10 March 2017

Newsletter Articles

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 2017

PAYMENTS DUE

PRINCIPAL’S NEWS

NAPLAN

NAPLAN tests the sorts of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life, such as reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. It is important to remember that NAPLAN tests are not pass/fail tests. At the classroom level it is one of a number of important tools used by teachers to measure student progress.

Students in years 3 and 5 at Aspley State School will sit the NAPLAN Tests:

All students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 are expected to participate in NAPLAN tests. NAPLAN tests give you information on how your child is progressing against national standards.

This information allows for additional intervention if necessary to ensure your child progresses at a rate where they can fully participate in all aspects of the curriculum. NAPLAN does not replace, but rather complements, assessments run by your child's classroom teacher throughout the year.

Adjustments can be provided for students with disability to enable them to access the tests on an equivalent basis as students without disability, and should be discussed with your child's school prior to the tests. ACARA has developed example scenarios to provide greater understanding of the appropriate adjustments for students with disability.

Information for parents is at

Let’s ‘stand together’ against bullying and violence!

Our school is proud to say ‘Bullying. No Way!’ On Friday 17 March we will stand united with schools across Australia for the 2017 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.

Taking a stand together will deliver a powerful message that bullying and violence is never okay. We strongly encourage parents and carers to have open and honest conversations with their children about bullying in all forms.

To get the discussion started with helpful information and tips visit the Bullying. No Way! website

Harmony Day

On Tuesday 21 March 2017 Aspley State School will celebrate Harmony Day! Harmony Day is where we celebrate the diversity which makes Australia a great place to live. Harmony Day is a celebration of our cultural diversity – a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.

Held every year on 21 March, the day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The message of Harmony Day in 2017 is ‘everyone belongs’. Harmony Day aims to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster sense of belonging for everyone.

Students at Aspley State School will write a special message on orange paper chains which will be displayed on the fence on Maundrell Terrace to demonstrate our school message Everyone Belongs. We welcome any parent volunteers to assist with this project on the day! For more information see:

Parenting help: Triple P positive parenting

Triple P has lots of different ways parents and carers of kids and teenagers can get free support. All families are different, so if you’re looking for a little bit of help or a lot, or something in between, you can register for seminars and groups or arrange one-on-one support.

Sun safety

Our school supports students to be sun safe and students are to wear a broad brimmed hat, protective clothing and are encouraged to apply sunscreen when they are outside of the classroom. The school provides sunscreen which is a 30+ rating and if parents wish, they can provide their own brand of sunscreen. Students are given time and are reminded by teachers to apply sunscreen.

At swimming lessons students are required to wear swim shirts and caps during all water-based activities. It is vital that parents and teachers together encourage children to be sun safe every day.

Mother’s Day High Tea

The Local Chaplaincy Committee is holding a Mother’s Day High Tea on Saturday 13 May 2017 (The day prior to Mother’s Day) from 10am to 12.00 noon in the school hall. Admission will be $5 per person. Come along and bring your Mum, Grandma or a friend or neighbor to enjoy a delicious high tea and support our chaplaincy program at Aspley State School.

Spring Art Extravaganza

Aspley State School will host a Spring Art Extravaganza on Friday 13 October 2017. All students will during the year work with a visiting resident artist to produce an individual piece of art to be exhibited. Two classes will then work together to produce a collaborative piece of art to be auctioned as a fundraiser for the P & C Association. Art will be exhibited during the day on Friday the 13 October and the community will be invited to an art exhibition, live art performance and refreshments.

In Term 2 students will be invoiced for $25.00 per student. This fee pays for the student’s quality art materials / frame which they exhibit and keep after the art show. This fee pays for the arts learning experience as they work with notable artists from the Brisbane Art Community.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S NEWS

Easter Concert

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the Easter concert at the end of the term, please inform the class teacher as Mrs McIntyre and the class teachers will be teaching the children Easter songs and actions for the concert in the next few weeks leading up to the concert.

Aspley Reading Club

It is very pleasing to see all our little readers enjoying their reading sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday morning with their Year 5 mentors. The reading club starts at 8am and we cycle through the children as they come in. When they have finished their session, some of them are getting a chance to do a little bit of the Great Race.

The Year 5 mentors are doing us proud with their early attendance, helpful attitude and skilful reading assistance – good job students!

Please note that there will be no ARC during Week 9 (21 and 22 March 2017) due to Year 5 Camp

BOOST:

As mentioned in the last Newsletter, Reciprocal Reading is one of the highly effective, high yield strategies - supported by research – that is utilised in the current session of Boost for Years 3 and 5. Please note that as the learning experiences vary across Boost groups, based on student data and need, some students may be utilising alternative high yield strategies.

Reciprocal Reading has been selected as it is a where students take a lead role in their own learning of reading comprehension. This strategy also activates the higher order thinking skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and justification.

Please find attached some of the resources being used to support this activity.

FOCUS RULE:

The Focus Rule for Weeks 8 and 9 is “Show Respect”, with the Target Behaviors being on showing respect when others are speaking within the classroom and showing respect to the property of others, including the school’s property.

Please assist us with this by reminding students of this focus at home over the next two weeks.

LEADERSHIP TEAMS – Library Team, Tech Crew and Hospitality Team

Over the next three weeks, students will have the opportunity to express their interest for the Library Team (Years 2-6), Tech Crew (Years 4-6) or Hospitality Team (Years 3-6).

The process for nominations will include an Expression of Interest (including a written piece), shortlisting by staff and may include an Interview to determine selection to these positions. In recent years, demand has far exceeded the number of positions available in each team, so many students may not be successful in obtaining a position in a team.

Further information may be provided directly to the students involved.

SENIOR LEADER – ROUND 2

In Week 10 of this Term, students in Year 6 will have the opportunity to identify their Expression of Interest for Round 2 of the Senior Leader process. Students and parents interested in this process are encouraged to refer to the Aspley Exit Statements for further information.

In line with the Leadership process from Round 1, students will be required to submit an EOI Form and a written statement for assessment by staff. Students successful in Round 2 will be provided with the Booklet after the school holidays, with the Induction of these students to take place on Assembly in Week 5, Term 2. Round 2 concludes the process for this year.

Parent Teacher Meeting

SOBS is designed for simplicity, the Parent/Teacher booking system provides a facility for parents to book their interviews online. Parents can access the system at any time, day or night. They have no codes or pin numbers to remember, and a series of simple screens and prompts to assist them to make their interview bookings. Parents can interact directly with the live system - selecting the teachers they wish to see and time slots that are both convenient and suitable.

Parent Teacher meetings will be offered for grades 1, 2, 3 and 5 on Monday the 27th and Wednesday the 29th of March and will be held in the Hall at selected times. Your child’s teacher would like to meet with as many parents as possible as it is important for parents and teachers to work together and to be able to openly discuss academic, social and emotional performance. You are encouraged to bring your child to these meetings as open communication between parents, teachers and students is the best way for all parties to hear the same message at the same time.

Parents will need to book their appointment on-line. To book your appointment time please:

• Go to the link below

• Click on Parent/Teacher Interview Bookings
• Click on the Parent access tab on the left hand menu.
• Type “Aspley” in the keyword search
• Click Search
• Click on Aspley State School
• Click on Parents
• Follow the prompts from then on.

Alternatively you can use the direct link from our school website. The office staff can assist in making an on-line booking. Please don’t hesitate to drop into the school office if you need assistance.

Shimonoseki Junior High School Study Tour

On Tuesday the 7th March Aspley State School held a welcome ceremony for the students from Shimonoseki Junior High School. It is a school located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. It is at the southwestern tip of Honshu, facing the Tsushima Strait and also Kitakyushu across the Kanmon Straits. Nicknamed the "Fugu Capital," it is known for the locally caught pufferfish and is the largest harvester of the pufferfish in Japan. The Aspley State School students gave their visitors a gift and performed a welcome song in Japanese. The students of Shimonoseki presented the school with a beautiful calligraphy to hang in our school library and spoke to assembly about their school and life in their country. We wish the students all the best and we hope that their study tour has been engaging and exciting.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS

Aspley Choral Program

Mrs Macca would like to extend a very big thank you to all of our wonderful choralists and their families for their understanding and well wishes over the last few weeks regarding the disruptions to weekly choral rehearsals.

Mrs Macca is on the mend and is very excited this week (Week 7) to be recommencing choral rehearsals with both the Junior and Senior Choirs ONLY. Please refer to the timetable below for rehearsal days and corresponding times for each choral ensemble.

PLEASE NOTE - Boys Choir will resume in Week 8 on Tuesday 14th March 2017 at 8.00am – 8.35am in the music classroom.

Mrs Macca is looking forward to seeing all of our choralists in upcoming rehearsals.

ASPLEY CHORAL CONTRACTS/PAYMENT

Students in Years 2 through to Years 6 interested in participating in the Aspley Choral Program should have now returned the student contract to the school office 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 as soon as possible. If you have difficulty paying this amount, please contact the school to discuss a payment plan.

EDUCATION QUEENSLAND METROPOLITIAN CHORAL HONOURS MUSIC CAMP

Congratulations to our Senior Choralists - Luciella, Anneka, Saskia, Emma and David for their acceptance to represent Aspley State School in the Metropolitan Choral Honours Music Camp - a 3 day music program designed to cater for advanced choral students in Years 5 and 6. These choralists will be participating in one of two different choirs and will have the opportunity to work with renowned choral conductors Barbara McGeever and Kate Albury as well as a range of other musicians and accompanists. We look forward to hearing/seeing your wonderful musical endeavours at this incredible camp! Congratulations!!!

CREATIVE GENERATION 2017 – CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Ian and Luciella for their acceptance into the Education Queensland Creative Generation for 2017! We look forward to hearing/seeing your adventures at this fantastic musical performance.

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 who are required to purchase this music performance uniform have now received a parent information letter regarding purchasing the Aspley Music Performance Uniform 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

WOODWIND/BRASS/PERCUSSION

Senior Band will be performing on assembly this coming Monday 13th March at 8.45am. They have worked hard to get a few pieces ready in only four rehearsals, and cannot wait to let you hear them!

Notes for the Junior Band Blitz were issued on Monday during instrumental music lessons. The one-day workshop is open to all 2017 beginner woodwind/brass and percussion students, and is held at Aspley SS on Thursday 8th June. Please ensure you read the parent information letter regarding the finer details of this exciting workshop.

Please take note to changes to Ms Jabs Instrumental Music Lesson Timetable for Weeks 9 and 10. Senior Concert Band rehearsals will be cancelled on Wednesday 22nd March due to Year 5 Camp, however students in Years 6 will still be required to participate in group instrumental music lessons.

Senior Concert Band and all lessons will be cancelled on Wednesday 29th March as Ms Jabs and Ms Jerram both in attendance at Craigslea State High School Music Camp.

STRINGS

All string students will receive on Thursday a letter asking for parent email contact/consent to participate in a group email list for the Aspley Strings Program. Please ensure you fill out required information fields and return it to Ms Jerram or Mrs Brown at Senior Orchestra rehearsal next week.

Please take note that Senior String Orchestra and group lessons will be cancelled on Thursday 30th March due to Ms Jerram in attendance at Craigslea State High School Music Camp.

Happy Music Making
The Aspley Music Department

SPORTS DEPARTMENT NEWS

School Sport

Cross Country – will be held for all students in grade 3-6 in the last week of term (31st of March). Letters will be coming out shortly with all the information regarding this school event (please check our school website too). Students in grades Prep-1 will have a fun run around our school oval and the Year 2’s will have a 1km school based cross country.

Gala Day Sport (term 2) – Information letters/student preferences have been sent home last week. Please remember parents/students that your sport preferences are due back to your classroom teacher by Friday 10th of March.

District Sport

Congratulations to Elaine is has qualified for the Metropolitan North Swimming Team and will be competing at the Queensland State Swimming Championships later this month. We wish Elaine all the best and good luck!

Congratulations to Anaiya, Georgina and Kailee who all qualified for the North District Girls Soccer team – well done girls!

Upcoming North District Trials –

15th March – Rugby League
22nd March – girls and boys Touch

SCHMIDT, Anthony
Aspley State School
Sports Specialist Teacher

P&C NEWS

Who are the P&C?

Aspley State School Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association is an integral part of Aspley State School. It provides a link between the school, parents, and the community; and provides a platform for parents to raise concerns and obtain information directly from the source. The P&C is an important part of the school community and provides significant financial support to our school, most of which is procured through fundraising and managing of assets (such as the Hall and the Pool).

Why should I care?

Being involved in the P&C is an excellent way to help your child’s education, both academically and socially. Not only do you gain a greater understanding of how the school is managed, but you are also able to contribute to the future direction of the school.

In past years, the P&C has had a core group of volunteers who have taken on the organisation and running of the many fun events held throughout the year. The 125 BLAST, Movie Nights, Discos, Music Nights, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Market Stalls and many other events would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers. In addition, the smooth running of services such as the Tuckshop and Uniform Shop would not be possible without assistance.

However, as the years go by, our volunteers move on and we, as a community, need to acknowledge that the events and services provided by the P&C will not occur without the contribution of more volunteers.

What can I do?

On this note, in 2017, the P&C would like to extend an invitation to ALL members of our school community to participate in #1thing. #1thing asks you to think about at least ONE thing you will do, either as a parent, as a student, or as a family, each semester to help support the P&C.

This may be:

• Donating items as requested to support Bake Stalls or Market Stalls
• Donating time to our Tuckshop (throughout the year) or Uniform shop (busy times at the beginning and end of the year).
• Donating your skills (eg. plumber, carpenter, gardening) when call outs for help are made
• Volunteering 1 hour of your time at events to help spread the load.

What’s being planned for 2017?

Very soon, we will have an Events Calendar to share, and with that will come details of the #1thing help we will need. Please take the time to go through the list and think about what your #1thing might be – plan ahead, make the time, and contact us. In addition, please look for Calls for Help in the Newsletter and on the P&C Facebook page (you can view the posts on this page without having a Facebook account). We will also be looking for year level parent representatives, who will be a conduit of communication between the P&C and parents.

From the AGM:

Finally, we appreciate and say THANK YOU to all the wonderful volunteers who made time to help the P&C in 2016; and CONGRATULATIONS to the following people who have been elected to the Executive Committee and to chair the various P&C Sub-committees:

Vice –President: Cindy Hill
Treasurer: Danny Power
Secretary & Aspley Spirit: Alice Long
Aspley Events: Tee Poh & Katie Flynn
Aspley Music: Rowan Alick & Debbie Brown
Swim Club: Angela Johnson & Peta-Louise Cairns
Building and Maintenance: Simon Pritchard

Active School Travel: Parents who are passionate about creating healthier, more active students, as well as reducing traffic congestion around the school are encouraged to contact the P&C further about being a part of this committee.

Contact the P&C:

If you wish to get in contact with anyone within the P&C, you can do so via email at pandc@aspleyss.eq.edu.au, or feel free to contact me directly on 0412 405 462.

Please join me at the next P&C Meeting on Tuesday 21 March, at 7pm, in the Library. I look forward to seeing you there.

Brenden McClennan
P&C President

UPCOMING EVENTS (Dates Confirmed):

Easter Concert Bake Stall Fundraiser – Thursday 30 March 2017

• Roll up, roll up and buy a Hot Cross Bun or cupcake and cup of coffee to enjoy before and after the Easter Concert.
• Coffee Van available from 8am.
• #1thing: Volunteers to help on the day of the stall will be appreciated

1. From 7.40am to help move some tables and set up the stall.
2. From 8am to 9am to help serve.
3. From 10am to 11am to help serve and pack up.

Volunteers can contact Tee Poh at pandc@aspleyss.eq.edu.au.

Years 3-6 Cross Country Friday 31 March 2017

• Coffee Van – Jumping Bean Café will be available at Ben Lomond Park from 8.30am to supply you with caffeine.
• A percentage of profits will be donated back to the P&C.
• The Uniform Shop has gorgeous hair ribbons and bows for sale – support your house team in house colours! The Uniform Shop is open from 8am until 11am on Monday and Wednesdays – students are welcome to visit the Shop during 1st Break.

Mother’s Day Stall – Thursday 11 May 2017 and Friday 12 May, before school.

• #1thing: Donation of Hot choc/Coffee sachets and individually wrapped chocolates/biscuits.
• #1thing: Volunteer 1 or 2 hours to help package gifts (ongoing between now and the event).
• #1thing: Volunteer 1 or 2 hours (or more) to help at the stall (Thursday 9am from 2pm; Friday 8am to 9am).

If you can help at all, please contact Jodie Parke on jodie.parke@bigpond.com or 0408 392 367 or leave a note at the school office (please provide your contact details and when you are available to assist).

Mad Hair Day!

We would like to thank everybody for their participation in Mad Hair Day, it was great to see so many people take part in supporting a great cause. All monies raised will be going to the Leukaemia Foundation. Well Done Aspley State School!

CAMP AUSTRALIA NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS

Be Uplifted Inc Cancer Charity

Be Uplifted Inc Breast Cancer Charity is holding a Trivia Night on Saturday, 25th March, 6.30pm for 7pm start at Burnie Brae Centre, 60 Kuran Street, Chermside. Tickets $25 per person - *best themed table *there will be food provided for each table *beer, wine and soft drinks for sale *lucky door prize *raffles. Purchase tickets below.

Valley Diehards Junior Clinic

March To End Melanoma

North Star Football Club