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, the environment and life cycles. It was great to see so many families come and join us for the morning.

Book week Dress Up Parade

The rain did not affect our spirits or the great turn out for Tuesdays dress up parade. We relocated to Girrawheen Place and every child got to walk across the stage. Thank you to the families who supported our celebration of reading by helping with costumes and coming to enjoy the parade with us.

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 Student Code of 
  Conduct makes 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

 Roberta Matlock.

From the Head of Department - Curriculum

Book Week Parade

Our annual Book Week Parade was a resounding success, turning Girrawheen Place into a vibrant celebration of literature and imagination. On T3 W7 Tuesday, students, staff, and parents came together to celebrate the Magic of Reading and honour their favourite characters and stories in a dazzling display of creativity and enthusiasm.

The parade featured an incredible variety of costumes, showcasing characters from beloved classics and contemporary favourites alike. From the magic of Peter Pan to the wizarding world of Harry Potter, the array of costumes was a testament to the creativity and dedication of our children and families. Special mention goes to Gru and his many mischievous Minions who were dressed to impress and strutted their stuff with endless energy.

Thank you to our Mystery Readers who entertained the students with their favourite books. The children really enjoyed listening to them.

Happy reading everyone.

Jillian Chittenden

Head of Department - Inclusion

Meet Warda Abrahams – Our School Speech Pathologist

As we celebrate “Speech Pathology Week” from 25^th-31^st August, I would like to introduce Warda Abrahams, Runcorn’s Speech Pathologist.  Warda works across three schools in our area, visiting Runcorn on Fridays each week. She works collaboratively as part of our school team, to build capability and support curriculum adjustments in order to meet the diverse needs of learners with Speech Language and Communication Needs.

This year, the theme of Speech Pathology Week is ‘Communicating Your Way’. This is a timely reminder that we all communicate differently. Whether our communication is spoken, signed, digital, or written, communication bridges gaps, fosters meaning and understanding, and strengthens relationships. It’s about making connections and expressing ourselves in unique ways. Speech Language Pathologists, like Warda, are dedicated to helping people achieve their communication goals, across the broad areas of speech, language, voice, and fluency.

Julie Schooth

Reading at Runcorn

Are Graphic Novel Really Reading?

Yes, Graphic novels are definitely considered reading. They combine visual elements with text to tell a story, which engages both literary and visual literacy skills. Graphic novels often have complex narratives, character development, and themes, similar to traditional novels. They're a legitimate form of literature and can be just as rich and rewarding as any other type of reading.

Graphic Novels are engaging, aid in developing comprehension, can help inspire reluctant readers, build vocabulary, look and feel approachable, aid those with learning difficulties and improve visual literacy.

Our students love graphic novels. Here are some of the things that our Senior students in 6J and 6F love most about them:

I love reading graphic novels because the pictures help you see what is happening and give the book more character. It also shows you what the characters look like. You can actually feel all that emotion.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Erin

I love reading graphic novels as they have a range of pictures that can make you build up your thoughts for the next moments in the novel. Even if there are a ton of pictures, there are still words teaching you how to read and expanding your vocab.

                                                                                                                                                                                Daniel

I love graphic novels because they have awesome art and you can do different voices when you are reading out loud or in your head! They unravel your imagination when you read. I like the different art styles between different books.

                                                                                                                                                                                Frankie

I love graphic novels because you don’t have to imagine what the character looks like or what the setting looks like. Also, when you’re tired you don’t have to read as much, but you can still understand the story well.

                                                                                                                                                                                Yuna

I think that graphic novels are really good because they give you a really good inspiration from the art and you are already given pictures to think of  character voices. You’re able to express your feelings and think of the voice expressions.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Alia

I love graphic novels because when you see the characters and the situations their facial expressions change (sibling rivalry, angry face) You can see all the details that can help tell the story.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Iris

I love reading graphic novels because the drawings and pictures are so detailed and creative. I love the different art styles each illustrator has. They are all so colourful and fun.

                                                                                                                                                                                Anna

Norman's News

It’s your favourite furball, Norman, here to fetch you the latest scoop on all things pawsitive and tail-wagging for the past fortnight. Here’s what’s been making our doggone world a little brighter:

Random Acts of Kindness

The lovely PawsOnly Grooming Salon recently celebrated their 7^th birthday and they shared their cake with Harvey and I. This made me feel so grateful and I will definitely be returning the kindness favour! Whether it’s sharing a snuggle, a gentle nudge of encouragement, or just a happy wag of the tail, let’s spread some pawsitive vibes around. A little kindness goes a long way, and who knows? Maybe it’ll earn you an extra treat or two too!

Science Expo

I recently also had the chance to sniff out something truly pawsome—the Science Expo! Staff and students were all excited about it, so naturally, I had to check it out too. Congratulations to each year level for your amazing work! My nose was certainly on high alert in the Natural Disaster Zone with lots of vinegar and bicarb soda at work to showcase the erupting volcanoes. Great Work Year 6.

I also really enjoyed the paws-on activities in the Prep area. This section was all about helping our planet, and I was all ears—well, as much as a dog can be. They showcased ways to reduce waste and make our environment better, which is great news for all us outdoor-loving pups. Cleaner parks and greener spaces mean more places to run and explore. Kudos to the humans for caring about our planet.

Looking after Yourself

Finally, remember, it’s beginning to get hot out there, and staying hydrated is key to keeping those tails wagging. Make sure you always have fresh water available for you, especially after those long walks or vigorous play sessions. And if you spot any shady spots, take a break and cool down. I have found the pawfect spot for this in 2D.

That’s all for now. Keep those tails wagging and your noses to the ground. Until next time, keep fetching, keep playing, and, most importantly, keep loving life as only a dog can.

Until next time,

Big licks and tail wags,

Norman

Annual Science Expo

Year 4 were fabulous collaborators, communicators and self-managers when running their own games at the Science Expo. Below, 4R groups report on how it all went.

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 Runcorn families.

Music Matters

Save the date:

T3 W9 Tuesday September 3^rd- Music Showcase Concert Sunnybank SHS (Band, Strings, Choirs)

Instrumental Music and Choir rehearsals

Thank you to everyone who is attending rehearsals regularly and being consistent in their practice. Great job. Everyone in Senior Choir and Instrumental Music, please ensure you are in attendance at all rehearsals this term. With the Music Showcase in Week 9 it is important that everyone is in attendance.

FYI there will be no Junior Strings rehearsal on September 3^rd due to the concert that evening.

Instrumental Music Recruitment

Thank you to everyone who has submitted an expression of interest for the 2025 Strings and Band programs and attended our information evening last Thursday. Offers will be made mid Term 4 to those students who are successful.

Music Showcase Concert

Our Music Showcase Concert will be held at Sunnybank State High School in Week 9, Tuesday 3^rd September at 6:30pm. Performing at this event will be all Band students, all Strings students, Senior Choir and Year 3 Choir (all Year 3 students). Information has been sent home last week with the children.

Formal school uniform is required for all Strings, Band and Senior Choir students.

Arrival times are as follows:

Year 4, 5 and 6 Strings students 5:00pm.

Band students 5:30pm.

Senior Choir students 5:45pm.

Year 3 Choir 6pm

Classroom Music- Year One

Year One are working on their rhythm and drumming skills. They are working on playing an ostinato (a repeated rhythmic pattern) on a drum along to a melody. This is quite a hard skill to maintain a consistent rhythm when there is a contrasting part simultaneously happening and they are doing very well.

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

Sports News

Prep Students have been working on their running and skipping and are currently developing their hopping skills.  We have been utilising these movement skills while playing a game called ‘Helicopters and Lilly Pads’.

The Year 1 and 2 students have been enjoying Rounders – a modified game of T-ball where a ball is kicked rather than batted. 

The Year 3 and 4 students have had the steepest learning curve of all year levels this term.  Having to learn the basic skills and rules of playing Touch Footy has been a challenge. 

The Year 5 and 6 students were initially a little reluctant to play Netball but have risen to the challenge and are starting to demonstrate some excellent skills – some of the students just need to remember we aren’t playing basketball.

T3 W8 3 students will be competing at the Tennis Queensland Primary School Cup.  Claire, Rafael and Iori will spend the day competing against other primary school students at the Queensland Tennis Centre, Tennyson.  Our students are teaming up with Students from Sunnybank Hills State School, in a Red Ball Level tournament.  We wish them the best of luck on the day.

T3 W8 I will be attending the Metropolitan West Track and Field Carnival.  Good luck to Toa who will be representing Eastern Taipans in Shot Put, Riley in Discus and Kai in the 800m and 1500m running events. l C.  We wish all three students the best luck and hope you enjoy the experience.

Please email me with any questions.

Mr Brady
lbrad101@eq.edu.au 

Health Happenings

Our emphasis at Runcorn State School this fortnight is the Resilience Keys 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 an assembly award to acknowledge their dedication to consistently displaying these skills. 

Sheridan Stirling
sstir16@eq.edu.au

From the Administration Office

Student Resource Scheme

We would like to thank all of our families for supporting our Student Resource Scheme.  The monies raised helps purchase learning materials used in each of our classrooms and specialist lessons.  Your assistance enhances our student's learning outcomes.

Attendance

Runcorn State School's Admin team are available between 8.00am and 3.30pm each school day. You can contact us on 3323 8777 if you have any queries.   Student absence texts can be sent to 0429 928 611 or a voice message can be left on 3323 8777 and press option 1.

If students arrive to school from 9.00 am onwards they are to present to the office to collect a late slip.  This ensures that our rolls are marked correctly and prevents parents from receiving incorrect absence texts. 

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 their student 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 the 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 authorisation. 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.

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 Association

Get Ready for a FANTAS-TIC Father's Day Afternoon at Runcorn State School!

Mark your calendars, people. On T3 W8 Thursday, 29th August, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, we’re celebrating Father’s Day with an afternoon that’s sure to be un-father-gettable at Runcorn State School in Girraween Place. It’s going to be a day full of fun, food, and fantastic finds – a real dad-venture you won’t want to miss.

What’s on the Agenda?

• Sausage Sizzle: Grillin’ and chillin’ with our sausage sizzle for just a small coin donation. We’re catering to everyone with halal, gluten-free, and vegetarian options –  It’s sure to be a wurst good time.
• Father’s Day Stall: Check out our Father’s Day stall, stacked with cool merchandise. We’ve got some great gifts, including unique handmade items crafted by talented members of our very own community. These special pieces are perfect for showing dads they’re one in a melon.

This event is a fantastic way to celebrate and appreciate all the punderful fathers and father figures in our school community. Don’t miss out on the chance to find the perfect gift, share a laugh, and enjoy some great food and company.

We look forward to seeing you there and making this Father’s Day a real treat.

Recap and Invitation: Join Us for the Next General Meeting!

We had a fantastic General Meeting on T3 W7 Monday, 19th August. The vibe was positive, the discussions were productive, and we’re thrilled with the outcomes. It’s always inspiring to see our community come together to share ideas and work towards making our school the best it can be.

But the good news doesn’t stop there. We’re excited to invite everyone to our next General Meeting on T4 W3 Monday, 14th October, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the school library. This is a great opportunity for you to see what's happening behind the scene, contribute to important discussions (only if you want to), and be among the first to hear about all the exciting plans and updates we have in store for the school. 

Whether you’re a regular attendee or it’ll be your first time, we’d love to see you there. Your voice matters, and your participation helps shape the future of our community. So mark your calendars, and let’s keep the good vibes rolling.

So mark your calendar and we look forward to another productive and engaging meeting with everyone on the 14th.

P.S.:  You are more than welcome just to drop in and observe.  🙌

Important Update: Uniform Shop Price Increase Starting Term 4

We wanted to give everyone a heads-up that, due to an increase in costs from our supplier, there will be a price adjustment for items in the uniform shop, effective as of Term 4. We understand that price changes can be challenging, and we’re working hard to ensure we continue offering the best possible prices to our community while also maintaining the financial viability of the shop.

We value your support and aim to keep any increases as minimal as possible. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the updated pricing, or feel free to contact the uniform shop directly if you have any questions or need more information.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we navigate these changes.

Thank you all

Our online ordering platform is  https://runcorn-state-school-parents-citizens-association.square.site 

Community News

Jabiru offers before and after school care and vacation care at Runcorn State School. Our team includes a range of friendly people who are into craft, sport and outdoor exploration, so there’s something for everyone at Jabiru Runcorn.