1 December 2017

Newsletter Articles

UPCOMING EVENTS

October/November 2017

PRINCIPAL’S NEWS

End of Year Christmas Concert

Students from Prep –Year 3 will enjoy the annual Christmas Concert and some festive cheer on Monday 4 December 2017 commencing at 9.00 am in the school hall. Students are invited to wear Christmas themed clothes or free dress for the concert. Students may bring their uniform to change into after the first session, if parents think this appropriate. Students are required to wear closed in shoes. Santa hats are encouraged!

Year 6 Celebration of Achievement

The Aspley Exit Statements detail the goals for Aspley State Students to achieve before they leave Aspley State School. This includes being a:

• Self-managed individual
• Resourceful and creative thinker
• Effective communicator
• Quality producer
• Active, responsible group member

Teachers and parents support and guide the students to this end. We wish that in their time at Aspley State School, that they have been able to grow, learn and mature to consistently demonstrate these valuable learner attributes.

Today the year six students attended an excursion to Seaworld. On this excursion they enjoyed a day of learning and fellowship. Year six students are eager to enjoy the special events that recognise their completion of their primary school education.

Year six students will enjoy a farewell assembly at school on Tuesday 5 December 2017 at 2.00 pm. (Please note there will be no assembly on Monday 4th December.)

Students in year six and their parents / carers are invited to enjoy a Graduation Ceremony at the school hall on Wednesday 6th December 2017 commencing at 7.00 pm. This will be a night where the students receive a certificate and we will view a photographic celebration of their journey through primary school.

Working Bee

Parents / Carers are invited to be active to make a difference in our school by contributing to the working bee this weekend! On Saturday at 1.30 pm – 5.00 pm and Sunday 7.30 am – 11.30 am. Tasks to be completed are painting, cleaning, gardening and more. Come along in your work clothes and roll up your sleeves to help us improve the school. Any help is appreciated. You can come for an hour or each day. Thanks you to Mr Simon Pritchard for coordinating this Parents and Citizens Association event.

Step-Up Day

On Wednesday 6th December 2017, students from Prep to year 5 will enjoy one session, as an opportunity to step-up to their proposed classroom and teacher (where possible). In most circumstances, the children will meet their new teachers. Some teachers who are transferring in cannot be in attendance on this day as they are still employed at other locations. Parents please note, if enrolment numbers change leading up to the beginning of 2018, this may necessitate a change of class structures in the New Year. Step-Up Day is planned with the current student enrolment information for 2018. On Wednesday the 6th December students will recieve a note to inform them of their propsed class placement for 2018.

Student Attendance

Parents / Carers are advised that student are to attend each day up until 3.00 pm on Friday 8 December 2017 and students will be gainfully learning every day.

School Holidays and 2018 Calendar

Students finish Term four on Friday 8 December 2017 and return to school on Monday 22 January 2018.

The 2018 School Calendar is at:

Tissues and Tim Tams

At 8.30 am – 9.30 am on Monday 22 January 2018 new and existing parents are invited to Tissues and Tim Tams at the school hall. On the first day at school after the photos, rushing and excitement come and meet other parents / carers in the hall for light refreshments. There will be no assembly on the first day of school as we like students to settle into their classroom with their new teacher. The regular Monday assemblies will commence in week 2.

Annie Jnr

The Aspley State School Drama Club is considering a musical performance of Annie Jnr in 2018. To do this we would require a dedicated team of parents and children to support this musical production. Auditions for lead roles and chorus roles will be held in term one, 2018.

If you are enthusiastic to help with any part of creating backdrops, costuming, props, make-up, backstage set changes, rehearsals, ticket sales or publicity please email dramaclub@aspleyss.eq.edu.au Many hands make light work and this event cannot progress without a supportive team of parents! Come enjoy the fun and learning about live musical performances.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S NEWS

Student Leadership 2018 – conclusion of Captaincy Ballots

Congratulations to all nominees for the range of Captaincy Ballots that have been completed over the past four weeks.

The 2018 Captains are confirmed as follows:

In addition to the Captaincies, the follow students have been successful as 2018 Senior Leaders (Round 1):

All leadership positions will be inducted at the Special Whole School Assembly in Week 5 of Term 1, 2018 (19 February 2018).

Congratulations to all of these students for their success in the Round 1 process.

The Senior Leader process for Round 2 will be advertised late in Term 1 2018.

Special Assembly – Tuesday 5 December 2017 at 2pm

All members of the school community are invited to attend a Special Assembly next Tuesday afternoon at 2pm in the Hall to farewell the Year 6 Graduates, award 2 Aspley Medallions for Academic Excellence and make presentations to departing staff members.

All students from Years 1 – 6 are requested to wear their Formal Uniform to school next Tuesday as a result of this special event on the school calendar.

PREP ORIENTATION DAY

What a successful morning we had for the prep students coming to our school in 2018. There were a lot of fun activities for them to participate in once they went to their prep classrooms. The prep students were very impressive. They worked together in groups as if they have been in school for a year already! Well done to all the students and their parents for being part of our Orientation Day. See you next year.

ARC

Congratulations to the students who reached their reading goals. Regular practice at reading is the best way to produce positive results.

Prep to Year 3 Christmas Concert.

A reminder that there will be no assembly Monday 4 December due the Prep to Year 3 Christmas concert. The concert will begin at 9.00am. Students are invited to wear free dress on this day.

Parents are reminded to sign in either at the office or at the sign in registers that will be made available at the front of the hall.

2018 Booklist Orders

Have you ordered your child’s book pack for next year?

Free delivery for Online Booklist Orders close this Saturday 2 December. Instructions on how to do so are located on the school website under the Curriculum tab, or follow the attached link. Please refer to the ordering instructions regarding other possible charges that may be incurred after this date. If not ordering books online could you please ensure that your child has the listed requirements on the first day of school next year.

CURRICULUM NEWS

8 Word Story Winners

The students have continued their great efforts in writing their 8 word stories. Our top 12 stories about friendship were:

These stories were displayed on our Electronic sign on Maundrell tce from the 20-24 November

This weeks top stories about Pride were from:

They will be displayed from 27 November – 1st December

We would like to congratulate all the students who entered a story and would like to acknowledge the following students for their efforts, and encourage them to continue writing their stories:

Harry G 5R
Max M 3G
Oliver I-S 4C
Jack F 4P
Holly W 6H
Eli A 3G
Keenan W 2D

Science

This term, Science has definitely been action-packed  filled with many hands on activities and learning. The students not only gained knowledge and content on a variety of different topics, but they also thoroughly enjoyed the practical component. Here is a snapshot of what we have been up to in Years 1 to 6. Hopefully there will be lots of budding Scientists experimenting during the holidays!

Year 5

Solar Buddies with Light

What a great way to finish off the Science year, with our Year Five students making a connection with a group of students in Papua New Guinea.

Chappie Lindsay drew our attention to the fact that 18% of the world’s population has no access to electricity and how domestic kerosene use can severely damage these families’ health and environment.

Having purchased and then assembled twenty of the Buddy2Buddy lights, our students then wrote a personal message of good will to their “buddy”.

Reading Buddies

“There is no one like a Special Reading Buddy and no Reading Buddy quite as SPECIAL as you”

Reading buddy Christmas gifts from 5F to 1LM

Wayne Swan Christmas Card Competition

Thank you to your Year 3 students for taking the time to submit artwork in my annual Christmas drawing competition.

Over 900 entries from 20 schools arrived in my office this year!

As I’m sure you can appreciate, it was quite the task to select six winning designs and 20 runners-up from this field of colourful, creative and often very thoughtful artwork.

The six winning Christmas designs, along with the 20 runners-up, are now displayed on my website below, and the winning entries will be appear on my official Christmas Card.

It is our great pleasure to announce Sia W has been announced as one of the 6 winners and Claire G has been chosen as one of 20 runners up in the Christmas card competition.

Winners will be presented with a special prize at the Carols in the Park, Banyo, on Saturday 9 December. Runners-up will also be invited to collect a prize from my stall at the event.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS

Excursion to the Wizard of OZ

50 Aspley State School Year 4 and Year 5 students attended the QPAC Musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ last week with Mrs Macca, Mrs Vener, Ms Monaghan, Mrs Olsen and Ms Rossiter. What an amazing opportunity for our young students to attend this music excursion. It was an absolute joy to supervise this wonderful group of students who just loved watching this incredible theatre experience. The children sat in awe and wonder at this performance, giving the biggest round of applauses to the performers/cast at the end of the show! What an inspiring excursion for these students.

Please read below some student’s recount of this excursion:

The Wizard of Oz was amazing. It was so much fun. The special effects and sound was great. Toto the dog was so cute and well trained. The cyclone felt like a real cyclone. The dancing was so great and fun.

By Ella P 5V

The Wizard of Oz was a lovely musical. Dorothy and her dog Toto were funny and cute. It was really awesome to watch the singing and dancing. I was really busting to go and see this musical as I had already seen “Wicked” the musical before. I really hoped the whole school could have come to see it. They would have really enjoyed it. A great theatre performance.

By Jack B

Maddie R in 4DA created a wonderful article on her time at the musical. To view please click on the below link.

CONGRATULATIONS – ASSEMBLY PERFORMANCES

Congratulations to Mrs Macca and the Senior/Junior Choirs for their wonderful performances at last week’s school assembly. We are very proud of your efforts and it is so wonderful to see you sharing your music with the school community.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC NEWS

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC RESOURCE SCHEME PAYMENTS/CONTINUING FORMS

All students continuing and commencing in the instrumental music program for 2018 have now received a copy of the 2018 Instrumental Music Student Resource Scheme Parent Information Letter. It is a requirement that every child in the Instrumental Music Program pays the resource scheme of $40.00 per student per year (regardless of how many instruments learnt). Students who are using a school instrument, an additional hire fee of $80.00 per school loan instrument will be applied. If you are using your own instrument in this program, you do not pay the $80.00 instrument loan hire fee, however the $40.00 Instrumental Music Student Resource Scheme must be paid.

Full payment was required by Friday 24th November 2017. If you have not paid this Student Resource Scheme payment, please do so as soon as possible . Please note that the option of paying in instalments is not available for this program. Failure to make this payment will result in the withdrawal of your child from this program.

We value your support and with it, we look forward to your student enjoying and achieving success in the2018 Instrumental Music Program.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

To our instrumentalists and choral students and their wonderful families, on behalf of the music team here at Aspley, we would like to thank you all for a marvellous musical 2017. We are looking forward to a very exciting 2018 with many fabulous performance opportunities including the Instrumental Music Tour to Fraser Island to name one of the many exciting opportunities for our young musicians/choralists.

Thank you for your support throughout the school year and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Happy Music Making
The Aspley Music Department

SPORT DEPARTMENT NEWS

Aspley Sports Report

Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to KENNEDY – who won this year’s Aspley State School Swimming Carnival. With one of the closest competitions in years, Kennedy finished with 959 points, Oxley with 950 points and Mitchell with 926 points.

Age Champions

Congratulations to the following age champions for 2017 –

8yrs: Wendy W & Viraaj K
9yrs: Kate F/Madison H & Luke M
10yrs: Elaine C & Oliver I / Luka N
11yrs: Luci M & Samuel C
12yrs: Molly N & Charlie W

Acceleration Training Session

This term, some of Aspley’s sports stars participated in an Olympic Standard Training Session focusing on speed, strength and flexibility. The students were analysed through a series of complex activities providing them with some important feedback on their potential in each area. A special thankyou to Leann Griffith Baker for proving this opportunity for the students as it was a huge success and could possibly be something that the school incorporates next year. Well done to all the students who participated.

Library News

BOOK FAIR

Thank you to all the students, parents and teachers who supported the November Book Fair.

Kate Johnson was the winner of the Lucky Door prize. We earned approximately $675.00 in commissions. Some of the funds will go towards Reading Resources, the remainder yet to be allocated.

END OF YEAR ARRANGEMENTS.

Last week was the last week for borrowing due dates. Please ensure your child has returned all his or her books. There is no more borrowing, however we are open and books can be returned to the library.

Each year we have a number of students who do not return books before they leave for the year, when they recommence in the following year, all is lost. Unfortunately the school wears this cost which as you all know can be quite considerable. Remember, 2 hardback picture books can be more than $60, and popular paperbacks are also quite expensive, so please, do return all books magazines and other reading materials to the school library.

RETURNED BOOKS CLASS COMPETITION.

The library is running a class competition, the classes who have returned all their overdue books, will go in the draw for a bundled prize of posters, stationery items etc. There are two prizes so two classes will win.

To have a chance, classes must return all books with a return date of 2017, to the library, by 1st December. On Monday 4th December we will return all books and run a class overdue list, any classes who appear on the list will NOT go into the draw.

LAST CHANCE STUDENT COMPETITION.

We will also be offering a small incentive prize (or two) for the students who return books that are severely overdue, by weeks, months or even years. From Tuesday 28 November we will be recording those books returned that are 100 days or more overdue. The prize will be awarded to the student or students who return books that have been overdue for the longest period of time. Prizes will be awarded after 2nd break on Wednesday 6th December.

SUMMER READING.

Brisbane City Council has some great activities on at their libraries during the holidays. Check out their pages here.

Chermside Library is one of the closest, and it has a coffee shop as well as other Council Services nearby. Check out what’s on at Chermside here.

Albany Creek library is a part of Moreton Bay Regional Council which also offers a range of activities if you are a member. Have a look here for more ideas.

There is a huge variety of free activities available at our local libraries for everyone. “Go look in a local Library” you might be pleasantly surprised.

Scholastic also have a Summer Reading Program, see the information below:

The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year during the summer school holidays. The Summer Reading Challenge website helps your child keep track of their reading over the school holidays—it’s the perfect program to help them avoid the ‘summer reading slide’ that can occur while away from school.

You can sign your child up online from 1 December, then they read as many books as they can to complete the Challenge. There are cool badges to collect online along the way, and this year we will be giving away three Ultimate Fun & Games packs!

It’s FREE to take part! Registrations open 1 December.

Hope FRANCIS
Teacher-Librarian

STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS

Early Act

Early act News

The Early act Club would like to thank the families who contributed so appropriately and generously to their 4th Term project of providing non-perishable foods to Windsor House, which operates as part of the Brisbane Youth Service and provides Emergency Accommodation for 15 – 18 yr olds, up to a period of 3 months.

These young ones are encouraged to prepare their own meals and are encouraged and guided on basic health and hygiene as well.

Your contributions were gratefully received by Janine Langon as indicated in a copy of her text below:-

“I just wanted to say a big thank you for the donation from the Early act club of the Aspley State School. The gifts that were donated are fantastic and just what our young people need at Windsor House. Thank you again from all the team and young people. (followed by lots of smiley face icons).

Well done, Early Act club and supporting families.

Thank you.

The Rotary Club of Aspley would also like to thank all families for their support of the various Early act projects throughout this past year.

SPARROWS SOCCER PROGRAM NEWS

The full-time whistle blows for Sparrows 2017

As the Sparrows call full-time for 2017 a huge thank you to ALL who have contributed their time, energy and enthusiasm to the Aspley Sparrows Soccer Program – what a fantastic year!! This program would not be possible without the dedication of staff and volunteers both coaching and administrative, without the commitment of parents and families supporting their sparrows to attend the program and without the spirit of all the players who consistently gave the game their best shot! THANK YOU!

Senior players hang up their boots at Aspley Sparrows

We wish our senior sparrows every success as they transition to high school. Thank you for the commitment and spirit you have brought to the program over several years, you walk away with your memories but you leave your legacy behind.

Check Facebook updates for kick off in 2018

Start dates for the program will be posted on the Aspley Sparrows Facebook page in the new year.

Happy Holidays!!

P&C NEWS

P&C News 30 November 2017

WELL DONE! We’ve made it! Thank you so much to our community who have supported the P&C and school throughout 2017. It has been a MASSIVE year and it is all because of YOU – we do this for our children, and we do this with YOUR help.

So exactly what did your P&C do this year? Well, the SHORT version is:

1. Organised 13 fun events and activities and rallied the support of surrounding businesses, all of which came together to raise over $16,500 which will go towards improving our outdoor learning and play areas. Special thanks to all the bake-stall preppers, bakers and sausage sizzlers who rallied together for the Election Day Sausage Sizzle & Bake Stall – what a great day and way of getting to meet the greater community.
2. Contributed over $50,000 to the school, including $1500 donated to the Year 6 graduation night, $16,000 towards drainage improvements (so our playgrounds don’t get washed away like Incy Wincy Spider), and $30,000 towards classroom refurbishments.
3. Brought in an independent auditor for our business operations (ie. Tuckshop and Uniform Shop), and began the difficult task of enacting changes to these operations so that we could ensure the long-term viability of these services.
4. Improved how we communicate – through P&C News in the newsletter, via Facebook, email opt-ins and information on the school website. We also sought and welcomed feedback through surveys and made it easier for you to see when we needed help through the SignUp online platform.
5. With the help of our Facebook community, WON an Outdoor Movie Night and a 3x3 Marquee! We also TRIED to win a playground, but at last count, we were sitting just under 300 votes, with the lead school having more than 23,000 votes (we’ll just have to keep working on that fundraising!). Thank you to families who brought in beauty waste products – they have been posted to Terracycle to add to our playground points.

The LONG version is…. Just kidding – not enough time in the world to sit down and type that out!

The list of people to thank is even longer than the long version of our highlights and we will undoubtedly risk missing someone. However, we cannot thank our sub-committee chairs enough for their contributions, all of our volunteers and givers, and all of the businesses who have supported the P&C and school throughout the year. We also thank each and every one of YOU for coming along for the ride and just being a part of it all.

Due to changes in the assets managed by the P&C in 2018, the funds we will have to support the school will rely significantly on our fundraising efforts. We hope to work smarter by looking at the grants that are available so if you have experience with this (or have no experience but willing to have a go!), then please get in touch with us.

In the meantime, we hope you all have an amazing Christmas and New Year period, and we look forward to supporting and working with all of our community in 2018.

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

• THANK YOU to Jodie, Judith, Keren and Tee for generously giving time to help our Prep families on Wednesday. If you would like to lend a hand in the new year, please use our Sign Up link to nominate your availability.
• UNIFORM SHOP – 2nd HAND SALE – Monday 4th December 8am to 9am – outside the uniform shop. Pick up a bargain – all pre-loved items $5.
• NOTICE: Some uniform items, unfortunately, have been delayed due to a manufacturing fault. Rest assured, we will have them before the beginning of term!
• The Uniform Shop is open Mondays 8 to 9.45am and Thursdays 3 to 3.45pm until the end of term
• ONLINE ORDERS (via Flexischools) can be collected on Wednesday 17 January 2018 (8-10am and 4 to 6pm) – please note, NO over-the-counter sales will be available on this day.
• Opening times for 2018
  Thursday 18 January 2017 4-6pm
  Friday 19 January 7.30-9.30am
  Saturday 20 January 9-11am
  Monday 22 January to Thursday 25 January 8-10am (first week of school).
• REFUNDS & EXCHANGES: Please note, the Uniform Shop will only provide a refund if the item is faulty, not for a change of mind; and within a reasonable time-frame. Exchanges will be provided for a different size AS LONG AS the tags are still attached and the garment is in as-new condition. Please read the Refund Policy available at the Office or at the Uniform Shop for further information.

TUCKSHOP NEWS

• NOTICE: The Tuckshop will be closed Friday, December 8, for cleaning and stock-take.
• Thank you to our Tuckshop Heroes who have been so giving in their time and baked goods. Our school tuckshop relies on volunteers so if you are able to lend a hand in 2018 – please use our Sign Up platform to nominate your availability.
• 2018: The Tuckshop will be open for SECOND BREAK only during the first week of Term 1 (Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th January (closed for Australia Day). Normal hours will resume in Week 2.

REMINDERS:

WORKING BEE – 2nd and 3rd December Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

Lots of little and big jobs needed to be done, but the big job will be painting inside classrooms. Students are welcome to come and help too. Please remember to wear sun safe clothing and closed in shoes. If you can bring a step-ladder, we will be needing the height. Saturday 2nd December (1.30 – 5.00pm) and Sunday 3rd December (7.30-11.30am).

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING SO WE KNOW TO EXPECT YOU –

P&C MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS BREAK UP GET-TOGETHER: We will have some light refreshments and snacks from 11.30am on Sunday – so even if you aren’t already up at the school, please join us and let us have the chance to say thank you for your help in 2017. If you are coming, please RSVP to AspleyPC@gmail.com.

DINKLEBOO PERSONALISED KIDS PRODUCTS – SPECIAL SAVINGS CODE ACTIVE NOW!

• Get organized with Christmas gifts and labels for the new year. Use this code AFRDB-RNKF-VY74S9 to get 50% off your entire order! Place an order by December 1st to go in the draw for a special Christmas Hamper. Share this code with your families and friends so they don’t miss out either!

TIM TAMS & TISSUES MORNING TEA: Monday 22nd January 2018 - We invite all our new families (and existing ones too!) to come and share a coffee/tea and meet new friends and families. School hall until 9.30am. We will have Camp Australia on hand to answer any questions you have about before or after school care, as well as be available to answer any questions you may have about being a part of the great Aspley State School community. Please RSVP to AspleyPC@gmail.com.

Feel like you don’t know what’s happening?

OPT-IN to Aspley Spirit Communications (email AspleyPC@gmail.com) to receive a weekly update on upcoming events and news, or See https://www.facebook.com/AspleySSPandC (you can view the posts on this page without having a Facebook account

SCHOOL BANKING

There will be no school banking in the final week of school, have a great holiday!

COMMUNITY NEWS

Rhee Tae Kwon Do

Study For Wisdom

St Josephs Netball and Rugby Club

Kinetic Kids

Young Engineers

HELP FOODBANK FEED FAMILIES THIS CHRISTMAS.

Every week in Queensland 100,000 people rely on food relief from Foodbank Queensland, half of those being children. It is not only the homeless or jobless who rely on this assistance – it is the working poor asking for help to feed their families that is on the rise

For additional information please read the attached PDF

Moving Forward Workshop

Moving Forward Workshops are free workshops discussing topics that are relevant to families with a child who has a disability. These small groups discuss options for your child as they prepare for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and school.

Thursday 9th March 2018 9:30 – 2:30pm Chermside Library

Tennis