Newsletter Term 3 Week 7
From the Principal
Newsletter Week 7
Science Expo
Our Science Expo was a wonderful success - what an amazing morning we had! All students presented and experienced many hands-on Science experiments and learnt many new facts about our planet, forces, natural disasters, light, shadows, materials, the environment and life cycles! It was great to see so many families come and join us for the morning.
Online Safety & Online Behaviour – Appropriate Technology Use
Technology is everywhere in our homes and parents and carers play an important role in helping children to develop digital intelligence — the social, emotional and practical skills needed to successfully navigate the digital world.
Every family is different and will have their own ideas around what’s considered ‘normal’ or acceptable use of digital devices. Please ensure you make the time to check in with your children and ensure appropriate security settings are in place.
Nine Digital Technology Guidelines for Parents
- Know what the rules and expectations are at school
Our school digital device policy and guidelines make a great starting point for families. Make sure that you and your child know what the rules are at school. Importantly, support the school and keep your own expectations in line with the schools.
- Specify hours for digital use
Set the ground rules for when your children can use their tablets and phones, and when they need to shut them off. It’s just a smart way to build a habit for the whole family so it becomes ingrained and just the way things are done in your home.
- Consider a digital device ‘contract’
Clearly set out your digital device usage guidelines and print them in an agreement that you and your children can both sign. If there are any disputes, then you both have the expectations in writing.
- Lay out consequences from the start
Make the consequences clear for breaking the rules, such as taking away the device for a set period of time. But remember, the goal isn’t to punish them, but just to set clear boundaries. You can develop the guidelines together and they should be reasonable rather than excessive.
- Talk about respectful relationships, safety and inappropriate websites
Do not let your children loose in the digital world without having several conversations about how to stay safe online, how to show respectful behaviour and be aware of inappropriate websites. Each of these topics is a separate issue on its own, but each is deeply affected by the virtual, boundary-free nature of digital technology.
- Be prepared to learn
Be ready to learn about social media, and the different apps and games that your children might be playing.
- Change the rules if necessary
Be prepared to keep evolving your rules based on you children’s behaviour, maturity, sleep habits, their tendency to leave homework or chores unfinished, bullying or any number of issues that will invariably crop up to ensure they are clear around your expectations.
- Keep digital devices out of the bedroom
This is one rule that you should stay firm on.
- Have a ‘digital detox’ one day a week
The only way that this idea will work is if you join them in making one day a week a digital device-free day. They will probably not like it, and neither will you, but the point of having one day off is to prove that they can live without their digital device and involve them in different forms of communication and entertainment.
Click here to view more information: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Year 4 Camp
Our Year 4 students have been busy reflecting on their recent camp experience where they deepened their understanding of connecting to Country. They've shared valuable lessons learned, special memories made, and the many things they’re grateful for during this exciting adventure away from the classroom! Check out the RSS Facebook page for plenty of photos of their amazing camp experience and see below for some of their reflections.
Meg McClure
From the Deputy Principal
School Absences
The Department requires all schools to notify parents/carers by SMS every morning when a student is absent, and no reason has been provided.
This process is vital for student safety, as rolls are marked to ensure all 452 students who are expected to be in our care are accounted for. We cannot assume that a child’s absence is known to their parent/carer—unfortunately, serious situations can and do occur.
Following up unexplained absences takes considerable time each day. We would much rather dedicate this time to supporting teaching and learning, rather than administrative follow-up.
We kindly ask for your support by contacting the school every day your child is absent, before 8:45am, with a reason for the absence.
You can do this by either:
- SMS: 0429 928 611
- Absence Line: 3323 8777 (Option 1)
Thank you for working with us to keep our students safe. Your cooperation ensures accurate attendance records, supports the wellbeing of all students, and reduces unnecessary administration.
Roberta Matlock.
Head of Department - Curriculum
Book Week Parade 2025
Our annual Book Week Parade was a wonderful success, transforming the Basketball Court into a vibrant celebration of literature and imagination. Last Tuesday, students, staff, and families came together to celebrate this year’s theme, Books and Adventure, bringing favourite characters and stories to life in a dazzling display of creativity and joy.
The parade featured an incredible variety of costumes – from much-loved classics such as Winnie the Pooh and the magic of Peter Pan, to modern favourites including The Baby-Sitters Club and Wombat Stew. The colourful array of characters highlighted the wonderful dedication, imagination, and community spirit of our children and families.
Adding to the celebration, our teachers and students decorated classroom doors in spectacular displays inspired by their favourite books.
A very special thank you goes to our parents and caregivers for the time, effort, and creativity they put into helping students prepare their costumes and join in the celebration. At Runcorn, we truly love our reading – and Book Week reminds us of the magic that happens when stories bring us together.
Jillian Chittenden & Rachel La Sala
Head of Department - Inclusion
Meet Michelle Woods – Our School Speech Pathologist
As we celebrate Speech Pathology Week (24 – 30 August), we’re excited to introduce Michelle Woods, Runcorn’s dedicated Speech Pathologist.
Michelle supports three schools in our local area and spends every Thursday with us at Runcorn. In her role, she works closely with teachers and staff to build confidence and strategies for supporting students with speech, language, and communication needs. Working closely with our school team, Michelle helps make the adjustments needed so all learners can be included, succeed, and grow to their full potential.
The theme for this year’s Speech Pathology Week is “Impact through Communication.” This theme reminds us of the powerful role communication plays in learning and in life. Speech Pathologists like Michelle make a profound difference by helping students develop the skills they need to access their education, form strong social connections, and thrive both in and out of the classroom.
We are so fortunate to have Michelle as part of our school community and thank her for the positive impact she makes each week at Runcorn.
Julie Schooth
Norman's News
This week I want to give a big shout out to a wonderful Year 1 student who showed amazing persistence and resilience while making me a brand-new bone-shaped toy (with a little help from Mum). How lucky am I?!
Along with feeling very grateful, this kind gesture got me thinking about what resilience really means. Resilience is about bouncing back when things feel tricky—like when I miss catching my ball but don’t give up and try again. Or when my clever Year 1 friend gave me their homemade toy and had to work hard to wrestle it back from me!
At school, I see resilience every day—students giving something another go, staying calm, or asking for help in the right way.
Parents, you can help grow resilience at home by:
- Praising effort, not just results.
- Allowing children time to solve problems on their own.
- Modelling calm “bounce back” moments when things don’t go to plan.
Every small step builds independence and confidence. Keep cheering your children on—I’ll be wagging my tail for them too!
Until next time,
Big licks and tail wags,
Norman
Health Happenings
Our emphasis at Runcorn State School this fortnight areupon 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
Social Worker News
At our school, we run a special Boys Group designed to support social and emotional development in a positive, small-group setting. The aim of this group is to help students build important skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and positive relationships. By listening to one another and sharing their perspectives, students gain a deeper understanding of how others feel and the challenges they may face.
Currently, seven Year 5 students participate in Boys Group, which is facilitated by Mr B, each Friday for around 40–45 minutes. Sessions usually include a short learning focus, interactive games, time for reflection, and guided conversations that encourage sharing and personal growth. Lesson topics range from friendship and self-regulation to teamwork, leadership, and even critical reflections on movies or popular sports culture. The boys also enjoy a variety of games—from team sports like cricket, soccer and Kubb, to classics like UNO, Monopoly, or musical chairs.
The small-group setting provides a safe and supportive space where students can build trust, explore emotions, and practice important social skills. Over time, the aim of this group is for the boys to strengthen their friendships, develop resilience, and grow in confidence. Working together on challenges and games helps them learn the value of teamwork, persistence, and bouncing back from setbacks—all essential skills for both school and life.
Binoy Joseph
Social Worker
Music Matters
Save the date:
Term 3 Week 8 - Wednesday September 3 – Singfest at Acacia Ridge SS Auditorium (Senior Choir)
Term 4 Week 3 Friday October 24 – IM Band and Strings Excursion to Qld Symphony Orchestra
Singfest - Senior Choir
Singfest consent forms and payment were due on Monday 25th August for all students who submitted their EOI in Term 1, please ensure your payment has been made and your consent form has been returned. Please continue to check your emails for any last-minute information that may come from the Singfest Coordinators. There will be NO 8am Senior Choir rehearsal at school on the morning of Singfest.
Music Showcase Concert
Thanks to our amazing Runcorn community for their support at the Music Showcase on Wednesday night at Sunnybank State High School. The ensembles and choirs all did an amazing job and Mr Biedermann, Miss O’Callaghan and Mrs Murray are very proud of the work you did preparing and performing. Well done to our music captains Ethan and Enoch who compered the night. Thank you to the P&C for their efforts in providing refreshments and the raffles. Thanks to everyone who contributed to make the night amazing! Photos from the night will be featured in the next newsletter.
Classroom Music- Year 1
Year 1 students are working on their rhythm and drumming skills. They are working on playing an ostinato (a repeated rhythmic pattern) on a drum along to a melody. It can sometimes be tricky to maintain a consistent rhythm when there is a contrasting part simultaneously happening! This kind of part work is great for brain development, and it is also lots of fun!
Mrs Alison Murray
Sports News
Welcome to the fourth newsletter for Term 3.
Sport at Runcorn has been progressing well this term.
Preps have already been assessed on their running, skipping and galloping skills and are currently working hard on their hopping skills. We have been utilising these movement skills while playing a game called ‘Helicopters and Lilly Pads’.
The Year 1 and 2 classes have been enjoying a variety of Tag games. These games have improved each student’s ability to evade a tagger through the change of speed and direction.
The Year 3 and 4 classes have had to learn the basic skills and rules of playing Ultimate Frisbee which has been a challenge but one most students are giving their best effort towards.
The Year 5 and 6 classes are in the middle of their tennis unit and their racquet and ball control has improved immensely since the start of the term.
Finally, next Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 September, I will be away from school as I will be attending the Metropolitan West Track and Field Carnival. Good luck to Chloe, who will be representing Eastern Taipans in High Jump, while Kai will be representing Eastern Taipans in Discus. We wish you both the best of luck and we hope you enjoy the experience.
As always, any questions please email me.
Have a great fortnight.
Mr Brady
lbrad101@eq.edu.au
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/
Originally founded by students in response to global stories of mental health issues due to bullying and harassment, Wear it Purple Day has become an international movement of love and support. Every year, LGBTIQ+ youth and allies unite to shine a glorious light on the thousands of schools, community organisations, universities and workplaces that are coming together to create a more inclusive future for all.
The following resources provide information for students and parents to assist them to ask for and receive the support they need to feel nurtured, safe and supported at school.
Diversity in Queensland schools: fact sheet for students (PDF, 379KB) External link
Diversity in Queensland schools: fact sheet for parents (PDF, 288KB)
P & C Association
Father's Day Stall – Thursday 4 September
Students will have the opportunity to choose a special gift for their loved one from a wide selection of items, priced between $1 – $10.
Please send cash in a clear, labelled bag with your child’s name on it.
Class visit timetable will be posted soon on our Facebook page – stay tuned!
Volunteers Needed!
We’re looking for enthusiastic helpers to make this year’s Father’s Day Stall a memorable one. If you can spare some time, please sign up here:
https://volunteersignup.org/KCD7H
Thank you for your support 💙
“Bright Light Disco” is coming
We need volunteers to make it happen.
If you’re available to lend a hand, please click on the link and select any timeslot you’re free to help. Every little bit helps, we’d love to have you on board.
https://volunteersignup.org/HLBER
Uniform Shop
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.
📣 Tuckshop 🎉
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.
Special Note: Tuckshop and Uniform Shop are now Cashless
To come into line with the Runcorn State School being a cashless school, the Tuckshop and Uniform Shop will now be cashless shops as well. All tuckshop orders need to go through Flexischools and you can pay for uniforms either in person or via the website electronically.
Some events will still have cash facilities, this is just for the tuckshop and uniform shop.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
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.
