PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

A NEW BEGINNING! I love the start of a new school year – the bustle of children supported by their parents settling into classrooms; the excited chatter as friendships are re-kindled after the long 6 week vacation; the displaying of newly acquired pencil cases, books, ports and the like; and the enthusiastic re-telling of holiday adventures. It makes me feel young again!!

These days it seems that most children actually look forward to coming back to school. Contrast that with my childhood when kids would do anything not to be there!

As both parents and educators it is our combined task to encourage these children to remain positive about their education and to continue to foster this love of learning they are displaying from such a young age.

I, and my staff, look forward to again working co-operatively with you to achieve this important goal throughout 2008.

WELCOME: All our new families are associated with our prep children at this time. It’s great to have you all here at Hampden!

Please don’t feel shy about your involvement with the school. We want you to feel a part of this school community and so look forward to seeing you around as often as possible.

2008, THE YEAR OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

As you are probably aware, Minister Rod Welford (M.P.) has declared 2008 “The Year of Physical Activity” for all Qld state schools. By so doing it is hoped to increase awareness of the link between physical activity and academic achievement, while also addressing the current epidemic of obesity in our communities.

As well as implementing the “Smart Moves” policy of a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity each day, Hampden will be offering children the opportunity to participate in the “Active After School Program” two afternoons per week, a before school activity program, maintaining our involvement with interschool sport where possible, and participating in the “Jump Rope for Heart” program.

And if you’re looking for something for the kids to do on the weekends, the Community Notices section has details of sign-ons for Soccer, AFL, Rugby League, Tennis, Table Tennis and Dancing.

How’s that for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle??!

NEWSLETTER CHANGES: We’re trialling THURSDAY as our newsletter day this term, a day which will hopefully provide a wider reading audience. The newsletter will also be posted on our website by the end of each week.

To help keep important school communication handy we’ve provided each family with a free display pocket.

Enjoy!

Howard Frost

Principal.

EASTER VACATION REMINDER: Just a reminder that the Easter long week-end and the Easter school holidays are separate in 2008; the Easter long week-end occurs between Friday 21^st of March 2008 and Monday 24^th March 2008. The school holidays will run from April 7^th – April 11^th 2008.

CASUAL TEACHER AIDES: If you have a current Blue Card and would like to be registered for work as a casual teacher aide at this and/or other schools in the district, please contact the office for an application form.

Hello Everyone

Welcome to the 2008 school year.

Our twelve brand new prep students are busily settling in to school and classroom rules and routines, helped ably by the ‘old hands’ in Year One.

In the classroom, we are concentrating on skills such as cutting, pasting, painting and other activities involving fine motor co-ordination, and concepts such as colours, shapes and numbers.

In the playground (when it’s not raining) we will be developing social skills such as sharing and taking turns; and gross motor skills while we climb, balance, swing, run, hop, gallop, skip, build…!

Welcome to all our families, old and new, to 2008 at Hampden State School.

By now you should have received a small bundle of pages containing P & C membership application forms, groundscare roster information and tuckshop helper/classroom volunteer request data.

All parents are encouraged to complete the P & C membership application, and we hope you will also give serious consideration to assisting on either the groundscare or tuckshop rosters. Please phone the school if you would like more information on these.

Our first fundraising efforts this year will involve staffing beer booths at the football trials and the Cowboys charity match. Details will be provided ASAP.

Finally, please note the date of our AGM in your diaries – 7.30pm Monday 18 February.

We look forward to seeing you there!

WE WANT YOU!

The P & C has been asked to do the bars at the football again this year and we are looking for volunteers to help out. The first two dates we have are the 23^rd Feb (Cutters Trial Game) and the 1^st March (Cowboys v Raiders Game) If you are interested in helping out please contact Karen Gee (49540498, Frank Perna (49540274) or the school (49540189). We need as many volunteers as we can so please don’t hesitate to contact one of us if you have any queries.

WEEKLY CLASS AWARDS

We haven’t given any awards out this year yet, but already we have a Milestone Award achiever!

Congratulations to ABBEY MEDWAY (35 certificates) who has become an Awesome Achiever! I bet I know one thing you got up to on the holidays – count your awards!!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

In keeping with the Australia Day theme I’m re-printing one of my favourite quotes by an Aussie…

Don’t wait for a light to appear

At the end of the tunnel,

Stride down there…

And light the bloody thing yourself!

Sara Henderson, B. 1936 Australian Outback Station Manager and Writer

CLASSROOM ROUND-UP

Each week on this page a different class will have the opportunity to let you know what they’re been up to, display work samples, or inform you of upcoming events or other important classroom news. This year we’re starting with the year 6/7 class.

* * * * * * *

As the oldest members of the student population with a responsibility to display leadership and school citizenship to the younger grades, the year 6/7 students were invited to have a say regarding school improvements for the upcoming budget development process. Here are some of their thoughts on how Hampden could be made even better.

Cement over the pavers. “Why?” Because someone can slip on the mildew and trip on loose bricks. Tiffaney Wales

We need a new picnic table because it is dirty and a bit broken. If we do replace it we should put a shade cloth over it as well. Jordan Perna

Put a clock on the parade area so kids can see how much play time is left. Kimberley Wales

We need 2 more water coolers because after we have finished playing, there is always a big line up. Emily Chidgey

We need to get the path gerneyed. We need this done because they look untidy and when it gets wet the paths get slippery. Michael Ormonde

We should trim the sausage trees because one could fall off and hurt someone. Jordan Proctor

A bridge over the gully to the tree plot. We have to walk through the mud to get to the trees and that wrecks our shoes and dirties the carpet. Chelsea Perna

Paint the wooden fort so it will give more colour to the school. Anthony Leeding

I think we should have drink taps on the oval so we don’t have to go to the undercover area for a drink when playing sport. Billy Brown

I think we should have new soccer goals because the old ones keep on breaking. Kody Erixon

Seats for tennis court. Why? To have a cool place to talk, rest and watch other people practice would improve the school. Ben Wales

A roof on the tennis court. To keep the sun and rain out and to keep us cool. Damian Volker

HAIL CREEK COMPUTER COURSE 2008:

This course will re-commence for existing participants from 2007 only on Tuesday 05 February. New courses will begin on 04 March.

PIONEER POWER JNR AFL SIGN-ON

SATURDAY 9^TH FEBRUARY, MARIAN STATE SCHOOL. CLINIC WITH AFL GREAT ROBERT DIPERDOMENICO (DIPPER) 10AM – 11AM FOLLOWED BY SAUSAGE SIZZLE AND SIGN-ON. AGE GROUPS UNDER 8’S, 10’S, 12’S AND 14’S. BOTH BOYS & GIRLS WELCOME.

SUNDAY SCHOOL starting in the new year at Kuttabul (near general store) All age groups welcome. Any enquiries please phone: 4954 0486 or 0425271050

WESTS “TIGERS” JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE – 2008 SIGN ON

For U/7’s to U/16’s, Saturday 2^nd February 2008, 1.00pm to 3.00pm. Sausage Sizzle and Sign On at the Western Suburbs Leagues Club, Branscombe Road, Walkerston. New players please bring your Birth Certificate. Sign on fee $80 per player (may be paid off by arrangement). For all enquiries please contact either President, Grant Smith (49585294) Secretary, Sherrie Klingner (49550570) or Treasurer, Jenny Attard (49587721).

LIONS SOCCER CLUB – JUNIOR DIVISION

2008 Season Sign On

Lions Soccer Club Junior Division will be conducting its 2008 season sign on for U/6 to Colts at the following venue on Sunday 3^rd February 2008 from 10.00am to 4.00pm:

Sportspower

Heaths Road

Glenella

For further information contact:

Gerry 4959 7092

Ray 4952 4805

Issue no.1, 31st January 2008

Issue no.1, 31^st January 2008