Term 2 Week 8 Thursday 8 June 2017 PRINCIPAL'S PAGE

P&C Meeting The next P&C meeting will be held on Monday 12 June at 6.30pm in the Staffroom. 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 Administration Building. The next Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) meeting for the year will be held on the same evening Monday 12 June commencing at 5.45pm in the MPC. All interested parents are welcome to attend. International Exchange Parent Committee Meeting The next Parent IEC Meeting will be held on Monday 12 June at 5.30 p.m. in the Staffroom. The agenda will focus on this year’s Merrimac SS visit to Katsuragi in September. New members are welcome to attend.

Magic of Music Concert Last night our school hosted the Magic of Music Concert in our Performing Arts Centre. The hall was packed with parents and family members who were well and truly entertained during the evening. Thanks goes to our fantastic music teachers Mrs Powell, Mrs Dena Reid, Ms Helen Hurst, Ms Stephanie Williams and Miss Deb Body and also our wonderful choir and instrumental students who showcased their musical achievements for this year. Our school music program continues to grow in strength each year. Thank you to Mrs Lush, who provided expert accompaniment to our performances and to Mr McBlane, who operated the sound system on the night. We certainly appreciate the support of our parents in getting the young musicians to their practice and performance commitments, encouraging children to practise at home and supporting the teachers during the year. Thank you to all the school staff and parents who assisted on the night. It was very much appreciated. Thanks to Mrs Collinge who organised the raffle for the evening. Mrs Anderson did a fabulous job as the MC on the night and we thank her for her support of our school’s music program. Well done to all involved. It was a fantastic night!

Japanese Speech Contest Today, Thursday 8 June, a number of Merrimac SS students are taking part in the Japanese Poetry and Speech Competition at Broadbeach State School. Results will be published in next week’s newsletter. Term Two Reporting To Parents Report Cards will be emailed home on Wednesday 21 June for all year levels. Please ensure that we have your current email address on record at school and we suggest that you add Application.ONESCHOOL@dete.qld.gov.au to your list of safe senders to ensure that the report card emails are not sent to your Junk folder. As parent/teacher interviews for Prep to Year 6 were held at the end of Term One, it is expected that there will be a few parent requests for interviews. If needed, interviews can be arranged with the class teacher.

Centenary Meeting News Our school’s Centenary is now less than two months away. There are many activities planned to celebrate this milestone in our school’s history. Some of the activities which comprise the celebrations include: Centenary fete, bush dance and fireworks, special Centenary sports activities, special Centenary performance, time capsule, memorabilia rooms, and our main school Centenary Day (Tuesday 25 July). The school Centenary planning group is doing a fantastic job but there is always room for more helpers for our many special activities. We need your ideas and support to make our Centenary a huge success. The next Centenary meeting is planned for Tuesday 13 June commencing at 3.15pm in the school’s staffroom. All are welcome. Year 5 Lightning Carnival All the students who attended the Year 5 Lightning Carnival held last Thursday enjoyed the various sporting activities on offer at Merrimac and Miami State High Schools. This event is a traditional event for our Mid Coast Community of Schools giving our girls and boys a chance to mix with other neighbouring primary schools and to experience the high school culture. Year 5 Camp Next week, our Year 5 students head off to camp from Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 June at the Runaway Bay Sports and Recreation Centre. I’m sure that they will have a fantastic time. We wish them and all the accompanying staff all the best for the three days. Any Year 5 students who are not attending camp will be assigned to a class and fully supervised at school. National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEITA) Nominations are now open for the National Excellence in Teaching Awards. The NEITA Foundation seeks your support in recognising the efforts of the teachers in our schools. The teachers at Merrimac do a fantastic job and parents may like to nominate them for an award. The closing date for nominations is 3 July 2017. All nominations are to be done online at: www.asg.com.au/nominate. Last year quite a number of Merrimac parents took the time to go online and officially nominate their child’s class teacher for this very special award. I encourage parents to do so again this year as a way of recognising our class teachers and nominate them for the NEITA awards. Premier’s Reading Challenge Premier's Reading Challenge is on again this year - a great way to encourage reading in your child’s life. The Premier is challenging all students from Prep to Year 6 to read/experience an allocated number of books at their level between 15th May and 25th August. Prep to Year 2 are to read or experience 20 books, Years 3/4 are asked to read 20 books and Years 5-6 to read 15 books. Most children probably fulfil these requirements at school alone, perhaps with the exception of the upper school. Please let teachers know if your child/ren would like to participate. Children receive a certificate at the end of the program. Enquiries to Mrs Boff in P3. For further information visit www.education.qld.gov.au/schools/readingchallenge

Merrimac State School

Newsletter

Children Leaving School at the end of Term Two If your child/children will not be returning to Merrimac for Term Three please notify the school office as soon as possible. We have a number of new enrolments for the start of next term and early notification of students leaving our school will assist with class placement of new students. Upcoming Staff Leave The following staff have leave coming up in Term Two: • Miss Overland LSL 19 to 23 June – Mrs Jan Beggs to replace • Mrs Marshall LSL 12 to 23 June – Ms Joanne Mathison to

replace • Mrs O’Mullane Leave 16 to 23 June – Mrs Denise Boyd to

replace Koala Joeys The Koala Joeys Family Program is a transition to school program and has been specifically created to deliver in all primary schools for families with children under school age. It focuses on empowering parents and carers to use nursery rhymes, songs, dance, movement and stories as a tool to form secure attachments. Early literacy and early numeracy information is shared during the program in a fun, interactive and supportive environment. When: Friday 9.00am – 10.00am Where: PAC Please feel free to contact the office on 55691 555 for further information.

See you there Prep Enrolments for 2018 This year we currently have 110 Prep students. This is a very good intake of new students. Prep is an extremely important part of our school. We are already getting inquiries regarding Prep for 2018. 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. Enrolments for Prep for next year can be made at the school’s office. Parents of Prep students for next year are encouraged to start enrolling their children. Early enrolment allows the school to be better prepared for the 2018 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. All enrolments must include the enrolling student’s Birth Certificate. Breakfast and Fitness Program The Breakfast/Fitness program for the remainder of the term (Weeks 9 to 10) is for interested Years 1 to 3 students each Wednesday morning. The fitness component starts at 8.00am and goes through till 8.25am when the children then line up for a well-earned breakfast. Interested students need to commit to the program each week from 8.00am to 8.45am. Thanks to those staff and parents who are assisting with the program. Usually the program is held on the oval but on wet days will take place in the PAC. Thanks to Coles Worongary, Tina Nenadic, from Harcourts Real Estate and the Genesis Church who support Breakfast/Fitness Program which allows us to buy the various breakfast requirements. Thanks to the staff and parents who support Chappy Steve in running this program each Wednesday morning. School Support Tina Nenadic, from Harcourts Real Estate has kindly offered to donate $500 to Merrimac State School for any referrals (from Merrimac families and friends) that list and sell through Harcourts Real Estate. We thank Tina for her ongoing support of our school.

Parent Fitness (Boot Camp) Program – free for Merrimac Parents Thanks to Tina Nenadic from Harcourts Real Estate, we are continuing this term with the free fitness program each week for our parents. We had a very good turnout in Term One. 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. 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 what people can say to help develop and encourage resilience in others. In their classes and on parade, the boys and girls at MSS have been sked to engage in discussions, role plays and class demonstrations about what we can say to develop resilience in others. Congratulations to 4B and P2 for receiving the Ralph and Rosie Awards for this week. 4B received their award for keeping their bag area neat and organised to eliminate tripping hazards. P2 received their award for placing rubbish in the bin to keep their eating area tidy. Congratulations to all girls and boys for remembering to be safe, respectful learners in the classroom and in the playground.

From Ralph and Rosie Year 2 Parent Maths Session It was terrific seeing so many parents on Wednesday morning before school at the Year 2 Parent Maths Session. The Year 2 teachers showed how they are teaching the students various maths strategies. The session was certainly very well received and more sessions are being planned. Thanks to the 20 parents who attended. It was a fun and hands on presentation.

Indigenous Visit On Wednesday the 7 June our school welcomed Annie Woodcock and Aunty Pat from Yallburru to spend some time connecting with our indigenous students. The children had an opportunity to learn more about their culture and also enjoyed some finger painting and a light lunch. The experience was greatly enjoyed by all. We look forward to inviting the ladies form Yallburru back to our school again soon.

School Cleaners’ Day in Schools School Cleaners’ Day is a joint initiative of the Department of Education and the United Voice Union and will be celebrated in schools on Thursday 15 June. School Cleaners’ day coincides with International Cleaners’ Day which provides the opportunity to draw public attention to the valuable contribution of cleaners in our society. School Cleaners’ Day provides an opportunity for our school community to celebrate and recognise the valuable contribution our cleaners make to our school. We will officially recognise the efforts of our cleaners next Thursday.

P & C Fundraiser Hi Families Once again we are fundraising through the entertainment book this year. All proceeds will go towards our amazing upcoming Centenary celebration. Please click on the link below to purchase your book and enjoy saving $1000’s for your family. So far we have raised $150 with our goal to hit $1500 so please continue to buy these dollar stretcher gems! https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/144d320

Father’s Day Stall After a successful Mother’s Day Stall, it is planned to run a Father’s Day Stall in September. Again we will need lots of helpers. Please email kristyamsspc@gmail.com if you can help your school community.

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.

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 should also have the student’s surname, initial first and then a description of excursion if possible. 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

Selected Students

Regional Music Camp $295 12 June

Selected Students

JapanTrip (instalment)

$500 16 June

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)

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Congratulations to the following students of the week: Bree-Anna H 1A, Kingi R 1A, Madison E 1B, Rubi M 1B, Lincoln P-G 1C, Sibellah K 1C, Jacinta E 1D, Kyce P 1D, Aemaelena-Rose R 1E, Travis C 1E, Blake M 2A, Elijah L 2A, Masono N-B 2B, Oliver Mc 2B, Michael H 2C, Jackson W 2C, Jaka M 2D, Isaac S 2D, Xavier D 2E, Melesha O 2E, Casey G 3A, Deacon B 3B, Ciara M 3C, Shyan S 3D, Cooper G 3E, Nate J 4A, Jaiden T 4B, Corey F 4C, Eva L 4D, Talia F 5A, Riley Mc 5B, Daniel D’A 5C, Leilani S 5D, Poppy Z 5E, Mimi M 6A, Thomas L 6B, Charlize J 6C, Naomi V 6D, Ella-Rose F P1, Max S P1, Aiden H p1M, Abbey D P1M, Alana D P2, Tallic W P2, Alexey A P3, Jayden M P3, Indie F P4, Marcio R P4

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to the following students of the month: Tier C 1A, Max C 1B, Tijana J 1C, Jack G 1D, Scarlett J 1E, Isabel R 2A, Oliver Mc 2B, Isla J 2C, Lyla Green 2D, Leana-Maeva M 2E, Cooper M 3A, Hyacinth O 3B, Charli M 3C, Zak L 3D, Carlos T 3E, Anderson H 4A, Riley D 4B, Curran G 4C, Oliver G 4D, Louis R 5A, Jaxx B-J 5B, Keelan K 5C, Holly Shelton 5D, Louise B 5E, Alyssa C 6A, Shiori F 6B, Skye P 6C, Lakeisha Mc 6D, Thomas B P1, Scarlet S-H P1M, Jaidyn R-E P2, Brandon T P3, Zoe E P4,

PE NEWS

Regional Cross Country Last Tuesday, 4 of our students took part in the Regional Cross Country Championships. Well done to Cullen H, Carter A, Anderson H and Mikayla H. All did extremely well and put in their best efforts.

Years 4 to 6 Athletics Days Our annual Year 4 to 6 athletics carnivals are just two weeks away and will be held over two days: Tuesday 20 June (Field events) and Wednesday 21 June (Track events). Students are asked to wear their coloured house shirt, a hat, running shoes and apply plenty of sunscreen. Parents are most welcome to come along and cheer on the students. Children will be trying out for the various field events over the next few weeks. Please note that our lower school athletics day (Prep to Year 3) will be held on Thursday 22 June. Interschool Sport for Years 5-6 Interschool Sport officially finishes on Friday 16 June. Because of the Year 5 Camp next Friday 16 June, this Friday (9 June) will be the last day of Interschool Sport for a number of our teams. For those teams who will still be playing next week, more information will be provided to the students involved early in the week.

INTERSCHOOL SPORTS DRAW FRIDAY 9 JUNE

Rugby League at Firth Park, Mudgeeraba Yr 5 v Mudgeeraba on Field 1 @ 12.45pm Yr 6 v Mudgeeraba on Field 1 @ 1.30pm Girls Oztag at Marymount College, Burleigh Waters 5A v Mudgeeraba on Field 4 @ 12.45pm 6A v St Andrews on Field 11 @ 1.35pm 6B v Hillcrest 1 on Field 8 @ 12.45pm Netball at Firth Park, Mudgeeraba 5A v Marymount 2 on Court 8 @ 12.50pm 5B v GCCC on Court 16 @ 1.20pm 5C v Broadbeach 1 on Court 11 @ 1.50pm 6B v St Brigid’s on Court 5 @ 1.20pm Soccer at Italo-Australian Club (Merrimac Soccer Club) 5A Boys v Caningeraba on Field 2 @ 12.40pm 5B Boys v Caningeraba on Field 2 @ 1.35pm 6A Boys v Caningeraba on Field 1@ 1.35pm 6B Boys v Caningeraba on Field 1 @ 12.40pm

TERM 2 UPCOMING EVENTS

Thurs 8 June Year 3 Excursion

Mon 12 June 5.30pm Merrimac Katsuragi IEC Meeting

Mon 12 June 5.45pm Merrimac Outside School Hours Care meeting

Mon 12 June 6.30pm P and C Meeting

Wed 14 June – Fri 16 June

Year 5 School Camp

Fri 16 June Last day of Interschool Sport

Sat 17 June Chappy’s Walk

Mon 19 June – Thurs 22 June

Regional Music Camp (selected students)

Tues 20 June Senior Athletics (Yrs 4-6) – Field Events

Wed 21 June Senior Athletics (Yrs 4-6) – Track Events

Wed 21 June Report Cards to be emailed to parents

Thurs 22 June Junior (Prep – Year 3) Athletics

Fri 23 June Last school day for term

23 to 25 June Mudgeeraba Show

Mon 10 July School Resumes for Term Three

TUCKSHOP NEWS

Tuckshop Roster for week commencing 12 June 2017:

Date Volunteers-Thank you MEAL DEAL Thursday 15 June $6*

• Butter Chicken w rice • Paddle Pop Icecream

Chocolate or Rainbow • Bottled Water

Mon 12/6 Mayumi

Tue 13/6 Yoko/help please

Wed 14/6 Mel L/Selena

Thu 15/6 Maria S/Mayumi

Fri 16/6 Mayumi/help please

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

Many thanks to our volunteers this week. Your help is greatly appreciated. Our student’s appetites have grown a bit with this cooler weather upon us. Please ensure your child has enough food in their bags or money to purchase a warm treat from the tuckshop. Have a great week everyone!

~Denise~

COMMUNITY NEWS

NAIDOC Performance- You're invited

At Merrimac state school we celebrate the Gold Coast's rich, local Aboriginal culture. In recognition of NAIDOC week the school has organised a special performance by Dion Drummond to be presented on the first Monday of Term 3. Dion Drummond’s Aboriginal name is "Moogera", meaning storm. He is of Torres Strait Islander descent on his mother’s side, and Aboriginal from his father’s side. Dion was born in Mossman (Kuku-Yalangi Tribal area) 80km north of Cairns, Queensland. Dion is one of Australia’s most experienced Indigenous performers, covering both Mainland and Islander cultures as a dancer, singer and storyteller. In his school visits, Dion shares tales and artefacts from his cultures, teaching students about the different traditions of both Torres Strait Island and Aboriginal storytelling, song and dance. Students participate in learning a little of the language, including some songs, as well as a look at the skills of Indigenous dances. Dion Drummond has toured internationally with Descendance Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Dance Co. and Jose Calarco for many years, as far away as Moscow, Qatar, Spain, and recently Hong Kong. This performance is being sponsored by the school and we'd like to invite parents to join us, please see details below.

Date: Monday 10th July (First day of Term 3)

Time 12:00pm Prep - Year 2 Students

1:45pm Years 3 - 6 Students

Place: PAC Hall

Please contact Marion Prentis on 55691555 if you have any questions.