Newsletter Term 2 Week 9
From the Principal
High Standards for Learning - Sharing Students’ Progress
The next formal opportunity to share your child’s learning and progress is when report cards are released in Week 10. If you would like to discuss your child’s report card with their teacher, please make an appointment time with them via email. We encourage parents to ensure that they have updated all contact details, especially email addresses, as soon as possible. Our report cards will be sent to parents via email on Wednesday June 25.
Buddy Bags
Our Year 6 girls participated in a session as part of the Buddy Bags Project, an initiative designed to empower and support young girls as they move into their next stage of life. With guidance from our staff and visiting facilitators, the students received their own Buddy Bags—filled with thoughtful essentials and positive encouragement. It was a moment of warmth, kindness, and reflection that we are proud to share. Thank you to Be Kind Be Brave Be You and our wonderful staff for making this empowering experience possible for our students.
Inaugural International Day of Play - June 26
Internation Day of play will be celebrated by Runcorn on June 26. All classes will be outside at different times of the day exploring the activities on offer and enjoying the company of different year levels who may be out at the same time.
Free play is when a child decides and controls their play following their own instincts, imagination and interests. They play without being led by adults. There’s no right or wrong way to play. Freely chosen play improves children’s health, well-being and development. Play improves the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and young people. Through play, children learn about the world and themselves. They also learn skills they need for study, work and relationships such as:
- confidence
- self-esteem
- resilience
- interaction
- social skills
- independence
- curiosity
- coping with challenging situations
A huge thanks goes to the staff and parents involved in organising this day for our students.
Every Day Counts
Every day and every minute counts - I remind parents and carers that regular, continual and punctual attendance at school is a significant factor in achieving better academic and social outcomes. New concepts and skills are taught and reinforced each day by teachers. If students miss the introduction or the reinforcement of these concepts and skills, they are likely to have gaps in their learning.
Regular school attendance gives students a better chance at life. Students achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day because:
- they have increased access to learning opportunities
- they maintain friendships
- they stay connected to the curriculum progression
- they develop self-efficacy as a learner
- they have better long-term life outcomes.
Establishing good routines around school can assist with regular school attendance.
These include:
- a set time to go to bed
- preparing the uniform and school bag the night before
- a set time for starting and finishing breakfast
- setting a regular time for daily homework activities
- speaking about school positively
- sending your child to school every school day, including their birthday
If you are experiencing difficulty in sending your child to school, contact the school for advice and support.
Thank you all
As we move forward towards the end of the semester, I want to express my appreciation for our dedicated teachers, staff, and parent community.
Thank you to our staff, who go above and beyond for our students each and every day. It takes a team to make this such a great school, a team where every member pulls in the same direction. Thank you to our Runcorn Students for your efforts and dedication to your school. Finally, thank you to our parent body, community and P&C for your support. I hope all staff, students and parents have a healthy and relaxing break. Enjoy this time with your loved ones and rest up for what will be a busy and exciting Semester Two. Stay safe and see you all back for Term 3 on Monday 14 July 2025.
Keep watch on our school these holidays
With the holidays fast approaching, we are asking you to look out for after-hours crime in our school. If you see anything suspicious, please remember to call the School Watch number – 13 17 88. The School Watch program is a partnership between the Department of Education and Training, the Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service. It aims to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in Queensland schools.
Meg McClure
From the Deputy Principal
Working Together to Improve School Attendance for Every Child, Every lesson, Every day
At Runcorn State School, we are committed to preparing every child for a successful future - and we know that regular attendance is one of the most important factors in ensuring this success.
Students who attend school consistently are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Regular attendance builds strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, supports positive peer relationships, and fosters lifelong learning habits. Conversely, repeated absences—even just a few days each term—can create learning gaps that grow over time, making it harder for students to keep up with their peers and reach their full potential.
As part of our commitment to a belonging-centred approach, we understand that absence may occur due to illness or personal circumstances. We work to partner with families in a supportive way to address barriers to attendance.
We will be emailing letters to all parents/carers next week to share your child’s 2025 Semester 1 attendance. This provides an opportunity to work together to build stronger connections to learning and school life.
In the letter your child’s attendance this semester will be represented as a % and you will be able to see where this sits in terms of the Department’s attendance.
If parents/carers would like support or advice in improving your child’s attendance, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher. Together, in partnership, we can provide a supportive learning environment to every child, every lesson, every day.
Roberta Matlock.
From the Head of Department - Curriculum
Semester One Report Cards
Semester One report cards will be sent home during the final week of Term 2. These reports provide a summary of your child’s academic achievement, effort, and behaviour, based on their progress against the Australian Curriculum standards at this point in time of the year. They are designed to give you a clear and accurate picture of how your child is developing in their learning.
Please remember that every child learns and grows at their own pace. Some children grasp new concepts quickly, while others may need more time — and both are completely normal. A range of factors can influence learning, so your continued patience, support, and encouragement play a vital role in your child’s success.
Below, you’ll find updated tables explaining what each part of the reporting scale means. Please note that there have been some minor changes to the wording.
We encourage parents and carers to read the reports carefully. If you have any questions about your child’s report or progress, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher to arrange a time to discuss it.
Jillian Chittenden
Head of Department - Inclusion
Building Resilience at Runcorn: A New Chapter Begins
I’m excited to share that Runcorn State School is taking meaningful steps to support the wellbeing of our students through the introduction of The Resilience Project, set to roll out in 2026. This program, which has already made a positive impact in schools across the country, is all about helping young people build resilience by focusing on 3 simple yet powerful ideas: Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness (GEM).
To start this exciting journey, four of our staff recently had the opportunity to attend The Resilience Project Teacher Seminar at the Brisbane Convention Centre. It was an inspiring day full of practical strategies and powerful reminders about the importance of wellbeing in education. We are so grateful to our amazing P&C Association for funding this professional learning. This support reflects a shared commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and emotionally supportive learning environment at Runcorn.
While the full program is still on the horizon, we’ve already begun weaving GEM into daily school life through our Morning Messages. This week, we’ve been encouraging students, staff, and families to try small acts that help build a positive mindset—things like reflecting on what we love about our school, giving compliments, showing kindness, and practising mindful breathing. The response has been so positive, and it’s been heartwarming to see our school community embracing these moments of connection and care.
We’re really looking forward to growing this work together over the coming months and years. With the support of our staff, students, and families, we’re building a stronger, more connected, and more resilient Runcorn.
Julie Schooth
Norman's News
As I trot through Runcorn, I can’t help but notice the warm smiles, kind words, and gentle pats that make my tail wag with joy. This pawtnight, I’ve been sniffing out all the good vibes, and after talking with Mrs Schooth about The Reslience Project, it got me thinking… what if we all took a moment to paws and appreciate the little things that make our days brighter?
So here’s my fur-tnightly challenge for you:
🐾 The Gratitude Tail-Wagger Challenge! 🐾
Each day, write down (or bark to a buddy!) one thing you’re grateful for. It could be your best mate, your teacher’s jokes, your favourite snack, or even the sunshine at playtime. No bone is too small when it comes to gratitude!
Let’s spread kindness like fur on a black jumper! The more we practice gratitude, the more our tails—and hearts—will wag with happiness.
I am so grateful for all the love I received when I was in 2N last week: I was so overwhelmed I had to have a little nap!
Until next time,
Big licks and tail wags,
Norman
Music Matters
Save the date:
Term 2 - Week 10 Monday June 23 – Senior Band on Parade
Term 3 - Week 1 Monday July 14 - Nexus Arts whole school NAIDOC Incursion from 2.00pm
Term 3 - Week 5 Thursday August 14 - Instrumental Music Information Evening at Runcorn Heights SS
Term 3 - Week 8 Wednesday August 27 - Music Showcase Concert Sunnybank SHS (Band, Strings, Choirs)
Term 3 - Week 9 Wednesday September 3 – Singfest at Acacia Ridge SS Auditorium (Senior Choir)
Instrumental Music
Congratulations to all Instrumental Music students on doing so well getting through your assessment. You should be proud of your efforts. Keep the momentum going till the end of term! Senior Band have a performance on parade in Week 10 to round out the term.
Year 4
Now that our semester assessment has been completed, Year 4 students are enjoying playing Boomwhackers (coloured pitch tubes) in Music. Last year when they were in Year 3 the students played one note at a time, but now in Year 4, they are learning to keep track of two notes – playing one in each hand. Year 4 have been playing along to Disney songs such as “Hakuna Matata” and “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”, and they are really enjoying the challenge.
Mrs Alison Murray
Sports News
Welcome to the final sports newsletter for this term.
Just a quick reminder that we have 2 Track and Field carnivals coming up.
Our Senior carnival was today and will conclude tomorrow, Friday 20 June while our Junior Track and Field carnival is Tuesday 24 June – this is the last Tuesday of the term.
Below is the program for the track events which will be on Friday 20 June.
Below is the schedule for the Junior Carnival
Thank you for your support this term and we hope you and your family have a safe, enjoyable and relaxing holiday.
Mr Brady
lbrad101@eq.edu.au
Resource Centre News
We want to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone for supporting our recent Book Fair!
Thanks to your purchases, we’ve been able to add an exciting collection of new books to our Resource Centre. These wonderful additions will soon be available on our shelves, ready for students to explore and enjoy.
Your support truly makes a difference in fostering a love of reading in our school!
Health Happenings
Our assembly awards focus this fortnight are the Confidence Key and the Thinker Learning Asset.
Confidence at Runcorn State School looks like:
- Students striving to do their best
- Students not feeling afraid to make mistakes
- Students willing to try new things
- Students actively communicating their feelings, thoughts and ideas in and out of the classroom
- Students showing independence in different activities
- Students taking pride in themselves, their learning, and products of their learning
Effective Thinkers at Runcorn State School are:
- Open minded
- Flexible
- Persistent
Congratulations to all students who have been acknowledged for demonstrating the above skills and have received tickets and/or awards from staff. Our Principal Ms McClure is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Principal’s Afternoon Tea.
This event is a special occasion where lucky students have the opportunity to attend, based on a draw which occurs during Monday’s assembly. It's an enjoyable and rewarding experience for the selected students, as they'll have the chance to spend some quality time with our principal and engage in discussions and activities during the afternoon tea. This event recognises and rewards students for their achievements, efforts and positive behaviour. Fantastic effort Runcorn!
Sheridan Stirling
sstir16@eq.edu.au
Japanese News
- Year 4
Students learnt about Children’s day (kodomo no hi) by listening to the presentation, watching the video, singing a song, listening to teacher’s childhood story and making a koinobori (carp streamers).
This term they practiced introducing themselves in Japanese every week. Now they know how to say their Favorite colour in Japanese!
Years 5 and 6
Students continued learning how to read and write hiragana at different level.
Almost all 46 hiragana symbols will be introduced to Year5 students. Combination sounds were introduced to Y6 students. It is absolutely rewarding to see students read mini-hiragana book which is a short picture book with simple Japanese.
As the assessment task for this term, they searched about some prefectures in Japan and created a Japan trip itinerary. They tried their best even though it was challenging.
It is not easy to learn an additional language. They are exploring the world in the classroom! Thank you for your support and encouragement to your child about learning Japanese at school.
Junko Nagashima
Japanese Teacher
From the Administration Office
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.
We are committed to providing our children with the highest quality education possible, ensuring a strong foundation before high school that empowers them to succeed and build the brightest futures possible.
We need your help to make this happen.
Every day counts in a child’s education. Consistent attendance gives them the best opportunity for a successful future—whether it’s a great career or becoming one of tomorrow’s leaders.
QParents
Runcorn State School would like to remind you that we are a cashless school and as such, the best way to help us help you, is to sign up for the QParents App.
QParents is a secure online portal created by the Department of Education for parents of Queensland state school students, providing 24-hour access to their child's information. It allows parents to access various student data and administrative functions, such as enrolment history, report cards and you can even advise us if your child is sick without having to make a call.
Having QParents means you can also pay invoices or check up on any outstanding fees directly ensuring excursions or incursions are paid in time for your child to attend.
We strongly encourage you to start using QParents and you can download the app or visit the QParents website.
There are so many uses for QParents so please take a look and download the app today.
https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/registration/account-owner/invitation/
P & C Association
P&C Announces Transition of Tuckshop and Uniform Shop
We want to inform our school community that the P&C will be officially handing over the operation of the Tuckshop and the Uniform Shop to the school. This change allows the P&C to better focus on community building, fundraising, events, and supporting other important initiatives that benefit our students and families. During this period, both shops will continue to operate as usual. Our priority is to maintain seamless service so that your experience remains unchanged, and your children’s needs are fully supported without interruption. We thank everyone for their ongoing support and cooperation as we work through this transition. We look forward to ongoing collaboration to ensure the best possible experience for our students and families.
Important dates for Term 3
- P&C General Meeting – Monday 21 July 3.15pm (Week 2)
- P&C General Meeting – Monday 25 August 3.15pm (Week 7)
- School Disco - Friday 12 September evening
School’s 125 year celebrations – save the date
Our school has chosen to celebrate our 125th year on Friday 24 July 2026 evening. Come along to our meetings as we plan for this major event and let us know if you would like to play an active role!
Thank you, Sally Dunn
As we are reaching the end of the term, we’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to Sally, our wonderful Tuckshop Convenor. Over the past eight months, Sally has brought warmth, creativity and dedication to the Tuckshop, delivering delicious food and fresh ideas that have been loved by students, staff, and families. Her commitment has truly made a difference, and we are so grateful for everything she’s done. Sally will be finishing up at the end of this term to focus on her family business, and while we will miss her greatly, we wish her every success and happiness in this next chapter. Thank you, Sally - you’ve been such a valued part of our school community!
Alternative hyperlink: 'Just One Thing' volunteer questionnaire
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
P&C Meetings
Thank you to all those who responded to our P&C meeting time poll. Our next P&C General Meeting will be held on Monday 21 July at 3.15pm.
This is your chance to stay informed, have your say, and be part of the decisions that help shape our school community.
Everyone is welcome, and we would love to see as many parents and caregivers there as possible. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first meeting, come along, get involved, and help make a difference. If you have any questions, please contact Nadera (P&C Secretary) at rsspcsecretary@outlook.com
Our general meetings usually occur on the Monday afternoons in Weeks 2 and 7 of each school term, and going forward from Term 3 will be held at the time of 3.15pm based on recent feedback, and we are open to considering alternating meeting times, as well as options for online or hybrid meetings (hybrid meetings are where people may attend both online and in-person at the same time).
Become a P&C member
It is FREE to join as a member of the Runcorn State School Parents and Citizens Association (P&C).
You can pick up a form from the school office, or request a copy of the form by contacting Nadera (Secretary) at rsspcsecretary@outlook.com, who can also answer any questions you may have about becoming a member of the P&C.
Benefits of joining the P&C:
- Get to know your school community better - meet more people and make new friends
- Feel a stronger sense of belonging to the school community
- Be informed of what happens at school, including any changes
- Keep up-to-date with the various school-related events and activities
- Vote at P&C meetings about school-related decisions (including spending of P&C funds) to improve our students’ schooling experience
- Receive the minutes/notes after each P&C meeting
- Receive the reports and reminders before each meeting
- Share your talents, skills, ideas, and expertise to help achieve positive outcomes for your school
- Get involved as little or as much as you like – being a member does not automatically mean you have to volunteer or have extra jobs to do
- See our students benefit from our efforts
Membership is essential if you want to be involved in any P&C decisions during the year, including how the money we all raise is spent.
Uniform Shop
Get ready for the Junior and Senior Athletics Days!
In preparation for our school’s athletics days this month, we have a half price sale on sports shirts (house colours) – now only $10! Grab yours today and show your team spirit!
Make sure to have your child dressed in their school house colours:
- Acacia – Yellow
- Grevillea – Red
- Banksia – Green
Second-hand uniforms
Are your children outgrowing their uniforms? Any good condition pre-loved uniforms can be dropped at the uniform shop during opening hours. These uniforms provide an affordable option to some families, and help generate revenue for our P&C, which goes back to funding resources for our school.
Winter sale on now!
We're excited to offer some amazing discounts on essential winter items. Don't miss out on getting your bargains today.
- Jacket: Now only $50 (was $55) - Limited sizes 16 and 18 available
- V-neck Jumper: Only $25 (was $30) Limited stock, so grab yours while you can
- Knit Sweater: Just $35 (was $40) Limited sizes available
- Trackpants: Now just $20 (was $25) Stock is limited, so get them before they're gone
Whether your kids need to stay warm for school or for weekend adventures, we have everything you need at great prices.
Hurry, these items are only available while stocks last!
Thank you for supporting the Runcorn State School P&C Association by purchasing through the Uniform Shop.
Tuckshop
Contact: Sally - tuckshop@runcornss.eq.edu.au
Opening hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (8.30am to 1.45pm)
How to order:
- Via Flexischools (see image below), or
- Over-the-counter purchases can only be made Wednesday to Friday where students can bring cash.
Birthday orders: Don’t forget that cupcakes and ice blocks (Zooper Doopers) can be ordered via Flexischools. Please note that these are only available Wednesday to Friday, and all birthday orders must be placed at least two days prior.
Volunteers Needed in the Tuckshop.
You don’t need cooking or kitchen experience to help in the Tuckshop. Under the guidance of our friendly Tuckshop Convenor Sally, you can help in one or more of the following ways:
- Putting sticker labels on bags
- Sorting bags into categories (Hot Food, Sandwiches etc.)
- Filling drink orders
- Preparing and heating up food
- Making salads and sandwiches
- Peeling apples (and even using the slinky machine)
- Baking
- Placing hot food items (e.g. potato gems, chicken nuggets) in bags, ready to pack into orders
- Placing hot meals (e.g. lasagne, spaghetti, fried rice, pizzas) into bags, ready for sorting into delivery boxes
- Placing orders into class tuckshop delivery boxes
- Washing up
It’s an excellent way to help out in your community by providing an important service to students and staff. To volunteer: email tuckshop@runcornss.eq.edu.au with your preferred days and times that you can assist.
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Community News
We are looking for a responsible and community-minded person to join our team as a School Crossing Supervisor.
This is a paid job during school terms, and full training is provided.
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.
