26 October 2018

Newsletter Articles

UPCOMING EVENTS

October/November 2018

PAYMENTS DUE

PRINCIPAL’S NEWS

World Teachers Day

Today, on World Teacher’s Day, we acknowledge the contribution of teachers and school leaders to inspire, teach and care for our young people within our community of learners. Our teachers, who are exemplary in their field, are dedicated to enable each student to achieve their best life chances through a quality education. Take the time to say thank you to your child’s teacher!

Special thank you to the Parents and Citizens Association who have provided a delicious morning tea for the teachers today.

2019 Student Leaders

This week, it has been my greatest delight, to listen to the speeches from year five students who have applied for round one of the student leadership process for 2019. The student speeches detailed resounding messages, including the student’s commitment to Aspley State School to:

• Dream, Believe, Create and Succeed
• Be an exemplary role model
• Be an active learner
• Act to care for others and themselves
• Demonstrate a high standard of behaviour
• Wear their uniform with pride
• Proudly represent Aspley State School
• Be engaged with the Aspley community
• Demonstrate initiative, self-discipline and respect
• Act as an effective communicator and invite participation of others
• Achieve the Aspley Exit Statements to act to be a: self-managed individual; resourceful and creative thinker; effective communicator; quality producer; and, an active and responsible group member.

Senior Leader and Captains notification assembly  will be held on Monday 26 November at 2pm. The election of students for the position of school captains will progress over the coming weeks.

School Sport

We were excited to attend school sport today. Students from years 4-6 will enjoy the opportunity to play sport with the children from other schools in the North Brisbane Region sports district. These schools include primary schools from the state, independent and Catholic systems within the local area.

Due to the sports fields being too wet for play on Friday 19th October, there will now be an additional day of school sport scheduled on Friday 16th November 2019.

Minister for Education

I was honoured to listen to the Queensland Minister for Education, Mrs Grace Grace speak today about the strong performance of Queensland schools and the continuation of Independent Public Schools (IPS). Minister Grace spoke of the need for strong leadership and engaged school community partnerships, as important elements for successful schools.

Minister Grace spoke of the importance for teachers to enable the thinking classroom. This is where students use high order thinking skills in a challenging and supportive environment so that students develop the attributes to be lifelong learners.

Community Coffee

This week, we hosted Mr Jeremy Otto, Dean of Teaching and Learning from the  Qld Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASTM) who spoke at a community forum to enable parents and staff learn more about the International Baccalaureate (IB) – Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Attendees learnt about the establishment of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and how a stong reseach base underpins the effectiveness of IB to enable young people to be active and successful learners. He highlighted that International Baccalaureate links thousands of schools across the world to achieve the mission statement:

International Baccalaureate® (IB) programmes aim to do more than other curricula by developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed.

We strive to develop students who will build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect.

IB programme frameworks can operate effectively with national curricula at all ages; more than 50% of IB World Schools are state-funded.

The IB's programmes are different from other curricula because they:

• encourage students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions
• develop independently of government and national systems, incorporating quality practice from research and our global community of schools
• encourage students of all ages to consider both local and global contexts
• develop multilingual students.

( https://www.ibo.org/benefits/why-the-ib-is-different/ Accessed 26.10.2018)

Mr Otto spoke to parents and staff to explain that our school teaches the Australian Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) provides teachers a pedagogy, or, way to teach. This approach is based on developing in students strong inquiry learning skills, deep knowledge that transcends disciplines, or subjects; and, promotes student advocacy.

Read more about the International Baccalaureate - Primary Years Programme at:

Arrival at School

Students are to arrive at school after 8.15 am each day. When students arrive, they to be seated at the Eastern side of the hall and will be supervised by school staff until the bell rings for them to go to class. Whilst seated, the children are to talk quietly with their friends or read quietly. Students are not permitted to move around the school campus at this time. These procedures are to support student safety.

If you require before school care, please contact Camp Australia, who provide a quality and fun before, after school and vacation service at Aspley State School. Alternatively, there are other local before and after school services within the local area.

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS NEWS

Habits of Mind

The Habit of Mind that the students will be concentrating on for the next two weeks is Thinking Flexibly. When we are able to think flexibly we are able to change perspectives, generate alternatives and consider all options when solving problems.

3M Showcase

3M demonstrated their learning during assembly on Monday 15 October with a Power Point presentation on using descriptive words in their writing. The students described the use of Onomatopoeia, Idiom, Alliteration, Simile, Metaphor, Pun, Spoonerism, Hyperbole, and Personification to turn their writing pieces from good to great. Well done 3M!

Student Leadership

At this time, the Year 5 students who have nominated to be a senior leader in 2019 have been meeting with Mrs Griffith-Baker to present leadership speeches. The interview process will be finalised on Monday 29 October.

Year 3 overnight camp

The Year 3 overnight camp was a resounding success. The students demonstrated a high degree of self-management and independence on Thursday night and Friday morning. The STARLAB experience was both informative and fun, even though the storm interrupted the view of the planets. The camp could not have run as smoothly without the organisation and professionalism of the Year 3 teachers. A big thank you to Mrs Nicholson, Mrs Bell, Ms Monaghan, Ms Butler and Mr Hawthorne. An extra-large thank you to the parents and staff who volunteered to prepare and serve dinner and breakfast. This is not an easy task and over one hundred students were fed both meals within thirty minutes! Congratulations to the volunteers.

World Teacher’s Day

A happy World Teacher’s Day to all the teachers in the school. The professionalism and dedication of teachers at Aspley State School was celebrated during a special morning tea in the hall. We would like to thank Chappy Sinead, Aspley State School P and C, and the families in the school community for catering this event.

Swimming

The swimming timetable has been adjusted due to the commitments of the Music program for the Armistice Day rehearsal and the upcoming Christmas Music Tour to the Hypermarket and Compton Gardens. Students who have, or will, miss scheduled swimming lessons will be provided with make-up lessons over the remainder of this term. A timetable of make up lessons will be given to staff next Monday.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Cameron S who has recently had great success in the Motorcycling NSW State Championship coming third overall. Cameron also came second in the KTM 2018 Short Course Championship.

Well done Cameron!!!

Curriculum News

8 Word Stories

Week one of the 8 Word Story Competition saw fourteen winners for the topic: ‘Caring’.

These stories are being displayed on the internal and external school electronic noticeboards and in locations around the school, the first being outside the library.

Our next winners for the topic, ‘Curious’ will be announced at assembly. Please come and have a look at our clever writers’ work.

Aspley Speaks Out

On the evening of Wednesday 17 October, we held the finals for our annual speaking competition, Aspley Speaks Out. The ten finalists from years five and six spoke with clarity and confidence, proving that planning and practice does indeed pay off. With public speaking ranked as one of the greatest fears, each one of these finalists achieved something that so many people feel that they could not. With preparation and practice, these students created and presented speeches that were entertaining and informative.

The judges for the event were Steven Bates, Bronwyn Griffiths and Ruby Nahuysen. After announcing the winners, they spoke of how impressed they were with the topics, composition of each speech and the extremely high standard of delivery. We are extremely proud of each finalist and it is with great pleasure that I announce the winners of the 2018 Aspley Speaks Out.

The Aspley Speaks Out Year 5 winner is Angus D with his speech “Why Rooster is the best role to play”. Angus’ speech was entertaining and he delivered it with enthusiasm, expression and clarity.

The winner for Year 6 is Duncan F, with his humorous recount on what it is like “Being the middle child”. Duncan’s use of repetition, creatively crafted tales and expressive delivery awarded him winner for the second time.

Congratulations to our winners and all of the finalists. A special thank you to the judges for volunteering their time to help make this evening such a special event. I would also like to thank our sponsors who generously donate prizes for our finalists and winners.

Lastly, the finals evening would not be the same without our amazing students sharing their musical talents on the piano. Thank you to Yalina M, Dylan H, Kate B, Duncan F and Elaine C for entertaining us all.

Thank you,
Sonia Vener
Aspley Speaks Out Coordinator

Year 5F - Art

Microsoft Office for Students (It's free!)

The Queensland Department of Education have secured a deal so that Microsoft Office 365 for Students is available to install at home on up to five devices for free.

Instructions to download and install the Microsoft Office applications is available in the following two documents: -

Student Absences

NEW ABSENCE TEXT MESSAGE MOBILE NUMBER – 0427 286 794

With the introduction of ID Attend to help us streamline absence notifications for students, we now have a new mobile number that parents can send a text message to, so we are notified of upcoming absences.

Please put this number into your mobile phone as “Aspley SS ID Attend Absences” and send the school a text message for any absences (including future absences) with the following information:

Name of student
Class
Reason for absence (for example… sick, family reasons or holiday, etc)
Date of absence/s

This new text messaging line is the preferred method to notify the school of student absences.

The existing school absence line, email absence address and Q Parents are still functioning.

We appreciate your help with this matter to ensure all students are attending school and safe.

Road Safety

Sports News

State Athletics Carnival

Aspley State School would like to congratulate Max, Jalun, Eli and Oliver, who represented the school at the State athletics carnival in Cairns last week.

The students demonstrated great sportsmanship and effort. Eli and his relay team came 1st, Oliver came 9th in the state for 1500m and Max performed at his best in the state discus event.

Jalun came 3rd in his 200m final, which qualifies him to go to the National championships.

We would like to wish him all the best!

Swimming Carnival

The 2018 Aspley State School Swimming Carnival will be held on Thursday 6 December 2018 for students in years 3-6.

In preparation for this event, the year three students will be invited to participate in swimming time trials in their lunch breaks on:

• 5th November (Monday) and 9th November (Friday) in Week 5 - Classes: 3B , 3 N and 3K
• 12th November (Monday) and 16th November (Friday) in Week 6 – Classes: 3M and 3H

*Students can trial for 50m in – Freestyle , Backstroke, Breast-stroke and Butterfly

*Lunchtimes: 10.30am-11.00am and 1.15pm-1.50pm

Music News

ARMISTICE DAY CENTENARY CONCERT – WEDNESDAY 7 NOVEMBER

The Aspley State School Senior String Orchestra and Senior Choir will be performing at the Armistice Day Centenary Concert, celebrating the centenary of Remembrance Day and the end of World War One, to be hosted at Aspley State School on Wednesday 7 November 2018. On the performance evening, Aspley will welcome special guests, performing students and community members from Aspley East State School, Aspley Special School, Bald Hills State School, Geebung State School, Geebung Special School, St Dympna’s Primary School, St Flannan’s Primary School, and St Kevin’s Primary School.

Please take note of the important details below to ensure a successful performance event for all involved:

A reminder to all performers and families that permission slips indicating performer’s availability for this performance event are to be returned to the school office no later than Monday 29 October, 2018.

This is a wonderful performance opportunity for our young musicians and choralists and we look forward to seeing you at the performance.

MUSIC TOUR – SENIOR CONCERT BAND/SENIOR CHOIR – (WEEK 7 – WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER)

COMPTON GARDENS RETIREMENT VILLAGE & ASPLEY HYPERMARKET

The Senior Band and Senior Choir will be undertaking a day tour on Wednesday 21 November (Week 7) to entertain residents at Compton Gardens, Aspley (9.30am) and also perform at the Aspley Hypermarket at 12pm. This will be followed by lunch at McDonalds, then return to school. A parent note will be issued in the coming weeks. All parents and supporters are welcome to join us at the Hypermarket.

JUNIOR CHOIR

The Junior Choir will be participating in the following performance events throughout term 4:

• Junior Choir members will have a special workshop afternoon followed by a twilight soiree for parents and friends to be held on Friday 23 November (Week 7). Please place this special date away in your diaries.
• Prep – Year Three Christmas Concert to be held on Friday 7 December.

Parent Information letters regarding these exciting Junior Choir performances and workshops shall be distributed to all families in the very near future.

ASPLEY SPEAKS OUT PIANISTS

Congratulations to the young pianists who performed at the Aspley Speaks school event last week on Wednesday 17 October. Your performances were just beautiful, you should be so very proud. Thank you to parents who supported these young musicians performing at this special school event.

FOOTSTEPS DANCE PROGRAM – (PREP – YEAR THREE)

Our young students in Prep through to Year Three have commenced their 8 week dance program with the Footsteps Dance Company and are loving every minute of their dance lessons with our Footsteps instructor Jess. Sessions are:

CURRENT AND UPCOMING MUSICAL EVENTS – TERM FOUR 2018

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC NEWS

SHEP STATE HONOURS

Congratulations to all of the young instrumental strings players who applied to participate in the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University State Honours Ensemble Primary Program. We are very proud to announce that Liesel (Cello) and Tom (Viola) were successful in gaining entry to participate in this very exciting program! Congratulations!

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC RECRUITMENT 2019

This week budding young Year 2 and Year 3 musicians who are interested in participating in our fabulous instrumental music program in 2019 will be completing the next step in the instrumental music testing process. All students who returned the expression of interest letter only will have met this week with either Ms Jabs or Ms Jerram and completed more in-depth testing, performing aural testing and physical suitability testing for instrument placement.

Please note that all applicants will be informed of their possible participation in the 2019 Instrumental Music Program in Week 5 of this term.

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

Aspley State School
Instrumental Music 2019
Recruitment Timeline and Procedures

Happy Music Making to you all

The Aspley Music Department

Library

Scholastic Book Fair

Our final Scholastic Book Fair for the year is coming next week, just in time for Christmas shopping. Teachers will be choosing a day and time to bring their class through the fair on either Friday 2/11, Monday 5/11 or Wednesday 7/11. We accept cash, EFTPOS or Internet Payments.

Every student who visits the Book Fair and completes a “My Wish List” form will receive an entry into the draw to win one of three $20.00 Book Fair Vouchers.

The Book Fair will be open for browsing and borrowing on the following days and times:

ICAS and Premier Reading Challenge Certificate Presentation

The certificates for those students who have achieved a High Distinction, Distinction or Credit in the recent ICAS Mathematics assessment will be presented on Assembly next Monday, 29 October. At the same assembly, Premier's Reading Challenge 2018 Certificates of Achievement will be presented to class teachers. Students will receive their individual certificate back in the classroom.

Activity Roster for Term Four

Students are welcome to come into the library to read, browse and borrow. In addition, we have a lunchtime activities roster. Please see below for the activities available.

Lost or Overdue Books

Thank you to those families who have been unearthing missing library books and returning them to the library as this ensures that we have resources that are available for others to use. Overdue Notices are printed every second week and given to class teachers for the students in their class who have overdue library books. If the book is not returned, then an invoice is generated and sent home via the parent’s email address to assist in the replacement of the missing book/s.

Caring For Our Books By Always Using a Waterproof Library Bag.

One of the easiest ways we can care for our library books is to always have a waterproof library bag when borrowing and returning our library books. Your support in ensuring that your child uses a waterproof library bag rather than a calico/cotton bag or a plastic folder is appreciated. The Uniform Shop sells the recommended library bag (green) for $15.00.

Library Opening Hours

The library is open every morning before school from 8:00 – 8:30am for parents to bring their children to borrow. After borrowing, the student must return to the waiting area at the hall. The Library is also open for student borrowing every day after school until 3:15pm, excluding Tuesday. We are also open at first break playtime. Please remember that your child can only borrow if they have a waterproof library bag with them. A plastic folder or a calico/cotton bag is not suitable and students will not be able to borrow from the collection using these items.

Linda Hamilton
Teacher in Charge of the Library

Student Council

The Melbourne Cup at Aspley

On Tuesday November 6, the Student Council is organising a race meet to be held in the school hall at first break.

All classes are invited to enter a relay team of 8 children to race in their Year Level. The last race and main event, will be between some members of the Student Council and the Staff.

This race meet is a fun, social activity which is voluntary. Children who do not wish to watch or participate will have their normal play time.

We will require three hobby horses for this event. If you have a hobby horse and are willing to allow us to borrow it for the event , please contact admin@aspleyss.eq.edu.au
by Friday 2 November.

Thank you.

Nelma Wright and the Student Council

Chaplaincy

Hi wonderful students, families and staff. Firstly, let me say a massive thank-you to everyone for taking the time to fill and return their Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes! Much effort went in to choosing gifts for these boxes, and I’m delighted to see the impact they will have on the lives of children and families. This year, shoeboxes from Australia are going to the South East Asia and Pacific Island regions, including, but not limited to, Cambodia and The Philippines. If you are interested in watching a video showing the boxes being distributed to and opened by children in Cambodia in previous years, please follow this link:

Secondly, I had the opportunity to hear a representative from registered charity ‘Givit’ speak yesterday. Givit is a national not-for-profit organisation, using an online platform to connect people wishing to donate items with those who need something specific - anything from baby items, clothing, school supplies, food vouchers and furniture. Givit helps facilitate the delivery of quality items to those who need them with the utmost privacy, and also allows organisations and individuals to request items on behalf of others. If you would like to be involved or know more about this wonderful service feel free to contact me on sineadt@chappy.org.au.

Lastly, we cordially invite all Aspley SS teachers and staff to a World Teacher’s Day Morning Tea on Friday 26 October, in the hall, at 1st break. We would love to celebrate the fantastic work you do here in our school. And, we are very excited to welcome Grandparents into Aspley SS for Grandparent’s Day on Monday, 29 October. There will be a morning tea provided for our guests.

Have a lovely week!

P&C News

Happy World Teacher’s Day to all our wonderful teachers at Aspley State School! We are very fortunate to have teachers and staff that go above and beyond for our children – so Thank You teachers!

Big thank you to Dave Kerr and all the families who came and helped at the working bee over the weekend. A special shout out to young Harry G who, with the help of Chappy Sinead, planted and painted the garden around the flag pole.

We hope everyone will come and check out all the stalls at our Pop-Up Garage Sale this Sunday 28 October, 11.30am to 3pm. Artist Wendy will have a special stall with face-painting by students, and there’ll be coffee, sweets, and all sorts of bargains. Why not take the sustainability message to a new level and purchase your Christmas gifts locally this year – there will be new and pre-loved goods available.

This term is flying by, but we are desperately needing parent help over the next few weeks:

#1 TUCKSHOP

• Fridays are our busiest days and two of our regular volunteers are no longer able to assist us due to their new work commitments. If you can lend Jane a hand at all, from 8am to 9.30am; 9.30am to 10.30am; and 11.30am to 1pm, please let us know. No experience necessary. Please email Tuckshop.AspleySS@gmail.com if you can assist.

#2 UNIFORM SHOP

• We require support for our Prep Orientation Day Wednesday 5 December, 8am to 11am. If you can help us serve new parents; we would greatly appreciate your time. No experience is necessary.
• Jodie will also need help in the new year before school starts. Please email Uniforms.AspleySS@gmail.com if you can assist.
   - Wednesday 23/1 - 8 - 10am, 4 - 6pm
   - Thursday 24/1 - 4 - 6pm
   - Friday 25/1 - 7:30 - 9:30am
   - Saturday 26/1 - 9 - 11am
   - First week of Term 1, 2019: Tuesday 28/1 - Friday 1/2 8 - 10am.

#3 ARMISTICE CONCERT – Wednesday 7 November

• We are looking for some parent helpers in our tuckshop and around the school to help guide people with parking. There are a variety of time slots available, so if you can help, please sign up at the link below. If you haven’t had the chance to help this year, this could be your just #1thing. We’d love your support.

P&C Meeting Update 23 October 2018:

Thank you to the community who attended our most recent P&C Meeting. At this meeting we:

• endorsed the nomination of Mr Craig Spink as the School Council Parent Representative. Thank you to Mr Stephen Solly as the outgoing parent representative; and to Mrs Nelma Wright, the teaching representative, for their dedication to our School Council. I would also like to extend a welcome to Mr Kendall Simpson, as the new Staff Representative (teaching).
• approved P&C funding for the compost bins, as part of the school’s sustainability program; Prep play equipment; and towards the Year 6 graduation celebrations.
• discussed our events for 2019. Events do not happen without parent involvement. I would encourage any members of our community who are interested in helping to please contact me. We have some amazing and very dedicated parents who would love to share their knowledge in event planning and organisation, and now is the best time to be a part of our P&C so please be involved! Please watch this space for events to come. Email AspleyPC@gmail.com for further information.

REMINDER: Sign up before October 31 for some extra rewards. Sign up now at this link:

The P&C are trying to do our sustainability bit by reducing the number of notes being sent home. We use the school newsletter, Facebook, and opt-in emails to try and keep you updated about P&C events and school activities. Please contact us at pandc@aspleyss.eq.edu.au to reach all members of the executive; aspleypc@gmail.com to reach Alice (President) directly or via 0403 190 609; Uniforms.AspleySS@gmail.com for Uniform Shop enquiries; Tuckshop.AspleySS@gmail.com for Tuckshop enquiries. For school activities, the school office is your best point of contact: 07 3863 9111 or admin@aspleyss.eq.edu.au.

COMMUNITY

Saver Plus

Craigslea State High School Dance Night

The Craigslea State High School annual Dance Night is fast approaching!

The evening is all about having fun and showcasing the talent of our students from Years 7 to 12.

When: Friday 9 November
Time: 6:30pm arrival for 7:00pm start
Where: Craigslea SHS Hall, Hamilton Road
Cost: $5 per person