Join us for morning tea at
our coffee shop.
"The Frothee Coffee
Shoppee" is a school-based
work experience program
that is operated by our
students on Friday
mornings between
10am-12pm
The
Kingfisher
Bookings essential
Our Community
Newsletter
Need somewhere for
your next meeting or
conference? Available
for hire is our new hall
and also our hospitality
centre, at reasonable
rates.
Please contact the school
for more information.
751 Zillmere Road, Aspley Q 4034
PO Box 67, Zillmere Q 4034
Telephone:
07 3867 2333
Fax:
07 3863 7791
Email: [email protected]
Principal’s Update
It is hard to believe that Term One
is over in a week and it is Easter!
It has been an action packed term
here at Aspley Special School with students and staff constantly kept busy with programs and events.
Over the past few weeks Carl England, myself and the classroom teachers have completed 21 PATH
plans (Planning Alternative Tomorrow with Hope) for year 10 and 11 students. Each of these plans
takes a minimum of an hour and a half. Thank-you to the families, students and other participants for
your involvement in this process which helps all stakeholders gain a focus for the future paths of our
students and how we can all help them achieve their goals. Thanks also to the rest of the school
community for allowing us the time to complete them.
For one day each week for the next 5 weeks, and also into next term, we are hosting a number of
Education students from University Queensland. As part of one of their courses the UQ students are
required to spend some time in a special school. This is a great experience and opportunity to
experience special education and how the curriculum can be differentiated to suit the needs of the
individual. We welcome them and hope they enjoy their time at Aspley Special School.
On Friday 20th March our school took part in the National “Bullying No Way” Day. Many of the
students wore orange and received a “say no to bullying” wristband. Both of these are simple
reminders of the importance of showing “respect” to each other. On our mini assembly we discussed
how respecting others also allows us to respect ourselves. This is all part of our “learning for life”
motto.
Throughout the term the Cerebral Palsy League Screech Theatre workshops have been held on a
Tuesday afternoon in the hall. A number of students have been attending this after school. Martina,
the coordinator, is keen to continue these sessions in term two. If you are interested in your child
attending please keep a look out for an expression of interest flyer that will go out to families this
week.
Positive Partnerships are a group who support school age students on the autism spectrum. They are
holding a free 2 day workshop and information session for parents and carers of school aged
children with autism. The sessions will be held on Wed 22 & Thursday 23rd April at the Brisbane
International Hotel, Boondall. If you are interested in this workshop please contact the office and the
information will be sent home in your child’s communication book.
Lastly, I would like to sincerely thank the whole staff for their ongoing support and hard work this
term. It has been an extra busy one. To the ladies at the front line in the office, Leanne, Lea and Beryl,
have a great Easter break - you deserve it. As do our hardworking cleaners and groundsman. Also to
Carl and Leena who have assisted me in the office while Ches has been on leave. It is the whole team
that counts at Aspley Special School as when we all work together we achieve great things.
Have a wonderful Easter break to all the parents and students. Let’s hope term two begins with
cooler weather and our energy levels rejuvenated.
Cheers
Gayle Morton
Acting Principal
Deputy Principal’s Update
One of the numerous goals that we have for Term 1 every year is to establish good communication
with our parents and carers so that we can collaboratively identify the learning needs of our students.
One of the many ways that we achieve this is through the PATH process which Gayle mentioned
above.
All students in our senior school take part in a PATH meeting in year 10. The purpose of our PATH
meetings is to help map out a visual image of the preferred, possible future pathway of our students.
It involves bringing together the key people in a student’s life (their parents/carers, their teacher and
other key stakeholders) and using a visual tool to map out a journey and actions for this desired
future. As a school, we use these student-centred PATH meetings to gain a greater understanding of
our students, their dreams, the people around them and the steps that we can take to support them
achieve the goals they want for their future.
The key focal point of any PATH meeting is the graphic planning tool that we use which exists on a
long, large piece of paper. On it we record the key points of discussion which is guided by a series of
questions relevant to obtaining as much information as possible to plan for the future. Some of the
areas that we discuss as a group in the meeting include:
• the student’s dreams for the future
• the student’s gifts and talents
• goals for the student in the last year of school and their first year out
• important people that will be able to help them moving forward
• potential blocks to them achieving their goals
• ways to help keep them stronger in the future
After the completion of a PATH meeting, our Teachers use the valuable information from the
meeting to assist in the design of suitable learning goals and programs for our students. PATH plans
are kept and referred to regularly and are brought out at future meetings to discuss and update as
needed.
Having now completed over 20 PATH meetings in the past few weeks, I have been extremely
impressed with the engagement of our students and their parents/carers, and with the rich
discussion we have had about their goals for the future. We have come to greatly value the role of
the PATH process in our school and hope to continue to improve its use and implementation in the
future.
Carl England
A/Deputy Principal
Head of Curriculum Update
adidas Fun Run / Walkathon – Thursday 2nd April
The big day is getting closer all the time, and a huge thank you to those who have dug deep to
support the fundraising efforts of our Walkathon. Students are excitedly planning the prizes they are
aiming for, and the more money raised means the better the
prize they can earn!
Hopefully the weather will be a beautiful autumn morning,
starting at 10.00am, and finishing around an hour later. We are
looking for parents / carers willing to help out for the big event,
to cheer on our students as they do the laps around the school. If
anyone is interested please contact Leena Sanderson, as soon as
possible, to organise checkpoints and ‘water-carriers’. We look
forward to seeing you there!
Art & Wine Show 2015
Excitement is building as staff and students are exploring a range of different art mediums.
Meantime, save the date Friday 11 September 2015, for an elegant evening of art appreciation, wine
and delicious canapés!
Cheers
Leena Sanderson
Acting Head of Curriculum
From the Office
Only a few days of school term left till Easter. This term for some reason has been full on for all staff.
Thank you to all those who paid the Voluntary Contribution so far. This contribution is TAX
DEDUCTIBLE for all Special Schools. The contribution helps run our specialist programs for all our
students (ie. CBI, Post school transition programs, travel training, cooking and work experience to
name a few).
Just a reminder to all parents and carers that camp payments must be paid in full before camp starts.
Part payments can be made, please see the office staff.
Different book suppliers, leave in our office, books, games and gifts for sale. If you would like to
browse through these and make an order, please feel free to visit our office any time. These items
make great gifts for that birthday that has sneaked up on you or to put
away for Christmas
As you know, we collect 5 cent coins for the Fred Hollows Foundation- Indigenous. Thank you to
those who have sent in their collections.
If anyone would like to advertise their business in our newsletter, please contact any of us in the
office. For a business card size for 6 months, the cost is $55.00.
Life Hints:
The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, and then walk
away feeling like it was the best conversation you’ve ever had.
Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be. Because you
have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.
You’ve got to take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you’ve got, and remember
what you had. Always forgive, but never forget. Learn from mistakes, but never regret.
The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters!
We wish you all a great Easter and please be safe.
Leanne, Lea & Beryl
Dates to Remember
Adidas School Fun Run
Good Friday
School Holidays start
School Resumes – Term 2
ANZAC Assembly 9am
Junior Secondary Camp
Senior 1 Camp
02nd April
03rd April
04th April
20th April
24th April
th
29 Apr – 1st May
5th - 7th May
Birthday Wishes
Alysa
Charles
Daniel T
James H
Jessica Mc
Kalum
Lachlan D
Lily M
Natasha J
Richard H
Tammy
Tanya
Thomas B
Declan B
04 March
10 March
17 March
14 March
07 March
28 March
29 March
22 March
09 March
20 March
23 March
23 March
07 March
31 March
Next Step Survey
The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of all students who
completed Year 12 in 2014. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a
comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school
completers in the year after they finish Year 12.
Between March and June, all our students who completed Year 12 last year can expect to receive
instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government
Statistician’s Office to complete the survey. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact
details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey
to their new address so they can participate.
Thank you for your support of the Next Step survey in 2015.
Further information on Next Step is available online at www.education.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or on
toll free telephone 1800 068 587.
The Frothee Coffee Shop
Coffee shop dates for Term 2 2015
15 May
22 May
29 May
05 June
12 June
19 June
Please note, there are two sittings for the Coffee Shop, 10am and 11am. The Coffee Shop takes a
maximum of 25 customers per sitting so early bookings are essential.
Unless you have booked a table through the OFFICE the Coffee Shop will not be able to seat you.
Thank you.
Immunisation Program comes to schools
This year Brisbane City Council’s Immunisation Service is providing free vaccinations for all Year 8 and
Year 10 Students as part of Queensland Health’s annual School Based Vaccination Program.
All year 8 students are being offered vaccination to protect against HPV and Chickenpox and while
Year 8 and Year 10 students are being offered protection against diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis
(whooping cough) Male and Female students in Year 8 are also being offered Human Papillomavirus
(HPV) vaccination to protect against the Human Papillomavirus.
The vaccinations will be conducted by a team of specially trained registered nurses.
A consent form for each vaccination offered has been given to your child to bring home. Please read
the information carefully, sign the consent form if you wish your child to be vaccinated and return
the consent form to the school.
Parents are encouraged to ensure their children have breakfast on the morning of the vaccination.
For more information about diseases, vaccines of the School Based Vaccination Program, visit
www.health.qld.gov.au/school_vaccination/ or call 13 Health on 13 43 25 84
Plastic Shopping Bags
If you have any clean shopping bags could you please send them into the school office as we use
these plastic bags as bin liners.
Thank you.
Recipes from the office
Pan Fried Gnocchi & Greens
2 tablespoons Olive oil
500g packet fresh potato gnocchi
¾ cup vegetable or chicken stock
40g butter
Small head of broccoli, cut into small florets
1 bunch asparagus, chopped
100g snow peas, sliced
½ cup light thickened cream
¼ cup basil pesto
50g feta, crumbled
¼ cup basil leaves
2 tablespoons pine nuts toasted
Garlic bread, to serve
In a large fry pan, heat oil on high. Fry gnocchi 1-2 minutes until lightly coloured.
Add stock to pan and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, covered, 3-4 minutes until
all liquid is almost completely absorbed.
Add butter to pan and stir through. Mix in broccoli, asparagus and snow peas and sauté 1-2 minutes
until just tender. Stir in cream and pesto.
Sprinkle with feta, basil leaves and pine nuts. Serve with garlic bread.
Uniforms
The uniform shop will be open:Wednesday 1st April, 2015
Wednesday 6th May 2015
Wednesday 3rd June 2015
Sandhya and Helen