Term 3 Week 7 Thursday 30 August 2018 PRINCIPAL'S PAGE

Naplan Error

On Wednesday morning this week, the Bulletin published NAPLAN data for all Gold Coast Schools. Unfortunately, they made a significant error with the Merrimac State School data. Instead of listing our Year 5 Grammar score as 521, they listed it at 21. This figure was then used to calculate the Year 5 and school averages. The report therefore shows Merrimac as being the lowest performing school on the Gold Coast based on the overall average mean score. The school has contacted The Bulletin and they are amending the information on their webpage but obviously we can't undo the harm done with the publication of the league table in the paper. The Bulletin has extended their apologies for the production error. They have forwarded to our school community a retraction message (see below): “We are writing in regards to a misprint published in the Bulletin Wednesday August 29th. The feature on school-by-school NAPLAN results (page 4) misrepresented the results of Merrimac State School. Due to a missing digit the overall average of the school was lower than expected. Merrimac should have been displayed as follows (see table below). We regret any confusion this production error may have caused. Regards, the Gold Coast Bulletin” The school Naplan data should read as follows:

Year Read Writ Spell Gram Num Grade

Av

School

Av

3 427 385 428 454 399 418.9 460.4 (not

410.4)

5 516 455 515 521 (not 21)

504 502.2 (not

402.2)

460.4 (not

410.4)

School Review Update

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week, our school undertook its School Review. All state schools have to undergo a School Review every four years as part of their school improvement process. Three review officers (all current or former Principals) reviewed many aspects of our school from teaching and learning practices to parent and community partnerships. Overall, our school had a very successful review and achieved many affirmations and commendations in regards to our school practices. The review team also provided a number of recommendations for future considerations. We will receive an official Executive Summary in the next two weeks, which will provide an overview of all the Affirmations, Commendations and Recommendations. These will be then shared with the school community. The review recommendations will also be included in our school’s next four year strategic plan (2019 – 2022). As part of the review, interviews were conducted with many staff, students, parents and community members. The review members were blown away with the overall positive feedback from everyone and the fantastic supportive culture that we have developed at our school. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our very successful school review.

Gold Coast Show Holiday

A reminder to all students and parents that tomorrow Friday 31st August is a Public Holiday for the Gold Coast Show Day. Please note the Merrimac Outside School Hours Care will not be operating on this day.

Some of Merrimac State School’s Gold Coast Show Entries

Smoking in the Car Park

Parents are reminded that smoking near the entrance ways to the school is not permitted. Also parents need to be considerate of others and please refrain from smoking in all areas of the school car parks.

Years 6 Interschool Debating Competition

Once again Merrimac is hosting this event in Term 4 on Wednesday 24 October. We are entering 2 teams of Year 6 students who are interested in public speaking. Several more students will be involved in helping on the day of the competition as chairpersons and timekeepers. We are always seeking adjudicators for the event, so please contact Mrs McNeilage (cmcne10@eq.edu.au) if you are interested.

Merrimac State School

Newsletter

Canberra Arrangements

In Week 10 Miss Murray, Mrs Blom, Mr Boff, Mr Mahon, Mrs Riis and Mrs Lees will be taking 60 of our Years 5 and 6 students to Canberra on our bi-annual Canberra Camp. The group will visit many educational facilities and attractions including Mount Ainslie Lookout, Old Parliament House, Museum of Australian Democracy, Australian War Memorial, National Museum of Australia, National Archives, Australian Institute of Sport, Royal Australian Mint, Government House, Questacon, New Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin and Telstra Tower. The group will also enjoy social activities at Glow in the Dark Putt Putt and a day in the snow. Staffing Arrangements for Week 10: Students in 6B and 5B who are not participating in the camp will be split amongst the remaining Year 5 and 6 classes. Some CCT will also be used to help provide supervision for these students. To help prepare the students for the trip, they will be running ‘Canberra Lessons’ each Tuesday morning in Weeks 6 – 9 from 8.00am – 8.45am in the Mahon’s room.

The Australian Government recognise the importance of young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education so have assisted the families of travelling students by contributing $60 per child toward the cost of the camp under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate Program. The rebate will be paid directly to the school in the coming weeks and was factored into the camp cost budget.

Term Three Reporting to Parents - Parent Teacher Online

Parent/teacher interviews for Prep to Year 6 have been scheduled for the end of this term. The majority of interviews will be held on Wednesday, 12 September from 3.30pm to 7.30pm in the classrooms. A selection of other times will also be offered by class teachers in Weeks Eight and Nine. Mrs Zarew and Mrs Chipp will be absent from school on Wednesday 12 September and will do their parent/teacher interviews in the week prior (Week 8) Student folios will be issued at the interviews. These should be returned to school before the end of term. It is hoped that the majority of parents will take the opportunity of attending the planned parent/teacher interviews. We continue to use the online booking system for all parent/teacher interviews. Parents will be able to book interviews through the PTO website. This is an online booking system that makes it very easy for parents to book in their preferred interview times. Parents will receive immediate confirmation of their interview times. A letter was sent home at the beginning of last week with each student outlining the procedures to follow for making online parent/teacher interviews. The online system will close for bookings at 3.00pm today

Thursday 30 August. Teachers will select the times that they are available during Weeks Eight and Nine for their parent/teacher interviews. Parents who are unable to access the internet for online bookings can complete the Request for an Interview section of the letter and return it to the school office ASAP so the booking can be made for you. All interviews will be scheduled at 10 minute intervals. Parents are reminded to be on time and to notify the school if they cannot make their scheduled interview time for some reason. It is important to allow at least a 10 minute gap between interview times if you have more than one student. Specialist teachers will not be included in the electronic booking system but parents will be able to request an appointment with a specialist teacher when the letters are distributed. Any interview requests will be passed on to the respective specialist teacher so that a mutual interview time can be arranged.

School Study Tour 2019 MSS – KES Sister School Exchange

Plans are underway for next year’s Japan Trip for current students of Years 4 and 5 at Merrimac. Expected dates (yet to be confirmed) are Saturday 14 September till Sunday 22 September 2019. We have started this process earlier than usual to allow families time to consider the commitment to this

Cultural Exchange Program. An information session will be held

in the Japanese Room (next to the oval) on Tuesday 4

September from 3.30pm – 4.15pm. Interested parents are invited to attend, however attendance is not compulsory to ensure participation. Students are not required to attend this meeting. Expressions of interest for the Japan Sister School Trip “Nihon Keiken” have been sent home with interested 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. Ensure you update regularly to access the latest features.

Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser

It was another successful year here at Merrimac State School for the students who participated in our Jump Rope for Heart fundraising campaign. With a grand total of $1853 submitted, the children involved did a great job raising money for the much needed research undertaken by Australia’s Heart Foundation. Special

thanks to all the children who contributed their time and efforts, your hard work will pay off. Well done to Mrs Haywood for coordinating this special activity and to all the children involved.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The Premier's Reading Challenge finished last Friday 24 August. Thank you to all students and classes who have taken part. Certificates of achievement will be sent to schools early in Term Four. Thanks to Mrs Boff who has been coordinating our involvement in this worthwhile program. Request for References

From time to time requests are made by parents and children for references to various Private Schools. The Gold Coast Primary Principals’ Association has determined that such references should not be supplied. This decision is endorsed by our School Council. It is felt that the making available of the School Report Card and any Statewide Testing is sufficient documentation for all Private Schools. This means that the school will not be able to assist with requests for written references. This also applies to individual teachers in an official capacity. A copy of the child’s Report Card and Statewide Testing will be made available if requested by parents.

Children Leaving School at the end of Term Three

If your child/children will not be returning to Merrimac for Term Four 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. African Beat Performance Information

On Thursday 6 September, there will be two performances of the African Beat show: 10.00am Prep to Year 2 11.30am Years 3 to 6 The shows will be held in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). Information has been sent home with all students. The closing date for payment is Friday 3 September.

Term Three Staff Leave

The following teaching staff have leave in Term Three:

Mrs Boccaccini 3 – 5 Sept Mrs Claudia Buntine

Mrs Zarew 11 – 21 Sept Mrs Denise Boyd

Mrs Greenway 13 – 21 Sept 3A Mr Matthew Monahan 6B Mrs Riis

Mr Singh 19 – 21 Sept Mrs Jo Thomas

Early Term Four Leave and Contracts

Mrs Yeates 8 – 19 Oct No replacement

Miss Overland 8 – 19 Oct Mr Greg Chin

Mrs Lamburd 8 Oct – 2 Nov Ms Sarah Folo

Mr Singh 8 – 19 Oct Mrs Emilia Vanger

Miss Murray 8 Oct – 9 Nov Mr Boff (A/DP, Mrs Conder (A/SEO) and Mrs

Claudia Bunitne (SEP Teacher)

Mrs Prentis 8 Oct – 16 Nov TBA

Mrs Marshall 8 Oct – 14 Dec MsYukiko Nehei

Mrs Sainsbury 8 Oct – 14 Dec Mrs Angela Brown

Peace One Day

“Peace One Day“ has been a focus for our community over the last four years. Next Thursday 6th September, all students will take part in our whole school Peace One Day reflection. Children have been invited to create a Peaceful

Heart. Everyone will gather on the oval in a heart shape for a one minute reflection and on conclusion they will be invited to exchange hearts. A photo of the 2018 Peace Day reflection will be taken to add to the display in the PAC.

Life Education

The Life Education Van will be visiting our school towards the end of Term Three from 6 to 21 September. All students are invited to participate in the Life Education Program at Merrimac State School. Life Education is an important program that effectively educates children about positive relationships, safe environments and health issues. The program puts students in situations where they need to make decisions, solve problems and interact with other students by discussing possible alternatives to situations relating to their own health. The Life Education visit is subsidised by the school which reduces the cost down to $8. Information and permission slips for payment were sent home last week with all students. Many thanks to Mrs Conder who is coordinating the Life Education Program visit to our school. A parent session is being held on Thursday 6 September from

2.00pm in the Life Education Van. Parents are invited along to find out more information on the Life Education Program.

WEEKLY WELLNESS COLUMN

This week we're talking about helping your kids grow their brain through MOVEMENT. Research shows active physical movement and play helps kids learn, improves their memory, and increases their motivation. In other words, it's essential for

their development. This week's printable is an EXCELLENT back to school activity. It includes an illustrated BRAIN BREAK dice game (with positive affirmations) + a summary of this week's article. Download (6 pages of goodness) This is a free resource provided by Big Life Journal, a company which offers growth mindset journals, posters, and activities for children. Sign up for their newsletter and receive free resources (similar to this one) every Friday! Their website for more

information is: https://biglifejournal.com

Koala Joeys – Term 3

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 run each Friday morning and continue for the term. When: Friday mornings Where: PAC Time: 9.00am – 10.00am See you there Please be aware that Koala Joey’s program will not be on this

Friday the 31st August due to the Gold Coast Show holiday.

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Congratulations to the following students of the week:

Willow G P1, Nina V P1, Mia B P1M, Leo S P1M, Gypsy H P2, Haruto O P2, Alexus L P3, Max M P3, Charlie T P4, Charlotte Rose S P4, Axel K 1A, Kai T 1A, Lili C 1D, Jai M 1D, Rishi K 2A, Talia T 2A, Madison E 2B, Tori Mc 2B, Cooper G 2C, Max C 2C, Logan O 2D, Keira M 2D, Mia J 2E, Jonathon C 2E, Chuck C 3A, Isabel R 3B, Ella S 3C, Callum P 3D, Aston B 3E, Noah B-M 4/5M, Maya W 4A, Riley C 4B, Clancey H 4C, Korbyn B-H 4D, Liam B 5/6M, Mikayla A 5A, Evan W 5B, Cody R 5C, Yuuto O 6A, Max P 6B, Eli D 6C, Madelyn B 6D

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 is meant by Well-being. Well-Being for students is sometimes a difficult concept to understand. As a school we talk about well-being in terms of how we feel about ourselves and what thoughts do we predominately hold to be true about ourselves. In their classes and on parade all students have been asked to discuss and given reminders about the importance of well-being and how finding activities that we enjoy can help how we feel about ourselves Congratulations to P4 and 3E for receiving the PBL Ralph and Rosie Awards this week. P4 received their award for keeping their lunch and bag area as clean as a whistle. 3E received their award for sitting and eating quietly during eating time. Congratulations to all boys and girls in remembering to be Safe, Respectful, Learners this week.

Ralph and Rosie

Breakfast and Fitness Program

This term we are continuing with the Breakfast/Fitness Program on a Wednesday morning for interested Years 3 to 6 students. 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. Usually the program is held on the oval but on wet days will take place in the PAC. A big thank you to our Chappy Steve for running the program and also thanks to the many staff and parent helpers who assist each week. We certainly appreciate the support from Tina Nenadic, from Gold Coast Property Sales & Rentals, Coles Worongary and the Genesis Church who support Breakfast/Fitness Program which allows us to buy the various breakfast requirements. Please note that there will be no Breakfast/Fitness in the last

week of term (Wednesday 19 September).

Parent Fitness (Boot Camp) Program – free for Merrimac

Parents

Thanks to Tina Nenadic, from Gold Coast Property Sales & Rentals, for continuing to support the free fitness program for our parents. Simone Doyle is the fitness instructor who runs the sessions weekly on the MPC/Tennis Court area each Thursday from 1.45pm to 2.45pm. The Parent Fitness Program will continue at school in Term Three. It is completely free. Any parents who wish to be involved in the fitness program can contact Tina direct on 0402984898.

MUSIC NEWS

Magic of Music Concert The Merrimac State School Magic of Music Concert will be held on Wednesday 5 September 2018 (week 8) in the PAC Hall. All friends and family are welcome. Entry Fee – Gold coin donation

The Concert program will commence promptly at 6.00pm and conclude at 7.45pm. It is only fair to all students that attendance is compulsory. If unexpected circumstances arise which prevent your child attending please contact the respective music teacher. Instrumental students are to arrive at 5.15pm, and

Choir students are to arrive at 5.30pm.

� Senior Choir to meet Mrs Powell in the ICT Lab � Junior Choir to meet Mrs Reid in the PAC

Conference Room � Intermediate and Senior Strings to meet Ms

Losada in the Music Room � Beginner Strings to meet Ms Hurst in the

Instrumental Room � Junior and Senior Band to meet Miss Deb in the

Science Resource Room Tea and coffee will be served for parents from 5.15 to 5.55pm. Students are to wear full school music uniform – long black pants, black socks, black shoes and blue school music polo shirt.

Instrumental Music

In week 8, 9 and 10 of this term, students in year 3 have the opportunity to be tested on a band instrument. Students will be tested on the day that the band teacher is at our school. It will take a couple of weeks to test all students. Please have a look at “Bring on the Band” on U-tube. This will help students decide which instrument they may like. Students will receive more information after they have been tested. There are many benefits of learning and playing a musical instrument. Some of these include:

• Improved memory skills • Improved hand eye coordination and fine motor skills • Improved listening skills • Improved math skills • Improved reading and comprehension skills • Improved auditory skills • Encouraging responsibility, perseverance and discipline • Encouraging self-expression • Building self confidence • Building physical strength and improve stamina • Providing a constructive outlet for stress

PE NEWS

District Athletics Results Last Thursday and Friday, over 25 Merrimac Students competed at the Oceanic District Athletics Carnival. Against tough competition, all our students tried their hardest and competed with great determination and sportsmanship. The following students were placed in their events and will now compete at the Regional Carnival. Well done to all our students. Thank you to Mrs Lees, Mr Elliott and Mr Mahon for helping over the 2 days. Hyacinth O 2ND - SHOTPUT, 3rd DISCUS Sariyah D 1ST - LONG JUMP Cullen H - 2ND - HIGH JUMP Cade K 2ND - SHOTPUT, 2nd DISCUS Carter A 4th - 800M

Interschool Sport

Interschool sport commences next Friday, 7 September. Students in Years 4 to 6 who nominated a sporting group to participate in for the summer season have already been given a payment and permission form. Currently Coaches are holding trials to finalise the teams and once your child has received confirmation they are in a team, payment and permission forms can then be returned to the finance window. These need to be returned by Wednesday 5 September. If you have paid and your child does not make a team a refund form will be given out to be completed and returned to the school to process. Children who selected school based sports at no cost will be engaged in sports activities at school each Friday afternoon during the season.

P and C NEWS

Our next P & C meeting is being held on Monday 10th September in our Staffroom. All welcome to attend. For any interested persons, please see our Tuckshop Convenor position vacant application at the end of this newsletter.

BOOKSHOP and UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

Bookshop Opening Days

Book/Uniform shop operating hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8.00am – 9.00am. At Merrimac State School, we are supporting the Queensland Governments plastic bag ban. Please remember to bring your own bag as we are no longer able to supply a plastic bag for your purchases in the Bookshop/Uniform shop.

RALPH & ROSIE’S KITCHEN NEWS

Kitchen Roster for the week commencing 3 September 2018

Mon 3/9 Vanessa

Tues 4/9 Help needed please

Wed 5/9 Help needed please

Thurs 6/9 Maria

Fri 7/9 Help needed please

MEAL DEAL

FOR THURSDAY 6th September 2018

Hog Dog

Large Water

Zooper Dooper

Ralph & Rosie’s Kitchen provides an important service to our parents, students and staff. Volunteers play a vital role. and without them we would not be able to provide this service. If you have any time to spare (even an hour after morning school drop off) we would appreciate your help. Please pop in to see us.

FINANCE NEWS

We are currently collecting money for the following:

Participants Event Cost Payment due date

Selected Students

Interschool Sport $70 5 Sept

All Drumming Performance $6 First 300

All Life Education $8 6 – 21 Sept

Year 2 Currumbin Sanctuary $41 7 Sept

Selected Students

Band/Strings Program $100 Over Due

Selected Students

Instrumental Hire $120 Over Due

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)

If you do not wish to wait in line at the finance window we

encourage you to pay online. Please note that the Dept of

Education has advised schools that we can no longer accept

credit card payment over the phone or written on permission

slips. Any credit card payments must be made in person at

the finance window.

Important Information on Invoicing

When the school system creates invoices for excursions all parents/caregivers of participating/invited students who have an active email on our database will receive an invoice. 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. If paying online please send the receipt with the permission form to verify payment. Look on the top right hand side of the invoice for the excursion description. Important information: 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 to verify this. This email only goes to those not participating and can be ignored.

2018 UPCOMING EVENTS TERM 3

Fri 31 Aug Gold Coast Show Holiday

Wed 5 Sept Magic of Music evening

6 – 21 Sept Life Education Van at school

Thurs 6 Sept 10.00am (P-3) and 11.30am (4-6) African Beat Performances

Mon 10 Sept 9.00am MOSHC Meeting

Mon 10 Sept 6.30pm P&C Meeting

Wed 12 Sept 3.30pm to 7.30pm Parent/Teacher interviews

Fri 14 Sept Year 2 Excursion to Currumbin Sanctuary

17 – 21 Sept Canberra Trip

Tues 18 sept Miami SHS Spelling Bee/Competition

Fri 21 Sept Last school day of Term Three

Fri 21 Sept Last day of Life Education Program

Fri 21 Sept Last day of Canberra Trip

Position Vacant

Tuckshop Convenor Ralph & Rosie’s Kitchen

Merrimac State School

Merrimac State School P&C is looking for a motivated person with a passion for

cooking and children’s health to join the team as Tuckshop Convenor.

The Convenor with be jointly responsible for the day to day operation of our

busy tuckshop, which is open Monday to Friday.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who holds a proven general

cooking ability for large numbers, is knowledgeable in food handling safety

practices, is most happy working within a team environment and enjoys

delivering friendly, efficient customer service.

For a copy of the Position Description and to apply for the position please

email the Operations Manager Veronica McCann vmcca13@eq.edu.au

Applications close: 5pm, Friday 7th

September 2018