10 February 2017

Newsletter Articles

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 2017

PAYMENTS DUE

PRINCIPAL’S NEWS

Student Portfolios

In 2017 students from Aspley State School will maintain a student portfolio which will be a record of their learning goals, artefacts of learning and self-reflection. This portfolio was provided to students at the beginning of the year and was a part of the 2017 student resource levy. Students will be supported to collect relevant samples of their learning progress and rubrics elaborating on their learning achievements. During the year when parents attend student / parent / teacher interviews they can show their Student Portfolio as a rich collection of their learning. At the end of the year this student portfolio will be sent home for students to keep. The folder may be reused for 2018 or alternatively another folder for the following year can be purchased.

Swimming

Swimming lessons have commenced and students are enjoying the program whilst developing valuable skills and advancing their swimming proficiency within this sporting opportunity.

Swimming at Aspley State School is an extra curricula, sports activity which the school offers to students who are currently enrolled in years 1-6. Preparatory children will be offered the opportunity to participate in this enhanced sporting opportunity in term four. The cost of this program is $20.00 per student. Each semester the children are invited to participate in swimming as an enhanced sporting opportunity. The fee of $20 is for the extra curricula program and it is optional. This fee can be paid at the office, or through a payment plan. It is planned that there will be additional swimming lessons in term 4, 2017. Students who do not participate in swimming will continue their learning at a buddy class in this time.

In term 1 students who are new to the school, or in year one, will receive a swimming report which identifies the demonstrated skills of the children in swimming program. All other students received this report in term 4, 2016. Swimming is not included in the assessment of Health and Physical Education on the report card, as it has its own specific annual progress report.

Japanese Homestay

Each year Aspley State School hosts students from the Ritsumeikan Uji Junior High School in Kyoto, Japan. The students complete language lessons and interact in school life at Aspley State School. We are seeking families to host these students. A commitment for the host family would be to provide a private bedroom, meals and transport to and from school each day. If you can assist please contact:

Chess Club

Chess Club has commenced each Thursday afternoon in the school library. Places are limited to 30 students and letters have been sent to students who previously attended. If additional places are available then these positions will be advertised through class teachers to students. Students who attend Chess club enjoy learning the game of chess, strategies for effective play, problem solving skills and enjoy the fun and challenge of playing Chess in a multi-aged learning environment.

Writers Club

Miss Oliver is currently seeking students who would like to join writers club which is held weekly. This is an enrichment opportunity for students from years 2-6 who have advanced writing skills. Places are limited and are offered to students who demonstrate a commitment to attending regularly.

Parents and Citizens Association Meeting

The next Annual General Meeting to be followed by the regular meeting for the Aspley State School Parents and Citizens Association Meeting will be held on Tuesday 21 February 2017 at 7.00 pm in the school library (downstairs from the administration block). All parents are welcome to attend and your contribution to the school would be greatly appreciated. Each parent has skills to contribute and many hands make light work. Come along meet other parents / carers and enjoy being an active contributor to Aspley State School.

To attend meetings you must apply to become a member of the P & C Association.

Internet Safety - iParent

This week schools supported Safer Internet Day 2017 where students learnt more about on-line safety and the appropriate use of digital technology.

In changing times, parenting can be complex. It is important to ensure that we support our young people to act in a way that keeps them safe, whilst enjoying learning, and demonstrate the benefits of global engagement and on-line access.

The Office of the Children Children’s eSafety Commissioner, Australian Government, has a very useful resource to make a parent’s job easier.

iParent is website where parents can learn about the digital environment and keep updated on their children’s technology use. Here you can find guidance for using safety settings on your family’s web-connected devices, tips for choosing movies and games and strategies for keeping young people safe online.

There are tips for device management, keeping safe, digital reputation management, multi-media reviews, cyber bullying, online gaming, and protecting personal information.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S NEWS

Responsible Behaviour

Congratulations to all students for the way in which they have commenced their learning this year.

We strive for continual improvement in student learning behaviours. To support this, we will highlight one of our School Rules each week on Assembly (our focus rule) and outline a target behaviour associated with this Rule.

On Assembly this week (Monday 6 February), we outlined to all present:

Focus Rule: Be Safe
Target Behaviour: “I keep my hands, feet and objects to myself”

Conversations around our Focus Rule and Target Behaviour have been reinforced on Assembly and in discussions in classrooms across the school. These conversations have focussed on the positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviour, rather than a consequence-focussed approach. The language of positive behavioural expectations will remain our main strategy for universal behavioural support.

Your continuation of these discussions at home each week are welcomed and appreciated, as students become more familiar with the expectations within not only their class but across the whole school community via reinforcement and conversations about positive behaviours.

Introducing the BOOST Initiative

This year, we are introducing a new initiative to lift performance for all students in targeted areas of literacy and/ or numeracy, identified through the detailed interrogation of a range of student performance data. As the aim is to boost all students’ learning performance, we have aligned the name to the purpose – intruding the BOOST Initiative.

What is BOOST?

BOOST aims to lift the performance of all students across the school through the establishment of identified cycles of intervention and enrichment, co-planned and delivered by a dedicated teaching team (including the class teachers). Using student data to inform the key objectives, learning sessions are planned and delivered to best facilitate student improvement in the focus area of literacy or numeracy.

By conducting these sessions in year levels, all students in a year level will be engaged in the initiative concurrently, maximising resources and ensuring consistency across the cohort.

Please note that the BOOST initiative is complementary to existing strategies in place to support and/ or enhance student learning. It is our intention to expose all Year Levels to BOOST across the year, two year levels at a time for operational timetabling purposes.

The BOOST Team

The BOOST Team comprises the classroom teachers, Student Support Services teachers, all Teacher Aides from years 1-6 and the extended Leadership Team. The BOOST Team have already engaged in a range of activities including data analysis, group formation, resource development, planning and professional development to ensure our readiness for deployment to these sessions.

As the teaching in BOOST is co-planned between Year Level teachers and the BOOST Team, strategies and learning from these sessions will be maintained and transferable to the regular classroom environment. It is important for students to be aware that the BOOST sessions may be delivered by a staff member who is not their class teacher.

BOOST Focus – Term 1

Through the analysis of a range of student data, Year 3 and 5 have been selected for the Term 1 BOOST block, with a focus on reading and comprehension strategies.

BOOST Structure

The structure of BOOST in Term 1 2017 will involve 4 targeted BOOST sessions per week for the next 6 weeks, commencing next week.

These sessions will occur in the Morning Session –

Year 3 from 8:40am – 9:30am, Tuesdays – Fridays
Year 5 from 9:30am – 10:30am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

BOOST Key Contacts

For further enquiries regarding this initiative, please contact us.

Brendan Smith & Christine Antoni – BOOST Administrators

Horn Road - Pick-up/ Drop-off Zone

The Horn Road Drop off and Pick up zone is a Brisbane City Council controlled area. As such, anyone using this area is 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 3pm 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. Our recommendation is that parents wait until after 3:10pm for pick-up.
• 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 and only get out to ensure children are seat-belted appropriately.
• If you are parked in a marked bay for longer than the signed 2 minutes and your child is not there, you will be asked to move on and you must exit the carpark as directed. You will then need to make your way back to the entrance area from Horn Road.
• 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 or for the student to become distressed due to the change in arrangements.
• Brisbane City Council officers and the Queensland Police Service 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

Cross Country – Years 3 – 6: Change of Date

Due to a major clash in events on the school calendar, we have rescheduled the Year 3 – 6 Cross Country from Wednesday 29 March to Friday 31 March. This event is held at the Ben Lomond Street Park. The students will come to school in the morning and then walk to the park with their classes, teachers and volunteer parents. Further information will be available closer to the time.

Cross Country/ Fun Run for Prep – Year 2

This year the Year 2 students will be involved in a cross country-like activity on the school oval. The Prep students and the Year 1 students will do an Obstacle Course on the oval as part of the fun run. This will be held on the 29 March. Further details will be made available closer to the time.

Aspley Reading Club (ARC)

The ARC commences in Week 6 (Tuesday 28 February).

Invitation letters have been distributed, with payment and permission forms required back to the Office no later than next Friday 17 February.

For further information, please contact Christine Antoni.

Procedural Writing

Students in class 2D were acknowledged this week for their wonderful efforts in procedural writing. Emily and Kulaia showed us how to make a pizza, step-by-step. Another example of the great work being done in our classrooms every day.

Websites Available to Students Through the Student Resource Scheme

Aspley State School subscribes to a number of educational websites for student use at school and at home. The advantage of parents participating in the Resource Scheme is that the cost of access to these websites is considerably less than if accessed as a single or family subscription.

The subscriptions available to students who pay for the Resource Scheme are:

Literacy Planet: Prep – Year 6

Mathletics: Prep – Year 6

Spellodrome: Prep – Year 6

IXL Maths: Year 1 – Year 6

Sunshine Online*: Year 1 – Year 2

*Please note that Sunshine Classics is not a part of the Resource Scheme as this web site is used by a limited number of students. It is a separate subscription for the children who participate in the Aspley Reading Club (ARC).

SUPPORT- A- READER

We believe that one of the most important skills we teach children is how to be confident and competent readers. Some children find it more difficult than others to acquire these skills, and need a little extra help to become fluent and to enjoy reading.

Here, at Aspley State School, we have implemented a highly successful programme called

'Support-a-Reader'. The programme is based on the philosophy that children who need additional assistance with the reading process will benefit from regular support on a one-to-one basis with a trained volunteer.

We are seeking volunteers from the school community (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc) who have a passion for helping children read. Each child on the program benefits from frequent reading practice for 15 minutes per day. However, knowing that your time is precious, we are happy to include volunteers who may only be able to help one child on one or more given days.

You may also be able to help more than one child (15 minute sessions) on only one day.

A short training session will be provided for volunteers within the next few weeks of school.

If you would like to be a part of this highly successful program, please send your expression of interest to sagne2@eq.edu.au.

Sally Agnew
Student Support Services

MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS

Aspley Choral Program

It was so wonderful to see and hear so many eager and excited children participating in our wonderful choral ensembles which commenced rehearsals this week! If your child missed attending these first Choral ensemble rehearsals, your child is more than welcome to attend our next rehearsal (see timetable below).

Please take note of rehearsal days and times for the various ensembles below (please note that choral rehearsals will take place on the same day each week through-out the school year unless notified of a change):

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

It is important that children participating in the Aspley Choral Program understand that participating in the choral program is a weekly commitment, which they are expected to attend all choral rehearsals. With this in mind we are asking every child to sign a contract when participating in the Aspley Choral Program. This is to reinforce the importance of commitment to a task. We ask that you speak with your child about this assurance before signing the contract. The student contract is attached to the Parent Information letter and we ask that it be returned to the office on or before Friday 24 February, accompanied with the choral resource scheme payment. The choral resource scheme payment is a one off single payment of $15.00 (regardless of how many choirs your child chooses to participate in). We request that you pay this amount with the return of the choral contract. If you have difficulty paying this amount, please contact the school to discuss a payment plan.

A reminder for choralists who participate in Junior and Senior Choral programs that students are to 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

The Aspley Performance Uniform is worn by ALL performing ensembles at Aspley State School - Junior/Senior/Boys Choirs, Senior String Orchestra, Junior Concert Band and Senior Concert (excluding Beginner String students). All students involved in these ensembles at Aspley are required to wear the following performance uniform at all performances – Long Black Dress Pants, Long Sleeved White Dress Shirt, Black Socks and Black Shoes.

All students in performing ensembles will receive through-out the next week a parent information letter regarding purchasing the Aspley Music Performance Uniform which is available for purchase through the Aspley Shop.

A REMINDER THAT IF YOU ARE PURCHASING THE PERFORMANCE UNIFORM FROM THE ASPLEY SHOP, THE ORDER FORM NEEDS TO BE RETURNED TO THE ASPLEY SHOP NO LATER THAN 10.00am Monday 3rd April 2017 or alternatively, ordered through the Flexischools online ordering system by 3.50pm Sunday 2nd April 2017. Orders with the supplier for the required uniforms will then be placed and should be available for collection by week beginning 17th April 2017.

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

CURRENT AND UPCOMING MUSICAL EVENTS - TERM ONE 2017

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

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC NEWS

All continuing Instrumental Music Students have commenced lessons this week with both Ms Jerram and Ms Jabs.

All Woodwind/Brass and Percussion Students should have now received their timetable for Instrumental Music Lessons with Miss Jabs. If you have not received a copy of this timetable, please do so from the Instrumental Music Studio. Detailed communication with students of Woodwind/Percussion and Brass students comes out via the email distribution list. Please contact Ms Jabs (cjabs1@eq.edu.au) if you are not getting these emails. Ms. Jabs will not bombard your inbox, but simply send information out if needed. Strings do not have an email list at this stage.

All String students will receive a paper copy of the Strings timetable early this week in readiness for Thursday’s lessons with Miss Jerram.

Congratulations to our young beginner instrumentalists for a fantastic start participating in their Jumpstart lessons with both Miss Jabs and Miss Jerram.

Happy Music Making

The Aspley Music Department

SPORTS DEPARTMENT NEWS

The Great Race

(weeks 4-10: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings)

With our Cross Country coming up at the end of this term, we will be offering all students the opportunity to get some training in over the next 5 weeks. So, starting next week (week 4), on every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.05am – 8.25am, we will start the “Great Race”. Our school leaders will set the course up (which is around the oval) and students will try to do as many laps as they can in 20 minutes. After each lap, students will receive a token, which they will then put it into whatever year level box they belong to. Each week we will calculate which year level is winning the race! Good luck everyone!

North District Swimming

On Thursday 9 February, 15 Aspley State School students participated in the North District Swimming trials at the Lawnton Aquatic Centre. We were very proud of their performances and are pleased to announce that the following students have made it through to the Metropolitan North team:

• Niamh Hooper
• Luci McClennan
• Molly Nocher
• Charlie Wendt
• Kailee Field
• Jahrel Iselin-Jansen
• Elaine Chu

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.

P&C NEWS

We would like to invite all parents and citizens of Aspley State School to the P&C Annual General Meeting on 21 February at 7pm, to be held in the library.

At this meeting, members of the P&C will be electing the Association officers. Below is a brief description of the key functions of the Association officers (for more information, see the P&C Constitution on the school website).

• The President's role is to act as a representative of the Association and the primary communication point between the Association and the School and its community. The President is also an official member of the school council for the School.
• The Vice-President is responsible for co-ordinating and working with P&C Staff, and provides essential support for the President and other members of the Executive Committee.
• The Secretary assists the President in preparing an agenda for each meeting; disseminate the minutes of the Association‘s meetings, and keep records of membership and the Association's events.
• The Treasurer has the overall responsibility for the financial management of the Association. It is the Treasurer's responsibility to keep accurate accounts of receipts and expenditure.

All executives work together to support each other's roles as necessary.

ASPLEY SHOP/ TUCKSHOP NEWS

TUCKSHOP

REMINDER - the tuckshop is open 5 days,

The tuckshop is now open every day, both breaks for ordering meals, as well as over the counter sales during play break times for drinks and ice blocks.

• School class options have now been updated so next time you order you will be prompted to update the class for your children.
• New menu items have been added
• Ham/Chicken, salad sandwiches & wraps (vegetarian option available)
• Ham/Chicken Salads (vegetarian option available)
• Full Cream milk 300ml carton
• Red Rock Chips Sea Salt Flavour
• Mamee Monster Rice Sticks Cheese Flavour (Gluten Free)

VOLUNTEER? We would love to see you.

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. If you are interested, please pop by and say hello email theshop@aspleyss.com.au or jump onto Flexischools for options.

Ordering of meals, drinks and ice blocks is available via Flexischools and cut off for ordering is 8.30am daily. Please discus with your children what has been ordered at which break period to avoid confusion or disappointment on the day.

Judith Whitehead
Tuckshop Convenor

SPARROWS SOCCER PROGRAM NEWS

2017 Start Date

First training session for Sparrows Soccer Program starts Week 3 of Term 1 on Thursday, 9 February.

Permission letters have come home already. They’re also available from the office or Mr Farrow in classroom 6F.

Please return completed forms to the office, or bring to your first training session. NO SIGNED FORM = NO PARTICIPATION.

What is “Sparrows Soccer”?

“Sparrows” supports the development of football abilities in Grades 4 to 6 students. The program is for girls and boys.

Participation involves weekly training before school every Thursday from 7:30am during Terms 1–3 (weather permitting). The program is provided free-of-charge through parents/caregivers providing volunteer coaching and coordination support, with the program administered and overseen by school staff.

Sparrows Soccer has a strong team-orientated, inclusive theme, which is embodied in the tag “SWIFT. SPIRITED. SOCIAL.” Commitment, dedication and punctuality are values that are taken seriously.

Links to further information are below. We look forward to seeing many returning and new Aspley Sparrows in 2017.

Can you lend Sparrows a hand this year?

Due to generational turnover we have volunteer vacancies to fill on and off the field. We are particularly seeking an administrative liaison to take over from ‘retiring’ helper, Carolynne Hassall. (If you’re an excellent communicator with good IT and organisational skills, please consider lending your time to this rewarding initiative.)

Truthfully, not much time is required. If you have any interest in helping please enquire with Carolynne Hassall on 0404 883 462 or at carolynne.h@dhconsulting.com.au.

Contacts for Sparrows information:

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

Carolynne Hassall, volunteer program liaison, carolynne.h@dhconsulting.com.au | 0404 883 462

CAMP AUSTRALIA NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS

CONFIDENT KIDS & TEENS

Book now for our Term 1 program!

Confident Kids ® + teens is an innovative coaching program for kids 5-14yrs that aims to boost confidence, emotional resilience, social skills and brain power. Students discover their strengths, and build resilient thinking skills to reduce stress, anxiety, worry, or negative thinking.

Individual appointments also available. Our team of experienced Psychologists will coach, encourage and support your child to be all they can be! Medicare and Private Health fund rebates apply.

Register and Book online today at http://confidentkids.eventbrite.com or contact us at info@positivefamilies.com.au or 07 3366 2241 for an Information pack.

RELAX YOGA

Relax Yoga is a small yoga studio in Chermside West which offers yoga classes for kids from 3-17 and their families. Our focus is on developing strong resilient bodies and minds while nurturing calm creative kids.

Relax Yoga
0438864490
65 Milburn St, Chermside West

Studio Yoga Classes for Kids and Adults
Yoga and Meditation in Schools
Private Yoga and Healing Sessions
Happy | Confident | Calm

LITTLE LIFESAVERS SOUTHBANK

KidsBEpresent

KidsBEpresent Before and After School Program

Jen Compton has been a teacher at Aspley East State School for the last seven years. This week she launches a before and after school program called KidsBEpresent. KidsBEpresent uses mindfulness training as well as games and activities to achieve positive social and emotional outcomes for students from years 3 to years 7.

The sessions run for 45 minutes and use the programs Smiling Mind (guided mindfulness meditation) and the award winning social and emotional series Bounce Back.

The 8 week program is being launched at Aspley East State School in the Annexe on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, 8th and 9th February. The sessions will be divided into 2 groups: students in grades 3 and 4, students in grades 5,6 and 7.

The first session is a free, no obligation see if you like one.

If you are interested in finding out more and to enrol please go to her website at the link below, or contact her on 0405158776.