Newsletter Term 4 Week 7

From the Principal

Thank you to the choir and Year 6 for leading the Remembrance Day ceremony. As always, we can count on the students to rise to the occasion. Thank you to their teachers for supporting them and to the School’s Officer for setting up Girraween Place.

Thinking is the cornerstone for all learning. It is becoming increasingly obvious that students at this school are conscious of their thought processes and considering ideas more deeply. The Year 1 students have been ‘wondering’ about many things including my role. Some of their questions included: How did you decide to become a principal? Are you bossy? Why do you love RSS? Why do we do the BIG WRITE at the same time? It was a delight to visit these classrooms and talk to the students. Their curiosity and thirst for knowledge is inspirational.

Our focus on thinking will continue in 2022 with the focus being on inquiry learning.  One way for supporting your child to think deeply is to ask them to justify their statements or to encourage children to give more details about topic.

Prep 2022

On Wednesday 17 November, 60 families visited the school with their Prep 2022 children. They were introduced to aspects of the school and had an opportunity to get to know each other, while the children spent time in the Prep classrooms. The next visit will be in January prior to the opening of the school year.

As we come to the end of the year there is much to consider regarding final assessment, reporting, end of year celebrations, classes and holidays. This is an exciting but also exhausting time. Please let us all keep our eye on the main game and that is ensuring that students have engaged in a years’ worth of learning. Our curriculum is extensive and therefore, teaching and learning will continue.

Planning for 2022 Classes

We are in the process of developing classes for 2022.  Teachers and Administration are collaboratively involved in this process and will carefully consider each child's academic, social and emotional needs when making a class placement for them.  This process is extensive, and time, thought and care is taken to ensure that students are placed in the most appropriate class that best suits their needs.  Teachers are well placed to make the best decisions for student placements.  If there is some information regarding your child's learning, social or emotional needs or any other information that you feel is pertinent to this process, please email this to admin@runcornss.eq.edu.au.  Please complete the form below if your child will be attending a different school in 2022.  This information is important to ensure we are planning with accurate numbers.

2022 Booklists and School Uniform

As families also prepare for the new year, I would like to draw your attention to the stationery lists that have been sent home.  Schoolstuff offer a layby service for your convenience.  Also please ensure you have the correct uniform for 2022. Over the last two years, the new uniform has been gradually phased in and the old one, out. From next year, all students should be in the new uniform. Students should also be in black shoes. 

Year 4 Camp

The Year 4 students are at Currumbin Farm Stay and from all accounts having a wonderful camp. We look forward to their return and the stories of their experiences.

Michelle D'Netto

From the Deputy Principal

End of Year Concert

Wednesday 24/11/21 at Sunnybank State High School Hall

The Runcorn State School End of Year Concert is a whole school event that celebrates our community and includes music performances from each year level.

• Due to QLD Health COVID restrictions, pre-booked ticketed entry is mandatory
• QR Code on entry is also mandatory
• Limit of 2 x guest tickets per family (children under 16 years old do not require tickets)
• Parents/Carers are required to stay for the duration of the event
• Students are required to stay seated with their teachers for the duration of the event
• Gold coin donation at the door is welcome

To book tickets https://runcornss.schoolzineplus.com/event/77

If you have not signed up for Schoolzine you will need to email Administration to book tickets admin@runcornss.eq.edu.au.

Lost Property

There is a very large amount of lost property under B block – please check if you are missing any items.

Roberta Matlock

From the Teaching & Learning Coach

Rock ‘n’ Write @ Runcorn

In week 5 all classes were lucky enough to attend a Rock ‘n’ Write session with our resident author Mr France.  He shared his many tips and tricks for becoming expert writers.  A very big thank you to Mr France for presenting these sessions and getting us excited about writing.  Mr France will be working with classes during Term 1, 2022 doing writers workshops.  

THE BIG WRITE

1L were so inspired by their Rock ‘n’ Write session with Mr France that they decided to complete their Big Write in the form of writing, illustrating and making their own books.  I was lucky enough to be invited down do their ‘book launch’ where all of the authors shared their amazing work. 

I was lucky enough to receive our first parent Big Write this week.  Thank you very much to Priscilla for her contribution (below). It’s fantastic to see discussions, sharing and creating around The Big Write at home!

Reflections on a snow globe

(The Big Write Week 5 prompt)

We all remember the autumn of 2020, when we emerged from the gruelling summer, covered in bushfire smoke and ashes. Finally! Children were sent back to schools. New improvement projects were envisaged. Career ambitions mapped out. Overseas or interstate trips planned. We got on top of that pile of old autumn leaves of life that should have been sorted out ages ago, with a “finally!” sigh of relief. Then in a mighty shake, our globe was snowing with coronavirus with spike proteins not unlike snowflake needles. We feared. Held our breaths. Ducked. Masked. We learnt some Greek letters (alpha and delta, at least). Somewhere between closed borders and exposure sites, our initial “uh-oh” morphed into the perfect fifth “dong-ding” QR code check-in chime. Our attempts to dig ourselves a path to normal were met with shake-ups every now and then. We rolled up our sleeves to do our best, but there was no escaping – we need to live with this pile of snow.

We crave for a sense of control. Psychologists say it is one of the elements for well-being. We might have wished for some wizards who could shake the globe back to the way it was, even though rationally, we know painfully that such wishes only invite opportunists to lure us with a false sense of control. Sealing our world off in a snow globe does not give us control. Shaking the globe with force may seem effective at first, with all the showy snowy fanfare. Yet when all is settled, we realise that there was nothing creative but the same old stuff floating around.

The world inside a snow globe is lifeless. There is no creation, no growth, no re-generation, hence no death. Our fear of death can drive us to embrace a sterile snow globe, only to be frustrated when we realise we cannot control much. Yet perhaps it is our fear of death that needs controlling. Sorrowful as it is, death isn’t powerful enough to deprive us of the wonders of life. We resent death because we appreciate life. Why then do we throw away life to avoid death? There is more to life than survival.  The Great Barrier Reef is more exciting than a snow globe, even though it comes with dangers and death. Let’s appreciate our mortality, so that we may learn how to live and die outside of a snow globe.

By Priscilla

Mum of Hazel (1S)

Check out this week’s stimulus for The Big Write! If you are feeling brave it would be great to receive more writing from special family members at home.  Please forward your writing to Miss La Sala rlasa2@eq.edu.au Happy Writing!

Rachel La Sala

Music Matters

Next week is a big week of Music events! 

Tuesday 23rd November 2pm- 3pm   Music Awards Parade

We celebrate our Year 6s who have been a part of Band, Strings or Choir during their time at Runcorn. There will be a Year 6 medals presentation and Strings/Band/Choir concert at 2-3pm.  All classes to be seated for a 2pm start.  All students from Strings, Band and Choir to meet at 1:30pm in Formal School Uniform:-

• Band in Music Room
• Strings in Science Room
• Choir in Girrawheen Place.

Wednesday 24th November 5:30pm- End of Year Concert- Sunnybank State High School - Tickets essential

This is a whole school event that celebrates our community and includes Music performances from each year level. 

Schedule: 

Outfits for each year level: 

Mariel Hopper - Specialist Music Teacher

mxhop2@eq.edu.au

PE News

Swimming Term 4

The sun is out and we are having lots of fun in our swimming lessons. A reminder that all students must wear swimming caps. These are available from the school tuckshop if you need to purchase a new one.  Jewellery and watches are not permitted, so Parents please take out any earrings & leave watches at home on swimming days. We don’t want any injuries or lost items.

Senior Swimming Carnival

The Year 3 – 6 children will be having their annual Swimming Carnival on Monday 29^th of November to have fun and qualify for district swimming championships next year. Trials for all 50m freestyle events will be held at lunch time in Week 8, with finals to be held at the swimming carnival. Parents are welcome to attend and sit on the grassy hill. The Tuckshop will be running a sausage sizzle meal deal on the day. This will be available for all year levels Prep to Year 6. Please pack an extra towel for your child if they are in multiple events.

Prep - Year 2 Swimming Mini Carnival

In Week 9, Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 will have a mini class carnival in their swimming time. This will involve some races and a free swim. Parents and carers are welcome to watch your child’s class swim from the grassy hill opposite the grand stand.

Surf Life Saving Queensland Incursion

On Tuesday 30^th November Surf Life Saving Queensland will be coming in to talk to us about how to be water safe. This is a fun way to reinforce the Water Safety messages in PE and Health from this year. Often during the summer holidays, we head out to pools, lakes, waterfalls and beaches. The Life Savers will talk to all the children about how to stay safe near water and how to read the surf conditions. Don’t forget to stay between the Red and Yellow Flags.

Runcorn Senior Swimming Carnival 2021

Prep to Year 2 Swimming Mini Carnival

Norman's News

I am so pleased to be able to tell you all that Mrs Schooth and I attended the Therapy Dog Accreditation Course at Therapy and Support Animals Australia over the weekend and I am now a Level 1 Therapy Dog! This means I met all the criteria for temperament and behaviour to make me suitable to be working with adults and children to provide support. I will continue my training until I am one (in March 2022). I know you will all help me to do this by following the rules, especially when I am wearing my new vest.

This fortnight Mrs Schooth and I also spent some time reflecting on the many jobs that I have helped with since coming to Runcorn. I am most proud of the list we came up with!

• Removal of barrier to learning/reading
• Providing social and emotional support to both staff and students
• Encouraging school attendance and assisting with separation anxieties
• Providing an empathetic connection for students and assisting with heightened behaviours
• Helping students to overcome their fears
• Providing an extended connection to our broader community through sponsorship with Paws Only Grooming, Vetlove Kuraby and Councillor Kim Marx; and with other schools with therapy dog projects
• Assisting positively with staff relationships
• Engaging some families before and after school and being a part of events such as Sports Day, 120 year celebrations, Grandparents Day and parades.
• Being a part of celebrations of achievements on parade
• Helping with classroom and school tidiness (because I am like a canine vacuum cleaner!)

We also asked for feedback from staff and students and were dog-gone amazed with the positivity and differences that were identified since I came to Runcorn. These are some of my favourite comments from students:-    

“He makes me confident and makes me read louder.”

“He makes me feel like I’m at home. My dogs have to live with my uncle and I miss them but Norman makes me feel happy like I’m at home with my dogs.”

“He makes me smile before I read.”

“He makes me calm when I feel anxious.”

“Super happy. I just love him so, so much.”

“Norman is special to the school because when kids are sad he sniffs it and goes to them and makes them feel better.”

“I feel lucky because not very many other kids get to have a dog in their classroom or at school. It’s so cool at Runcorn.”

“Norman makes me feel relaxed. When he gives me a high 5 it’s like he is saying “good job” to me and I feel good.”

“When there are hard times I think of Norman and I keep going.”

Imagine how much my tail was wagging when I heard those things! If you have any comments or suggestions about my role at Runcorn I am more than happy to hear them. Please just email Mrs Schooth (jscho128@eq.edu.au). 

Norman

From the Resource Centre

Our students have taken a keen interest in our books relating to Remembrance Day.  Lots of students borrowed these titles, eager to further explore this important topic at home.  Keep an eye out for next week’s display!

Calling for Volunteers

We are seeking volunteers to cover library books at home …. if you would like to help please email admin@runcornss.edu.au or phone the office to arrange to collect a small box of books to cover.

Thank you!

Mrs Danielle Bailey, Resource Centre

P&C News

Mango Fundraiser

Our annual Mango Fundraiser is now closed. Thank you to everyone who ordered.  Collection from the school will be in the week beginning 29^th November, with an actual date to be advised.

Heritage Garden

THEY ARE HERE Our pavers have arrived, and we are SO excited. We are deciding on dates for a working bee. Can you help with excavation, planting, edging, moving dirt or have you a special skill that will help the day go smoothly? Are you happy to pop in one afternoon to get a small part of the garden ready? We want to hear from you! Please see or email Debbie on rsspcpresident@outlook.com

Polos

The commemoration polos that were ordered in the first round have arrived and they look amazing. Thank you to Intertrade Stationery for creating such an amazing polo. Our second run of polo orders has closed. We are expecting them in the next few weeks.

End of Year Baskets

Please remember to give what you can for our End of Year Baskets. Baskets have been placed in your child's classroom.  These will be collected on Friday 19^th November and raffled off at the End of Year Concert held on Wednesday, 24 November. The themes for each class are:

- PS              Games night

- PB              Sweet & Sour

- PW             Picnic

- 1L               Baking

- 1S               Crafts

- 1D              Pampering

- 2IS            Party / NYE

- 2NH          Dessert Delights

- 2D              Gardening

- 3C              Holiday fun

- 3D             Dessert

- 3F              Aussie BBQ

- 4A             Foods from around the world

- 4L             Summer

-4/5R         Japan

- 5K            Green grass sport

- 5M            Water sports

- 6G             Beach

-6J                Movies / Chill out

Tuckshop

End of Year Deals

We are on the count down to the end of the school year. To celebrate we are having 8 days of special deals. Below is what is on offer, please see flexi schools to order:

Ordering

The preference is that all orders are placed via Flexi Schools for lunch and afternoon tea. We offer a very limited over the counter menu, sales are dependent on having volunteers. Any orders taken over the counter or over the phone must be paid immediately, EFTPOS facilities are now available. Ice blocks can continue to be ordered online and picked up by your child from the tuckshop. We are able to accept cash again for ice block sales.  Please refer to Flexi Schools for more information. 

Slushies

Our 99% Fruit Juice Slushies are back for Term 4! They will be available for $2.00 at first break only. They can be pre-ordered on Flexi Schools (children must collect) or ordered over the counter.

Forks and Spoons

Please ensure you pack spoons & forks with your children’s lunches from home, as these items are NOT handed out for free at the Tuckshop.  Single use spoons and forks are 10c each.  (Food items ordered from the Tuckshop requiring cutlery do not incur this fee).

2022

At our last P&C meeting we discussed the current profit and continued operation of the Tuckshop. It was decided that we would reduce the days we are open to three (3) days per week, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We look forward to your continued support of our Tuckshop.

Volunteers

Our Tuckshop relies on the generosity of volunteers to make it a success, and to offer students and staff an extensive menu. To help make the load lighter for our convenors, we need as many helpers as we can get – mums, dads, and grandparents. This year we have lost some of our dedicated Tuckshop Volunteers due to their children moving on to high school. Volunteering in the Tuckshop on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis is a great opportunity to participate in the school community and meet other parents. If you can spare as little as 30 minutes after school drop-off, or a couple of hours from 9am-11am, please contact our convenors at tuckshop@runcornss.eq.edu.au or via the Runcorn P&C Facebook Page. We have a variety of jobs available.

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is now open by appointment only, please use the QR code below to book your appointment. Online ordering is still available via email rssuniform@outlook.com and we will deliver your order to your child’s classroom as soon as we can.

Uniform orders for back to school will close on the 3rd of December and will be available for collection the following dates by appointment only: 

20^th January – all returning students

21^st January - Prep & Siblings plus any new Students

Please note that the 21st is ONLY for Prep and new students and their siblings, if you are a current family and DO NOT have a new student starting, please make an appointment for the 20th. 

If you have any old uniforms that you would like to donate please send them in with your child and let us know via email (rssuniform@outlook.com) and we will collect from their classroom.

Facebook

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook Runcorn State School P&C Association to stay up to date on everything!!

Debbie Linford, President (Volunteer)

Parents & Citizens Association, Runcorn State School

P: 0414 781 190, E: rsspcpresident@outlook.com

Community News