As we come to the end of another school term, I want to thank our students, families, and staff for all the hard work, enthusiasm and support that makes our school such a fantastic place to be.  

I wish all of our students and families a safe and happy holiday break, and look forward to seeing everyone back for Term 3 on Monday, 14 July.

2025 Colour Extravaganza

What an unforgettable afternoon of colour, foam, laughter and the Aspley community spirit! The 2025 Colour Extravaganza was a huge success, with students, staff and community coming together in the most vibrant way possible. From start to finish, the energy was high and smiles even bigger from all those who attended the event, reminding us just how amazing our school community is.

A massive thank you goes to our amazing P&C for all their generous support and tireless efforts that went into bringing this event to life. Your contribution was invaluable.

Thank you to all the parents, carers and volunteers who joined us in helping to make the event a memorable experience our students will cherish for years to come.

School Watch

Prep 2026

Enrol Now!!!

If you have a child born between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021, they are eligible for Prep in 2026.

Planning is well underway to welcome our 2026 Preps.  In Term 2 we held our Open Days, which was a great opportunity to hear from our student captains and see our Prep facilities.  Next term we will be holding our enrolment meetings in preparation for our transition program in Term 4.

• Enrolment forms: Due Now!
• Enrolment meetings 
  • Term 3, Week 2
  • Term 3, Week 9
• Transition Program: Term 4, Weeks 3-5.

If you are in catchment and haven’t completed your enrolment forms, please contact the school office on admin@aspleyss.eq.edu.au or phone 3863 9111.

Aspley Musicians Shine on Stage

Last Wednesday, our school community came together to celebrate the musical talents of our students at the Aspley SS Music Evening — and what a night it was!

The Senior Concert Band opened with Blackthorn March and the adventurous Time Travelers, showcasing their growing confidence and skill. Junior Choir charmed the audience with works by Australian composers, including Rain on the Roof, Three Little Fishies, and a playful pirate-themed Row Row Row Your Boat.

Our Junior Band, having only begun rehearsing as an ensemble last month, amazed everyone with their spirited renditions of Power Rock and Who Let the Drummers Out. We can’t wait to see them perform again next term at assembly and our upcoming Beginner Band Workshop.

Junior Strings gave their first performance of the year, delighting the crowd with First Finger Rock and the energetic Scooter Ride. Senior Choir impressed with There Will Be Stars, the dramatic Storm, and the fun, rhythmic Dance.

Closing the evening, Senior Strings transported the audience with Mystic Caravan and the lively I Spy, featuring guest performer Miss Shepherd on double bass.

The night was a true reflection of the dedication and spirit of our music students and staff. A big thank you to our music teachers, parents, and volunteers for your support  and congratulations to all our talented performers!

We look forward to seeing you at our next musical event!

Instrumental Music – Staffing Update (Strings Program)

We are very pleased to welcome Miss Ashleigh Abul to our Instrumental Music team at Aspley State School from the start of Term 3.

Miss Abul joins us as our new Strings teacher and will be working with our students on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please note, this is a change from Semester One, when lessons were held on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The new rehearsal times for ensembles will be:

• Lessons will begin in Week 1 of Term 3
• Ensemble rehearsals will begin in Week 2 of Term 3
• Senior String Ensemble: Mondays, 8:00am in the School Hall
• Junior String Ensemble: Tuesdays, 8:00am in the School Hall

Miss Ashleigh Abul (Miss A) is an instrumental music teacher and multi-instrument performer based in Brisbane. She started playing the violin when she was 7 years old and went on to complete her music degree at UQ, specialising in the viola. She has been performing and teaching for around a decade, and has a passion for working with students, figuring out how they learn, and seeing them flourish in their own individual ways. She also has experience working as a primary classroom and inclusion teacher, and has taught Grades 2, 3, and 5.

Miss A currently has the privilege of both managing and playing viola in a professional orchestra in Brisbane. She also frequently plays the violin, double bass, and mandolin in musical theatre performances around South-East Queensland.

We know that our students and families will make Miss A feel very welcome as she begins working with our young musicians. We look forward to an exciting second half of the year in the Strings program under her guidance.

Prep Book Look

Last Thursday, our Prep students proudly welcomed their parents and carers into the classroom for our Book Look sessions. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to share their learning journey so far, showcase their work, and introduce their families to their learning environment. The excitement and pride on the students’ faces made it a memorable experience for all who attended.

 Under 8s Morning: A Day of Fun, Discovery and Scientific Thinking!

Our Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students enjoyed a wonderful Under 8s Morning on Tuesday, packed with creativity, exploration, and plenty of fun! Many students and staff embraced this year’s theme — Unleashing Scientific Thinking Through Play — by coming dressed as scientists, adding an extra spark to the morning.

Throughout the day, children took part in a wide variety of engaging activities — from face painting and playdough creations to making rotocopters, sand crabs, straw rockets, aeroplanes, kites, and colourful sand art.

They also explored science concepts through floating and sinking, navigated an obstacle course, blew bubbles, wove with recycled materials, and enjoyed a lively game of balloon badminton!

We were also thrilled to welcome some special visitors — future 2026 Preppies, who joined in the fun as they began getting to know their new school, along with children from Aspley Avenues who also participated in the day’s activities. 

A huge thank you to our dedicated staff for planning such an exciting and enriching event, and to our student leaders for their fantastic assistance. We hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as our youngest learners!

 Junior Athletics Day: Fun, Friendship and Team Spirit!

The P–2 Athletics Carnival was a joyful celebration of effort, participation and community spirit. With sunny skies overhead and the cheers of house war cries echoing across the field, our youngest athletes kicked off the day full of enthusiasm and energy.

From the moment the event began, the focus was clear — it wasn’t about winning races or collecting ribbons, but about every student giving their best, supporting their friends, and showing true sportsmanship. Whether sprinting down the track, launching a shot-put, or tackling the “Over, Under and Through” obstacle challenge, our students shone in their commitment and positivity.

A special highlight came during the war cries, as house captains led Oxley, Kennedy and Mitchell through their chants, each house striving to earn the first 10 points for spirit. Points continued to accumulate throughout the day not just for participation, but also for following our school expectations — being safe, respectful and responsible.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all staff and student leaders who supported the event, and to our wonderful families who came along to cheer. A big shout-out to Ms Kelly for her outstanding organisation of this great event, and to our groundsman Adam, whose work behind the scenes ensured the fields were in perfect condition.

In closing the event, Ms Kelly reminded everyone that the real heart of Athletics Day lies in having a go, working together, and enjoying the experience — and our students certainly did just that.

Junior Athletics Day was a celebration of fun, friendship, and school pride — we can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Wishing families and staff a safe and relaxing holiday. Whether you’re heading away or enjoying some time at home, I hope you find the chance to unwind, recharge and spend time with loved ones.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back next term, refreshed and ready for another great term of learning and growth. Together, we will continue to build a positive, supportive environment where our students can thrive.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday!

SEMESTER ONE REPORT CARDS - INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES 

Updates to Report Card Layout and Reporting Scales in 2025

Each semester, academic report cards provide point in time information about your child’s achievement at the end of each reporting period.

At the end of each semester, teachers make an ‘on-balance’ judgement about students’ overall levels of achievement, against the aspects of the achievement standards being assessed in the different learning areas. This judgement is based on evidence of student learning demonstrated during summative assessment tasks and takes into consideration the most recent evidence.   

 This year your child’s report will include:

• a new streamlined view of each learning area provided in the semester
• your child’s achievement against the appropriate reporting scale in each learning area
• an effort rating for each learning area
• an overall behaviour rating for this semester
• An overall comment of your child’s learning habits and engagement with English and mathematics.

For the 2025 reporting period, the Department of Education has provided schools with updated, age-appropriate reporting scales. Please refer to the tables below to understand the five-point achievement scale that Aspley State School will use to communicate your child’s progress against the relevant learning area achievement standards.  These descriptions will also be included on your child’s emailed academic report card for your convenience.

Aspley State School teachers participate in cyclic, evidenced based moderation processes to ensure that our judgements are consistent across each year level. 

Our Termly Overviews are available on our school website and contains information regarding the learning areas and curriculum content your child has experienced this semester.   

Updated Reporting Scale for Effort and Behaviour – 2025

As outlined on our school website and in previous newsletters, the Department of Education has introduced an updated reporting scale for student effort and behaviour, effective from 2025.

You may have already noticed these changes reflected in your child’s report card this year. Effort ratings are provided for each subject area on an A-E Scale, along with an overall behaviour rating on the same scale.  Please see the table below from our school website that describes the criteria for each rating in the areas of effort and behaviour. 

Semester 1 Academic Award Celebrations

Where: Aspley State School Hall

When: Week 1, Term 3 on Monday 14 July

Time: From 2:10pm

In 2025, we will acknowledge and celebrate the ‘Academic Excellence’ of our students, aligned to their level of achievement in English and mathematics in the Semester 1 Report Card. This celebration is part of our ongoing strategic agenda, to recognise excellence in academia.   

The criteria for the Academic Awards celebrations will reference the levels of achievement from the Semester 1 Report Card, for Year 1 to Year 6 students. 

Students who achieved an (Academic Excellence):

• A, in English and mathematics will be awarded a Semester 1 Academic Excellence Award.

Students who achieved an (Academic Distinction):

• A, in English in Semester 1 or an
• A, in mathematics in Semester 1 will be acknowledged at the assembly.

Academic Excellence recipients (A in both English and mathematics) will receive a certificate presented at the assembly. Academic Distinction recipients will be acknowledged via a verbal presentation for their accomplishment. 

Student’s will be acknowledge at our Week 1, Term 3 whole school assembly, on Monday 14 July.  We invite all parents and guardians whose child/ren have achieved this admirable academic result to attend.  Parents and guardians do not need to RSVP your attendance. If you can join us, feel free to attend the assembly which commences from 2:10 pm in our school hall.

So, how will you know if your child will be receiving an Academic Award and why the change in the published date for the Award Assembly?  In Week 10, Term 2 (Thursday 26 June)  all parents and caregivers were emailed their student’s Semester 1 Report Card.   

It is from this report card you will be able to determine if your child is receiving an Academic Excellence Award.  Since families have received reports during the final week of school, the awards ceremony will be held at the beginning of Term 3.  

To quality assure the academic achievement results of all students, staff engage in rigorous professional collaboration sessions to plan, assess and moderate student work. This process occurs throughout the term, quality assuring the grades awarded to all students. 

We are proud of all our students’ efforts and achievements this semester and look forward to celebrating with our students, our community and our staff. 

Classroom News

Konnichiwa

In Japanese this term, students in Years 4-6 have been busy learning about various aspects of Japanese life and its differences to Australia.

Year 4 have been learning about seasons and the many festivals that are celebrated across Japan. A popular game to play at New Year in Japan is ‘Fukuwarai’ which translates to ‘funny face’.

Year 5 have learnt how to introduce themselves and their family members. Students created a poster about their family and described their likes/dislikes, birthday, personality and where they were born.

Year 6 have learnt about Japanese life and the differences between Australian and Japanese school life, inlcuding the types of school bags and uniforms students wear.  We also learnt about hobbies and how students spend their free time.

In Year 1 we have been learning about the lunchbox Obento culture,  and students have learnt shape songs to describe the food they eat. Year 2 have been learning about the clothing culture in Japan, and designed their own traditional kimono. Year 3 have investigated school life in Japan, and the differences between school life in Australia and Japan.

P-2 HPE

Our lower primary students have been busy this semester developing a wide range of fundamental movement skills in HPE!  These skills form the building blocks for all physical activity and play, helping children grow in confidence, coordination, and teamwork.

Throughout our lessons, students have explored:

Locomotor skills – running, jumping, hopping, skipping and galloping, building their ability to move confidently and safely in different ways.

Ball skills – throwing, catching, rolling, bouncing and kicking, helping improve hand-eye coordination and control.

Balance & Body Awareness – activities such as balancing on different body parts, moving through obstacle courses and basic gymnastic shapes.

Cooperative Games – working together, sharing space, following rules and practising good sportsmanship.

It has been fantastic to see the students’ enthusiasm and determination to ‘have a go’ and support each other.  These skills not only support their physical development but also promote resilience, listening and confidence to participate in group activities.

We are proud of the progress they are making and look forward to continuing their HPE journey next term!

EQI SCHOOL STUDY TOUR 2025 - SEEKING HOST FAMILIES

Aspley State School has a long-standing tradition of hosting study tours, providing both our students and international visitors with enriching opportunities for cultural exchange. After a pause during the pandemic, we are excited to once again welcome students from Japan (Ritsumeikan Uji Junior High School) for the 2025 study tour. These tours not only allow our students to learn firsthand about different cultures, but also provide a valuable chance for our international guests to immerse themselves in the Australian way of life.

Cultural immersion is a powerful tool for fostering understanding, empathy and lifelong friendships. For our students, it enhances their Japanese language skills, broadens global perspectives and strengthens connections with peers from across the world. For our Japanese students, staying with local families offers an authentic experience that deepens their connection with Australian culture, helping them practise English in a welcoming and real-world setting.

We are currently seeking host families who are willing to provide a homestay for our visiting Japanese students. By opening your home, you can play an essential role in this unique exchange, supporting the development of lasting international friendships and enriching both the Japanese and Australian students' lives. Information regarding homestay follows this message. We hope you can help us continue this exciting tradition at Aspley State School! Thank you.

Please check the below list of issued and upcoming invoices that might be relevant for your student/s (italic text invoices have not yet been raised):

• Year 6 Canberra Tour
  • Invoice 5: Due 20 June 2025
    Please ensure your students account is up to date with payments for the Canberra Tour.
• SRS Fee: Overdue 

Term 2:

• SRS Fee Instalment 2: Due 20 June 2025
• IM (Instrumental Music) Instalment 2: Due 13 June 2025

Term 3:

• SingFest 2025: Due 21 July 2025
• Year 1 Puppet Show: TBC ($9)
• IM (Instrumental Music) Instalment 3: Due 5 Sept 2025
• Year 4 Camp: $399 Due 25 July 2025
• Year 5 Camp: $389 Due 8 August 2025

Please ensure to use QParents or the BPOINT link on invoices when making payments to the school. If payments are made directly to the school bank account you must use your student's EQ ID number as the reference. Without this,  the payment will not be able to be matched to the student or applied to an invoice.

If you have a credit on your student/s account, please contact the office requesting it be applied to an invoice/s on your student/s account. Credits on student accounts are unable to automatically be applied to invoices by the school.

Did you know you can use the BPOINT link on school invoices to make multiple payments? Simply click the link on your invoice and enter the nominated amount you wish to pay in that transaction. You can repeat this process until the invoice has been paid in full. This can be useful when paying for larger expenses like school camps. If you happen to lose track of the remaining balance, just reach out to the school office and they will be able to provide the outstanding amount for you. You can also check for outstanding amounts through QParents.

Student Resource Scheme

Term 2 SRS instalment invoices were raised Tuesday, 20 May and were due for payment by Friday, 20 June 2025. Late SRS invoices continue to be raised for those who have returned the payment agreement form for 2025. If you are yet to complete and return this form, please ensure to do so as soon as possible to the school office.

The Payment Agreement Forms can located on the school website. Please ensure the Payment Agreement Forms are complete in blue or black pen only and are not digitally signed, as we are unable to accept digital signatures, as per the Department of Education policy. 

If you have not yet created a QParents account and linked your student, one can easily be created. This will allow you to provide digital consent to various activities, notify the school of past, current or future absences, view report cards and pay invoices.

A Registration Process Guide for Parents can be located on our website.

When creating an account, you will require your student's EQ ID number and 100 points of ID. Your student's EQ ID number can be located on invoices raised by the school, report cards or by contacting the school office.
Should you not have the required points of ID, please visit the school office with your ID for the team to approve your account.  

Facilities

We are happy to report the new chilled bubblers have been installed for students to access chilled water in more areas around school.

Over the holidays the school will be replacing the projectors in eight class rooms to support students learning. We look forward to the students and teachers returning after the holidays and getting to use the new equipment.

There are a number of items in the lost property containers at the hall, outside the uniform shop. Other lost items have also been handed to the school office, and are photographed below.  If you notice something that belongs to your famil pictured below,  please visit the school office to collect. 

Please ensure that all items bought to school are named so if lost they can be returned to their owner. 

School Photos

Thank you to all students for remembering their correct uniform for school photos. Once the proofs have been reviewed and approved, photos will be distributed in Term 3. If you have any questions or would like to order additional  photos, please contact MSP directly on 07 3865 4291 or via admin.brisbane@msp.com.au.

Keeping Watch These Holidays

The school office will be closed from 3:30pm Friday, 27 June for Winter Holidays and will re-open from 8am, Monday, 14 July. 

Please help keep our school safe these holidays by reporting any unusual behaviours or activity to School Watch.  During school holidays, empty schools provide an opportunity for criminal activity, becoming targets for unlawful entry, arson, stealing, graffiti and property damage offences.

Notice something suspicious at school over the holidays? Report it to School Watch by calling 13 17 88.

If you see a crime in progress, please do not try to intervene and call Triple Zero (000).

Let's all work together to help create safer school communities!

Monday 14 July – First day of Term 3

Sunday 14 July to Friday 18 July - Aspley SS NAIDOC Week celebrations

Friday 25 July – 2026 Instrumental Music Expression of Interest Due

Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August – Year 6 Canberra Trip

Tuesday 29 July – P&C General Meeting

Monday 4 August to Friday 8 August – Aspley SS 135 Year Celebrations

Wednesday 6 August to Friday 8 August – Year 4 Apex Camp

Thursday 7 August & Friday 8 August – Northern Districts Track & Field

Monday 11 August to Friday 15 August– Bullying No Way National Week of Action 

Wednesday 13 August – EKKA Public Holiday

Friday 15 August – Book Week Parade

Wednesday 20 August to Friday 22 August – Year 5 Luther Heights Camp

Monday 25 August to Thursday 4 Sept – 2025 EQI Study Tour

Tuesday 26 August & Wednesday 27 August – Metropoliton North Track & Field

Thursday 28 August – SingFest

Monday 1 September & Tuesday 2 September – Northside Beginner Band Blitz Workshop

Tuesday 2 September – P&C General Meeting

Wednesday 3 September & Thursday 4 September – P&C Father’s Day Stall

Friday 5 September – Student Free Day

Wednesday 10 September – Year 1 Larrikin Puppet Show

Friday 19 September – Last Day of Term 3

Monday 22 September to Monday 6 October – School Holidays

Understanding Anxiety in School Children

Many school children experience anxiety, which can affect their ability to learn and participate confidently. A common form is separation anxiety, especially in younger students, where children may feel distressed when away from their parents or caregivers. This can lead to difficulties at school drop-off, concentration challenges, and emotional outbursts. Recognising and supporting children with anxiety through consistent routines, reassurance, and gentle encouragement can help build their resilience and sense of security in the school environment.

Child and teen anxiety

• Learn more about the causes and treatment of anxiety in children
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SoAD)
• Specific Phobias (SP)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder (PD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

TRIPLE P’S TIPS FOR REFRAMING DAILY CHALLENGES

Let’s face it – parenting can feel like a juggling act, can’t it? Toddlers fighting bedtime, school-aged children wanting more screen time, teens rolling their eyes at chores – it’s enough to make you wonder, “Why can’t they just help out a little?”One approach that works wonders: routines. Kids thrive on consistency – it gives them a sense of security and makes cooperation come more naturally. A predictable bedtime routine, for instance, can take some of the stress out of the nightly ritual.

Finding balance also helps – try thinking of it as a mindset rather than an even split. It’s not about doing everything perfectly, but making choices that feel right for you and your family. Give yourself permission to embrace imperfection – and the resulting boost to your wellbeing!

Oh, and screens? They’re part of our world now. While setting boundaries is wise, screens can be tools for learning, connecting, and even having fun. With some practical tips, you can learn how to manage kids’ screen time to support mental health, promote safety, and encourage positive digital habits in today’s tech-driven world.

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program can help you handle the ups and downs of parenting more calmly and confidently.

PRESSING PAUSE ON TECH TANTRUMS: POSITIVE SWITCH-OFF STRATEGIES

Does managing screen time feel like a daily battle in your family? If so, you’re not alone. Many parents face frustration and pushback, but these challenges don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

The pull of screens is strong, and kids easily lose track of time: what feels like five minutes can turn into fifty. Many apps and games trigger dopamine responses, making it harder to step away. So when the screen goes off, children are not just pausing a game: they are abruptly ending something deeply absorbing and enjoyable.

But with the right tools and strategies, you can turn screen time struggles into opportunities for balance and connection, for any age group. By making screen time predictable, introducing engaging follow-on activities, using visual timers, and modeling calm responses to frustration, we can help kids navigate tech challenges with confidence.

Triple P’s latest article empowers parents and carers with straightforward information like this for a calm and positive approach to switching off screens.

For more tips and strategies to help you raise capable, confident kids, check out their free online programs.

Learning and Innovation Centre News

Thankyou to all students who returned books to the library before the end of term. 

Scholastic Book Club

Thank You for Supporting Our Book Club!

The students were excited to see the new books that were purchase from Scholastic for the library, and can't wait to start borrowing them in Term 3.  

Have a safe and wonderful holiday.

In our final class lessons during Week 9 and 10, students played Zig Zag Ball, a fast and demanding ball game. In the team’s pursuit of success, students needed to be aware of one another’s strengths and weaknesses and work to support each other., whilst also remaining calm under pressure, recovering quickly from mistakes and persevering when faced with difficulty.

Prep to Year 2 students also played a game called Crazy Balls, a simple game of passing balls around a circle. However, add in the pressure of time and the excitement of speed and anything can happen! The challenge is for students to stay in control and pass the ball with consideration and care.

Students in Years 3 – 6 were also challenged to make the capital letters of the alphabet by working cooperatively as a class group. They needed to communicate effectively, be decisive and support each other in a calm manner.

Sports X