PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

SCHOOL CITIZENSHIP: Just over a week ago a Citizenship Ceremony was conducted at the Mackay Entertainment Centre. As part of this ceremony these “new Australians” were reminded of what it means to be a citizen; of their privileges and their responsibilities.

One of the things which makes Hampden such a great school is that our families have ownership of it and actively engage with the responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with this ownership.

Accepting these responsibilities is usually demonstrated in the form of volunteering, and I never cease to be amazed at the level of commitment provided to the school by so many parents and other ‘citizens’, and the wide range of talents these people possess.

Just this week alone we’ve had parents helping with Tree Day by burning off the block and purchasing plants for us, we’ve had commitments from parents to run Active After-School programs, we’ve had parents, staff and community members conduct weekend Rock Pop Mime rehearsals, we’ll have staff here all weekend for the Sleepover, we’ve had parents volunteer their time and vehicles to transport and supervise children at the Mackay Track and Field Carnival, and of course we’ve had our on-going support in the form of R.E. volunteers, tuckshop volunteers and home bakers, E.E.C. activity and reading roster helpers, classroom voluntary aides, and so on.

All this and more in just one week! But the amazing thing is that this week is not really a “special” week. Every week thins like this are happening, with people – parents, staff and the wider community – all doing what they can, when they can, to help our their school.

School citizenship is alive and well at Hampden!!

Howard Frost

Principal.

SLEEPOVER: The children are tremendously excited about Saturday night’s sleepover, as are some of the parents! In response to a few enquiries I’ve had a brief synopsis is provided here, along with a few reminders:

(1) PARENT INVOLVEMENT: Don’t feel guilty about having a night without the kids (if all of them are school age!), HOWEVER if you’re unsure about how your child will cope, especially the younger ones, I guess, YOU MAY

* sleep the night here also

* stay until you think your child is either settled in or has had enough then go / take him/her home

* come back later and collect your child

(2) WHAT TO BRING:

* Sleeping bag/blankets.

* Track-suit/warm pyjamas to sleep in.

* Something for feet for evening and morning activities.

* DVD’s if desired, however use will be at the discretion of staff.

(3) WHAT NOT TO BRING:

* Extra food (unless specific dietary needs apply). Everyone will be provided with pizzas and dessert for tea, cereals and hash browns, etc for breakfast, and a snack for DVD viewing time.

* Electronic “gizmos”.

All other details as per the initial letter with the permission form. Please phone if other information is needed! School: 49540189. Home: 49540403

TREE DAY 2008: Thank-you again to all concerned with Tree Day this year, which we celebrated yesterday by planting an additional 80 trees into the gaps in our wildlife corridor in the old cane block.

In addition to this we’ll soon be planting a dozen fruit trees as the beginning of a school orchard.

ACTIVE AFTER-SCHOOL: Going home today are the permission forms for this term’s Active After-School Program.

As the Sports Commission have been unable to find providers for us, we are indeed fortunate to have qualified parents who are willing to fill the void.

On Tuesday afternoons Stephanie Cruickshanks and Karen Gee will conduct a Multi-Skills program, and on Wednesday afternoons Kerri and Andrew Proctor will conduct a Rugby League skills program.

Afternoon tea will be provided as usual between 3.00 and 3.15pm, with the sessions finishing at 4.15pm.

NEW SAND PIT: The new sand pit constructed by the Student Council was commissioned this week with the arrival of a truck load of sand, and it’s certainly proving popular!

Congratulations to the student council for bringing this initiative to fruition.

SPORTS PHOTOS: Some children will be bringing home some lovely action photos of themselves at the Hampden Sports Day, compliments of Marion Thompson, grandmother of year 6 student Jazmine Holliday.

SCHOOL VISITORS: Next Friday, 08 August, we are excited to be having our very own scientist visiting us for the day.

Peter Eastwell will present his science show “Air: Invisible Yet So Effective” to all children, prep to year 7, in the morning.

Following morning tea classes year 2 to year 7 will interact with Peter during one hour hands-on workshop sessions.

The cost for this exciting, entertaining and educational day will be $3 per child, subsidised by the Drought Relief funds.

The following Monday, 11 August, will see us all clapping, slapping, tapping, stomping, playing and moving to the beat, as our Term 3 Arts Council performance entertains us.

“Be the Beat” is brought to us by “one man percussion orchestra”, Grant Collins.

Admission price is again $3 per child, subsidised by Drought Relief funds.

CONGRATULATIONS, JAMES: All Hampden members of the Calen Sub-District Track and Field Team performed to the best of their abilities at yesterday’s carnival, and are to be congratulated for their efforts. In several instances our students performed personal bests.

A special mention of the efforts of James Medway however, who came second in the long jump and will now compete at Middlemount in the Capricornia carnival.

INTER-SCHOOL SPORT: This kicks off next Friday when Hampden hosts a visit from Eungella State School.

We’ve never competed against Eungella before and everyone is looking forward to their visit.

ROCK POP MIME: Some permission forms and fees are still outstanding. Please send these in as soon as possible as our entry MUST be completed in time.

Music mixing is the next item on our agenda. This involves a trip to Hot FM with our songs and sound effects.

Anyone with a sewing machine and a few minutes to spare is invited to assist during Sunday practices between 9.00 and 11.30 in the P/1 Withdrawal room. We are grateful for any assistance you can offer!

WANTED FOR ROCK POP MIME: Wanted any unwanted foam camping mats for costumes for Rock Pop Mime. These mats will be cut up to make costumes. Please contact the school for further information if required.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep it flourishing and growing. Jim Rohn

Hello everyone,

We solved some more problems for the queen this week.

During a shopping spree she brought 14 robes, tried them all on and left them on the floor in her dressing room! The king was not happy and insisted she put them away into 2 closets. We had to help her to put the robes away neatly. We found 15 different ways to put the robes away. Some of used partitioning rather than counting to help us. (Very clever!)

Then she was invited to a garden party and couldn’t decide what to wear…She had 3 gowns, 3 hats and 3 different pairs of shoes. We painted or drew all the possible combinations of gowns, hats and shoes she might like to wear – there were 27. (She was very pleased!)

Our Behaviour Management reward is a sleepover on Saturday night and we are busily making preparations. For many children in Prep Year One this is their first sleep over EVER and there is much excitement and some trepidation. Make sure you discuss the event with your child – and remember – it is not compulsory.

AN EDUCATION QLD SCHOOL NEWSLETTER ITEM

Get moving today!

Have you started the ENERGEX Move-a-thon?

As part of the Year of Physical Activity all Prep to Year 7 students are being encouraged to record the physical activity they do outside of school hours for six weeks.

By now, students will have received an ENERGEX Move-a-thon poster with six spaces to be filled in and signed by their parent or carer.

Classes with 100 per cent participation go into the draw for some amazing prizes like a trip to Dreamworld, HART Sport vouchers valued at $500, and MP3 music players and speakers.

Smart Moves and the Year of Physical Activity is all bout students exercising their minds and bodies and establishing healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

P & C NEWS

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE

A Special Meeting of the P & C will be held at 7.00pm on Monday 18 August, 2008 (prior to the usual monthly P & C meeting) for the purposes of: (1) adopting a new constitution required as a result of the new Education Act (2006), and (2) adopting the Hampden State School P & C Association Student Protection Risk Management Strategy.

TUCKSHOP NEWS

We are in the process of changing the milk we well in the tuckshop. The 500ml milk is too big for the younger children. The new milk is a 250ml Big M popper in chocolate and strawberry flavours. Price is $1.50. The milk will be introduced on the tuckshop orders in the coming weeks.

Thanks Barb

WEEKLY CLASS AWARDS

Principal’s Award * for all children in years 5, 6 & 7 who attended the Whitsunday Voices excursion for Excellent Behaviour and Good Manners. * Dylan Edmonds (Yr 3) – For Being Thoughtful

Year 6/7: General Knowledge Award – Jordan Proctor. Thoughtfulness Award – Anthony Leeding. “Doing the Right Thing” Award – for cleaning up the Tuckshop: Jaimee-Leigh Grov, James Medway, Andrea Perna, Chelsea Perna, Jordan Proctor, Cody Morrison, Jordan Perna, Jazmine Holliday, Laura Thompson, Kimberley Wales, Tiffaney Wales, Ben Wales, Jack Cahill, Emily Chidgey.

Year 4/5: Journal Writing Award- Michell Lake. Organization Award – Anthony Wiggett. Independent Workers- Hapi Anaru, Madelaine Burley, Layton Morrison. Enthusiasm Award- Abbey Medway.

Year 2/3: Handwriting – Cate Cahill, Andrew De Paoli, Kyle Insch, Corey Paskins, Shelby Mackelvie, Mikeely Morrison, Harley Proctor, Kade Starrett. Reading – Melissa Burns, Dylan Edmonds, Denzel Fagan.

Prep/Year 1: For always showing respect for friends, helpers and teachers – Zoe Hall, Kaleb Ellard, Ashlyn Burley, Dale Richards, Adam Perna, Joel Ashcroft. For great Problem Solving – Ashlyn Burley, Zoe Hall, Alicia Keast, Emilee Burgess, Rowan Leahy, Jacob Manchu, Joel Ashcroft, Jack McLeod.

Congratulations to our latest MILESTONE AWARD achievers this week. Brothers MITCHELL and NICHOLAS LAKE have both reached the special milestone level of 100 awards, making each a SUCCESSFUL CENTURION, while KYLE INSCH is also closing in on his century by becoming a PERFECT PUPIL with 80 awards. Well done to all 3 boys.

M.S. READATHON

It is time for MS Readathon readers to stop counting their books and start collecting their sponsorship to help raise funds for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

6 students began the reading race on June 1 and now need to return their completion form and sponsorship. Every dollar counts as we try to help fund services and research for people who live with MS everyday.

Students who have yet to receive their completion form can download one from our website www.msreadathon.org.au/parents/downloadforms. All receipt books (used or unused) must be returned with sponsorship.

It is now time to for Hampden students to cross the finish line of this reading relay and be rewarded for your reading! On your mark, get set, go!

You can call the office on 1300 677 323 for more information.

FARLEIGH STATE SCHOOL CENTENARY

Farleigh State School will be 100 years old in 2009 and we are preparing celebrations to mark this centenary for 11^th April 2009! We are keen to hear from past students, families and staff about their experiences and memories of Farleigh School. Any photographs or memorabilia that could be displayed at the celebrations would be gratefully received. Please contact the school on: 07 49598 229 or write to CMB FARLEIGH QLD 4741. Joyce McNichol, Farleigh State School

Issue no. 24, 31st July 2008

Issue no. 24, 31^st July 2008