13 September 2019

Newsletter Articles

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

PAYMENTS DUE

PRINCIPAL’S NEWS

This week has been action packed with two wonderful community events being the Aspley Art Affair, our school art show and Aspley Speaks Out, our public speaking finals for students in year five and year six. The students at Aspley State School are fortunate to have such rich learning opportunities.

Aspley Art Affair

The Aspley Art Affair was a wonderful community night where students were able to exhibit their art works in response to their care for marine ecosystems and their learning about the cross-curricula theme of sustainability.

It was delightful to see many families attend the night to admire the talents of our students. Special thank you to Artist Wendy Cumes-Rowell, Artist Deb Nichols and the teachers who have facilitated the student art responses. Thank you to, Mr Smith our special guest auctioneer, the hospitality students who served refreshments on the night, and to the many parent and staff volunteers who achieved the many assigned tasks in preparation of this anticipated, bi-annual event. Thank you also goes to Mr Stanislav Vanek, pianist and the students who entertained us with their piano recitals. A special thank you to Mrs McIntyre who led the choir and also to the classes who performed for us at the Aspley Art Affair.

The collaborative art works were auctioned and it was indeed competitive to see who would take home these beautiful, original art works.

The cross-curricula theme of Sustainability has three key concepts: systems; world views; and futures. Education for sustainability develops the knowledge, skills, values and world views necessary for people to act in ways that contribute to more sustainable patterns of living. It enables individuals and communities to reflect on ways of interpreting and engaging with the world. Sustainability education is futures-oriented, focusing on protecting environments and creating a more ecologically and socially just world through informed action. Actions that support more sustainable patterns of living require consideration of environmental, social, cultural and economic systems and their interdependence.

Read more about the Australian Curriculum at:

We are confident that the students at Aspley State School, through their learning, are thoughtful and considered in their approach to enacting a sustainable future.

Aspley Speaks Out

Aspley Speaks Out is the school, annual public speaking competition, which allows students from year 5 and year 6 to write and present a speech on a topic of personal interest to them. Public speaking enables students to write persuasively, be critical thinkers, improve their communication skills, improve their knowledge and conceptual understandings and develop their personal and social connections.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the heats and finals. The standard of presentation was first class! Congratulations to Brady C who was the winner for year 5. Congratulations to Angus D who was the winner for year 6.

Special thank you to Miss Vener and the teachers for preparing all students to write, edit and rewrite and rehearse their speeches. Thank you to our guest judges Mrs Nicole Preston, Mrs Kirsten Baker, and Ruby Nahuysen, past student. A special thank you to parents for supporting their child to be prepared to do their best at Aspley Speaks Out!

Stories from Local Service Veterans

This week I was delighted to attend a meeting where 11 students and two teachers met with service veterans from the Geebung, Zillmere, Bald Hills and Aspley RSL Inc. The students interviewed the local veterans about their life, service in the military and their thoughts of service, family, and poignant life experiences. The students are excited to write, review and present their writing to the veterans over the coming months.

I must commend our Aspley State School students with regard to their thoughtful questions and the respectful and mature way that they interacted with our local veterans, especially when some topics of conversation were deeply emotional and significant to our Australian history of service in times of peace and conflict. Thank you to Miss Oliver, Mrs Youitt and Lyn and Ron Bird, from Geebung RSL, who have enabled this rich opportunity for the Aspley State School students.

STEAM Make-A-Space

A project team of students from year six have worked throughout the year to design a new make-a-space area, where they have redesigned the enclosed area that was the Library Outdoor Learning Area (LOLA) to create a new STEAM (Science Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Make-A-Space area.

Student agency empowers students to enact their well-considered ideas to create a better world. They have been involved in the redesign of the new area and have considered construction elements including reuse of existing materials e.g. door, lock, building frames etc. and the provision for lighting, electrical needs, resourcing, creating a Lego wall, selecting new educational kits, revitalising the existing school Lego Robotics.

Their task is to continue to consult with other students to create a name for the new space, design storage solutions, research new educational products and manage a budget for the purchase of new STEAM materials.

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS NEWS

Assembly

The last two assemblies celebrated the achievements of learning and personal improvement.

Congratulations to the students for their achievements in reading through ARC. We celebrate their personal gains each time they reach a milestone with a presentation of a certificate.

Max M was acknowledged for a personal achievement in athletics (Discus).

Congratulations also to Raphael, Charles, Hunter, Harper, Rory, Hannah, Lillian, Dylan, Eashaan and Brendan for their involvement in the Youth Peace Forum.

Showcase class in the last two weeks were 2S and 3B. The students in 2S showcased their wonderings through their visit to Sparklab.

The students in 3B investigated the history of the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association (RNA) of Queensland annual show colloquially known as the EKKA.

Battle for Australia Commemoration Service

On Wednesday 4 September, Mrs Griffith-Baker, Mrs Boaler, Hannah Y, Dylan H and Kate B represented Aspley State School at the Battle for Australia Commemoration. The Federal Government proclaims Australia’s Commemoration Days. Among those for war, in order of significance, is The Battle for Australia (the first Wednesday in September) and is significant as is ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. The Battle for Australia commemorates the service of Australians in a number of conflicts that threatened the freedom and safety of Australia between 1942 and 1945, during World War Two. The most notable of these are The Battle of the Coral Sea, Kokoda and Milne Bay. For more information regarding the Battle for Australia please click on the link below.

Year 5 Leadership Training

The Expression of Interest (EOI) Form for 2020 Senior Leader – Round 1 will be released to interested Year 5 applicants Tuesday 17 September, after the final Leadership training session on Friday 13 September.

The EOI and required written statement must be completed and returned to the Office no later than 3pm Tuesday 11 October 2019. A committee comprised of the current year five and six teachers, specialist teachers, members of the school’s Leadership team and other interested classroom teachers, will assess each EOI and shortlist the strongest candidates for participation in the Round 1 process.

NAPLAN online School Readiness Test (SRT)

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday last week the school conducted a readiness test for NAPLAN online in 2020. One purpose of this test was to test the capacity to have a maximum number of students access the internet, through desktop computers and iPads. Online access was robust. This test also provided the students with the opportunity to practice using the online test platform. Students will benefit from further practice using the Public Demonstration site. There will be a formal practice session in March 2020 before the implementation of the NAPLAN tests in May 2020.

Date correction:

Please amend the date from the last newsletter for the Prep Orientation Day.

The confirmed date is: December 4 – 9am – 10.30am

Prep Readiness

Here are some strategies to help our kindy students become prep ready for 2020.

Teach students to problem solve

A ready, well-rounded Prep student is one that can cope with blips in the day. These are students able to move on, rather than become angry, upset, or withdrawn if something doesn’t go to plan.

Unfortunately, many children today crumble when they make a mistake, receive constructive feedback, or if things don’t go to plan.

Children often rely on their parents to problem solve for them. While this is hard to overcome, it is very important that your child is able to monitor their behaviour, take pride in their attempts, and see value in making mistakes. Acknowledge your child’s feelings when things don’t go to plan, model coping behaviours, and encourage positive self-talk.

Personal organisation

Well-developed organisational skills will assist your child in getting ready for each new day. A ready Prep student should be able to unpack their bag, follow two-step instructions, dress and toilet themselves, complete tasks, move and think quickly, and transition easily.

To help your child develop their organisational abilities, use visual schedules or mind maps and ensure that basic skills are well established. Break large tasks into smaller chunks to ensure they can see projects through from start to finish.

Change in weather

At the moment, we are experiencing a lot of changes in our weather patterns. On days it seems to be much hotter at this time of the year and it will probably remain like this through the summer months. Please support us and encourage your child/children to apply their sun screen before school each day and top up at school before the second lunch break.

We have a ”No hat, No play rule” so please remind your child/children to check their bag for a hat. If they do not have one, they can choose to go to the library during the break or sit and read in the shade.

Encourage them to drink lots of water as it is important to keep hydrated in the hot weather.

Our main consideration is students being safe and being able to access learning, as best they can.

IB unit HOW WE EXPRESS OURSELVES

The Prep students expressing themselves through art.

CONGRATULATIONS 1H

1H were treated to an ice cream cake on Friday 6 September for selling the most number of entertainment books. It was a really hot day and they were pleasantly surprised by this prize. (photo attached).

School Council

Take notice that the election for a parent member of the Aspley State School Council will be held at Aspley State School at 7:00pm on 17 September 2019 immediately prior to the scheduled P&C Meeting.

There are two candidates for the upcoming position of parent member to the Aspley State School – School Council. Attached are the profiles for each candidate.

CURRICULUM NEWS

Canberra

The Year Six curriculum focuses on the social, economic and political development of Australia as a nation, particularly after 1900, and Australia’s role within a diverse and interconnected world today. Students explore the events and developments that shaped Australia as a democratic nation and stable economy, and the experiences of the diverse groups who have contributed to and are/were affected by these events and developments, past and present. Students investigate the importance of rights and responsibilities and informed decision-making, at the personal level of consumption and civic participation, and at the national level through studies of economic, ecological and government processes and systems.  

This learning culminates in a week-long trip to the Canberra to witness democracy and civic participation in action.  It is also an opportunity for the students to gain a deeper understanding of Australian history and the affect that has on current day practices and decisions.  This trip is supported by the Australian Government through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER). This program is an Australian Government initiative that provides financial assistance to support students' on-site learning about national democratic, historical and cultural institutions in Canberra, the nation's capital. To assist families with the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $60.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program. The rebate is paid directly to the school, when received this will be passed on to families.

It was a great pleasure to spend last week with the Year Six students in Canberra.  The students rose to the challenge of maintaining a high level of self-management, engagement with learning and responsible behaviour.  We received many compliments from members of the public regarding the organisation and behaviour of the group as a whole.  Well done to everyone.

Prep 1

‘Stories can engage their audience and communicate meaning’ has been the Central Idea this term in Prep as we explored our second IB transdisciplinary theme of ‘How We Express Ourselves’.

We have linked this central idea into our English unit of retell and have exposed the students to a range of different traditional tales. Our lines of enquire looked at:

• How stories are created and shared.

• How to construct an effective story.
• What stories can convey.

The students have thoroughly enjoyed these rich opportunities that have allowed them to immerse themselves in drama, art, music, written and spoken concepts around retell and how to engage their audience and communicate meaning from the traditional tales.

ICAS

International Competitions and Assessments for Schools, (ICAS)

This year, Aspley State School has once again offered students in years three to six the opportunity to participate in the International Competitions & Assessments for Schools (ICAS). All assessments start at 7:30am sharp, so please arrive by 7:25am as setting up the computers can take some time.

One final assessment, English, is scheduled for Monday morning. Please see below for details of where each year level is required to be.

I would like to thank Sally Boorer-Williams and Leanne Youitt for their assistance in administering the ICAS this year. With the change to online testing and the increased workload required prior to actual sitting dates, their assistance and support has been greatly appreciated.

Linda Hamilton
ICAS Coordinator

FINANCE NEWS

Payment Methods

Our preferred payment method is BPoint or Qparents. These payments ensure your child’s account is directly credited as you are directly paying the invoice. When payments are bank transferred it has to be manually matched to your child’s account. This can take days and then may not be received by the excursion payment due date.

You should receive each invoice directly to your email address and simply click the link to make the payment. If you would like to make a phone payment, the Bpoint number is listed below – you will need to quote your CRN – Customer Reference Number and the Invoice Number.

IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE EMAIL INVOICES PLEASE ADVISE THE OFFICE

STUDENT ABSENCES

ABSENCE TEXT MESSAGE MOBILE NUMBER – 0427 286 794

ID Attend help’s us to streamline absence notifications for students. We now have a 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

MUSIC NEWS

EDUCATION QUEENSLAND SINGFEST EXCURSION

Congratulations to Senior and Boys choralists who participated in the Education Queensland SingFest on Thursday 29 August. Thank you to all who made this day such a magical event for the 45 young choralists who attended this marvellous choral workshop and performance opportunity. Enjoy the following recounts from choralists who attended this choral workshop day:–

Lucy

SingFest was amazing! We learnt two new songs – Chocolate Cookie and Macaroni. It was so much fun learning new songs and singing in such a big crowd of children. Our conductor was so nice she taught us how to sing Thuluka Kilzeo. I liked how we sang in different groups (altos and sopranos). My mum said we sounded fantastic. My friends and I made some new friends in other schools. It was such a beautiful venue, the Old Museum, my friends and I agreed that it was the most amazing place on earth!

Bronte

Imagine hearing a choir with over 200 students in it. On the 29th August 2019, Senior Choir went to an event called ‘SingFest’ at the Old Museum Building, Bowen Hills. There were other schools there as well including Indooroopilly State School, Manly West and many others. All of these schools were combined together creating one big choir. We spent the whole day there and we had lots of fun. We already knew five songs and we learned two new songs as well. We performed these seven songs for our music teachers, parents, family and friends.

Madilyn

Senior Choir had a blast at SingFest 2019! It was incredible being surrounded by the walls of such a beautiful building. We sung various types of songs and with various choralists. The beautiful heritage gardens was amazing. I loved the twilight concert and mostly the SingFest experience itself!

ASPLEY ART AFFAIR

Congratulations to our wonderful Senior Choir, Instrumental Music Busking Ensembles and solo Pianists who performed at the Aspley Art Affair. This was such a wonderful opportunity for our young musicians and choralists to perform to the wider Aspley community.

CURRENT AND UPCOMING MUSICAL EVENTS - TERM FOUR 2019

Please take note of the Music Departments important dates for Term Four 2019 and ensure that you place these dates in your calendars

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC NEWS

• All instrumental music lessons and ensemble rehearsals will be cancelled next week (Week 10) due to Ms Jerram attending Intermediate Music Muster and Honours Music Camp and Ms Jabs being on long service leave.
• Instrumental music lessons and ensembles will resume in Week 1 of Term 4.
• Please refer to your instrumental music timetables regarding ensemble rehearsals and lessons.

YEAR 2 & 3 STUDENTS – 2020 RECRUITMENT

The Expression of Interest Letter for Year 2 & 3 students to start a musical instrument in 2020 have now been distributed. Please discuss the offer and expected commitment with your child, and return the expression of interest slip to the school office before the end of Term 3.

Happy Music Making
The Aspley Music Department

LIBRARY NEWS

Last Day for Borrowing This Term

As the end of Term Three approaches, we remind parents that all books need to be returned to the library by Wednesday 18 September. Today was the last day for borrowing for the term and overdue and current loan notices will be given to class teachers on Monday. Please assist your child in locating any overdue or missing books so that they are able to borrow their full allocation next term. If you are unsure if your child has any overdue books, please contact the library staff on library@aspleyss.eq.edu.au or come into the library before school from 8am or after school until 3:15pm.

Brisbane City Council School Holiday Activities

As there is no borrowing from the school library over the school holiday period, we would encourage students to continue to read through the access to DET online books, their own home collection of books or visiting the Brisbane City Council libraries for borrowing. The link to find your nearest BCC Library is at the link below:

The Brisbane City Council also has a range of activities available over the school holidays. The link is at the link below:

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.

Linda Hamilton
Teacher in Charge of the Library
library@aspleyss.eq.edu.au

P&C NEWS

We’ve nearly made it! Just one week to go! Reminder – P&C Meeting 7pm, Tuesday 17 September in the Library – all welcome!

Did you get the P&C Note sent home last week? No? Check it out here

This week’s news will be mostly in pictures. If you have any questions, please email AspleyPC@gmail.com or see Facebook (@AspleySSPandC) for more details.

TUCKSHOP NEWS

• Tuckshop will be open in Week 10 Tuesday to Thursday, both breaks; and Friday, 1st break only. Please note, we will run down available items to reduce food waste over the school holidays. We appreciate your understanding.
• Tuckshop will resume Tuesday - Term 4 Week 1

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN TERM 4 – Mondays 8am to 9am; and Thursdays 3pm to 4pm. If you can assist, please email Uniforms.AspleySS@gmail.com or drop in and see Jodie – she’d love your help!

ASPLEY SWIMMING CLUB – For more info, see ASC’s website

COMMUNITY POP-UP GARAGE SALE (PUGS) MARKET (3..30pm to 6pm) & OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT (6pm to 9pm) – Saturday 19th October 2019

• Stalls are being booked fast! If you are interested, please contact AspleyEvents@gmail.com NOW!

If you have questions or would like further information, please email pandc@aspleyss.eq.edu.au

The P&C Association plays a vital role in supporting our students and our school – we provide services, such as the Tuckshop and Uniform shop, as well as organise activities and events to help our families come together. We fundraise so we can enhance every child’s educational experience. Members discuss and vote about how we use the funds raised to support the school. If you’d like to know more, or be more involved, please let us know – we’d be happy to chat!

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. Each classroom also receives a copy of our flyers so please ask your children if they have seen the P&C note. 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

BRAINways

BRAINways staff use the school hall from Tuesday 17th September to Friday 20th of September to conduct two, two-day programs as their Brisbane Northside Schools Program of Excellence. Although the program begins later and ends earlier than our school day, there is additional traffic at the drop up and pick up zone near the hall. Your patience is greatly appreciated as you use this area.

A reminder too that should your child be attending a two day program, you (parents/caregivers) are responsible for ensuring your child is signed in at the hall by an adult at the start of the day and signed out at the hall by an adult at the end of each day. This is part of BRAINways administrative procedures to ensure student safety. Please ensure you are able to meet this requirement. Should you have any further queries please contact BRAINways administration or our school contact, Leanne Youitt.

Swim Solutions

Top Chess

Suncorp Net Set GO! Vipers Netball Club

Zillmere Festival