MM 13 December - Mount Evelyn Christian School

13 December 2012Year 6 GraduationSome of the SPB graduating students line up to have their photo taken at the Year 6 Graduation.SchoolReturnsMonday 4February135 York Road Mount Evelyn 3796 - office@mecs.vic.edu.au - www.mecs.vic.edu.au - 03 9738 6000 - 03 9738 6001 (fax) - Absent student: 03 9513 1561

What does 40 years collect?This final week of 2012 sees Principal Martin Hanscamp reflecting onhis own departure for a year and what’s been acquired and what needsto be thrown out after 40 years of Christian education at Mount Evelyn.The stuff we collectAfter school is done this week I’m fi rstly going to clean up myoffi ce so that Paul Oldman has a reasonably organised spaceto work in and then I’m going to tackle my own place. We’vebeen living over in Belgrave Heights since 1987 and over that¼ century, the place has grown and been fi lled. How true isthe observation that is shared at parties - those who moveacquire less because of the periodic cleansing, whilst thosewho stay just build more sheds or cupboards.The seasons of lifeMy own personal journey is just a whisker longer than MECS’sand over this time, along with my wife and 3 children, we’vecollected quite a bit of baggage - more than a house full. Some ofit’s precious and refl ects who Anita and myself and our childrenare. We’ll really protect those items. Some of its valuable andwill be kept, but it is replaceable. And then there’s all that otherstuff. Some is a little useful but we don’t need it and we shouldpass it on and then there’s stuff that needs to be piffed. We’regoing to have a ‘fi ne time’ (read diffi cult)sorting it out as we pack-up house. ThePsychologists say it’s up there in thetop most stressful things in life.As I was thinking about all the ‘stuff’we’ve collected over the years mymind categorised the decades: in our20s we accepted donations; in our 30swe bought cheap stuff; in our 40s webought better stuff; and now in our50s we’re getting rid of stuff. MECS isapproaching its fi fth decade and someof those groupings have a parallel forour school community.‘‘‘What’s in the MECS house?As we refl ect on MECS at 40 - What’s precious? What’s worthkeeping? What’s worthy but could be moved on or needs tobe refreshed? And, what should we ditch?Over the decade I’ve been at MECS what things would I put inwhich category? You could also play this game. What wouldyou put in which category? It’s an interesting exercise.The PreciousThis is the stuff that you’d try to rescue if a fi re hit. It’s youridentity stuff. Personally I’d include our photo albums, ourkids keep sake boxes, the rosewood coffee table that Anita’sbrother made, my Cats beanie.MECS has lots of precious stuff, things I wouldn’t want to letgo no matter what… A meaningful indigenous experience forour Year 10s; presentation nights where all the students arecelebrated and not just the select; teachers having to work inteams to developing a biblically informed shaped curriculum;parents working in partnership and parent seminars; ensuringthe child is more important than the system; having Year 12sand Preps doing things together; an Egyptian tomb spacefor senior primaries to learn about hieroglyphics; parentinvitations to primary GT’s; and not entering comparativepositions on reports for a student’s academic ‘standing’ withina cohort (we just won’t do it).The Worth KeepingThis is the stuff that’s reasonably valuable and you makeactive use of and if you lost it you’d have to replace it. It’s the‘Let’s continue tohave clarity aboutwho we are andwhat we hold onto,no matter what.‘‘Page 2Thursday 13 15 December 2012 2011Mount Evelyn Christian School NewsMartin HanscampMECS Principalpractical stuff you need for living. Personally I’d include ourleather couch, a core group of books in my library, our Dutchcheese knife, and the chalk message board at our front door.MECS has lots of stuff worth keeping, things that aren’t quiteour essential character but they’re pretty good… school photosthat aren’t stultifying rigid; working bees for parents to practicallyhelp (we could pay people to do this, but WB’s are a betterapproach); a paper newsletter (though some argue it should bein next category); parents helping in classrooms and camps.Could stay, could goThis is the stuff that you should ask “Is it working well, doesit need a refresh, how effectively is it working?” It’s not soprecious that you’re holding onto it, though it is fairly easyto replace. Personally I’d include all those extra blanketsand sheets we’ve got, the dodgypicnic chair that still holds you up,the extra game of scrabble and theTupperware that has no lids.What’s MECS’ ‘could stay, couldgo’ stuff? No disrespect meant, butteachers at MECS will come andgo. Those who have been aroundfor a long time, do shape moreformatively and they are hard toreplace. This week we’re writingabout Jo Miller and Deb Wood –two MECS legends; programs likeHOP (MS ‘hands on program’ from2007-11) but the principles were notlost, just re-shaped and the samewith the SS Cert III program Navig8; and SS compulsoryinvolvement in the Swimming Carnival.Needs to goThis is the stuff that’s tired, causes clutter and should fi nallybe ditched. Personally, we’ve got more tents than any familycould use; a collection of cords and chargers from electronicgadgetry that goes with some machine that came out in the80s; books I’ll never read again (or for the fi rst time); and thehermit crab fi sh pond and gear that the kids haven’t said booto since last century.What should MECS let go of? A number of ideas crop up here.We’re going to have to embrace teaching another languageacross the curriculum. That means making space and adifferent mindset to our indigenous studies program; I’d like topermanently let go of Nescafe and have decent coffee in everystaffroom; we’ve let go of chalk (except Dr Rog) and embraceddigital whiteboards; we’ve let go of the P&F structure but not theprinciples of volunteering and helping out; good care and higherexpectations means we need to change the cheap Canberracamp venue; we needed to improve our First Aid duty approachand bring in a school medical offi cer.It’s a ‘wrap’Leaving is a time of refl ecting and possibly even, somecleansing. It’s helpful as we refl ect to have clear ideas of whatbelongs in where. Particularly for the precious, let’s continueto have clarity about who we are and what we hold onto, nomatter what.

Page 3Thursday 13 15 December 2012 2011Mount Evelyn Christian School News‘School Notes from Martin Hanscamp, PrincipalYear 6 GraduationWhat a terrifi c night. Such a wonderful sense of celebration,playfulness and high quality presentation. Well done to thestudents – what terrifi c speeches. Well done staff team– your insights and love for the students shines through.Thanks parents for honouring and loving your kids, and to thedecorating and set up team.Last week for 2012Today students fi nish up. It’s been a week of ‘wrapping up’,celebrating 2012 with class parties, exam results back,orientation for next year, cleaning out of lockers and desks,saying farewells. Tomorrow is the staff last day and it includes a‘Celebration Luncheon’ that travels well into the afternoon. Nextweek it’s just the admin team around. So here’s wishing theMECS community a wonderful holiday and a refreshing break.2013 commencementMost students start on Feb 4. Year 12s start in the week beforealong with staff who commence their workbreak on TuesdayJan 29. The school calendar has been distributed quite somemonths ago. Copies can still be obtained from the offi ce.School MagazineIt’s out. What a delightful feast for the eyes. Congratulations andthanks to Heather and Amanda and all the contributors. Don’tforget to place it on the coffee table to allow all your visitorsto see. Every student received one with their report so somefamilies will have more to show grandparents and the like.Thanks to our crossing ladiesGlenys and Margaret havebeen faithfully ‘womaning’the York Road crossingfor many years ensuringour children are safe.They love looking throughour School Mag at the endof each year. We’re mostgrateful for the great jobthey do. Thanks Glenysand Margaret.Me personally - 2013We’ve previously announced on quite some occasions thatI’ll be taking 2013 off as a sabbatical in a manner that there’sbeen no extra cost for the school. Paul Oldman will be steppinginto the Principal role and Jacqui Stok will be moving over fromMountain District and stepping into the Deputy Principal role. Interms of the longer run, I’m unsure of what the next chapter willhold and have left that purposefully open. By mid-way next yearthe Board and I will chat about questions of 2014 and beyond.We’ll inform the community then of developments. During mysabbatical I’ll be undertaking some travel with Anita both withinOz and overseas and also undertaking a building project downat Rye, something I love to do. I will be back to join in the March40th Anniversary weekend, but for the Oct one I’ll be in Europe.During this time of being a little unsure about whether thisis a ‘wrap up’, I’d like to say what an honour and privilege ithas been to serve the MECS community. I have loved my job.I’m not in denial about it’s less than pleasant parts, but whenyou work with a fantastic bunch of people and your parentcommunity work with you – it’s pretty easy to get along to work.I am so grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to work here. Inclosing, I wish the MECS community God’s richest blessingsand guidance as you venture into the excitement of 2013.Harry Burggraaf & Donvale UpdateLast Tuesday was the Donvale Thanksgiving Service and aspecial evening of that community celebrating their year butalso coming together to grieve for their brother, colleague,leader, teacher - Harry Burggraaf.Michelle Dempsey reports, “It was a really special nightwith a tangible sense of God’s presence amongst a faithfulcommunity… Harry would have been thrilled with the creativityand involvement of students and teachers… students prayedfor Harry and the family… there were ‘yes Lords’ resoundingthrough the Robert Blackwood auditorium … and BoardChair, Rick Porter talked about how the community had cometogether over Harry’s illness to pray and care for each other…Principal Ross Grace choked with emotion and spoke ofmissing his mate… and during Henni’s (Harry’s wife) writtenmessage, you could have heard a pin drop. The songs sungwere full of verses of hope and strength including:Christ alone, CornerstoneWeak made strong, in the Saviour’s loveThrough the stormHe is Lord, Lord of AllWhen darkness seems to hide His faceI rest on his unchanging graceIn every high and stormy galeMy anchor holds within the veilThere were tears and lots of seeking God for healing, peace,strength and comfort.”Harry continues to be very unwell in Monash ICU, though weare most thankful he’s still with us. We commend this lovedand admired brother for your continued prayerful upholding.Deb WoodFor over 12 years now Debra has beenthe voice of the school and the fi rst faceyou see. Her gentleness, warmth, abilityto juggle 15 things and not get fl ustered,steadiness, wisdom, knowledge ofeverything that’s happening around theschool and just all-round-niceness, hasendeared her to all. We love her for her allof this and for her commitment to our community. munity In Deb’sown note she’s explained what the next chapter holds and wewish her every blessing in this new venture. We thank God forsending you to us Deb.Jo MillerJo has also written probably for the lasttime in our newsletter. However, her legacyand ‘presence’ will be felt for many yearsto come. Jo has been the powerhouse ofenergy and leadership in the ‘Ed Support’area. Since she arrived back in 2006, Johas steadily gone about ensuring that MECSdoes Education Support to the very best ofits ability. Jo liaises with government andbureaucrats; guides a great team of LearningAssistants; advocates at leadership; organises PD to ensurestaff are on top of understanding issues that children have; and isthe conduit for effective relationships between parents, teachers,children and specialists. Jo, we are going to miss you and wethank you for the extraordinary job you’ve done. Blessings inYea, community church, cafes and galleries, family and garden,mission schools and teacher training in Cambodia and the hostof other things you enthusiastically embrace.

Page 4Thursday 13 December 2012Mount Evelyn Christian School NewsMECS NotesWalpiri NewsBill Morrison, missionary at Lajamanu(formerly Hooker Creek, north ofYuendumu) and Kalkarinji, reportsa spectacular revival at these twosettlements. There have been over 200baptisms since October 2012, and theimpact of the revival is that the tavernat Kalkarinji is on the point of closingbecause there are simply no customers!Violence and gambling have ceasedcompletely, and prayer, Bible study andsinging to God have taken the place ofthese things. The policeman at Kalkarinjiis astounded that suddenly his job hasbecome one of only checking roadworthinessof vehicles and license,instead of intervening in domestic crises.Bill is encouraged that the whole processhas been driven by the people, not themissionary. Of course, a people-run churchhas been the goal of the Baptist Missionfor many years. It is to be hoped that thisimpact can also be felt at Yuendumu in thenear future. The Yuendumu communityand that of Lajamanu are closely related,after all. MECS people might like toremember these communities in theirprayers, and especially Jerry Jangala, asaintly church leader who has driven thechurch at Lajamanu for many years. Whileyou are praying, you could also mentionby name Tess Napaljarri Ross, ClancyJangala and Neville (Cobra) JapangardiPoulson at Yuendumu, as these peoplehelp the community weather the stormfollowing the difficulties in recent months.Colin YoulSS TeacherCalling all Dutch speakersI am putting out a call to all the Dutchspeakers in our community. I am hopingto organise a roster of Dutch speakingpeople to help next year in our Prepclass for a little boy who has moved fromHolland. We are unfortunately unableto get funding for ESL support from theGovernment, so thus the call for help. Iwould be grateful for volunteers willingto come into the Prep classroom for anhour or two once per week (or for aslong and as many times per week as youcan manage). Please email Chris Paechcpaech@mecs.vic.edu.au if you areable to help out with this urgent need.Please note that you will need to haveor obtain a Working With Children Cardbefore you would be able to help out inthe classroom. Many thanks.Chris PaechRegistrarMeredith OpieMP Teacher“Do we talk about Santa at MECS?”Answering questions that parents askWell, the ‘silly season’ is upon us and ‘Christmas’ is everywhere; we’ve had mincepies since September and tinsel decorations in the stores close behind the ‘SpecialChristmas’ food. Many people have had enough of breakups, endless shoppingand yet are looking forward to the Boxing Day sales! Now we are fi nished withschool we get to add our little part to the festive cheer and also try and fi nd a carpark! Hmmm.In our hearts we crave the peace, hope and joy that Christmas offers, but we’redrawn in along with the crowds, many of whom don’t know the birthday boy.MECS’ Christian worldview often runs contrary to the competing worldviews ofCommercialism and Individualism, especially and ironically, at Christmas.Santa doesn’t get much of a guernsey at MECS. He cannot compare to the miracleof God coming to live amongst us, so we spend our time getting back to scriptureand focusing on baby Jesus...Having said that, the origins of Saint Nicholas are steeped in the true meaningof Christmas. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money tothe poor,” the orphaned (Saint) Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist theneedy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and wasmade Bishop while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughoutthe land for his generosity to those in need.May we all be touched by grace to live our lives in service to God with devotion andcompassion for others, fi nding Christ’s love, hope, joy and peace and sharing itaround this Christmas (…even when someone pinches your car park!!)Year 9 ServiceService Carwash FundraiserThe Year 9 service class of 2012 coordinated andran a fundraiser car wash for Anglicare on 22November. The students started organising the carwash at the start of the term, with the help of MrsJoiner, Mr Hanscamp and Mr Beams. The students Hannah & Mikaeladecided what the cost of the car wash would be, ifthey were going to do inside and outside, and who was going to be doing what job onthe day. Mrs Joiner and Mr Beams supplied all the cleaning products, soap, sponges,towels, hose, and a water source. After Mr Hanscamp gave us the OK to go ahead,Mrs Joiner got the details of teachers who wanted their cars to be washed. All we hadto do was wait for 22 Nov to come.On the day the students all got together and worked as a team to clean 11 cars in 1hour and 20 minutes. When it comes to water, Year 9s, and soap there was bound tobe a water fi ght or two. For the rest of the day the students were walking around insoaking wet clothes but all 11 cars got washed and one hundred and thirty dollars wasraised. There were a few issues though, like hoses bursting and car windows beingdown, but despite that the day went quite well. With the money we made we were ableto make 12 packets of toiletries, whichwe proceeded to donate to Anglicare.Each toiletry packet contained 2 barsof soap, a soap holder, a tooth brush, atube of toothpaste, a comb, a bottle ofshampoo and conditioner, and roll ondeodorant. The service class of 2012feel that they have done well to serve thecommunity and do something for thoseless fortunate than ourselves.Michael BoerYear 9 Student

Parents & FriendsEnd of Year DinnerLast week the Parents and Friends hadtheir annual Christmas Break-up dinner.The MECS board pay for the dinner asa thank you and acknowledgement of allthe hard work done by P&F over the year.This year was especially poignant as it isthe end of the Mothers Club/Parents andFriends operating as it has up until now.Next year we will be announcing a newand exciting way to volunteer at MECS -stay tuned!Nicole NyhouseCommunity Relations OfficerYear 9 Drama ElectiveLast Thursday Year 9 Drama studentspresented ‘Only Children’ for a smallaudience as their assessment piecefor the semester. Although the studentsonly had three rehearsals, they hadthe experience of performing in anon-naturalistic style, which was themain focus of the unit. This involvedactors playing multiple roles, the maincharacters being performed by morethan one actor, going backwards andforwards in time and scenes in whichthe dialogue was deliberately jarringand disjointed.The play (a work-in-progress writtenby Marlene Magee) is based on a truestory about a beach picnic tragedyin 1954 and the students are to becommended for embracing the subjectmatter in a mature way. There weresome quite sombre and moving scenesand overall the cast did a great job ofperforming their roles. Congratulationseveryone!Marlene MageeDrama TeacherShannan, Jay, James & GeorgiaFaith GallagherPage 5Thursday 13 December 2012Mount Evelyn Christian School NewsMECS NotesFarewell from DebTwelve years?? Really?!! Yes it hasbeen that long and I have loved everyminute of it. The very important areasof: ‘I have a silly question’, ‘Photocopierrepairs when only a letter opener cando the job’, and ‘Manners for MECS’,have been especially close to my heart.Seriously though, I am not retiring, Iam not sick of those silly questions ortired of the job. It is a position that I loveand through the years I have gained somuch in so many areas. I am movinginto an area that I love just as much.Next year I start a Graduate Certifi catein Family Counselling (3 years) and willbe working a ½ day at MECS in the SS inthe role of Welfare Trainee on a Monday.You are my friends and I love youas brothers and sisters. You havebeen kind, patient, understanding,encouraging, affi rming, fi rm and honest,thankful, funny, beautiful people. I wantto thank you for the wonderful memoriesI take with me, for it was because of you,parents, staff, students, company repsand even couriers - that the spectrum ofcolor that has been my MECS life untilnow is so vivid, broad and beautiful.Thanks Greg, Jen, Andrew, Tracey.Thank you all for your love.Deb WoodGoodbye MECS from JoWhat are the enduring memories ofMECS? ... a passionate and crazybunch of authentic Christian educatorsand support staff who lay down theirlives daily to serve students, parents,and each other, the desperate painof parents who seek the relief ofsolutions to their kids’ diffi culties, thecelebrations and joys of progress, theexquisite quirks and characteristics ofthe students, the earnest discussionsabout NAPLAN and other data andwhat to do with the information, the bigquestions after hours, days and weeksof exploring possibilities - ‘Where tofrom here?’ and the ‘Let’s go’ of action,the loving honesty of Dutch bluntness,the tears and laughs during PrayerTriplets Time, the acronyms, the graceof open-mindedness, water fi ghts withMartin, the hugs and simple thankyous,the experience of ‘gzellig’, puttingbobby pins in boys’ hair as the DressDragon, voices woven in worship andOldy on the drums, the courage ofvisible broken-ness, the Jesus-heartof acceptance and love - soooo muchthat will be remembered and missed.Thank you, everyone, for thesememories.Jo Miller

Year 6 GraduationLast Friday night teachers, staff, friendsand family gathered to celebrate thegraduation of our Year 6s from PrimarySchool. The students enjoyed a deliciousmeal in the beautifully decoratedtheatrette with their teachers and thenmade their way to the gym where theaudience was treated to a very confi dent,polished and entertaining presentationof the Year 6s speeches.At MECS Primary we believe all of ourstudents are ’wonderfully created’ andeach child was presented an award fromtheir teacher acknowledging one of theirgifts that had been a positive contributionto the Senior Primary community this year.The students all looked wonderful in theirfi nery; marking this signifi cant milestonewith the formality and celebration itdeserves. It was a wonderful night full ofproud moments for teachers and parents(and the students themselves) and lots offun. Many parents commentedto me afterwards how thenight had affi rmed forthem that MECS wasthe place they wantedtheir children to be.Year 6, 2012 hasbeen an outstandingyear and we wish thestudents God’s richestblessings as they embarkon their ‘Next Step’.Melissa DykstraSP Teacher(Thanks go to NarelleWilson for the pictures)Ryan de KretserJacinta Cavill & Jenny VermeulenPage 6Thursday 13 December 2012Mount Evelyn Christian School NewsMaddie, Di Emery,Jenny, Zoe, Beth, Bethany, Bree, SavannahLuke, Jordan, Ryan, Matt, Jesse, Luke & JakeJeneba OttossonJoshua ClerkeSPCSPD

Page 7Thursday 13 December 2012Mount Evelyn Christian School NewsPrimary Christmas GTJason & CalebPatrick, Toby, Asher & ChrisBramNoah & CharlotteGabrielOn Monday the Primary schoolcelebrated Christmas and the end ofour school year. The Preps once againwowed the Primary school and themass of parents & friends with theirdelightful rendition of ‘Hark the HeraldAngels’. Trumpeters and Angels dancedacross the stage leading us to the Christchild, as Mary and Joseph travelled toBethlehem to the inn with ‘No Room.’Cuteness filled the gym as a number oflittle angels, sheep and even butterflieswaved to their Mums and Dads. Wewere treated to a gorgeous story of thebutterflies journey reflecting the PrepCS unit of ‘New Beginnings’. The Prepsreminded us all of the new beginning Godgives to us through the sending of his son.A huge thank you to Wendy Mason andJan Ormrod for running this GT.The choir sang beautifully andThankyous were said to our specialhelpers in the PS. Sad goodbyes weresaid as we prayed over those leaving us.Our friend Amigos MexiCAN waved usoff to the holidays as we sang AussieJingle bells.Blessings to all from the Primaryschool for a happy and safe holiday asyou remember the coming of the King.Di EmeryPS CoordinatorRyanChristy & SharniAli CoffeyJess & IndigoNathanTrinityFaithYuli, Molly, Sharni, Honey, Trinity, Abigail & ChristyWyatt & Josh

2012 Term 4 Week 9: 9 DEC - 15 DECThur 13 DecemberEnd Term 42012 School Holidays: 14 DEC - 3 FEBMon 23 December - 1 JanuaryOffice ClosedMon 28 JanuaryAustralia Day Holiday - School ClosedThur 31 JanuaryStationery & Schoolwear pickup 9am - 12pmNew MS Student Assessment Day9-11amThur 31 January - Fri 1 FebYear 12 Camp2013 Term 1 Week 1: 4 FEB - 10 FEBMon 4 FebruaryTerm 1 BeginsFarewell Martin but may thewaterfights continue!New MECS WebsiteMECS has a new website - check it out!www.mecs.vic.edu.auBridges to Literacy (EarlyYears) TrainingThere are a couple of places availablefor parent volunteers to participate inthis training at MECSYou would be required to make acommitment to MECS to 4 X 30 minssessions per week with a studentDate: Thursday 31 January, 2013If you are interested, please contactDiane Emery, Primary SchoolCoordinator - demery@mecs.vic.edu.au.CalendarPage 8Thursday 13 December 2012Mount Evelyn Christian School NewsCalendarTNEWSLETTER DEADLINE11am Tuesday on published week. Email articles (images attached as jpg) tonewsletter@mecs.vic.edu.auMECS COMMUNITY NOTICESMECS does not endorse the products or services of any private advertiser. No responsibility is accepted by Mount EvelynChristian School for the accuracy of information contained in advertisements or claims made by them.An empty house!A family new to MECS have movedfrom Canada for work with a missionorganisation called HCJB Global. Brentand Shelley and their 2 sons, Nelson(Year 10) and Malcolm (Year 8) will bemoving to Lilydale soon once they areable to set up their home with things thatwill make it liveable. They only broughtwith them their personal items. We wouldlove to bless them by helping them sourceall the items a family of 4 would need. Ifyou are able to help in any way can youplease contact Brent and Shelley Weekson 0417 318 682 or email bweeks@hcjb.org. Thank you so much MECSCommunity for helping this family.Amanda SteeleCommunity Relations OfficerYarra Ranges Summer of FunSummer of Fun 2013 runs duringJanuary, and a bit into February, andhosts a range of activities for anyoneaged 12 – 18, who live, work study orplay within the Yarra Ranges. Bookingsopen Monday 17th Dec. All interestedparticipants must call Y&S and book intoactivities before paying for them. Formore information ring 9294 6716.http://www.yrys.com/youth_programs/school_holiday_activities/summer_of_funFor Sale TV & DVDSony Bravia LED Edge TV, 80cm / 32 inch.$700. Sony Blu-Ray / DVD Player. $100.Both brand new in box. Both unwantedraffl e prizes. All serious offersconsidered. Contact Tim - 0418 174 861.2013 School Holiday CampsKilsyth Cobras run school holiday campsduring holidays. Camps focus on teachingspecific skills each day in a fun andstimulating environment. Camps are opento all boys and girls aged 5 -13 years. Thenext Camp is Mon Jan 21 - Wed 23. NoteCamps can book out early!Mon - Offense/Defence, Tues - BallHandling, Wed - Shooting.10am – 2pm, Kilsyth Sports Centre –115 Liverpool Rd KilsythFor more information and to register goto bi.ly/kilsythbasketballholidaycamp.comMECS MAGChicken Minders Needed!We hope you all received your MECSMagazine yesterday, what a wonderfulcolourful snapshot of 2012!Heather and Amanda started workingon the magazine early in Term 1 andhas worked faithfully through theyear collecting articles, photos andcontributions, if we added up all ofHeathers time she spends equivalent toa whole terms working on the magazine.With so many events and exciting thingshappening at MECS we have tried togive a broad look at our community.However, we recognise we are limited inbeing able to include everybody in themagazine or in our weekly newsletters.We have plans in place to be moreeffective at covering a broader numberof students in our publications in 2013.Great job Heather and Amanda!Nicole NyhouseCommunity Relations OfficerThe Primary School needs families to volunteer to feed the chickens over the schoolbreak. Each week requires 3 visits to check the food (supplied) and water, change thehay if needed and as a thank you, you get to keep the eggs you collect!The weeks are;December 17 to 23December 24 to 30December 31 to January 6January 7 to13January 14 to 20January 21 to 27January 28 to February 4If you are able to help, please emailWendy Mason and nominate apreferred week. (wmason@mecs.vic.edu.au)