Newsletter Term 3 Week 9

From the Principal

End of Term

As we near the end of Term 3, it’s pleasing to look back on some of the positive achievements that we’ve made so far this year. Our school has welcomed new staff as well as a number of new students. Thank you for making them feel welcome and including them into the Runcorn family.

We have continued our strong improvement agenda this year based around three major priorities. These are: the teaching of Reading and Writing within the Australian Curriculum, a Culture of Thinking and Inquiry, and a caring positive and inclusive school community. Our school has made some good progress toward the goals that we have set for ourselves this year.

Our key affirmations, from the recent school review, are certainly evident as I walk around the school. I see students learning in calm and organised classes and high-quality teaching taking place. Our school has a lot to be proud of regarding the effort that we’re making towards improving student learning outcomes. The school review executive summary is available to download and print from our website.

Key Affirmations

The school is held in high regard by staff, students and community.

Teachers express a desire and willingness to support all students to realise their potential. They are appreciative of the multicultural nature of the school and the richness the diversity brings to the school. High expectations of student learning and teaching practice have been deliberately built and shared. A genuine pride in the school is expressed by staff, students and parents. Parents speak fondly of the school and describe it as a ‘school of choice’ for many families with successive generations of students enrolling.

A culture of inquiry for staff and students is well embedded.

The work of leaders and teachers in Inquiry Learning is well recognised in the community and the education sector. The 5 learning assets permeate learning in the school. They are known and actively used by students to inform their learning and are valued by teachers and parents. Aspects of Inquiry Learning are integrated in curriculum planning and collaborative structures. Students take pride in being acknowledged through student awards for demonstrating application of the learning assets.

Staff are strongly committed to meeting the individual learning needs of all students.

Case management processes have evolved as a mechanism to identify individual student needs and required levels of support. School-wide student data collection, impact conversations and case management processes inform targeted and intensive teaching, and human resource allocations to support identified student needs. Leaders have initiated data processes to measure impact of interventions and support, and student growth. Student support and intervention programs are responsive and flexible to meet student needs.

There is a collegial culture of mutual trust and support among teaching staff.

Teachers speak of pride in their profession and a commitment to continual professional improvement. They describe their colleagues as caring and welcoming with the interest of all students central to the teaching and learning. Teachers value the culture of collaboration, support and sharing of practice and resources. They speak highly of the opportunities to observe each other’s practice, engage in coaching and learning walks in building a culture of professional learning. Supportive collegial relationships have developed over time.

Meg McClure

From the Acting Deputy Principal

Instrumental Evening

Thank you to all who attended our Instrumental Evening at Sunnybank State High school. It was an amazing display of the talent we have here at Runcorn. It was great to see our band growing in numbers and skills under the instruction of Miss O’Callaghan. It was wonderful to see our Beginner Strings play with such confidence despite only beginning to learn their instruments this year.  The Junior Strings sounded fantastic with a special mention to Ethan in Year 4 who wowed us with his solo. Our Senior Strings were simply sensational also under the instruction of Mr Biedermann. Once again, our Junior and Senior Choirs, under the guidance of Ms Hopper, gave an amazing performance and were an excellent finale for a wonderful night of music. Thank you again to our dedicated music staff for all the hard work in teaching and preparing the children for the night, to our parents and carers who make sure students are at rehearsals and encourage them to practice at home. And lastly to our students, for the passion and enthusiasm you brought to the concert and hard work.

Behaviour Expectations

As Term 3 draws to a close, just a reminder to all children that our behaviour expectations remain high. This includes before and after school. Please ensure you are following the 3 Runcorn School Rules (Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Responsible) both in and out of the classroom. Also, please make sure you are wearing your hats at all times when outside.

Jillian Chittenden

From the Acting Head of Department - Inclusion

Recently, the Australian Government has provided funding for Triple P to provide parenting programs for FREE online for parents of children under 12 years. Developed through ongoing studies and knowledge about child development and psychology, Triple P is ranked by the United Nations as the number one parenting program due to its extensive body of evidence.   

Under this national initiative, Triple P provides three evidence-based programs to enhance parenting skills and support children's mental health and wellbeing. It is hoped that the availability of a program such as this may provide you with further support to encourage healthy social, emotional and behavioural development in your children, and to assist with your own wellbeing by knowing that you have a resource to turn to, if or when, you need some practical assistance.

Julie Schooth

Norman's News

I have really been enjoying the warmer weather over the past few weeks, working in classrooms but also enjoying time with some students participating in outdoor learning. The Preppies were kind enough to let me “pawticipate” on their obstacle course to work on my balance and crawling skills – motor activities which are so important as they strengthen muscles and bones and give students a chance to practise physical skills. The teachers also told me that physical activities, such as the obstacle course, are so good for confidence, as obstacle courses can test abilities and allow students to discover that they can climb higher, run faster and jump further all the time. I personally know that when I (and I’m guessing students too) get plenty of physical activity into my day through play, it’s good for overall health and wellbeing! We love play!

Balancing out this play with time for reading is definitely making me a well-rounded pup! I hope everyone enjoyed the Runcorn Readathon as much as I did. Congratulations to everyone who read and raised funds for our great school! I can’t wait to see the “Blue Room” transformation! This room is interestingly one that I can see well in as research currently leads hoomans to believe that yellow and blue are dominant colours in dog colour vision! And yes! That is why I am so attracted to all the yellow tennis balls I find throughout the school! I wonder if this colour preference is something you may have noticed with your own pups at home?

Until next time, Big licks and tail wags,

Norman        

From the Head of Department - Curriculum

Runcorn Readathon

And just like that our first Runcorn Readathon is done!  Thank you for your support of this event, and your generous donations.  I’m sure we will be able to purchase some furniture and resources to make the Blue Room a more student friendly space. 

Winners of the Book Fair Vouchers for the highest fundraisers for each year level will be announced shortly!  

Planning for Term 4

Over the past couple of weeks all of our classroom teachers have had some time off class to come and prepare and plan for Term 4 learning.  I know that next term is going to be so incredibly exciting, fun and interesting for all of our year levels.  Check out your Class Newsletters early next term to see what amazing learning your child will engage with in Term 4. 

Rachel La Sala

Music Matters

Save the date:

Term 4:

Week 6 Friday November 10- Remembrance Day parade- Senior Choir
Week 8 Tuesday November 21- Music and Academic Awards- Senior Choir, Band, Senior strings
Week 9 Wednesday November 29- End of Year Concert

Senior Choir - Singfest

Our Senior Choir had a fabulous day at Singfest last Wednesday 30^th August. 67 students along with Ms Hopper, Mrs Anglim, Mrs Powell and Ms Hart caught the train from Altandi to Fortitude Valley and walked to the Old Museum. The choir was the largest choir there out of around 7 other schools. We rehearsed all day the 5 pieces that Ms Hopper had been teaching the choir all year. Then there was a concert as a mass choir of around 200 kids performing to parents. It was a very special performance and all choir members should be very proud. The behaviour was of a high level and the students represented our school very well. Well done Senior Choir!!

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 amount of positions available in each program and not everyone who would like to be in the program will be eligible.

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

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

Health Happenings

Our assembly awards focus this fortnight are the Confidence Key and the Thinker Learning Asset.

Confidence at Runcorn State School looks like:

• Students striving to do their best  
• Students not feeling afraid to make mistakes 
• Students willing to try new things
• Students actively communicating their feelings, thoughts and ideas in and out of the classroom
• Students showing independence in different activities 
• Students taking pride in themselves, their learning, and products of their learning

Effective Thinkers at Runcorn State School are:

• Open minded
• Flexible
• Persistent

Congratulations to all students who have been acknowledged for demonstrating the above skills and have received tickets and/or awards from staff. Our Principal Ms McClure is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Principal’s Afternoon Tea in week 10.  This event is a special occasion where lucky students will have the opportunity to attend based on a draw that will take place during next week's assembly. It's an enjoyable and rewarding experience for the selected students, as they'll have the chance to spend some quality time with our principal and engage in discussions and activities during the afternoon tea. This event recognises and rewards students for their achievements, efforts and positive behaviour. Good luck to all students!

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. 

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 have 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 allergic 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 requires 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 were 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

Term 3 is coming to an end but the work of the P&C will continue as we plan for Term 4.  We have some exciting events coming up but will need the support of the community to make them a success. We ask that you consider volunteering some time throughout Term 4.  This may be helping in the Tuckshop or Uniform Shop or volunteering at one of our events.

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much – Helen Keller

This week the P&C were proud to deliver four sets of Boomwhackers to Ms Hopper for the music program. We can’t wait to hear how much fun the students are having using these in their music classes.

The P&C wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday break and we will see everyone back ready for the excitement of Term 4

Father’s Day Afternoon

Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time at the Father’s Day afternoon. It was great to see everyone having a wonderful time. The Father’s Day afternoon raised approximately $1300. If you have any feedback on the afternoon please contact our Vice President, Rachael, rsspcvicepresident@outlook.com

P&C General Meeting

The next P&C meeting is being held next term in Week 2 on Monday, 9^th October at 6:30 pm.  This meeting will be held in the Resource Centre/Library.  We look forward to seeing you all!

At the last P&C meeting a list of items was discussed and voted on for the P&C to work towards providing from funds raised through fundraising. Please see the list of items below.  If you have any suggestions please email rsspccom@outlook.com or rsspcvicepresident@outlook.com.

END OF YEAR CONCERT RAFFLES

Each year at our end of year concert, the P&C have a “mega” raffle where you can purchase tickets to win a wonderful hamper full of goodies. These hampers are put together by the P&C but are reliant on the kind donations of our school community to make them spectacular!

There is one raffle basket for each class and class teachers will choose their own theme. It is hoped that students will contribute an item (or more if you wish!) which compliments the class theme and will add to the excitement of the raffle. More information on this and what the class themes are will be coming home the beginning of next term.

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)

Next week is Week 10 and the Tuckshop will be running on a reduced menu on Wednesday and Thursday.  Please be advised that the Tuckshop will be closed next Friday for cleaning and stocktake. Students may be able to purchase over the counter items depending on stock levels.

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

Do you have a child starting school 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+.