Term 2 Week 6 Thursday 25 May 2017 PRINCIPAL'S PAGE

Under 8s Day This morning, we celebrated Under 8s day at Merrimac State School on a beautiful sunny day. Mrs Lamburd coordinated the team of Junior School staff in preparing a range of developmentally appropriate activities for all Prep to Year 2 children to enjoy. Parent feedback reinforced that the event was a wonderful way to celebrate early childhood. A big thank you goes to Mr Stephen Lamburd from Robina High School, for bringing some of his senior students to ‘drag race’ the different class designed cars. It was a big hit with the students. Thanks to everyone, staff and parents, who helped on the day to make it such a successful event. This week is also Chaplaincy Week and our Under Eights sausage sizzle was to raise money for our Chaplaincy program here at Merrimac. The P&C donated all the sausages for the barbeque and are a great support to Chappy Steve. Thanks to Mr Maggs our Schools Facilities Officer who worked behind the scenes organising equipment for the day. It was great to see Mr Jeffrey, our previous Facilities Officer here at school giving Chappy Steve a hand with the barbeque.. Most of all thank you to all of the lovely families who spent their time with us helping to manoeuvre children around to all the activities and spend time with their children during morning tea time. A great day was had by all. 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. Year 6 Lightning Sports Carnivals The Year 6 Lightning Carnival on Tuesday went very well and our Year 6 students participated in a variety of sports and activities at either Merrimac SHS or Miami SHS. The senior students at these two high schools did a great job in coordinating and running the different events. Year 5 Lightning Carnival The Year 5 Lightning Carnival will be held on Thursday 1 June. These carnivals provide the opportunity for our children to visit our local high schools for a fun day of sports. This 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.

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. Free Dress Day Last Thursday we held our Free Dress day that was originally scheduled for the end of last term. Thank you to all the students who participated in the Free dress Day. In total $691.00 was raised for the RSPCA. 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 Centenary Meeting News The next Centenary meeting is planned for Tuesday 30 May commencing at 3.15pm in the school’s staffroom. All are welcome. 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. As parent/teacher interviews for Prep to Year 6 were held at the end of Term One, it is expected that there will be few parent requests for interviews. If needed, interviews can be arranged with the class teacher. Arts Council Performance

BRAINSTORM PRODUCTIONS PRESENT STICKS AND STONES

Prep to Year 6 Monday 29 May 2017

12pm (P-2) and 1.45pm (3-6) Entertaining educational theatre to help reduce the instances of bullying in school and create harmonious relationships within our community. DON’T be a BULLY… STOP, Think, breathe, walk away DON’T be a TARGET…SPEAK UP, Stand tall, Tell someone BE A POSITIVE BYSTANDER!

WINNER of an Australian Violence Prevention Award. Seen and enjoyed by over 1.75 million students.

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.

Merrimac State School

Newsletter

Chess Tournament The Chess People provide the opportunity for our students to take part in after school Chess each Thursday afternoon. In addition, Mr Epiha takes lunch time Chess with interested students. It certainly has increased the interest in Chess here at Merrimac. On Wednesday this week, four of our students took part in an interschool Chess Tournament. Congratulations to Harrison E, Isaac S, Jhai O and Ben H who did extremely well on day. The four boys combined to win the Intermediate Division and each received a winning medallion. Also Harrison was placed 3rd overall and received a lovely trophy. The other three boys all received Merit Awards for their efforts. This is a fantastic effort by all four boys.

Our proud Chess Winners with their medallions

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 M Blom LSL 23 May – 23 June – Mrs Karyn Lees and

Jenny Cooper 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 7 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 Geneses 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 ways to be an active bystander to deal with bullying. In their classes and on parade, the boys and girls at MSS have been asked to engage in discussions, role plays and class demonstrations about the different ways that children can help another child being bullied. Congratulations to 6A and P4 for receiving the Ralph and Rosie Awards for this week. 6A received their award for keeping their lunch area neat and tidy. P4 received their award for sitting and eating their lunch quietly and respectfully at each eating break. Well done all boys and girls for remembering to be safe, respectful learners.

From Ralph and Rosie

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. Year 2 Parents Would you like to join our Year 2 teachers in showing you how we are teaching students various maths strategies.

Maths can be fun – join us in a fun session “hands on” let’s do it together

Wednesday 7th June 2017 at 8 – 8.30am Happy Maths – come along – be informed – let us help!

Year 2 Teachers

Special Education Program The staff, parents and students of HQ would like to thank the Merrimac State School P&C for their generous donation of a hoist. This equipment is essential in the daily life for some students with a disability. It also

ensures the on-going safety of staff who are supporting the students with daily living and access to the school environment.

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 and 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

Year 3 Light Horse Museum $20 5 June

Year 6 Graduation Shirt $36 2 June

Selected Students

Regional Music Camp $295 12 June

Selected Students

Gold Coast Science Competition

$5 26 May

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: Angus B 1A, Lachlan S 1A, Isabella W 1B, Nicholas D 1B, Ellie-Rose M 1C, Ryder W 1C, Corey G 1D, Charlotte V 1D, Taitom W 1E, Scarlett J 1E, Declan W 2A, Danielle S 2A, Matthew R 2B, Ryan V 2B, Jordan S 2C, Kaea A 2C, Annabelle S 2D, Tonya W 2D, Georgia-Lee G 2E, Emma B 2E, Rhys M 3A, Aidan V 3B, Kye W 3C, Cooper K 3D, Carlos T 3E, Matilda J 4A, Jaylah W 4B, Kotaro M 4C, Leayz N 4D, Brock L 5B, Ava L 5C, Carrin E 5D, Kian T 5E, Javaan P 6A, Jordys C 6B, Georgia P 6C, Naomi V 6D, Hanjun M P1, Kaho Y P1, Tilly F P1M, Olivia B P1M, Lily N P2, Ethan H P2, Blake G P3, Chloe G P3, Broc Mc P4, Nahalia M P4

MUSIC NEWS

Magic of Music Concert

Date: Wednesday 7 June 2017 Time: 6.00pm – 7.45pm Venue: Merrimac SS PAC Entry Fee: Gold Coin Donation All friends and family are welcome to attend and enjoy the wonderful display of talent by our dedicated music students. Tea & Coffee will be served for parents from 5.15pm – 5.55pm. Music Polo shirts will be issued next week to all Instrumental and Choir students. Senior Choir rehearsals for the next 3 weeks will be Monday and Tuesday 8.00am in the music room. Congratulations to Zander Engel-Bowe, one of our Senior Choir students, who has been selected by Opera Qld to sing/perform in the musical “Marriage of Figaro” at the Gold Coast Arts Centre in July. We will keep you updated on the details of his performance – this would be a wonderful show for the family!

PE NEWS

Sporting Achievement Congratulations to Yuuki T. who has been selected in the South Coast 10-12 Years Golf Team. Yuuki qualified for the South Coast Team by winning the recent regional competition held at the Palmer Colonial Golf Course with a Gross Score of 86. Yuuki will now take part in the upcoming State Golf Titles to be held in Toowoomba sometime in July. This is a fantastic effort and we wish Yuuki all the very best.

Golfing Success

Interschool Sport for Years 5-6 Interschool Sport has commenced and will run through till Friday 16 June. The sports draw will be included each week in the school’s newsletter. Children not participating in Interschool Sports will be involved in school based sports activities each Friday afternoon. Please check with your child which team they are in.

INTERSCHOOL SPORTS DRAW FRIDAY 26 MAY

Rugby League at Pizzey Park, Miami – Burleigh Bears Junior RL Yr 5 v Elanora (A) on Field 3 @ 12.45pm Yr 6 v Elanora (A) on Field 2 @ 1.30pm Girls Oztag at Marymount College, Burleigh Waters 5A v St Augustine’s on Field 5 @ 12.45pm 6A v Elanora on Field 11 @ 1.35pm 6B v Mudgeeraba on Field 12 @ 12.45pm Netball at Firth Park, Mudgeeraba 5A v Varsity 1 on Court 9 @ 12.50pm 5B v Varsity 2 on Court 15 @ 1.20pm 5C v Burleigh Heads on Court 13 @ 1.50pm 6B v GCCC on Court 7 @ 1.20pm Soccer at Italo-Australian Club (Merrimac Soccer Club) 6B Boys v St Vincent’s on Field 2 @ 1.35pm Soccer at St Vincent’s Primary School 5A Boys v Robina on Field 3 @ 12.40pm 5B Boys v St Vincent’s on Field 2 @ 12.40pm 6A Boys v St Vincent’s on Field 1@ 12.40pm

TERM 2 UPCOMING EVENTS

Thurs 25 May Last day of the Language Perfect Competition

Thurs 24–Fri 26 May

Year One RSPCA Visit

Thurs 25 May Under Eights Day

Mon 29 May Arts Council Performances

Wed 31 May 2.00pm Active School Travel Meeting

Thurs 1 June Year 5 Lightning Carnival at Miami SHS and Merrimac SHS

Tues 6 June Last day of Footsteps

Wed 7 June Magic of Music evening

Thurs 8 June Year 3 Excursion

Mon 12 June 5.30pm Merrimac Katsuragi IEC Meeting

Mon 12 May 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

Fri 23 June to Sun25 June

Mudgeeraba Show

Mon 10 July School Resumes for Term Three

TUCKSHOP NEWS

Tuckshop Roster for week commencing 29 May 2017:

Date Volunteers-Thank you STATE OF ORIGIN! MEAL DEAL

Thursday 1 June $6* • Mighty BBQ Meatball

Sub w cheese & sauce • Special Origin Jelly

Cup (Maroon or Blue) • Zooper Dooper • Bottled Water

Mon 29/5 Mayumi

Tue 30/5 Yoko/help please

Wed 31/5 Yoko/Mel

Thu 1/6 Maria/Mayumi

Fri 2/6 Mayumi/Gina/Mel

* 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. Your time given is very much appreciated. It’s Origin time again! We celebrate with a special “meal deal” on the week of each game. Our hot chocolate drinks are back this season and at just $1/cup are a big hit with the students. We are still selling our $2 school pie. This is a 100g all beef pie and very popular with our senior students. Have a good week everyone!

~Denise~

Scholastic Book Club Book Club brochures have been given to students in class. The closing date for Issue 4 is Friday, 2nd June. Please use the guide down the side of pages to select age appropriate books, as the same brochure is given to students in all year

levels. 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 (open Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings)

- 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 2nd JUNE

COMMUNITY NEWS