Newsletter Term 1 Week 3

From the Principal

Welcome back to Runcorn State School. 2022 is going to be a great year. A special welcome to our many new families. We know that you will love being part of the Runcorn community. I would also like to welcome our new staff: Leanne Jones in 1D while Mrs Deaton is on leave; Ken Hoey in 1H; Monica Chuang in 2C and Zoya Daryou Health and Wellbeing teacher.  We also welcome Kim Bell and Raeesa Kathrada as Teacher Aides and Debbie Linford as our new Administration Officer.

We had a lovely first day and children settled into classrooms very quickly. They were happy to be back with their teachers and friends. It was fantastic to see them in the playgrounds and hear the happy chatter. School, during those first two weeks was very unusual for us. Thank you to families for helping to get their children organised with all their uniforms and stationery requirements.

School and family partnerships are very important to the learning of the children. I hope that this partnership grows. We look forward to volunteers in the school and classroom once restrictions are lifted. We appreciate the work that you do. As with staff, all volunteers and adults are also governed by a code of conduct and student protection policy. This includes the use of social media. All volunteers must sign in at the office.

Our school rules are based on RESPECT, SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY. These key concepts are taught through the You Can Do It program which include the 5 Keys to Success. As adults we should be modelling this behaviour at all times.

COVID Updates

I understand that you would be getting a lot of information regarding COVID: the news, the school and other parents. Procedures put in place are to help us all remain safe. Here are some important things to consider:

• Parents of Prep, Year 1 and vulnerable students are able to come into the school. We respectfully request that all other parents drop children at the gates and leave.
• At 3.00pm, the gates in front of the office and on Lampson Street are for pedestrians. The two gates near the shelter on Ardargie Street are for pick-up only.
• Adults should be wearing masks. Children from Year 3-6 are encouraged to wear masks but the school will not be mandating this.
• No sick children or adults are to come on to the premises. If a child presents unwell during school time, parents will be contacted to pick up the child and will be given a RAT. School staff will NOT be testing students.
• No visitors to the school unless absolutely necessary.

For further details, please check the school guidelines that can be found on our website or the ‘Back to School’ plan on the government website.

Parent Information Sessions

Due to the current COVID restrictions we are unable to meet as class groups for the sharing of information with parents. Teachers have already emailed out the power points that would have been shared with you at these sessions. This information was accompanied by the class newsletters. We will also hold 3-Way sharing sessions during Week 7. Further information will follow regarding booking a time to meet and share with the class teachers.

Michelle D'Netto

Runcorn State School Student Dress Code

To view the current Runcorn State School Student Dress Code, please click on this link below.

Student Code of Conduct

To view the Student Code of Conduct, please click here on this link below.

Parking and Drop Off and Pick Up Zones

Queensland state schools started back this week so motorists need to remember to slow down in school zones and be mindful of children in and around school areas from the start of the school term.

School zones will be back in action with 40km/hr speed limits in place around most school areas, so drivers should be vigilant to look out for signage to make sure they’re travelling the right speed and watch out for children crossing the road.

Slowing down in school zones won’t make much difference to the trip time, but it could save a child’s life.

Here are five tips to keep young children safe:

• Remember children don’t have ‘streetsmarts’ yet, so slow down for unpredictable and distracted children who will be out and about before and after school.
• Pay close attention to children on bikes, crossing roads, getting on and off buses, and out of cars.
• Use designated drop-off zones where available, don’t risk your child’s safety (or a fine) by stopping in no-parking areas, and exercise patience during times of congestion.
• You can teach road safety techniques at a young age by walking or riding to school with your child until they have enough skills to understand how to be safe around roads (usually around 10 years or older).
• Teach your child the safest route to and from school, to only cross at pedestrian crossings, crossing when the green ‘walk’ sign is showing, or at supervised school crossings when the supervisor has signalled it is safe to cross.
• The Pick Up Zone on Ardargie Street is busy at 3pm.  Do not get out of your car or park in this zone.

From the Deputy Principal

It is lovely to see everyone back at school and a warm welcome to our new students in Prep and other year levels.

It is fantastic to see children using their resilience and persistence skills caused by delayed school start and changes to routines.  Please assist your children to develop their organisation skills by ensuring they have the stationery as required in the stationery lists and correct school uniform.    Please label all items including water bottle, lunch box, hats, all items of clothing and all swimming kit items.  It is disappointing  when lost property can’t be returned. 

Roberta Matlock

From the Head of Department Curriculum

Welcome back to the 2022 academic school year to our new and returning families!  It was so wonderful so see you all back at Runcorn after the extended holiday period.  I hope you have all had a wonderful break.  2022 will be a fantastic year of learning here at Runcorn, we will be continuing to focus on improvements in literacy and further imbedding inquiry into our classrooms. 

Back to school time can come with many emotions, especially when trying to get back into a routine that doesn’t involve sleep-ins, endless hours at the park, playdates, Netflix or travel.  Settling into a routine and structure can help you support your child’s smooth transition back into school life.  Below are some tips and tricks that may help set your new back to school routine:

• Use a calendar: Use a calendar to keep track of important events, due dates and extra-curricular activities. This will help your child know what is coming up and support them managing their time to ‘fit in’ upcoming events.
• Before and after school routine: This gives a step by step guide for how to get ready, organised and prepared for the day. It may also alleviate having to negotiate when homework, instrument practice or chores are to be completed on a daily basis.  Your routine may also include preparing for the next day of school, organising lunches, uniforms, finding library books etc. 
• Establish a clear ‘place’ for everything: Part of your routine may include where things are stored or activities are completed. E.g. a clear storage space for bags, sports equipment and instruments or zones in the house where homework is to be completed.
• Stick to a bedtime: Getting a good night’s sleep is vital to a productive day at school. Establishing (and sticking to) a consistent time for your child to be asleep in bed can support a successful upcoming day of learning.  Below is how much sleep children require each night:

1-3 Yrs: 12 – 14 Hours

3-6 Yrs: 10-12 Hours

7-12 Yrs: 10-11 Hours

12 – 18 Yrs: 8-9 Hours

***THE BIG WRITE IS RETURNING!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION IN OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER***

Teachers have been sending updates to families via email regarding your child's learning.  Please check your junk folder if you have not seen any of these communications yet.  If it is not there, please update your email address with the front office. 

Rachel La Sala

From the Administration Office

Cashless School

Parents/Carers, welcome to the new school year.  By now, you would have received invoices for various items.  Please note that the school is now a cashless school.  Our preferred methods of payment are BPoint and Direct Transfer.  If you require assistance with this, please contact our school office.

Music Matters

Welcome back to the 2022 school year! The Music staff are excited about creating some terrific music with our students this year.

Senior Choir

Senior Choir is open to all Year 4-6 students and performs throughout the year at many events. Ms Hopper will distribute Choir Invitations to students who wish to be a part of the team this year. Choir requires a commitment to weekly rehearsals every Wednesday morning 8am starting Wednesday 23^rd Feb.  

Ms Mariel Hopper

• Classroom Music
• Choir
• Music Co-Ordinator
• Tuesday-Thursday
• mxhop2@eq.edu.au 
  

Mr Andrew Biedermann

• Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass)
• Tuesday
• abied1@eq.edu.au
  

Mr Nathan Schilling

• Band (brass, woodwind, percussion)
• Monday 
• nschi37@eq.edu.au 

Weekly Lessons/Rehearsals 

 Senior Choir (Yr 4-6)

Wednesday 23^rd Feb– 8am

Band (Mondays 21^st Feb) 

Senior Band rehearsal (Yr 5-6)– 7:30am 

Lessons during the school day 

Senior Strings (Tuesday 22^nd Feb)

Senior Orchestra (Yr 5-6) – 7:30am 

Lessons during the school day 

 Junior Strings (Tuesday 22^nd Feb)

Junior Orchestra (Yr 4) – 3pm to 4pm 

Lessons during the school day 

 Beginner Strings (Tuesdays) 

Lessons/rehearsals (Yr 3) during the school day 

Instrumental Music Messages 

 String days for Runcorn will be Tuesday: 

• Lessons begin – Tuesday 15^th February 
• Rehearsals begin – Tuesday 22^nd February 

All Lessons and Rehearsals will be held in the Science Lab and Instrumental Music Room in B Block. If you would like your instrument tuned/looked at (new dots etc) please bring it in on Tuesday morning (15^th Feb) before school to the Science Lab. It was lovely to see all the Strings students today at our lunch time meeting and Mr B will see everyone next Tuesday for lessons.  

Introducing our new band teacher Mr Nathan Schilling -IM Brass, Woodwind and Percussion  

Instruments Played – Trumpet, Flugelhorn and Piccolo. Nathan is a graduate of the Qld Conservatorium of Music, University of Tasmania and QUT. Nathan has worked overseas and performed with the British Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra of India, Amadeus Orchestra, Brandenburg Sinfonia, London Mozart Symphony Orchestra, Kensington Symphony Orchestra, as well as Oompah Brass, Brass Ten, the Royal College of Music Brass Band, and toured extensively throughout the UK, Europe and Asia. Nathan currently teaches Instrumental Music with the QLD Department of Education and has worked across Qld. He is also an active freelance performer and currently plays with Brisbane Based, Best of Brass. 

 Band day for Runcorn will be Monday:  

• Lessons begin: Monday 14^th Feb  
• Rehearsals begin: Monday 21^st Feb before school at 7:30am for Year 5 & 6 students only. Year 4 beginning students will join band rehearsals later in the year. 

Norman's News

A big welcome back to everyone! I hope you had a ‘pawfect’ break with family and friends and that you are all just as excited as I am to be back at Runcorn!

Mrs Schooth and I have tried to get around to see as many of you as ‘pawsible” because I really missed all the students over the holidays. It was very different for me just being with my little ‘pack’ and not getting quite as many pats and compliments. I did get to spend some time relaxing by the pool, though, and I had some fun with Harvey installing (and uninstalling) a new sprinkler system!

I am looking forward to everyone settling in to their new classes so that I can ‘woofrk’ with you once again. Please be patient with me as I remember what I can and can’t do when I’m on duty, and if you have any questions, comments or suggestions for me, please let Mrs Schooth know. Her email address is jscho128@eq.edu.au.

Until next time, big hugs and tail wags,

Norman

Administration of Medications in Queensland State Schools

This information sheet below provides advice for parents/carers and their child’s health practitioner/s regarding the documentation required for Queensland state schools to safely administer medication to students while they are at school or school-related activities.

All medications you provide for the school to administer to your child must be prescribed by a qualified health professional who is authorised to prescribe medications under the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996 (Qld) e.g. doctor, dentist, optometrist. State schools refer to these professionals as ‘prescribing health practitioners’ (practitioners).

These forms must be signed by Parent/Carer and by a medical practitioner to allow Queensland State School staff to safely administer medications to students.

We thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

Sporting News

School Swimming for Year 1 to Year 6

Swimming will start in Week 4.  All children must return a signed parent consent to be able to participate in the swimming programme.  The weather is warm and the children are looking forward to learning and having fun in the pool. Children will need swimwear, a swim shirt, swimming cap and towel.

We had a lot of children borrowing caps last year. Due to hygiene reasons we will not be lending these out this year. Caps can be purchased from the school tuckshop or local shops like Kmart and Big W.  No Cap = No Swim.

If earrings cannot be removed, they must be covered with band aids or tape. Teachers are not able to remove jewellery before lessons.

District and Regional Swimming Carnivals

Children have been able to submit their times to see if they meet regional qualifying times to compete. One of our Year 6 students has been lucky enough to be selected to participate. We all have our fingers crossed for a personal best time at her events.

Gala Days (Years 5 & 6)

This week children have been signing up for their chosen sport to participate in a Gala Day. Fingers and Toes are crossed hoping for 3 sunny, fun filled days this semester. The teams are looking to start trials and training soon. Forms will be coming home with coach and training details once teams have been finalised.

Our first Gala Day will be in Week 7, Friday 11 March 2022.

Year 3 to Year 6 School Cross Country

This year we will be running our school cross country on Friday, Week 6, 4^ March 2022. Due to current Covid19 guidelines we will not be able to have parents on school grounds. Luckily if you are outside the fence you will be able to have a great view of your child as they start and finish the race. There will be no training held at school, so it might be a good idea to dust off the running shoes and head out with your children to increase their fitness.

P&C News

Week 1 Term 1

Welcome back to all our old and new families alike! We hope everyone is settling back into the school routine. The P&C are busily preparing for another huge year of fundraising. If there is something you would like to see in the P&C calendar, please either see Debbie or email rsspcpresident@outlook.com.

Do you know what we in the P&C achieved last year?

Last year we:

• recruited two new Tuckshop Convenors and provided food service everyday
• managed the onsite uniform shop
• held a huge disco
• provided breakfast for students in Years 3 and 5 during Naplan testing
• ran a bake sale
• held raffles
• provided catering for the Arts Fair for over 1,000 community members and visitors
• held Mothers' and Fathers' Day stalls
• developed plans to build the Heritage Garden

Whew! In doing all of these things we have raised just over $12,000 and supported the school with purchases for the Arts Fair, sound and lighting for the Christmas concert and lobbied for support for the purchase of Prep bags. Sadly, we did have to cancel one disco as we could not get enough volunteers.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

To be able to continue to offer the services at the Tuckshop and Uniform Shop onsite and run events that bring joy to our children, we need more volunteers. The P&C exec are a group of hard-working parents who volunteer their time and would like to rely on other parents stepping forward.

You know the saying, many hands make light work.

Come to a meeting or help in just one way - it makes the load lighter for everyone. Bring a friend and make it fun and lighten the load again! 😊

Our first general meeting in 2022 is on the 21^st February and our AGM is on the 21st March 2022. This is the meeting where all positions become vacant. Come and join your P&C so that together we can continue to run the Tuckshop and Uniform Shop onsite. And raise funds to contribute to our children’s school environment and learning.

What can you contribute? Come and see one of our current, friendly, hard-working P&C members.

Meeting

Our first meeting of the year is Monday 21 February 2022 at 6:30pm. Due to current restrictions in place this meeting will be held via Teams. Please email rsspcpresident@outlook.com for the link.

Our AGM is on Monday 21 March at 6:30pm. This is the meeting where all executive positions will be vacated and nominations and voting will be done for this year. If you are keen to get on board and make a difference to our school, please think about nominating and taking up a position. Some positions only require a few hours of work per month, while others are a little more involved. Many of our executive have been in their positions for a number of years and would be happy to discuss what’s involved if you would like further information. For further information on these roles please email rsspcpresident@outlook.com

Community & Operations Manager

The P&C is exploring the opportunity to employ Community and Operations Manager. This position would be responsible for the day to day business as well as fundraising opportunities. Please have a look through the flyer attached. This will be discussed in more detail at our meeting on Monday 21^st February 2021 at 6:30am.

Flexi Schools

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 only be 3 days per week, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We look forward to your continued support of our tuckshop.

The tuckshop will continue to provide online orders only. We will continue to provide over the counter ice blocks, ice creams and other frozen treats sales at first break only. We strongly encourage you to order afternoon tea online, as afternoon tea over the counter sales are dependent on having volunteers to serve. Ice blocks can continue to be ordered online and picked up by your child from the tuckshop. Please refer to flexi schools for more information.

Have you seen our new menu! Have a look below, we welcome your feedback!

Community News