Term 1 Week 3 Thursday 11 February 2016 PRINCIPAL'S PAGE

School Enrolments Our school’s enrolment as of Day 8 last Friday was 800 students. This confirmed our school’s eligibility for a 32nd class teacher. Our new teacher is Mrs Kelly Hall from Park Lake State School. Mrs Hall has taught there for the last two years in the lower school. Mrs Hall officially commenced at Merrimac at the beginning of this week and has started teaching her new Year 2E class. Mrs Hall’s class is located next to Mrs Cavalier’s Year One class. I’m sure that everyone will make Mrs Hall feel welcome at Merrimac. To accommodate our additional teacher we had to disband our Year 1/2M class and make five Year One Classes and five Year Two classes. Mrs Conder is now teaching a straight Year One class (Year 1E). The class changes in Years One and Two have gone very well and I thank our Deputy Principal Mrs Carole Hall, for all her work in communicating with parents and making the transition go so smoothly. As it still very early in the school year there should be minimal disruption to the children’s education. I’m sure that the children will adjust quickly. As our school numbers have again started to grow, our school has to again implement our school’s Enrolment Management Plan as we still have only limited vacancies in a number of year levels across the school. Staffing News Ms Kirsty Chandler in our SEP officially commenced her Maternity Leave at the beginning of this week and will be on leave till 12 July. It is expected that Mrs Chandler may return to school in Term Three in a part time teaching role. Mrs Susan Pieroz will be replacing Ms Chandler in her absence. We welcome Mrs Pieroz who is very familiar with our school. Mrs Lee White, our Master Teacher, is on Maternity Leave from 22 February to 5 October. We wish Mrs White all the very best. Mrs Marion Prentis will be replacing Mrs White as our Master Teacher during this time. Mrs Trudy Taylor has Long Service Leave from 22 to 26 February. Mrs Denise Boyd will be replacing Mrs Taylor for this week. Mrs Ingrid Werder has leave from 4 to 24 March. Mrs Denise Boyd will be replacing Mrs Werder during this time. Mrs Werder will undertake her end of term parent teacher interviews early next term. School Assemblies Senior Assembly (Years 3-6) is held each Tuesday afternoon at 2.30pm and Junior Assembly (Prep – Year 2) each Wednesday at 2.20pm. Both assemblies are in the PAC (next to the oval). Parents are invited to attend. Seating is provided at the rear of the hall for parents. All parents are asked to sit on the provided seating and not to stand along the side of the hall during assemblies as it can be very distracting to the students and poses a safety risk in the event of a required evacuation. Parents who arrive after assembly has begun are asked to enter the hall from the rear door and make their way quietly to the seating area. Please note that there will be no Senior Assembly next Tuesday 16 February due to the Student Leader ceremony.

Years 3 to 6 Class Captains Congratulations to the following students who are to take on the role of Class Captain for this Term.

CLASS BOY GIRL

3A Evan Wilkinson Arielle Cameron

3B Cody Bloxham Alyssa Fitzgibbon

3C Ky Brandis Zali Engel-Bowe

3D Curran Gibbes Lily Malcolm

3/4M Taj Fuller Mia Sheppard

4A Jett Caruana Millie Jones

4B Noah Simpson Rianna Bogdan

4C Hugo Landon Yasmin Borg

4D Kian Thompson Sorina Turcas

5A Isaac Shelton Kiara Latoa

5B Leo Sutherland Jordys Chambers

5C Jaylen Davison Georgia Pike

5D Jack Thorn Summer Murray

6A Noel Foster Taij McIntosh

6B James Hutcheson Halle Taffs

6C Anze Maric Jorja Lepp

6D Christian Ishak Alannah Zieger

Our class captains and student council representatives were presented with their badges and certificates on this week’s senior assembly. Student Council Representatives The following students will join our school captains and comprise our Student Council for Term 1: Isaac Shelton, Kiara Latoa, Leo Sutherland, Jordys Chambers, Jaylen Davison, Georgia Pike, Jack Thorn, Summer Murray, Noel Foster, Taij McIntosh, James Hutcheson, Halle Taffs, Anze Maric, Jorja Lepp, Christian Ishak and Alannah Zieger. Religious Education (RE) Religious Education commenced today. RE is held each Thursday afternoon across two time slots – 1.50pm to 2.20pm and 2.20pm to 2.50pm. This year again, all Roman Catholic students will stay in the classroom and be part of the Cooperative RE Program. Only Baha’i children will go to the staffroom for separate RE lessons. For RE the children receive a general non-denominational Religious Education lesson. Participation in these lessons is encouraged. Children who do not participate in religious education will be supervised in a nearby classroom. Parents wishing to exclude their children from Religious Education classes during the year need to do so in writing. All students participating in general non-denominational Religion classes require activity books which were part of the year level book list and will be delivered in the next week to the students who have paid for them through the book list. The cost per year is $6.00 and includes two activity books which add interest and fun to RE lessons. They contain puzzles, word games, colouring activities and song sheets in the back. Please see the bookshop if you still need to purchase these books. Bookshop hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8.00am – 9.00am.

Merrimac State School

Newsletter

Staff Car Park Parents are reminded that the staff car park and the truck delivery roundabout in the school grounds are not a pick up or drop off area for children. Only those parents (with special circumstances) who have the Principal’s permission are allowed into the staff car park area. Please adhere to this direction. For the safety of our children this has to be enforced. It is great to see that most parents are not using the staff car park as an entry or exit route to and from school. The children were reminded of this on Senior Parade this week. Parents and students must use the main pathway from the front school gate. 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. Children Arriving Late To School School commences at 8.50am and it is important that classes are ready to commence the day at this time. All children should be at school by 8.45am at the latest which will give them 5 minutes to prepare and settle in for the start of the day. A bell will ring in the morning at both these times to alert the children. Children coming in late disrupts the other students in the class. School policy is that any students who are late to class (after 9.00am) must report to the office for a Late Slip. Parents are asked to be conscious of our school's starting times. Students Personal Details A Student Personal Details sheet will be sent home early next week with every student. Please check this information carefully. If any changes are required please alter the sheet and return it to the school office as soon as possible so that we can update our records. If no changes are required do not return the sheet. Please note that parents/carers are always the first emergency contact. Please ensure emergency contacts are local residents as they will be contacted if we are unable to contact parents/carers. Every Day Counts Parents are encouraged to ensure that their children are at school every day. Studies have shown that students with a high rate of attendance experience the greatest success at school. Frequent absences impact heavily upon children’s academic and social progress. Missing a day a week equates to eight weeks of learning during the school year. If your child is absent a note is required on the day of their return to school. Alternatively a phone call or an email can be made to the school administration on the morning of the absence and the class teacher will be notified. A new email address has been created for this purpose. Please forward all email notifications to office@merrimacss.eq.edu.au. Rolls are marked twice daily and legally we require an explanation for all absences.

2016 NAPLAN Dates (please note on your calendar) Tuesday 10 May Language Conventions and Writing Wednesday 11 May Reading Thursday 12 May Numeracy Friday 13 May Catch-up tests for students absent

on 10, 11 or 12 May Dates for Year 4 and 5 Camps The Year 4 Camp at Currumbin Farm School - 14 to 16 March (4A, 4B and 4M boys) and 16 to 18 March (4C, 4D and 4M girls). The Year 5 Camp at Runaway Bay Outdoor and Sports Centre - 15 to 17 June. Thanks to Mrs Seward (Year 4) and Mrs Johns (Year 5) who are coordinating their year level’s involvement in this year’s camps. Advertisements Disclaimer Although we at times include advertisements in our school newsletter we do not necessarily endorse products or the

information provided. It is important that parents thoroughly investigate products or services advertised and make their own informed decision. Parent/Teacher Meetings: This year’s parent/teacher meetings have been set down for next week 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 have been sent home with all students. Please confirm your attendance by returning the reply slip to your child’s class teacher as soon as possible. The idea of the parent/teacher meetings is to give parents the chance to meet as a group with 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.

2016 Parent/Teacher Meetings

Times Mon 15 Feb

Tues 16 Feb

Wed 17 Feb

Thurs 18 Feb

Admin Dr Pointing

Admin Mrs Hall

Admin Mrs Mc and Mrs

Anderson

Admin Miss Murray

3.15pm to

4.15pm

Prep Year 1 and

Year 2

Year 3 and

Year 4

Year 5 And

Year 6

3.15pm 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. Any parents who wish to be involved in the program can contact Tina direct on 0402984898. Simone can only cater up to 20 in the session so please register your interest with Tina as soon as possible. Student Leader Badge Ceremony The date for the badge presentation ceremony is Tuesday 16 February commencing at 10.00am in the PAC. A number of special guests have been invited to assist with the presentation of badges. Parents are invited to attend this special ceremony. Please note that there will be no Upper School parade next Tuesday 16 February. Breakfast and Fitness Program The before school Breakfast/Fitness Program has recommenced for this term for interested students in Years 4, 5 and 6. Merrimac students have the opportunity to be involved in this program. There are up to 100 places available. Students will need to commit to attending each Wednesday morning 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 the program this term. 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 tomorrow 12 February. Please contact Mr Boff on 5569 1555 if you require any further information. When: Friday morning Where: MPC Time: 9.00am – 10.00am See you there. Cartooning Art Classes If there is sufficient interest, after school Cartooning Art classes may commence at Merrimac. Flyers will be sent home next Monday and Tuesday with students in Years 3 to 6. 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. Sister School Exchange We are very excited to invite Merrimac families to host our visiting Katsuragi students from 1 August till 7 August this year. Homestay ‘Expression of Interest’ pamphlets are being handed out to students this week by Mrs Marshall. If you would like to be part of this wonderful cultural exchange complete the ‘Expression of Interest’ section of the flyer and return it to the school office or to Mrs Marshall by Friday 12 February. Our parent international exchange committee (PIEC) will then contact you to arrange a home visit. All household members over 18 must have a current Positive Notice blue card. You can apply for a volunteer blue card at www.bluecard.qld.gov.au. If you would like to join the program but did not receive a pamphlet you can collect one from the school office.

FINANCE NEWS

Information on Finance Emails Invoices for excursions are emailed to all parents/caregivers of participating/invited students who have an active email on our database. 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 email. This email can be ignored (please note it is not a credit amount). We are currently collecting money for:

Participants Event Cost Payment due date

Years 5 & 6 Surf Awareness

$70 8 Feb 2016

Years 3 & 4 Swimming $60 10 Feb 2016

Yrs P-3, 5, 6 The H Team Show

$5 maximum 300

15 Feb 2016

Year 4 Camp $175 26 Feb 2016

Instrumental Students

Program Hire

$100 $120

26 Feb 2016 26 Feb 2016

MUSIC NEWS

The Merrimac Talent Quest is scheduled for Monday 21st March. Guidelines are as follows: • SINGING - INSTRUMENTAL -DANCE- DRAMA

• There will be One Talent Quest event for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. This will be held on Monday 21st March 9.00am – 12.00pm

• Auditions will be held by Year Level Teachers in the PAC Hall in Week 7. Teachers will judge three items per section for each year level to go through to the Finals. � Items 3 minutes maximum in length � Items with inappropriate lyrics will be disqualified � Max 6 students per group � Singing Section – must have instrumental backing,

vocal backings will not be accepted. Acapella is also acceptable

� All finalists will receive a McDonald’s Certificate/ Voucher

� Years 3 and 4 will be judged separately to 5 and 6

Instrumental/Choir 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 - 4.00pm 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. Mrs Powell

PE NEWS

District Swimming Carnival A number of qualifying Merrimac students will compete next Thursday 18 February in the District Swimming Carnival. We wish all these students well. Swimming Lessons for Years 3 and 4 Swimming for Years 3-4 began today and will continue for six weeks. Swimming is part of the P.E. Curriculum. All children are reminded to bring their togs, towels, and goggles each Thursday. The Swimming Carnival will be held at the Merrimac High School pool on Thursday 24 March for Years 4-6. Bus costs for this are included in the swimming fees. Surf Awareness Program for Years 5 and 6 This week 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B commenced a Surf Awareness Program. Students gain knowledge in safe surf conditions, tides, currents and basic surfing skills. 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. The Swimming Carnival will be held at the Merrimac High School pool on Thursday 24 March for Years 4-6. Bus costs for this are included in the surfing fees. FREE Golfing Program PGA Golf coach Lee Harrington is conducting FREE golf sessions on Friday mornings as part of the Sporting Schools program initiative. The program will commence tomorrow, 12 February, and continue for six weeks until Friday 18 March. If you would like your child to attend the classes please email Lee at lee@thegolfschool.com.au, call her on 0413163312 or see Mr Singh at school.

Active School Travel

Move it Thursdays!

P&C NEWS

P&C AGM Meeting Our next P&C meeting on Monday 14 March is our Annual General Meeting. All committee positions will become vacant and a new committee will be elected for the following positions: President, Vice President, Minutes Secretary, Correspondence Secretary and Treasurer. Also we need to elect a Fund Raising Coordinator and fill positions on several P&C sub committees. Interested parents are invited to come along and be part of our P&C. Becoming involved in the Parents and Citizens Association enables you to ‘have a say’ about your child’s education. You learn a great deal about the environment that your child spends so much time in. You learn about Education Queensland and how it operates. You meet new friends, learn to work as a team and most importantly you become a community member and feel a part of our school. Our P&C do a great job for our school. Please come along and support your child’s school. The meeting will commence at 6.30pm in the school staffroom and all interested parents are invited to attend. Weekly Catchup Our school P&C committee would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and existing parents. We are once again opening the doors of the Old School Building (next to the tennis court) for an informal catchup starting from next week (17th Feb) Wednesday afternoons 1.45-2.25pm just prior to Prep - Year 2 parade at 2.30pm. No need to book just come along. Look forward to seeing you there�

BOOKSHOP and UNIFORM SHOP HOURS

During the school term the bookshop opens Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8am – 9am.

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Hana M P1, Krishna V P1, Travis C P2, Tier C P2, Amretha-Thahiya N P3, Nicholas D P3, Coco B P4, Kingi R P4, Rhys J P5, Olivia B P5, Jacob D 1A, Jazlyn B 1A, Hayden T 1B, Charlotte C 1B, Ella H 1C, Jackson W 1C, Leana-Maeva M 1D, Harlem W 1D, Lyla C 1/2M, HarleyW 1/2M, Miller F 2A, Jake G 2A, James H 2B, Akyrah A 2B, Carlos T 2C, Emily P 2C, Mitchell B 2D, Chiara C 2D, Cullen H 3/4M, Nicola M 3A, Tyson M 3B, Jack C 3C, Sophia R 3D, James G 4A, Koki Y 4B, Jack N 4C, Natalie T 4D, Kiara L 5A, Kiara W 5B, Javaan P 5C, Lakeisha M 5D, Cody H 6A, Jesse B 6B, Bailey J 6C, Lucy B 6D.

TUCKSHOP NEWS

Tuckshop Roster for week commencing 15 February:

Day Volunteers Meal Deal 18 Feb $5.00*

Mon 15/2 Mayumi � Nachos w cheese (lite and mild salsa)

� Two-fruit pot (apple & grapes)

� Zooper Dooper � Bottled Water

Tue 16/2 Mel L, Yoko H

Wed 17/2 Help Please

Thurs 18/2 Maria S, Kim, Mayumi

Fri 19/2 Marina, Mayumi

• Add 50c to upgrade to flavoured milk or springwater

Many thanks to our volunteers and those who continue to help in our classrooms. Your time given is much appreciated. Swimming and Surf Awareness are in full swing with our Years 3 – 6 students. Please be mindful of scheduled times and lunch breaks. Please continue to support our online ordering system. Go to www.flexischools.com.au and save the hassle of finding loose cash. Have a good week everyone! ~ Denise ~

TERM 1 UPCOMING EVENTS

Thurs 11 Feb Years 3 and 4 swimming commences (six weeks)

Thurs 11 Feb Years 1 to 6 RE to commence

Fri 12 Feb 9.00am to 10.00am Koala/Joeys Program to commence in MPC

Fri 12 Feb Visit by Gold Coast Suns

Fri 12 Feb Social Emotional Program (selected classes)

15 -18 Feb Parent/Teacher meetings week

Mon 15 Feb Social Emotional Program (selected classes)

Tues 16 Feb 10.00am Student Leaders Badge Ceremony in PAC

Tues 16 Feb No Upper School Parade today

Thurs 18 Feb 9.00am School Performance - Brainstorm

Fri 19 Feb Social Emotional Program (selected classes)

Tues 23 Feb 3.45pm Centenary meeting in Old School Building

Wed 24 Feb Last day of Years 5 and 6 Surf Program (Group One)

Wed 24 Feb 8.00am School Council meeting

Wed 24 Feb 1.45pm Active School Travel meeting

Wed 2 Mar 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 Clean Up Australia Day in Schools

Fri 4 Mar National Ride to School Day

Tues 8 Mar International Women’s Day

Mon 14 Mar Young Leaders Day in Brisbane (4 school leaders)

Mon 14 Mar 5.30pm Katsuragi Parent IEC meeting

Mon 14 Mar 5.45pm MOSHC meeting

Mon 14 Mar 6.30pm P&C meeting (AGM)

Mon 14 – 16 Mar

Year 4 Camp – Group One

Mon 16 – 18 Mar

Year 4 Camp – Group Two

Wed 16 Mar 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 GCCC Elections

Tues 22 Mar 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 Good Friday holiday

Mon 28 Mar Easter Monday

Mon 11 April First school day of Term Two

Resilience in Children Resilience is a 21st Century parenting concept that every parent needs to understand. Some kids are resilient by nature – their temperament helps them to be mentally and psychologically tough. You know those kids. They get straight back up after a setback or disappointment. Rejection in the playground doesn’t faze them. Unfortunately, not every child has such natural resilience. The good news is that most of the research shows that resilience can be nurtured and developed, particularly when parents themselves are resilient and they actively foster it in their kids. Resilient kids share four basic skill sets- independence, problem-solving, optimism and social connection. Building Resilience From a resilience perspective parents need to coach kids through some of their more challenging moments and reviewing what they may have learned for next time. Avoid solving all their problems for them. You can promote a lasting sense of resilience in your kids by:

1. Having a positive attitude yourself. Your attitude as a

parent impacts on their ability to bounce back from

some of the difficulties they face. Make sure you model

a ‘you can do it’ attitude for your child when he/she

meets some of life’s curve balls.

2. Look for teachable moments. Many kids’ learning

opportunities are disguised as problems. Make the most

of these opportunities so that kids can grow and learn

from some of the challenges they face.

3. Make kids active participants in the family. Active

participation in a family develops the self-help, problem-

solving and independence skills of kids that are

necessary for resilience.

4. Build kids coping skills. There are plenty of strategies

you can pass on to kids to help them cope when life

doesn’t go their way, including acceptance, getting away

for a while, and normalisation.

Promoting resilience in kids is a not a single event but a continuous process that requires adults to be supportive and empathetic when things don’t go their way. It also requires you as a parent to have an understanding of resilience, so you have faith in yourself, and your child’s ability to cope. Sourced from: http://www.parentingideas.com.au/Parents/resilience

BOOTCAMP PHOTO GALLERY