Strings parents, please remember to check Newsflash regularly for upcoming events and important updates. We will publish advance dates as soon as we know them to help you plan your year.

Don’t forget to subscribe to SZApp for String Ensemble News. Found under Manage tab, choose the String Ensemble to keep in the loop with any alerts to upcoming events and updated news.

The strings program is only open to Year 3 students and above. To date all spots have been filled so please come back next year for the next intake.

Reminder to update your child’s class details

It is very important that we know which class your child is in. Please log into your parent portal and update the class name, and any other contact details that may have changed. This only takes 10 seconds of your time.

https://portal.msmusic.com.au/artarmonmusic

Creative Kids Vouchers

As you may be aware, the NSW Government will continue to contribute a $100 Creative Kids rebate this year for NSW residents.  It is the same as last year and similar to the Active Kids rebate in that you can claim it against the cost of your child's activities from a registered provider and you can only claim it once from one provider for the year.

The Artarmon P&C is registered as a Creative Kids provider for the band and strings programs. We have set up a form on the Myschoolmusic parent portal for you to provide your Creative Kids voucher number to us.

If you would like to use a Creative Kids voucher to reduce your 2021 string fees by $100, then please follow these 3 steps:

• Apply for a voucher for your child on the Service NSW website:  go to https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher. You should do this now.
• As soon as you receive your voucher (it will be emailed to you by Service NSW), log in to the Myschoolmusic parent portal Music Portal Login, answer YES to the question on the Creative Kids form and enter your Creative Kids voucher number  and the other details.
• When you receive an invoice by email from the strings treasurer for your ensemble fees and instrument hire, pay $100 less than the total amount on your invoice as soon as you receive it.

If you have more than one child please follow the process for each child individually.

If you have a child who is in both band AND strings, you can only reduce your band OR strings invoice by $100.

Note that instrument tuition fees which are paid direct to your tutor are a separate fee which must be paid in full unless your tutor advises you that they are a Creative Kids provider. In that case you can choose to use the voucher for your tutorial fees instead of (but NOT as well as) your band/strings fees.

Please note that due to the number of children in the band and strings programs, we are unable to process refunds on the band or strings fees if you pay the full amount and decide later to apply for a Creative Kids voucher. You must pay $100 less on your band or strings invoice and tell us your Creative Kids voucher number by Monday 22 Mar 2021. Thank you for your understanding.

 If you do not intend to claim the Creative Kids rebate as part of your 2021 band or strings fees (eg. because you are not eligible or have already used it with another provider), then:

• Please pay the full amount of your band or strings invoice as soon as you receive it.
• Log in to the Myschoolmusic parent portal Music Portal Login and respond NO to the question on the Creative Kids form. You can do this now.

Any questions please email band@artarmonpandc.org.au

Kind regards

Angie, Natalie, Sheryl & Kali (Creative Kids voucher parent volunteers & assistant band convenor)

Invoices

Invoices for Strings Annual Fees 2021 will go out this week. Please check your email for invoice details. The payment of invoices is due 12 March and prompt payment is appreciated. If you intend to use the Creative Kids voucher towards the payment of strings fees, please ensure you pay $100 less than the total of your Annual Ensemble fee. If you have any questions related to an invoice or payment, email stringstreasurer@gmail.com

Helping with Strings

We still need to fill in many volunteer roles to assist with Strings 2021. Certain roles only require an hour for one term. Other roles require a little more time. The more people who help out, the less any single person has to do. The smooth running of the Strings Ensemble relies on the dedicated team of parent volunteers.

• MOTHERS DAY BREAKFAST CONCERT CO-ORDINATOR and ASSISTANT: Organises MOTHERS Breakfast concert including advertising in Newsflash, coordinating parent volunteers to buy and serve hot cross buns, tea/coffee, hand out flowers to mothers and set up/clear up. The MOTHERS DAY breakfast concert is at the start of Term 2 and involves approximately 4 hours of preparation beforehand in your own home and being at the school on the morning of the concert.

• PLAYATHON CO-ORDINATOR & ASSISTANT:  Organises annual Playathon: sources prizes, distributes practice log, analyses results, distributes prizes.  The playathon occurs in Term 2. Requires work in your own home and contacting local businesses.  Approximately 20 hours in total.

• ASSISTANT MUSIC INTENSIVE CO-ORDINATOR:  Assisting to organise the Term 2 weekend intensive at the school: permission forms for student attendance; student sign ins; parent supervision roster etc.  Approximately 15 hours in total from your own home, plus time at the school on the intensive weekend.

• MUSIC CAMP CO-ORDINATOR & ASSISTANT:   Organises music camp in Term 3 including transport, liaison with venue, parental permission, dietary requirements, sleeping arrangements, payment, parent supervision roster. Several people usually share this role, from band and strings programs.  Approximately 30 hours preparation time in your own home and own time, plus time onsite at the music camp weekend.

• FESTIVALS CO-ORDINATOR & ASSISTANT:  Registers Strings for festivals on Mr Mansukhani’s advice, organises permission notes, works with the school to organise transport.  Most festivals occur in Terms 2 & 3.  Work from your own home (although being able to talk to Mr Mansukhani in person is useful – can be done before Strings rehearsals in the mornings).  Approximately 8 hours per festival.

If you are interested in volunteering for one of these roles or would like more information, please email strings.artarmonpandc@gmail.com

Ensemble rehearsals:            

2021 Strings Committee