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WELCOME TO OUR NEW STUDENTS
We are very pleased to welcome several new families (pictured below) to our school this year.  They are - Brittany Clarke, Ben Fischer, Keyo Gelston, Elise Hardwick, Liam Jones, Jasmin Jordan, Morgan and Shona Mayne, Scott Pinch, Ashlee Randell, Josh and Lucy Robertson, Jade and Mollie Scanlon and Tayla Szegfu.

We are sure that the whole family will enjoy their time as part of the Happy Valley School Community.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC LESSONS 2003
Our School offers a huge range of opportunities for students to learn to play a musical instrument.  Students can enrol for lessons in almost any instrument.  If your child is interested in learning, please return the appropriate tear off slip to the school, or you may wish to speak to the music teacher about the program.  As students become more proficient at their instruments, there are many opportunities to perform – at assemblies, at music evenings and in the school band.  Learning an instrument is a wonderful skill to develop at an early age and enjoy for life.

This year, students who intend continuing, or beginning to learn an instrument, must complete an application to learn, so that students learning during the school day can be more closely monitored.

If your child is interested in learning an instrument and you have considered the relevant information, collect an 'Application to Learn an Instrument' from the front office (or for recorder/violin enrolment, the tear off slips at the end of this newsletter) and return it to Barb Williams.  All applications to learn will be considered by the class teacher, the instrumental teacher and the school instrumental music coordinator (Barb Williams), before approval is given for students to learn.

Recorder – teacher Mrs Julie Kuchel
All Year 2-7 students are invited to enrol to learn recorder, as new or continuing players.  Learning the recorder can be an introduction to another musical instrument but it can also be played as an instrument in its own right.  Lessons are conducted on Tuesdays in small groups according to year level and ability.  School approved Yamaha descant recorders can be purchased from the book room.

The fee structure for this year is:

• Term 1                    $20.00

• Term 2                    $20.00

• Term 3                    $20.00

• Term 4                    $20.00              $80.00

Fees need to be paid in advance for the term or year.
Lessons will begin in week three 11^th February and the fees need to be paid direct to Mrs Kuchel.  If your child is beginning or continuing, please complete the slip below.

Violin – teacher Mrs Jenni Eime
Students from Years 2 – 7 are invited to enrol in our violin teaching program.  This year Mrs Eime is our violin teacher and is employed by DETE so there are no tuition fees.  However students need to hire or own an instrument.  Violins are available for hire from the school for $25 per term.  There is also a $10 administration fee for the year.
All violin students need to enrol for lessons whether they are continuing or are new students by filling out and returning the slip below.  Lessons begin on Monday 3^rd February.

Flute – teacher Ms Fiona Johnson
Ms Johnson has taught Flute in our school for two years.  She is interested in taking new enrolments.  If your child wishes to learn, or continue learning the flute, contact Ms Johnson directly for information on 8270 6370.

Guitar – teacher Ms Alison Hansen
A number of students have been learning guitar with Alison over the last few years.  She is happy to take new enrolments and can be contacted on 0419825517.  These lessons are held on Wednesday afternoons and will begin on 5th February.

Keyboard - teacher Mr Neil Weber (Dr Rhythm)
Mr Weber has been teaching keyboard for many years at Happy Valley.  For information about keyboard tuition contact Mr Weber on 8358 6781 or 0413 017 887

Saxophone & Clarinet - teacher Mr Steve King
Mr King has taught saxophone at our school for several years and is prepared to accept new students.  For more information contact him on 8382 8417.

Drums - teacher Mr Frank Fragomeni
Mr Fragomeni began teaching drums at Happy Valley in 2000, and has worked with several students over the last three years.  For information, contact him on 0414520417

Barb Williams

MIDDLE SCHOOL ORIENTATION DAY
This will be held at the school for all of our Year 6 and 7 students on Friday 21^st February.  Parents of these students will get a letter soon with details.

SCHOOL FEES AND SCHOOL CARD
Our Materials and Services Charge for 2003 has been set by the Governing Council at $181.  The Education Minister has set the legally enforceable Materials and Services Charge for 2003 at $161.  In addition, there will be a Governing Council Approved Fee of $20 which will fund the purchase of R-7 guided reading resources.  The excursion fee for all students is $30.00.  School Card holders will only be asked to pay $50 – the Governing Council Approved fee and the excursion fee combined.

Our Governing Council has set the fees for 2003 with the understanding that we need everyone’s cooperation in the following ways.

• We need ALL families paying their fees.

• We need ALL families paying as early as possible, preferably by the end of Term 1.

• We want ALL students to participate in school activities; however, Governing Council has endorsed the policy that students will not be included in excursions/performances until their $30 fee has been paid.
   

It is essential that families who are eligible for school card apply AS SOON AS POSSIBLE otherwise the school misses out on the government funding and those families will then incur the legally enforceable fee of $161.  Further information and application forms are available from the Front Office.

All students should have received an invoice for School Fees 2003 this week.  Please contact Andrea Roberts for a copy if you did not receive one.

                       

The Learning Assistance Program has been operating at our school very successfully for many years.  Parents with students already at school would have some idea of what is involved but here is a brief out line for new parents or even those parents who have waved their last child off to school!

LAP is a partnership between volunteers and teaching staff working with students on a one-to-one basis.  This happens for usually one regular session each week.  It is this individual time that creates more learning situations where students can experience success which in turn supports their achievements at school.

There are many ways students benefit from this individual time – support with class or subject work; they may be shy, disruptive or just need someone to listen to them or show they care.  Quite often students with a talent or interest to be extended are part of the program.

The support and encouragement that the volunteer can give helps the development of a student’s self-esteem and confidence.

Of course the benefits are not all for students.  Our volunteers find this a very rewarding time, the extra help in the classroom is appreciated and it helps promote the partnership between school and community.

Because of the diverse nature of the program, all ‘kinds’ of people become volunteers.  We have three parents still involved even though their children have moved on to high school.  We have had both Dads and grandparents involved over the years.

Teachers supply materials and we have a huge variety of different resources in the LAP room.  No training is needed although the LAP Association provides conferences and workshops if volunteers are interested.  We have an orientation time before volunteers meet the students.

Please return the slip if your are interested or if you have more questions please contact the front office or Wendy Nicolle. 
 

COME OUT 2003
The Youth Arts Festival 'Come Out' is being held this year from 11^th - 22^nd March.  All students in the school will be participating in at least one Come Out activity, some in school, some in other venues around the city.  As one of our Priorities this year is the Performing Arts, this is an excellent opportunity for students to get really involved.  All costs of performances and transport are covered by the excursions component of the school fees.  Please make sure that your child's excursions are paid for so that they don't miss out on this whole school activity.  Class teachers will let you know what the activities are nearer to the festival.  'Keep Ya Hair On' and 'Dancing with Diprotodons' are just a couple of the treats in store for our students!
 

Doesn’t our Edible garden look good!
For those new to the school, this garden was developed jointly between the classes and a core group of families.  It was felt having the ‘families’ would take added pressure off the teachers and help ensure the continuation of the project even if key staff leave.

The garden has many purposes:

• Developing life skills for students in growing plants and vocational awareness.

• Using permaculture ideas,eg companion planting.

• Using class discussions to choose and plan what to plant.

SPORT
Cricket - We are in urgent need of coaches and managers for this term for all grades of cricket.  Please contact Steve on 83872236.  YOUR NOMINATION FORMS TO PLAY NEED TO BE FILLED OUT OR YOU WILL MISS OUT.
DO YOU WANT TO PLAY SPORT??
Nomination forms are available at the front office.  If you wish to play this year and haven't nominated for your chosen sport, get your forms filled out and back at the office as soon as possible.  If you have any queries ring Georgie on 83872230 or 0412 959 712.
Basketball and Cricket need to know if you intend to play as soon as possible.

PARENT CLUB
Welcome back to all students and staff, especially those staff and families new to the school.
Firstly, a couple of dates to remember -

• A.G.M. Tues 11^th February (Week 3) 9.00am Long Room

• First meeting Tues 4^th March 9.00am Long Room.

Everybody welcome to both meetings. 
Look out for the new House Flags on Sports Day that the Parent Club has had made using student designs chosen by the House Captains of 2002.

Finally, a reminder, that the Uniform Shop is open every Monday and Friday from 8:30 to 9:30pm.

KOOKABURRA CAFÉ

• A new price list will be out this week due to the increase in prices from suppliers, electricity and 5c charge on drink containers.  Please make sure you destroy the old list.

• Students are reminded to put their lunch orders in their class trays first thing in the morning.

• During hot weather, students are reminded to get to the canteen early at recess and lunch.  This will allow time to finish eating and drinking.

• Frozen O.J. unavailable at the moment.

• Hot Noodles 75c can be ordered without a lunch bag.  Put details including money in an envelope.

• Freshly made sandwiches, rolls, salad plates and ice cold juice and flavoured milks are always popular on hot days.

• Healthy frozen yoghurt $1.20 Mango flavour

• Apples for sale for 20c - a healthy alternative

• Slush puppy $1.10 sm. $1.60 med. Paddle Pops $1, Slick Sticks 60c, Watermelon Fruit Block 80c, Zooper Dooper 40c, Half Zooper Dooper 20c, Paddle Pop Choc/straw. Thick Shake $1.50

• Special price Splice Icecream 60c until sold out.

Canteen Committee meetings are held once per month and everyone is welcome to join in for a cup of tea or coffee and see how the Canteen operates.  Your input is very welcome.  Please come and share ideas.  Our next meeting is in Week 3, 13^th February at 2.15 pm.

If you would like to help in the Canteen once a month/fortnight/week or once in a while it would be much appreciated.  9.30 - 1.30pm.  Lunch is supplied.  Help forms will be sent home soon and check the newsletter for the Roster.  Call into the Canteen or phone 8322 6579.

__________________________________________________________

LAP - (LEARNING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM)

Name: ______________________________________       Telephone: ______________________________________________

My child's name is: ____________________________       Class Teacher: ____________________________________________

                                                                                                     Signed: _____________________________________

__________________________________________________________

EDIBLE GARDEN

Name: ______________________________________       Telephone: ______________________________________________

My child's name is: ____________________________       Class Teacher: ____________________________________________

                                                                                                     Signed: _____________________________________

RECORDER 2003 (Please return to Barb Williams by Friday 7^th February)

Child’s Name: _____________________Class Teacher: _____________________________

I would like my child to learn recorder with Mrs Kuchel this year and I am aware of the costs involved.

My child has learnt recorder before                                                                      Yes / No

My child has a recorder to use                                                                             Yes / No

Parent Signature: __________________________

__________________________________________________________

VIOLIN 2003 (Please return to Barb Williams by Friday 7^th February)

Child’s Name: __________________________ Class Teacher: _____________________  Year Level: _________

I would like my child to learn violin with Mrs Eime this year.

My child has learnt violin before                                                   Yes / No

My child has a violin / will hire a violin from the school                   (Cross out not applicable)

Parent Signature: ___________________________

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