Newsletter Term 3 Week 5

From the Principal

Year 6 Canberra Camp

Students from our school have recently undertaken an educational tour of the national capital, Canberra. 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.

Prep Enrolments 2026

We have had several tours this year but realise not everyone can come in on the assigned days. For this reason, we have created a Prep orientation video which we recently shared on our Facebook page https://fb.watch/Bp9pcGrucK/. Hopefully it addresses many of the questions people have about how our Runcorn family operates. Our staff are always keen to share what they love about this hidden treasure of a school.

I ask parents to share the word about our wonderful school with any family, friends and neighbours. If you know someone with a child ready for Prep next year and they’re wanting to know more about our school, please share our Prep orientation video post with them and encourage them to call the office and make an appointment for a school tour and conversation. We are always happy to show off our amazing school and what it can offer to the children of our community.

Runcorn State School has a Facebook Page

Our school has its very own Facebook page. This page is one of the ways that we are able to communicate with our school community. To keep you update, please search for us on Facebook under ‘Runcorn State School’ and give us a like to ensure you stay up to date with our school events. https://www.facebook.com/runcornss

School Opinion Survey

Thank you to all of those who have already completed the Parent/Caregiver Survey. If you have not had a chance to complete the survey yet, please note that the online surveys will remain open until Friday, 22 August 2025. This is your opportunity to provide feedback about what our school does well and how we can improve. To have your say, check your email for an invitation from the Department of Education titled School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2025. Can’t find your invitation?  If your family has more than one parent/caregiver, check that they haven’t received the invitation and/or check your junk email folder.

Meg McClure

From the Deputy Principal

School Pickup & Drop-off Zone – Safety Reminders

Thank you for helping keep our Drop-off and Pick-up Zone safe and efficient. Please remember:

• Stop – Drop – Go: The zone is for quick drop-off/pick-up only (max. 2 minutes). Have bags ready and avoid delays like opening boots or putting on jackets.
• Supervised times (3.00pm – 3.30pm): Staff will direct students to cars.
• Queue safely: Wait your turn—no cutting in.
• Move on promptly: If you need longer than 2 minutes, please rejoin the queue.
• No parking: Do not leave your car in the zone.
• Keep traffic flowing: Don’t block our neighbour’s driveways, double park, or do three-point turns—these are dangerous and disruptive.
• Student safety first: Remind children to stay alert and considerate.

Together, we can keep drop-off and pick-up times smooth and safe for everyone

 Roberta Matlock.

Head of Department - Inclusion

Building Inclusive Friendships in Our School

As I recently watched students exploring and creating together, I was reminded of how friendships form the heart of a thriving, inclusive school community. These connections are not just about having someone to play with — they are key to emotional growth, developing social skills, and building a sense of belonging for every child.

Why Inclusive Friendships Matter

• Social Connection for All – Friendships help children learn to communicate, share, cooperate, and problem-solve. Inclusive friendships ensure every child — regardless of background, ability, or personality — can practise and grow these skills.
• Emotional Safety – Friends provide understanding, empathy, and encouragement. When children feel accepted, they build resilience and feel safe to be themselves.
• Belonging and Confidence – Being included boosts self-esteem and encourages children to participate more fully in learning and play. Feeling valued by peers helps every child’s confidence grow.

How We Can Nurture Inclusive Friendships

• Encourage Kindness and Inclusion – Help your child understand the idea that there is always room for one more in the game. Encourage students to notice those who might be alone and invite them in.
• Model Respect and Empathy – Children learn from what they see. Demonstrating patience, kindness, and respectful communication sets the tone for how our children will treat each other.
• Create Opportunities to Connect – Group activities, buddy systems, and community events give children a chance to meet and build connections beyond their usual friendship circles.
• Listen and Guide – Talk with children about their friendships, celebrate their positive experiences, and support them when challenges arise.

Friendships can sometimes be tricky — feelings might get hurt, or disagreements may occur. These moments are valuable opportunities for us, as adults, to teach problem-solving, empathy, and understanding. By guiding children through problems (when they arise) we can help them build stronger, more respectful connections.

By making inclusivity a core part of how we talk about and model friendships, we give every child the chance to feel seen, valued, and connected. In doing so, we strengthen not just their relationships, but the fabric of our whole school community.

Julie Schooth

Norman's News

This week while Mrs Schooth has been thinking about friendships, I have been too - how they make our tails wag and our hearts feel pawsitively full.

Last weekend, I had a sleepover with one of my best dog friends. We played, shared toys (and snacks!), and curled up together at bedtime. It reminded me that good friends make even ordinary moments feel special.

We also often go for long walks through Karawatha Forest. We sniff around, explore new paths, and even spot a few cheeky wallabies! Walking side-by-side makes me realise that adventures are always better when you have a friend with you.

Friendships are a bit like a good walk — sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow, but you always enjoy the journey together. At school, I think this means including others, being kind, and sticking together when things get tricky.

So, this week, I’d love to see students inviting someone new to join in a game or to sit together at lunch. We might just see students finding a new forever friend — the kind that makes your tail wag!

Until next time,

Big licks and tail wags,

Norman

Music Matters

Save the date:

Term 3 Week 5 - Thursday August 14 - Instrumental Music Information Evening at Runcorn Heights SS

Term 3 Week 7 - Wednesday August 27 - Music Showcase Concert Sunnybank SHS (Band, Strings, Choirs)

Term 3 Week 8 - Wednesday September 3 – Singfest at Acacia Ridge SS Auditorium (Senior Choir)

Instrumental Music Information Evening

Last week families of current Year 2 and 3 students received an emailed invitation to attend an Instrumental Music Information Evening at Runcorn Heights SS at 6.00pm on Thursday 14 August to discover what the programs are about and to express your interest in your child participating in 2026. Current Year 2 students are eligible to apply for the Strings program, while current Year 3 students are eligible to apply for Band program.

Studies have shown that children learning an instrument under the age of 14 demonstrate improved self-esteem, social and academic skills, mental health, cognitive and physical abilities, relief from stress, better organisational skills, memory, attention span, and emotional regulation and a lifelong appreciation for music.

If your child is interested in participating in one of the programs in 2026 but you were unable to attend the information session, please email Music Coordinator Alison Murray amurr51@eq.edu.au for further information, or simply return your EOI form (sent with the email) to the school office by Friday August 22. If you do not return your EOI by the due date you are unlikely to be considered for the 2026 intake.

Instrumental Music and Choir rehearsals

Please ensure your child is on time and in attendance at all rehearsals this term. Our Music Showcase concert is in Week 7 of this term and all ensembles and choirs will be performing. It is also very important that Choir students attend each week so that you are very familiar with all the Singfest repertoire for Week 8.

Singfest - Senior Choir

Singfest is coming up for Senior Choir members in Week 8. Students who submitted an EOI in Term 1 have now been invoiced for their Singfest ticket. Please pay this invoice and return the Singfest Consent Form (sent home on paper in Week 3) by August 25. A reminder that metal water bottles are not permitted at Singfest.

Please also be aware that PARENT TRANSPORT is required for the Singfest excursion on Wednesday September 3. An email will be sent next week with further information about the drop off zone and parking at Singfest, which is being held at Acacia Ridge State School this year.

Music Showcase Concert

Our Music Showcase Concert will be held at Sunnybank State High School in Week 7, Wednesday 27 August 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). Keep an eye on your email inbox for further details!

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 6.00pm

Mrs Alison Murray

(amurr51@eq.edu.au)

Sports News

Welcome to PE in Week 5.

You may recall from the previous newsletter that we had some amazing results from our students at the recent Eastern Taipans Track and Field Carnival. We are pleased to announce that two of our athletes have made the team. Congratulations to Chloe and Kai! 

Chloe will be representing Eastern Taipans in High Jump, while Kai will be representing Eastern Taipans in Discus.  Both students will be competing at QSAC during the Met West Regional Athletics Carnival held over two days in September.  

We wish you both the best of luck and hope you enjoy the experience.

Last week, on parade and morning messages, an opportunity for our budding tennis stars to compete at the upcoming Brisbane International Primary Schools Cup was discussed.  After a brilliant response from the students, parents of those who have expressed a keen interest will receive a Q-Parents notification and permission form shortly. 

For those who would like more information, please see the following link:  https://www.tennis.com.au/qld/schools/tqpsc/tqpsc-orange-and-green-ball

We will be entering teams in the ‘Orange ball’ competition.

As always, any questions please email me. 

Have a great fortnight.

Mr Brady
lbrad101@eq.edu.au 

Health Happenings

Assembly Awards

Our assembly awards focus this fortnight are the Persistence Key and the Researcher Learning Asset.

Persistence at Runcorn State School looks like:

• Students trying their best when completing challenging tasks
• Students finishing their work on time
• Students avoiding distractions when completing learning activities

Effective Researchers at Runcorn State School are:

• Curious
• Courageous
• Resourceful

At the beginning of Week 5, two tickets from each year level were randomly selected. Our Principal, Mrs McClure, celebrated with those students at a special afternoon tea. The next afternoon tea with Mrs McClure will be held at the end of Week 10. 

Sheridan Stirling
sstir16@eq.edu.au

From the Administration Office

Casual Cleaners Wanted

We are currently looking for casual cleaning staff to support our wonderful school community. These roles are perfect for someone looking for flexible hours in a great environment.

Work hours:

• Morning: 5.00am – 8.30am
• Afternoon: 2.00pm – 6.00pm

Our school is a fantastic place to work, with a supportive team and a strong sense of community. Cleaning plays an important role in keeping our students and staff safe and comfortable.

Applicants must hold a paid current Blue Card and will be subject to a criminal history check.

If you’re interested, a hard worker and able to work independently and as a member of a team, please visit the school office and complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. Alternatively, you can contact the school, and we email an EOI form to you.

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

Important dates for Term 3

• P&C General Meeting – Monday 25 August 3.15pm (Week 7)

School’s 125 year celebrations – save the date!

Our school community is celebrating our 125^th year on Friday 24 July 2026. 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!

Uniform Shop

Online ordering here

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.

Community News

Round 3 Scholarships at MacGregor SHS

Did you know MacGregor State High School offers scholarships to outstanding students starting Year 7?

The final chance to apply for a scholarship for Year 7 2026 is quickly approaching - don’t miss out! Applications close Friday, 29 August 2025.

They proudly offer scholarships in three key domains: Academic, Cultural (Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music, Visual Arts), and Sport.

These scholarships recognise and support students with exceptional talents and achievements. Acceptance of applications are based on merit and various examination or audition processes. Students do not have to be in the MacGregor SHS catchment area to apply.

For full details and how to apply, visit their website or contact their Enrolments Officer, Angie Blanch:

Web: www.macg.link/scholarships        

Ph: 3347 3555

Email: enrolments@macgregorshs.eq.edu.au

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.