Runcorn State School eNewsletter

From the Principal

On Tuesday we celebrated Harmony Day. A strength of Runcorn is its diversity. Many students came dressed in their national clothes or in orange. Celebrating Harmony day extends to understanding and respecting differences of all kinds. It fosters inclusiveness, respect and the idea that people of all different cultures can make a valuable contribution to society. Our Student Code of Conduct and You Can Do It program 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. #everyonebelongs.

Would you like to see more of on the Runcorn SS Facebook page?

Poll is closed

P & C AGM

We had our P&C AGM and general meeting on Monday. I look forward to working with and congratulate the following members of our community who were voted onto the executive committee:

President: Vacant, to be filled
Secretary: Nadera Kingsley
Treasurer: Zoee Forder

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Debbie Linford for her service as President of our P&C for the last 5 years. Debbie has been incredibly passionate about the role the P&C plays in supporting our students. The school would like to acknowledge the valuable contribution she has made in assisting our school to deliver quality educational outcomes.

We need your input!

We are seeking Community Feedback, to inform our future strategic planning, articulating what we value at Runcorn State School. We would love to hear what you and your child love about our school. We will send out surveys throughout the year to get feedback from as many families as possible. In the meantime feel free to email us at admin@runcornss.eq.edu.au

Tell us:

STARS - What you love about Runcorn State School
WISH - What you think we could improve

Smoking on school grounds

A reminder that smoking is banned at all Queensland state and non-state schools (school facilities), and for 5 metres beyond their boundaries. The law applies at all times-during and after school hours, on weekends and during school holidays. It includes the use of all smoking products, including electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes are also known as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, vape pens or personal vapourisers. They heat liquid, which usually contains nicotine, into a fine vapour for inhalation into the lungs.

Five metre buffer zone

The buffer zone is a no-smoking area around the perimeter of schools (school facilities) and early childhood education and care facilities. The buffer zone extends for 5 metres beyond the facility land boundary. This area does not extend into residential or business premises that share a boundary with school or early childhood education and care facility land.

Morning Messages

Morning messages in Girraween Place is our way of providing updates on ongoing activities and other critical information to staff and students first thing in the morning. We can ensure that if a teacher is away the TRS teacher and the class will still receive important information. Morning messages are a valuable strategy to help set the tone for the day and build a sense of school community. They establish predictability and routine and are a way for staff to share information about school activities happening that day.

Attendance

As we near the end of term it is timely to promote regular school attendance as we can’t take our foot off the peddle. Students whose yearly attendance is at 90% means that the student over the course of a year will miss 4 weeks of school.

Some further statistics:

85% Attendance = students miss 6 school weeks per year
80% Attendance = students miss 8 school weeks per year
70% Attendance = students miss 12 school weeks per year

If your child is going to be absent from school, you must let the school know why the absence has occurred. Establishing good routines around school can assist with regular school attendance.

These include:

a set time to go to bed
preparing the uniform and school bag the night before
a set time for starting and finishing breakfast
setting a regular time for daily homework activities
speaking about school positively
sending your child to school every school day, including their birthday

If you are experiencing difficulty in sending your child to school, contact the school for advice and support. Remember, every day counts at Runcorn!

Complaints Management

Every day at Runcorn, the staff work hard and make every effort to deliver the best education for the students academically, socially and emotionally. Decisions are made with the best interest of the child at the forefront. Occasionally, as parents or carers, these decisions might concern you. Often, incidents are reported by students from one perspective. Every complaint made is investigated and we get various perspectives, as per the Student Code of Conduct. The first point of call is with the teacher. It is best that parent and teacher meet to consider the concern. Most often concerns can be resolved right there at its early stages. However, if after trying this, the matter is still an issue, then you are welcome to contact the Deputy Principal or Principal. Every problem has a solution.

Celebrations

Many faiths have celebrations at this time of the year, Naw Ruz, the festival of colour (Holi), Ramadan and Easter. Best wishes for all. This is the final newsletter for Term 1. We have continued to focus on the real work – teaching and learning and have achieved many milestones. Have a good rest and stay safe.

Meg McClure

From the Deputy Principal

2024 Prep enrolments

School tour for interested 2024 Prep families will take place on Thursday 9.30am-10.00am. Please let friends and family know about our wonderful Prep program and to submit an application now for our wait list.

2023 NAPLAN is finished

Thank you to our P&C for providing the NAPLAN breakfast for our Year 3 and Year 5 students. It was a wonderful start to the program. Our Year 3 and Year 5 students are to be congratulated for their calm and responsible approach to the NAPLAN tests.

Roberta Matlock

From the Head of Department - Inclusion

Light It Up Blue for Autism Awareness Day. Autism is also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ‘Spectrum’ refers to the wide range of characteristics, skills and abilities that different people with Autism have. No two people are affected by Autism in exactly the same way. Every person experiences Autism differently and has different support needs. Although the core characteristics of Autism can cause a range of challenges, it is important to recognise that they can also result in unique skills and capabilities.

While Autism is a life-long condition, with appropriate and tailored support, children and Adults with Autism can make significant progress and live fulfilling lives. So where ever you are on Sunday April 2^nd, wear blue in support of our little people with Autism.

Jillian

Norman's News

I have had a wonderful past “pawtnight” between Newsletters, spending time working with lots of students in all year levels. I would like to give a big woof-out to the boys and girls in 2B who were kind enough to write a procedure about “How to Wash a Dog” and invite me along to try it out! Fortunately the day that we chose for my bath was extrememly hot and therefore the students didn’t mind sharing some of the water with me as I shook myself dry! It was so much fun listening to the squeals as I kindly shared my water with them!!

I also celebrated my “official” 2^nd birthday on Wednesday 22^nd March. Thank you for all the amazing love, pats and cards that I was given. I can’t wait to “pawty” with everyone next Thursday 30^th March after school at our Community Picnic! Don’t forget to bring along some treats to eat, a picnic rug to sit on, and some energy for running and playing on the oval and playground! I hope to see you there!

Until next time, Big licks and tail wags,

Norman

From the Head of Department - Curriculum

Writing at Runcorn

Our students have been working tirelessly this term to improve their writing. Below is some impressive work from authors across our school. Impressive!

I am scared. The house is not clean and I think the window is broken.
I think there’s spiders.
Why does the roof have trees on it? Why is the street grassy?
I don’t like this home!
I saw Mum. I said “Mum! What’s behind you?”
“What do you need?”
“Turn around Mum! You’re not Mum!”
“Come here my son.”
“No, you monster!”
I have to run faster. Why are the students looking at me? I have to run
-Petros Yr 4

Rabbits are better than Fish.

Rabbits are better than Fish. Rabbits have smart brains and make their own place to sleep. Rabbits are extremely cute and cuddly. And when you feel sad or mad then rabbits will calm you down. Rabbits are better than Fish, soon you will agree.

Firstly, Rabbits have smart brains and can be clever. They can also make their own homes. Rabbits can even see what wonder think touch and taste. They are better than fish.

Rabbits also are cute and cuddly. when you hug them, you can feel the softness and cuddliness. They can be whatever they want in their life. And you do not even need to cry or be mad. Even if they are pest, you can still be friends with them. And I love bunnies even and I wish I can have one, but I can’t have one because it is the Queensland’s rules. Bunnies can calm you down like easy peasey. Everyone can love bunnies even if they are pest. Please can we get a real class pet? Now you will agree Rabbits are better than fish. -Saya, Yr 3

I walked slowly up the cobbled path and saw a house covered in green, thick vines. I shivered. The house was not the thing I wanted to live in. I was always wanting for adventure so I climbed up the brown, wooden stairs and into the old, dusty house, eager to find something that no human has found out yet.

Inside the house, it was like a spider zoo! The house was like what witches used to live in a fairy tale. The house had wooden floors, green ceiling and a very pink creaky door. I winced as the pink door made its very loud “creak” as I entered a bedroom saying “pink room” on the wall. No wonder it said “pink room”, everything was pink. Pink ceiling, pink rug, pink curtains, pink wall, pink bed and many more pink furniture. It was kind of pretty but I would liked if the room was purple. Suddenly a spider jumped up to me suspiciously and said “Grrrrr!”

To Be Continued… -Jennifer, Yr 4

The old Mansion

I took one step closer to the door. I was as frightened and brave as a mouse seeing a cat’s shadow. A dark, old, abandoned mansion loomed over my head awaiting for someone to encounter the mystery…

I was only one step away from that door. I felt a shiver run down my scared spine. I was trembling with fear as I touched the ancient, wooden knob. I wanted to run away but I couldn’t!

Wait a minute!... I was stuck! It seemed as if my feet were glued to the floor! Suddenly I saw a… I can’t believe this but I saw a leprechaun! The leprechaun was floating mid-air! It seemed to have a musical voice! I couldn’t make out what the tiny, mysterious creature was saying but I heard “You mu anser thi widle” he said. He then turned into um… sorry but I said that totally incorrect! He ‘magically transformed’ into a vampire! The said “YOU MUST ANSWER THIS RIDDLE OR YOU WILL FACE THE END OF LIFE!”

I was horrified at this news! “TIME FOR THE RIDDLE,” he cackled, maniacally.
I tried to sound brave. “OK” I said.
“What are four days of the week that start with ‘T’?” he asked.
I thought for a while but it seemed like a millennium. Finally I said: “Tuesday, Thursday, today and tomorrow.”
“CORRECT” the ‘vampire’ exclaimed. “You may enter the mansion!”

-Aryana, Yr 4

Runcorn Writers Rock!

Last week, our Year 3 and 5 students were lucky enough to participate in writing workshops with our author in residence, Mr France. Students worked collaboratively to plan exciting narratives and use exciting language to engage readers in their stories. Students also worked together to create amazing sentences showcasing their understanding of persuasive devices. Runcorn writers rock!

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 18^th 6pm Runcorn State High School

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

Cross Country

Cross Country Thursday 30th March 9am – 11am

The Runcorn Cross Country Run will be held next week, Thursday 30^th starting at 9am for students in years 3-6. Parents are invited to attend and support students participating on the day. Please return your permission slip you have not already sent it in.

Please have students wear appropriate running shoes, sports uniforms, pack sunscreen and bring plenty of water for the day. A clean change of shirt is suggested for after the race.

The top 6 finishers in 10 yrs, 11yrs and 12yrs old age groups will be invited to attend districts. Wishing our students all the best for the day!

Michael Kraynik
PE Teacher

Environment Club News

The Environment Club has resumed paper and cardboard recycling. This usually happens on a Thursday or Friday. So far, the collection has been going well with most classes remembering to only put paper and cardboard in these bins. Just a reminder that tissues must not be placed in the Recycling Bins.

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.

We are also working towards re-establishing the Heritage Garden beds once the construction of the seating is completed. We would like to be able to start producing salad for the Tuckshop and would appreciate any donations of seedlings (not seeds). Lettuce and tomato seedlings are the most frequently used items in the Tuckshop.

Above is some information you may share with your family about where plastic ends up. Sadly, the recycling of soft plastics has been paused, but hope in the future this will return. In the meantime, there may be other ways to recycle or reduce the plastic we use. We just need to be THINKERS!!

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

Japanese News

Sakura (cherry blossom season) is on the way! Year 4 students created Sakura art and Jacaranda art in groups. Next week they will learn a folk tale which involves the Sakura tree.

Year 5 students have completed a hiragana writing booklet this term. Students enjoy reading short and simple hiragana books. Some students love to act these out!

Also they have created a bag tag with a shrink plate after learning to write their own name in Katakana writing which is used for loan words.

Year 6 students challenged reading assessments. When they sound out a word and figure that it is the word which they are familiar with, they feel sense of achievement and this experience motivates them to learn a little further.

Parent consent form

Year 4 Japanese Tea ceremony incursion – due Friday 31/03
Year 6 Japanese online exchange
(more exchange activities to do through the year) – over due (submit ASAP)

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.