15 March 2019

Newsletter Articles

UPCOMING EVENTS

March/April

PAYMENTS DUE

PRINCIPAL’S NEWS

National Day Against Bullying and Violence

The 2019 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA) has a new theme: Bullying. No Way! Take action every day. This theme builds on the 2018 journey to Imagine a world free from bullying, by inviting school communities to turn big ideas into action. Parents, teachers, students or members of the community can turn ideas into action and help deliver a powerful message that bullying and violence are never okay.

The 2019 NDA school engagement activity provides a chance for students to lead action in an area identified for their school communities and drive the agenda across the whole school year. The NDA 2019 will open opportunities for authentic student voice, with teachers supporting students to actively participate in their school communities, put forward their ideas and views, contribute to decision-making and influence outcomes.

Each student and family from Aspley State School will be provided a small card detailing steps and resources to enable them to be proactive, if they are challenged by situations of bullying or violence.

On the Bullying No Way website there is useful information and resources for parents/ carers, children, teens, educators, community and school leaders.

More information and useful parent information can be found:

P & C Association Appreciation

I wish to thank the P & C Committee and members for their continued efforts in 2018-2019, to provide support to the Aspley State School community. The P & C committee has a significant role to support  meaningful relationships between parents/carers and teachers, with the goal of better learning and wellbeing outcomes for the student/s. Parent engagement directly benefits a child’s learning at school and home.

At Aspley State School we are ever grateful to the P & C Association for their healthy food service, uniform supplies, working bees, school events and the vibrant Swim Club. I also wish to recognise the school volunteers who support Bookclub, School Banking and Instrumental Music on a regular basis.

Community Coffee –Term 2

The upcoming community coffee will be held at Aspley State School on Wednesday 29th May 2019 from 6.00pm – 7.00pm. At this event, Dr Jane Coleman will be our special guest speaker. Dr Coleman presents for Triple P International and is well recognised as a skilled presenter for parents, enabling them with skills for the complex role of parenting. She will provide useful information and explore some parenting interventions. All are welcome to attend. We have also invited parents from other local primary schools to this night.

Facilities Update

At Aspley State School scheduled maintenance is ongoing to support the school learning environment. Some works include:

• Replacement of the seating/ garden edges in the paved courtyard next to B Block in week 9-10;
• Repairs to existing school fences in March;
• Tree trimming by arborist in the next school holidays;
• Installation of the concrete pathway and synthetic turf at the early years playground will occur during the next holiday break;
• Prep gutters to be cleaned from leaves in the coming month;
• Replacement of the front school gate (Maundrell Tce) to make it pram friendly next month; and,
• Painting of the exterior of Prep 1 & 2 building.

Harmony Day Celebration

We are excited for the Aspley State School students to participate in an incursion to learn a cultural dance on Tuesday 19 March, 2019. Each year level will learn a dance in preparation for our special, Harmony Day Assembly and the dance demonstration will be performed at 2.00 pm on Thursday 21 March, 2019, at the Western side of the hall (oval). Dancing provides a fun opportunity for students to learn of other cultures, and a deeper understanding of their own culture. The cost of this incursion is $2.00 per child. We hope that you can attend this special assembly.

Visitors to School

All school visitors are reminded of the requirement to sign-in at the school office. For some events e.g. parent teacher meetings and School assembly, a book will be provided at the hall / prep, before attending a classroom or school event. This process supports student protection and workplace health and safety requirements.

Swim Club Presentation

I look forward to attending the up-coming Aspley Swim Club presentation evening on Saturday, 27 April 2019. Congratulations to the young people who attend each week to demonstrate their personal best. A big thank you to the swimming club committee and parent members for their continued efforts to support this sport. It is a testimony to the Aspley Swim Club that they are now the largest swim club in the area, and noted for the high quality program, that they provide for our young people in the greater Aspley community.

Cross Country

We look forward to the Aspley State School Year 3-6 Cross Country event to be held on Friday 22 March 2019 at Ben Lomond Park, Aspley, commencing at 9.00 am. The P-2 Fun Run will be held at the school site from 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm and this will be a fun event, while the children run a course around the school oval and surrounds.

Track and Field Carnival 2019

A new tabloid format for the sports days on the 9-10 May 2019 will provide a busy program for all students. The program has a balance of participation and caters for the competitive selection of students to progress to North District / Met Regional competitions.

• Thursday 9 May, 2019 from 9.00 am- 1.00 pm the events will include: 200m race, discus, and;
• Friday 10 May, 2019 from 9.00 am – 3.00 pm the events include: House march past, a tabloid of track and field events including sprints, high jump, shot put, long jump, relay, and ball games.

ANZAC Day Ceremony

Aspley State School will commemorate Anzac Day in 2019 with a special assembly led by our school leaders on Wednesday 24 April 2019 at 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm at the school hall. All parents/carers are welcome to attend. Please note that Thursday 25 April is a public holiday for ANZAC day and school is not open on this day.

Enrolment Agreement

When children are enrolled at our school, an Enrolment Agreement is co-signed by parents/ caregivers stating that they agree with their responsibilities as outlined in the document.

Recently, we have noticed an increase in certain behaviours from parents and caregivers in the school grounds, before, during and after school. These behaviours breach the code of conduct and need to be addressed.

Responsibility of parents/caregivers to:

• ensure your child attends school every school day
• attend open evenings for parents
• let the school know if there are any problems that may affect your child’s ability to learn
• ensure your child completes homework regularly in keeping with the school’s homework policy
• inform school of student absences and reasons for absences in a timely manner
• treat school staff with respect
• support the authority and discipline of school enabling their efforts to educate your child and assist your child to achieve maturity, self discipline and self control
• abide by school’s instructions regarding access to school grounds before, during and after school hours
• advise Principal if your student is in the care of the State
• keep school informed of any changes to student’s details, such as student’s home address and phone number.

The three highlighted dot points in the document above are of concern and have been noticed in recent interactions between parents/caregivers and staff members.

The document clearly states that it is the responsibility of parents/caregivers to treat school staff with respect. This would mean that the exchange between parents/caregivers and members of the staff is civil and respectful. Teachers have a list of things to do before school to prepare for the day. Please be mindful of this and make a pre-arranged appointment if you wish to see them during these times. Just dropping in to see them puts them behind in their scheduled tasks.

The next dot point asks parents/ caregivers to support us to educate your child achieve maturity, self-discipline and self-control. This is about teaching the children to be resilient and self-managed. In the last newsletter there was a list of self-managed behaviours we expect from the different year levels. By supporting us with this, you are helping us ensure that your child learns life-long skills.

The final highlighted dot point explicitly maintains that parents/caregivers abide by the school’s instructions regarding access to the school’s grounds before, during and after school. This would include where you wait before school and during school hours and your access to the playground and other parts of the school. This is in line with our policy on safety.

This is non-negotiable. The only alternative is to arrive at school on the bell. The child can then go straight to class.

When given a direction by any staff member, please be courteous and abide by the request. By refuting or challenging this request, you are setting a poor example in front of your child.

Thank you for your support and understanding in this matter.

School Holidays

Term one 2019 concludes on Friday 5 April. Term 2 commences on Tuesday 23 April 2019. Please note Monday 22 April is a public holiday for Easter Monday.

Leann Griffith-Baker
Principal
Aspley State School

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS NEWS

ARC

If your child is attending the Reading Club at the library on Monday and/or Tuesday, s/he needs to come to the library between 8.10 am and 8:25am in the morning. We ask parents not to wait around the library for the children as this can be very distracting. Our aim is to teach the children to be self-managed in all areas of school. Please cooperate with us regarding this.

We will release the child from the library to go to class or the waiting area when s/he has completed the activities.

Dates remaining this term are:

Harmony Day – 21 March 2019

Harmony Day celebrates Australian multiculturalism. It coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

It is all about inclusiveness, respect and belonging, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. We wear orange to signify social communication, meaningful conversations, freedom of ideas and mutual respect.

A special assembly will be held at 2pm to showcase the cultural dances learnt at the Footsteps Incursion.

2020 Preparatory Enrolment – siblings

If you have children born between 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015, they are eligible for Prep in 2020.

Pease collect and fill out the enrolment booklet in readiness for the interview process scheduled on 31 May 2019. SOBS for booking in an interview time will be open in mid May.

Easter Concert

On Friday 5 April, all participating Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students will be performing in an Easter Hat Parade at the School Hall from 9:00am to 10:15am.

We would love to see all parents and friends at this concert and we assure you that you will have a wonderful time. Some of our Year 2 students will have the honour of being Masters of Ceremony for the morning.

If your child is not allowed to participate in this event, please inform your class teacher, as soon as possible, so that the necessary arrangements can be made.

The Parents and Citizens group will have food and drink for sale at their Bake Stall prior to, and after, the event.

All children from Prep to Year 2 are allowed to come in free dress for the day and are encouraged to wear a decorated hat for the concert.

We are very lucky to have Ray White Aspley sponsor a colouring-in competition for the students. For this entry to be admissible, parental permission is required. Each year level will be judged for a first, second and third prize. All completed entries are to be placed in a dedicated box at the school office by 3pm on Friday 29 March 2019.

As the hall will need to be set up by the student leaders and the school staff, entry into the hall will only be allowed from 8:40am onwards. Please also be aware that there are areas in and around the school which have restricted parking. As required everybody will need to sign in before being allowed entry into the hall.

April 5 is a normal school day, so if you are planning to take your child home after the concert, they will need to be signed out at the School Office as per normal procedure for early departure.

Under 8s day

Date claimer: We are celebrating Under 8s day on Friday 24 May. Please mark this on your calendar. More information to follow.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Cameron Swain on his achievement at the Australian Junior Road Racing last weekend. Cameron took part in the Motostars Junior Category.

Cameron won the first race, unfortunately crashed in the second race in the rain, but was able to get the bike up and going and complete the race for points. In the third race he came second.

Cameron came second overall for the day in the 9-12 years age category. He is only 10! What an achievement Cameron.

Staff on duty

This week staff were supplied with yellow High Visibility vests to support the duty roster. The vests make staff easily identifiable to students during each break. They will also be easily identifiable to the community during the before, and after, school supervision times. We ask that families support this initiative by reminding students that the person they need to seek during break times, before and after school, will be the adult wearing the yellow vest. We thank you in advance for your assistance.

Second round Expression of Interest (EOI) for leadership positions – 2019

Students in Year Six who have not yet attained a Senior Leadership role will be given the opportunity to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) for consideration in the second round of the Leadership process. EOI forms will be made available on Friday 15 March from the Year Six teachers. The second round of Leadership will not include the election process to Captaincy positions. Successful students will be given opportunities for leadership roles within the school at various levels. EOIs will be due on Monday 1 April.

Cross Country

With the heat of the past week, it is timely to remind students that the forthcoming cross country may be conducted during unseasonable weather. Students need to be Sun Safe during this event. This means wearing a broad brimmed, or bucket, hat and applying sunscreen at the beginning of the day. It is also advised that students bring at least two bottles of water to remain hydrated during the event. The wearing of the appropriate footwear is advised.

Class Show Case

At the last Assembly, we discovered the amazing adventures of the school’s focus on sustainability, and the school’s garden, managed by 6O. 6O is supporting a school wide focus on sustainable practices and establishing a school wide network of plant growing to teach all students the value of growing plants, supplying food and creating a sustainable environment.

Curriculum News

Curriculum Matters

Digital programs

The School Resource Scheme (SRS) and school funds allow your child/ren to access many educational digital programs, both for school and home use. This week and future newsletters will highlight these. Please take advantage of these great school/home programs to strengthen your child’s learning. User name and password issues are to be directed to the class teacher for further action. If you have not already, please ensure your payment of the SRS for continued use of these programs.

eBooks Digital Library

The Queensland State Schools’ eBooks Digital Library is open for borrowing. With over 31,000 eBooks, audiobooks and videos, including fiction and non-fiction reading material that can be borrowed and read at home, at school, on your PC, laptop or mobile device, there is something to interest every reader.

To login, open the above link, and enter your child’s unique user name. This is a great opportunity for nightly reading. Why not read some of the joke books and start your week with a laugh?

Literacy Planet

The purpose of this website is to allow students to learn and play interactive games to improve English literacy. Students can participate in quests, compete in competitions and complete exercises in pre reading, phonics, sight words, reading, spelling, comprehension, grammar and punctuation and writing. The very popular ‘Word Mania’ provides an online live word challenge for Australian schools at a set time in the school year.

Log on is at the link below Students log on using their unique user name and password set by Literacy Planet.

Typing Tournament

Typing Tournament is a complete 10 finger-typing course. With multiple exercises, students learn to type and understand the functions of keys on the keyboard. Set in a medieval quest, students become more efficient at typing through a series of quests.

Students log on using their unique user name and password generated by Typing Tournament at the following site:

Mathletics

Mathletics is an online learning space providing students with the tools they need to understand and practise mathematical concepts. Activities are aligned to Australian Curriculum Mathematics outcomes across the primary and secondary years. Students log on using their unique user name and password generated by Mathletics at the following site:

Prep Art

The Prep children have thoroughly enjoyed their Art lessons so far with Artist Wendy. Here is a sneak peek at the sustainability project for the Aspley Art Affair we have started to create. Artist Wendy has introduced us to some wonderful new art techniques and provided us with an understandings of cool and warm colour contrasting when choosing colours. We all look forward to our third Art lesson next week.

Creative Writing Corner

Mr Piggy Winkle and the Attack of the Cyborg Ninja’s
By Shiv in 4G

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

Student Council

Mad Hair Day

Friday 8 March 2019 was Mad Hair Day! The students wore their hair in all sorts of weird and wonderful ways. For this privilege, children were asked to donate a gold coin. This is an annual event at Aspley to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis QLD charity. We would like to thank the Aspley State School families for being involved in Mad Hair day and donating to Cystic Fibrosis QLD.

Sports News

Year 3-6 Cross Country & Prep-Year 2 Fun Run
FRIDAY 22nd OF MARCH 2019

Year 3-6 Cross Country

Where: The park along Ben Lomond Street, Aspley.

Transport: Students will walk down to the park in their class groups and with their classroom teacher.

Note: A 1km course will be marked out in the park.

ALL CHILDREN WHO WISH TO TRY OUT FOR THE SCHOOL TEAM (10YRS AND ABOVE) AND/OR FOR AGE CHAMPION ARE TO RUN IN THEIR CORRECT AGE GROUP (NOT GRADE LEVEL).

The District Cross Country will be held on the 29th of April, at Teralba Park, Everton Park. We are permitted to nominate 6 runners in each age group (10-12YRS).

Reminders: * wear house T-shirts, running shoes, sunscreen and a hat (which may be taken off for the run)

*bring a water bottle and a towel to sit on (parents may like to bring a chair)

*Everything is to be named.

*NO COST INVOLVED

House Points: All runners receive at least 1 point for their house, with place getters receiving more.

If you have any concerns about the Cross Country please see your child’s class teacher.

Prep – Year 2 Fun Run

Where: Aspley School Oval

Format for Prep and Year 1: Students will be given the chance to run around the school oval as many times as possible in 15 minutes. Every time a student completes a lap, they will be given a token to put into their House Box, which is totalled at the end and added to the overall house points for the entire school.

Format for Year 2: Students will run a cross country style race (1km) around the school oval and surrounding areas.

Reminders: * wear house T-shirts, running shoes, sunscreen and a hat (which may be taken off for the run)

* bring a water bottle

* parents may like to bring a chair

District Sport

District Sports Trials:

Congratulations to the following students who have progressed to the next level in interschool sport. These students are off to Metropolitan North Championships –

• Madison (year 5) – basketball
• Hannah (year 6) – netball
• Charlotte (year 6) – netball
• Xiana (year 4) – girls soccer
• Mia (year 6) – girls soccer

We wish them all the best of luck!

Important District Trial Dates Coming Up:

**Any students that would like to attend these trials will need to see Mr Schmidt to get all the necessary permission forms and information. Parents you can access the Met North website for all details for any of the sports trials this year for North District.

Music News

Aspley Choral Program

METROPOLITIAN CHORAL HONOURS MUSIC CAMP – GOODLUCK!

Senior Choralists Dylan, Charles and Mahi will be attending the upcoming Education Queensland Metropolitan Choral Honours Music Camp in Week 9 of this term. This marvellous choral camp offers an opportunity for gifted music and choral students to participate in an extension choral activity under renowned Choral Directors. The music camp provides students with opportunities to meet and interact with music/choral students from other schools. We wish our choralists the best of musical luck, and look forward to hearing all about their choral adventures at this amazing camp.

ASPLEY CHORAL ENSEMBLES

Thank you to our 2019 choral families for returning the choral student contract accompanied by the choral participation payment of $15.00, which was due to the school office by Friday 1 March 2019. If your child is participating in the choral program for 2019 and you have not yet returned the necessary forms/payment please do so as soon as possible.

From week 9 of this term, all choralists will be required to be self-managed in attending their weekly choral rehearsals. NO loud speaker announcements will be made from Week 9 reminding choralists of attending their weekly choral rehearsals.

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

CURRENT AND UPCOMING MUSICAL EVENTS - TERM ONE 2019

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

We’ve had a lot of fun this fortnight in the Instrumental Program at Aspley. So much hard work is going on at home, and quality progress is being made.

We have welcomed Mr Bryan Pearson, a relief String Teacher in place of Amanda Jerram whilst she is on leave. Mr. Bryan Pearson will be with us for a few months teaching our wonderful String Students and conducting the Senior String Orchestra weekly on a Thursday. We are excited to have Mr Pearson join the music teaching team here at Aspley.

The Aspley Junior Band commences on Monday 1 April. All 2019 beginners are involved in this ensemble. Rehearsal begins at 8am, with arrival at 7.50am. With students receiving band music in the weeks prior to their first band rehearsal, we are now reminding families to ensure they purchase the green band music folder at the cost of $16.00 from the Aspley Uniform Shop. The Monday morning commitment for Junior Band will continue through until the end of 2019.

Happy Music Making

The Aspley Music Department

Library

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, plastic shopping bag or a plastic folder is appreciated. Books and resources will not be borrowed to students unless they have a waterproof library bag with them at the time of borrowing. The Uniform Shop sells the recommended library bag (green) for $15.00.

Parent Help in our Library

We welcome parent help in our library. This could be covering books, shelving or counting resources. There are also some take-away jobs that can be done at home and then brought back. If you would like to volunteer or would like more information, please come and see the friendly team in the library. We are also able to assist you in applying for a Volunteer Blue Card if you do not already have one.

When can we borrow?

Students may borrow before school from 8:00am - 8:40am. After borrowing, the student must return to the waiting area at the hall. The Library is also open during playtime at second break for borrowing, browsing, scheduled activities or quiet reading. We also are open in the afternoons, Monday to Friday from 3.00 – 3.15pm, for students to borrow.

When are Class Lessons or Borrowing Times?

Class Borrowing and Lesson Times are:

Second Break Activity Roster for Term One

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.

Overdue Student Library Books and Continued Borrowing

At Aspley State School, we are committed to encouraging students' reading in its many different forms. Promoting responsible borrowing of our library resources is a critical element. 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 are available for others to use.

As we want to encourage students to read as much as possible, students who have one overdue book will be placed on Restricted Borrowing. This will allow them to borrow one book while they have one overdue book.

Students who have more than one book overdue will be unable to borrow until the overdue books are either returned or the invoice is paid (if one has been issued). This will also apply to students who still have carry-over overdue book/s as of the start of 2019.

Please note:

• Roll Class Overdue Notices are printed fortnightly and class teachers remind students and communicate with parents via their regular communication channel e.g. Class Dojo, email, class newsletter, notes home etc.
• Invoices for the replacement of the overdue book are issued via the parent's email address when it is overdue by six weeks. They are also issued by the request of a parent when the book is known to be lost or damaged.
• Once the book is returned or the invoice is paid, the student will then revert to the regular borrowing allowances for their year level.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the staff at the library on library@aspleyss.eq.edu.au.

Linda Hamilton
Teacher in Charge of the Library

Camp Australia

Scholastic Book Club

A big thank you to Rowan Alick for volunteering to take on the role of Scholastic Book Club Coordinator this year. I have really enjoyed my time volunteering in this role for the past four years. It is very rewarding knowing that you are helping children enjoy the magic of reading. Scholastic gives back 20% of sales to the school to spend on valuable educational resources so contributing to this has also been very rewarding.

Thank You

Jodie Parke

P&C News

Thank you very much for the care you’ve taken…thank you very much, thank you very very very much!

Thank you very much to all the members who have joined the P&C, both renewing and new! It was wonderful to see more new faces at our meeting on Tuesday night. Read to the end of the P&C News to see who your new committee is for 2019.

TUCKSHOP NEWS

• Harmony Day will be celebrated on 21 March with a whole school assembly, and the Tuckshop are excited to share their Harmony Week Menu – one super special each day from Tuesday to Friday. All specials available to order via Flexischools.
• Jane is looking for any items families might like to lend or donate for her to decorate around the outside of the Tuckshop - eg. flags, bunting, posters. Any nationality...if you can help, just drop them off at the Tuckshop and make sure you put your name and number on anything you’d like returned!

• Flexischools is still having issues on Friday mornings, so please order by Thursday to remove any stress! If you get caught out, please come by the Tuckshop from 8.15am to complete a paper bag order.
• Updating Classes in Flexischools: If your child was in the Year 5/4 or Prep/1 composite class, but is now in a different class, please remember to update your child's class in Flexischools. If your child is in Year 1 of the Year 2/1 composite class, can we ask you edit their profile, and update their name to put Yr 1 before it - this way we know to send their order down with the year 1 box. Eg. “Yr1 Emma” in First name.
• Order Collection: Prep and Year 1 student orders are taken to the classrooms by Year 6 volunteers. This includes any snacks/ice-block ordered. Years 2 to 6 students come to the Tuckshop to collect their orders. If an ice-block is ordered, the student will return to the Tuckshop with their paper bag to claim it, once released by the teacher on duty.
   
  Please remind your students if they have a Tuckshop order and for which break. If there are orders left, the Tuckshop will ring the office to ask student's names to be called over the PA system. It is then the responsibility of the child to come to the Tuckshop to collect their order.
   
  If you have placed an order on a day that your child is sick, please contact the Tuckshop as soon as possible - 3863 9114 or email Tuckshop.AspleySS@gmail.com. We can then hold the order over to the following week (for the same day).
• Tuckshop will be closed on the last day of Term 1, however we are planning a special service for 1st break only. So please keep an eye out on Facebook and the next newsletter for more details.

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

• Get in quick for your Winter jackets before they sell out! Due to a delay in delivery last year, we have been left with last year’s stock to sell so we will not be ordering new stock this year.
• SECOND HAND SALE – house colour shirts, shoes and winter items without a logo all $2 ea.; all other items $5ea. Cash preferred. If you can assist Jodie with sorting donations or helping serve on the day, please email Uniforms.AspleySS@gmail.com OR drop in and let her know.
• Reminder: If you cannot get to the uniform shop during the opening hours, Jodie is happy to arrange for your order to be delivered to your student via the classroom teacher. Order via Flexischools for convenience. Email: Uniforms.AspleySS@gmail.com if you have any questions.

WHAT’S NEW

The Aspley State School Foundation is an initiative of some members of the Aspley State School P&C. It was established in June 2018 to create a reliable income stream to be used for the maintenance, improvement and construction of buildings at Aspley State School. Last year, the P&C and the Foundation replaced the carpets in all 5 prep classrooms, and Year 6 students were protected from the harsh sun with the installation of window blinds.

Soon the Aspley State School Foundation will be seeking the community’s suggestions for a large scale project that will engage and inspire you. Please keep an eye out for further information coming home (either by note, email, or Facebook post) by the end of term. This is your chance to be involved!

Entertainment Book Sales – pre order now on until March 20th.

The P&C has endorsed the sales of the Entertainment Book to our community, with funds raised being donated to the Year 6 Canberra Trip fundraising. A note has gone home with the early bird offer with a slip to return if you DO NOT want a book sent home. Please complete this slip as soon as possible and return to the school office.

Last year, more families purchased the hard copy book than the digital service. Can we see if we can flip that statistic? The digital app is SO easy to use and much more convenient to find great offers. Your friends and families can also purchase the Entertainment Book – and help us raise funds (20% from the sale of each book is returned to the P&C).

Get your book today at:

Terracycle Colgate Challenge – Now until 4pm September 30th.

Please help our school win one of five (5) recycled community garden sets. We will be accepting donations of oral care waste products in Term 2, so start collecting now. In the meantime, we need every person to vote ONCE EACH DAY, to help us gain points.

Trivia Night Save the Date Saturday 1-June-2019

Yes, you heard the rumours! And now it’s been endorsed by the P&C community – We will be hosting a trivia night in term 2. To get the ball rolling we are seeking

• five to six parents who are super-keen on being a part of the organising committee. This will involve delegation of tasks and meeting semi-regularly to discuss progress. If you’d like to be on the committee, email me at AspleyPC@gmail.com – we will be arranging our first meeting by week 9.
• Donations from local Aspley families and businesses of prizes.
• There will also be sponsorship opportunities – more info to come!

WHAT’S PLANNED:

• Coffee Van at the Years 3 to 6 Cross Country – Friday 22nd March. We’re working on a supplier to caffeinate our volunteers and spectators. Keep an eye out for them and please support the businesses who support us.
• Next P&C Meeting is 7th May, 2019 –If you’d like to add a general business item to the agenda, please email the secretary at pandc.aspleyss@gmail.com 7 days prior to the meeting. Look forward to seeing you there!

VOLUNTEER

• Check out our sign-up link to see how you can help our community:

Trivia Question:

The book Chocolate Wars was written about the history of which company? (It’s also related to the song line at the beginning of this P&C News). Be the FIRST person to email me the correct answer to receive a prize! Email: AspleyPC@gmail.com

P&C EXECUTIVE TEAM 2019

We’re pleased to announce that the executive team for 2019 remains unchanged – the continuity provided by the existing team will help to continue to grow our P&C and we thank our P&C members for their support. We also welcome Felicity Turner to the chairperson’s role of the Aspley Swimming Club. While the exec team are happy to continue in our roles for 2019, we are advising our community that it is unlikely we will all be able to continue after the next AGM in 2020 – therefore, we ask that if parents are interested in learning more about our roles in our P&C, to let us know and use this as an opportunity to dip your toes in!

We would like to thank specifically our outgoing swimming club chairs – Angela Johnson and Susan Brown – for their incredible dedication to the Aspley Swimming Club over many years; David Kerr for his work as Working Bee Co-Ordinator; and Sonja Mehrtens for her assistance as Events Co-Ordinator. For more information about the successes of the P&C in 2018 – please see the minutes of the AGM (to be released).

Alice Long, Barbara Rushe, Simon Pritchard, and Natalie Caskie.

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 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; or aspleypc@gmail.com to reach Alice (President) directly.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Top Chess

Lyrebird Language Centre

Our teacher:

The teacher has more than 30 years’ experience at universities, high schools and primary schools in China, Japan, Singapore and Australia.

Our Program based on new YCT is an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency. It assesses young foreign students' abilities to use Chinese in their daily and academic lives. The new YCT consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other.

2019 timetable

For more information please contact Ellie on
M 0405 073 523
Email: admin@languagetutor.com.au
Website:

Craigslea State High School Open Day

Swim Solutions

Brisbane State High School

Brisbane State High School is a public school that is committed to providing opportunity for students. For students who are out-of-catchment, this opportunity comes in the form of selective entry places. We proudly uphold the best of public education values; opportunities to excel regardless of personal circumstance. We believe that partnerships across the whole state school sector provide a network of support and bring richness to the school experience. Selective entry opportunities allow students from a range of disciplines to further develop and grow these talents at our state high school.

Application through Academic Selective Entry closes on Monday 18 March 2019. Please refer to the flyer below for further details.

Throughout the year, we will offer opportunities to apply for a range of other selective entry categories. Details of these can be found on our website –

Aerospace Experience Day at Aviation High

Learn more about the future of aerospace in Queensland at Aviation High School’s free event this Saturday 16 March, 10am to 2pm.

The Aerospace Experience Day is open to students, parents and the general public.

There will be aviation industry stalls, rocket making and launching, DJI drone landing competitions with great prizes, Airworks helicopters landing on the oval, flight simulations to play on and a special forum with prominent aerospace industry speakers.

The event will be held at 67 Widdop Street, Clayfield in Brisbane.

For more information, visit the Aviation High School website