Term 3 – Learning, Celebrations and Connection

It’s been a vibrant and energising four weeks, with students and staff diving into learning. It feels almost surreal to think we’re already approaching Week 5, a milestone that brings both a short break and a week filled with celebration.

As we look ahead, here are some key reminders and highlights for Week 5:

• School Closure
  • EKKA public holiday Wednesday 13 August 2025. A reminder to families that school will be closed for the scheduled holiday.

• Bullying No Way! Week – National Week of Action
  • Commencing Monday, 11 August, this national initiative reinforces our school’s commitment to proactive strategies that value learning, respect and inclusion.
  • Students are invited to wear purple, the new campaign colour, to show their support. Items such as socks, hats, jumpers, t-shirts, shorts and hair ribbons may be worn with the school uniform, provided they are sun-safe and appropriate for school routines.
  • We’ll be promoting this year’s theme: Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.

• Book Week Assembly – Friday, 15 August:
  • A beloved tradition, our Book Week Assembly invites students , staff and parents to dress up as their favourite book characters and celebrate the joy of reading. We look forward to seeing the creativity and spirit that make this event so special. 

We extend a heartfelt thanks to our community and staff, especially those who supported the Canberra Trip, Year 4 Camp and helped navigate the disruptions to our regular program in Week 4. Your continued partnership ensures that our school remains a place of learning, celebration and connection.

Acknowledging 135 Years of Learning , Celebrations and Community

On Wednesday 6 August, we marked our school’s 135^th  birthday, a milestone that reflects generations of learning, growth and community spirit. While the stop work action on the day meant our full school and student celebrations were postponed, our pride in this achievement remains strong.

Stay tuned as we continue to honour this special occasion throughout the term. Exciting details and events are on the way!

Study Tour Update

Our upcoming study tour with sixteen students and two teachers from Ritsumeikan UJI Junior High School in Japan will be arriving on 23 August 2025. They will be attending our school from 25 August and departing on the 5 September. This exciting cultural exchange will provide our school community with a unique opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and strengthen our international connections.

During their stay, the Japanese students will be billeted to local host families, where they will be involved in the Australian way of life to practice their English in a real-world environment. At Aspley State School, they will take part in a range of activities and English lessons to improve their language skills. This also gives them the opportunity to experience the routines of an Australian classroom, while learning various subject areas. Our Grade 5 and 6 “Aspley Buddies” will have the opportunity to engage with the Japanese students and gain a greater appreciation for Japanese culture. This exchange promises to be a valuable experience for all involved.

As the arrival date draws closer, we are eagerly anticipating the students' visit and look forward to a memorable and enriching exchange. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to welcome our guests from Japan!

We extend our thanks to Ms Mina and Mrs Wakeford for their dedication, planning and preparations for the upcoming study tour and look forward to celebrating this milestone with them.

2025 School Opinion Survey (SOS)

The 2025 School Opinion Surveys were emailed in the week beginning 21 July and is titled School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2025. Each school family will receive one email invitation from the Department of Education to complete the Parent/Caregiver Survey. 

The survey is anonymous, and the results are not reported in ways that an individual’s response can be identified by the school. Parents/Caregivers are encouraged to complete the survey.

Parents/caregivers who experience difficulties accessing the survey can request a new survey from the School Opinion Survey team via email schoolopinionsurvey@qed.qld.gov.au .

Can’t find your invitation? If your family has more than one parent/caregiver, check that they haven’t received the invitation and/or check your junk email folder.

Planning and Preparations for 2026

There will be many operational matters to address as we prepare for 2026. Yes, it’s time to start the conversation.

2026 Enrolments and Classroom Configurations

We need your most updated details and information, to commence the 2026 planning and preparations for our school. At this stage we predict the same school model as 2025, with twenty-eight classrooms. This includes four classes in each year level.

Confirmation of the classroom teachers appointed to the year levels will be announced at the end of the Term 4, this is subject to change and based on HR and departmental staffing requirements.

Below are frequently asked questions that could assist all during this busy time.

Is your child changing schools at the end of 2025?

If you are planning to move from Aspley State School at the end of 2025, please share this information with our administration team and your child’s classroom teacher/s.  Send an email with your child’s name, year level as well as their intended departure date and reason for leaving to the admin@aspleyss.eq.edu.au  and 2025 classroom teacher/s email.

Alternatively, please give us a call on 3863 9111 our office is open 8:00 am – 3:30 pm to take your message.

Do you wish to enrol a student in a Prep – Year 6 class for 2026?

Our 2026 Prep enrolment process is well underway, with 2026 Prep meetings occurring in Term 3 and in Term 4 our Pre-Prep Transition Program will commence.

Contact our administration team now, if you wish to be considered for an enrolment opportunity in 2026. Space is limited.

Is your family planning a late return to school in 2026?

From time to time, families will extend their overseas trip or holiday adventures, returning to school in week two or week three of Term 1. It is important that we have your best contact details and information about your intended late start in 2026. 

Our school resources and funding are based on Term 1 confirmed enrolment numbers. If we have correspondence from you indicating a delayed start, we can assure your child is allocated to a class.

Contact our administration team at your earliest convenience, to share the details for your possible late return to school next year.

Do I need to contact the school if my child is in Year 6 and going to high school?

You are not required to contact us about 2026. If your Year 6 student is enrolled into a state high school, we will be provided these details via our OneSchool system and will ensure their records are updated before the end of the year.

If your child is attending a high school within the private sector, we appreciate knowing where they will be attending school in 2026.  We can assist with transitions.

Can I share information about my child for consideration in their 2026 classroom placement?

Yes, we will accept written correspondence from parents/caregivers who wish to share information, for consideration, for their child’s 2026 classroom placement. This information will be considered, private and confidential and should be sent via email to your child’s 2025 classroom teacher.

The 2026 classes will be constructed by our teachers, who know your child, their learning, engagement and adjustment needs. They will consider your requests, which are not guaranteed.  With approximately 700 students to consider, we spend up to three weeks investing in this process, looking for the best fit for everyone.

Contact your child’s 2025 classroom teacher via email at your earliest convenience.  We will be working on student placement in their 2026 classes from week 1, Term 4. All relevant information must be emailed to the 2025 classroom teacher by Friday 19 September 2025, for review and consideration.

If you feel the information you wish to share about your child is more considered or private, you can email the sector Deputy Principal or Principal. Prep to Year 3, Ms Jenny Gross or Year 3-6 Ms Robyn Bassa can hold these details for you to assist with class placements.

Thank you to everyone who has secured enrolments for 2026.