1. education
2. school

Anthony Street
Ascot QLD 4007
Website: http://www.ascotss.eq.edu.au/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (07) 3326 9333
Fax: (07) 3326 9300
Subscribe to Online Newsletter! http://ascotss.schoolzinenewsletters.com/subscribe
Issue 16 – Wednesday 27 May 2015
P&C Thank You Day
FROM GAYLE COLEMAN: PRINCIPAL
This Friday 29 May is P&C Thank You day. On behalf of the staff
and students at Ascot State School I would like to acknowledge
and celebrate the contributions made by our fabulous Ascot
SS P&C to supporting the education of our students. Our P&C
comprises many sub-committees including Tuckshop, Uniform
Shop, Friends of Music, Friends of Visual Art and Design,
Physical Environment, Swim Club and Health and Wellbeing.
We also have the wonderful services of our School Community
Liaison Officer, Leanne Buckle, who assists with the myriad
of events that occur throughout the year. Furthermore, we
have our hard- working, dedicated Executive Team of Sarah
Comiskey, Michael Spork and Toni Mitchell, Stella de Jager and
Catherine McLeod, who give up countless hours, often behind
the scenes, to support our school.
Student Successes
Congratulations to all the students involved in the NBN art
project at Westfield Chermside this week. Congratulations also
to all staff, parents, Mrs Graham and Mr Harris for the very
successful first Gala Day for 2015.
This morning our School Captains and other Leaders escorted
new parents around the school as part of our Prep Information
Session. One of our students, Hallee, reported back to me
that parents were impressed with how clean the school was,
the beautiful sculpture garden and the impressive Library and
Music facilities. It is always a pleasure to walk around our lovely
school and I have noticed an improvement in the litter problem
since the introduction of “it’s not cool to litter our school”
campaign. Great ownership students!
Staffing Update
It is with sadness that I announce that Mrs Melissa
Provost-Boyle has been asked, and accepted, a promotional
position as Acting Principal at Riverview State School
commencing next Monday 1 June. This is an Acting Principal
position until the end of the year. Melissa has been a member
of the Ascot State School leadership team for the past five
years and has been recognised for her exceptional curriculum
knowledge and teaching expertise to lead Riverview State
School. In her leadership capacity, Melissa has been pivotal
in the recent successes of Ascot State School including 2012
Regional Winner: Academic Success; 2013 Regional Winner
and State Finalist: Excellence in the Early Years Reading and
2014 Regional Winner: Excellence in Leadership. On behalf of
the staff, students and parents of Ascot State School, I wish
Melissa all the best in her leadership journey.
Prep Parent Information
Parents with Prep students enrolling at Ascot State School
in 2016 are asked to submit an enrolment form at the front
office by Friday 26 June. Prep enrolment interviews will begin in
August. Other key diary dates are: Tuesday 24 or Thursday 26
November for Students Prep Orientation morning and Tuesday
1 December for Parent Orientation session.
Over the past twelve months the P&C have raised funds
through discos, movie nights and musical evenings; through
Art Week and last year’s Art Evening, Swimming Club and
Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day stalls. The P&C have completed
numerous facilities projects including the landscaping of the
courtyard, playground upgrades and maintenance and
refurbishment of the hall toilets. The P&C also support the
professional learning of staff members and support projects
such as our Sparq-Ed visits to Ascot and our visit to their
laboratories next term. They are also very proactive in securing
sponsorship for our Big Day Out in Term three.
I thank you sincerely for your time and efforts and I am looking
forward to our visioning night as we move forward to enhance
our students’ learning at Ascot State School.
Invitation – Ascot Think Tank Night
On Wednesday 10 June from 7.00-8.30pm we are conducting
an open forum to discuss the future direction of Ascot State
School. This is an opportunity to work with parents, staff and
other community groups to put forward suggestions for the
future of Ascot State School. The outcome of these sessions
is to develop our four-year Strategic Plan as we move towards
our 100 year celebrations.
So please put on your thinking caps and do your research on
what is happening at other high-performing schools in Australia
and indeed the world. I hope to see you there. For those who
cannot attend we will set up an avenue for you to contribute
your ideas.
Parent Information Session
Due to a number of staff attending the EduTech Exhibition next
Wednesday 3 June we are unable to hold our Parent Session
on iPad Apps. This will be postponed till early next term. Watch
this space!
Every Day Counts
This week I commence a new segment reporting on year level
attendance. Attendance at Ascot State School is high but this
is just a reminder to parents to ensure your child attends school
every day. Our statistics for last week were:
Prep
98%
Year 1 96%
Year 2 93%
And Gayle and I are asking for your contribution now. I have
two questions that I would like your response to:
1. What made you enrol your child at Ascot, and
2. What changes would you like to see at Ascot which
you feel would improve your child’s learning?
As we transition to Ascot, an Independent Public School, we
are in a unique period of change where we can create
opportunities for a better school. So, what do you want to
see/do for our children? Better educational outcomes, more
sporting programs, enlarged Music/Arts program, single sex
classrooms, increased language programs? There are no right
or wrong responses and your feedback is welcome at our
Vision Night on 10 June.
Please email me your RSVP and response to
[email protected] .
Year 3 96%
Ascot is a great school, most would say a successful school,
but we can make it better
Year 4 95%
Sarah Comiskey, President
Year 5 91%
UPCOMING EVENTS
Year 6 95%
Regards
Wednesday 27/
5/15
State of Origin 1 - Go Queensland!
Thursday 28/5/
15
8.15-9.30am: Uniform Shop open
1.15pm: Thinkers’ Club (Art Room)
Rugby Union Trials
Gayle Coleman
Principal
Friday 29/5/15
9am-3pm: Years 4-6 CD Gala Sports Day 2
BOUQUETS
Special bouquets to all of our P&C Executive and members for
supporting our school, staff and students.
6-8pm: Years 5/6 Disco Hall
Monday 1/6/15
So what defines success? With a school, some would define
success by money and the buildings and resources that make
up the school. Others define success in terms of NAPLAN
results. For some, success is defined by effectiveness. Others
might define success by the sense of balance between the
academic and non-academic programs. But a school is more
than its buildings, its results or its programs. The best part
of a school is the people who are in it and ultimately, many
people define success by how their lives will be summed up
at their funeral. Will attendees be talking about how much
money the person made or will they be talking about this
person’s contributions and how lucky they feel to have known
this person? For most, success is ultimately defined by the
good they have contributed.
2
8.15-9.30am: Uniform Shop open
9.00am: 3E Assembly
FROM YOUR P&C
It has been a very busy period for our P&C members with our
monthly meeting last week, FoVAD doing an art installation for
the NBN, Discos and the Michael Calder Memorial Golf Day!
Thank you to all those people who helped put these events on.
Parental contribution is one of the main reasons Ascot is such
a successful school.
P&C Thank You Day
10.30am: 1D Assembly
9.30am: Cut off for Dad’s Day Out Sausage
Sizzle orders
Tuesday 2/6/15
2C, 2D, 2E Pine Rivers Heritage Museum
Excursion
1.00pm: Year 5 Debating (in 4A)
Wednesday 3/6/
15
7.45am: Debating 6 (in 6/5)
8.15-9.30am: Uniform Shop open
9.00am: Student Banking
9.15am: Welcome Group
ICAS Science Competition
2A, 2B Pine Rivers Heritage Museum
1.00pm: Dad’s Day Out Sausage Sizzle
(Tuckshop)
1.45-3.15pm: High Achievers Talent Program
6.30-8.00pm: High Achievers Celebration Night
FROM MRS HADDEN: MIDDLE SCHOOL
YEARS 3-6
SPARQ ed
SPARQ-ed (Students Performing Advanced Research
Queensland) was founded in 2009 as a partnership between
the University of Queensland Diamantina Institute and the
Department of Education and Training at the prompting of
Professor Ian Frazer and administered through Queensland
Academies.
Maths Parent Workshops
Last week Monique Russell and I presented a Maths workshop
for parents and they must be congratulated for their hands- on
work with Problem Solving challenges. It was a great way to
“feel,” how a learner faced with a new challenge can react and
how confidence and positive affirmation is critical for success.
Risk taking when learning is important when taking on new
learning and it is essential that children are encouraged to
“have a go” at every opportunity. It is also important to make
estimation a regular aspect of Maths tasks. Getting a “ball park
estimate” gives children a key or clue to the correctness of
their answers. Strategies and tips were shared to once again
strengthen the home-school bond.
Cross Country
Congratulations to our fantastic runners who represented City
District at the Metropolitan North Cross Country Carnival.
Looking forward to hearing all about the fun they had.
Assembly
Thank you to 4D who demonstrated the power of perseverance
to their peers in an entertaining assembly. These habits of
mind are so important to continually reinforce with our students
and are the beginning of building a repertoire of strategies to
promote good work and life habits. Good work, 4D!
Student of the Week: Years 3-7
Last week Year 5 students had the opportunity to take part
in Science Workshops where they conducted experiments and
had fantastic hands-on activities. We have established a
connection with the SPARQ-ed team based on our partnership
with the Queensland Academies. During Term 3 our Years 5
and 6 students will visit their state-of–the-art labs to further their
immersion in Science.
The P&C Innovation Fund has meant that Years 5 and 6
students have been able to access this opportunity. Thank you
to our P&C for funding this project and Angela Dawson for her
organisation!
Cluster Moderation
Yesterday teachers took part in the second round of
Moderation across the City Cluster where they each presented
a number of assessment tasks, across the strands of
Mathematics to their colleagues from other school within the
cluster.
They then measured the results against the standard
elaborations of the Australian Curriculum. This provided an
opportunity to discuss and develop moderation experience
where teachers confidently make judgements about student
learning, progress and future learning to be planned.
I worked with the Year 6 teachers from the cluster and I was
very impressed with the standard of student samples, the
confident discussions and data–based judgments made by our
teachers.
Next week’s assembly will be presented by
3E and the focus is on “Working Well in
Teams”. Being a member of a team in class,
the playground, the sporting field and of
course in the family is such an integral part of
children’s lives and gives them so many of
the social and emotional skills they need throughout life.
Congratulations to the following team players – love your work!
3A
Ryan L
4D
Mayank M
3B
Mitchell L
Harmony T
5A
Sienna R
3C
Parham S
Bronson R
5B
Cooper B
5C
Jemima M
6/5
Sophie B
6A
Riley W
Lexi H
4C
Kalif L
Josh M
6B
Claudia H
4B
Timothy H
Josephine W
Tom R
4A
Katie B
Caitlin K
Johnno H
4/3
Nick T
Lucas A
Jeremy M
3E
Brooklyn H
Jaden J
Madison V
3D
Stephanie M
Oliver S
Ainsley S
6C
Max E
Poppy S
Alessandra B
3
Ned W
Parking at School
I apologise for the regularity of this message and I promise to
stop when the message has an impact!
Several of our neighbours have asked that we once again
remind our parents that driveways and no standing zones are
carefully observed around the school perimeter. We appreciate
the support of our neighbours and want to ensure that they
are treated with the courtesy they deserve. When children arrive
late to the pick-up areas in Pringle Street and Massey Street it is
essential that cars proceed around the block rather than block
the zones and create traffic hazards around the area.
Thank you to the majority of parents who take such great care
with the safety of our precious children and to the Teacher
Aides who care for our children each day in the pick-up zones.
Have a great week.
Sharyn Hadden, Deputy Principal
FROM MRS PROVOST-BOYLE: EARLY
YEARS
PREP-YEAR 2
It’s with mixed emotions that I write this Digest. I have accepted
an Acting Principal position at Riverview State School near
Ipswich until the end of the year; I’ll take up the position on
Monday 1 June. I’m excited to have the opportunity to again
work in the Principal space and very sad to be leaving a school
that I love. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work with the
children, staff and parents of Ascot.
As a member of the Leadership Team I have appreciated and
valued the support from staff and parents. Thank you for your
support over the past four and a half years, it has been
appreciated and valued.
Report Cards
Report Cards will be emailed to parents on Tuesday 23 June.
All parents were requested to update Student Record cards at
the Parent Information Sessions at the beginning of the year. If
you have changed your email address please contact the office
to let them know.
Is an A achievement Standard at Ascot State School the same
as an A achievement at another Queensland State School?
YES, all Queensland schools are working from the Australian
Curriculum and assessing against the Achievement Standards.
To ensure our achievement standards are consistent teachers
engage in Year Level Moderations where assessments are
moderated against the Australian Curriculum indicators in the
Guide to Making Judgements in all Key Learning Areas.
To ensure consistency beyond our school teachers moderate
assessments/work samples with teachers on the same year
level across the fourteen City Cluster Schools to ensure
consistency of teacher judgment.
4
26 May National Sorry Day
The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998, which
was one year after the tabling of a report about the removal of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
The report, known as Bringing Them Home, acknowledged that
Indigenous children were forcibly separated from their families
and communities since the early days of European occupation
in Australia. Governments and missionaries were responsible
for this forced separation.
Systematic removal practices were implemented through
various assimilation and “protection” policies by the late 19th
century. Many Indigenous children were forcibly taken away
from their families in the name of assimilation during the 1950s
and 1960s. These children are known as the “Stolen
Generations”. They were brought up in institutions or fostered
to non-Indigenous families. This removal was official
government policy in Australia until 1969.
By the 1980s, by welfare and community groups spoke out
that governments' social welfare practices were discriminatory
against Indigenous people. This forced a reappraisal of removal
and placement practice during the 1980s. In 1980 the family
tracing and reunion agency Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal
Corporation was established. Similar services now exist
throughout Australia.
Australia’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd tabled a motion in
parliament on 13 February 2008, apologizing to Australia’s
Indigenous people, particularly the Stolen Generations and their
families and communities, for the laws and policies that inflicted
profound grief, suffering and loss. The apology included a
proposal for a policy commission to close the gap between
Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in matters such
as life expectancy, educational achievement, and economic
opportunity. This event is seen by many as a step forward in
reconciliation.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across
Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June. The dates
commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation
journey—the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum
and the High Court Mabo decision.
The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared
histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each
of us can join the national reconciliation effort.
27 May marks the anniversary of Australia’s most
successful referendum and a defining moment in our nation’s
history. The 1967 referendum saw over 90 per cent of
Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make
laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and
recognise them in the national census. 2012 marks the 45th
anniversary of the ’67 referendum.
On 3 June, 1992, the High Court of Australia delivered
its landmark Mabo decision which legally recognised that
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special
relationship to the land—that existed prior to colonalisation and
still exists today. This recognition paved the way for land rights
called Native Title. This year is the 20th anniversary of the Mabo
decision.
We all know the importance of recognition and how good
it makes us feel. National Reconciliation Week is the perfect
opportunity to recognise all Australians, and the unique place of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within this country.
Student of the Week: Prep-Year 2
Next week’s student of the week award is for
“Helpful Behaviour”
Darcy A
Year 1D
Sienna C
Kiara J
Prep B
Preston N
Year 1E
Fletcher T
Prep C
Kristoffer D
Year 2A
Year 2B
Hana K
Have a great week!
Maddison A
Melissa Provost-Boyle, Deputy Principal
Year 2C
Simeon J
Zoe R
Isla M
Year 2D
Emma B
Summer R
Omero M
Year 2E
Piper L
Joshua H
Oliver H
Annalise H
Ashton P
Be sure to mark the dates in your calendar.
Date
Wellbeing Focus
Class
Assembly
Focus
1
June
Begin With the End in Mind
1D
Helpful
Behaviour
I look for ways to be a good
citizen. What can you do this
week in the classroom, at
P.E., at the tuckshop, in the
library?
Queen’s Birthday Holiday
15
June
Begin With the End in Mind
22
June
Begin With the End in Mind
I set priorities and follow my
plans. I follow my teachers
morning routine and prepare
for the day.
Our Years 5 and Year 6 students attended SPARQ-ed last
week. We thank our Ascot P&C for funding this amazing
experience through the Innovation Fund. Here is a reflection
from Benjamin B and an email that I received from Matthew C:
“On Wednesday 20 May, I attended a SPARQ–ed Science
demonstration. It was an interesting and exciting experience
that I thoroughly enjoyed because its higher leveled scientific
area was a thrill for me.
Junior Assembly Schedule for Term 2
8
June
SPARQ-ed
Cooper H
Harper C
Year 1C
If you are residing in the catchment area or have a sibling of
a Prep age child for 2015 and you wish to enrol them in Prep
2016, can you please call into the office to collect an enrolment
form?
Imogen V
Gus C
Year 1B
I spend time on things that
are important to me. Family
and holidays are important,
just like school.
Tristan H
Oscar B
Xavier W
Year 1A
Assembly
Focus
Oliver B
Ellie A
Prep E
Class
Priya B
Lily M
Prep D
Wellbeing Focus
2016 Prep Enrolment
Congratulations to:
Prep A
Date
Prep
C&
Prep
D
Game skills
Prep
E
Caring for
others
As I walked in, to my right I saw a table covered in amazing
tools and materials that were such an interest to me. Then we
got into our spots and our teacher who I happened to know
through Queensland Academies, David Pearce introduced
himself and his colleague Dr. Peter Darben. Now it was really
starting to get exciting!
David then began discussing about when and where Science
originally came from and why it was so important. We began
with the Romans who were the first people to start experiment
theories. David said that a King of the Roman Empire wanted
to make a crown and asked someone to make it, so he did,
but the King thought the welder cheated him. So David asked
someone to help him so I shot my hand up with lots of
enthusiasm and I was picked so I was given two objects, one
that looked like a crown and the other a block of gold. David
asked me which one was lighter; I thought the crown so we
tested it in a mini experiment. We found out that the crown was
heavier by one 1g.
David Pearce involved lots of us in other experiments. There
were plops, bang, sizzles and lots of oohs and ahhhs. Then
it was everyone’s to turn to make something and we felt like
a true Scientist. We were given 2 cups, a paddle pop stick,
5
a viscus liquid, a pipette, some food colouring and a lot of
curiosity. Shortly after we were told we were making slime, a
big smile came upon everyone’s faces. We started mixing all
the components together and out came a colourful, sticky pile
of fun. Once we were told we could keep it I was so excited.
But as fun as it was we had to go. I don’t think anyone left
that room not feeling smarter but happier as well. David Pearce
and Peter Darben did a great job organizing these activities
for us and I would like to thank anybody else who made this
opportunity become a reality for all of us.” Benjamin B.
“Thank you for organising SPARQ-ed today for all the students
who participated in it today like me. It was a really fun
experience and it made me a little bit nervous.
There were a lot of breathtaking moments like having a liquid
and then stirring to make slime (which I have never made
before.) If I had to choose a favourite part it would be making
the loud bang with a match and gas and water which were
combined together. I got to stand out the front and do this one
and it was an incredible experience! I am certain that there are
a lot of Science lovers who can’t wait to do it tomorrow.
Hope to participate next year.” Matthew C. (6/5).
Angela Dawson
FROM MONIQUE RUSSELL
Construction Experiences – Essential
Mathematics Geometry
The value of simple blocks in early years' experiences is
immense. In these play times children experiment with many
geometric 3D theories. Children create the base for buildings,
they count how many blocks are in a creation, make patterns,
they compare one construction with another, they create
bridges and experiment with stability and if the block set
includes spheres or half-spheres they can use these to create
imaginative designs and create objects that move – that is
Physics principles. Other mathematical topics used in block
play are area and perimeter concepts, proportional reasoning,
symmetry, action/reaction, seriation, order, one-to-one
correspondence and of course shape.
These early years block experiences can then be called upon
when Middle Years students begin more abstract visualisation
with isometric blocks and negative and positive space. During
the Middle Years more formal use of formulas, proofs and
standard procedures are married with the hands-on activities
and technology for the concepts of surface area, area, volume
and capacity.
Monique Russell
ASCOT WRITERS’ CLUB
I hope everyone enjoyed Olivia’s story last week. This week, I
present for your reading pleasure, something a little different.
Many authors say that it is important to capture the moment
and write about something spontaneous that happens.
Josephine met someone famous (or not so famous) on the
week-end.
Lorraine Clacher
Guess who I met today?!
by Josephine
The day started off normally; that was until I
went to my Mum’s Italian Club at the Dolci
Sapori Cafe. When we drove in, the carpark
was full. A man, who was talking on his
phone, stopped us. We thought he was a
parking attendant - how wrong could we
be? When we drove around the corner, the
TV crew was there with cameras flashing
away. At first, we thought it was a wedding or a movie being
filmed, but after questioning the “parking attendant”, it seemed
that the Prime Minister had decided to pay Brisbane a visit! The
man in the parking lot was one of his body guards. I sat in the
car astonished. I mean, it is not every day that you get to see
the P.M. in person! I hopped out of the car, eager to meet him,
only to find that he hadn’t arrived yet.
As Mum and her friends searched for an empty table, I stood
in front of the cafe waiting for him to arrive. Then, I saw a white
car with an Australian flag on the front with a number plate that
said …. wait, I can’t tell you that, it’s a secret! Anyway, I was
trying to get a good look at him as he got out of the car, but 2
men in suits stood in front of me, blocking my view.
By the time the men moved, the P.M. was being introduced
to some people sitting three tables away from me. I crossed
my fingers, hoping to be noticed as he walked past. He slowly
made his way through the crowd of people waiting to see him.
He was getting closer and closer, and closer, until … “Hello,
Mr. Abbott”. OMG, I actually blurted that out (I blushed). He
turned to me and said, “Hello, what’s your name?” “Josephine”,
I stuttered; was he really talking to me? “Well, pleased to meet
you Josephine. I see you have braces on your teeth. My dad
used to put them on people - he was an Orthodontist, you
know.” Wow, that amazed me. I’m probably 1 out of every
1000 Australians who knows that. He quickly had a photo taken
with me and then he moved along.
I suddenly saw my friend Nicole walking through the crowd
towards us. Her Mother had taken a while to get to the meeting
6
point. I couldn’t contain my excitement and ran towards her
shouting, “Tony Abbott is here. You must get your photo taken
with him”. She came back soon after with a grin on her face;
obviously she got her photo too. We sat at another table while
the adults were chatting in Italian and thought about some
hypothetical questions. We sat down to chat about such things
as how easy it would be for people who didn’t like him to
assassinate him, what it would be like to have him as a Dad
and whether we should get another photo with him before he
leaves. And we did!
After such a wonderful experience, I could not keep it a secret
and slowly I started to spread the news. Most people were
very enthusiastic and happy that I had been so lucky to meet
the P.M. Some didn’t like him and were not so impressed.
Finally, later that day, I told my Arabic teacher in Cairo that I had
met Tony Abbott and asked her if she knew who he was. She
replied, “His name sounds familiar, but I will have to check on
Google”. So I guess he is not that famous after all.
LIBRARY NEWS
National Simultaneous Storytime
Spalding Quibble ruled the roost.
He shared it with no other.
But then his parents introduced
a brand new baby brother...
Uh oh.
Aaron Blabey
the Brothers Quibble
National Simultaneous Storytime is a campaign that aims to
encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books.
Now in its 15th year it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims
to promote the value of reading and literacy using an Australian
children's book that explores age appropriate themes and
addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum.
National Simultaneous Storytime is held annually by the
Australian Library and Information Association. Every year a
picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author
and illustrator is read simultaneously in libraries, schools,
pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and
many other places around the country.
This year NSS takes place on Wednesday 27 May and students
at Ascot State School will be sharing The Brothers Quibble
written by Aaron Blabey. A podcast of the book is available for
teachers to show in the classroom and a member of staff will
be reading the book to students during the lunch break. Some
related activities will also be available for students in the Library
during the break.
Jodie Bew, Teacher-Librarian
ICT NEWS
iCafes
On Friday mornings before school our staff participate in ICT
professional development served with a light breakfast. These
informal sessions are run by staff members on topics of interest
including iPad apps for the curriculum, using OneSchool mark
books, making resources with Excel, edStudios and using
iPads in the lower school. The iCafes will continue throughout
Terms 2 and 3.
eLearning Task Force
A group of teachers on the ICT committee have formed an
eLearning task force. The taskforce is looking at innovative
programs including BYOD at other schools and investigating
immerging technologies. We are reviewing Ascot State
School’s ICT Action Plan and unpacking DETE’s Digital
Strategy 2014-2017 to develop and implement an eLearning
strategic plan for our school. This will include a situational
analysis of our school’s current practices. The task force will
be visiting other schools including Hilliard State School (recently
named an Apple Distinguished School for their iPad program) to
see one-to-one classrooms using iPads across the curriculum
to support innovative teaching and learning.
ICT Skills
Students in Years 3-6 are participating in an ICT skills program
with ICT skills teacher Jodie Bew, which has focussed on
emailing using Office 365 this term and file management.
Students in Years 5 & 6 have also been introduced to Windows
8 on the new class set of touchscreen laptops purchased with
parent voluntary ICT contribution funds.
iPads in the classroom
Students from Prep to Year 5 continue to use the three class
sets of iPads in the key learning areas, literacy and numeracy.
Students use apps to reinforce and apply mathematics skills
and concepts, explain or demonstrate literacy, numeracy and
science concepts and present information or findings in
photographs, concept maps, voice recordings, videos or
annotated diagrams. I will share more about classroom use of
iPads over this term.
Other ICT areas currently under discussion and review include
teacher planning with the Australian Curriculum “ICT Capability
Learning Continuum”, a review of Ascot’s current ICT technical
support model, the ICT hardware rollover plan for classroom
computers and an audit of current ICT hardware used in
teaching e.g. interactive whiteboards.
Jacki Stafford
eLearning Manager/Teacher-Librarian
MUSIC NEWS
The Senior Choir enjoyed a wonderful trip to Fanfare at Kedron
High School last Wednesday. They not only won a Gold Award
for their singing but also listened to other choirs from Kedron
High and primary schools from North Brisbane metropolitan
area. Travelling on the Thompson’s double decker bus was also
a highlight of the day.
The Music Department is now focussed on preparations for
our end of semester Concert on Sunday, 21 June at 3.00pm
in the school hall. All the choirs, bands and ensembles will be
performing. Please mark the date in your diary if you haven’t
done so already. The Prep children are also invited to perform
at the beginning of the concert. They are preparing a special
song for the event.
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More details about Music on Sunday will be forwarded to
parents closer to the date.
Margaret Howard & Debbie Daley
P.E. NEWS
Term 2 MetNorth/City District Trials
Good luck to the students who are competing in the MetNorth
Cross Country Trial on Tuesday and the City District Rugby
Union Trial on Thursday. We look forward to hearing the results
of their efforts.
Girls (10-12) who would be interested in doing some training to
develop softball skills before the Trial can meet me on the oval
on Thursdays at second break (1.10–1.40pm).
Perceptual Motor Program (Prep/Year 1) Adult
Helpers Required
Thank you if you have helped out with the program so far.
Most classes have had a good number of volunteers but with a
couple of classes we have been a bit short. The program runs
for the next three weeks if you have been unable to assist so far
but would still like to.
9.30 10.00
To implement the five basic animal needs that ensures animal
welfare:
• freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition
• provision of appropriate comfort and shelter
• prevention of, or rapid diagnosis and treatment, of
injury, disease or infestation with parasites
Girls Softball – Thursday 18 June
9.00 9.30
small animal rescue based in remote areas of Western
Queensland, such as Charleville, Miles and Mitchell. Many of
these areas are in the middle of one of Queensland’s longest
droughts. As well as farm animals suffering, family pets are
also affected by the drought, with many families unable to care
properly for their pets.
10.00
10.30
10.30
11.00
11.30
12.00
Year 1
(Tuesday)
1A
1E
1C
1B
1D
Prep
(Thursday)
Prep
A
Prep
B
Prep
C
Prep
D
Prep
E
• freedom from distress
• the ability to display normal patterns of behaviour.
The Student Council would like to ask you
to donate items such as dog and cat food,
pet toys, blankets, coats or anything else
suitable to help out pets in these
communities. Items can be donated every morning before
school in the undercover games court. For each item
donated, you will receive a raffle ticket in the draw to win one of
two Smiggles vouchers. Winners will be announced during
assembly in Week 10.
Please ask your mum or dad’s permission to donate items to
our collection. Thank you for listening.
Student Council
SCHOOL COMMUNITY LIAISON
OFFICER’S NEWS
Welcome to Week 6!
Gala Sports Days (Years 4–6)
Children participated in, and hopefully enjoyed their first Gala
Day experience last Friday. They now get to expand on and
develop their skills and teamwork over the next two Fridays.
Please ensure your child takes a hat, water, food, sunscreen
and any sport related equipment with them each Friday. Thank
you for your support.
Venues:
Rugby League – Bishop Park
Netball – Pine Rivers, Lawnton
Boys Soccer – Boys Grammar Playing Fields, Northgate
Girls Soccer – Virginia United Soccer Fields, Northgate
Tag League – Shaw Park
Alayne Graham ( [email protected] )
Mondays/Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays
Paul Harris ( [email protected] )
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
Student Council Collection for Maranoa
Animal Rescue
During the remainder of Term 2, the Student Council will be
collecting donations to send to Maranoa Animal Rescue, a
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Michael Calder Memorial Golf Day 2015
Last week saw the Michael Calder Memorial Golf Day at
Nudgee Golf Club. Special thanks to Toni M and Shannon M
for their co-ordination of a beautiful event. A very respectful
and fitting tribute to Michael's life. Andrea and Michael’s mother
spoke and the M.C .Steven Bradbury found a lovely balance of
address at lunch.
FoVAD REPORT
NBN connect art project at Westfield Chermside
Year 3 Year Level Lunch 2015
Last Friday, was the Year 3 Year Level Lunch. A superb set up
at Ruggers with stunning food in a cosy environment.
Monday’s Morning Tea
The morning tea tradition after Monday assemblies is one that
we cherish. Thank you for always contributing plates of finger
food to share. Tea and coffee provisions are always available in
the Instrumental Room under the school hall. It is a lovely gentle
way to meet the other parents in your child's class.
I do hope that you are all enjoying this autumn weather. Friday
29 May is Gala Day (2) for our Years 4, 5 & 6 students. Please
pack lunch, water, hats and sunscreen for a whole day sports
competing with other local schools.
The Years 5 & 6 Disco in our school hall hosted by FoM on
Friday 29 May.
Music on Sunday is on horizon – 14 June. A celebration of our
Music program with your children as the stars.
Calling all tennis players! During Term 3 a Sunday afternoon
sports tournament on our Reeve Street courts. Please indicate
your child's interest in participation. An age roster will be
established. Please RSVP via flexischools (no cost).
Many thanks for another great week.
Leanne Buckle, SCLO, 0403 576 688,
[email protected]
The NBN Connect Art Project led by talented artist, author,
FoVAD member and Ascot State School Mother, Jacqui C,
was a huge success this week. Over two days, thirteen Year 6
students including our Art Seniors had a wonderful opportunity
to work on this community art event. The students had a
great deal of fun working with Jacqui on Monday and Tuesday
on their very first community/business art event. FoVAD was
thrilled to support this great opportunity for Ascot State School
students. Thank you to all involved.
FROM THE TUCKSHOP
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
Well the date has been set we are having our Biggest Morning
Tea on Wednesday 17 June from 9.00-10.30am. The prizes
for the raffle have started to come in and a few names for
our home-baked goodies on the day. This is a whole school
event. Bring along Mum, Dad, friends, relations, etc. A gold coin
donation for Morning Tea and raffle tickets will be sold for our
great prizes on the day. I hope to be able to put a list of prizes
in the Newsletter by the end of May. Looking forward to the big
day.
Dads Day Out Sausage on Wednesday 3 June
2015
On Wednesday 3 June we are having a Dads Day Out Sausage
Sizzle for lunch. The Dads Day Out Sausage Sizzle is an
opportunity for the fathers and/or grandfathers to help out at
Tuckshop by cooking a Sausage Sizzle for the children. Dads
are required from 12.00-1.30pm to cook and distribute
sausages, drinks and ice creams. If you can help out on this
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day please let Kathryn know on 3326 9326 or email
[email protected] . We currently only have one
parent that has volunteered and we need at least three more,
otherwise this Tuckshop lunchtime event will have to be
cancelled.
“I am still hungry/Mum has not packed me enough food.”
These are words we hear on a daily basis at the Tuckshop.
When this occurs we give the child in question a sandwich
(Vegemite, jam or honey), a piece of fruit and a home bake.
We then give the child a note to take home so that Mum/
Dad can pay for it via flexischools. If you receive one of these
notes please endeavour to pay within the week. The Tuckshop
currently has several hundreds of dollars of outstanding
accounts. So please, check with your children:
Saturday morning and with a fine weekend ahead predicted,
why not give it a go.
Have you discussed the upcoming
Photo Competition with your kids?
This is our term 2 project with the
competition running from June 9 to June
19.
The competition is titled My School and I –
A Snapshot. The competition is designed to give the kids a
chance to use either one of the iPads purchased by the P&C or
they can use a family camera of any type, to take and create an
image of the school that they think captures their favourite
memories. A big, big thanks to our sponsor Maree Coster
Photography.
1. to ensure you are packing them enough food, and
2. if they have a note from the Tuckshop (if they tell you
that they did not have enough to eat).
Kathryn, Yolanda and the Tuckshop Committee
TUCKSHOP ROSTERS
Tuckshop - Group 3
Home Bake - Group 3
Monday
Julia C,
Rachelle
McL
Monday
Michiko C,
Julie R
Tuesday
1/6/15
Tuesday
2/6/15
1/6/15
2/6/15
Deborah P,
Michelle F
Michelle McL,
Karen G-T
Wednesday Nadia S,
Beng McC
3/6/15
Wednesday Vicki B, Nicole
A
3/6/15
Thursday
Brad L, Sue
P
Thursday
Catherine B,
Loren B
Friday
4/6/15
Friday
5/6/15
4/6/15
5/6/15
Brigid T, Hilary
L, Lorelle C
Natalie MacG,
Nadia S
UNIFORM SHOP ROSTER
Group 4
Monday 1/6/15
Hannah M
Wednesday 3/6/15 Kate R
Thursday 4/6/15
Cindy J
NEWS FROM THE P&C HEALTH AND
WELLBEING COMMITTEE
Thinking about something Cultural this weekend? The
Australian Ballet is providing a free performance of Giselle at
the Riverstage this Friday Night. Gates open at 4.00pm with the
performance commencing at 7.00pm.
Enjoy our last beautiful days of Autumn with a guided tour
of the Boondall Wetlands. Tours run from 9.30-11.30am on
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Ascot Tennis Cup:
This event will be open to all ages and will
be held during term 3. The format is being
finalised so if you have any ideas or would
like to assist please contact myself or
Leanne Buckle.
Pat Gerry, Co-Ordinator, [email protected]
WELCOME GROUP
Have you recently enrolled your child at our school and would
like to meet other parents? You may be interested in joining our
school's Welcome Group. Our Welcome Group has been set
up primarily as an opportunity for new parents to our school to
meet other school families, although anyone who is interested
in making new friends is welcome to attend!
Our Welcome Group catch-ups are on Wednesdays at 9.15am
at White Jam Cafe in Hendra. Please get in touch with Peter if
you have any questions.
Peter, Welcome Group Co-ordinator,
[email protected]
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Fancutt Tennis Centre will continue the tennis program at
the school courts on Reeve Street on Mondays 3.00-3.30pm
(Prep), 3.30-4.15pm (Beginners), 4.15-5.00pm (Players),
Tuesdays 3.00-3.30pm (Prep), 3.30-4.15pm (Beginners),
Wednesday afternoons 3.00-3.30pm (Prep), 3.30-4.15pm
(Beginners), 4.15-5.00pm (Players). Junior rackets on special
$30.00. Friendly Hot Shots Tournaments (for trophies and
prizes) are being held at Fancutts on Monday 8 June (Public
Holiday) from 9.00am-12.00pm for Beginners and Players
separately and 12.30-3.30pm for Players. These tournaments
give children valuable match-play. Trophy for winner.
McDonald’s voucher and free Tennis Australia t-shirt is given to
every player. Friendly Hot Shots Tournaments at Fancutts for
trophies are on Saturdays 10.00am-12.00pm. (Serving & Green
ball) during school term. Wimbledon Party Saturday 27 June.
Super League fixtures are on Saturday afternoons and Sunday
evenings for children and teenagers and Tuesday/Wednesday
nights for adults (closing 6 June). Adults social, fitness and
music (Ladies) is on Thursday evenings 6.30- 7.30pm and
Friday mornings 9.00-10am. Restrings – a 24 hour service
or possible emergency restring while you wait. All enquiries,
please contact Fancutts 3857 2922 in office hours or email
[email protected]
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