Newsletter Term 1 Week 7

From the Principal

Thank you for your support during the recent weather event. As part of our disaster management protocol, we follow the advice of emergency services. We always act in the interests of the safety of students, staff and the wider community. The decision to remain closed was based on an assessment of conditions and risks associated with movement in and around our community. It was lovely to get emails and messages of support and thanks.

Many Thanks to…

• Our cleaning staff and schools officer worked tirelessly to get the school ready for everyone’s return Wednesday. What an amazing job they did.
• Our wonderful P&C who were on site first thing Wednesday morning to provide lovely breakfast snacks for our Year 3 and Year 5 students who began NAPLAN.
• The families of 2M and 2/3D for their understanding when these classes had to be relocated due to water ingress in the spaces. What amazing resilient children you have raised!

Teaching and learning continue to be strong and engaging and students are settled in classrooms. Learning commences at 8:50am each day.  I appreciate how busy mornings can be and thank the parents and family members who are making it a priority to have their child/children at school by 8:40am ready for the day of learning ahead. These routines support student wellbeing and minimise anxiety as students know that they can be ready for the day ahead.

Meg McClure

From the Deputy Principal

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Primary School  Years 3, 5 sit each year and they are currently being undertaken by our Year 3 and Year 5 students.  NAPLAN  assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national proficiency standards.   Students sit assessments in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The questions assess content linked to the Australian Curriculum: English and Mathematics.  NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are achieving important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.

Students in Year 5 will complete all tests online.  Students in Year 3 will complete Numeracy, Reading, Language Conventions online and will continue to complete the writing assessment on paper. Online NAPLAN tests are designed to provide precise results and are engaging for students. The tests are tailored (or adaptive) which means that each test presents questions that may be more or less difficult depending on a student’s responses. This helps students remain engaged with the assessment. Tailored testing allows a wider range of student abilities to be assessed and measures student achievement more precisely. A student’s overall NAPLAN result is based on both the number and complexity of questions they answer correctly.

A NAPLAN individual student report will be provided by the school once we receive them later in the year.

https://www.nap.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/naplan-information-brochure-for-parents-and-carers.pdf

 Roberta Matlock.

From the Head of Department - Curriculum

Building Reading Stamina

For many students, the challenge isn't just getting them to read, but helping them build the stamina to read for extended periods of time. A reader with stamina can focus and engage with a text without becoming easily distracted. This quality is vital, as your child progresses to more complex texts, and the reading requirements—both in terms of volume and difficulty—will increase. Stamina in reading isn't just about endurance; it’s about developing the persistence to keep reading, even when the material becomes more challenging. A student who builds stamina benefits across all subjects, not just in reading. Here are some practical ways you can help your child build their reading stamina at home:

• Choose "just right" books: Help your child select books that match their current reading ability. A good book for independent reading should be one where your child can decode and understand almost all the words, with only a few challenging ones. This balance will keep them engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
• Start small, then build: Find out how long your child typically reads independently, and use that as a starting point. Gradually increase their reading time by 5 minutes every few days. Track the improvements in reading time to celebrate small milestones along the way.
• Make reading a daily habit: With busy family schedules, it can be hard to carve out time for reading, but consistency is key. Daily reading, even if it’s for a short time, will build your child’s endurance and set them up for success in their academic journey and beyond.
• Keep things fresh: Sometimes, a change in routine can keep reading exciting. Try reading to your child, having them read aloud to you, or taking turns reading. You could also make reading more enjoyable by visiting different locations, like the local library or a peaceful park, for a special reading session.

By incorporating these strategies, you can help your child develop the stamina they need to read longer, more complex texts and enjoy the many benefits that come with reading endurance.

Jillian Chittenden

Head of Department - Inclusion

Fostering a Love for Reading: Nurturing Motivation in Young Learners

Reading is more than just a skill—it's a journey. While building literacy skills is crucial, it's equally important to nurture a child's motivation to read and write. Research consistently shows that children who are highly motivated to read not only engage more with books but also develop larger vocabularies and experience academic growth that surpasses their less-engaged peers.

Psychologist John Guthrie’s well-known research highlights several key motivations that inspire children to read:

• Curiosity: A desire to explore and learn about new topics.
• Aesthetics: The enjoyment of the experience of reading and appreciating literary texts.
• Challenge: The satisfaction of tackling and understanding complex ideas from texts.
• Social: The experience of reading and discussing books with others in group settings.

For younger readers, a child’s curiosity, engagement, and sense of relevance when choosing books are critical in fostering their interest in reading. These factors influence their motivation to explore new words, concepts, and ideas. Furthermore, these elements also help build their confidence as readers, writers, and learners.

Tools like read-aloud, small group reading sessions, classroom libraries, and even phonics books are all valuable resources in developing children's engagement with text. Selecting books that match a child's personal interests and giving them opportunities to choose what they read can significantly enhance their motivation and enthusiasm for reading. Encouraging this sense of autonomy and curiosity will help them build a lasting love for reading.

Julie Schooth

Norman's News

Happy Week 7! I couldn’t be more excited to be back at school with all of you after the big adventure we had with Cyclone Alfred. What a wild and windy time it was, but I’m so happy to see all your bright faces again!

I know the storm was a bit scary for many of you, and some of us had to stay inside for a while to stay safe. But now that the skies have cleared and the sun is shining again, I’m wagging my tail with joy to be back! I’ve missed seeing everyone in their classrooms and playing in the playground, and, of course, getting all those lovely pats and hugs from each of you.

During the storm, I stayed close by to Mrs Schooth and my family, offering comfort and cuddles to those who needed it. I did manage to find a very comfortable spot on Mrs Schooth’s lounge and catch up on some TV and sleep, and I did think a lot about returning to school because I knew that we would continue to support each other and make Runcorn a place of joy and learning.

I also want to remind you all that it’s okay if you’re still feeling a little bit nervous or sad about what happened. We’re all in this together, and it’s important to take things one step at a time. Whether you need a moment to relax, a listening ear, or just a friendly snuggle, I’m always here for you.

Now that we’re back to school, let’s make the most of every day! Whether it’s reading a new story, playing games with friends, or even just taking a quiet break, I’ll be there to share the happiness and help everyone feel safe and cared for.

Big licks and tail wags,

Norman

Music Matters

Instrumental Music- Karawatha Music Workshop

Notes for the Karawatha Music Workshop week will be going out soon. Please keep an eye out for these when they come home and return paperwork ASAP. The dates are as follows:

There will be an evening concert on Thursday 22nd May which everyone will be required to attend.

Choir and IM- Formal Uniform

For all Music performances, students in Band, Strings and Choir are required to wear their Formal uniform. Band and Choir have their first performance for Anzac Day on April 24. Please ensure that students involved in these groups have the correct uniform to perform in. These are available from the uniform shop.

Mrs Alison Murray
amurr51@eq.edu.au

Sports News

Lets congratulate some of our amazing students who have taken the time to attend district sports trials this term.  It is always a daunting task testing yourself against unknown competitors and we are extremely proud of the determination our trialists have shown. 

If you would like your child to participate at one of the upcoming trials, please email me asap and I’ll will pass on any relevant paperwork.  Just remember that trialists need to be playing at a high standard at club level in order to be successful at the trials. 

Please note, some dates may have changed due to the recent weather event.  

Finally, just a reminder that the WHOLE school cross country is taking place on the 24^th of March from 9am to 11am.

Thank you and have a great fortnight. 

Mr Brady
lbrad101@eq.edu.au 

Health Happenings

Our emphasis at Runcorn State School this fortnight are upon the Resilience Key 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

Guidance Officer News

School Attendance Difficulties

The beginning of the new school year brings much excitement and anticipation. However, for some students this transition can prove to be challenging, sometimes resulting in difficulty attending school.

There is no one universally accepted term to describe school attendance difficulties. Terms such as school reluctance and school refusal are widely used.

Difficulties with attending school have a variety of short- and long-term consequences. Of course, there is missing out on learning; however fractured peer relationships, family conflict, mental health problems, and impacts on parental income may also be of concern if school attendance difficulties are ongoing.

Reluctance or refusal to attend school usually occur as a result of your child attempting to cope with overwhelm, rather than them being purposefully oppositional or defiant. When experiencing anxiety, it is our natural response to avoid the situation (school), however this results in increased anxiety in the long term. With appropriate support, helping your child to gradually face their fears will likely see an increase in attendance.

Early intervention is associated with better outcomes for students who experience school attendance difficulties. Speaking with your child and discussing the reasons for the reluctance or refusal to attend school will help you to understand what action needs to be taken.

Listen to your child’s concerns, express empathy for their feelings, and assure them that you will work with them to support them with their challenges. If your child doesn’t know, or has difficulty sharing the reasons behind their difficulties, reach out to school staff as they may be able to share some insights about your child in the school setting.

Once you have established the reasons for your child’s school attendance difficulties, collaboratively working with the school and your child to create a plan to manage these difficulties is critical. Maintaining open communication with your child and school staff is key to improving attendance.

You may choose to engage your child in some evidence-based self-help resources. For example, The Brave Program is an online program young people (3-17yrs) to support the prevention and treatment of anxiety. Head to Health is a website developed by the Australian Government providing information about mental health, online programs and digital resources. Please find links to these resources below.

Sometimes, school attendance difficulties can be ongoing and have a significant negative impact on your child. Seeking external support may be required if you have ongoing or serious concerns about your child. Consultation with a GP, mental health professional or other allied health professional may be required. Again, working collaboratively with the school and these external professionals is likely to have a positive impact for your child.

Information contained in this article has been sourced from the document referenced below. Please follow the link below if you wish to find out more.

Parenting Strategies Program (2022). Responding to school reluctance or refusal: Strategies for parents. Melbourne: Monash University.

https://www.parentingstrategies.net/

https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/

https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/

Catherine Atkin
catki129@eq.edu.au 

School Social Wellbeing News

After a big change to our regular school routine and the impact of a weather event, as we have just experienced, it is normal for our students to feel a bit apprehensive about returning to school this week. I know even for adults, the last week has tested our own resilience and wellbeing.  The ways families can support their children at this time is with reassurance, supporting their emotional and mental health needs, returning to usual family routines and facilitating connections with their friends and family. There were a lot of smiles as students reconnected with their friends and staff at school today. A return to routine helps to bring back a feeling of normality.

Please do not hesitate to let your child’s teacher know if they are struggling and may need extra support at this time. There is a strong community of students and staff here to support them over the coming weeks.

Should your family require additional support to recover, please reach out. I am onsite on Mondays and Wednesdays, and currently receiving a lot of information about support services that are available. Additionally, there are a lot of support services details on the Queensland Government, Community Recovery, Community Support Services, South East Brisbane link below.

https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/200312/brisbane.pdf

Shena Cranwell
scran79@eq.edu.au 

From the Administration Office

Outstanding Permission Forms

If you have any of the below outstanding forms can you please return to the office as a matter of urgency

- Year 4 Online Services Consent Form
- Student Resource Scheme

An invitation to QParents has been sent to all new families this week.  Please check your emails for your invitation code. A letter has also been sent home advising of you child's EQ ID.   If you require any assistance with setting up your QParent account, please contact the 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

AGM
Due to weather conditions, we proactively rescheduled the Annual General Meeting (AGM) from Monday 10th
March 2025 at 4pm to Monday 17th March 2025 at 4pm.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. The safety and well-being of
our school and community remain our top priority.

NAPLAN Breakfast

The P&C have again kindly agreed to continue their wonderful tradition to provide students in Yr 3 and Yr 5 with a
small brekky before school near the tuckshop.
A huge thank you to our teachers and staff who assisted with serving the meals and a special acknowledgement
goes out to Sally and the team of volunteers whose tireless efforts ensured our students started their exam day with
a nutritious breakfast.

Uniform Shop

With our Cross Country on the 24th March 2025, now is the time to pop into our uniform shop and pick up the
student's house colour polos!

Tuckshop
Contact: tuckshop@runcornss.eq.edu.au

Opening hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (8:30am to 1:45pm)
Birthday orders: Don’t forget that cupcakes and iceblocks are available to order via Flexischool. Please note
cupcakes are only available Wednesday to Friday and all birthday orders must be placed at least two days prior.
The tuckshop also offers over the counter purchases Wednesday to Friday where students can bring cash.

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.