Merrimac State School Newsletter

Transcription

1 Merrimac State School Newsletter Term 1 Week 1 Thursday 28 January 2016 PRINCIPAL'S PAGE New School Year Welcome back to the 2016 school year. The beginning of the term has started at a hectic pace, with quite a number of new enrolments to the school. Our current expected school enrolment to date is 796 students. However, a number of families at this stage have still not returned for the 2016 school year. We welcome all new families to our school and I do encourage you to be actively involved in your children s education and to be a part of the Merrimac school community. A special welcome is extended to all our new Prep students. In total we had 121 new Prep students who all seem to have had a great start to their schooling life at Merrimac. For the commencement of the school year we have 31 class groups which is one more than in Education Queensland reviews school numbers at the end of Week 2. If there are to be any class changes these will happen at the beginning of Week 3 and parents will be informed. We have a number of teachers returning to school from extended leave. We welcome back Mrs Bird (Year 3) and Mrs Crozier (Year 3). Mrs Amanda Dixon (EALD) and Miss Deb Body (IM) are now both based at our school from the beginning of this year. A warm welcome also to the following new staff: Ms Rachael Wright (Prep) and Mrs Zoe Turney (SEU). Our additional Strings Teacher Stepanie Williams (0.1) will not be commencing until Term Two. Ms Leith Rickter will replace her for all of Term One. Welcome back to a number of contract teachers for 2016 Miss Nicole Jacobs (Year 4), Miss Alycia Serediuk (Year 1) and Miss Katie McDonald (Year 2). All our general specialist teachers remain the same as Mr Singh, our PE teacher, will be full time here at Merrimac this year. Mr Webster will undertake the Library Literacy lessons as well as providing Non-Contact Time. This year all specialist lessons will again be 30 minutes in duration. This includes PE, Music, LOTE (Japanese) and Library lessons. LOTE is officially offered to Years 5 and 6 students. Our school is fortunate enough to be able to also offer LOTE to our Years 3 and 4 children. Years 3 will receive one thirty minute Japanese lesson each week, while Year 4 will receive two thirty minute Japanese lessons per week. Year 5 and 6 will receive the equivalent of 3 thirty minute lessons a week. For the start of the year it was very pleasing to see almost all children dressed smartly in their school uniforms. This includes the wearing of hats in school colours and appropriately coloured shoes. It is hoped that this continues throughout the year. School Newsletter The school newsletter is an important source of information between school and home. A link to the newsletters will be ed home on Thursdays to all families who have provided the school with an address. A number of hard copies of the newsletter will also be available from the school s office each Thursday. Newsletters keep parents informed of upcoming school events. The newsletter is also saved on the school s website and is available through the QSchools Smartphone App (see information below) Teacher Allocations We currently have 31 class groups. It is possible that changes could be made after the Day 8 Enrolment Collection at the end of Week Two. Parents will be notified if any changes are to occur. Year Level Prep Year 1 Year 1/2 Year 2 Year 3 Class Teachers Jill Spencer, Rachael Wright, Cindy Boff, Kylie Barrett, Vicki Lamburd Michelle Cavalier, Angela McClavey(0.4)/ Alycia Serediuk (0.6), Ingrid Werder (0.8)/Rachael Foster(0.2), Rhonda Wakelin Chrystene Conder Trudy Taylor, Kate Kitching, Sam Jacobs, Katie McDonald Paddy O Mallane(0.9)/Kimberly Chipp(0.1), Sarah Zarew(0.6)/ Kimberley Chipp(0.4), Rosaly Bird (0.6)/Amy Crozier (0.4), Penny McClure Year 3/4 Tania Zaal Year 4 Lisa Taffs (0.8)/ Dom Seward (0.2), Sophie Stringer (0.8)/ Meagan Greenway (0.2), Sarah Parker, Nicole Jacobs Year 5 Andrew Elliott, Kate Johns, Deb Haywood, Louisa Chilvers Year 6 Leita Parkes, Brod Harrison, Louise Riis, Basil Epiha School Parades Our Upper School Parades (Years 3-6) and our Lower School Parades (Years P-2) will commence next week in the Performing Arts Centre. The Upper School parade will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 2.20pm to 2.55pm while the Lower School parade will be held on Wednesday afternoons from 2.20pm to 2.55pm. All parents are welcome to attend. Car Park Congestion At the beginning of each year there is always congestion in the car park area. In 2013 we had an additional car park built for the school. Our car parks are considered to be more than adequate for a school of our size and they are larger than most other school car parks. It is important that all parents use the car parks responsibly and show patience especially at the beginning of the school year when there is increased traffic use. Parents are reminded that the teachers car park and the truck delivery roundabout in the school grounds are not a pick up or drop off area for children. This practice is very dangerous and could endanger your children. Also parents and students should not walk through the staff car park when arriving or leaving school. Please follow these instructions to ensure the safety of our entire school community, we do not wish to see any accidents due to irresponsible actions. Parent/Teacher Meetings: This year s parent/teacher meetings have been set down for Week Four and each year level will have a designated day and time for their parent/teacher meeting. The schedule is published below. Parent invitations with a reply slip will be sent home at the beginning of next week with all students. Please confirm your

2 attendance by returning the reply slip to your child s class teacher. The idea of the parent/teacher meetings is to give parents the chance to meet as a group with each of the class teachers. Teachers will discuss such things as class rules, behaviour management, teacher expectations, various curriculum issues, homework, parent assistance in the classroom and other topics which may be raised. It is a good chance for parents to ask any questions or express any concerns that they may have. All parents are encouraged to attend the scheduled parent/teacher meetings. Times 3.15pm to 4.15pm 3.15pm to 4.15pm 2016 Parent/Teacher Meetings Mon 15 Feb Dr Pointing Prep Tues 16 Feb Mrs Hall Year 1 and 1/2M Wed 17 Feb Mrs Mc and Mrs Anderson Thurs 18 Feb Miss Murray Year 3 Year 5 - Year 2 Year 4 Year pm to 4.15pm Wednesday 17 February - Specialist teachers will be available for individual parent meetings in their base rooms. Parent Fitness (Boot Camp) Program free for Merrimac Parents Tina Nenadic from Ray White Robina Real Estate is again sponsoring a weekly Parent Fitness Program here at school. The program was very popular last year. Simone Doyle who works for Ray White Robina Real Estate is the fitness instructor and will run the sessions weekly in the MPC/Tennis Court area each Thursday from 1.45pm to 2.45pm. It is completely free. I m sure that there are many parents who would be interested in being part of this program. Tina will be contacting parents from last year and reminding them of the continuation of the program. Any parents who wish to be involved in the fitness program can contact Tina direct on Simone can only cater up to 20 in the session so please register your interest with Tina as soon as possible. The parent fitness program will commence in Week Two on Thursday 4 February. Early Arrivals at School It is recommended that children arrive at school from 8.30am onwards. There is no rostered teacher supervision before school. Children are not allowed on the play forts or the school s oval in the morning. Any children who arrive at school before 8.00am must remain outside the school s administration building until this time. They are then allowed to go to the area outside their classrooms. Although the behaviour of our students is very good in general, it is more likely for children to misbehave or do the wrong thing if they are at school in the morning for a long time. Our school has Before School Care, which is held in the Multi Purpose Building. The operating times are from 6.30am to 8.50am. Enquiries and bookings can be made through the coordinator on phone A fully supervised activity based program is undertaken and breakfast is provided. Fee relief is available for eligible families. Parents may wish to consider using the Before School Care Service when children have to be dropped off early to school on a regular basis. Student Leaders For 2016 The election process for all our student leaders for 2016 was completed in Term Four last year. The following students are our leaders for this year: School Captains: Brie Cassidy, Sophie Caruana, Jai Vought, Flynn Schmitzer Sports Captains: Gooding Jesse Berghuis, Grace Bowden Davidson Cody Harrington, Sydney Mitchell Birmingham Carter Rigter, Alyssa Hodda Hamilton Jay O Neill, Katia Whitford Music Leaders : Band Brodie Brown, Runa Oshika Strings Yui Okagawa, Emma Mollison Choir Tenisha Wilkey, Ella Stewart More information will be provided soon on the presentation ceremony which will be scheduled sometime in February. Breakfast and Fitness Program The before school Breakfast/Fitness Program will commence next Wednesday morning 3 February for interested students in Years 4, 5 and 6. Merrimac students have the opportunity to be involved in this fitness and breakfast program. There will be up to 100 places available. Students will need to commit to attending each week from 8.00am to 8.45am to be part of the program. A big thank you to Chappy Steve and Mr Epiha who coordinate and run this program. I know that they both appreciate the help and support from parents and other staff who volunteer to help with the breakfast program each week. The support from Carrara Woolworths and Merrimac McDonalds is also very much appreciated. Koala Joeys - Term 1 Koala Joeys is an early years literacy and numeracy oral language program. The program is suitable for children of all ages. As part of our school s commitment to early years development, Koala Joeys will be held at Merrimac State School. The program will commence in Week 3 of Term 1 (12 February). When: Friday morning Where: MPC Time: 9.00am 10.00am See you there. Arts Council Performance 18 February for Years P-3, 5, 6 Brainstorm Productions Present The H Team. The H Team inspires students to take responsibility for their own behaviour and wellbeing. Limited seats available for this event so get in early if you would like your child to attend this show. Notes have been sent home with students in Years Prep 3, 5 and 6. Students in Year 4 are exempt from this show as they are committed to swimming and the Year 4 Camp this term. Please send your permission form and $5 per child to the finance window Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 8am- 9.30am. Closing date for payment is Monday 16 February. As there is a limit of 300 participants be sure to make payment early to avoid disappointment. istering Medications to students - Education Queensland Requirements Please find attached the new "istration of medication at school record sheet (emergency medication)" form. This form must be completed and returned to the admin office along with a current Action Plan (e.g. Anaphylaxis Action Plan, Asthma Action Plan). The school cannot take any emergency medications such as Epipens, Ventolin, Antihistamine etc. without this form completed with a current Action Plan. This is an Education Queensland requirement.

3 Also find attached the new "istration of medication at school record sheet (routine/short-term medication)" form. This form is to be completed and returned to the admin office for any medication which is given by the school on a regular basis or for one-off medication such as eye drops or antibiotics. The medication must have the name of the child on a valid pharmacy label. This is an Education Queensland Requirement. School Website and QSchools Smartphone App The QSchools app is available to the school community as a free download via the Apple itunes store and Google Play. Update regularly to access the latest features. Active School Travel Move it Thursdays! To recommence next Thursday 4 February Student Banking Student banking will commence next Monday 1 February. Deposit books can be brought to the finance window on Monday between 8am and 9.30am. Remember to change your child s class on the yellow booklet to ensure the book is returned to them. Applications will be sent home with Preps when we receive them from the Commonwealth Bank. FINANCE NEWS Information on Finance s When the school system creates invoices for excursions all parents/caregivers of participating students who have an active on our database will receive an invoice. If your child is participating you can make payment but be sure to complete the permission form and return to the finance window for verification. Look on the top right hand side of the invoice for the excursion description. Likewise when the payment date for the excursion closes and we cancel unpaid invoices if you did not pay for this excursion you will receive an adjustment notice . This only goes to those not participating and can be ignored. We are currently collecting money for: Participants Event Cost Payment due date Years 5 & 6 Surf $60 8 Feb 2016 Awareness Years 3 & 4 Swimming $70 10 Feb 2016 Yrs P-3, 5, 6 The H Team Show $5 maximum Feb 2016 Year 4 Camp $ Feb 2016 Instrumental Students MUSIC NEWS Program Hire $100 $ Feb Feb 2016 Hi everyone! Welcome to Music at Merrimac for Instrumental Lessons and Rehearsals will begin in Week 3, with the exception of Junior Band who s rehearsals will commence later in the term. Miss Deb will advise. New students to our school, who are interested in joining the Instrumental Music Program, please see Mrs Powell. Junior Choir will include students from Years 2 and 3. It will commence on Friday Morning 12 February from 8.00am 8.30am. I will be auditioning in class time during the next two weeks and detailed notes will be sent home to participating students. Senior Choir will be performing at the Leadership Assembly in Week 4 so Rehearsals for them commence on Monday 1 st February, 8.00am 8.45am. Rehearsal Schedule: Senior Choir Whole Choir Rehearsal Monday 8am 8.30am, Sectionals Altos-Tuesday 8.15am 8.45am - Sopranos -Wednesday 8.15am 8.45am Junior Choir Friday mornings 8.00am 8.30am Senior Band Tuesday 3.00pm 4.00pm Junior Band Wednesday 3.00pm pm Senior Strings Thursday 3.00pm 3.45pm Intermediate Strings Thursday 8.00am 8.45am (Instrumental Room) Beginner Strings - Thursday 8.00am 8.45am (Music Room) If you have any questions please pop in to see me. Any parents wishing to help out with the Music Student Groups as a Music Parent Representative please see me too. My helpers last year were fantastic. It certainly helps Concerts and Performances run smoothly. Regards Mrs Powell PE NEWS Swimming Lessons for Years 3 and 4 Swimming for Years 3-4 begin on Thursday 11 February and will continue for six weeks. Permission notes will be sent home today. Please return the notes with the correct money to the finance window. Swimming is part of the P.E. Curriculum. All children are reminded to bring their togs, towels, and goggles each Thursday. The Swimming Carnival is at the Merrimac High School pool on Thursday 2 nd April for Years 4-6. Bus costs for this are included in the swimming fees of $ Surf Awareness Program for Years 5 and 6 Commencing on Wednesday 10 February, our Year 5 and 6 students will take part in a Surf Awareness Program. Students will gain knowledge in safe surf conditions, tides, current and basic surfing skills. This program will take the place of traditional swimming lessons and it is hoped that students will gain more benefits and enjoyment from this program. Students will have 3 lessons which will run for 90 minutes each and the cost is $70.00 Soft surfboards, wetshirts and sunscreen will be provided. Permission forms containing more details will be sent home today. See the note for which three weeks your child will be attending. The Swimming Carnival is at the Merrimac High School pool on Thursday 2 nd April for Years 4-6. Bus costs for this are included in the surfing fees. P&C NEWS P&C Meeting The first P&C meeting for the year will be held on Monday 8 February at 6.30pm in the Staffroom. This is the second Monday of the month. All parents are invited to attend. P&C Meetings are a good way to find out what is happening in your child s school. The Staffroom is situated at the end of the istration Building. The P&C AGM will be held on 14 March. OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE NEWS The first OSHC meeting for the year will be held on Monday 8 February commencing at 5.45pm in the MPC. All interested parents are welcome to attend.

4 SURFSIDE BUSLINES NEWS Some bus passes have already been issued to students. As more arrive we will distribute them to the students. Students are able to use their 2015 passes until 19 February. For bus and bus pass information and application forms phone Surfside directly on or visit their website at: STUDENTS & PARENTS NOTICE School Bus am 3091 Service Change 2016 Pappas Way, Boonooroo Park to Merrimac Primary School Due to very low patronage on morning school bus 3091 this service will no longer operate from Monday 8th February For any affected students alternative school bus or urban services may be available. For further information please call TRANSLink on or visit the website at BOOKSHOP and UNIFORM SHOP NEWS Starting opening hours in 2016 Date Opening hours 29 January 8.00am 10.30am 1-5 February 8.00am 9.00am TUCKSHOP NEWS Welcome back everyone! Good to see so many happy faces of new and returning students. We are slowly returning back to usual and hope to have all products back in stock shortly. Don t forget to utilise our online ordering system. Go to: and follow the prompts. An app is also available. Be sure to select the correct school. Have a good week everyone. ~ Denise ~ Insurance cover for students Some school activities and physical education, particularly contact sports, carry inherent risks of injury. Parents are advised the Department of Education and Training does not have student accident insurance cover for students. If your child is injured at school as a result of an accident or incident, all costs associated with the injury, including medical costs are the responsibility of the parent or caregiver. Some incidental medical costs may be covered by Medicare. If you have private health insurance, some costs may also be covered by your provider. Any other costs must be covered by parents. Student accident insurance pays some benefits in certain circumstances should your child have an accident. It is up to all parents to decide what types and what level of private insurance they wish to arrange to cover their child. Please contact your insurer or an approved Australian insurance broker if you wish to take out student personal accident insurance cover for your child Term One UPCOMING EVENTS Mon 1 Feb Mon 1 Feb Wed 3 Feb Thurs 4 Feb Thurs 4 Feb Fri 5 Feb Fri 5 Feb Wed 10 Feb Thurs 11 Feb Thurs 11 Feb School Student Banking to recommence 8.00am Breakfast/Fitness Program to commence on the oval (Years 4-6) held in the PAC if wet Move It Thursdays to recommence 1.45pm to 2.45pm Parent Fitness Program in MPC or Tennis Court area. Day 8 Enrolment Collection 5.30pm Katsuragi Parent IEC meeting 5.45pm MOSHC meeting 6.30pm P&C meeting Years 5 and 6 Surf Program to commence (selected classes for three weeks Group One) Years 3 and 4 swimming to commence (six weeks) Years 1 to 6 RE to commence 9.00am to 10.00am Koala/Joeys Program to commence in MPC Visit by Gold Coast Suns Feb Parent/Teacher meetings week (Week 4) Mon 15 Feb Thurs 18 Feb Fri 19 Feb Tues 23 Feb Wed 2 Mar 9.00am School Performance - Brainstorm 3.45pm Centenary meeting in Old School Building Last day of Years 5 and 6 Surf Program (Group One) 8.00am School Council meeting 1.45pm Active School Travel meeting Years 5 and 6 Surf Program to commence (selected classes for three weeks Group Two) Wed 2 Mar School Disco (Week 6) Fri 4 Mar Fri 4 Mar Tues 8 Mar Mon Mar Mon Mar Wed 16 Mar Clean Up Australia Day in Schools National Ride to School Day International Women s Day Young Leaders Day in Brisbane (4 school leaders) 5.30pm Katsuragi Parent IEC meeting 5.45pm MOSHC meeting 6.30pm P&C meeting (AGM) Year 4 Camp Group One Year 4 Camp Group Two Last day of Years 5 and 6 Surf Program (Group Two) Thurs 17 Mar Last day of Years 3 and 4 swimming program Sat 19 Mar Tues 22 Mar GCCC Elections Parent/Teacher Interviews (3.30pm to 7.30pm) Wed 23 Mar Easter Hat Parade (Prep to Year 2) Thurs 24 Mar Last day of Term One Thurs 24 Mar Years 4 to 6 Swimming Carnival at Merrimac SHS Fri 25 Mar Mon 28 Mar Mon 11 April Good Friday holiday Easter Monday First school day of Term Two

5 BACK TO SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE The Gold Coast Road Policing Unit will again be monitoring the Back to School campaign which commenced on Wednesday 27 January The Gold Coast Road policing Unit are seeking your help in again highlighting the following issues and complaints that we get each year. We like to see everyone safe in and around our schools and if parents could take note of the following and adhere to the road rules we can create a safe environment for all. We understand that this time of year sees new school children arriving at most schools and this is often an exciting and stressful time for both parents and students. Remember that by not adhering to the road rules you are placing both your own children and the children of others at risk of injury or worse. 5. For those that have students driving to school P1 type holder fail to display legible red plate at rear of motorbike $188 P1 type holder fail to display legible red plates at front and rear of car $188 Thanks again for your assistance in creating a safe road environment in and around schools and the Gold Coast in general Regards Bradyn MURPHY Senior Sergeant Officer in Charge Gold Coast Road Policing Unit Road Policing Command Queensland Police Service 1. Speed Limits. By now hopefully all parents are aware of the 40km/h speed limits during school times. Fines for exceeding the speed limit are as follows Exceed speed limit in school zone by less than 13km/h $157 1 Point at least 13km/h but not more than 20km/h $235 3 Points more than 20km/h but not more than 30km/h $392 4 Points more than 30km/h but not more than 40km/h $549 6 Points more than 40km/h $1,099 8 Points 2. Illegal parking. The most common parking complaints and offences Stop on children s crossing $47 Stop within 20m before or 10m after children s crossing $47 Stop contrary to NO STOPPING sign $47 Stop contrary to NO PARKING sign $47 Stop contrary to continuous yellow edge line $47 Stop unauthorised vehicle in bus zone $47 Double park $47 Stop across footpath $47 Stop across driveway $47 FIRST SCHOOL DAY 2016 PHOTOS 3.Crossing Fail to stop at children s crossing when STOP sign displayed 4.General Road Rules Driver fail to wear seatbelt $353 3 points Driver drive with unrestrained passenger 16 years old or older Drive motor vehicle while passenger < 6 mths old unrestrained Drive motor vehicle while passenger at least 6 mths old but < 4 yrs old unrestrained Drive motor vehicle while passenger at least 4 yrs old but < 7 yrs old unrestrained Drive motor vehicle with more than one row of seats while passenger < 4 yrs in front Row Drive motor vehicle with more than one row of seats while passenger aged 4 years to < 7 yrs in front row and other seats not occupied by children aged < 7yrs Drive motor vehicle while passenger at least 7 yrs but < 16 yrs unrestrained Drive vehicle with passenger at least 7 yrs but < 16 yrs in same seat position as another passenger Driver use hand-held mobile phone