Newsletter Term 4 Week 1
From the Acting Principal
Welcome Back
A big welcome back to all students and families. 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. There was a lot to celebrate during Term 3. The music showcase delighted everyone that attended and we also had the science fair that was a resounding success.
Term 4
Term 4 is always an exciting term for students with swimming, concerts and end of year celebrations. However, we will continue to focus on quality teaching and learning and strike a balance between the events and the core business. During the course of the term, the school will begin to prepare for the year ahead. We will meet the 2025 prep students as well as other students joining us in the new year. Sadly, we also say goodbye to our Year 6 students and other families that might be moving away from Runcorn. To this end, if you know that you are not returning in 2025, please notify the office by email by 30 October on admin@runcornss.eq.edu.au . This will help us predict, as accurate as possible, our numbers for next year.
Requests for specific teachers will not be considered
When organising class groupings for the upcoming year our staff commit a lot of time to working out the best combinations. This takes many weeks and many drafts of classes as well as matching teachers to class groups. I believe and trust that our teachers will do the best they can to make sure classes are balanced and have the right combinations for teaching and learning in 2025. If you have any considerations regarding classes for 2025, please see your child’s teacher. These requests will be considered when class lists are being formulated. Teachers may be changing year levels so please do not put in any requests for specific teachers. We thank you for your support with this process. Next year we are expecting approximately 450 students and 19 class teachers.
Roberta Matlock.
From the Acting Deputy Principal
Welcome back to Term 4.
It is a great pleasure to introduce myself as the acting Deputy Principal and be a part of the wonderful Runcorn community this term. I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, students, and families to create an inclusive and positive environment for teaching and learning.
This term we will be transitioning our 2025 Prep students and their families and our 2024 year 6 students in their exciting education journey into high school.
2025 Stationery lists
2025 Stationery lists will be sent home with students in the upcoming weeks.
A link to the 2025 stationery lists will also be uploaded onto our website when they are available.
Cathy Seto-Payne
From the Head of Department - Curriculum
Term 4 – It’s here already!
As we step into Term 4, we are excited to welcome everyone back for what promises to be an engaging and inspiring 11 weeks. We hope you all enjoyed a refreshing break and are ready to dive back into learning.
This term, we have a packed schedule filled with exciting projects, extracurricular activities, and opportunities for growth. Check out your cohort newsletters for more information on all of the exciting things your child will be exploring this term.
As always, we encourage open communication. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or administration.
Let’s make this term memorable and full of growth and development. Together, we can finish the year strong.
Jillian Chittenden
Head of Department - Inclusion
October is here, and that means it’s Dyslexia Awareness Month! This annual celebration aims to shed light on dyslexia, a common learning difference affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Dyslexia can impact reading, writing, and spelling skills, but it does not reflect a person's intelligence or potential.
Throughout the month, organisations and advocates will host events, workshops, and discussions to educate communities about the signs of dyslexia and effective support strategies. Early identification and intervention are crucial, enabling individuals to develop coping mechanisms and thrive in academic and professional settings.
Let’s come together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote understanding. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or ally, your support can make a difference. Join the conversation on social media using #DyslexiaAwarenessMonth, and explore resources to learn more about how we can support those with dyslexia. Together, we can foster a more inclusive environment for everyone!
Julie Schooth
Norman's News
Woof, woof, woof friends. Welcome back to Term 4! I hope you had a pawsitively wonderful Spring break and that you are as excited as I am about what lies ahead this term! I certainly had a fabulous holiday so thought I would share some of the tail-wagging adventures of my school holiday at the beach.
From the moment we arrived at Stradbroke Island, the salty breeze filled my nose with all sorts of delightful scents. There were so many new animals to meet—human, bird, marsupial and canine! I made sure to greet every new friend with a wagging tail and a playful bark. After all, nothing says “beach day” like a game of fetch with a new buddy. Harvey came along on our holiday as well, so it was beyond exciting to be exploring and free on the “lead free” beach together.
Some days, my humans set up a colourful beach tent, and I quickly made it my mission to dig a cozy spot in the sand. I found the perfect place to lie down and soak up the sun (with plenty of water breaks, of course). Watching the waves roll in was oormesmerizing! Sometimes, I even chased after them, only to find the ocean pulling back and leaving me with wet paws and long gangly legs.
We went for long walks along the shore, where I chased seagulls and inspected interesting shells. Of course, I always made it my mission to chase and find tennis balls and loved running after my new fetch stick wherever it landed on the sand or in the water. Mrs Schooth also brought along some yummy snacks, and I was sure to work my puppy-dog eyes for extra bites and to come back when I was called.
Before I knew it, the holiday was over, but I have returned to school with a heart full of memories (and a little sand still stuck in my fur). I can’t wait to hear about all the adventures my classmates had too. So, until next time, keep your tails wagging and your spirits high.
Big licks and tail wags,
Norman
Until next time,
Big licks and tail wags,
Norman
Music Matters
Welcome back to Term 4 to everyone! It’s good to see all our eager musicians and chorists back at their rehearsals this week.
We have a huge term ahead as we start to wrap up 2024!
VIRGINIA STATE SCHOOL Tour
We are fortunate enough to have the performance troupe from Virginia State School coming to perform to us. Virginia State School has a concert band of 105 students and a stage band of 30. They are the inaugural State and National winners of the ABC Classic FM and Music Play for Life “FLAME AWARDS” as well as the recipients of many Regional and Finalist Showcase awards.
PERFORMANCES THIS TERM
Dates for Band: Music and Academic Awards- Week 8 November 19
Dates for Strings: Music and Academic Awards- Week 8 November 19 (Senior Strings)
Strings family afternoon concert - Week 8 November 19 (Beginner and Junior Strings)
Dates for Choir: Remembrance Day ceremony- Week 7 November 11
Music and Academic Awards- Week 8 November 19
Ms Mariel Hopper (mxhop2@eq.edu.au)
Sports News
Welcome back to Term 4.
I hope you and your family had an enjoyable, relaxing holiday.
Swimming lessons begin Week 1. Just a friendly reminder that goggles are optional and at parent’s discretion. Googles and swimming caps are not provided by the school. Please check the swimming lesson requirements and class times in the tables below:
Please email me with any questions.
Mr Brady
lbrad101@eq.edu.au
Health Happenings
Welcome back to our wonderful Runcorn Community. I trust that you had a relaxing holiday and that the students are ready to tackle the new term. Our focus at Runcorn State School this fortnight are the Organisation Key and Self-Manager Learning Asset.
Organisation at Runcorn State School looks like:
- Students having all supplies ready to do school work
- Students safely and quickly lining up in their correct area after the music plays in the morning and break times
- Students ensuring necessary stationery and belongings (including books, pencils, hats and water bottles) are ready every day and for each lesson
- Students ensuring bathroom breaks occur before school and during break times
- Students ensuring library books are returned to school on time
- All learning tasks are completed in a timely manner both in and out of school
Effective Self-Managers at Runcorn State School are:
- Resilient
- Responsible
- Reflective
Staff across Runcorn State School will be actively looking for students displaying organisation and self-management skills. Each week, one student per class will be awarded with a certificate 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
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.
