Newsletter Term 3 Week 1
From the Principal
Newsletter Week 1
Welcome back to Term 3! We hope that everyone has had a relaxing break and has come back refreshed for a productive and focused term of learning. I wish to extend a very warm welcome to students joining us this term, and their families. I hope you settle in quickly and soon feel part of the Runcorn school community. As always it will be another incredibly busy and exciting term with a myriad of happenings taking place across the school.
Prep Enrolment for 2026
Our Preparatory Year enrolment process for the 2026 school year has commenced. In terms of the enrolment process, parents are invited to complete an enrolment form and collect an enrolment package from the front office. Our Prep program for 2026 includes opportunities for our new students to join our school in a Pre-Prep program which will be held over four weeks during term four. This program will be a great way of connecting and engaging with our school in preparation for next year. We encourage you to enrol your child early, to ensure your place is guaranteed for 2026 and to give us a clear idea about the number of classes we can form. All enrolments require an interview with one of our Prep teachers.
School Opinion Survey
The annual School Opinion Surveys will be conducted in Term 3 and will close on Friday 22 August 2025. All families, school staff and students in the target year levels of 5 and 6 will be invited to participate. We encourage you to take this opportunity to have your say about what our school does well, and how we can improve.
An invitation to complete the Parent/Caregiver Survey will be emailed to one parent/caregiver per family in the week beginning 28 July. The invitation will be sent from the Department of Education, not the school, and it will have the subject line School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2025. Check your junk email folders if you can’t find it. The survey can be completed as soon as the invitation is received and will take approximately 5 minutes using a computer, tablet or smart phone. Parents/caregivers who do not have access to the internet at home are welcome to complete their survey online at the school. School computers/tablets will be available. Keep an eye out for yours!
Meg McClure
From the Deputy Principal
Instrumental Music Information Evening
Instrumental Music program 2026 information night will be held at Runcorn Heights State School Hall on Term 3 Week 5 Thursday 14/08/2024 at 6.00pm.
If your child will be in Year 3 for the strings program in 2026 or Year 4 for the Band program in 2026 please attend this information session as part of the recruitment process to register your expression of interest which will be followed at school by an aural skills test, consideration of classroom music results and effort and behaviour in music and general classroom, consultation with the classroom teacher, family support and interest and physical testing for instrument suitability.
3 Way Conferences – Term 3, Week 4
We are pleased to invite all Parents and Carers to participate in our upcoming 3-Way Conferences during Term 3, Week 4. These conferences are a valuable opportunity for you to meet with your child and their class teacher to discuss progress and set goals for Semester 2.
A booking link will be emailed to families on Friday 25 July and bookings will remain open until Friday 1 August.
Teachers will be available for meetings before and after school during Week 4. Availability will vary and will be arranged on a case-by-case basis to accommodate individual teacher family commitments.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Roberta Matlock.
From the Head of Department - Curriculum
Goal Setting at Runcorn
At Runcorn, every student works towards personalised learning goals, tailored to their individual needs and progress. These differentiated goals support students to achieve at their own pace, while promoting a culture of high expectations across the school. Setting challenging yet achievable goals empowers students to reflect on their learning journey and take ownership of their growth.
Effective goal setting involves clarity and purpose. Students need to understand what they are working on, how they can improve, and how they will know when they have achieved their goal. They are encouraged to take an active role in their learning by regularly monitoring their progress. Goals also provide teachers with clear opportunities to deliver targeted, explicit feedback and support.
When discussing goals with their teacher, students should walk away with a clear understanding of:
What is my new reading or writing goal?
What steps will I take to achieve it?
How will I know when I’ve reached it?
The beginning of a new term is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and set fresh goals that will guide and motivate students throughout the weeks ahead.
Welcome Back
Welcome back to another exciting term of learning here at Runcorn. It is wonderful to be back in the Runcorn community after returning from Maternity leave this week. It was lovely to see many familiar faces around and I can’t wait to visit classrooms and be updated on all of the amazing work being done by students and teachers alike.
Book Week is coming…
Jillian Chittenden & Rachel La Sala
Head of Department - Inclusion
Understanding the NCCD
At Runcorn, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and flourish in a supportive and inclusive environment. One way we ensure this is by participating in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) – a national process that helps schools identify and support students with disability by collecting information about the adjustments we make to ensure every student can access and participate in learning on the same basis as their peers.
The NCCD data collection takes place between now and Friday 2 August 2025, and it helps to highlight the important work our teachers and staff do every day to provide appropriate support for students with disability. This might include extra time to complete tasks, alternative ways to show learning, targeted teaching strategies, or specialist support.
This data collection:
- Helps ensure equity and inclusivity in Australian schools,
- Informs government planning and funding for student support, and
- Reflects the collaborative work happening every day between teachers, support staff, families, and students.
It’s important to note that the NCCD is not about labelling or formal diagnoses. It’s about reflecting on the collaborative approach we take with students, families, teachers, and support staff to understand and respond to each learner’s individual strengths and challenges.
Please know that participation in the NCCD does not require any action from families, and it does not affect your child’s enrolment or school experience in any way. However, we greatly value the input of parents and carers in this process. Your insights, observations and advocacy help shape the way we plan for and respond to your child’s needs. As always, if you have any questions about the NCCD or how your child is being supported at school, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Julie Schooth
Norman's News
I hope you had a tail-waggingly good winter break. I certainly did! I spent my holidays recharging my paws, curling up by the heater, and taking long thoughtful walks with Harvey and Mrs Schooth. In between naps and sniffing every tree in the neighbourhood, I read Hugh Van Cuylenburg’s “The Resilience Project” over Mrs Schooth’s shoulder and reflected on its magical GEM principles: Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness.
Let me tell you how I put them into practice over the break...
Gratitude 🦴
Every morning, I woke up with a full belly, a warm bed, and a family who gives the best ear scratches. I took a moment (usually while stretching out in my favourite sunbeam) to feel thankful. It reminded me how lucky I am—and how important it is to notice the little things, like crunchy leaves, kind voices, and the smell of toast. The morning after the State of Origin I was particularly grateful to be a QUEENSLANDER!
Empathy 🐾
One rainy day, I saw the Mrs Schooth was really missing work. So I did what any good dog would do—I sat beside her, leaned my head on her lap, and listened. She gave me a hug and smiled, and just like that, we both felt better. Empathy is powerful stuff—even if you don’t speak the same language.
Mindfulness 🌿
Sometimes, I just sat outside and watched the wind move through the trees. No rushing, no barking—just noticing. I sniffed the air. I watched the birds. I was present. That’s mindfulness. It’s not about doing nothing—it’s about being aware of everything around you. It helped me feel calm, clear, and ready to return to school.
So now I’m back, wagging and ready for Term 3. I can’t wait to see all your happy faces, hear your stories, and maybe even sneak a belly rub or two. Remember, resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something we practise every day. And GEM is the perfect place to start.
Let’s all take a moment this term to be grateful, kind, and mindful. If you ever forget, just find me—I’ll remind you with a wag and a woof.
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
Families of current Year 2 and 3 students are invited to attend an Instrumental Music Information Evening at Runcorn Heights State School at 6.00pm on Thursday 14 August (Week 5) to discover what the programs are about and to express your interest in your child participating in 2026. Year 2 students will be eligible to apply for the Strings program, while Year 3 students will be eligible to apply for Band program. The evening will consist of a presentation, allowing time for questions at the end, and there will also be a selection of instruments available to learn on display.
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 are unable to attend the information session, please email Music Coordinator Alison Murray amurr51@eq.edu.au to express your interest. We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
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). More information will be provided closer to the date for all students.
Singfest - Senior Choir
Singfest is coming up for Senior Choir members in Week 8. If you returned an expression of interest form in Term 1 (or Mrs Murray has contacted you about a waitlist opportunity), please check your notifications - the invoice for your Singfest ticket will be coming out very soon.
Classroom Music - Games
Music games are a fun way to develop and reinforce skills in beat, pitch, collaboration, turn taking, cooperation, leadership, decision making, aural skills, resilience and more! We have some great games in music for every age group which complement our more formal learning.
4K playing “Chicken on a Fencepost”
Mrs Alison Murray
Sports News
Welcome back to Term 3.
I hope you and your family had a relaxing holiday.
This term things start to slow down after last term’s exciting end to the term with both senior and junior school track and field carnivals.
We have NO district sport trials after next week’s Eastern Taipans (ET) District track and field carnival for the rest of the year. Congratulations to those students who nominated and competed at the Easton Taipans trials over Semester 1. We are extremely proud of how you stepped out of your comfort zone and gave your best efforts to these trials. Whether you made the team or not is irreverent, the personal growth that you gained from simply attending the trial puts you in good stead for future success.
Below are photos of the age champions from last terms senior track and field carnival.
Good luck to the 17 Runcorn Students competing at the District Track and Field trials next week. It's exciting to see that we have so many students competing in not just running events, but field events as well. This is something I hope to continue to grow over the coming years.
Finally, my overview for this term is as follows:
- Prep – Helicopters and Lilypad’s
- Year 1 and 2 – Tag Games
- Year 3 and 4 – Ultimate Frisbee
- Year 5 and 6 – Tennis
Mr Brady
lbrad101@eq.edu.au
Resource Centre News
Book Club
Book Club is back this term. Look out for Issue number 5 in your students' bags/folders soon. Please have your online orders in by 31/07/2025.
Health Happenings
Welcome back to our wonderful Runcorn Community. I trust that you had a relaxing holiday and that the students are ready to tackle the new term. Our focus at Runcorn State School this fortnight are the Organisation Key and Self-Manager Learning Asset.
Organisation at Runcorn State School looks like:
- Students having all supplies ready to do school work
- Students safely and quickly lining up in their correct area after the music plays in the morning and break times
- Students ensuring necessary stationery and belongings (including books, pencils, hats and water bottles) are ready every day and for each lesson
- Students ensuring bathroom breaks occur before school and during break times
- Students ensuring library books are returned to school on time
- All learning tasks are completed in a timely manner both in and out of school
Effective Self-Managers at Runcorn State School are:
- Resilient
- Responsible
- Reflective
Staff across Runcorn State School will be actively looking for students displaying organisation and self-management skills. Each week, one student per class will be awarded with a certificate to acknowledge their dedication to consistently displaying these skills.
Sheridan Stirling
sstir16@eq.edu.au
Japanese News
- Year 4
This week, students have learnt a story behind a traditional Japanese event, Tanabata which is known as a Star Festival. They wrote a wish on a colour paper and decorated a bamboo tree. (Mr. Simiana cut these bamboo from our school grounds for us)
- Year 5
As students dive into a restaurant unit, they looked at different types of chopsticks from a few countries. After learning some chopstick manners, they practised using them correctly. It is not easy, and we all need resilience and a lot of practice to handle them beautifully.
Please encourage your child to use them at home where possible.
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
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’s 125 year celebrations – save the date!
Our school community is celebrating our 125th 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
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.
📣 Tuckshop Update! 🎉
The tuckshop is open on Wednesday 16 July and Friday 18 July.
To celebrate, we're offering a special 100 Days of Prep Meal Deal for the whole school! For just $5, students can enjoy:
- Mini Pizza
- Fruit Salad
- Potato Gems
- Chocolate Chip Cookie
✨ The new menu is available to order now. Check out our exciting new options, including Fried Rice, Classic Beef Pie, and Grilled Chicken Burger.
Important: The daily order cut-off time is now 8.00am—please get your orders in early. ⏰
Starting from Term 3, Week 2, the tuckshop will resume its regular schedule: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Thanks for your support and we hope you enjoy the new menu and special deal! 😊
Community News
We are still 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.
