12 August 2016

Newsletter Articles

UPCOMING EVENTS

August 2016

PAYMENTS DUE

PRINCIPAL'S NEWS

Year 6 Canberra Excursion

On Sunday the year 6 students and teachers depart to Canberra for a 6 day tour of the national capital. With warm, woolly, clothes packed, the students will enjoy the trip of a lifetime! Students are to ensure that they arrive at school on this Sunday and in plenty of time to board the bus to the airport. Students will be accompanied by Mrs Wright, Mrs Griffith-Baker, Mrs Hinds, Mrs Dooley, Mrs Rossiter, Mr Farrow and Mrs Vener. Each day teachers will post two photos on school social media so parents/ carers can share their journey.

Mr Wayne Swan, Federal Member for Lilley

Year 6 students enjoyed hosting Mr Wayne Swan, Member for Lilley as a special guest speaker on Tuesday. The students enjoyed learning about Australian Government and the role of a local member to be the advocate for his constituents. Students learned about his life in politics and the many roles where he served in his public life. Students were interested in his stories and to learn about the mechanics of parliament.

Read more about Mr Swan, Federal Member for Lilley at

NAPLAN Achievements in 2016

Congratulations to the Aspley State School year 3 and 5 students for their excellent performance in the recent National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests.

Year 3 students that participated in the 2016 NAPLAN Tests achieved:

• 100% students at or above national minimum standards in spelling, grammar & punctuation and writing;
• 99% of students at or above national minimum standards in numeracy and reading.

Year 3 students achieved the following percentages of students In the Upper 2 bands:

• Reading - 72%
• Spelling - 68%
• Grammar & Punctuation - 69%
• Writing - 52%
• Numeracy - 49%

Year 5 students that participated in the 2016 NAPLAN Tests achieved:

• 99% students at or above national minimum standards in writing and numeracy;
• 98% of students achieved at or above national minimum standards in grammar & punctuation
• 95% of students achieved at or above national minimum standards in reading and spelling

Year 5 students achieved the following percentages of students in the upper 2 bands:

• Reading - 38%
• Spelling - 31%
• Grammar & Punctuation - 54%
• Writing - 14%
• Numeracy - 30%

NAPLAN -Queensland Achievements 2016

In Queensland our strongest results in NAPLAN were in the Year 3 and Year 5 cohorts, where Queensland achieved some of its highest ever rankings against the national minimum standards (NMS). Highlights of Queensland's NAPLAN results include:

• ranking first nationally in Year 3 grammar and punctuation (the first time that Queensland has ever ranked first in a test area);
• ranking second nationally in Year 3 reading and numeracy;
• ranking second nationally in Year 5 grammar and punctuation; and
• ranking second nationally in Year 7 spelling.

Go Qlder!

Netball Courts

On Tuesday we completed the replacement of the netball courts. A partnership with the school and Vipers Netball club secured funds to replace the courts, posts, nets and lights. This substantial investment has left Aspley State School with two state of the art courts that will enable netball to flourish as a school and club sport.

Swimming Pool Repaint

Works have been recently been completed to repaint the Aspley State School swimming pool and repair the coping tiles around the pool. With the pool looking sparkling, the Aspley Swimming Club and swimming lessons has recommenced. School children look forward to commencing swimming lessons in term 4.

Chess Club

We invite interested students to come along to the Aspley State School Chess Club which will be an afterschool activity each Tuesday afternoon from 3.00 pm – 4.00pm. Chess club will commence on Tuesday 16th August 2016. Chess club is open for interested students in Prep to Year 6. I thank Mr Farrow, Ms Oliver, Mrs de Blonk Smith. Permission forms are available at the office and there is a limit of 25 places.

Volunteer Required -Tiler

Recently the servery in the hall has been improved with additional cupboards, a commercial fridge, and a new stove and rangehood. I am seeking a volunteer with tiling skills to install another row of ten tiles on the splashback of the kitchenette. All materials will be supplied. If you can assist with this job please email the.principal@aspleyss.eq.edu.au

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S NEWS

Good News Story

• Congratulations to Alexandra Hassall (6F) for her role as Reading Reviewer for Scholastic for Terms 3 and 4 this year. On assembly, Alex was awarded with a certificate and a badge commending her for her new role by Kimberley Lucas from Scholastic.

• We have a budding poet in Year One. Well done to Anishka Archarya from 1T. Her poem on Spring was published in the Alphabet Soup magazine.

ICAS Competitions for Science and Technology

At Assembly on Monday, we recognised and celebrated student success in the recent ICAS Competitions for Science and Technology.

Aspley State School ICAS participants

Writing Focus – All Write!

It is amazing to see all students fully engaged in their writing tasks in every classroom. They are overjoyed when asked to read their stories to us when asked to. I would like to share some of their pieces. I know you will enjoy reading them

Triple P

Our school is holding a Triple P program called Raising Resilient Kids. This workshop is on Wednesday August 17 at the school Hall from 630pm – 8 pm. Sign in on our school website to ensure your spot.

WHAT DOES TRIPLE P DO?

The three Ps in 'Triple P' stand for 'Positive Parenting Program' which means your family life is going to be much more enjoyable.

Triple P helps you:

• Raise happy, confident kids
• Manage misbehavior so everyone in the family enjoys life more
• Set rules and routines that everyone respects and follows
• Encourage behavior you like
• Take care of yourself as a parent
• Feel confident you're doing the right thing

Everyone Doing Their Job

On Assembly, the students were reminded that they have a job to do at school; in the classroom, in the playground and at Assembly. They were given the responsibility to take messages home to parents who couldn't be at Assemblies.

This week's message is before school waiting areas. There is only ONE before school waiting area and that is on the Eastern side of the hall. Students are not to be waiting in playgrounds, ovals or around classroom. Please encourage your child to pass on these messages and make them responsible citizens.

Year 5 Leadership Training

Congratulations to the Year 5 students who completed the Kokoda Challenge on Tuesday 9 August.

The feedback received from our staff and the external provider indicate that our students not only participated well, but showed the consistency of engagement and behaviour that is expected of them every day. Well done!

Thank you to the Year 5 Teachers, Mrs Rossito and Ms Mina (substituting for Miss Oliver) for assisting on the day and allowing students the opportunity to grow as a leader and member of our cohort.

A reminder that due to operational reasons, the Expression of Interest for 2017 Senior Leaders will now be released on Monday 15 August (not Friday 12 August as advertised previously) and the return date has been adjusted accordingly.

Waiting Areas – After School

A reminder that the only approved Waiting Areas after 3pm are at the Eastern Hall or the upper Maundrell Terrace Entry (near the Staff Car Park). Staff members are on duty in these areas until 3:20pm to ensure students are supervised and safe during these peak access times.

For student safety, no one is permitted in the Year 1/ 2 Playground after school. Students found in this area will have a consequence applied, as this reminder has been ongoing for a lengthy period of time via assemblies and school newsletters.

Students and parents are reminded that any student at the Hall or Maundrell Terrace waiting areas once the 3:20pm bell song plays are taken back to the Office. Again, this ensures that everyone is safe and accounted for.

SCHOOL COUNCIL - PARENT REPESENTATIVE ELECTIONS

Please be advised that the election of one (1) Parent Representative for the Aspley State School Council will be conducted at 7pm on Tuesday 16 August 2016, immediately prior to the scheduled P&C Meeting.

Please find below a link to the Candidate Profile for both nominees – Mr Brenden McClennan and Mr Stephen Solly.

In accordance with the School Council Constitution, only those in attendance at the meeting are eligible to vote on the ballot paper provided.

Following the Ballot, the announcement of the successful candidate will be made after the Principal has been notified in writing.

Brendan Smith - Returning Officer

MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS

Education Queensland Singfest

Senior Choir & Boys Choralists Years 4 – 6 Only

All Choristers in both the Senior and Boys Choral Ensembles have now received an invitation to participate in the upcoming Education Queensland Singfest to be held on Tuesday 30th August, 2016.

Singfest is an annual massed choral music event for Education Queensland Primary School students. It features students from across the Metropolitan Region coming together to learn selected choral repertoire at school, then participate in a one day workshop with a Guest Conductor, Mr Timothy Sherlock.

Boys Choir members who choose to participate in Singfest will be required to attend Senior Choir rehearsals on a Thursday 1.15pm – 2.00pm from Weeks 3 – Week 7 in term three to ensure they know the selected repertoire for this special performance. This repertoire will NOT be covered in Boys Choral Ensemble rehearsals on a Monday morning. Thus, Boys participating in Singfest for 2016 will have two rehearsals each week from weeks 3 – week 7.

Permission slips, medical/consent forms and the payment of $20.00 are to be handed in to the school office by Tuesday 16th August, 2016.

It is a truly wonderful opportunity our young choristers and I encourage everyone to participate in this memorable event.

Australian Girls Choir – Workshop

On Monday 8th August, a representative from the Australian Girls Choir visited Aspley State School to hold a singing workshop with interested female students in Years 1 – Year 6. It was so wonderful to see such enthusiastic singers participate in this workshop which assessed the most suitable level of training for each student with the Australian Girls Choir association. Further information regarding 2017 Australian Girls Choir classes will be posted to all participating students.

Choral Rehearsals Term 3

We have had a wonderful start to choral rehearsals for all ensembles in Term 3. A reminder to all choralists that rehearsals days and times for our choral ensembles through-out semester two are:

Current And Upcoming Musical Events – Term Three 2016

Please take note of upcoming musical events for Term Three below:

Instrumental Music Recruitment Process For 2017

With Term 3 upon us, we are commencing the recruitment process for 2017.

It's a fact that the majority of people who are literate in music learn it in a school setting, and we are extremely fortunate to provide music instruction through our school. If students were not part of our school music program, there is very little chance they would seek to develop their musical skills outside the school setting — and that would be detrimental to their human growth.

It is crucial that you are aware of the positive benefits of learning to play a musical instrument — and one year of study is certainly not enough to gain all of them. You see, being a musician trains your child's mind for success in every aspect of their life. The executive function your child will develop over the next few years through music are transferable to every academic subject. Without instrumental music education as part of their day, your child will be missing out on some uniquely important life lessons and tools.

We hope that your child chooses to commence in our incredible Music Program in 2017. They deserve to explore their musical education and the wonderful benefits that come with it for their entire school life, if not beyond. It's with this in mind that we can't wait to see your child in band/orchestra next year.

Aspley State School children in Year Three upwards are offered the opportunity to learn a string instrument. Children from Year Four upwards are offered the opportunity to learn woodwind, brass or percussion instruments through the school's instrumental music program. Children cannot be enrolled in both programs.

The Recruitment Timeline below outlines the various steps that will be followed through Semester Two for our 2017 intake. Parent information letters will be coming home to our current Year 2 (string) and Year 3 (woodwind/ brass/ percussion) students to participate in 2017 in week 9 of Term Three. Please take note of these dates, as testing/enrolment outside these dates if not permissible.

Aspley State School Instrumental Music 2016

Recruitment Timeline and Procedures

If you have further questions regarding this exciting process, please contact Mrs McIntyre.

Instrumental Music News

A reminder that the Senior Concert Band has only 2 rehearsals until we are on tour!!!! It is vital all students are in attendance with their instrument and music.

A reminder to all students attending the FRASER COAST MUSIC TOUR that payments are due no later than 19th August, 2016. Please return the medical and homebake from with payment to the school office, so we can start collating paperwork.

COMPULSORY MUSIC TOUR REHEARSALS

Instrumental Music Changes to Ensemble Rehearsals/Lessons

Please be aware that ALL Instrumental music lessons and ensemble rehearsals for ALL Woodwind/Brass/Percussion and String students in Week 5 (Monday 8th August – Friday 12th August) will be cancelled for both Ms Jabs and Ms Jerram as they are in attendance at the Craigslea State High School Music Tour.

Happy Music Making
The Aspley Music Team
Mrs Macca, Ms Jabs and Ms Jerram

SPORTS DEPARTMENT NEWS

Well done to all the students who participated in North district trials on July 25th and July 26th. Aspley had a great representation of kids from all age groups at these trials.

Congratulations to all the students who qualified for Met north trials that are being held in late August. Below is a list of the students who qualified.

Relay teams:

• Girls 10 year old 4x100 meter relay team
• Boys 10 year old 4x100 meter relay team.

Good luck at Met North Trials, and most of all have fun!

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART JUMP OFF DAY

Today is the annual Jump Off for the Heart Foundation. To date an amazing $2910 has been raised on line with many more cash donations still to be counted. Thank you for the support shown for this great cause, especially to those who raised some great amounts on line. The cut off for those wishing to donate and possibly gain some great prizes is Friday 26th June. We want to finalise this soon after so prizes can be distributed as soon as possible. Thank you once again for such a great effort.

Elaine Dooley and Keri-Ann Butler.

LIBRARY NEWS

Oliver Library System.

There are 2 ways you can access the catalogue system from Home, directly through the Internet or through the Library Link App, which is free to download.

Accessing the library catalogue from home

1. Login to the school library system at this address:

2. You will be able to search the catalogue without logging in.
3. To login click on the red login button on the top right.

Type in your MIS Username. ……………………………………………………..

4. Type in the Password Aspley2016 (if you have a different password you can use that or click forgot password and enter your school or parent email)
5. You can change the password after you login.
6. You can check to see what resources you have on loan and when they are due.

Instructions for Using Library Link App.

1. Download the Library Link App (free on Play Store or App Store)
2. Follow the instructions above using your computer or laptop to login to Oliver.

3. Your page will look like this.
4. Click on the Search Icon on the top right (Magnifying Glass)
5. You will get this page – (See Below) Click on MY Portal on the left hand Menu

Select" Details" then scroll to the bottom of the Details page to access the QR Code.

6. Open the Library Link App on your device. Go to Setup and scan the QR code from the computer.
7. You should then be able to access the Aspley State School Library Catalogue from your mobile device.

Visit to the school by Author of TooCool

On Friday 26 August, Phil Kettle, author of the Too Cool, Boyz Rule and Girlz Rock series will be at the school to provide some writing tips to our Year 2-6 students.

We are offering student's the opportunity to engage with a real author and to hear how writing works. This is also in conjunction with Book Week. Phil will have signed copies of his books for sale for $5.00 from 10:30am on the same day.

ACTIVE SCHOOL TRAVEL

EARLYACT NEWS

EARLYACT BOOK DRIVE

This term, our Earlyact Club has decided to collect books and stationery to send to the children in New Guinea who desperately need any sorts of books to assist with their education.

Therefore if you have any books etc at home that you have enjoyed but no longer need, please bring them to school so we can send them to the schools in New Guinea. We would also welcome any donations of exercise books, pencils etc.

Your donations can be brought to school during Week 5, 6, 7 and 8 and delivered to Mr Grove's room. At the end of week 8, members of the Aspley Rotary Club will pack up all the books and pay to transport them to New Guinea.

Thank you for your continued support of the Aspley Earlyact Club through your very generous donations. It is wonderful to teach our children the importance of giving to those less fortunate than themselves.

Nelma Wright

CRAIGSLEA HIGH EXCELLENCE PROGRAMS

SPARROWS SOCCER PROGRAM NEWS

For Sparrows information:

Kym Farrow, Class 6F teacher & Sparrows Coordinator, kafar0@eq.edu.au | 07 3863 9111

Carolynne Hassall, parent & Sparrows communication/administration support, carolynne.h@dhconsulting.com.au | 0404 883 462

Under the Stars Outback Experience

Looking for a holiday with a difference this coming September / October 2016? Try this idea!

Outback Farmers are offering families the opportunity to holiday on their properties and experience real farming. Ride some horses, quad bikes, round up sheep and cattle, ride tractors, enjoy camp fires and look up into the amazing night sky.

Go to the website below to search and book your farming holiday. Many farmers are offering 100% free accommodation, some a small fee.

This is a great way for all families to enjoy a school holiday in the farming communities of Australia.