Principal: Mr Graeme Cupper Address: Commercial Street, Merbein, 3505 Phone: 03 5025 2501 Fax: 03 5025 3524 Email: merbein.p10@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: merbeinp10.vic.edu.au

CHANNEL ROAD CLOSED - PIPELINE WORKS Leed Engineering has advised me this week, that the section of Channel Road adjacent to the south end of the school grounds will be closed for pipeline works, from tomorrow Friday, 27th March until Wednesday, 1st April. Channel Road will be re-opened over the Easter Period, Thursday 2nd April until Monday, 6th April. The road will again be closed from April 7th-23rd. PARTNERS IN PRINT REPORT The second night of the Partners-in-Print Program was held last week. Anne Robinson was our guest presenter. The program was a great success and I would like to thank both the Infant Team and the parents who participated in the program. These parents will now have several additional strategies to use when listening to their children reading at home. There is strong evidence that building language and literacy skills in the pre-school and early years can make a significant positive difference to educational and life outcomes. Our Infant Team is continuing to work with Julie Zrna, one of the original authors of Partners in Print, in an ongoing professional development project focusing on Early Years Literacy Teaching. GENE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS CENTRE (GTAC) VISIT REPORT Last week we were privileged to host a visit by a team of scientists from the Melbourne University, GTAC Centre. Led by Dr Barbara Kameniar, the team conducted some Genetics classes with our senior students. The lessons involved hands-on laboratory experiments. While the scientists conducted the specialised lessons, our science teachers were able to closely observe the student learning processes. The program provided a unique opportunity for our students to learn about a specialised area of science. It also offered a valuable professional learning experience for our teachers. Barbara and the GTAC Centre also offer Residential Programs for Regional Indigenous students to enable them to get a taste of university life and potentially open up new and exciting pathways for interested students.

2015 NEWSLETTER Thursday, 26 March

201520152015201520152015201520152015

DATES TO REMEMBER MARCH 27th Friday -Pri Easter Hat Parade 9am -Pri Class Easter Basket Judged 9.15am -Both Pri & Sec Easter Baskets Raffle drawn together at 11am -Last day of Term 1 – early dismissal 2.30pm -OSHC earlier finishing time of 5pm. APRIL 13th Monday First Day of Term 2 24th Friday Pri Grandparents Day 24th Friday ANZAC –RSL visit, brief ceremony 25th Saturday Anzac Day 28th Tuesday Open Night 29th Wednesday Yr 9&10 Northern Zone Volleyball MAY 5th Monday

Sec Boys Interschool Soccer 6th Tuesday Sec Assembly 7th Wednesday Sec Girls Interschool Soccer 11th Tuesday Sec Girls Interschool Football 12th- 14th May NAPLAN Testing for Yrs 3,5,7&9 15th Friday Cross Country 18th -22nd May Yr 9 Camp JUNE 2nd Tuesday Sec Assembly 5th Friday Report Writing Day NO SCHOOL 8th Monday Queen’s Birthday PUBLIC HOLIDAY 9th Tuesday Sec Immunisations 16th Tuesday Sec Girls Netball 25th Thursday Sec Assembly

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Mr Graeme Cupper

PARENT/STUDENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS It was great to see such a large number of parents/carers attend last night’s interviews. It provided an opportunity to celebrate successes and where required, discuss areas of improvement where they may be needed. Achieving successful schooling outcomes depends very heavily on developing an effective partnership between student, parent and teachers. Last night’s activity helped to maintain a healthy communication between all partners. Thanks to all students and parents who attended. Thanks also to the teaching staff and the ES support staff who assisted in preparing the reports, welcoming parents and running a crèche to look after toddlers during the interviews.

LATROBE UNIVERSITY VISIT Today we are hosting a visit by thirty six Second Year Education Students and their lecturer, former Merbein P-10 Campus Principal, Chris John. They will be participating in a lecture and a Learning Walk to observe classes in action. LAST DAY OF TERM Tomorrow is the last day of term. Parents are reminded that students will be dismissed at the earlier time of 2.30 pm. I wish students, families and staff a safe and relaxing break.

IMPORTANT DATES IN MARCH Friday27th Last day of school Term 1

Easter Basket Competition and Easter Raffle Drawn

IMPORTANT DATES IN APRIL Monday 13th First Day of Term Friday 24th Grandparents day Tuesday 28th Open Night for Prospective

Secondary families Wednesday 29th Northern Zone Volleyball (Yrs 9

&10)

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION As part of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s Health and Safety Management Plan, new labelling will be installed at our school early next term. The labels remind people to contact school reception prior to undertaking any works at the school, to ensure they have up-to-date information from the school’s asbestos register. Asbestos, which was used extensively in building materials in the past but is now banned, is considered safe unless damaged or in poor condition. The new labels form part of a comprehensive program to ensure Victorian Government Schools remain safe. Children’s safety is our number one priority. That is why we are taking this extra step as a precaution.

STAFFING I would like to congratulate Mr Daniel Nemtsas who has been appointed as Acting Principal at Tyrrell P-12 College for Terms 2 and 3, 2015. At this stage, Daniel is scheduled to return to Merbein from the start of Term 4. Daniel will take with him many years of experience as a principal and leader. On behalf of Merbein P-10 College I wish him well in this new educational venture.

SCHOOL CANTEEN CHANGES The School Canteen wishes to make known to the school community that it has made changes to the menu in an effort to have only Australian products. Australian consumers are becoming aware, through the news that Australia has a much higher food handling/growing standard than most other countries. The school has decided not to buy products that are not Australian grown or manufactured, therefore you will notice that some of the items on the Canteen Menu have been taken off and new items have replaced them due to this change. HEAD LICE There have been a few reported cases of head lice in the primary section. Please be vigilant in checking your child/ren’s hair and treat if lice are found. Please note that responsibilities for managing Head Lice are shared between parents/guardians, schools and principals. Parents/guardians have primary responsibility for detection and treatment of head lice. Parents/guardians should: regularly, preferably once a week, check for lice

or eggs in the hair of their child and all household members.

notify the school if their child is affected and commence treatment.

not send their children to school with untreated head lice.

Information on treating headlice can be found on the Department of Health website. http://www.health.vic.gov.au/headlice/ MERBEIN P-10 COLLEGE BREAKFAST PROGRAM The Program is being financially supported by the Merbein & District Community Bank & Merbein Development Association as well as Board & Staff of the Merbein & District Community Bank, Merbein Development Association & the Merbein Lions Club through volunteers. The breakfast program is held in the

cafeteria - all students are welcome to come along between 8.00am and 8.45am each morning if they would like a FREE tasty breakfast to kick-start their day’s learning. EMAIL ADDRESSES The school prefers to send the weekly newsletter and other important information home via email as this is the most reliable method. Please send your email address to: giddings.beth.l@edumail.vic.gov.au asking for the newsletter to be emailed to you. Please note that those few students in Years 8/9/10 who still require a hardcopy of the newsletter, will need to collect their newsletter from the main office at the finish of their last class at the end of the day each Thursday.

COME ‘OUT OF UNIFORM’ & BRING A GOLD COIN DAY FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS Students are asked to come to school “Out of Uniform’ tomorrow. The clothing students wear must be modest and safe. Students who come ‘Out of Uniform’ need to bring a gold coin. For every gold coin that a student brings, they will receive a raffle ticket which will go in the draw for the Easter Basket Competition.

PRIMARY NEWS

MERBEIN COMMUNITY BANK SCHOOL STUDENT BANKING PROGRAM If you wish your child to participate in this program, send your child’s bank book along to the Green Building Office every Thursday morning. The Bank will collect and process your child’s banking and then drop your child’s bank book back to the school before the end of the school day. GRADE 4-6 VOLLEYBALL CLINIC REPORT This week, thirty very lucky Grade 4-6 students participated in a fantastic Volleyball Clinic with Paulo Mecci who is a professional Italian Volleyball Player. The students had terrific fun whilst learning how to pass, set, spike and serve the ball. The session finished up with a game of volleyball that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

PARTNERS IN PRINT REPORT The program was a huge success. The positive comments received by the parents and students were fantastic. These are a few “I now know not to say ‘Sound it out’”, “After Anne’s talk about the importance of reading to my child, we now read every night and it is so special.”, “I feel like I have lots of ideas now to help my child at home.”, “It was great to do lots of fun literacy activities with my child. He writes the shopping list now.” A huge thank you to our parent and community presenters, Michelle Nokes, Deb Edwards, Romelia Allan, Tracy Price, Chris John, Kelly McConnell and Tess Muggeridge and to our FLO students who made the sandwiches the first night.

WINTER CANTEEN MENU The new Winter Canteen Menu for the Primary Students is attached to this newsletter. GRADE P-3 EASTER HAT PARADE There will be an Easter Hat Parade approximately 9am tomorrow in the Green Building. Parents are welcome to stay for the parade. EASTER RAFFLE TICKETS Reminder that Easter Raffle Tickets and money needs to be returned no later than 9am tomorrow morning. The raffle will be drawn around 11am and winners will also be notified tomorrow so collection can be arranged. GRADE P-2 ART STUDENTS GET 'HOPPY' As a celebration of Easter, the Grade P-2 students have made Easter Bunny Hats during Art and had lots of fun doing it. We are all looking forward to Term 2. ART REMINDER All students must have an art smock for Term 2. We will be using clay, paint and glue next term. Students must have an art smock or a large old shirt that will cover their school uniform during their Art Lessons to keep the uniform from becoming soiled or stained. EASTER EGG HUNT Primary students enjoyed an Easter Egg Hunt organised by the Parents’ Club today.

PRIMARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH AWARD WINNERS Congratulations to our Primary Student of the Month Award winners! P1A Jesse Philippe P1B Demi Stone 1-2 Jessica Smith 2-3B Megan Young 4A Shayde

Szombathy

2-3A Damian Czapracki

56A Katelyn Hancock 4B Dekota Vandermerwe

56B Isabella Marcius MERBEIN P-10 COLLEGE OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE Cheryll Hodge is our school’s OSHC coordinator and can be contacted on 0428 258035 if you have any queries. Reminder that OSHC finishes at the

earlier time of 5pm tomorrow.

SECONDARY NEWS

YEAR 10 SHARE MARKET GAME REPORT – Howard Hankinson At the completion of Week Two in our eight weeks of the Share Market Game our forty eight syndicates are generally doing well. Thirty eight are in the black with more than the $50,000 they commenced with. Our leading team has $54500 in their portfolio and are placed 3rd in Victoria and 16th in Australia. A great effort. Olivia & Julia have made $4500 in two weeks. I certainly would like $2250 a week. Students are encouraged to continue buying and selling over the holidays. UNIFORM It is fantastic to see almost all students in correct uniform. It is expected that all students wear full uniform at all times. If for some reason a student is unable to wear their uniform for a short period of time a signed note should be provided by parents/guardians. The mornings are now cooling down and will continue to do so as we move closer to winter. Wearing school uniform jumper/polar fleece is important. It has been chosen and approved by our college council as being the best option for uniform in this areas climate. Hoodies of any colour are NOT PERMITTED at school.

REPRESENTING OUR SCHOOL- INTERSCHOOL SPORTS Last Monday students represented our college in Interschool Tennis and Volleyball. The Tennis Teams competed well. The girls placed 3rd. The boys tried hard but had little success on the scoreboard. Thanks to Mrs Willison for managing these teams. The Junior Girls Volleyball Team competed well but lost in the Semi-Final. The Intermediate Girls Volleyball Team won their way to the finals where they were unlucky to lose in a close three set match. Mrs Luitjes did a fantastic job of coaching the girls. Mr Nunn coached the Boys Team. Congratulations to the Boys Team for winning their division which means they will contest the Northern Zone Final to be played in Mildura on 29th April. INDIVIDUAL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS – Mr Rhodes We have many talented students in our college from many diverse areas. When I hear of outstanding achievements I like to acknowledge these achievements. Congratulations go to Tyson Whitford and Lewin Davis who have qualified to play for the U/16 Bendigo Pioneers. There are only four from this area that have been selected. Congratulations also to Ahlise Hurst who has been selected to play in the U/16 State Basketball Team. These are fantastic achievements that require the juggling of school work and a commitment to sporting excellence. If any other students have achieved at a high level, please let me know, I am more than happy to acknowledge their achievements. SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS (SWPBIS) The final focus for SWPBIS for Term 1 is Effective Use of Class Time. So far this term we have focused on getting to class on time with the correct equipment and completing quality work. Now we are incorporating/adding effective use of class time. Our SWPBIS group is currently made up of teachers only. We are hoping that some parents and students will join the group to add their input. SWPBIS is an important tool which is contributing to our excellent school culture and student behaviour. We expect these steps will result in excellent student academic outcomes. LAST DAY OF SCHOOL There will be normal classes up until lunchtime tomorrow. There will be some added special events during the day. The Primary and Secondary Easter Basket Competition Raffle will be held at recess.

EASTER BASKET COMPETITION The Annual Easter Basket Competition will take place tomorrow at school. Each class has made an Easter Basket which will be raffled along with some other prizes put together by the Parents Club. I would like to thank those families that have contributed to the baskets and who have purchased raffle tickets. The baskets will be drawn tomorrow, Friday, 27th March. The winners who are not students will be notified tomorrow, so that arrangements can be made for the baskets to be collected. PARENT/STUDENT/TEACHER INTERVIEW REPORT Last night, more than 150 families took the opportunity to come along to the Parent/Teacher Interviews, held at the school between 4pm and 7pm. If you were unable to attend last night, please contact the college to arrange a suitable time for both parents and staff. Most students will be given their Interim Reports tomorrow to take home but some students will have their Interim Reports posted to them as we will be requesting an interview. MATHEMATICS - Duane Ebbels Mr Ebbels would like to remind parents that all students from Years 7-10 are required to complete homework tasks for Mathematics. It is especially important for students in Year 10 as homework is one of the mandatory requirements students are to complete to in order to obtain a satisfactory grade in Mathematics. A satisfactory grade is part of the eligibility requirements to attend graduation at the end of the year. Students must satisfactorily complete and submit 80% of their homework in order to satisfactorily pass the subject. Mr Ebbels will be making himself available

to all students from Year 7-10 each Tuesday

straight after school for one hour. Students can bring their homework or classwork along and get some help completing it. SECONDARY UNIFORM SALE Secondary Boys Secondary Girls

Cargo shorts - $15 Tailored shorts - $25 Elastic Waist shorts - $15 Hipster Shorts - $25 Long Cargo pants - $20 Girls Tailored pants - $30 Long Elastic waist pants - $18

Unisex

Short and Long sleeved white cotton shirt - $15 Micro fibre Track Pants - $20

COMMUNITY NEWS FREE COMMUNITY ENTERTAINMENT MILDURA Take the family down to Nowingi Place on Saturday, 4th April for some free family entertainment. Beginning at 11am. Including an Easter Egg Hunt and live music. For more information visit www.loveourcity.org.au SAINTS ‘COME & TRY’ BASEBALL DAY To be held 18th April @ Chaffey Park Merbein from 11:00am-1:30pm. Free Sausage Sizzle and a drink for the kids. For more information phone Greg on 0438519069 or email merbeinsaints@gmail.com. MERBEIN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB U/14½ and U/16 players wanted for the 2015 season. All players to receive: Game time every week Quality coaching staff 2 Coaches of the Year & current U/15 Sunraysia

Academy Coach. Registration Forms will be available at training nights, or contact Mark Stevens 0418 596 068, Graeme Dunne (President): 0407 325 751 or Geoff Stevens (Vice President):,0407 502 465. Training nights for U/141/2’s & U/16’s are Tuesday and Thursday from 4.30 – 6pm at Merbein Football Ground, Kenny Park Merbein. UNDERAGE UV PAINT PARTY @DOMS Schools out party for the underage at Doms on Wednesday 1st April from 6-10pm. $10 for presold tickets and $15 at the door. MERBEIN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB Is looking for an Auskick Coach/Co-ordinator. We are looking for someone or a couple of people to take on the role of coach/co-ordinator of our Auskick Program. This involves taking the training sessions, starting Tuesday 5th May from 4.30-5.30pm and running the program for ten weeks. Program support materials and coaching support from our other junior coaches will be provided. No prior experience required, just a desire to have fun and encourage kids to have a go. If you are interested please contact Graeme Dunne – President - 0407 235 751 or Geoff Stevens – Vice President 0407 502 465. AUSKICK MERBEIN 2015 SEASON START Training will commence May 5th at 4.30pm, Kenny Park Merbein. Boys and girls are welcome to come along. Training/game days will alternate between Tuesday at 4.30pm and Sunday at 10am to give parents an option. A schedule of dates is available upon request and at the training sessions. For further information contact the Merbein Co-ordinator Brad Martin on 0418 136 432. http://aflauskick.com.au/register/

SCHOOL HOLIDAY BASKETBALL CAMP Held @ The Toyota Hothouse, 1st and 2nd April for Boys & Girls aged 5–12 from 10am–3pm. All children to bring a basketball, lunch & drink bottle. Please call 5023 2241 for more details or forms can be downloaded at www.mildurabasketball.com.au. SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR YEARS 7-12 30th March Cinema and Pizza Cost $15

31st March Traditional Martial Arts Session

Cost $15

1st April Indoor team activities No Cost

2nd April Movie at Ouyen’s Historic Roxy Theatre

Cost $15

7th April Laserforce Cost $15

8th April Perry Sand Hills No Cost

9th April Mosaic Workshop at the Scout Hall

No Cost

10th April Pool Party at the Waves No Cost

For more information email youthservices@mildura.vic.gov.au or visit www.mildura.vic.gov.au/youth PREMIER’S ACTIVE APRIL The top five participating schools(with the highest % of students registered) will go into the draw to win a $500 Sports Power Sport Equipment Voucher. April would be a great time to hold your own 10,000 STEPS Challenge. For more information refer to www.healthytogetehrmildura.com.au/activeapril MILDURA ARTS CENTRE GALLERY : WWI & ANZAC DAY CENTENARY EXHIBITIONS From February to May 2015, the MAC Gallery Exhibition Program will be dedicated to commemorating the WWI and ANZAC Day Centenary. For further information, please contact Luci Marcuzzo or Heather Lee on (03) 5018 8330 or email gallery@mildura.vic.gov.au. MINI ROOS TRAINING Mini Roos is great game for boys and girls ages 5 to 11. Training commences 15th April. Games begin 26th April. Register with Three Colours SC. Contact Vince on 0416054372 or threecolourssc@live.com.au. SOCIAL SOCCER – INDIGENOUS OR CALD BACKGROUND This is a four week program for youth aged 12-25. Held Mondays, 5-6.30pm from 20th April to 11th May at the Soccer Park, Aero Ovals Mildura. Cost is free, Registration is essential. Contact Tanya Wild on Phone 50213464 or 0417925539. Contact Shane Johnston 50235966. CHANCES FOR CHILDREN Chances invest in the future of our children and young people by removing the financial barriers that stand in the way of them achieving their potential. For more information visit www.chancesforchildren.com.au or phone 50217480.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF MERBEIN INC. PRESENTS OUTDOOR CINEMA EVENING (FREE ENTRY) PADDINGTON Date: Friday 27th March 2015 Time: Food from 6.30 pm ~ Movie 8.30 pm Venue: Kenny Park (Croquet area) Food available: Sausage Sizzle, Pancakes, Soft Drinks & Coffee. Bring your picnic rug and chairs and relax and enjoy! Please note: Strictly Alcohol Free Event The Rotary Club of Merbein Inc., celebrating fifty years of service to the Merbein and wider community. Further information contact Leon Wagner 0427 252 586. Special Acknowledgment to Chris Mitchell & Staff at Cinema Deakin for their expertise and assistance. SARNIA TENNIS CLUB Mildura Lawn Tennis Club 2015 season commences on 2nd May. Training is held Thursdays 4-9pm from mid-April. Juniors from 4pm to 5:30, seniors 6pm onwards. Registrations & team enquiries for all players to Peter Kelly on pk4051@gmail.com or mobile 0417577029. GRASSROOTS COACHING COURSE A FREE Grassroots Coaching course will be held on 27th April 2015 at “Soccer Park”, from 6-9.30pm. Contact Susan Watts to register your interest via email swatts@ffv.org.au or mobile 0410 557 485 as places are limited. ON THE BALL HOLIDAY PROGRAM This Basketball & AFL Skills program is free and open to children and young people (boys and girls) aged 7-17 years. It is running at the Robinvale Leisure Centre on Tuesday 31st March & Wednesday 1st April. For more information call Lyn Lenehan | Stride Program Manager on 0415 770 319.

WORDPLAY – SPELLING COMPETITION If you are aged 8-13 and are a Spelling Superstar who would love to take part in a brand new and exciting TV pilot for kids, Masterchef Junior, The Voice & Vice of Kids would love to hear from you. HTTPS://wordplay.castasugar.comLIFE-STYLE-PLUS SPORT FOR KIDS Starts the first week of Term 2. Schedule below is for Term 2 & 3, 2015 Sport Age Group Night Netball Little League Mondays @ 4.00 Primary League Mondays @ 5.00 Soccer Little League Wednesdays @ 4.30 Primary League Wednesdays @ 5.30 Junior League * Wednesdays @ 6.30 Cricket Primary League Thursdays @ 4.30 Junior League * Thursdays @ 4.30 Age Groups Little League Prep to Grade 2 Primary League Grade 3 to 6 Junior League 16 and under Cost (inclusive of insurance, umpires, balls and bibs if required) Primary Club Members $5 per game Non Members $7 per game Annual Membership $20 (covers all sports) Come and play your sport indoors during the cooler months. * Teams must be registered with 6 players minimum. 3 King Avenue, Mildura Phone: 03 5021 3330 E: action@lifestyleplusmildura.com.au W: www.lifestyleplusmildura.com.au PUSH FOR POSSIBILITIES FUNDRAISING EVENT Raise Awareness by pushing a pram along a Pram Course in Mildura at Nowingi Place. Details below. Date: Sunday April 19th from 10am-2pm. The pram course, will begin at Nowingi Place,

go along the road for a 0.8km track and it will be walked twice.

The entrance fee per pusher is only $5 to encourage families to bring more than one pusher if they have them.

Registration is online at www.zoesupport.com.au (promote this big time) but also on the day from 9.30am.

Each pram will be given an electronic tag which will hang off the pushers.

Family Fun Day at Nowingi Place with food stalls and activities such as jumping castle and pony rides, fabulous local entertainment: Don Mayne Trio, Aaron and Tamsin Lees, Senior College students.

Phone Merinda Robertson 0417 835 859 for more information.