is shaping up to be a busy Term.

Look out for more information about these events coming home over the next few weeks.  We will also be seeking Volunteers, so please consider offering 30 minutes to 1 hour of your time to help at these events.  Due to the enormity of running the Disco it will not go ahead if we do not receive enough Volunteers.  More information on how you can help coming soon.

NEXT P&C MEETING - Monday 15 August 6:30pm

Please meet us in the Resource Centre/school library, these meetings are a great way to meet other parents, teachers, staff, and community members and find out what is happening within the school. Unfortunately, there will not be an online option available.  Please contact Nadera at rsspcsecretary@outlook.com if you wish to become a new member or want to know more about the P&C.

SUSHI MEAL DEAL FUNDRAISER

Thank you to everyone who supported our End of Term Meal Deal last term.  It was a great success, and everyone enjoyed the fresh sushi and donuts.  The Meal Deal raised approximately $450 to support our students.

TUCKSHOP

Operating Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (8:15am - 1:45pm)
• Monday and Tuesday (over the counter sales only, 11:15 – 11:45)

If you would like to Volunteer at the Tuckshop, please contact Jodie or Angela at tuckshop@runcornss.eq.edu.au.  Please ensure you sign in at the Tuckshop when you start your volunteer shift.

Warm Milos and Cheese Toasties are now available for purchase before school via Flexischools, under the ‘Before School’ tab. Available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings for pickup from 8:30 am. No over the counter orders available currently.

Is your child’s birthday in Term 3? Don’t forget Cupcakes and Ice Block Buckets are available to order via Flexischools. Get in early and secure your spot so you don’t miss out.

This term the Tuckshop has started harvesting fresh lettuce and basil from the Heritage Garden. Staff and students have all been enjoying the wonderful produce.

UNIFORM SHOP

Operating Hours

• Monday (2:00 – 2:30)
• Tuesday (8:15 – 8:45)

Get ready for the Junior Sports Carnival in a few weeks – House coloured shirts are available for purchase.  House coloured scrunchies also available for $2.  Limited stock available NOW.

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. Order forms are available from the website Uniform shop (eq.edu.au)

If you have any uniforms that you would like to donate, please send them in with you child. Please let us know at rssuniform@outlook.com so we can arrange collection from your child’s classroom.

FEEDBACK

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our ‘Suggestions Box’ thus far.  All feedback is read and discussed at our monthly P&C meetings. The ‘SUGGESTIONS’ box can be found outside the office. Feedback can be made anonymously via this box.  Alternatively, you can email, the P&C Executive at pandc@runcornss.eq.edu.au or Angela, at rsspccom@outlook.com

Year Level Facebook Groups. Press on the link to join now!

Prep -  RSS - Prep 2022 | Facebook

Year 1 – RSS - Grade 1 2022 | Facebook

Year 2 - RSS - Grade 2 2022 | Facebook

Year 3 – RSS - Grade 3 2022 | Facebook

Year 4 - RSS - Grade 4 2022 | Facebook

Year 5 – RSS - Grade 5 2022 | Facebook

Year 6 – RSS - Grade 6 2022 | Facebook

Prep 2023 - RSS - Prep 2023 | Facebook

TO KEEP UP TO DATE – FIND US ON FACEBOOK at Runcorn State School P&C Association | Facebook

Community News