Term 4 Week 6 Thursday 9 November 2017 PRINCIPAL'S PAGE

2017 School Opinion Data Our school has received some very positive feedback from this year’s School Opinion Surveys. I have listed the top responses from each of the Student, Parent and Staff Surveys. Almost everyone of our parent, student and staff responses in each of the surveys are well above state averages. Student Feedback (120 students from Years 5 and 6): My teachers expect me to do my best (99.2%) My teachers use a variety of resources to help me learn (99.2%) My teachers provide me with useful feedback about my school work (97.5%) I am getting a good education at my school (97.5%) My English skills are being developed at my school (97.5%) My Maths skills are being developed at my school (97.5%) I can access computers and other technologies at my school for learning (97.5%) My teachers clearly explain what is required in my school work (97.5%) My school celebrates students’ achievements (97.5%) Parent Feedback (70 respondents): My child is making good progress at this school (100%) My child is getting a good education at this school (100%) This is a good school (98.6%) The school has a strong sense of community (98.6%) The school encourages me to participate in school activities (98.6%) My child’s English skills are being developed at this school (98.6%) The school is well maintained (98.6%) Student behaviour is well managed at this school (98.6%) Teachers at this school provide my child with useful feedback around his or her schoolwork (98.6%) Teachers at this school expect my child to do his or her best (98.6%) My child’s learning needs are being met at this school (98.6%) My child feels safe at this school (98.6%) My child likes being at this school (98.6%) Staff Feedback (85 respondents) I enjoy working at this school (100%) I feel this school is a safe place in which to work (100%) Students are encouraged to do their best at this school (100%) Students are treated fairly at this school (100%) Student behaviour is well managed at this school (100%) The school is well maintained (100%) Students with a disability are well supported at my school (100%) My school has an inclusive culture where diversity is valued and respected (100%) My school encourages me to take responsibility for my work (100%) I am proud to tell others that I work for my school (100%) My work has a positive impact on the community (100%) In addition, our students, parents and staff have provided us with some good feedback to work towards in 2018. Thanks to those parents who responded to the Parent Opinion Survey. Parents

overall were very happy with our school. Parents did state that they would like more useful information online and also have the opportunity to have more input and express opinions on school matters. These issues will be addressed by our School Council and P&C Association. P&C Meeting Our next P&C meeting is scheduled for Monday 13th November at 6.30pm in the Admin Building. All interested parents are invited to attend. Also, the Merrimac Outside School Hours Care meeting will be held on the same evening commencing at 5.45pm in the MPC. There will be no International Exchange Parent Committee Meeting on Monday 13 November. Remembrance Day Remembrance Day this year falls on Saturday 11 November. Our school will commemorate the significance of Remembrance Day on Friday 10 November at 11.00am by observing a Minute of Silence. Poppies for Sale To commemorate Remembrance Day, which is this Saturday, the Student Council have been selling poppies all this week. Tomorrow will be the last opportunity to purchase a poppie for 50 cents. The Student Council students will be selling the poppies early tomorrow morning and also visitng classrooms in the first session. Money raised will be donated to LEGACY, an organisation that helps injured soldiers and their families. Merrimac State High School Awards Night I attended the Merrimac State High School Awards Night last Thursday evening. It was pleasing to see so many past students of Merrimac State School as both Award recipients and performers during the evening. A number of past students have also received leadership positions at Merrimac SHS for 2018. We are always proud to see our students grow and be successful in their chosen high schools. It is timely to wish our current Year 6 students a great transition to High School as they will be involved in a range of visit days and orientation activities to make sure they feel comfortable for their next big challenge as High Schoolers. End of Year Reporting Report Cards for Prep to Year 6 will go home on Tuesday 5 December. If parents have any concerns regarding their child’s report, they are encouraged to arrange a meeting with their child’s teacher. Parent/Teacher interviews, if needed, can be arranged in the last week of the term. Year 6 Graduation The Year 6 Graduation Ceremony will be held on Thursday 7 December in our Performing Arts Centre (PAC) from 10.00am to 12.00pm. A Year 6 only student disco will be held on Thursday 7 December at 6.00pm – 8.00pm in the MPC. On the last day of term our Year 6 students will enjoy a special day at Wet n Wild (subject to a behaviour review).

Merrimac State School

Newsletter

Student Captains For 2018 The election process for our four school captains for 2018 is now complete. Congratulations to the following students: Boy Captains: Kaiden Mitchell and Daniel D’Abate Girl Captains: Sorina Turcas and Riley-Jaye Paikea

The process for the election of Sports Captains, Music Captains and Language Leaders will now commence. Life Education Celebtrates 30 Years Last Thursday, Mrs Conder and myself accompanied three of our Year 4 students to the Gold Coast Life Education Centre at Broadbeach to attend a special 30 year birthday celebration of Life Education. Our school has been part of this program for over 20 years. Well done to Marlie (4C), Monique (4D) and Jaylah (4B) who helped man one of the display stalls at the special event. They did a great job and were part of the Life Education celebrations.

Human Relationships Education (HRE) Family Planning Queensland (now True) will once again deliver the HRE Sexuality Program for our Year 5 students. The content of the program will be very similar to previous years and is being sponsored by the P&C. Year 5 students will have lessons on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th of November. A parent permission form with further details has been sent home with each Year 5 student. Active School Travel Mural Our school has been part of the Gold Coast City Council Active School Program for the last four years. This year is our final year of the program and therefore our school is eligible for a special Active School Travel Mural. The mural is currently being painted on the wall within the tennis court area. It depicts an image of active school travel here at Merrimac. It will also be able to continue to be used as a tennis wall. The mural should look great when it is fully finished and will be able to be seen clearly from the front of our school. A big thank you to Amelia, the artist who is doing a great job painting our mural.

Active School Travel On Wednesdaay morning we had a special guest, Mr Tim Woods, who is an Australian BMX champion visit our school. This was part of our school’s involvement in the Active School Travel Program. Tim displayed many of his BMX skills to our upper school students in a 45 minute presentation. Our children were amazed with Tim’s presentation. Thanks to Ms Parker for organising this special event at our school.

Prep Experience Days Term Four is an exciting time for our Preparatory Program. Merrimac State School invites new Prep students for 2018 to attend a two hour Prep Experience morning. These are scheduled for Tuesday 14, 21 and 28 November. The children will be engaged in Early Learning activities relating to Prep. This is to reassure them that school can be an enjoyable place where they can learn safely. They will also get to know some of the areas such as the classroom, playground and toilets. Ms Hall, Mrs Prentis and Mrs White will be holding a parent information session in the Science Room for interested parents from 9.30am-10.45am. This will allow parents to settle their child into the room and be back before the end of the session. A tour of our school facilities will also be undertaken during the morning session. Enrolled students were provided with a letter indicating their date for experience morning at the orientation session attended by their parents. If you did not attend please see the office for your Prep Orientation pack. Volunteers’ Afternoon Tea An afternoon tea will be held from 1.45pm to 2.20pm on Tuesday 21 November in our Science Room to say thank you to our many parents and friends who assist in our classrooms, tuckshop, bookshop, discos, student banking, P&C and on various committees. Please come along and enjoy the afternoon tea. Mr Bob La Castra, our Gold Coast City Councillor, has been invited along to help celebrate this occasion and to help present certificates to the many volunteers at Merrimac.

Christmas Carols Fireworks, Christmas Carols, sausage sizzle, glow sticks, Santa, family fun - it is time for our annual Christmas Carols event. Our Christmas Carols event will be held on Monday 4th of December.

In previous years, our hamper raffles have been a huge success. To continue this, we are reaching out to our Merrimac community. We would greatly appreciate donations for our hampers. The list is endless. Donations could include vouchers to restaurants (dinner

for two), 18 hole golf passes, car wash, coffee shops, gym passes etc. If you are able to assist, could you please contact Mrs McCarthy in 2D’s classroom or email kkitc14@eq.edu.au. In return for supporting the school, we would like to thank you by advertising your business at the event and in our school newsletter. Thank you for your ongoing support and generosity. Upcoming Staff Leave Mr Elliott on leave - 20 Nov to 1 Dec – Mr Greg Chin to replace Mrs Bird on leave - 27 Nov to 8 Dec – Mrs Denise Boyd to replace. 2018 Booklists Booklists for all students currently in Years P-5 were sent home early this week. Orders can be placed with the Bookshop any Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 8.00am – 9.00am, or by registering with Flexischools. Student Placements 2018 If your child will not be returning to Merrimac in 2018 please fill out the slip at the end of this newsletter and return it to the school office by Friday 24 November. This will assist in the placements for next year. Please note this does not apply to Year 6 students in 2017. School Uniform Donation Parents whose children finish at Merrimac at the end of the school year may like to donate their children's old uniforms to our school reserve supply. This would greatly help our spare clothing pool for when children have accidents at school or are in need of borrowing a spare uniform. Parents, please check your uniforms at home as we are missing a few uniforms from our supply. They are numbered on the tag. Also, the Music Committee would be very appreciative of black shoes donations. Parent Information Booklets New Parent Information Booklets for 2018 have been prepared. These are provided to all new enrolments including beginning Prep families. Additional copies are available from the school office for anyone who may be interested in obtaining a copy. The Parent Information Book is also available on the school’s website. Car Park Parent Behaviour Sometimes we get complaints from parents regarding other parents not doing the right thing in the car park area or behaving irresponsibly. Please follow the correct road rules and parking regulations when it comes to using the school car parks. Please be patient and courteous to other parents, especially of an afternoon when the car park traffic is at its peak. We do not want to see inappropriate behaviours from parents as this is on display to other parents and to our students. We want our parents to be setting the best example possible to our children. The school car parks are actually owned by the Gold Coast City Council and any incidents may be reported to the local police for follow up action. Parents also have the right to report any incidents to the police for further investigation.

Centenary Pavers This year was a very special year for our school, as we celebrated our school’s Centenary. Do you and your family want to have a permanent reminder here of your attendance or involvement in Merrimac State School and our Centenary celebrations? We are offering the opportunity to purchase a Centenary Paver as a lasting record of your child’s/children’s/family’s involvement in our school’s Centenary year. Attached to the school newsletter is further information about the paver promotion and also how to order your paver or pavers. The cut-off date for paver orders is Friday 10 November. This will be your last opportunity to order a paver. Orders can be placed through the Bookshop. The paver promotion is also open to school community members as well as businesses. If you know of any businesses who may like to purchase a paver, please pass on the information or get them to contact the school before the order cut off date. It is planned to develop a large paver space near the entrance area to the Performing Arts Centre as a permanent tribute to our School’s Centenary year.

Sports/Musical Photos Thursdays 26 October – odering information Silver Rose visited our school on Thursday, 26 October and photographed the current sports teams and musical groups. Ordering is available online through their website www.silverrose.com.au/schools. Some students were given a card on the day with the details of how to order. A sample is at the end of this newsletter for those that didn’t receive one. The photo size is 25cm x 20cm and the cost is $17. All children who participated in the groups who were in attendance on the day were included in the photo. The groups photographed last Thursday were: Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Beginner Strings, Intermediate Strings, Senior Strings, Junior Band, Senior Band, Girls Touch; Yr4 1, Yr4 2, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, Boys Basketball; Jnr A, Jnr B, Snr A, Snr B, Girls Basketball; Jnr A, Jnr B, Snr A, Snr B; Boys Oz Tag; 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, TeeBall Team A,Team B Also photographed were our Year 6 Graduation Catch ups. Silver Rose can be contacted on 3262 5788 for any questions regarding photos. Koala Joeys Family Program - Term 4 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 is being held at Merrimac State School.

When: Friday morning Where: PAC Time: 9.00am – 10.00am

See you there Centenary Memorabilia Various Centenary Memorabiia is still on sale through the Bookshop. Orders can also be placed through flexischools.com.au. Centenary Memorabilia Items include: KEY RING $ 2.00, STYLUS PEN $ 3.00, DRINK BOTTLE $ 4.00, STUBBIE COOLER $ 4.00, TRAVEL MUG $ 4.00, WINE GLASS $ 5.00, STEMLESS GLASS $10.00, PREMIUM TAWNY PORT $25.00, CENTENARY BOOKS $ 15.00, CENTENARY PAVERS $ 40.00, CENTENARY SHIRTS $ 25.00, These are available from the Bookshop Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 8.00am to 9.00am.

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.

From the desk of Ralph and Rosie Merrimac State School Focus of The week Over this past week, the children at Merrimac State School have been examining the topic of being prepared for learning. Being prepared for learning enables children to walk into their classroom with a positive attitude as they know they have all the things needed for a successful day. In their classes and on parade, the boys and girls at MSS have been asked to engage in discussions, role plays and class demonstrations on the importance of being prepared for learning. Well done to 2E and 5C for being awarded the Ralph and Rosie Award of the Week. 2E received their award for sitting down during eating time and keeping the pathway clear. They were spotted by 2D. 5C received their award for always being respectful of other classes as they move around the school. They were spotted by 4D. Congratulations to all girls and boys for remembering to be safe, respectful learners in the classroom and in the playground.

Ralph and Rosie Breakfast and Fitness Program The Breakfast/Fitness program for this term is for the upper school students (Year 3 to 6 students). There are 100 places available. Students will need to commit to attending each week from 8.00am to 8.45am to be part of the program. The program will run through till Week Nine. I’m sure that Chappie Steve will appreciate any staff and parent help in running this program. We certainly appreciate the support from our P and C Association, Coles Worongary and the Genesis Church who have supported the Breakfast/Fitness Program this term allowing us to buy the various breakfast requirements. Parent Fitness (Boot Camp) Program – free for Merrimac Parents Thanks to Tina Nenadic from Harcourts Real Estate, for sponsoring the weekly free fitness program each Thursday for our parents. The Parent Fitness Program is continuing at school in Term Four. Simone Doyle, a fitness instructor, runs the sessions in the MPC/Tennis Court area on Thursdays from 1.45pm to 2.45pm. It is completely free. Parents wishing to participate can contact Tina direct on 0402984898. Simone can only cater up to 20 in the session so please register your interest with Tina to avoid disappointment. The program will run each Thursday during the term.

P&C NEWS

Calendar Fundraiser Information Thanks to Yoko Huang for again coordinating this year’s calendar fundraising. It is expected that items will arrive in week 10! Volunteers Volunteers are an important part of our school. Parents and grandparents are always welcome in various areas within our school. If you are able to help out in the tuckshop or bookshop please contact the school with your details. If you are free on a regular or casual basis we would appreciate your help

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Riley K 1A, Tier C 1A, Kaelen R 1B, Finn P 1B, Macy C 1C, Rhys J 1C, Corey G 1D, Charlotte V 1D, Aemaelena-Rose R 1E, Taitom W 1E, Mitchell G 2A, Isabel R 2A, Oliver Mc 2B, Allegra L 2B, Jordan S 2C, Tallulah B 2C, Annabelle S 2D, Jaka M 2D, Hayden T 2E, Luna N 2E, Scarlet G 3A, Michell B 3B, Kye W 3C, Hayley G 3D, Carlos T 3E, Jack C 4A, Riley D 4B, Jade K 4C, Emily H 4D, Talia F 5A, Abbi R 5B, Brooklyn P 5C, Jesse E 5D, Valentino C 5E, Baily D 6A, Bryce P 6B, John L 6C, Carly A 6D, Martina S P1, Sonnie O P1, Izaak M P1M, Taylor M P1M, Coco C P2, Seth H P2, Oliver J P3,Noah W P3, Layla C P4, Zakariya G P4

FINANCE NEWS

Important Information on Invoicing When the payment date for an excursion closes and we cancel unpaid invoices if you did not pay for this excursion you will receive an adjustment notice email, this is not an invoice, please open and read. This email only goes to those not participating and can be ignored. Please ensure that all payments to the finance window have your student’s full name and class marked on the permission form/envelope. Payments made online must have the student’s surname as a reference so we are able to match student records. Permission, medical or order forms should then be handed in at the finance window. Thank you We are currently collecting money for:

Participants Event Cost Payment due date

Year 1 Seaworld $35 $9 PASS

10 November

Year 6 Graduation Tickets

$10 per person

24 November

Year 6 Wet n Wild $30 $10 Pass

22 November

MONEY IS ACCEPTED IN PERSON AT THE FINANCE

WINDOW MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS FROM 8AM – 9.30AM. DIRECT DEPOSITS CAN BE MADE ON

RECEIPT OF INVOICE (VIA EMAIL)

PE NEWS

INTERSCHOOL SPORTS DRAW FOR FRIDAY 10 November Boys Oztag at Mallawa Drive Sports Complex, Palm Beach: Semi Finals: 4AB Merrimac 1 v Mudgeeraba 2 on Field 11 @ 1.35pm 4AB Merrimac 2 v Mudgeeraba 1 on Field 13 @ 1.35pm 5A v Elanora 1 on Field 7 @ 1.35pm 5B v Caningeraba White on Field 7 @ 12.40pm 6A v Elanora 2 on Field 4 @ 1.35pm 6B v Hillcrest 2 on Field 14 @ 12.40pm T-Ball at Pizzey Park near the pool, Miami: A League v St Andrews on Field 1 @ 12.45pm B League v St Andrews on Field 3 @ 12.45pm Boys Basketball at St Andrews School: Snr A Boys v St Andrews on Court 1 @ 1.30pm Jnr A Boys v St Andrews on Court 1 @ 12.40pm Boys Basketball at Caningeraba State School: Snr B v Mudgeeraba on Court 1@ 1.30pm Jnr B v Mudgeeraba on Court 1 @ 12.40pm Girls Basketball at St Andrews School: Snr A v St Andrews on Court 2 @ 1.30pm Jnr A v St Andrews on Court 2 @ 12.40pm Girls Basketball at Caningeraba State School Snr B v Mudgeeraba on Court 2 @ 1.30pm Jnr B v Mudgeeraba on Court 2 @ 12.40pm Girls Touch at Burleigh Soccer Club & Pizzey Rugby Union Fields – enter via Soccer fields for both: 4 Blue v Burleigh Heads on Field 1 @ 12.45pm 4 White v Worongary 2 on Field 2 @ 12.45pm 5A v Elanora Green on Field 6 @ 12.45pm 5B v Hillcrest on Field 1 @ 1.30pm 6A v Worongary on Field 14 @ 12.45pm 6B v Burleigh Heads on Field 11 @ 1.30pm

MUSIC NEWS

Count Us In Last Thursday, 2 November, our students at Merrimac State School joined over 650,000 students from all around Australia to sing the same song, on the same day, at the same time. The song was ‘Shine Together’ and the occasion was Music – “Count Us In” Celebration Day. Our Senior Choir travelled to Surfers Paradise to be a part of a combined schools choir of more than 700 local students at the top of Q1 and on the Surfers Paradise Foreshore. They sung with passion and enthusiasm and represented our school proudly. One of our talented violin students, Naomi V (6D), also joined the combined string orchestra at the top of Q1. At the same time, back at school, voices could be heard coming from every classroom as all students from prep to year six, sang the song in their classrooms with great gusto. This year’s song, Shine Together, was about the joy and confidence that comes from making music with other people – and that is exactly what we celebrated last Thursday. Congratulations and thank you to all the teachers and students who were involved in Music - Count Us In 2017. It was the biggest and most successful Celebration Day to date, raising much needed awareness about the importance of music education in schools. The event was televised Australia wide and the Channel 9 and Channel 7 coverage on the Gold Coast local news was great.

Magic of Music Concert

MERRIMAC STATE SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT Presents

Wednesday 15th November 6.00pm

Friends and Families all welcome The Concert Program will commence promptly at 6.00pm and

conclude at 7.45pm with the Junior and Senior Choirs leading a finale for All Music Students. Notes have been sent home with participating students. Please check with your child if they are

involved in the Merrimac Music Program for further details.

Instrumental students to arrive at 5.15pm and Choir students to arrive at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start. ALL Instrumental students must bring instruments to school on the Wednesday for rehearsals during the day.

TERM FOUR UPCOMING EVENTS

Mon 13 Nov 6.30pm P&C meeting

Mon 13 Nov 5.45pm MOSHC meeting

Mon 13 Nov No Katsuragi Parent IEC Meeting this evening

Mon 13 Nov Robina SHS Awards Night

Tues 14 Nov Prep Experience Day (P1 and P2)

Wed 15 Nov Year 5 HRE

Wed 15 Nov Magic of Music Concert

Thurs 16 Nov Year 5 HRE

Fri 17 Nov Last day of Interschool Sport

Tues 21 Nov Prep Experience Day (P3 and P4)

Wed 22 Nov Year 1 to SeaWorld Excursion

Mon 27 Nov 6.30pm P&C meeting

Mon 27 Nov 5.45pm MOSHC meeting

Tues 28 Nov Prep Experience Day (P1M)

Thurs 30 Nov Merrimac SHS Orientation Day

Thurs 30 Nov Robina SHS Orietation Day

Thurs 30 Nov RE Christmas Presentations

30 Nov/1 Dec Last day for Prep to Year 2 swimming program

Fri 1 Dec Years 4 to 6 swimming carnival

Mon 4 Dec Carols By Candlelight

Tues 5 Dec Report Cards to go home

Tues 5 Dec Last day of SEP Gym Program (9 weeks) for

selected students

Wed 6 Dec Class party Day and Free Dress Day

Thurs 7 Dec 10.00am to 12.00pm Yr 6 Graduation Ceremony

Thurs 7 Dec Years 6 Graduation Disco

Fri 8 Dec Last day of Term Four

Fri 8 Dec Years 6 excursion day to Wet ‘n Wild

Fri 8 Dec 2.30pm Whole School Parade

TUCKSHOP NEWS

Tuckshop Roster for week commencing 13 November 2017:

Date Volunteers MEAL DEAL $6 Thursday 16 Nov

• Ham & Cheese Toastie

(choose Fibre-white or wholemeal bread)

• Bagged Popcorn • Frozen Juice Cup • Bottled Water

Mon 13/11 Mayumi

Tue 14/11 Yoko H

Wed 15/11 Mel/Yoko H

Thu 16/11 Liz/Maria

Fri 17/11 Liz/Brandi-Lee

* add extra 50c to upgrade to flavoured milk or small playwater * add extra $1.00 for large playwater

Many thanks to all our volunteers this week. A reminder to all that Sushi orders close at 1.30pm Tuesday. We have limited flavours available by Wednesday morning. We still do cash only or Flexischools online ordering system. Have a great week Tuckshop Crew

Scholastic Book Club

The final Book Club brochures for 2017 have been given to students in class. The closing date for Issue 8 is Friday, 17 November. Please use the guide down the side of pages to select age appropriate books, as all students receive the same

brochure. If you wish to make a purchase, please follow these instructions:- Cash Orders - - Complete the order form on the back of the brochure. At

the top fill in the student’s name, class and phone number

- Clearly label an envelope with “Book Club Order”, the

student’s name and class

- Into this envelope, place the order form together with

correct money or cheque payable to Scholastic

- Place the envelope in the box inside the finance window at

school tomorrow morning

Credit Card Orders – Our school is registered to use the LOOP Ordering System for Book Club credit card payments. Instructions on the brochure order form and Scholastic website will assist you to complete your credit card order.

BOOK CLUB ORDERS CLOSE - 9.00AM FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER

STUDENT NON RETURN in 2018 My child/children will not be attending Merrimac Primary next

year. The new school is: ______________________________

Signature:_____________________________Parent/Guardian Student/s Name Class _____________________________ ______ _________________________ ___________ _______ _____________________________________ _______

COMMUNITY NEWS

Silver Rose Photos - example ordering card