Chappy News

 Choir starts on a High Note

The school choir has been rehearsing on Thursdays, with an average of 20 Secondary and Senior students in attendance. We’ve had lots of fun learning the words and AUSLAN of ‘Give me a Home among the Gum Trees,’ playing games, learning how to stand as a choir, and enjoying the sound of a choir being accompanied by piano. My thanks to Mrs Monique Lucas, our accompanist. It was really special to have Miss Nicky as an impromptu audience member on her last day, and I think everyone was excited to be able to share our music-making with her.

Budget-Friendly Food

This year I’m continuing investigating how families can cut costs, particularly in the kitchen. In addition to helping balance the budget, healthy food and eating together as a family helps wellbeing. Here’s a recipe from taste.com.au that you could try:

Easy Beef Stroganoff Pasta Bake

Serves: 4

Preparation Time: 5 mins                                    Cooking Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

300g dried pasta spirals

1 tbsp plain flour

500g beef stir-fry strips

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

1 brown onion, halved, thinly sliced

150g cup mushrooms, sliced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tsp sweet paprika, plus extra for serving

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 beef stock cube, crumbled

1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

65ml sour cream, plus extra to serve

55g (½ cup) shredded cheese

Method

1. Cook pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water following packet directions or until al dente. Drain, reserving 250ml (1 cup) pasta water.
2. Meanwhile, toss flour and beef in a bowl. Season with salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Heat 2 tsp oil in a large, deep frying pan over high heat. Add beef and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until browned. Transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium-high. Heat remaining oil in the same pan. Cook onion and mushrooms, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until soft.
5. Add garlic and paprika. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic.
6. Add tomato paste and stir to combine.
7. Add stock cube, Worcestershire sauce, and reserved pasta water, then bring to a simmer.
8. Add beef, sour cream, and pasta, then stir until just heated through. Season. Transfer to a greased 2-litre baking dish.
9. Preheat an oven grill to high. Sprinkle pasta mixture with cheese and grill for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbling.
10. Serve pasta bake dolloped with extra sour cream and sprinkled with extra paprika and freshly ground black pepper.

 
Notes

1. Save time during the week by cooking the pasta 2 days ahead and storing in an airtight container in the fridge.
2. You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Leave to cool fully at room temperature before transferring to an airtight container and freezing.
3. Add some extra nutrition by serving this dish with cooked vegetables or salad.

Easter and School Holiday Activities

 Finally, here are some local events that you might enjoy:

 Thursday 28 March 6pm - Movie Under the Stars at Weeroona

Watch the Easter movie Hop and be visited by the Easter bunny at Weeroona Association (16 Red Hill Road, Gympie). For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/393134260181306/

Sunday 31 March 8am - Easter Sunday in the Park

Join Gympie Wesleyan Methodist Church in Nelson Reserve (main stage) for a special Easter Sunday service followed by a free pancake breakfast and Easter egg hunt at 9am. For details, visit https://gympie.wesleyan.org.au/

Sunday 31 March 10am - Easter Express

Take a special trip on the Mary Valley Rattler. For details, visit https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/

Tuesday 9 April 10am and 1pm - Alphabet of Awesome

Join professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge for a thrilling voyage through the alphabet. This exciting show is being held at the Pavillion (Gympie Showgrounds, 77 Exhibition Road, Southside) for children aged 15 to 12 years and families. For details, visit https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/events/event/801/alphabet-of-awesome-science  

Sunday 14 April 2pm - Live and Local Gympie Region Presents Youth Week Event

Spend time outdoors with friends and family while enjoying free live entertainment. For details, visit https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/events/event/815/live-and-local-gympie-region-presents-youth-week-event

Throughout the Holidays - Gympie Art Gallery

Kids aged 7 to 12 years can explore different art techniques as they make their own art works. For details, visit https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/events/event/814/autumn-holiday-program

Throughout the Holidays - Gympie Regional Libraries

All library branches have kids’ activities available. For details, visit https://library.gympie.qld.gov.au/

My role is to support the wellbeing of staff, students, parents, and others in our school community. If you ever need to have a chat or help with something, please contact me. I’m at school on Tuesday (8.30am-11.35am) and Thursday (9.30am-2.35pm), and can also be contacted via email – rsdri0@eq.edu.au.

Hope you enjoy your break,

Chappy Rachel