“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.” Henry David Thoreau
“In the great symphony of life, we all have important parts to play. While some people are best suited to be conductors or soloists, their contributions would be diminished considerably without the individual musicians that lend their artistry to the fullness of an orchestra. The magical accents of the percussion section might sound random and out of place without the music they accompany. But any one member of an orchestra, doing less than their best at their particular part, can destroy the harmony of the whole piece, such is their importance. So although we may not receive the same amount or quality of attention as another, all of our contributions are valuable and integral to the success of the whole.” (OM )
Today I observed the Junior School Cross Country Carnival and every student played their part in doing their best for their house team. While they could not all come first, they each deserve great praise. They should all be very proud of their efforts and achievements. Thank you to Mrs Clapp and Ms Savage for their organisation and enthusiasm and to all the parents and staff who assisted.
The Age has just run an article promoting the removal of funding to Independent Schools. It is so sad that this debate is being relaunched because I really thought it had been discussed and resolved about 5 years ago. The last thing that we need rehashed is the politics of envy or the politics of division. Some points that I think all parents should be aware of are these: 1. Every child that attends an Independent School saves the government money. 2. Huntingtower receives from the government about 30% of what is spent on educating a child in a State School. So we get approximately $3000 per child from the government, to supplement our school fees. Currently the Government is spending around $10 000 per child in a Government Secondary school. These figures are all reduced for Primary schools. 3. Government funding allows us to keep our fees more manageable. If we lose the little we get, our fees would have to go up by about $3000. 4. Getting funding supports the notion that as we all pay taxes, all are entitled to some support for education and Independent and Catholic schools provide a choice for parents. Parents who want a certain value system will choose a school that provides those values. 5. The funding provided to State schools is only for recurrent costs not for building etc. We must provide all our buildings, maintenance and facilities from our income from our community or from school fees that we collect. 6. State schools need massive injections of money in order to upgrade their facilities and I believe that all funding for education should be increased for State schools – both infrastructure and ongoing recurrent costs. That is the only way will remain competitive in the rapidly changing world. 7. We should not be “dumbing down” our education system, but should rather be lifting it up. If it seems that the Independent school sector is providing a high standard of education, then more funding (if that is what is needed) should go to the State schools – not less to Independent schools.
I hope this has been helpful for you and I am happy to answer any questions that you may have on this subject.
The Siemens Science Experience, a three-day hands-on science, engineering and technology program, will be conducted again in Australian universities in 2008/2009 for students who will be entering Year 10 in 2008. Each program includes a wide variety of practical activities, together with interesting presentations by leading scientists and engineers.
It is a Rotary Youth Services Project and fully supported by the Australian Science Teachers Association. The cost of the three-day program is $105.00 (includes GST). Local Rotary clubs are often willing to pay this fee.
Further information and application forms are available from the school’s Science Department, Rotary clubs and from www.scienceexperience.com.au Early application is advised.
A SPECIAL DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – JUNIOR and SENIOR ORCHESTRAL and CHORAL CONCERT Thursday 19 June at 7.00pm in the Performing Arts Centre All choirs and orchestras and Concert Band (involving students from Years 3 to 12) will perform so please keep the date free and come and enjoy a fantastic evening! This will be a wonderful concert in our extended Performing Arts Centre. The following groups will perform: Senior Choir Senior Orchestra Concert Band Middle School Orchestra Junior Choir Junior Orchestra Senior, Middle School and Junior Chamber Choirs Senior and Junior String Orchestras Brass Ensemble All the groups have been working extremely hard and there will be a wonderful variety of "easy to listen to" music. DON’T MISS IT!! (Free admission).
JUNIOR SCHOOL "MUSICAL MOSAIC" CONCERT As the Bulletin goes to print this wonderful concert will have just been held (Thursday 22 May). There have been enthusiastic preparations from every Junior School student and special thanks must be given to Mrs Anne Wilson for her innovative approach and dedication to class music and her special expertise in involving every student in such a creative way.
LITTLE CHOIR and LITTLE SYMPHONY CONCERT Thursday 5 June at 6.00pm in Performing Arts Centre Please cme and join us for this delightful concert and enjoy the unique and entertaining performances by members of the Little Choir and Little Symphony (Years Prep, 1 and 2). It is a concert not to be missed!
JUNIOR PIANO CONCERTS There will be 2 concerts to enjoy so please come and join us and have a great time. Years 1 to 4 piano players Tuesday 27 May 6.00pm – Orchestral Years 5 and 6 piano players Tuesday 10 June 6.00pm – Performing Arts Centre
YEARS 3 and 4 SOLO CONCERT Tuesday 24 June at 6.00pm in Orchestral Room This is a great opportunity to hear all our talented Years 3 and 4 musicians perform – another concert not to be missed! All are extremely welcome.
SPECIAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 1. Junior and Senior Orchestral and Choral Concert Thursday 19 June at 7.00pm in the Performing Arts Centre. All choirs, orchestras and Concert Band (involving students from Years 3 to 12) will perform so please keep the date free and come and enjoy a fantastic evening! 2. Waverley Eisteddfod Ensemble sections which usually involve every player from Years 3 to 12 are on Saturday 16 august – please keep this date free also. 3. Huntingtower Camarate Gala Concert Sunday 12 October at 2.30pm There will be many more details to come but once again all players (Years Prep to 12) and choristers (Years 3 to 12) are involved in this very important event.
MUSIC DATES TERM 2 2008 1. Junior Piano Conceret (Years Prep to 4) Tuesday 27 May 6.00pm – Orchestral Room. 2. Boroondara Eisteddfod Wednesday 4 June 6.00pm – Junior String Orchestra this section has been CANCELLED 3. Little Symphony and Little Choir Concert Thursday 5 June 6.00pm – Performing Arts Centre 4. Junior Piano and Wind concert (Years 5 and 6) Tuesday 10 June 6.00pm – Performing Arts Centre 5. Junior and Senior Orchestral and Choral Concert Thursday 19 June 7.00pm – Performing Arts Centre 6. Years 3 and 4 Solo Concert Tuesday 24 June 6.00pm – Orchestral Room 7. Mordialloc Eisteddfod (Senior Chamber Choirs) Thursday 26 June
Diary Dates: Sibling Photos and Family Portraits: Saturday 21 June. Bookings close on Friday30/5/08
Pie Drive: Stock up on Molly Dene’s pies for winter. Orders and money due Wed 28/5/08
August 7, 8 & 9: School Musical – ‘Anything Goes’
Sunday July 27: Sunday Winter Market
Sunday October 12: Camerata
Saturday 8 November: School Fete for 2008
Would you like photos of your children or a family portrait? On Saturday 21 June, between 9:30am and 3:30pm. There will be photographers available to take professional shots of your family. $15 or $30 packages of photos available – black and white or colour. – Book your spot by filling in the form at the end of this page. We need at least 25 families to make this special day possible so please don’t miss out. Close off date of Friday 30/5/08. Enquiries & to book your time: Jenny Salgo 9802 5058 or your class rep.
4 Year-Old Pre-Prep are having a ‘coffee, crepes and chat’ morning at Eleanor’s house this Friday (May 23rd). All 4yo Pre-Prep parents and siblings welcome. Come along and enjoy the indulgence!
Grade 1 Family Dinner: on Saturday 31st May 2008 at the Monash Hotel, 2077 Dandenong Road, Clayton. Orders for dinner will start at 6 pm, but come early -around 5 pm- so the children can make use of the play area and mums and dads can use the time to relax and get to know each other. Please contact Lany Penna (class rep) on 0419 208009 for more information.
Molly Dene’s Pies: Make sure you order your scrumptious pies and quiches ready for winter. Start emptying out freezer now – stock up for winter! All orders and money due Wed 28/5/08, Delivery June 3 from 3.15pm at the PAC area.
IMPORTANT….Our School Fete NEEDS YOU! We are seeking the help of a few talented and dedicated individuals / small teams to take on some very important functions. These are essential, strategic and vital jobs and roles, and include promotion / advertising; signage; food handling, sponsorship and rides. If you are interested, please call a committee member…. Today! Sheree Amprimo 9800 4430, Jean Barrand 9893 6660, Joy Di Fede 9574 9993, Judy Orford 9571 9740, Jenny Salgo 9802 5058, Sabrina Samaranayake
Sunday 27 July – Winter Market: We are looking for individuals/ clubs / social or sporting groups who would like to sell their wares – and welcome everything from Tupperware to jewellery, cards, enjo, craft and all other goodies. Please pass on details to your friends and family members who may also like to participate. Stalls will be under cover and cost $50 each. Stall holders will be provided with a trestle table and two chairs. Join with a friend and make it a ‘fun’day. PTA stalls include second hand books, plants, soup, tea and coffee, sausage sizzle. Contact Sheree Amprimo via email amprimo@alphalink.com.au to register your stall. Last day to pre book your stall is July 15th. Registration forms will be available over the next week from Sheree and the webpage. The PTA is also looking for some packing boxes to store the second hand books into. If you have any please leave them in the green fete shed. We require approximately 15 boxes. Does anyone have an old crock pot at home not being used. The PTA would like to be able to borrow a few if possible to use for the warming of soup at the Winter Market. If you are willing to loan one to us please call Sheree Amprimo 9800 4430.
Second Hand Books? We love them!! Please look through your bookshelves – if you have any books you don’t want give them to the PTA! Please leave them at the green shed, just up from the boarding house. Did you know Airstream Café donate a portion of your bill to the school – if they know where you are from? When paying, simply ASK how your bill can be recorded to benefit Huntingtower.
Farm Pride Eggs: Our school has registered to participate in the Farm Pride and Golden Egg Farm collect-a-thon. Every token collected from Farm Pride and Golden Farm Eggs packs will earn 50c for the PTA. There is a tin in the foyer of the office, just waiting for your tokens. Please cut out the 50c tokens from your egg cartons. Proceeds will help our PTA coffers! Funds raised will go to help buy some much needed items for the ELC area. Watch out for the posters in classrooms and around the school.
November 8 is the School Fete: Does anyone know of / work in / run / own a business that would be able to assist the school with the fete in November? We are looking for companies who could supply or quote on goods such as marquees, portable cool rooms, PA systems, advertising, marketing, food supplies. All suggestions / any help very much appreciated. Please contact one of the PTA committee members for further information. Details below. Fete reps the PTA have decided what stalls will be held this year at the school. Please check your emails over the next week for more details. Some of you might need to get your fete kits before the next meeting. Any queries please give us a call. Your Parent Teacher Association: Don’t be shy. As part of the school community, you are invited, encouraged and very welcome to attend all PTA meetings. You will learn much about the school, what is happening and how it functions. Committee members for 2008 are happy to be contacted: Sheree Amprimo 9800 4430, Jean Barrand 9893 6660, Joy Di Fede 9574 9993, Judy Orford 9571 9740, Jenny Salgo 9802 5058, Sabrina Samaranayake. We welcome your feedback, support, participation in PTA activities and ideas for fund raising. We would like to thank those parents who have recently given ideas and details of different fundraising options. All ideas are gratefully appreciated.
If you are able to assist in the HT shop between 12.30pm and 1.30pm or 3.30pm and 4.30pm on FRIDAYS I would be most grateful to hear from you. (It is not necessary to be available every week). Please leave your contact details at the school office or speak to me in the Uniform Shop. Liz Bowen
Do you want to go camping, run the gauntler, race in a billycart derby or just have FUN?
Then scouts, cubs or joeys is the place for you! Girls and boys welcome. Come and try it out for a few weeks at Valley Reserve Scout Hall, Wills Ave, Mt Waverley.
If you wish to have a tial or would like more information contact Group Leader – Virginia 0418 560 069 or 9888 2305.
Syndal Swim Centre 554 High Street Road, Mt Waverley 3149. Phone 9802 3900
Warm 31.5oC water Temperature
Qualified Austswim Instructors
Lessons have sole use of the facility
Monday 7 – Friday 11 July. Half hour class times – starting 9.00am. Discounted lesson price – $55.00 for 5 days For bookings or further details contact just swimming on 9802 3900
Payment is required at time of booking. Payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. Swimming Caps are compulsory at Just Swimming – Syndal.
Two Melbourne Tigers players will be in attendance – TOMMY GREER and DANIEL JOHNSON. Tigers Head Coach, al Westover is excited about the addition of 7 foot Daniel Johnson to the roster. He expects big things from Tommy and Daniel next season.
Date: 25 May Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Venue: Huntingtower Senior School Gym
Begins with a sausage sizzle. Tommy Greer and Daniel Johnson will attend to present trophies and then play in an exhibition game.
When was your last family photo portrait taken? If you can’t remember, maybe its time you collected all your family members and attended our portrait fundraising event with Vision Portraits.
If your family has 15 minutes to spare, book a time for Saturday 21st June between 9:30am and 3:30pm. You have a choice between a $15 or $30 portrait package.
For more information and all bookings please contact Jenny Salgo on 9802 5058 or jsalgo@optushome.com.au
