Newsletter Term 4 Week 7
From the Acting Principal
Remembrance Day
On Monday November 11, in a moving service, our school remembered generations of Australian servicemen and women who have defended our values and freedoms in wars, conflicts, and peace operations. It was obvious to me that a great deal of time and effort was put into the lead up of the morning to ensure it was a respectful service. The manner in which our students conducted themselves during the service was a credit to those involved.
In Flanders’ Field the poppies blow
Between the Crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
Term 4 Week 11
This is a year when State Schools have an 11th week in Term 4. During Week 11 staff will provide alternative activities as all curriculum teaching and learning and associated assessments will have concluded.
Don’t forget to share your kindy transition statement
We are preparing for all the new families and children starting school next year, and we want to support you and your child to plan your transition from kindy to school. Your child has learned so much at kindy, and you have lots to share with their new school. You can share the Kindy transition statement by signing the transition statement consent form provided to you by your Kindy.
Returning in 2025
Thank you to those families who have informed us that your child is returning or departing in 2025. A reminder to let the school know of your intentions for next year if you haven’t already. This is a vital part of the process to assign students to classes and predict our future staffing, along with ensuring we receive the right funding. Class teachers will start to allocate students into classes over the coming weeks along with preparing for your child on “Shuffle Up” Day Term 4 Week 10.
Attending every day of school is important to ensure students have the very best start in life and learning. At times families are away and that leave may extend into school time. Please phone, email or visit our school before Friday 13 December if you know your child will not be at school on Tuesday 28January 2025 - Day 1 of Term 1 but will return shortly after.
School Events
Keep an eye out for the following events taking place at our school this term:
T4W7 Year 4 Camp 13-15 November
T4W8 Academic and Music Awards parade Tuesday 19/11/24 9.30am
T4W8 Family Strings Concert Wednesday 20/11/24 3.15pm
T4W9 End of Year Concert Tuesday 26 November - 5:30pm
T4W10 Student Leader Handover Monday 2 December 8.45am
T4W10 Shuffle Up Monday 2 December pm
T4W10 Year 6 Graduation Wednesday 4/12/24 9:30am
T4W10 Junior Swim Carnival Thursday 5/12/24
T4W10 Year 6 Big Day Out Aussie World Friday 6/12/24
T4W11 Jabiru 1 Year Anniversary Community BBQ Wednesday 11/12/24 3.00pm
T4W11 Celebration Day Thursday 12/12/24
Roberta Matlock.
From the Acting Deputy Principal
It’s hard to believe how quickly this term has flown! It’s been wonderful to visit classrooms and see our students fully engaged in their learning, while also demonstrating the Runcorn values with their peers and teachers. It’s clear that everyone has been working hard and putting in their best effort, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a motivated and supportive school community.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing teachers and staff, whose dedication and hard work continue to make a positive impact on our students’ growth. I also want to extend my appreciation to our families for their ongoing support and involvement – your encouragement truly makes a difference in our students’ success.
This term, we’ve had many special events such as our Pre-Prep sessions, the Virginia SS band performance, the Remembrance Ceremony, and a variety of year-level incursions and excursions. These experiences provide valuable learning opportunities outside the classroom.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to celebrate our students' achievements at the upcoming Academic Awards Parade. This will be a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work and determination of our students across all year levels.
As we head into the second half of Term 4, let’s continue to encourage our students to give their best and to make the most of the exciting learning opportunities that are still to come.
Cathy Seto-Payne
From the Head of Department - Curriculum
Assessment Time
As the term begins to come to a close, assessment season can feel like a stressful time for both students and parents. Whether it’s exams, projects, or other evaluations, it’s important to remember that this period is not just about measuring progress—it’s also an opportunity for growth, reflection, and learning. Try to be supportive and empathetic. Talk to your child about how they’re feeling—whether it's stress, worry, or even excitement. Let them know that it's normal to feel nervous and that you’re there to help them work through it.
Sometimes, just acknowledging their emotions and offering reassurance can significantly reduce their anxiety. Remind them that assessments are a chance to show what they’ve learned and that, regardless of the outcome, they are always learning and growing.
If your child is feeling like they are struggling with certain areas or feeling unprepared, encourage them to speak with their teachers. Teachers can offer valuable insight, provide additional resources. Keeping an open line of communication between home and school helps ensure that any issues are addressed early, giving your child the best chance to succeed.
Together, we can ensure that assessment time is not just about grades but about learning, growing, and preparing for the next step in their educational journey.
Jillian Chittenden
Head of Department - Inclusion
It is that time of the year where we start thinking about the next school year!
There are many different transitions involved with schooling and whether your child is entering a new grade, starting at a new school, or just returning to familiar faces and routines, the transition to a new school year can create a mixture of emotions.
There are many ways that you can help your child to prepare for these changes. Below are some strategies that can help, for any kind of school transition:
- Establish a Routine Early
One of the best ways to ease the transition is by establishing a consistent routine ahead of time. As the 2025 school year approaches, start adjusting bedtime and wake-up times to mirror the schedule that will be required during the school week. Routines help create a sense of stability and reduce anxiety, especially in the days leading up to the first day of school. Parents can also encourage good habits by organizing school supplies, setting up a designated study area, and ensuring that everything is ready for the first day.
- Foster a Positive Mindset
A new school year offers a fresh start—a chance to reset, set new goals, and overcome past challenges. For students, this is a great time to reflect on the previous year and think about what they hope to achieve this year. Parents can help by encouraging open discussions about any apprehensions and focusing on positive aspects of the upcoming year, such as new friends, exciting subjects, or extracurricular activities. A mindset of possibility rather than pressure can make the transition feel more exciting and less daunting.
- Embrace New Social Connections
The social aspect of school can be both exciting and intimidating. For students returning to the same school, it’s often a relief to reconnect with friends, but for those starting a new school or grade, meeting new people can be a challenge. Parents can help by encouraging their children to be open to new friendships and to participate in activities that align with their interests. Whether it's joining a club, participating in team sports, or simply reaching out to classmates, making connections early on can help foster a sense of belonging and ease social anxiety.
- Promote Healthy Habits
Starting the school year on the right foot also means paying attention to physical and mental health. Regular exercise, healthy meals, and adequate sleep are essential for cognitive function and emotional well-being. Encourage your child to stay active by walking or biking to school, participating in after-school sports, or simply playing outdoors. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water can boost energy levels and concentration. Additionally, ensuring that your child gets enough sleep each night will help them feel refreshed and ready to face the challenges of the day.
- Communicate with Teachers and Staff
For parents, keeping an open line of communication with teachers is crucial. If you have any concerns about your child’s academic progress, social dynamics, or specific needs, reach out early. Teachers can provide valuable insights into your child’s strengths and areas for growth, and they can help to support students as they transition from one class to another.
Before the end of the year we will hold a ‘Step Up Day.’ This session happens towards the end of Term 4 which provides an opportunity for all students to experience the year level ahead, possibly becoming familiar with their new teacher and classroom and developing an understanding of the expectations and opportunities available in the coming year.
Teachers also spend time completing a handover to ensure a smooth transition for each student.
We are here to support your children. If you have any concerns, please reach out to us for assistance.
Julie Schooth
Norman's News
I know that I often reveal my goofy side and make you laugh with my cheeky nature, but I wanted to also share with you just how proud I am of my new jacket! This new vest was purchased with the funds raised by our fabulous student council earlier this year and was custom made in our Runcorn blue, complete with our school emblem and my name. I have been overwhelmed with compliments from all of the students and staff and will be forever grateful for our community which recognises my role at Runcorn and supports me to be the best therapy dog that I can be!
Until next time,
Big licks and tail wags,
Norman
Music Matters
Save the date:
Week 8 November 19- Music and Academic Awards 9:30am
Week 8 November 19- Strings family afternoon 3-4pm
Week 9 November 26- End of Year Concert- whole school at Sunnybank State High School
Week 10 December 4- Graduation
VIRGINIA STATE SCHOOL Tour
We were so lucky to have the Concert Band and Stage Band from Virginia State School come and perform for our Year 3-6s last Thursday. What an impressive group they were! They performed lots of different songs like Bob the Builder and Happy from Despicable Me and they even had costumes! The school community loved it.
END OF YEAR CONCERT
Our End of Year Concert is coming up quickly. Every year level has been preparing 2 songs to perform at Sunnybank State High School Term 4 Week 9 Tuesday November 26th. Children will need to be there at 6.00pm for a prompt start at 6.30pm.
It will be an exciting way to send out our year and we look forward to seeing everyone there. The P&C will be raffling off hampers and there will be food and drink to purchase from 5pm. Start thinking about your costumes now. Themes for each year level are as follows:
The P&C require volunteers for the preparation and sale of food and raffle tickets for the Concert. Please register what you would like to volunteer for and when:
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: Instruments for 2025.
Some students in the Instrumental Music program will be required to purchase their own instruments for the 2025 program. Check the table to see if you are required to do this. Please see your Band or Strings teacher if you require assistance or advice with this.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: Recruitment
Final decisions are being made in selecting the students for the Strings and Band program for 2025. Offers will be sent out in the next couple of weeks.
PERFORMANCES THIS TERM
Dates for Band: Last lessons and lunch time band rehearsal - Week 8 November 18
Full Band (Y4-6) at the Music and Academic Awards - Week 8 November 19
Year 6 Ensemble on Parade - Week 9 November 25
Dates for Strings: Music and Academic Awards- Week 8 November 19 (Senior Strings)
Strings family afternoon concert - Week 8 November 19 (Beginner and Junior Strings)
Dates for Choir: Remembrance Day ceremony- Week 7 November 11
Music and Academic Awards- Week 8 November 19
PERFORMANCE UNIFORM
The performance uniform for all Band, Strings and Choir performances is the school formal uniform. Please ensure this is worn for all performances coming up.
Ms Mariel Hopper (mxhop2@eq.edu.au)
Sports News
Below is the program for the Junior Swimming Carnival. Term 4 Week 10 Thursday, 5th December, from 9.00 am to 11.00 am.
Please email me with any questions.
Mr Brady
lbrad101@eq.edu.au
Health Happenings
Our emphasis 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 the 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
School Photos
You can view and purchase the group images at the Advanced life link below.
www.advancedlife.com.au enter the code: RJYQRZJ39 and click on "Group Photos"
Important
- Sports and co-curricular group photos can only be purchased online, PLEASE DO NOT return payment to your school.
From the Administration Office
Student Resource Scheme 2025 Update
At Runcorn State School, we strive to achieve the best learning outcomes for all students. Each year, we request a voluntary contribution from parents to support the provision of essential teaching and learning resources.
We are pleased to advise that P&C approved that the SRS fee for 2025 will be $15.00 per student. The Instrumental music levies will remain unchanged in 2025 ($60.00 for own instrument; $100.00 for hired instrument).
Why has it reduced?
Earlier this year, the Department of Education issued a directive to all schools to review school fees in light of the rising cost of living.
A detailed list of what the $15.00 will cover is provided below has been uploaded to our website.
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring the best educational outcomes for our students. If you have any questions please contact the 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 can be entered via QParents, text 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).
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.
Medication must be prescribed by a doctor or dentist and can only be administered to students by school staff after a consent form has been signed by a parent. The medication must be 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. 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:- QParents, 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.
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
End of Year Concert - Tuesday 26 November
The P&C require volunteers for the preparation and sale of food and raffle tickets for the Concert. Please register what you would like to volunteer for and when:
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.
Expressions of Interest are open! Global Passport: Explore the world in 5 days
The Department of Education International (DEi) in partnership with Griffith University is pleased to offer a 5-day online program during the January school holidays, designed to build global competence and bring the world to Queensland students from the comfort of their home.
Specifically aimed at Years 4 to 6 students in Queensland, this immersive opportunity will provide students with the chance to virtually 'travel' to different countries. Each day, students will experience different cultures through interactive activities, basic language learning, and the exploration of diverse topics, including food, art, daily life, cultural traditions and landmarks.
Program details
Dates: 13-17 January 2025
Years: 4 - 6
Delivery mode: Online via Microsoft Teams
Time: Sessions run for a duration of 1.5 hours daily over 5 consecutive days*
Application closing date: 6 December 2024
Please see the Expression of Interest Form for further information, including eligibility and registration requirements.
Expressions of interest are now open, with the program live on the Global Engagement website. Noting spaces are limited.
Expression of Interest Forms must be submitted to Global Engagement via global.engagement@qed.qld.gov.au
