RSS Newsletter Issue 7 2023
From the Principal
As the majority of our school community are aware, during Semester 1, Richmond State School had the opportunity to lead one of the first School-led Reviews within Queensland. The review provided a platform for feedback and stakeholder input into the next 4 year strategic planning phase for our great school. We have recently received our review report which I have attached below. The review the findings have shown how far our amazing school has come in just four short years. I am so excited to see where we can take the school in the next four years, through strong communication and partnerships, student-centered focus and a continuation of our solution-focussed attitude. Thankyou to all of those who contributed to our review.
A special mention to:
- Our Community Representatives: Patsy Fox, Emily Naclerio & Teena Chappell
- Richmond SS P&C Executive Team
- Richmond State School Staff
- Richmond State School Students
Head of Department - Curriculum
Parent Teacher Interviews
You may have noticed that on your child’s report card they have ‘interview required’ on them. This is listed as ‘required’ because we would love to chat with you about your child/children’s progress, share great learning stories and work with you to make the next step in your child’s learning smooth and achievable. Please complete the parent teacher interview note sent home during week 1 by marking three preferred times for each teacher you want to see. These are due back at school on Monday 24th July. Confirmation of allocated times will be advised during week 4 and parent teacher interviews will occur during the week of 31st July-4th August in your child’s classroom.
Parent Curriculum Overviews
Parent Curriculum Overviews for Term 3 were sent home at the beginning of week 3. The curriculum overviews and assessment calendar are one of the ways that teachers let you know what your child is learning in each learning area for the term and when their assessments are due. If you know that your child will be away during assessment, please communicate this with their teacher so that they are able to provide every opportunity for your child to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding for the term.
We welcome any feedback you may have on how we can improve the Parent Curriculum Overviews and Assessment Calendars.
Homework Club – Learning beyond the bell
Homework Club has begun on Monday and Thursday. If your son or daughter is unable to attend the session, on the day they are allocated, please advise the office. We are required to follow up on absentees. Your assistance in notifying the school of any absences, for homework club and any school day, is greatly appreciated.
NCCD
Attached is an article with information about NCCD. If you have any questions, please contact the school for more information.
NAPLAN
Individual Student NAPLAN reports from tests undertaken by students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in term 1 will be mailed out this week. Please keep an eye open in the post for your student’s report. To support your understanding of the report, which has changed significantly from previous years, a copy of the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority’s Parent Brochure has been printed and enclosed with each student’s report. You may also wish to view a video on how to read student reports, visit https://youtu.be/AcYsiLtE7a8 ‘Reading the NAPLAN Individual Student Report’.
Student Achievements
Congratulations to all award recipients. You have been recognised for your hard work and dedication to learning & our school.
Term 2 Week 10
Term 3 Week 2
Term 3 Week 3
Paluma Camp
Our high school students have just returned from the week away exploring the beautiful rainforests at Paluma National Park. We were very fortunate to be able to stay at the Paluma Environmental Education Centre and learning about all of the amazing flora and fauna that make up this very special ecosystem. The students engaged with a number of activities including canoeing, bushwalking, nature journaling and team building activities. It was a jam-packed week and all of the students have returned with an all-new appreciation for our special environments. Many of the skills and knowledge that the students were exposed to while on camp will support and give context to the learning that we will continue to do this term in Science and Technology. On behalf of the students and staff, I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the organisation and implantation of this year’s camp.
Daradgee
Teacher’s Diary of 5/6 Camp at Daradgee
DAY 0: What a journey by bus. Kids were awesome. Great afternoon tea upon arrival. Students set up their rooms and then joined in some outdoor games with Kurumba and Normanton students. Dinner was superb. Richmond cabins were first allocated dish duty – a lot of learning happened then. A little late going to bed but it all was a bit exciting the first night!
DAY 1: OMG what a breakfast. All kids joined in the photography session with Emily under the watchful eyes of Roxy. Super shots were taken in the green house, around the rainforest and in the farm yard. Lovely lunch was had by all. Croc spotting with Josh up the North Johnstone river and into Polly Creek was thoroughly enjoyed. Huge smiles on many students faces while on the boat ride. A yummy dinner again and movie night to settle us all before bed.
DAY 2: Did mention how good we are being fed - pancakes, maple syrup, jam and whipped cream for breakfast. Students were placed into mixed groups to build huge catapults under the guidance of Steve which ended in a human water balloon battle line confrontation! Tacos for lunch. After lunch, off to The Boulders we travelled. The water was very refreshing! Josh led us through the rainforest, guided us in the water and taught the students about BMIs. Wood fire oven pizzas for dinner and a sing along in the firepit whilst toasting marshmallows with all schools was well received.
Day 3: Steve and Roxy taught the students all about snakes while the teachers were trained to rock climb. We split the three schools into two groups whilst bouldering, rock climbing and mastering the low ropes and mohawk walk. Good to see many students challenge themselves and what did actually challenge them. Did I mention the cooks at Daradgee feed us so well. Last night for journal entering before the students came together to create a warm fuzzies for each other. Some heart warming stuff written. A keepsake from camp for the students.
DAY 4: Long bus ride home again. A great rendition of ‘You can count on Me’ was heard along the way. Students were super. A couple of upset tummies but nothing the students couldn’t handle.
Thank you Richmond State School year 5 and 6 students. You all shine!
From Mrs Stainkey and Ms Phillips
Positive Behaviour for Learning
The students and staff have been busy revisiting and update their classroom expectations over the past two weeks. Each class’ expectations align with the Richmond State School Behaviour Expectations, this ensures continuity of language and standards for staff and students across the school. Staff and students have also been working collaboratively to update their PBL Reward Menus for term three. Teachers will be sharing this document with parents and carers shortly. As students reach identified goals, they can collect rewards from the Happy Voucher Rewards Menu. Icy-poles, milk-shakes, special pencils and stationery are just some examples of potential rewards for students. Once a student has reached a reward, their achievement is recorded and a certificate is generated for the student to take home and share with their family. As a whole school, students are working together to reach 70, 000 Happy Vouchers by the end of the term. If they reach this goal, students will have earnt the reward of Free Dress on Friday of Week 10. As always appropriate, sun safe clothing must be worn.
Norh West Cross Country
We are so incredibly proud of Jaydon Lanskey, who recently competed as a North West representative at the state Cross Country Campionships.
Jaydon ran 65th in Queensland , smashing his personal best from Winton.
Your commitment and dedication to training has been a pleasure to see, keep up the amazing work.
School Nurse-Elle
Healthy Eating
Children’s eating habits are a problem for many parents; from eating too much, to too little or not eating healthy foods. Poor eating habits can become a source of conflict and impact how a child feels about themselves. It can also lead to serious health complications like heart disease and obesity.
Establishing good eating habits is important as it can affect their fitness, health and general wellbeing as they grow and develop. Dietary needs vary as child progresses from childhood through puberty to adolescents. Energy (measured in calories) is required for growing as well as for physical activity and needs to match what they are using each day. During a growth spurt they may dramatically increase their intake, this is normal and should not be a cause for concern as long as it doesn’t keep increasing. A good tool is the Australian Guide to Health Eating. This is a food selection guide which visually represents the proportion of the five food groups recommended for consumption each day.
If you are concerned about your child’s eating habits, keep track of what they are eating and drinking over a period of a few days (pick a week where there are no extra events). Try to establish if they are eating regularly and if they are eating foods that are nutrient dense. Be aware of warning signs such as hiding food to either eat later or to throw away instead of eating.
Children who receive criticism for their weight and their appearance will often have reduced self-esteem resulting in food being used as a substitute for friendship and love. Eating as a result of boredom can create a cycle that is hard to break if other activities aren’t able to distract them from eating. Alternately, if you notice that your child has lost a lot of weight or is using extreme measure to prevent weight gain seek professional help to overcome these problems as they can have serious health implications.
Encouraging healthy eating and improving exisiting habits can be achieved by making mealtimes enjoyable, having regular meal times, allowing your child to have input into meals and allowing them to make some food choices.
At mealtimes talk about interesting topics with your child, try to avoid focusing on school related topics. Allow your child to pick dinner time meals and involve them in preperation and cooking or give them the full responsibility if they are willing and capable. Set a standard mealtime so that your child is able to plan other activities and isnt quickly finishing their meals to play video games or watch movies.
RSS Alumni - Ready for the Future
Anastacia Chappell
I attended Richmond State School from Prep (2008) to Year 6 (2014). What I loved about Richmond State School was the community and the friendships I have made. After Year 6, I went to boarding school at All Souls St Gabriels School , I graduated in 2020. Once graduating I got a job at the Richmond Outside School Hours Care as a trainee and have completed my cert III in Early Childhood Education. I am currently working towards my diploma. When I finish my diploma, I will start university studies to become a primary school teacher. Spending my early years at Richmond State School fostered my love of education. You never know one day I might be back at Richmond State School on the other side of the desk.
Book Week
P & C Information
P&C members and parents can now register for the P&Cs Queensland State Conference, 11 and 12 August at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Activities include practical workshops, keynote speakers, an exhibitor hall and a parental stream.