Newsletter Term 3 Week 3
From the Principal
Term three has well and truly begun. Our school has always prided itself on its inclusiveness, strong values, and commitment to providing an exceptional education. Our dedicated teaching staff have been working hard to create stimulating and engaging learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Junior sports day provided our community with a great opportunity to connect and come together. It was great to see families cheer on our students through their participation in the sporting events. It was wonderful to see so many families come along to the 100 Days of Prep event and connect. The Preps did such a wonderful job of their song and it was lovely to see so many of them dressed up.
Congratulations Avant!
Avant will be representing Runcorn SS as a member of the Met West Regional rugby union team. He had to make a tough choice because the representation coincides with the Year 6’s Canberra trip. We wish him all the best with the upcoming tournament.
School Reveiw
We have received the School Review reports. I will present the reports at the next P&C Meeting on August 21, and distribute more information from the reports during the term. The Executive Summary has been uploaded to our website.
Some of the key affirmations in the report include:
- The school is held in high regard by staff, students and community.
- A culture of inquiry for staff and students is well embedded.
- Staff are strongly committed to meeting the individual learning needs of all students.
- There is a collegial culture of mutual trust and support among teaching staff.
The findings help guide our strategic plan for the next four years. We will ensure parents have opportunities to input into this plan.
Quadrennial School Review (QSR)
To continue with the QSR process, we are forming a committee which will include representatives from the School Council, P&C and Staff (teachers, administration staff, teacher aides, cleaners). The QSR process allows us to reflect on the past 4 years and our accomplishments and success aligned to our School’s Strategic Plan and develop our vision and actions for the 4 years of the School’s Strategic Plan.
The process involves:
- Unpacking the External Review report: provided by the Educational Improvement Branch (EIB)
- Drafting a School Strategic Plan: that has a clear strategic direction, improvement strategies, performance measures and targets and is aligned to Department of Education Strategic plan
- Verification and Endorsement: Regional Director verifies our plan and it’s signed and ready to enact from 2024
The review provides us with recommendations that will inform the strategic plan. As times and agendas change, we must be responsive. The balance between maintaining what is good and what needs to change is a fine line. After reading the Executive Summary, which is on our website, please provide any suggestions about the next four years you have directly to your P & C or school council so they can bring these to our QSR team.
Mobile Phones
If students have mobile phones at school, they must be handed in to the office when students arrive. Should students wear smart watches, they MUST be set to school mode. Remember that calls/messages should not be sent during school time and the taking of photographs with personal devices is not permitted.
School Opinion Survey
Thank you to all of those who have already completed the Parent/Caregiver Survey. If you have not had a chance to complete the survey yet, please note that the online surveys will remain open until Friday, 18 August 2023. This is your opportunity to provide feedback about what our school does well and how we can improve. To have your say, check your email for an invitation from the Department of Education titled School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2023.
Can’t find your invitation? If your family has more than one parent/caregiver, check that they haven’t received the invitation and/or check your junk email folder.
Meg McClure
From the Deputy Principal
2023 NAPLAN Test Results
Congratulations Runcorn State School. Our Year 3 and Year 5 student results are well above the QLD State in the Exceeding proficiency level for all 5 domains of writing, reading, spelling grammar and punctuation and numeracy. The Exceeding standing indicates that the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing.
In the Strong proficiency level, our Year 3 and Year 5 students are above or around the QLD State for all 5 domains of writing, reading, spelling grammar and punctuation and numeracy. The Strong standard indicates that students meet challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.
Whilst a new NAPLAN time series begins from 2023 and results from 2023 on cannot be directly compared to results from 2008 to 2022, the 2023 results indicate that our students are exceeding and strong with the expectations.
Roberta Matlock
From the Head of Department - Inclusion
Supporting Your Child's Literacy Skills at Home
The first few years of reading is a wonderful time for your child. Books expose them to new ideas and new worlds, and their imagination grows.
Talk positively about reading so your child also values it. Continue to read as much as you can with your child. When they feel confident, encourage them to take over some or all of the reading. Always be patient when they are reading and try not to emphasise speed. Also, try to read as much as possible yourself to model reading to your child.
Primary school years are a time when your child will learn more about the world. Engaging them in discussions improves their speaking skills, and helps them understand the world and their place in it.
In these years your child will also begin to write with greater confidence. The ability to write well enables your child to communicate effectively and will improve their chances of success at school and in their future careers. Encourage your child to write as often as possible, on a range of topics and interests.
Literacy can always be fun and engaging. Let your child choose books and activities matched to their interests, and always encourage a healthy dose of fun and play in all activities. This will help foster in your child a love of reading, talking and writing.
Jillian Chittenden
Norman's News
Out and about at Runcorn this “pawtnight” and what a fun time we have had! Mrs Schooth and I have been busy working with small groups of children, on the sporting field with students and their siblings, in classrooms… and even catching up with other teachers and their pooches on the weekend! What an amazingly diverse range of duties we carrry out in our role at Runcorn!
Please be aware that in the coming weeks Mrs Schooth and I are going to be focusing on my “vocalising”. While it is a normal part of dog behaviour to bark in unfamiliar situations, I am aware that I have a very loud “woof” which could be misconstrued.
Usually you will only hear me do this if I see an unfamiliar face and I am saying hello, or sometimes if I see students running on the concrete, but recently I have also been heard barking when I see other dogs in the neighbourhood.
I know that my loud “talking” is not what you want to hear from me, so therefore, we will be trialling an ultrasonic device and Mrs Schooth will be continuing with my training so that I am always on my best behaviour in our school grounds and classrooms. Please be patient with me while I learn and continue your beautiful manners in asking if I can be patted and not crowding me too much! I promise I will still talk to you but I will wait for Mrs Schooth to give her command “talk”.
Until next time, Big licks and tail wags,
Norman
From the Head of Department - Curriculum
Book Week 2023
Book Week is only a few short weeks away. We will be celebrating all things books and reading at Runcorn by decorating our classroom doors, sharing short listed texts as a whole school and our annual book character parade!
DATE CLAIMER Book Character Dress up Parade:
Wednesday 23 August 9:00-9:30am on the Basketball Court. Come dressed as your favourite book character. Families are welcome to join us in celebration (and costume!)
Rachel La Sala
Sports News
Taipans District Sport Track and Field Trials
On the 17th and 18th of July, some of us had the opportunity to represent Runcorn State School at Eastern Taipans. Going to Eastern Taipans Districts was an amazing experience. Not only was it an amazing opportunity to represent your school by doing a track and field event that you excel at, but a chance to meet new people and cheer for them, show sportsmanship. The track was humungous, 400 meters. We sat on the grandstands, watching as others competed and when it was our event, we competed. My experience was awesome, and I saw a few people I knew, mostly from other schhols. It was a great chance to catch up with them and meet their friends. The canteen was a bit overpriced though but was totally worth it when I tasted the chips. Districts was a great way to redeem yourself and test your limits when it comes to track and field. I hope everyone had a great time. I know I did.
Renae
We would like to congratulate Kai from 5C for being selected to join the Taipans District Team.
Music Matters
Save the date:
Save the date:
Week 6 Band performance on Parade- Monday 14th August
Week 6 Instrumental Music Recruitment Information Evening- Thursday 17th August
Week 8 Singfest- Senior Choir- Wednesday 30th August:
Week 9 Music Showcase Concert- Sunnybank State High School- all IM and Choirs (Senior and Year 3)- Wednesday 6th September.
Music Showcase Concert
We have our annual Music Showcase Concert on Wednesday 6th September, held at Sunnybank State High School. This is our major concert for our ensembles and Choirs (Senior and Year 3) and everyone is expected to attend. As this is an evening concert, please advise your ensemble teacher or Ms Hopper if you are unable to attend.
Attendance at all rehearsals in preparation for this concert is expected every week.
Further information will be provided in the coming weeks.
Senior Choir - Singfest
Singfest is an all day singing workshop that our choir will attend in Week 9, Wednesday August 30th. Students have been learning repertoire all year leading up to this event. A note will be going out over the following week so please ensure it is returned and payment is made.
Singfest- Parent volunteer
We are looking for 1 more parent volunteer to come along to Singfest and help us supervise during the day. This day will be from approximately 7:45am to 5pm finishing at The Old Museum. If you are interested in coming along, please contact Ms Hopper - mxhop2@eq.edu.au
It is a requirement that parent volunteers have completed their Code of Conduct and Student Protection training. See the office about this if you would like to complete it.
Attendance- IM rehearsals and Senior Choir
Attendance at all rehearsals is expected and very important at this time due to Singfest and the Music Showcase Concert. Please ensure students are there every week, on time and with any resources or instruments they need.
Strings and Band recruitment for 2024
Students in Year 2 in 2023 are eligible to apply for the Strings program starting in 2024. Students in Year 3 in 2023 who are not already in Strings are eligible to apply for the Band program starting in 2024.
There is an information evening for interested parents and students on Thursday 17th August at Runcorn Heights State School 6-7pm.
Please note there are only a small amount of positions available in each program and not everyone who would like to be in the program is able to be.
Selection is based off these factors:
- Aural test completed during Classroom Music during Term 3
- Semester 1 Music and Academic results
- Consultation with Classroom Teacher
- Attendance at our Recruitment Information Evening (held in Week 6)
- Assessment of physical suitability to instrument
It is a good time to discuss with your child if they may be interested in playing an instrument in 2024. Further questions please email Ms Hopper- mxhop2@eq.edu.au
Ms Mariel Hopper (mxhop2@eq.edu.au)
Health Happenings
Our assembly awards focus this fortnight are the Getting Along Key and the Collaborator Learning Asset.
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
Effective Collaborators at Runcorn State School are:
- Empathic
- Compassionate
- Reliable
Staff across Runcorn State School will be actively looking for students displaying skills of getting along and collaboration. Congratulations to all students who have been acknowledged so far! Getting along and collaboration makes Runcorn State School a better place to learn and grow.
Sheridan Stirling
School Photos - 1st and 2nd August
School Photos will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd August.
Order envelopes have been sent home. Sibling order envelopes are available in the office. Payment details are on the information sheet in the envelope. Please note that Monday is the last day that online payments can be made. Cash can be sent on photo day in the provided sealed envelope. Please ensure that correct cash is paid as change will not be available.
Please find your class photo day on the below schedule.
Uniform Requirements
Class / Leadership / Stings / Band / Choir / District Photos
Students are to be in full school uniform including white or black socks and black shoes. If any accessories are being worn in student's hair they are to be royal blue in colour.
Year 6 Graduation Photo - Students are to wear their senior shirts
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 and will work together to water and tend to them. Hopefully, we will start supplying salad for the Tuckshop. Lettuce and tomato 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
Community Coffee and Chat
Please join us on Tuesday, 15th August from 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm for a coffee and chat. Bring a friend and come and meet other parents or carers before picking up your children. Light refreshments will be provided. Small children are most welcome. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates and reminders.
SAVE THE DATE - Father's Day Afternoon and Stall
This year in lieu of a Father’s Day stall during class time the P&C are hosting a Father’s Day Afternoon. We invite all our wonderful Dad’s, Grandad’s, Uncles and Father figures, along with the whole family, to join in the fun on Friday, 25th August from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The event will offer a sausage sizzle, fun games like egg and spoon races and sack races, plus, if you would like to purchase a gift there will be a small stall available. More information to be sent home closer to the event.
Mango Fundraiser
Our annual mango fundraiser is fast approaching. Information and order forms will be sent home in Week 9 so families have plenty of time to collect orders from family and friends.
Tuckshop
tuckshop@runcornss.eq.edu.au
Operating Hours
- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (8:30am - 1:45pm)
- Monday and Tuesday (over the counter sales only, 11:15am – 11:45am)
Volunteers needed!
Friday is becoming increasingly busy, and we are needing volunteer help between 9 and 11 am. Unfortunately, the Tuckshop cannot continue to run a full menu without some extra helpful hands. If you can volunteer, please let us know via email, tuckshop@runcornstateschool.eq.edu.au or follow the instructions below to sign up online. No experience necessary.
1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp: https://signup.com/go/iBhmPbC
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.
Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact us so we can manually add you.
All volunteers who work a two-hour shift receive a complimentary lunch from the menu.
Ekka Tuckshop Special
The Tuckshop will be offering Ekka Specials on Thursday, 17th and Friday, 18th August.
Lunch: Dagwood Dog - $4
Afternoon Tea: Strawberry Ice-cream - $3.00
These items are ready to order via Flexischools. Scroll to the preferred date to order. All orders must be placed via Flexischools.
New Afternoon Tea Items
The Afternoon Tea menu has expanded. Order Dino nuggets, Mini meat pies and Apple Crumble now! Check out Flexischools to order.
UNIFORM AND STATIONERY SHOP
Operating Hours
- Monday (2:45pm – 3:15pm)
- Tuesday (8:15am – 8:45am)
If you would like to order online, you can do so using our online service.
- 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.
Contact Us
If you have an enquiry, would like to offer feedback or suggestions or you would like to become a member of the P&C, 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!
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
Community News
