Term 3 Week 10 Thursday 18 September 2014 Happy Holidays

From the school staff, we would like to wish every family a safe and enjoyable holiday break. Parents are reminded that school resumes on Tuesday 7 October. Monday 6 October is the Labour Day holiday. Please make a note of this. The next Pupil Free Day is scheduled for Monday 20 October (Week 3). Please contact Vacation Care on 55252617 if you need care for the Pupil Free Day.

Term 3 Parent/Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all those parents who attended the parent/teacher interviews on last night. The feedback from the parents I spoke to was very positive. Teachers handed out student folios at this time. Folios are very useful and keep parents informed of student progress throughout the term with samples of children’s work and test results. Folios should be returned to school as soon as possible. Staffing News

For the start of next term, Mrs Marshall, Mrs McClavey and Mr Harrison all return from their respective leave. Many thanks to Mr Stephen Zirkler (7C), Mrs Cassandra Dau (LOTE) and Mr Akito Nishioka (1C) for their teaching commitments during the term. Their efforts have been very much appreciated. World Vision - 8 Hour Famine

Merrimac State School students participated in the World Vision 8 Hour Famine this term by giving up activities like TV, computer games, furniture, speaking or food. They collected donations to support children and families in East Africa who are facing starvation and families in East Timor who live in poverty. We had a very good number of our students who registered for the 8 Hour Famine. A big thank you for your participation in this very worthwhile cause. I will keep you informed of the amount raised in the near future. A special thank you to Mr Epiha who organised this event. Together we are making a difference.

KidsMatter - Wellness Day

Today our teachers and students are engaging in focus activities that promote positive mental health and wellbeing. Years 2-7 classes are participating in activities that foster the use of music, art, dance and movement to maintain individual wellness. They are also exploring nutrition, team building and maintaining positive relationships with their peers. Thanks to those parents who have come along and are taking part in the various activities. Many thanks to Mrs Zarew and Mrs McNeilage for their coordination of this special day and to all the staff who are assisting on the day. Mrs Farrar did a fantastic job organising all the mixed groups. There are many special presenters on the day who are running various activities and are doing a wonderful job. Their involvement is very much appreciated. Breakfast/Fitness Program

Yesterday was the last Breakfast/Fitness morning for the term. I know that the upper school students who have been involved in this program each Wednesday during the term have thoroughly enjoyed the fitness activities and the nutritional breakfast that followed. A big thank you to Mr Epiha, Chappy Steve and Mr Webster for organising the program. Also thanks to the many

staff and parent helpers who assisted on the Wednesday mornings. We certainly appreciated the support from Carrara Woolworths and the Merrimac McDonalds. It is planned to continue next year with the Breakfast/Fitness Program.

Gold FM Visit

Gold FM will be broadcasting live from our school on the last morning of term (Friday 19 September) from 5.00am to 9.00am. Richard, Bridge and Spida will be here for their Breakfast Program. They will be broadcasting from our school’s Under Cover Area. A sausage sizzle ($2 each) will also be run during the morning (from 7.00am to 8.45am) in the School Common with proceeds going to the Give Me Five for Kids Campaign. The Coffee Van will also be here tomorrow morning. We would love to have a crowd of parents and children from around 7.00am onwards. Students and their families are welcome to come along and support this initiative. Gold FM will be running various activities and entertainment for the students as well.

School Watch

The School Watch program is aimed at reducing crime, vandalism and arson in schools. Over the school holiday period, parents are asked to keep a watchful eye on our school as they drive past. Any suspicious actions, especially at night time, should be reported to the police or to School Watch on 131 788. Other than the Vacation Care Program, there should be no need for children to enter the school grounds over the holiday period. State Government Security and random police patrols will monitor the school premises.

Canberra Trip

Last week 59 students from Years 5 – 7 and six staff members embarked on our bi-annual Canberra Camp. The group visited many educational facilities and attractions including Mount Ainslie Lookout, Old Parliament House, Museum of Australian Democracy, Australian War Memorial, National Museum of Australia, Australian Institute of Sport, Royal Australian Mint, Cockington Green, CSIRO, Questacon, National Film and Sound Archive, New Parliament House, National Dinosaur Museum and Telstra Tower. The group also enjoyed social activities at Zone 3 Laser Tag, AMF Bowling and a day in the snow at Blue Cow, Perisher. The group were commended on several occasions on their exemplary behaviour which is very pleasing.

The Australian Government recognise the importance of young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education and assisted the families of the travelling students by contributing $60 per child toward the cost of the camp under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate Program. The rebate will be paid directly to the school in the coming weeks and was factored into the camp cost budget. Special thanks go to Miss Riis, Mrs Prentis, Mrs Blom, Mr Epiha, Mr Webster and Miss Murray who made the camp possible and a great success for our students.

Merrimac State School

Newsletter

Platinum Cards/Merit Certificates

Certificates and cards will be given out to the children early next term. This allows the behaviour data to be entered for the whole of Term Three.

Term Four Y Lead

For the past five years, in Term Four, our school has been involved in the Y Lead student leadership day at Miami High School. This will again happen this year and we will be sending 30 of our Year 5 students to this year’s Y Lead Day. Students who have displayed leadership abilities throughout the year will be invited to attend these days. More information will be provided to the nominated students. The date for the Y Lead day is Thursday 16 October at Miami State High School. Mrs Johns will be attending with our students. Non Uniform Day

On Tuesday the Student Council held a Free Dress Day with proceeds going to the Make a Wish Foundation. In total $788.40 was raised for this very worthwhile charity. Thanks to all the children who supported this activity.

Student Leadership Day

Early next term (Thursday 9 October) a number of our student leaders, including year six and seven student council representatives, will be attending a leadership and team building day at Tallebudgera Beach School. Miss Parkes is organising this day and more information has been sent home with the children involved. The focus of the program is to enhance students’ ability to communicate effectively in a small group, share ideas, develop plans and perform problem solving scenarios. The students will learn many leadership and team building skills. Lost Property

There are quite a number of school jumpers in lost property in the Under Cover Area. Please be sure to look through the box if you are missing any clothing items. The children in their classes have gone through the lost property. You are encouraged to label your children’s clothing to help with return if they get lost.

Prep Enrolments for 2015

In October each year our school holds a morning and evening orientation session for our new families. In November we also hold Prep experience days for our future Prep students. Parents are encouraged to start enrolling their children now. Early enrolment allows the school to be better prepared for the 2015 school year. Now that our school has an official enrolment boundary, all families, especially those residing outside our catchment area, are encouraged to get their Prep enrolments in as early as possible as vacancies are limited. All enrolments must include the student’s Birth Certificate. QSchools Smartphone App

The QSchools app is available to the school community as a free download via the Apple iTunes store and Google Play. QSchools is regularly updated with the latest news and alerts. Parents are encouraged to access this free App on their iPhone or Android phone and to update regularly to access the latest features.

FINANCE NEWS

The finance window operates Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8.00am – 9.30am. These are the only times money is

accepted. Parents should ensure payment is made by due dates as final numbers are often required children will miss out on an event if

they have not paid by the due date. Pay early and avoid disappointment. We are currently accepting payments for:

Participants Event Cost Payment Due

Date

Selected 6/7

QPS Touch at Redlands Bay

$50 19 Sept

Selected 5/6

Leadership Day at Tallebudgera

$20 19 Sept

Selected Year 5s

Y Lead Day at Miami SHS

$15 13 Oct

P&C NEWS

Family Portrait Fundraiser

The P&C are holding a portrait fundraising day to be held outdoors (with studio back up) at school on Sunday 19 October 2014. Booking forms will be sent home with your child today. For $20 you will receive a 10” x 13” portrait photo and frame. The full $20 will go directly towards the installation of additional shade sails and new sports uniforms. Additional photos and CDs are available for an extra cost. Sample photos can be viewed at www.laurajean.com.au. Please email Veronica McCann on vmcca13@eq.edu.au to book your time. Payment can be made through the bookshop by EFTPOS or cash on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 8am – 9am.

PE NEWS

Prep to Year 3 Term Four Swimming

All students from Prep to Year 3 will be involved in a six week swimming program next term commencing in Week 4. More information regarding venue and costs will be sent home at the beginning of next term.

INTERSCHOOL SPORTS DRAW 19 SEPT

Boys Touch at Pizzey Park Soccer Fields

5A v Caningeraba on Field 1 @ 1.35pm 5B v Ingleside on Field 1 @ 12.50pm 6A v Caningeraba on Field 6 @ 1.35pm 6B v Gold Coast CC on Field 6 @ 12.50pm 7B v Elanora on Field 11 @ 12.50pm Basketball at Hillcrest College, Bridgeman Dr Reedy Creek

6B v Caningeraba on Court 3 @ 1.15pm 7B v Caningeraba on Court 3 @ 1.45pm Girls Touch at Robina Common Fields

5A v Robina on Field 1 @ 1.30pm 6A v Elanora A on Field 6 @ 12.45pm 6B v BYE 7A v Elanora A on Field 7 @ 1.30pm 7B v Caningeraba on Field 3 @ 12.45pm Softball at Coplicks Fields, Tallebudgera

Team A v Elanora on Field 1 @ 12.50pm Team B v Elanora on Field 3 @ 12.50pm

MUSIC NEWS

Special Event for Senior Choir Music Count Us In is a National Event taking place on

Thursday 30th October. The song that students, Australia wide, will be presenting on National Television and Radio is called “Paint You a Song”. This initiative was created several years ago to ensure the future of music education in our schools. This year 500 students from Gold Coast Schools will be singing on Surfers Paradise beach and on top of the Q1 building. Our senior Choir will be involved in this national event which will be televised and linked in with other schools and communities throughout the country. Notes with details will be sent home with students after the holidays. The MAGIC OF MUSIC CONCERT is on Wednesday 19 November. Notes will go home after the holidays with details of the Concert but please save the date.

Instrumental Band News

Recruiting for 2015 has now commenced. Due to the Year 6 students moving to high school next year, Education Queensland have allowed Year 4s to join the band program. Therefore all Year 3 and 4 students will be tested this year. Students will be mouth tested on band instruments to find which instrument is most suitable for them. Other areas assessed are:

• Physical attributes • Academic results • Ability to work independently • Behaviour

Every student will have the opportunity to try out. To test everyone will take several weeks. Successful applicants will be notified midway through next term. It’s a fun time and I look forward to meeting prospective new students in the weeks ahead.

Strings Recruitment for 2015

Last Wednesday (September 10th), year two students were issued with an invitation to join the strings program for 2015. Instruments on offer include *Violin *Viola *Cello *Double Bass. Places are limited and once all applications have been received, students will be assessed for their suitability to join the program. Please ensure your child has returned the reply slip before the end of term three. Spare copies will be held in the office. Change to Strings timetable for Term 4

Beginner Strings will now be held on Tuesdays = Beginner String Ensemble before school from 7.50 and lessons as per new timetable. Senior Strings will now be held on Wednesdays = Senior Strings before school from 7.50 and lessons as per new timetable. Intermediate Strings will still be held on Wednesdays with rehearsal at 1:00p.m and lessons as per new timetable. Thanks to all students for their hard work this term. Have a wonderful, well- deserved holiday.

Helen Hurst (Strings Instructor)

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK.

Oliver Wilson, Sophia Read, Taj Fuller, Saera Kagami, Cooper Morphew, Marli Lavender, Matilda Jewell, Alexander Sheppard, Holly Pallin, Lucie Cannon, Millie Jones, Evie Clarke, Donovan Peisley, Ella Corcoran, Blake Goodman, Kate Wyse, Daniella Piitulainen, Jay O'Neill, Bryce Pearce, Bronson Howard, Nazreth Wilson, Nathan McDougall, Iona Glover, Javaan Peters, Joseph Fels, Deanna Makin, Bailey Cram, Brodie Brown, Leon Stoker, Alannah Zieger, Shion Umeno, Holly Black, Harley Martinelli, Shilo Kwocksun, Keyara Reid, Lachlan Guy, Aravis Knutsen, Kyan Stringer, Kayla Kershaw, Mire Lee, Avah Kowaltzke, Lachlan Osborne, Nataly Black, Jayden Prejean, Jazmyn Kapi-Pitman, Oryaan Kalolo, Sommer Livingstone, Lachlan Neal, Emilie Miller, Imogen Devine, Nathan Osborne, Joyeux O'Brien, Noah Powell, Mana Tamati, Cooper Magno, Veronica Sexton, Billy Hounsell, Riley Clancy.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Found Bikes

2 bikes have been left in the bike enclosure. Please see Thomas as After School Care or phone 55252617.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fri 19 Sept Last Day for Term Three

Fri 19 Sept 5.00am to 9.00am Gold FM broadcasting from Merrimac SS in UCA

Mon 6 Oct Labour Day Holiday

Tues 7 Oct First day of Term 4

Thurs 9 Oct Student Leadership Day at Tallebudgera Beach School

Thurs 9 Oct Years 6 and 7 High School transition program (five Thursdays)

Fri 10 Oct Interschool Sport resumes

Mon 13 Oct 6.30pm P and C meeting

Mon 13 Oct 5.45pm Outside School Hours Care meeting

Wed 15 Oct School Sport and Music Photo Day

Thurs 16 Oct Year 5 Y Lead day at Miami High School (selected students)

Sun 19 Oct P and C Family Portraits

Mon 20 Oct Pupil Free Day

Tues 21 Oct Surf Presentations

Thurs 23 Oct Inter School Debating Day at Merrimac

Wed 29 Oct Prep Orientation Day (9.00am and 6.00pm)

Thurs 30 Oct Gold Coast Music Count Us In (Senior Choir)

1 and 2 Nov Redland Bay interschool Touch Competition

Wed 5 Nov School Disco (Week 5)

Mon 10 Nov 6.30pm P and C meeting

Mon 10 Nov 5.45pm Outside School Hours Care meeting

Mon10 Nov 2.00pm to 2.55pm Merrimac High to talk to Years 6 and 7

10 and 11 Nov Teaching and Learning Audit)

Tues 11 Nov Remembrance Day

Thurs 13 Nov Prep Experience Day (2 groups)

15 and 16 Nov G20 Summit in Brisbane

Mon 17 Nov 7.00pm Robina High Awards Night

Mon 17 Nov Years 5, 6 and 7 Family Planning HRE lessons

Wed 19 Nov Magic of Music Concert

Thurs 20 Nov Prep Experience Day (2 groups)

Fri 21 Nov Last day of Interschool Sport

Mon 1 Dec 5.45pm Outside School Hours Care meeting

Mon 1 Dec 6.30 pm P and C meeting

Thurs 4 Dec Year 7 Transition Day to Merrimac SHS

Thurs 4 Dec RE Christmas Presentations

Mon 8 Dec Carols By Candlelight

Tues 9 Dec Report Cards to go home

Tues 9 Dec Year 6 Transition Day to Merrimac SHS

Wed 10 Dec Year 7 Graduation Ceremony

Thurs 11 Dec Year 6 Graduation Ceremony

Thurs11 Dec Years 6 and 7 Graduation Disco

Fri 12 Dec Last day of Term Four

Fri 12 Dec Years 6 and 7 excursion

Merrimac State School National Capital Tour 2014

Merrimac State School Peace Reflection

Wednesday 17 September 2014

Merrimac State School National Capital Tour 2014