VOLUNTEERING AT SCHOOL

Getting involved is a great way to show your kids that you take an interest in their education. It also sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause. Parent volunteers are essential to organizing and chaperoning fundraising events and other school activities.

Parent volunteers offer a huge resource and support base for the school community. They also show their kids the importance of participating in the community.

Even if you haven't been involved in the past, it's never too late to start.

Yr 3 FUNDRAISING

The first fundraising event will be the BBQ and cake stall on election day - 23 March.

Please support the school when you come up to vote.

Yr 3 parents watch out on the schoolzine app for a request for volunteers on election day. There will also be an invite from the two convenors to catch up and make some decisions for the year.

UR STRONG

Thank you to families who have completed the URSTRONG survey. If you have not done so the link is - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C63GGV5

A parent asked me the other day why her child's class was split up and sent to other classes. This does not always happen but is occasionally unavoidable.

There are a number of reasons for this. When teachers are sick, on leave or perhaps on a professional learning day and we are unable to employ enough casual teachers. We do our best to ensure students are sent to the appropriate stage and also that they have work to take with them. Our decisions are always made in the best interests of students.

Celebrating Harmony Day

at Artarmon Public School

Our school community respects individual differences and celebrates diversity. To celebrate our differences and focus on respect, inclusion and a sense of belonging for all Artarmon students we are holding Harmony Day activities on Thursday 21^st of March.

Students are encouraged to come to school in their cultural dress to celebrate their own culture or in orange clothing which traditionally signifies communication, freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.

Buddy classes across the school will be playing together and participating in learning activities aimed to develop awareness of each other’s culture.

Please support this important initiative by helping your child to come to school in their cultural dress or orange clothing on Thursday 21^st March.

CONGRATULATIONS

Artarmon Public School was represented by Emily Frances and Milly Bennett today at the final round of PSSA regional soccer trials. Both girls played extremely well all day. The trial comprised of 6 games played in 33+ degree heat and it was a high standard of competition. Milly has been selected to play at the PSSA State Soccer Championships to be held in Lismore in May.

Band parents, please check Newsflash weekly for the latest news and reminders, we will publish advance dates as soon as we know them to help you plan your year!

Easter Band Breakfast

All bands (yes, including Training band!) and Orchestra will perform at the annual Easter Band Breakfast concert on Friday 12^th April (the last day of term) before school.

We are looking for a group of parents to organise and assist with this. It is an informal concert and easy to organise. Tasks include publicising the event, buying and serving hot cross buns and drinks, collecting money and clearing up. Please contact band@artarmonpandc.org.au if you are able to help with this event.

Band Committee Meeting and AGM

Thank you to all parents who came along to the recent band meeting. Meeting minutes are available to all band parents, log in to the Myschoolmusic parent portal and look under Documents.

Got a question?

Have you looked in the 2019 band information pack? A copy is available at https://portal.msmusic.com.au/artarmonmusic.

If it is about your hired instrument or instrumental tutorial please contact your tutor firstly, then our instrument coordinator or tutor coordinator if required.

For anything else please contact your band coordinator.

Parents, I know you’re a talented bunch out there, so bring that talent, a little bit of extra time, a good amount of humour, add water, and volunteer for the strings program. There are currently two positions on the committee that need filling. At other times of the year I’ll be making a call for hands on deck to help out with some of the events that you’ll see listed below in the calendar.

Email strings@artarmonpandc.org.au if you are interested.

Strings Orchestra Coordinator

The Strings program needs an orchestra coordinator to work with the band counterpart Hongxia Deng. You will be responsible for setting up the supervision roster for strings and coordinating any eisteddfod excursions or performances that the group attends.

Strings Treasurer

The Treasurer issues invoices for ensemble fees at the beginning of the year and throughout the year as students join. The busiest time is in Term 1 when invoices go out and payments need to be reconciled to individual students. At other times, processing bank payments will be required. On average, less than one hour per week after initial invoicing. The Treasurer is responsible for an Income/Expenses report. Only minimal accounting knowledge is required. You’ll need some basic Excel skills and will be using the accounting software Xero. Please note, full training is provided by the previous Strings Treasurer.

Senior Strings auditions – Festival of Instrumental Music performance

Auditions April 2^nd

You should have received an email from your Senior Strings coordinator regarding the auditions for the Festival of Instrumental Music at the Opera House in August.

Please contact Ada Pan if you have not received it.

For your calendar:

Friday 12th April, before school: Annual Easter Breakfast concert – orchestra to play

Thu May 9^th: Mothers’ Day concert, before school – all string ensembles

Sat 1st June (1pm - 5.30pm) and Sun 2nd June (9am - 3pm): Music Intensive weekend

        Concert Strings, Senior Strings, and Orchestra

Mon June 17th: Orchestra and Senior Strings at Sydney Eisteddfod

Sept 1-7: Hawaii Tour

October 26-27: Music Camp, Yr 4-6, overnight

Ensemble rehearsals:

        Training Strings:               Tuesdays lunchtime, starts in Term 2

        Junior Strings:                  7:45-8:45am Tuesdays, middle level S block

        Concert Strings:               7:45-8:45 Thursdays, middle level S block

        Senior Strings:                 3-4pm Tuesdays, music room

        Orchestra:                       8-8:50am Wednesdays, music room

Committee Positions

Training Strings Coordinator – Ellen Hird

Junior Strings Coordinator – Rose Wen

Concert Strings Coordinator – Karen P’ng

Senior Strings Coordinator – Ada Pan

Orchestra Coordinator – Open

Instruments Coordinator – Joanne Wang

Assistant Instrument Coordinator – Open

Secretary – Arzoo Patel

Strings Treasurer – Open

Emma Nicholas, Strings Convenor – strings@artarmonpandc.org.au