This week and next week until the 19th of February, I will be auditioning children who wish to be part of the Junior or Senior Choir.

All auditions will be during lunch time in the music room. Grade 4 and Grade 5 children are selected for the junior choir and the grade 6 and grade 7 children are selected for the senior choir. Children who wish to be part of the grade 3 choir do not need to audition.

Rock band vocal auditions are being held this Friday in the music classroom. Grade 7 children who wish to try out need to be able to sing a song, harmonize, and have a genuine commitment. It is wonderful that Mr. Steve Schultz volunteers his time and expertise to help me with the rock band.

Finally music quote for the week:
You can't possibly hear the last movement of Beethoven's Seventh and go slow.  ~Oscar Levant, explaining his way out of a speeding ticket

Smiles,

Jenni Miller
Classroom Music Teacher

Last week the years 4-6 had a visit from the Brisbane Lions to talk about health, the benefits of exercise, leadership and favourite foods. The four players answered many questions and kept the children involved. Fiona from AFL Queensland hosted the program and we thank her and the staff for coming and sharing information with our children. At the end of the visit Troy Selwood congratulated the children on their behaviour and stated this had been the best behaved school in Queensland. Well done to all involved. Thank you to Mr Grummitt and Mr Lindenmayer who set up screen and sound system for the visit.

The Coastal District Swimming nominations close next Tuesday and all students that nominate should have verified times from their club registrars or coaches. It is for 10-12 year olds students only. Children who compete or do squad should have a go and represent our school at a higher level. Children that are selected will receive a note outlining the details for the competition.

We have had several girls attending the Coastal District Softball trials. Good luck to all participants who have finished 3 training sessions before school with Mr Randall and Mr Doherty. Players are trying to gain selection to compete at the Regional event that will be held in March. Boys softball trials will be held on March 3 at Currimundi SS.

Swimming started this week. Thanks to all who completed the forms and money on time. We look forward to all children working on their skills and water confidence during this block of lessons.

Tony Doherty
P.E. Teacher

Has your child had an eye examination recently?
Did you know that 1 in 10 Australian children suffer from long-term eye disorders?

Good vision is important for your child’s educational, physical and social development.

Possible vision problems in school-aged children. The most common vision problems experienced by school-aged children are those affecting the ability to see clearly and sharply. These problems include:
- Shortsightedness (blurred distance vision)
- Longsightedness (difficulty focussing up close)
- Astigmatism (distortion of vision). Once recognised these problems are usually easy to correct. Early detection is the key!

When should my child’s eyes be tested?
Optometrists Association Australia recommends that children have a full eye examination with and optometrist before starting school and regularly as they progress though primary and secondary school.

A thorough eye examination with an optometrist takes approximately 30 minutes and attracts a Medicare rebate.

Signs that could indicate a possible vision problem:
- Frequent blinking, Red or watery eyes, Sensitivity to light, Frequently rubbing the eyes, Difficulty concentrating, Tilting head noticeably, Covering or closing one eye, - Difficulty learning to read, Holding a book very close to read, Leaving out or confusing words when reading, Squinting or sitting very close, when watching TV, - Complaints of headaches, Complaints of blurred or double vision

Remember….Vision is a precious sense.

To find the location of your nearest optometrist or for further information visit www.optometrists.asn.au (A Parent’s Guide to Good Vision - OAA)

Janelle Neighbour
Support Teacher – Literacy Difficulties

Unfortunately for us we have a number of computers that do not meet the current standard for our demanding network but good for you as for a home computer typing up documents, emailing and web browsing they will still be great.

This time, instead of running a tender, I wanted to allow these computers to be given away to our families as a back to school special.

All computers are essentially the same with an Intel Celeron 2Ghz processor, 512MB RAM, 40GB IDE hard drive, CD-ROM drive, 4 USB ports, integrated speaker and audio, video & LAN (network) all on the ASUS motherboard.

They have been returned to their original configuration (Windows XP SP2) and come in good working order. Each computer comes with a monitor and has an on-board network card (NIC) capable of connecting the computer to a high speed network or broadband Internet via Cat5 cable. Please be aware that we purchased these computers in 2003 and as such they do not have any warranty remaining. The school cannot service or support these computers once the giveaway has taken place.

If you would like to be in the running for one of these free computers please complete the form linked below and pop it in the box in the office before 9am on Thursday the 18th of February. A draw will be done at 10am on this day to select the lucky recipients. Those lucky people will then be contacted to arrange pickup.

 Computer Giveaway Form (PDF | 47.5 KB)

The Tuckshop Menu for 2010 has been updated and is available from the Tuckshop page. (http://kuluinss.eq.edu.au/wcmss/index.php/Tuckshop.html)

Thank you,

Kellie Bell

The Chaplaincy Committee is eager to invite more parent representation. If interested you may wish to come to the planning meeting every first Monday of the month 8-9 am in D 5 or perhaps use your talents to help in the breakfast program, bikefix program or other admin areas such as typing, fundraising and organizing events. If interested feel free to call me (5477 3718) or the office to discuss the possibilities.

Chappy

Our first meeting back for 2010 is our AGM.

This will be held on Tuesday 16th Feb at 7pm in the Staff Room.
All executive positions will become vacant. If you are interested in becoming involved in your school community, please come along!

Outside School Hours Care
Vacancies are available Mondays and Wednesdays contact OSHC on 54770175