27 January 2017

Newsletter Articles

UPCOMING EVENTS

January/ February 2017

PAYMENTS DUE

PRINCIPAL’S NEWS

Welcome Back to Aspley State School

On Monday we welcomed 114 new Preparatory students who settled very well into school life. All children were eager to re-join their friends and commence an action packed year of learning.

Also a special welcome to a number of new students who have joined our wonderful school in 2017. We currently have 722 students being: Preparatory 115, Year 1 101, Year 2 118, Year 3 101, Year 4 87, Year 5 114 and Year 6 86.

Welcome to Mrs Sally Boorer-Williams (Year 1) and Katrina Mann-Darlington (Year 5) who have transferred to Aspley State School. Congratulations to Mrs Leanne Youitt who has been selected as the new Master Teacher at Aspley State School in 2017.

We wish Mrs Judy Scott, Teacher Aide our best wishes as she retires from her role at Aspley State School. Judy has been a valued teacher aide who supported our Preparatory students.

All our other wonderful staff have returned to school to continue to be dedicated to our student learning. (The clever people from the Department of Education who won lotto over the holidays were not from our ranks!)

QParents Online Parent Portal

I encourage all parents/ carers to enrol in the QParents if you have not already done so.

QParents is a web and mobile application that provides the ability for parents/carers of Queensland state school students to access and update information about their child and to communicate directly with their school.

Once a parent has registered an account with QParents and has added their students, they will have secure online access to information such as their student’s:

• attendance details
• report cards
• timetables
• invoices
• payment details

QParents Account owners will also be able to update student details and let the school know of changes to normal routine, such as when the student is unwell or has to leave early.

Student Absences

Every day counts! Regular school attendance assists children to be successful learners. If your child is absent from school please notify the school through the QParents App. Alternatively, you may email absence@aspleyss.eq.edu.au or telephone the school office on Phone: 07 38639111 (Option 1)

In term one the school will commence telephoning parents / carers for any children who absence from school is unexplained. Later this term, Aspley State School will be introducing at SMS Message service. If a student is away from school without explanation, parents/carers will be notified that same day. Please ensure that your phone details are up to date. You can do this through the QParents App.

Neighbourhood Courtesy

I ask that parents / carers do not obstruct the driveways of neighbouring residents when dropping off or collecting children from Aspley State School. This week some residents have been inconvenienced through these unlawful behaviours. Our neighbours are a valuable community watch for our school and we wish to repay them with our courtesy.

Parking in school areas can be challenging at times. Some useful strategies may be:

• Allow plenty of time to park and walk your child into the school;
• If appropriate, arrange a nearby meeting point for your children to walk the first block;
• Pick up 5 minutes after the bell when traffic is more fluid; or
• Car pool with a neighbour or friend.

I anticipate that the Qld Police Service to police the school zones in coming weeks to enforce speed limits near the school and parking around Aspley State School.

Swimming

Swimming will commence in week 2 for students in classes …….

Swimming lessons provides each student four, one hour swimming lessons weeks of swimming in Term 1 and Term 4. Swimming lessons improve student’s water safety and provide quality instruction to develop their swimming skills and ability. Qualified swimming instructors design lessons targeted at your child’s ability and learning goals.

Swimming Progress Reports will be issued in term 1 to the students in year one students and other students new to Aspley State School in 2017. All students will receive a progress report in Term 4. This report details the level of your child’s achievement in swimming.

Parents please ensure that the swimming permission note is returned to the school office as soon as possible. Payment should be made through QParents or alternatively cash / cheque at the school office. Students who have not returned permission slips and paid for swimming instruction will not participate.

District Swimming Training

Mr Schmidt, HPE Teacher and the wonderful staff from Swim Solutions, will support our eligible North District Swimming competitors to train each Friday morning leading up to the North District Swimming. Identified students have received a permission form to allow them to attend this weekly training session. See later for dates of North District Sporting trials and competition dates.

Leann Griffith-Baker
Principal

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S NEWS

WELCOME TO ALL NEW FAMILIES AND WELCOME BACK TO ALL CONTINUING FAMILIES

Welcome everyone. We hope you had a wonderful time with your children. For the new families, Mr Brendan Smith manages classes from Years 3-6 and Mrs Christine Antoni manages Preps, Year 1 and Year 2. We hope that you and your child have a wonderful year.

SCHOOL START TIMES

Classroom doors open at 8:30am and formal teaching starts at 8:40am. If your child arrives at school after 9 am, they need to come to the School Office for a late slip.

All parents are reminded that students who are here early are NOT allowed near the classroom buildings. The waiting area is at the Hall. This includes Prep students and parents.

Teachers use their time before school to get the day organised. If you need to meet with them, please make an appointment for a mutually suitable time.

SCHOOL DRESS CODE

On enrolment to our school, every parent was made aware of the school dress code. At Aspley State School, we wear our uniform proudly. During Assembly, all students were reminded about the school uniform, hat, black shoes and white socks.

HORN ROAD DROP OFF AND PICK UP

The Horn Road Drop off and Pick up zone is a Brisbane City Council controlled area. As such we are bound by Council rules and regulations with parking. To ensure the safety of our students at all times in this area we would appreciate your cooperation with the procedures we have in place.

• Cars do not enter the carpark prior to the 3 pm bell song. Students are released from class at 3pm but depending on where their classroom is some of them do not get to the carpark till a few minutes later.
• There are 4 dedicated bays for pick-ups. NO cars are to be parked in these spaces prior to 3pm. It is a 2 minute drop off and pick up area and the driver must remain in the car.
• If you are there for more than 2 minutes and your child is not there, you will be asked to move on and you must exit the carpark and join the cue.
• Most importantly, if someone else is picking your child up, they will need to be informed of the procedure. The last thing you want is for them to be fined.
• Brisbane City Council officers randomly inspect this area and tickets may be issued to people not adhering to the signed directions.

FYI: Brisbane City Council - Common parking offences

Stopping in a signed no stopping zone, 167 of Part 12 of the Regulation: $121.00

PREP VISION SCREENING

A Registered Nurse will be visiting the school on 14 -17 February 2017 to commence vision screening for all Prep Year children. If you wish to have your child participate in this vision screening program, please complete and sign the consent form sent home with your child and return this to your child’s class teacher as soon as possible. You will be advised in writing of the outcome of your child’s screening.

Good vision is important for a child’s educational, physical and social development. Vision screening is therefore vital in early childhood, particularly for conditions such as ‘lazy eye’, which if not detected early can lead to blindness.

Please note that if your child has had a vision assessment in the past 12 months it is not necessary for him/her to participate in this screening program. If this is the case, please complete the consent form and indicate that you do not wish for your child to participate, and ensure that you follow the schedule of reviews recommended by your eye health professional.

STUDENT RESOURCE SCHEME

Thank you for your support with the SRS. This scheme enables us to buy resources for the classroom at bulk prices and this reduces parent cost on the booklist.

Resources purchased through the scheme include:-

• Reading and Comprehension Activity Cards
• Think Tanks – problem solving activities
• Class sets of Atlases
• Class sets Dictionaries
• Photocopied booklets to support units of work
• Laminating pouches for pieces of artwork
• Classroom reading resources
• Digital access to Mathletics
• Digital access to Literacy Planet

DATE CLAIMER

A reminder across the School Community that a Special Assembly will be held on Monday 20 February 2017 for the purposes of the 2017 Student Leadership Induction.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS

ASPLEY MUSIC PROGRAM 2017

Welcome back to continuing young musicians, choralists and musical families and a very warm welcome to our young beginning instrumentalists/choralists to our wonderful Aspley Music Program. Mrs Macca, Ms Jabs and Ms Jerram hope you all have a magical year of musical learning and development participating in our various music programs here at Aspley.

COMMUNICATION

The avenues used for communication with our musician’s families at Aspley are:

• Aspley State School Newsletter (main avenue for communication).
• Parent Information Letters sent home with students regarding upcoming events throughout the school year.
• One on one communication with Mrs Macca, Ms Jerram and Ms Jabs via letter/email.
• Music Noticeboard outside the music classroom.

Please ensure that you read the fortnightly school newsletter for information updates regarding the various music programs here at Aspley State School.

ASPLEY CHORAL PROGRAM

In 2017, Aspley State School is hoping to continue with its strong traditions in choral training. Mrs Macca will be conducting the various choral ensembles at Aspley State School which include - Junior Choir (Year 2 and Year 3); Boyz Vocal Ensemble (Year 3 – Year 6) and the Senior Choir (Year 4 – Year 6). Through-out 2017, choirs will be involved in assembly performances, workshops, local performances and music evenings.

All choral ensembles will commence rehearsals in Week 3, 2017 and continue rehearsals on the same day each week throughout the school year (unless notified of a change).

Please take note of rehearsal days and times for the various choral ensembles below:

Students in Years 2 through to Years 6 interested in participating in the Aspley Choral Program will receive a parent information letter during their first choral ensemble rehearsal, outlining the finer details of participating in the Aspley Choral Program.

It is important that children understand that participating in the choral program is a weekly commitment, which they are expected to attend all choral rehearsals. Students who participate in Junior and Senior Choral programs will have their lunch outside the music classroom from 1.15pm till 1.30pm before commencing choral rehearsals. Junior and Senior Choristers conclude choral rehearsals at 2.00pm, upon which time students’ return to normal classroom routine.

Mrs McIntyre is highly motivated and keen to see the choral program work at its highest level and is looking forward to your child participating in the 2017 Aspley Choral Program.

MUSIC PERFORMANCE UNIFORM

All students participating in Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Boys Choir, Senior String Orchestra, Junior Concert Band and Senior Concert band will receive a letter in upcoming weeks outlining the Aspley Performance Uniform for the 2017 school year. The Aspley Performance Uniform will be available for purchase through the Aspley Shop.

The Aspley Performance Uniform is worn by all performing ensembles at Aspley State School (excluding Beginner String students). Performing students are required to wear the following Aspley Performance Uniform – Long Black Dress Pants, Long Sleeved White Dress Shirt, Black Socks and Black Shoes.

Continuing String/ Woodwind/Brass/Percussion and Choral students should have the necessary uniform requirements.

CLASSROOM MUSIC NEWS

Mrs McIntyre has very much enjoyed being back in the music classroom with students from Aspley during this past week, singing & making music- welcome back everyone!!

A reminder to parents and caregivers to please ensure that your child/ren brings the following necessary equipment to the music classroom for their weekly music lesson to ensure a successful learning experience:

Year 1 – Take Note Level 1 Music Book (Yellow)
Year 2 – Take Note Level 2 Music Book (Green)
Year 3 – Take Note Level 3 Music Book (Blue), Recorder Magic Book 1 (Yellow), Recorder, Pencil Case
Year 4 – Take Note Level 4 Music Book (Red), Recorder Magic Book 1 (Yellow), Recorder, Pencil Case
Year 5 – Recorder Magic Book 1 (Yellow) PLUS Recorder Magic Book 2 (Red), Recorder, Pencil Case
Year 6 – Recorder Magic Book 1 (Yellow) PLUS Recorder Magic Book 2 (Red), Recorder, Pencil Case

All students Take Note workbooklets will be kept in the music room in readiness for each classroom music lesson.

Thank you for supporting your child’s music education.

CURRENT AND UPCOMING MUSICAL EVENTS - TERM ONE 2017

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

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC NEWS

Instrumental Music lessons will commence in Week 2 with Jumpstart lessons. Our beginners will be involved in an intensive program, achieving very exciting results. During this time, we need every beginner to remember their instrument and be working hard at home to get the most from this celebrated program.

All beginning Instrumental Music Students (Woodwind/Brass/Percussion/Strings) will be required to meet with Ms Jabs and Ms Jerram on Friday 27th January at 8.45am in the Music Rehearsal Room (behind the music classroom) for a meeting in readiness for their Jumpstart lessons. The finer details of participating in this program will be shared with students at this meeting.

Woodwind/Brass/Percussion students will have their Jumpstart lessons with Ms Jabs on Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st of January. Jumpstart lessons for our beginner String students will be held on Thursday 2nd February 2017 with Ms Jerram. Beginner Instrumentalists will receive a timetable outlining these exciting lessons on Friday 27th January. Please ensure that students bring necessary equipment to these lessons for a positive start to their involvement in our wonderful instrumental music programs. A reminder that required items were outlined for all beginner instrumental music students in the Aspley Music Program Handbook.

Continuing Instrumental Music Students will commence their regular weekly lessons and ensembles in Week 3 of Term 1. All students will receive timetables soon.

Our Instrumental Music Teachers are Ms Christine Jabs (Woodwind/Brass/Percussion – Monday & Wednesday) and Ms Amanda Jerram (Strings – Thursday)

All questions regarding the instrumental music program are to be directed to our Music Coordinator, Mrs McIntyre.

Happy Music Making
The Aspley Music Department

SPORTS DEPARTMENT NEWS

North District Trial Information (students turning 10-12 this year only)

1. Swimming trial to be held on the 9 Feb (Lawnton Pool)
2. Netball trial to be held on the 13th of Feb
3. Basketball trial to be held on the 15th of Feb
4. AFL trial to be held on the 2nd of March
5. Hockey trial to be held on the 7th of March
6. Boys Soccer trial to be held on the 8th of March
7. Girls Soccer trial to be held on the 9th of March
8. Rugby League trial to be held on the 15th of March
9. Touch trial to be held on the 22nd of March

** For any of these trials, students will need to see Mr Schmidt to obtain a trial permission form. Please note that some of these trials have student caps (which means we can only send a certain number of students and sometimes not everyone can attend).

North District Swimming

Congratulations to all our swimmers who have qualified for the North District swimming carnival to be held at Lawnton Pool on Thursday the 9th of Feb. Students will need to pay $5 to the office and have their ‘Permission to attend form” signed by the principal. There will be 2 training sessions available to any of these students on a Friday in weeks 1 & 2, at the Aspley school pool starting at 7am-8am with Janelle Lee as the coach. Good luck to all our swimmers!

School Sport Information

Swimming (term 1) – will commence in week 2 for the first block of classes (as per the swimming letter’s timetable). Please ensure that your child brings all swimming attire (togs, cap, swim shirt, towel, goggles and sunscreen) for swimming on the correct day. Parent helpers for any lower grade classes (grades 1 & 2) would be greatly appreciated.

Perceptual Motor Program (Prep only)

For the first term, Prep will commence their PMP Program, to be held in the hall in their PE time slot. The Perceptual Motor Program consists of a variety of small stations, each designed to test the student’s skills and abilities in a range of areas. It would be great if there are any parents who have that time off that would like to help out during these lessons (the more parents – the more stations can be setup and the students can use). Please fill in the form sent out and hand it back to their classroom teacher – I look forward to working and meeting hopefully lots of Prep parents.

SCHOOL BANKING

School Banking will commence on Wednesday 1 February (week 2).

If anyone is interested in helping with the school banking on a Wednesday morning, could you please contact the office?

P&C NEWS

Aspley P&C is looking for help in 2017!

Over the past few years, the P&C has worked hard to simplify the operations of the P&C, and we can now confidently say that the P&C is a much easier and more straightforward proposition than it has been in the past. You may have felt put off by the requirements in the past, but the time involved is not as onerous as you may think. We’re looking for people that have the interests of the school community at heart and is looking to get involved.

Getting involved in the P&C is a great way to support the school and its students.

If you are interested and have some available time (no matter how little it may seem), please get in touch with the current Executive Committee which you can do with just a quick email to pandc@aspleyss.eq.edu.au. The first P&C meeting is on 21 Feb – which is also the Annual General Meeting when a new P&C Executive will be selected by the community - but it would be fantastic to talk to people who are interested in putting some time in. The P&C is an important part of the school community and provides significant financial support to our school, and by default our children.

The P&C is responsible for

• The school Tuckshop & Uniform Shop
• Management of school assets such as the Hall and Swimming Pool
• Fundraising activities

The P&C has supported the school financially to the tune of approximately $270,000 over the past 4 years. This has gone directly towards items such as:

• Classroom air conditioning
• ICT equipment for students (iPads and PC’s)
• Painting of school buildings
• School Hall maintenance, kitchen upgrades, and new audio & visual equipment
• Grounds and garden maintenance
• Support for the school sports programs

We appreciate that life is busy and your time is precious, however the more families that get involved (even for the small things) the lighter the load for everyone. We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting!

Tuckshop and Uniform Shop

TUCKSHOP

Welcome to 2017. I am very happy to have been appointed as the new tuckshop convenor late last year and looking forward to the year ahead. I have 2 children at the school and am very aware of the importance of providing a healthy balanced menu and will do my best to provide this.

This year the tuckshop will be open 5 days, both breaks for ordering meals, as well as over the counter sales during play break times for drinks and ice blocks. Just a reminder that ordering of meals, drinks and ice blocks is available via our Flexischools system and cut off for ordering is 8.30am. Log on and take a look there have been some new items added including wraps and salads. Also, a reminder to please discus with your children what has been ordered for their lunch to avoid confusion or disappointment on the day.

Is your new years’ resolution to become more involved in the community? Then why not come and volunteer in the tuckshop. No formal qualifications needed and all you need to bring along is a willingness to learn and meet new people. You do not need to spend all day or volunteer regularly every week. You can volunteer for 1 hour, 1 day a month if you like. Peak times in the tuckshop are from 8.30am – 10.30am and 12.00 – 1.30pm. We welcome all family members including Grandparents and Dads so don’t be shy. If you are interested, please pop in and say hello or email us at theshop@aspleyss.com.au

Judith Whitehead
Tuckshop Convenor

UNIFORM SHOP

New Times

The Uniform Shop will now open Monday and Wednesday 8.00am – 10.00am

Did your children grow over the break and you now have extra uniforms you don’t know what to do with? We are always happy to receive uniform donations and any volunteers to wash and mend donations received. Please drop any donations off to the uniform shop or tuckshop or email theshop@aspleyss.com.au to lend a hand.

Jane Mulroony
Uniform Shop Convenor

JAPANESE STUDY TOUR

Aspley will again be hosting Japanese students this year. Host families will be needed. If you would like to help, please refer to attached flyer.

AUSTRALIA DAY

On Thursday 26th January 2017 we celebrate Australia Day. All students and their families will enjoy a public holiday and school is closed on this day.

On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.

Australia Day, 26 January, is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain, and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by its commander Captain Arthur Phillip, in 1788.

Though 26 January marks this specific event, today Australia Day celebrations reflect contemporary Australia: our diverse society and landscape, our remarkable achievements and our bright future. It also is an opportunity to reflect on our nation's history, and to consider how we can make Australia an even better place in future.

On Australia Day, half of the nation’s population of 24 million attend either an organised community event, or get together with family and friends with the intention of celebrating our national day. Many more spend the public holiday relaxing with family and friends.

Yet Australia Day is much more than barbeques and fireworks. It is more than another public holiday. It is more than the pride and excitement of new citizens who call themselves Australian for the first time on 26 January after being conferred citizenship.

At its core, Australia Day is a day driven by communities, and the celebrations held in each town, suburb or city – unified by the celebration of what’s great about Australia and being Australian – are the foundation of its ongoing success.

Queensland’s Australia Day Finalists

The Queensland finalists for Australia Day Awards in 2017 include:

1. Australian of the Year - Emeritus Professor Alan Mackay-Sim
   Biomedical scientist treating spinal cord injuries
2. Senior Australian of the Year - Professor Perry Bartlett FAA
   Neuroscientist and founder of the Queensland Brain Institute
3. Young Australian of the Year - Taj Pabari
   Entrepreneur and inventor of the Fiftysix Tablet Kit
4. Australia’s Local Hero - Yasmin Khan
   Diversity champion helping victims of domestic violence

We wish every member of our school community a wonderful Australia Day holiday on Thursday.

COMMMUNITY NEWS

BROTHERS RUGBY UNION CLUB

CHINESE CLASSES

Chinese (Mandarin) Classes – Aspley State School. Check the attached flyer for further information.

Please see the attached flyer for the Information afternoon.

Time: 2-4pm on 28th JANUARY (Saturday)
Location: Aspley State School (Eastern side of the Hall)
Address: Maundrell Tce and Horn Rd, Aspley QLD 4034

SWARM HIP HOP CLASSES

Swarm Studios Hip Hop classes will be held in the Aspley State School Hall. Classes will commence on Saturday, 28 January 2017. For further information check the attached flyer.

GO SPORT SIGN ON

Time to Play and Learn a New Game or just improve skills. Join us for all the fun at GO SPORTS

GO CRICKET AND GO NETBALL commencing 14 February 2017 at Aspley State School.

Check the attached flyer for further information.