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Newsletter Term 2 Week 7

From the Principal

As we near the end of term, we understand that this is an important time for students as they complete their remaining work to wrap things up. Teachers are now in the middle of compiling and finalising reports and talking with students about their assessments. This feedback process is very important as our students understand what they have done well over the term and what might become a focus for Semester 2.

Year 5 Camp

Last week I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend the Year 5 camp with Mrs Cramb, Mrs McNamara and the Year 5 cohort. The camp at Mt Tamborine provided opportunities for students to develop the skills of communication, valuing others and resilience. The team challenges provided the students with opportunities to be in the 'learning pit', and dig deep and really push themselves to try again and again when things got tough. As educators, we recognise the importance of resilience in enabling young people to flourish both academically and personally. Research shows that resilient children are more likely to succeed in school, build positive relationships, and develop emotional intelligence. Moreover, they are better equipped to deal with stress, anxiety, and adversity throughout their lives. In light of this, I would like to recommend that you continue to foster and encourage resilience in your child at home. There are a number of ways that you can do this, such as:

Encouraging your child to take on new challenges and try new things
Praising effort rather than just achievement
Teaching your child positive self-talk and framing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow
Modelling resilience and problem-solving skills in your own life

Australian Curriculum Update

You may be aware that ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) released an updated curriculum in the second half of last year. At Runcorn State School, we are following an implementation plan that helps our teachers to familiarise themselves with the updated version 9 curriculum requirements. During this year, we will be digging into the changes and modifications of Australian Curriculum version 9 and planning for effective implementation of English and Mathematics in 2024. The updated curriculum includes:

A Focus on Real-World Skills: Australian Curriculum version 9 places a significant emphasis on developing real-world skills that will prepare our students for the challenges of the future. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy.
Streamlined Content: The updated curriculum has undergone a streamlining process to ensure a more focused and manageable learning experience for our students. This means that while maintaining essential knowledge and skills, the content has been refined to provide clearer learning outcomes and reduce unnecessary overload.
Cross-Curricular Connections: Australian Curriculum version 9 promotes meaningful connections across different subject areas. Students will be able to explore and understand concepts holistically, recognising the interconnectedness of knowledge.
Digital Technologies: With the rapid advancement of technology, it is essential for our students to develop digital literacy skills. The updated curriculum integrates digital technologies across various subject areas, enabling our students to become confident users of technology, creative problem solvers, and responsible digital citizens.

The other learning areas of the Australian Curriculum (Science, Humanities, The Arts, Technologies, Health and Physical Education) will be rolled out over the coming years as per Education Queensland implementation schedule. If you would like more information about version 9 Australian Curriculum, please visit https://v9.australiancurriculum.edu.au

Prep Enrolments for 2024 now open

Recently, we welcomed families to our school for a Prep Year Information session and a morning tour of the school. There are still opportunities to access these events in Term 3. In terms of the enrolment process, parents are invited to complete an enrolment form and collect an enrolment package from the front office. To help your child prepare for Prep in 2024 there are opportunities for our new students to join our Get To Know You and Pre-Prep sessions in Term 3 and Term 4. As well as our Orientation Day later in Term 4. This program is 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 2024 and to give us a clear idea about the number of classes we can form. All enrolments will require an interview.

Meg McClure

From the Deputy Principal

Prep 2024

Places are filling fast for our 2024 Prep placements. If you have children starting Prep in 2024 be sure to complete enrolment paperwork now to ensure you have a place.

National Sorry Day 26 May 2023

Thank you to all the students, siblings, parents, carers and staff who contributed their hand prints to our Sorry Day banner during our Under 8s Day activities.

Roberta Matlock

From the Head of Department - Inclusion

Meet Louise Henderson – Inclusion Teacher at Runcorn

Our children are our priority at Runcorn and we are very fortunate to be able to provide them some extra help to support them in their learning. Louise is an early year’s classroom teacher with experience teaching Years 1-3. This is her third year at Runcorn State School and her first year joining the Inclusion Team. Louise works part time supporting small groups of children in Years 2 and 4 with their reading and writing skills.

Jillian

Norman's News

At our recent Under 8s Day Celebration at Runcorn, Mrs Schooth and I were “pawtunate” to speak with some of the staff from our local child care centres. Many of these carers were interested about what it is I do, and while this isn’t always easy to explain, I thought I would share a snapshot of a typical day for me!

7.45- 8.45am: Arrive at school with Mrs Schooth. Greet everyone in the office and usually receive a treat or two while I’m getting pats and making everyone feel great about the day ahead. Some days I talk Mrs Schooth into a game of ball on the oval. This exercise helps me to be healthy and allows me to concentrate on the day better. Other days I have meetings to go to with Mrs Schooth. I always do my best to make staff smile and be available for pats if needed throughout the day.

8.45-9am: I am out and about receiving pats or escorting children to Girrawheen Place in order to listen to the morning messages. Some students find saying goodbye difficult on some mornings, so I am a pretty good distraction at this time. I also enjoy saying hello to siblings and other family members and meeting friends each morning. Students may learn about caring for an animal at this time too, as they help with my care, sometimes giving me a brush, or helping to make my crate comfortable or to get me fresh water for the day before going into class ready for learning.

9-11am: I usually work alongside Mrs Schooth with small groups of children who are learning key literacy skills. I love listening as they read stories or write sentences. I am helpful in being an attentive listener who isn’t judging, so I can help to build confidence, resilience and persistence with learning new skills.

11-12pm: I have my lunch break. Twice a week though I am on duty in the Quiet Play Area. Children often seek me out here for a pat and they have a chat with Mrs Schooth and I away from the noise and activity that can sometimes be overwhelming on the oval and playground. Sometimes we help students make new friends as they share stories and activities there.

12-1.30pm: My work during the middle of the day can be in classrooms or with groups of students. Sometimes students share their work with me; sometimes I am used as a catalyst for investigations (for example, how long is Norman; how could I write a procedure to bath Norman; what would Norman wear to help him keep warm; what are the needs of Norman as a living thing?). Mrs Schooth is always there to assist with this learning also.

1.30-2pm: I have an afternoon tea break.

2-3pm: Some afternoons I attend parade and assist with congratulating students receiving awards. Other afternoons I work in classrooms or attend meetings with other teachers.

After school I go home to my family and best friend Harvey. I get to be a normal pet in the Schooth household after my day at work!

At all times during the day I can be called upon to help out with dysregulated behaviours, to assist students who are experiencing big emotions or just for general well-being duties. Sometimes students will come to me to share some exciting news or work they are proud of and that also makes me extremely proud and grateful for their trust and love. I am always alongside Mrs Schooth so if you do have any comments or questions now that you know a little more about my role, we would love to hear from you at jscho128@eq.edu.au

Until next time, Big licks and tail wags,

Norman

From the Head of Department - Curriculum

National Simultaneous Storytime

Last Wednesday Runcorn participated in National Simultaneous Storytime, we joined libraries, schools and childcare centres around Australia in reading ‘The Speedy Sloth’ all at the same time. We celebrated around Runcorn in many different ways including learning about sloths, creating sloth artwork and watching sloths from Singapore Zoo! 2B wrote some fantastic sloth Cinquains that they have shared with me – I’ve included a few below for you to enjoy.

Rachel La Sala

Music Matters

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

Health Happenings

At the beginning of Week 5, two tickets from each year level were randomly selected on assembly. Our Principal, Ms McClure, celebrated with those students at a special afternoon tea. The next afternoon tea with Ms McClure will be held at the end of Week 10.

Our focus this fortnight are the Resilience Key and Communicator Learning Asset.

Resilience at Runcorn State School looks like:

Students bouncing back from daily challenges
Students adopting a Growth Mindset and thinking positively
Students working independently and/or together to solve problems
Students using strategies to help keep them calm and focussed

Effective Communicators at Runcorn State School are:

Confident
Responsive
Respectful

Staff across Runcorn State School will be actively looking for students displaying communication and resilience skills. Over the next fortnight, one student per class will be awarded with a certificate to acknowledge their dedication to consistently displaying these skills.

Sheridan Stirling

Environment Club News

The Environment Club has continued paper and cardboard recycling. This has been happening 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 is also going well. Year 5/6 students place clear containers in both junior and senior eating areas each day. The large Wave of Change wheely bin is filling up and we are waiting for a replacement. So pleased that Runcorn State School families are accessing the green bins as well. The Runcorn State School Scheme ID is below, if that is easier to use. All funds raised goes towards resources for the school.

We now re-established the Heritage Garden beds by planting tomato and lettuce seedlings kindly donated by Bunnings, Underwood. The 5/6M and Prep C students lovingly planted these seedlings during Buddies last Tuesday and will work together to water and tend to them. Hopefully, we will start supplying salad for the Tuckshop. Lettuce and tomato seedlings are the most frequently used items in the Tuckshop.

Ever heard of GREENWASHING?

Be Inquirers and investigate this concept with your class or families. Another space where we 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

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.

DID YOU KNOW?..... that using BPoint is a convenient and secure way to pay for your child's school invoices. BPoint is a user-friendly online payment platform that enables you to pay your school invoices quickly and easily, without having to worry about sending cash or cheques through the mail or visiting the school in person. It can also be done by phoning the school on 3323 8777, choosing Option 2 which will redirect you to the BPoint payment platform.

By using BPoint, you can make payments from the comfort of your home or office at any time, day or night. You can also track your payment history and receive email receipts for each transaction, making it easier to keep track of your expenses.

BPoint offers a secure and reliable payment system, ensuring that your personal and financial information is protected. It also helps reduce administrative costs for the school, which ultimately benefits the entire school community.

We strongly recommend giving BPoint a try for your next school invoice payment. It's an efficient and hassle-free way to pay your school fees.

We have also included some easy to follow instructions. If you still require further assistance with the process please contact our friendly Admin team!

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.

P&C News

Loose Change Challenge

Our Class Vs Class Loose Change Challenge has started. Classes are going head to head to see who will be crowned the highest earners in the school. The winning class will receive a class PIZZA PARTY and the runner up class will celebrate with an ice block bucket. The Challenge runs until Wednesday, 21^st June. Class bottles will be located in Girrawheen Place every morning for students to place their money into.

Pyjama Day and Community Picnic

We will be holding our Community Picnic again this term on Friday, 16^th June from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. In conjunction with the Student Council, students are invited to wear their Pyjamas to school on this day and help raise money for the Pyjama Foundation by providing a gold coin donation.

The Pyjama Foundation was founded in 2004 to give children in foster care the opportunity to change the direction of their lives with learning, life skills, and confidence.

Through a simple program known as the Love of Learning Program, volunteers called Pyjama Angels are matched with a child in care, and spend just one hour a week focusing on learning based activities. Pyjama Angels read books aloud, play educational games, and help children with their homework. In that time, they demonstrate that this child is valued and loved.

TUCKSHOP

Operating Hours

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

If you have one or two hours free in the morning to volunteer, we would love to hear from you. Please come and see Jodie or Etsu in the Tuckshop or contact tuckshop@runcornss.eq.edu.au

State of Origin Meal Deal

Change of Date – Wednesday, 21^st June

Will it be BLUE or MAROON? To coincide with the end of the Loose Change Challenge the Tuckshop will be offering a State of Origin Meal Deal on Wednesday, 21^st June. The meal deal is now available to be ordered via Flexischools.

Tuckshop End of Term

Please be advised of the following:

Wednesday, 21^st June – State of Origin Meal Deal (regular service unavailable).

Thursday, 22^nd – Regular Tuckshop service with a limited menu.

Friday, 23^rd June – Over the counter items only. Closed for normal service.

Order for your Term 2 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). All birthday orders must be placed two days prior.

UNIFORM AND STATIONERY SHOP

rssuniform@outlook.com

The Uniform Shop is currently closed for onsite purchases until the end of this term due to current building works being done in that area.

If you would like to make an order you can do so using our online service.

How do I do that?

Order forms can be found on the school website. Download from here: Uniform Shop Order Form (eq.edu.au)
Email you completed order to rssuniform@outlook.com
Your order will be fulfilled and delivered to your child’s classroom.
If you require an exchange, please advise via email, and send your order back to school with your child to be collected and exchanged.

What improvements would you like to see made to help when purchasing uniforms?

Poll is closed

Contact Us

If you have an enquiry about the P&C or would like to become a member please reach out using one of the following email addresses:

Vice President – Rachael - rsspcvicepresident@outlook.com

Secretary – Nadera – rsspcsecretary@outlook.com

Treasurer – Zoee – rsspctreasurer@outlook.com

Community Operations Manager – Angela – rsspccom@outlook.com

Events Coordinator – Andrew – rsspcevents@outlook.com

Social Media Coordinator – Rahnia – rsspcfacebook@outlook.com

For any fence advertising enquiries please contact, Zoee – rsspcmarketing@outlook.com

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

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

The Thriving Kids and Parents Schools Project - FREE seminars for parents/carers

The pandemic has had a significant impact on children’s social and emotional development, resulting in increased levels of anxiety and significant challenges in developing healthy peer relationships. The Thriving Kids and Parents Schools Project (TKPSP) – Seminar Series is a post-COVID-19 initiative that aims to strengthen partnerships between schools and families by offering three FREE, highly relevant Triple P – Positive Parenting seminars for parents. The Commonwealth-funded project also includes a complementary brief teacher webinar session, and a summary of the strategies for teachers/school staff.

The interactive, online seminar package for parents includes:

Power of Positive Parenting (Triple P Seminar) Practical strategies to support children’s social and emotional development and to guide their behaviour.
Helping Your Child to Manage Anxiety (Fear-Less Triple P Seminar) Skills and strategies to support children manage their emotions and overcome challenges.
Keeping Your Child Safe from Bullying (Resilience Triple P Seminar) How to maintain good communication with the children, develop positive relationships, and address conflict and bullying.

The project team are excited to announce that the first seminar package has been well received by schools across Queensland and places for the first series of seminars are filling quickly. We are now in the process of offering this excellent opportunity to more QLD schools. Currently there are only places remaining for 40 schools.

When you register for the project you will receive:

Promotional materials to be distributed within your school network
Access to the complementary teacher resources

Your role as the school representative will involve promoting the TKPSP to parents/carers in your school community. You can register your interest via the following link: https://uqpsych.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6DSg5OyUuOW75mC

For more information, please see the project website.