Newsletter Term 3 Week 7

From the Principal

Science Expo

Our Science Expo was a wonderful success - what an amazing morning we had!  All of our students presented and experienced many hands-on Science experiments and learnt many new facts about our planet, forces, natural disasters, light, shadows, materials and life cycles! It was great to see so many families come and join us for the morning. We were also joined by our new Scientist in School, Dr Sarah Cresswell, who is the Head of Chemistry and Forensic Science at Griffith University. She is very excited about coming back to work with Runcorn students and teachers in the future.

Feedback

Thank you to the families who have provided feedback to help us plan our next four years. There is still time for you to be involved. If you would like send in your suggestions for the work that is important to you email us: admin@runcornss.eq.edu.au

Staff Changes

Ms Roberta Matlock is on long service leave for the last three weeks of the term. Mrs Jillian Chittenden will act as Deputy Principal. Mrs Julie Schooth will act as Head of Department – Inclusion and her learning support role will be filled by Annelies Bowie. Runcorn is lucky to have such depth in leadership and teaching capacity.

Online Safety & Online Behaviour – Appropriate Technology Use

Technology is everywhere in our homes and parents and carers play an important role in helping children to develop digital intelligence — the social, emotional and practical skills needed to successfully navigate the digital world.

Every family is different, and will have their own ideas around what’s considered ‘normal’ or acceptable use of digital devices. Please ensure you make the time to check in with your children and ensure appropriate security settings are in place.

Nine Digital Technology Guidelines for Parents

- Know what the rules and expectations are at school
Our school digital device policy and guidelines make a great starting point for families. Make sure that you and your child know what the rules are at school. Importantly, support the school and keep your own expectations in line with the schools.

- Specify hours for digital use
Set the ground rules for when your children can use their tablets and phones, and when they need to shut them off. It’s just a smart way to build a habit for the whole family so it becomes ingrained and just the way things are done in your home.

- Consider a digital device ‘contract’
Clearly set out your digital device usage guidelines, and print them in an agreement that you and your children can both sign. If there are any disputes, then you both have the expectations in writing.

- Lay out consequences from the start
Make the consequences clear for breaking the rules, such as taking away the device for a set period of time. But remember, the goal isn’t to punish them, but just to set clear boundaries. You can develop the guidelines together and they should be reasonable rather than excessive.

- Talk about respectful relationships, safety and inappropriate websites
Do not let your children loose in the digital world without having several conversations about how to stay safe online, how to show respectful behaviour and be aware of inappropriate websites. Each of these topics is a separate issue on its own, but each is deeply affected by the virtual, boundary-free nature of digital technology.

- Be prepared to learn
Be ready to learn about social media, and the different apps and games that your children might be playing.

- Change the rules if necessary
Be prepared to keep evolving your rules based on you children’s behaviour, maturity, sleep habits, their tendency to leave homework or chores unfinished, bullying or any number of issues that will invariably crop up to ensure they are clear around your expectations.

- Keep digital devices out of the bedroom
This is one rule that you should stay firm on.

- Have a ‘digital detox’ one day a week
The only way that this idea will work is if you join them in making one day a week a digital device-free day. They will probably not like it, and neither will you, but the point of having one day off is to prove that they can live without their digital device, and involve them in different forms of communication and entertainment. Click here to view more information: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Meg McClure

From the Deputy Principal

Prep 2024 Interviews

Please arrange an interview for Prep 2024 to confirm your child's place. 

Roberta Matlock

From the Head of Department - Inclusion

Meet Warda Abrahams – Our School Speech Pathologist

Please meet Warda Abrahams our Speech Pathologist.  This week is Speech Pathology week. The theme of Speech Pathology Week is ‘Communicating for life.’ SLPs work collaboratively as part of the school team, to build capability and support curriculum adjustment to meet the diverse needs of learners with communication difficulties. SLPs have expertise in building speech, language, literacy and communication skills across the lifespan; including key transitions starting strong, building on foundations, staying on track for success and being ready for the future.

Jillian Chittenden

Norman's News

Learning at Runcorn sometimes feels like the biggest “pawty”! There is always so much happening in and around the school – and this “pawtnight” has been no exception. I certainly sniffed out some incredible work at the Science Expo last week. The aroma of vinegar and bicarb soda was incredible in the Year 6 area… and there were some interesting textures to experience in the Year 1 Mystery Boxes! Well done to all students for showcasing your vast Scientific knowledge this again year and a big thank you to Mrs Jarvis for co-ordinating it all!

I have also been busy helping Mrs Henderson, Mrs Schooth and Mrs McNamara with our costumes for our Book Week celebrations. We are sure that you would have recognised us from a famous fairy “tail” during the Parade on Wednesday! Didn’t everyone look “spawctacular”? I was very honoured too to see Bella from Year 3 come dressed as me – she looked “pawfect”! I will be now working hard to read some books with Mrs Schooth so that we can also raise some funds during the Runcorn Readathon. I’d love to win the voucher to spend at the Book Fair – I’m sure there will be some great titles with amazing Dog characters. How are you all going with your fundraising?

Until next time, Big licks and tail wags,

Norman        

From the Head of Department - Curriculum

Book Week

What a wonderful week Book Week 2023 has been.  There have been many amazing activities in classrooms that have helped to ‘read, grow and inspire’ our Runcorn Learners this year.  You may have noticed classrooms have decorated their doors to suit a book they have been reading in class – which is your favourite? Thank you to all of the families that joined us for the Book Week Costume Parade on Wednesday, it was wonderful to have you all there to help celebrate our favourite books and characters.  You can see from the photos below that our teachers also had a pile of fun getting into the spirit of the day!

Runcorn Readathon

We only have one more week left of the Runcorn Readathon – times flies when you’re reading great books!  All funds raised will need to be returned to school by Wednesday 6^th September 2023 via Flexischools (under the Readathon tab) or into the office in an envelope clearly marked with your child’s name, class and ‘Readathon’. All blue donations forms will also need to be returned to the office. 

Rachel La Sala

Music Matters

Save the date:

Week 8 Singfest- Senior Choir- Wednesday 30^th August.
Week 9 Music Showcase Concert- Sunnybank State High School- all IM and Choirs (Senior and Year 3) Wednesday 6^th September.

Music Showcase Concert

We have our annual Music Showcase Concert on Wednesday 6^th 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 and FORMAL uniform must be worn.

Attendance at all rehearsals in preparation for this concert is expected every week. Please practice and know your parts!

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. 

Please note there are only a small number of positions available in each program and not everyone who would like to be in the program can be accepted.

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

Thank you to those families who attended the Information Evening. It was great to see so many potential and eager young musicians from our community. We will let you know in Term 4 what the outcomes will be for our 2024 intake.

Further questions please email Ms Hopper- mxhop2@eq.edu.au

Senior Choir- Singfest

Our Senior Choir will be attending Singfest next Wednesday August 30th. Students are to meet in the Music room at 7:50am

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.

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

Health Happenings

Our focus at Runcorn State School 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

The Resource Centre

This year we are having a Book Warehouse Book Fair which will be held in Term 3 Week 10.  There will be a fabulous range of fiction and non-fiction books at very competitive prices. Keep your eye out in the next newsletter and on Facebook for further information

Year 6 Camp

Students from our school will have recently undertaken an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed funding of $90 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program (PACER) towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. We wish to acknowledge and thank the Australian Government and PACER program which enabled the families to reduce the cost of the camp making it more affordable for Queensland families.

6J

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

First Aid Processes

If children are injured or become ill at school they will receive treatment within the classroom or in the Health Room. Parents/Carers will be contacted if necessary. Please note that staff must give Parents and Carers a courtesy contact home for all head related injuries (no matter how minor).   

When a student is considered too unwell to remain at school, parents will be contacted to collect in a timely manner.  If a student's condition deteriorates while waiting to be collected an ambulance may be called if deemed necessary. 

If a student presents to the health room with a suspected alergic reaction, parents/carers will be contacted.  As per Education Queensland policy, if a student requires an EpiPen to be administered parents will be notified.  An ambulance must be called and student will be transported to hospital for further treatment.   Children with known allergies will have their own school based EpiPen.  We also hold a school EpiPen for any unforseen emergencies. 

Medication must be prescribed by a doctor or dentist and may only be administered to students by school staff. The medication must be taken to the school office in its prescription container and administered according to the doctor’s instructions.

Non prescribed oral medication such as Panadol and cough mixtures can only be administered by school staff with a pharmacy label and medical aurthorisation. Education Queensland prohibits students from carrying their own medication to school and require Parents/Carers to deliver the prescribed medication to the office and collect after school or before weekends as needed. A school register of all medicines administered is kept.

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

FATHER'S DAY AFTERNOON VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

At this point we do not have enough volunteers to offer a full Father’s Day event Friday T3W7.  If you can spare any time on Friday 25.8.23 between 2:00pm and 5:30 pm please reach out.

Jobs that need filling:

• Setting up the event
• Cooking the BBQ
• Taking food and drink orders and handling payment
• Preparing food and drink orders
• Assisting with the running of games
• Packing and cleaning up
• And any other jobs to help the afternoon run smoothly.

Please signup online via, https://volunteersignup.org/BEXRX or, email Andrew, rsspcevents@outlook.com or Angela, rsspccom@outlook.com with your preferred time. Every effort will be made to accommodate.

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)

Tuckshop Volunteers Required

Friday is becoming increasingly busy, and we are needing volunteer help between 9:00 and 11:00 am. Unfortunately, the Tuckshop cannot continue to run a full menu without additional volunteers. If you can volunteer, please let us know via email, tuckshop@runcornss.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 complete two hours receive a complimentary lunch from the menu.

UNIFORM AND STATIONERY SHOP

rssuniform@outlook.com

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.

1. Order forms can be found on the school website. Download from here: Uniform Shop Order Form (eq.edu.au)
2. Email you completed order to rssuniform@outlook.com
3. Your order will be fulfilled and delivered to your child’s classroom.
4. 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

Looking at joining our community in 2024? Join our Prep 2024 Facebook group now!
RSS - Prep 2024 | 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

Families may be interested in some events from the Brisbane Festival including:

These school holidays, intrepid explorers of all ages will delight in Hide the Dog at Brisbane Festival, a heart-warming, family-friendly celebration of true friendship, big adventure and the power of First Nations’ cultures. Dodging hunters, Niarra and Te Umuroa set sail for Aotearoa to hide their new friend, the world’s last Tasmanian Tiger. Recommended for ages 6+.