RSS Newsletter Issue 12
Principal
As I prepare to conclude my time at Richmond State School, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the parents and community members who have supported me while I found my footing as principal in our community. This journey has been one of learning, growth, and immense appreciation for the way our school community comes together to ensure the best outcomes for our students.
I have been inspired by the way parents, staff, and community members collaborate, always putting students’ learning and well-being at the heart of everything we do. I am particularly grateful for the parents and staff who took the time to connect with me about their student’s learning, sharing insights, ideas, and support. These conversations not only deepened my understanding but also reinforced the strength of the partnership between school and home.
As the school transitions to a new principal, I am confident that the same warmth, support, and dedication will be extended to her. Together, as staff, students, parents, and community members, you will guide and assist her, modelling our motto: “Deeds, not words” that we want our students to strive toward in their own lives.
Thank you for welcoming me into the Richmond State School community and for working with me to support our students. It has been an honour to serve this incredible school, and I will carry the lessons I’ve learned here with me always.
Kind Regards,
Liz
Head of Department - Curriculum
And there we have it, the school year is finished for 2024, and what a year it has been.
This term has been a busy one, full of end of year events. A lot goes on behind the scenes to put these events together. It can sometimes mean months of work in organisation, done by our staff alongside their regular duties, to create memorable events for our students. Thank you to everyone that has contributed to putting these events together.
Highlights for me this year have included both the 5/6 and 7-9 camps, our PBL Masterclasses and student council fete in Term 3, plus all of the sporting carnivals we have had. I have also thoroughly enjoyed working with our amazing teachers in classes with our students. The beauty of a Prep-10 school is getting to work with students across all year levels, which is not something every educator is lucky enough to experience. I still remember teaching Year 7 English in Term 1 and I was amazed right from the very first lesson at how respectful, conscientious and hard-working Richmond students were. As the year has progressed, this is not something that has changed.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our staff, students, families and community for your support and effort into making this year a great success. Thank you also for welcoming me into Richmond State School and this wonderful community. I am looking forward to continuing as your Head of Curriculum into 2025.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday break. We look forward to seeing all of our students return, ready to start school on Tuesday 28th January 2025.
Kind Regards,
Rachel Evans
Head of Department - Curriculum
Welcome Miss Trace
Hello Richmond School Community!
My name is Olivia Trace. I will be joining Richmond State School next year as one of the primary teachers. I am passionate about creating a welcoming and engaging space for all students. I aim to create a learning environment built on kindness, respect and a love for learning.
I’m originally from Kingaroy where I have lived for most of my life. I spent several years in Brisbane before returning to my hometown, where I’ve lived for the past four years. While I enjoyed my years in Brisbane, it helped me discover that I feel more at home in a rural environment. I’m looking forward to settling into Richmond and discovering all it has to offer. I’m excited to get to know the students, families, and wider community here.
Outside of school I love all things creative. I am often trying different projects such as painting and sewing. I am also a massive bookworm. I love supporting local libraries and finding a new book to read so I will be checking out the Richmond Library when I move to town. I am hoping to try out some new activities as well, such as camping and fishing.
I look forward to meeting everyone and working together for a fantastic school year!
Awards Night
Awards night is not just celebrating the students who are lucky enough to receive an award, it is about honouring all the hard work and effort that has gone into the school year from all students at Richmond State School.
Congratulations to all the award and bursary recipients. If your student received a bursary that included a gift card, could you please collect from the administration office. Cards will need to be signed for by a parent or guardian.
Thank you to all our award presenters, organisers and mostly our students and staff.
Awards
Student Leader Nomination Speeches
Students presented speeches as part of the selection process for student leaders in 2025. Students stood up in front of the audience of their peers, family, community members and staff. All nominees for positions spoke with confidence. Below is a copy of the speeches that students delivered.
Good morning my name is Clancy, and I am here today to apply for library leader.
2025 will be my final year of primary school. I have been at Richmond state school since the beginning of prep, so this is where I learnt to read and write.
I have decided to go for library leader because I love books, and I feel as though I will be easy to come to for any questions about books or our library.
I appreciate how much effort Miss Julie has gone through to get us all these different books I already come in to help Miss Julie when I can.
I would also like to go for library leader because I want everyone to enjoy books as much as I do. I will offer assistance, when you want it to help you find a book that you find interesting or that has the information that you need.
I would help anyone even if it means taking up some of my free time to help you. I hope in a few years you can look back and think ‘in 2025 library leader Clancy sure did help me’.
If you would like to have a good person as library leader, I need you to vote for me and to have the confidence to come up and talk to me. As library leader I would also be a part of student council, so I can help you with other things than just the library.
Although everyone associates libraries with books that’s only half of what ours is about. Our library is used as a quiet space, and also, we have technology in there. I love technology so if there are any questions about anything technological or booky please come to me, even if you are a teacher who needs help with very basic technology.
Thank you for listening.
Vote Clancy library leader 2025
Good morning students, teachers, parent and community members. For all the people who don’t know me my name is Baylie.
Today I am asking for your vote to be your 2025 school captain.
As school captain, I would be committed to helping my peers in achieving their goals. I have faced many challenges and taken on many responsivities driving my schooling. I’d like to think these experiences have shaped me into a very caring and considerate person and would better help me support my peers.
I’m an honest person and I don’t like making promises I can’t keep so I’ll make one I can, I promise will always give 110%, uphold the school rules, represent our school with pride and always be promoting: A be a friend not a bully mentality. To make our school a more enjoyable place to be.
In 2025 I’d love to work with student council to bring back disco’s, end of year formals and specials days such as “anything but a water bottle day’ and ‘anything but a backpack day”.
Vote for me to add a dash of awesome to the 2025 leadership council.
Thank you
Good morning students and teachers,
My name is Lacie I am in 5/6 H and would like to tell you why I am running for Flinders House Captain, Vice-Captain and Junior School Captain,
Firstly, I have attended Richmond State School since prep end enjoyed it. All of the events and fundraisers make it even more enjoyable. So, I would like to help run and organise these sorts of things.
Secondly, I believe I am a good role model to younger students because I follow the 4 school rules. I also love sport and would encourage others to participate and show good sportsmanship, also to try their best. Whenever I go away for school, I represent my school with pride and would encourage others to do the same.
Lastly, I really like Richmond State School so I would like to help other students find it more enjoyable. By being of the school leaders, I feel like I could help student council with this.
Vote Lacie
Thank you for listening
Hello parents, teachers, students, and community members for those who don’t know me my name is Payton, and I am running for Mitchell house caption and Mitchell vice caption. I am running for these positions because I would like to help others improve, make new Warcry’s and no matter if you are on my team or not, I will treat you with respect. Now let me explain why I deserve to be Mitchell house or vice caption, first I love sports and would like to try and help everyone get better. I am also competitive, and I think it is always good to be competitive as it pushes you to be the best you can be. I can help Mitchell to be more competitive and hopefully win. I would like to make new Warcry’s to get us pumped and ready for the day ahead and intimidate flinders. I have enjoyed dressing up in the box of red dress ups provided by previous house captains and I would like to build on that in 2025. I think the dress ups help Mitchell come together as a team and create a supportive team atmosphere, it’s also lots of fun!
That’s all from me and remember vote one Payton.
Hello students, teachers and community members sorry for interrupting this time but I’m here so then I can tell you why I should be Flinders House Captain, Flinders vice-captain or Junior school Leader.
To start off if I get this role then I promise to bring kindness, helpfulness but manly a positive attitude. I have been so jealous ever since my brother has got this role and I hope that I would be able to carry on with this. I would also represent the school by going away to any mid-west.
Second, when we get to the race, I will see you run then I will see what I have to do to help you improve on your swimming and running.
Third I’m a very athletic girl and I think that running and swimming are my favourite things to do.
Fourth, I have been going to all different things trying to represent this school as best as possible. And I will keep it that way.
Fifth I will try to make 2025 as best as I can would be hard but I can deal with that. Sixth I will bring in some green paint so then everyone can see who the clear winners are Flinders.
Last, I really, really want to show my school with so much pride as much as I can. I think that’s all I have to say today. Please vote for me.
PS: This will only happen if you vote for me GO FLINDERS.
The best team is Flinders
Fallon
Good morning, Teachers, Parents, Peers and members of the Community,
My name is Daniel, and I am honoured to stand before you this morning as a candidate for School Captain or Mitchell House Captain in 2025.
For those of you who may not know me, I would like to share a little about myself. I will have attended Richmond State School for 10 years in 2025, and in that time, I have grown both personally and academically. I live with my mum and dad who are both proud and active members of our community. They have taught me to always try your best, and I hope to apply this, if I am chosen to be your Captain. I have a younger brother and sister who also attend Richmond State School. In my free time I spend a lot of time with my family, and I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
I believe I will make a great house captain for Mitchell thanks to my deep passion for sport. From athletics to Football, I have learnt the value of teamwork, resilience and maintaining a positive attitude at all times. I also understand the importance of encouragement and supporting my peers both on and off the field, and I pledge to do so if I am elected House Captain. I have also learnt that success is not all about winning, it is about overcoming challenges and lifting each other up, whether we wear red or green. I will strive to ensure that everyone feels empowered and will work to foster an environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and grow, not only athletically, but also socially and academically. I have had the great privilege to represent Richmond State School on a number of occasions, from interschool to Mid-West level, and I stand here today in hope that I may have the privilege to represent Mitchell and all of those in it as House Captain in 2025.
School Captain of course, carries far more responsibility. However, I believe that I have what it takes to fulfil the role thanks to the values I have learnt in my time here at Richmond State School. I will encourage a culture of respect and inclusion, where you all feel heard and seen. I will listen to your suggestions and concerns, and will ensure that everyone’s input is considered and valued. I would like to organize events and activities to promote school spirit, togetherness and fun. [Add a goal of something you want to achieve as School Captain] e.g. One of my goals as your school captain is to eradicate bullying from our school and promote respect and compassion so that every student feels confident and safe. I will represent our great school with integrity and pride, and commit to supporting everyone that makes up our school community. I would love the opportunity to give back to the school that has given so much to me, and as your School Captain I believe that together we can have a positive impact on not just 2025, but many years to come.
I know that being a leader is not always easy, but I am ready to take on the responsibility and willing to do all that is required of me and more to be the best Captain I can be, whether that be the Captain of Richmond State School or the House Captain of the mighty Mitchell Monsters.
I would like to express my gratitude to you all for taking the time to listen to me this morning. Thank you for your consideration, and hopefully, your support. Oh and one last thing, Go Mitchell
Good morning students, teachers, parents and community members today I’m here to tell you why I would be a good Mitchell Vice Captain and PBL Leader.
Firstly, I have chosen these positions because I believe I can uphold them to a high standard, I also believe I will represent the school not only in school hours or in Richmond, I will represent us everywhere, anytime.
Secondly, it has been my dream ever since I first started here at Richmond State School to be a leader and be looked up to by others and if you voted for me this would be my dream come true. I promise to uphold ALL school rules and always redirect students (and myself) to follow the school rules, of being Responsible, Respectful, Safe and being a Learner. I also will try to attend every meeting possible.
Thirdly, I am always trying to make things as fun as possible and if I got nominated for one of these positions, I would listen to everyone’s ideas and help you if you need it.
Fourthly, if I was nominated for Mitchell Vice Captain, I would ensure Mitchell wins, and to have an awesome set of new and improved war cries that will chill Flinders to the bone. Also, I will make sure no-one is teasing our team or Flinders, even if you really want to win and your really excited that is no excuse.
Lastly, I will donate at every fundraiser and support all Student Councils decisions. I will help set up and run any activities we have planned.
Thanks for listening, Vote 1 Emmy-Lou and Go Mitchell
Good morning,
Firstly, I would like to thank you all students, teachers, parents and community members for attending parade this morning.
My name is Rylann, I was encouraged by my peers and my teacher Mrs Pattel to apply for a 2025 leadership position.
I want to be a leader who can encourage and support the great minds of our school. Together we can create a safe and happy environment for learning.
In the past I have represented the school at cross country, sports carnivals, excursions and most recently school camp. While at these events I have displayed respectful, responsible and safe behaviour. I am prepared each day to commit to my learning.
The skills and attributes that I have are:
• Work hard and committed to tasks 100%
• Supportive and encouraging to my peers.
• I am friendly.
• Able to listen and take ideas.
• Able to work individually or as part of a team.
• I display good sportsmanship.
I would like to be a part of discussing fund raising and group improvement projects in 2025. I could volunteer my time to help Richmond State School and my community. I can be an all-rounder to my school no matter the role or challenges that stand in my way.
I am confident I can achieve set goals if successful in a leadership role but I am also keen to assist others if I am unsuccessful. I believe all the above makes a good fit for a student leadership position for Richmond State School.
Thank you
Good morning, Richmond state school, Teachers and Parents.
My name is Harley, and I am running for Junior school captain and Mitchell Vice captain for 2025.
I have been attending Richmond State School for 6 years I have always enjoyed attending Richmond State School.
I think I will be a good school leader because I am a caring person and I like to help my peers with any obstacle they may face.
I enjoy spending time with all of my peers and I will always try to make sure that the students of Richmond State School will feel like they will always have a friend in me.
I will advocate for PBL rewards based on student feedback.
I will always give everything my best shot, whether it is school work or sports and encourage my peers to do the same.
I will always be there for my peers no matter the outcome, I hope you have had great year as I have and look forward to seeing everyone in 2025.
Thank you for giving your time to listen.
Hi, I’m Rick and I want to be next year’s Mitchel house or vice house captain. I feel I would be a great leader as I believe the best way to enjoy sport is by participating. Not to mention supporting our fellow Mitchell students compete. I also would like to have one of the Mitchel house leader roles because I am leaving at the end of next year and I want to beat flinders before I go, so please vote for me
Graduation
Students from year 6 celebrated graduating from primary and moving on to secondary schooling, we wish you all the best. Year 10 students celebrated finishing their schooling and moving onto the next chapter of their lives.
There are many people who need to be acknowledged for the effort and hard work that made the night run smoothly.
Kerri and her helpers and the Moonrock Cafe, words cannot describe the spectacular food we were presented with, it exceeded anything we could have hoped for.
Treats For Your Table the cupcakes looked amazing and tasted even better, they were a hit.
Mr Theodore your design and decorating skills are amazing, to everyone who donated their time to help cut up, stick things together and supervise students, you should be proud of the event that was delivered. Blowing up balloons was one task none of us were looking forward too, luckily the students chipped in and helped blow up over 150 ballons. YAY.
Mrs Pattel for all you for all the behind-the-scenes planning.
Miss Julie, for all of your special decorations and knick-knacks for students. You go above and beyond in ensuring our students get to enjoy such a lovely night. Without you, this event wouldn't be so grand.
Parents and guardians, thank you for supporting the students and staff.
Graduation
7-9 CAMP REFLECTIONS
Harvest Ed Market Day Reflection by June
The HarvestEd Market Day started off with having time talking and socialising with the other school kids and the staff that were part of running the HarvestEd program. We began the day with an activity to interact with people more and learn more about them in terms of have they ever done this or have you ever done this. After the activity we made a lot of new friends and got to share each other’s experience on living and/or working at a property to start the day off.
Second session we had the opportunity to discuss ‘Why JCU?” which personally sparked my interest to go to James Cook University one day. After the briefing we listened to one of current students of JCU and how she came about to the university and her great experience in the university. Later we went on a whole tour around James Cook University and what awesome buildings, displays and scenery they had. In my opinion the tour was awesome and listening to someone talk about their personal experience on why they picked JCU is also great because a lot of it I can relate to.
Then it was time for morning tea – we had a bunch of delicious food to eat. At the same time Ada from Asia Education Foundation took the chance to have a good conversation with all of us kids, what our experiences were and what we were hoping to get out of the day. For me what I wanted to get out of the day was to see how innovative I can be, working in a team and building my cooperation and communication skills. After morning tea, we had the wonderful opportunity to talk to four experts in the agricultural industry about their life stories, what their specialty was, how did they end up taking that course. It was great to have a chat about what’s been going on around the world based on the expertise and they shared their knowledge with us.
Afterwards we had lunch and more adults and experts to talk to. At the same time, we were also talking to other people from other schools as well and getting to know them.
After all of the fun activities that we have been doing all day, we came down to the main event which was each group showcasing solutions on one of the big issues in the agricultural industries. First to showcase were the students from Home Hill State High. They were talking about produce being “Not aesthetically pleasing for sale and having to be thrown out”. They did really well and raised the expectations so high for the first presenters. They were detailed, they answered the questions thrown at them without hesitation complete with video and sketches of their prototype and overall, it was an amazing presentation.
The second group was some of Richmond State School students and Bowen State High School students. They were discussing the issue about water evaporating and causing droughts and animals dying of dehydration as a cause of it. They did really amazing as well - they also came in with sketches of their prototype and answered the experts and students’ questions with ease.
Now it was my group’s turn which consisted of some of the Bowen students and some Richmond State School students. We answered the questions from other students and experts. Although we were a bit nervous, it was all successful because everyone was really outgoing and supportive of each other.
In conclusion personally I enjoyed the day with the HarvestEd group and socialising and talking to experts and learning from their experiences. In addition to the tour and how everyone was really nice, supportive and really smart. I would even go on and say it is one of the best days and experiences of my life. I also would like to thank the Richmond State School staff for coming along and going out of their way to make all of this happen for the kids and for our education quality.
7-9 Camp Reflection by Baylie
On the Monday we set off on our adventure to Townsville. It was a long drive on the bus but we kept each other entertained by playing games such as hot hands, knuckles and scissors paper rock. We listened to music and sang interacting with each other. That afternoon we went bowling and had milk shakes and slushes while we waited for our turn to strike. It was fun to experience the bus ride and bowling with our class mates.
Tuesday was the busiest day yet fitting in JCU, Arcade, laser tag and Jam Corner. The James Cook University’s Ambassadors gave us many opportunities to meet new people, learn about different career paths and what they have to offer when looking for a university. They gave us interactive lessons and prizes - this got us all involved when we moved through the campus.
My favourite activity was the Geo Science because we learnt how to classify and work out weight and percentages of Dirt. At the end of the campus tour, we explored some of the campus with our teacher Mr Evans. It was an amazing experience. We headed for the bus so we could get ready for the Arcade and the war that was about to commence in laser tag. The laser tag was fun because I was on the winning team, and it is a great way to build on your quick-thinking skills, tactics and teamwork. After our war it was getting late so we went back to the dorms so we could get ready for dinner at Jam Corner. Jam corner was the fanciest place that many of us had ever been to. There was a variety of dishes to choose from and we had to ask what some of the food was. The Entrée, Main and Dessert were presented in an aesthetically appetising manner. The dishes tasted better than they looked, and the level of detail did not go unnoticed.
The Wednesday was a calm day as our final day. We learnt many different pathways and learnt different things about the Defence Force. This gave many of us other ideas about what we want to do when we leave school or what could be a possibility for us in the future. At CQU, we got to see what it was like to study paramedicine and nursing there. The best part of the day was the Coppersting Experience because we got to learn more and understand what is going on in the different place. After we finished, we had lunch and left Townsville.
Overall, this was an amazing experience, and I would do it again. Thank you to our school community and Mr Evans, Mr Marshall and Mrs Evans for organising the camp and supporting us over the three days.
Careers Camp
Swimming Carnival
With all the storms around, Mr Evans was unsure if the Carnival would go ahead. Tuesday the weather gods were with us, the day started with a bright sunny morning, a few clouds but nothing to threatening. Over to the pool we go, warm up exercises and into the events, there was a moment where the water had to be cleared due to lightening in the surrounding area, after that passed back into the events the students went, and the rest of the day went smoothly. Thanks to the efforts of Mr Evans, Staff the P&C and parent helpers.
Once again, the P&C excelled in supplying everyone with food and refreshments for the day.
2024 Carnival
2025 Book Lists
Attached are the 2025 booklists. Please read the P&C flyer below for information regarding vouchers for 2025.
2025 School Calendar
Richmond State School P&C
Richmond State School P&C would like to thank everyone involved in fundraising, attending meetings and being part of the committee, all of these actions help raise funds to support our students.
We will now be taking a break until 2025; it is always good to see new people and get fresh ideas to enhance what we can do to help students. Please come along to our first meeting, dates will be sent out when they are confirmed.
See you in 2025
P&C Survey
P&C Qld is again seeking feedback from school parents to help us understand and clarify parent views in relation to state schools and the services provided to parents and students by many P&Cs.
The SURVEY should take about 10 minutes to complete, and we encourage P&Cs to share the survey link with parents through your communication networks.
Tuckshop
Thank you, Moonrock Cafe for providing our students with tasty food throughout 2024.
Lunch Specials
