Term 4 Week 10 Thursday 8 December 2016 PRINCIPAL'S PAGE

Merry Christmas

On behalf of the staff, we extend our warmest Holiday greetings to all our families. We thank you for your support throughout the year and look forward to your involvement in 2017. Have a very safe and happy holiday season. School Resumes for all Prep to Year 6 students on Monday 23 January.

Carols Success

This year we had a beautiful evening for our Carols and the oval proved to be a fantastic venue for all the performances on the outdoor stage. There was a huge turnout of families with over 2000 people through the gates. Thank you to Mrs McCarthy for a wonderful job as our Carol’s coordinator. Mrs Rickards and Mrs Lamburd did a great job on the night as our MCs. Mr McBlane did an excellent job with the sound and lighting which made the night possible. Well done Greg. Thank you to Miss Murray and Paul Burt for their work with the Channel 7 News Crew in sharing our night with the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Congratulations to all the children and their teachers for putting on such inspirational performances. The fireworks display at the end of the evening was spectacular and a highlight of the night. It certainly capped off a great event. Thank you to all staff, teachers and P&C members who had input into the organisation of the Carols. There were many hard workers setting up, working on the night and packing up, and all your efforts contributed to a very successful event. A big thank you to our Santa as well, sweltering in the summer evening. The giant raffles on the night proved very popular. Thank you to our sponsors and well done to all our winners. Thank you to the many P&C helpers on the night. Staff and their families did a great job with the Student Council’s sausage sizzle. To all who helped on the night your efforts were greatly appreciated. Many thanks to all those families who sent along a present for the disadvantaged families living with domestic violence. These were presented to the representative for ‘Friends with Dignity’ on Wednesday night. It is thoughtful to consider others at this time of year. Our students also did a great job with the Christmas decorations that lined the walkways to the oval. It certainly added to the Christmas spirit- Merry Christmas!

Year 6 Graduation

Our Year 6 Graduation was held yesterday in the Performing Arts Centre. There were over 400 parents, family and staff in attendance to celebrate the Year 6 Graduation. It was an extremely successful event with many parents providing very positive feedback. A big thank you to everyone who helped make the Year 6 Graduation such a successful event. A special thanks to the Year 6 teachers for a great job in coordinating this year’s Graduation Ceremony. The Years 6 disco was held last night and today our Year 6 students will enjoy a day at Wet ’n’ Wild and then attend a school farewell parade at 2.30pm. We extend our best wishes to all our Year 6 students and wish them all the very best for their High School years. We also wish

families who are leaving our school all the best and thank them for their support of our school over the years.

Student Leaders For 2017

The election process for all our student leaders for 2017 is now complete. Congratulations to the following students: School Captains: Melanija Maric, Mikayla Thorn, Harrison Eadie and Leo Sutherland Sports Captains:

Gooding – Jhai Organ and Sienna Loftus Davidson – Jeremy Mikeska and Tara Harrington Birmingham – Ben Huaut and Grace Kelly Hamilton – Jack Thorn and Tigerlilly Livingstone Music Leaders:

Band – Samuel Oxenham and Shiori Fujii Strings – Isaac Shelton and Naomi Van Den Broek Choir – Scarlett Nicholls and Tara Akin The badge presentation ceremony will be scheduled for early next year. The date will be advised in next year’s Week One newsletter. Staffing News

For next year we will have in place the same Admin structure at school. Principal Dr Randall Pointing Deputies

P-Year 2 Ms Carole Hall Years 3,4 Mrs Brandi Anderson (3 days), Mrs Chris

McNeilage (2 days) Years 5,6 SEP HOSE

Miss Lindy Murray Mrs Trish Boccacinni

In addition Mrs Chris McNeilage will continue to undertake the Head of Curriculum role for 3 days a week to complement her Deputy Principal role. For next year we will also continue with the following positions:

Master Teacher Mrs Lee White (5 days) Literacy Coach Mrs Prentis (3 days) School Engagement Officer Mr Boff (5 days) Currently we are planning for 32 class groups for next year (same number as this year). However, this will very much depend on our school enrolments at the start of the school year. The teacher/class allocations for 2017 will be published at the beginning of the school year. The majority of our specialist teachers for next year will remain the same: LOTE LOTE

Mrs Marshall (full time) Mrs Renae Mason (two days)

PE Mr Singh (full time) Library, Robotics, NCT Mr Ben Shaw (full time) Learning Support Mrs Roxanne Sloss (full time) Music Music

Mrs Powell (three days) Mrs Dena Reid (two days)

Instrumental Band Miss Deb (1 ½ days) Instrumental Strings Guidance Officer Speech Therapist ESL

Miss Hurst (1 day), Miss Stephanie Williams (½ day) Mrs Pamela Chalip Mrs Angela Brown (two days) Mrs Amanda Dixon (one day)

Merrimac State School

Newsletter

Music and Japanese Staffing for 2017: Mrs Powell will be continuing as our Music Teacher for three days a week next year (0.6). Mrs Dena Reid who is a permanent Music Teacher has been relocated to our school for 2017 as our Music Teacher for two days a week (0.4). We thank Mrs Maree Sharpe who has been teaching music at our school for two days a week throughout the year. We thank Mrs Sharpe for undertaking this music role and thank her for all her contributions to our music program. For next year, we are introducing Japanese into Prep to Year 2. Each class in these year levels will receive a half hour Japanese lesson each week. Mrs Renae Mason has been appointed to our school for the start of next year as a (0.4) Japanese teacher to support Mrs Marshall with the delivery of our Japanese Program. This is an exciting initiative of the Global Schools Program to be able to offer Japanese at Merrimac from Prep to Year 6. Our school has been advised that we can start the school year with 4.3 Special Education Program (SEP) staffing. This includes Mrs Boccaccini as our HOSE along with Mr Niotakis, Mrs McDonald and Mrs Turney as our SEP teachers. Mrs Chrystene Conder will be teaching in the Special Education Program two days a week in 2017. A big thank you to Mrs Claudia Buntine who has been teaching in SEP this year and has done a wonderful job. Mrs Kirsty Chandler will also be finishing her contract at the end of the school year. We all wish her the very best for next year. Mr Webster is taking leave for Semester One next year and travelling back to Canada. We wish him all the very best. Mr Ben Shaw will be replacing Mr Webster in his Library and NCT roles. Mrs Kerri Fields who has been working in a regional position for the last two years was to return to our school from the start of next year. However, Mrs Fields is now taking up an acting Head of Learning position at Miami State School for Semester One 2017. A number of our contract teachers will be returning in 2017: Mrs Alycia Patterson, Miss Sam Hill, Miss Jennifer Hiscocks, Miss Nicole Jacobs, Mrs Katie McDonald and Mrs Sandra Messinbird. Also Mrs Kelly Hall has been made a permanent teacher at Merrimac from the start of next year. Mrs Lee White, our school’s Master Teacher, returns next year from Maternity Leave. A big thank you to Mrs Prentis who has been acting Master Teacher for most of this year and to Mrs Rickards who has been acting Literacy Coach for all the work that they have done throughout the year. They certainly have both done a fantastic job in their respective roles. Ms Rachael Wright is taking leave for all of next year and is moving to the Gympie area. This Saturday is also a very special day for Rachael as she is getting married. We wish her all the best for her upcoming marriage and for 2017. In addition one of our Teacher Aides, Mrs Janece Walsh has Long Service Leave from 19 January to 16 March next year. We wish Janece all the very best as well. Mrs Rachael Moore who has been on leave for the last year has accepted a transfer back to Helensvale SS from the start of next year. We wish Mrs Moore all the very best for the future. Mrs Penny McClure has also notified me that she is extending her current Maternity Leave through till the end of Term Two next year. Our school has had a number of other contract teachers at our school during the year. I would like to thank them for the work that they have done here at Merrimac. A big thank you to Mrs Rehana Lowndes, Mrs Claudia Buntine (SEP), Mr Ben Shaw, Mr Charles Cron, Mrs Maree Sharpe, Mrs Noni Rolfe, Mrs Denise Boyd, Mrs Jan Beggs and Mr Greg Chin. It is hoped that we will see many of our contract teachers back at Merrimac some time in 2017. Also during the year, we have had a number of Teacher Aides who have completed various contract positions. A big thank you to all of them. Again we hope to see them back at our school some time in 2017. I would like to thank Mrs Hall (acting Principal), Mr Boff (acting DP), Mrs McCarthy (acting EO), Mrs Boccaccini (acting DP/HoC) and Mrs Turney (acting HOSE), Mrs McDonald (acting HOSE) for

the great job that they have done in their respective roles during this term. For next year our school will be continuing with our whole school reading and numeracy for identified children who need additional support in these areas. Our intervention program is delivered by five teacher Aides and overseen by Mrs Boccaccini and Mrs Sloss. We welcome the following Intervention Teacher Aides to our school for 2017: Linda Miller, Andrew Minett, Violett Kerr, Donna Barnett and Kim Casey. They will be working Monday to Thursdays from 9.00am to 1.00pm for all 40 school weeks. We thank Miss Yurei Matsumoto who has been at our school for the last six months as a Japanese Assistant Teacher helping with our school’s Japanese program. We thank Yurei for all her efforts and wish her well for the future. Thanks to Mrs Sarina Thompson, who has been home staying Yurei for the last six months so that she could attend our school. It is very much appreciated.

Class Groupings For 2017

2017 class groups will be published on the first day back next year in the Tuckshop under cover area and outside all classes. Hopefully this will lessen the chance of forced changes to class groups which usually happens over the Christmas period. Parents are reminded not to take photos of the class lists as this is a breach of privacy.

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 it means to show gratitude and thankfulness. 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 gratitude. Congratulations to 1D and 4A for receiving the Ralph and Rosie Award this week. 1D received their award for walking quietly back to class from library. 4A received their award for walking quietly and respectfully past 4B on the way to LOTE. Well done to all the boys and girls for being safe, respectful learners.

From Ralph and Rosie

Attendance Awards.

Congratulations to all children who received an attendance award this semester. A silver award recognises an attendance rate of over 95% for the semester, while a gold award recognises an attendance rate of 100%. A special mention to all children who received a gold award for the year. 15 children from Prep to Year 6 were awarded with this certificate and a special morning tea on Tuesday. Well done all award winners.

Lost Property

The lost property box in the undercover area is quite full with jumpers, hats, lunch boxes, etc. Parents are asked to check through the lost property today. Each class will go through the items this week. Any unclaimed, unnamed property will be sent to charities over the holidays. Parents are also asked to check the lost property at the After School Care.

School Watch

Should you observe any suspicious behaviour around the school during the holidays please contact School Watch on 131788. Other than the Vacation Care Program, Facility Hire and school staff

there should be no persons on the school grounds over the holiday period. The school premises will be monitored by State Government Security along with increased police patrols in conjunction with our own security arrangements. Any person found trespassing will be referred to the police. Sound Equipment Children and Flag Children

On last week’s upper school parade we recognised the students who have assisted with the school’s sound system throughout the

year. A big thank you to Sam Reale, Rhys Morris, Jade Hendriks, Daniella Piitulainen, Alyssa Wilesmith, Leon Stoker and Mackenzie Emery. For next year, we will have a newly trained group of students who will take on these special roles. On the same parade we thanked those boys who have looked after the school flags each day this year. Well done to Leon Stoker, Jaedon Holley and Bailey Cram.

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.

Student Banking

School student banking has finished for this year. First day for school banking in 2017 is Monday 30 January. There will be an open morning for anyone wishing to start up a Commonwealth Student Banking Account for their child on Monday 13 February from 8am outside the P1/P2 classrooms.

PE NEWS

2017 Years 3 and 4 Swimming Information

Students in Years 3 and 4 will participate in swimming lessons next year commencing in February. Students will be provided with details early next year. 2017 Years 5 and 6 Surfing Program Information

Students in years 5 and 6 will participate in a safety awareness program next year commencing in February. Students will be provided with details early next year.

BOOKSHOP and UNIFORM SHOP HOURS

Special Bookshop Opening Days in January 2017

Date Opening Hours Available Services

Tue 17 Jan 8.00am – 1.00pm Flexischools collections only

Thu 19 Jan 8.00am – 1.00pm All Sales

Fri 20 Jan 8.00am – 1.00pm All Sales

Mon 23 Jan 8.00am – 10.00am All Sales

Tue 24 Jan 8.00am – 10.00am All Sales

Wed 25 Jan 8.00am – 10.00am All Sales

Fri 27 Jan 8.00am – 10.00am All Sales

Mon 30 Jan 8.00am – 10.00am All Sales

Tue 31 Jan 8.00am – 10.00am All Sales

Wed 1 Feb 8.00am – 10.00am All Sales

Thu 2 Feb 8.00am – 10.00am All Sales

Fri 3 Feb 8.00am – 10.00am All Sales

From Monday 6 February regular opening hours will resume which are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8.00am – 9.00am. 2017 Booklists

Booklists for all students in Years P-5 have been sent home. Orders can be placed online at www.flexischools.com.au. Pay online and you can then pick up your order from the bookshop (your collection date will be on the invoice).

P&C NEWS

"Once again the P&C contributed strongly to the success of the Carols Night. Thank you to Denise and her loyal family of Tuckshop volunteers, Nic and Veronica in the Bookshop for their behind-the-scenes work, and especially to Tina and her Harcourts

crew who can always be relied upon to help with whatever is needed. Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year to all from the P&C

2017 Meetings

The first P&C meeting for 2017 will be held on Monday 13 February commencing at 6.30pm. The P&C AGM will be held in March next year.

TUCKSHOP NEWS

TUCKSHOP IS CLOSED TODAY Roster for Week 1 2017

Date Volunteers

thank you

NO MEAL DEAL FIRST

WEEK OF TERM

Mon 23 Jan Mayumi

Tue 24 Jan Jenny, Yoko

Wed 25 Jan Mel L

Thu 26 Jan Public Holiday

Fri 27 Jan Mayumi

Wishing you all a very happy and safe holiday season. See you next year! ~ Denise ~

Tuckshop Convenor

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fri 9 Dec Year 6 excursion day to Wet and Wild

Fri 9 Dec Last day of Term Four

Fri 9 Dec 2.30pm Whole School Parade in PAC

Mon 23 Jan School Resumes for all Prep to Year 6 students

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Congratulations to the following students of the week:

Josiah-Hamiora M P1, Talia T P1, Chloe N P2, Phoenix F P2, Nicholas D P3, Kingston H P3, Eliza O P4, Charles R P4, Nevaeh B 1A, Cooper M 1A, Tayla-Jade E 1B, Hayden T 1B, Rhylee V 1C, Lennon D 1C, Aiden S 1D, Sage C 1D, Matthew R 1E, Hanah S 1E, Solitaire F 2A, Tristan P 2A, Elizabeth G 2B, Akyrah A 2B, Ryan R 2C, Kaden M 2C, Rylee M 2D, Leila E 2D, Gabrielle S 2E, Stella W 2E, Kaiden M 3/4M, Riley D 3A, Eva L 3B, Elliot V 3C, Coco S 3D, Poppy Z 4A, Hana M 4B, Holly S 4D, Isaac S 5A, Lisa B 5B, Fah B 5C, Bella R 6A, Ella C 6B, Sam R 6C, Lucy B 6D.

Happy Christmas from Chappy Steve… I would like to take this opportunity the wish everyone who is a member of our Merrimac school community a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas….It is such a privilege for me to be the Merrimac School Chaplain and it is a joy and a pleasure to come and serve this outstanding school….Christmas time wherever you are in the world signifies peace and goodwill to all men regarding what race or religion you are…We are living in a very volatile time in world history, and the increased access to communication and media prevents us from being shielded from what’s going on in our world and the impact it is having on our society and especially our young people….Therefore let us all this Christmas take time in our busy schedules to spare a thought to those whose Christmases won’t be very happy, to those who are living in the war torn countries in the world, to the poor and needy in our own communities and not forgetting our own older generation… I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our P&C for their amazing ongoing support of the work I do here in the school, and I know just by the volume of students that access the Chappy Hut on a daily basis that the children appreciate it too….Please stay safe and I do hope you all have enjoyable holiday Christmas and New Year…and we will do it all again next year…

God Bless

Chappy Steve

Card from Yurei Matsumoto

Thank you to the following businesses who donated items to our giant raffle on Carols night: