Newsletter Term 1 Week 5

From the Principal

2023 will be an exciting year at Runcorn. As the Principal of the school, I am blessed to have a team that are committed to achieving for all students. This is done by setting high expectations and developing an understanding of each child. I look forward to seeing all the students at school every day and encourage parents/caregivers to connect with your child’s teacher so that your child can see a strong partnership between home and school. The strength in this partnership can only result in positive learning outcomes for your child.

Parent Information Sessions

Thank you to the parents and carers who were able to attend the Parent Information sessions. I trust that the information provided was useful to you and that you were able to connect with the teachers and other parents in the class. Each term, Year level teams will upload a newsletter with information about the term ahead. This will include an overview of the units being taught, important dates and upcoming excursions or incursions. If you are unable to access this newsletter, let your class teacher know.

School Review

The Department of Education regularly reviews Queensland State Schools to ensure they're delivering a quality education to students. All Queensland State Schools are reviewed at least once every 4 years. The school review supports each school to differentiate its improvement journey by building on current strengths and assisting it to respond to challenges. It emphasises continuous improvement and affirms that every student, no matter their background or circumstance, has a right to learn in a school committed to improvement. It maintains that every school can continue to improve. Community feedback is an essential part of the reviews, with staff, parents, students and the community encouraged to have their say.

Runcorn will be having a school review in 2023 from the 16th to 18th of May. As a school we look forward to this process to set our future goals and continue to be the best school we can be. If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact the school administration team.

Volunteer!

We need volunteers! Thank you to all who completed the P&C’s Just One Thing form that was distributed at the Parent Information Session. If you did not receive one please see your child’s class teacher. Volunteers are essential to the work in classrooms and schools. Please consider supporting our school. All volunteers must sign in at the office and complete the mandatory training.

Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) tender process 2023 - second notice

Any agreement with an OSHC provider runs for a period of five years, with the potential to extend for another two, two-year terms. The service provision is required to go out to tender every nine years or more frequently if required, with formal reviews undertaken at key junctures.

Runcorn State School will run this process this year as PCYC have been at Runcorn State School for 9 years. This process is under the direction of Procurement Branch of the Department of Education.

The tender process will be discussed again at the next P and C meeting on March 20. If you would like to provide feedback regarding the current provider or offer suggestions on what you would like the successful provider to offer, please email admin@runcornss.eq.edu.au

A few things to consider:

• Pay close attention to the parking signs on the neighbouring streets.
• The staff car park is for staff only. It should not be used for parking or for dropping off or picking up students.
• All volunteers must have completed the Code of Conduct and Student Protection training for 2023 and must sign on at the office.
• Volunteers who are not parents of students at this school must have a Blue Card.
• Students must wear school uniform and this include black shoes and plain white/black socks.
• Join your P&C or nominate for School Council.

Meg McClure

From the Deputy Principal

NAPLAN 2023

National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)  is the  national literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year and assesses the skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards and over time. NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It doesn’t replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.

• Your child will do the NAPLAN tests online as Schools have transitioned from paper-based to computer-based assessments. The online assessments are tailored (or adaptive) testing, where the test presents questions which may be more or less difficult depending on a student’s responses. Tailored testing allows a wider range of student abilities to be assessed and measures student achievement more precisely. A student’s overall NAPLAN result is based on both the number and complexity of questions they answer correctly. Your child should not be concerned if they find questions challenging; they may be taking a more complex test pathway
• All Year 3 students will continue to complete the writing assessment on paper  
• A NAPLAN individual student report will be provided by your child’s school later in the year
• The NAPLAN test window starts on Wednesday 15 March and finishes on Monday 27 March 2023
• Please direct any questions about NAPLAN and adjustments that are available for students with disability with your child’s class teacher
• Schools will work with parents/carers and students to identify, on a case-by-case basis, reasonable adjustments required for individual students with disability to access NAPLAN. Adjustments should reflect the support normally provided for classroom assessments, so please see your child’s teacher this.
• To find out more about NAPLAN and see the types of questions and tools available in the online NAPLAN assessments parents are invited visit:  https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site

  Roberta Matlock

From the Head of Department - Curriculum

Lego Club

Lego Club starts this week!  Students from Prep to Year 6 are welcome to come along and build to meet our weekly challenge.  Stay tuned for photos of amazing builds to come.

The Big Write

The Big Write was introduced at Runcorn Term 4, 2021 and continued throughout 2022.   In 2023 we will continue to use The Big 5 and The Big Write when working on writing.

The Big 5 is a list of writing behaviours that all Runcorn Writers use. These writing behaviours underpin successful writing from Prep to Year 6 and are linked to the Australian Curriculum.  These will be explicitly taught to the students and will link with their individual writing goals.

THE BIG 5

PLAN

Organise our ideas and stick to it!

INTERESTING VOCAB

Use a range of level 1, 2 & 3 words to engage our audience

RANGE OF SENTENCES

Use a range of simple, compound and complex sentences

PUNCTUATION TO ENHANCE MEANING

Choose the best mark to demonstrate your meaning

EDIT TO IMPROVE

Check our work makes sense and matches our plan with correct spelling & punctuation

Every Thursday all students will participate in The Big Write.  The Big Write gives students an opportunity to apply and practice The Big 5 writing skills and get feedback from their teacher.  All classes will use a common stimulus or writing prompt and will have at least 20 minutes to create a piece of writing.  We will be finding many ways to share and celebrate writing throughout our school, including sharing samples from students, teachers and teacher aides and our community in the newsletter and around the school.  I will add our prompts from each Big Write to the newsletter so if any Mums, Dads, Grandparents, or other special adults would like to be part of the Big Write feel free to send your pieces through on email to rlasa2@eq.edu.au .  It would be wonderful to add your writing to our display boards for the students to read or even the newsletter (if you are feeling brave). 

Below are our schoolwide prompts from weeks 4 & 5 – Happy Writing!

Rachel La Sala

Music Matters

Save the date:

Term 2 Week 5 May 15-18th- Karawatha Music Program (Year 4, 5 and 6) Evening concert Thursday 18th 6pm RSHS

Instrumental Music 

It’s great to see students at rehearsals and in lessons. Could parents and students please ensure that when arriving for Senior Band (7:45am) or Senior Strings (7:30am) that they arrive on time and not earlier as there is no supervision provided for students who are here before start time.

Senior Choir – Singfest

Singfest is an annual massed choral event for state school primary students from years 4-6. On the day of the event, each school comes together to workshop repertoire in a massed choir of all the schools present on the day, culminating in a concert for families. This performance is an exciting opportunity for young vocalists.

The date for Singfest this year is to be confirmed but usually runs in week 7 or 8 of term 3. Tickets to this event sell out fast and need to be pre-purchased by the school in Term 1. Payment will be made to the school closer to the event and will be approximately $25. To enable the school to secure tickets we need to know numbers of students interested in attending. Please note the majority of our repertoire studied in choir this year leads up to this occasion.

Please note that parents must be available to collect their child from the venue after the performance.

An Expression of Interest form for Singfest has been sent home.  If you would like to attend please return the form to the office by Monday 27th February.

Ms Mariel Hopper (mxhop2@eq.edu.au)

Cross Country

Cross Country Thursday 30th March 9am – 11am

A permission note was recently sent out regarding the cross country for this term and the dates were incorrect.  An updated note with the correct information has been sent home with students this week.  Please note for your calendar that the Year 3-6 Cross-country Carnival will be held on Thursday the 30^th March from 9am till 11am and all parents are welcome to attend.

 Michael Kraynik
HPE Teacher

School Council

The School Council is seeking a parent representative.  At Runcorn State School, the School Council is responsible for the strategic direction of our school, ensuring that the policies and procedures involved in this planning are discussed and reviewed by both members of staff and the parent community.

Our School Council meets once per term, on a Monday at 3:15pm.

If you would like any further information, please email Jasmin Stewart (jstew445@eq.edu.au).

Environment Club News

The Environment Club will resume paper and cardboard recycling in the next couple of weeks. Somewhere in your child’s classroom, there will be paper recycling bins like the ones pictured below. Year 4 and 5 students will quietly collect these bins and return it empty. This will usually happen on a Thursday or Friday. Please talk to your child about ONLY paper and cardboard going into these bins. In 2022, some classes found placing this bin separate to the general waste bin helped students to remember.

Collection of plastic bottles, poppers etc for the Containers for Change program will also resume. Year 5/6 students will place clear containers in both junior and senior eating areas each day. We raised $250 worth of much need funds for the school in 2022 and hoping to raise more in 2023. We now have the Wave of Change wheely bins in the school (pictured), and hoping all Runcorn State School families will access the green bins as well. We have also left the Runcorn State School Scheme ID if that is easier to use.

Looking forward to working alongside everyone to make a difference to the thinking around the Environment and Sustainability within Runcorn State School.

The Environment Club

Mrs McNamara and Mrs Anglim

jmcna155@eq.edu.au         sangl1@eq.edu.au    

Norman's News

Dog-gone it! What a fun “paw”tnight I have had working with lots of students at Runcorn.

I’ve been barking mad to see the learning that has been happening in Prep already this year! Lots of students are already showing their thinking, collaboration and communication skills through activities in and outside of the classroom. I have been pawtunate to be there to share in their knowledge about shapes, to read and hear about their experiences with a class teddy named “Geraldine” and also to have learned through play during outside learning time – where I especially love the sandpit and the obstacle course. I think these might be two of the Prep students favourite activities as well!

I was also very proud to have been the recipient of a number of letters, drawings and a new ball from some Year 3 and 4 students this week. The creativity, enthusiasm and love that is shown to me makes my heart melt. I will be very busy in the coming days as I try to use my paws as “duckhands” to sound out the words to reply to the letters. I wonder if you like getting letters too?

If you have any questions for me, or for my handler, Mrs Schooth, please do not hesitate to reach out at jscho128@eq.edu.au

Until next time, Big licks and tail wags,

Norman                        

From the Administration Office

Student Resource Scheme (SRS)

​The SRS provides students with cost-effective resources.  It was unanimously agreed at the P&C Meeting on 20 November 2022  that the cost of the SRS Scheme for 2023 will be a flat fee of $40.00 per student with no family discount as per departmental guidelines.  This is a reduction of $20.00 from the 2022 SRS fee. Forms and invoices will be sent to parents at the commencement of the 2023 school year.

A reminder also, that from 2021, the Participant Agreement Form that Parents/Caregivers sign are valid for the duration of your child's enrolment at Runcorn State School unless Parents/Caregivers inform the school otherwise by completing a new Participation Form.

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.

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.

School Zone Safety - Advice for Motorists

School Childrens crossing are identified by children crossing flags, which are displayed near crossings before and after school hours.

When the crossing is supervised, motorists must:

• wait until all pedestrians, bicycle or personal mobility device riders have crossed the road and the crossing supervisor has returned to the footpath
• abide by the direction given by the School Crossing Supervisor.

If the crossing is unsupervised, motorists must:

• give way to pedestrians, bicycle or personal mobility device riders on or entering a children’s, pedestrian or marked foot crossings
• give way to pedestrians, bicycle or personal mobility device riders on or entering a road you’re turning into
• give way to pedestrians, bicycle or personal mobility device riders on a slip lane
• give way to pedestrians in a share zone
• travel at a speed allowing you to stop safely at a crossing if needed

As a driver, it's important to make sure you give way to all pedestrians, bicycle or personal mobility device riders  such as skateboards, e-scooters.  You must also give way to pedestrians using a motorised mobility device such as a motorised wheelchair or a mobility scooter.

Some of our most vulnerable road users are children getting to and from school, so it’s important to slow down and abide by the crossing rules, as it won’t make much difference to the trip time, but it could very well save lives.

Visit the Street Smarts website to find more information about what to do at pedestrian and children crossings.

P&C News

TO OUR RUNCORN COMMUNITY

Holiday Chocolate Basket Raffles and ‘Guess how many eggs are in the jar’ competition.

If you would like to donate to our chocolate basket raffle, we are taking donations of chocolate eggs or bunnies and holiday themed activities.  Donations can be placed in the basket provided in the school office from Monday 27^th February. Tickets for our raffle will be available for purchase from Tuesday 14^th March, outside the Tuckshop or via Flexischools.  Guesses for ‘Guess the eggs’ will also be available outside the Tuckshop from the 14^th March.  Guesses will be $1 a guess and raffle tickets will be $2 or 3 for $5.

NAPLAN Breakfast – Wednesday, 15^th March.

The P&C will provide a free breakfast from 8:15 on the first day of Naplan testing for all Year 3 and 5 students.  Students will enjoy freshly made pancakes and milo. If you are available for a short time to help cook pancakes and serve our students please contact Angela, rsspccom@outlook.com.

More information on our upcoming events is coming home via students. Keep an eye out!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

The AGM will be held on Monday 20th March at 6:30pm in the Resource Centre/Library. The AGM is the meeting where all executive and support positions become vacant, and each role is open for nomination. Sadly, some of our current Executives will not be re-nominating, so for the P&C to continue to function we need parent/carer support.  You can do this by considering becoming a member or nominating and taking up a position. Some positions only require a few hours of work per month, while others are a little more involved.  All positions, except President, have the option of having an assistant. Why not team up with a friend to lighten the load? Being a member of the P&C is a great way to meet new friends, it allows you to know what is happening within the school and contributes to your child’s education.

Our current Executive team would be happy to discuss what’s involved. Contact them at rsspcsecretary@outlook.com or rsspctreasurer@outlook.com. You can also speak with our Community Operations Manager, Angela, rsspccom@outlook.com, for further information.

Roles to be filled:

Executive positions – President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer.

Support positions – Social media/Fence coordinator, Uniform Shop coordinator, Events coordinator, Fundraising coordinator, Grant coordinator.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE CANNOT FORM A P&C COMMITTEE?

• Loss of parents’ voices being heard about school-related decisions

Please consider how you can play a role in supporting the Uniform Shop, Tuckshop, Discos as fundraising for the school.  Please come to the AGM. 

TUCKSHOP

Operating Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (8:30am - 1:45pm)
• Monday and Tuesday (over the counter sales only, 11:15 – 11:45)

We love to welcome volunteers at the Tuckshop. Please contact, Jodie or Angela at tuckshop@runcornss.eq.edu.au or pop in on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.

Jobs include putting order stickers on bags, food preparation, baking, packing orders. No experience is necessary. The Tuckshop is also fully AIR CONDITIONED.

NEW MENU ITEM

Teriyaki Chicken Don is NOW available to order every Thursday. Limited quantities available.

Did you know you can order for your child's Term 1 birthday? 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. (Cupcakes only available Wednesday-Friday).

You may have noticed our prices have had a small increase.  We unfortunately could not continue to absorb the increase in prices on grocery products. We thank the community for their ongoing support of the Tuckshop service.

UNIFORM SHOP

Operating Hours

Monday 2:45 pm – 3:15 pm

Tuesday 8:15 am – 8:45 am

Whilst the hot weather seems to be sticking around for a bit longer, it is important to start thinking about getting organised for the cooler months.  Winter uniform pre orders need to be submitted by next week, Wednesday 1^st March. We also have some second-hand options available, but you will need to get in early to snap up a bargain. Orders can be placed during opening times on Monday and Tuesday or can be emailed to rssuniform@outlook.com

Did you know the Uniform Shop also stocks second hand items? Drop in and see what is available. Thank you to those families who have donated their uniforms. If you would like to donate your second-hand uniforms or any stationery items, please send them in with your child and let us know via email (rssuniform@outlook.com) and we will collect from their classroom. They can also be dropped to the Uniform Shop during opening hours.

Can’t get in during opening hours? Orders can be emailed 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)

Thank you to those community members who have reached out to Volunteer already. If you would like to Volunteer, please contact rssuniform@outlook.com or rsspccom@outlook.com

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

Prep 2023 - (1) RSS - Prep 2023 | Facebook
Year 1 - (1) RSS - Grade 1 2023 | Facebook
Year 2 – (1) RSS - Grade 2 2023 | Facebook
Year 3 - (1) RSS - Grade 3 2023 | Facebook
Year 4 – (1) RSS - Grade 4 2023 | Facebook
Year 5 - (1) RSS - Grade 5 2023 | Facebook
Year 6 – (1) RSS - Grade 6 2023 | Facebook

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

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