Feedback on Class Parent evening …

We very much appreciated parents who were able to attend our About Ascot – Class evenings, for our staff to share with you – what is important at Ascot, what is important to each teacher, and how these two intersect in their classroom. I know that Ascot parents are great at keeping up-to-date and I am sure that parents who were unable to attend in person have read their teacher’s communications about this.    We did the evening a little differently, incorporating a more personal element, so in the spirit of “encourage the behaviour” you would like to see .. any feedback is most welcome on this.   You can email me at principal@ascotss.eq.edu.au if you have any thoughts you wish to share.

Teaching focus for this week …

I thought I would share our focus learning for personal-social capabilities with you. 

Last week on assembly I spoke about noticing yourself as the first step of Habit # 1 “be proactive”, in particular noticing your feelings so you can “name it to tame it” and move from your limbic brain to your logical brain. This is based on the work of Dan Siegel There is a video here (which is also suitable for students) if you are interested in exploring this idea more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4kw3Da6KhM

Victor Frankl (Man’s search for meaning) said it best when he reminded us that before you respond to stimulus there is choice and one of the best things we can do for others, is to help them extend the space between the two. In turn, this increases the likelihood (not certainty) of making the best decision you can at the time with the best available information, of being “proactive” rather than “reactive”.  “Name it to tame it” helps us expand this gap. 

Shout outs …

Ascot School Leaders …

Congratulations to all of our yr 6 leaders, and student representative leaders, including our student councillors,  for 2025. The special assembly to honour your roles was indeed just that, and I appreciated their enthusiasm for three new traditions in our celebrations – hand on heart during the oath pledges, fireworks applause, and Ascot cupcakes.   I especially connected with Riley’s quote from the jungle book about being leader, because you are only a leader if you have followers: “the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack”.

Ariana, Riley, Lulu and Sophia have settled very quickly and most efficiently into their new roles, and are leading with the delicate dance of humility and confidence.

Many thanks to Councillor Julia Dixon (and bub) for joining us to celebrate.

The students seemed to enjoy the new traditions added to our ceremony of Ascot cupcakes and the “fireworks” applause.

Congratulations to the following students who are taking on leadership positions this year:

Student Councillors:

Yr 6 - Olivia, Abi, Peyton

Yr 5 - Jack, Timmy

Yr 4 - Rupert, Harry, Charlton, Marley

House Captains:

Lara, Arthur, Evan, Taylah, Boyd, Hudson, Bastien, Olivia

Music:

Louis, Denis, Caitlin, Ruby

Arts:

Remi, Elijah

STEAM:

Coen, Archer

Library:

Chloe, Henry

Environment:

Cormac

Ms Anke Lawe’s crochet skills and kindness …

What a beautiful gift Ms Lawe's made for one of our prep students who is in hospital recovering from illness.   Such amazing crochet skills.  Sign up for her lunchtime club!

 

Mrs Fiona’ Luhr’s family friendly transitions …

The idea of having students bring pictures of their family to build that sense of belonging and to ease the transition into school is inspired.

Mrs Jen Thomas’ collaborative criteria co-constructed with students...

Winston…

We are so very lucky to have him as our therapy dog. He is so well trained and affectionate.

Yr 1-2 Fish Pond …

Thank you to Mrs Megan Cutler for creating a wonderful real life learning experience with her students and their fish pond.

Mrs Jacqueline Greenhill’s students Ascot Assets unpacking …

Our Ascot Assets are such a valuable learning gift and yr 4’s were unpacking them here very specifically, with ongoing connection to their learning each lesson.

Mark’s new mower …

We are all very pleased to announce that our School Officer’s new mower has arrived.  It even has a shade on it.  It is fair to say that Mr Fletcher is most excited.

Great P&C turnout…

It was lovely to meet so many more new parents at the P&C welcome drinks and meeting this week.    I very much appreciate your voices, ideas and energy, as well as your valuable time given to helping us grow. Exciting times ahead for us.

Winston – is on the job!

Winston has enjoyed being back this year and on the job at Ascot.  He loves visiting classes, hanging out in the playground and spending time with those who may need some special dog attention.

You will also see Winston on Assembly awarding a congratulatory high 5 for our Students of the Week.

Did you know that spending time with therapy dogs can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and stress, and increase feelings of social connection? 

I feel so grateful we have Winston as part of our wellbeing team.

NAPLAN - Years 3 and 5 in Weeks 7 and 8 of Term 1

NAPLAN is a nationwide measure through which parents, teachers, schools, education authorities, governments and the broader community can determine how well young Australians are developing the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for other learning, and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community.

• NAPLAN tests are one aspect of each school’s assessment and reporting process. NAPLAN does not replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about each student’s performance. A child’s teacher will have the best insight into the child’s educational progress. NAPLAN results do not measure overall school quality.
• NAPLAN questions are directly linked to the Australian Curriculum: English and Mathematics. As such, the best preparation students can do for NAPLAN is to learn what they do in the classroom every day. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for, and students are not expected to do so.
• The assessments allow parents to see how their child is progressing against national standards in literacy and numeracy, and over time. Along with other school assessment reports, NAPLAN supports parents in discussing their child’s strengths and areas for improvement with teachers.
• NAPLAN results can assist teachers by providing additional information to support their professional judgement about students’ levels of literacy and numeracy attainment and progress.
• NAPLAN can support school improvement by enabling teachers to monitor their students’ progress over time against the national measure, to identify strengths and areas to improve in teaching programs, and to set goals in literacy and numeracy.
• Students and parents wishing to familiarise themselves with NAPLAN can visit the public demonstration site on the NAP website. Some past NAPLAN papers are also available.

Testing must occur in this order: writing / reading / conventions of language / Numeracy.

At Ascot, our test days and dates are as follows:

• Wednesday 12 March - writing
• Thursday 13 March - reading
• Monday 17 March - conventions of language
• Tuesday 18 March - numeracy

NAPLAN practice sessions and test readiness sessions will be undertaken so that students and staff are familiar with the online test environment.

Regards

Simone

Let's Chat Education Program - Years 4/5/6

The school has partnered with Let's Chat Education since 2016 to support our delivery of aspects of the Health curriculum, in particular growing and changing bodies. Let’s Chat delivers workshops to students in Years 4, 5 and 6 at different points in the school year. Families will be notified ahead of time regarding the timing of the workshops.

The program is comprised of the following student workshops:

Year 4 - Healthy and Safe Bodies

Students gain awareness of how their body begins to change as they grow up. Identify private and public body parts and places and become familiar with warning signs and gain tools to be safe and healthy.

Year 5- Introduction to Changing Bodies

This workshop encourages students to explore and gain confidence to chat about the physical, social, and emotional puberty changes, using correct language. Students will be supported to identify physical warning signs that help keep them safe and ways to respond to unsafe situations as well as adults they can chat to.

Year 6 - Managing Changing Bodies

Students are encouraged to consolidate information about puberty by discussing the names and functions of the reproductive system and tools to manage those physical, emotional and social changes. We give tips and advice on ways to identify physical warning signs that help keep them safe and how to respond to unsafe situations as well as adults they can chat to.

All parents and carers in Years 4, 5 and 6 are invited to an information session with a member of the Let’s Chat team to learn about the program, and how you can support your children at home as they move towards tween and teen age.

• Parent Chat
• Monday 3 March
• 6:00pm to 7:00pm in the staffroom

Regards

Simone

A Spotlight on 3D with Mr Price

3D students and Mr Price were curious about decision making and how to choose the best class companion. To make a fair and inclusive choice, students engaged in a democratic voting process, ensuring everyone had a voice in the decision.

As part of their Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) learning this term, students have been exploring who makes rules, why rules matter, and what happens when they are not followed. 3D students have deepened their understanding of fairness, participation, and the impact of group decision making on their community. By making decisions together, they saw first hand how people contribute to society through collaboration and shared responsibility.

This process has strengthened students’ sense of belonging in 3D, as they worked together to make a decision that reflected the needs and interests of the whole class.

Enjoy a reflection from Zach, Nora, 3D and Mr Price

In 3D, we were choosing what class companion we should get by following the Democratic Process. As communicators, we had to describe and discuss in our table groups what class companion we should choose. We collaborated to think about the positives, negatives, and what was interesting about each one.

Everyone in the class contributed to the decision by completing a blind vote by numbering our preferences from 1 - 5, to see which class companion we should get.

While a class robot was initially the most popular, the class plant won because it was a strong second choice for many—showing how democracy allows for a fair outcome that considers everyone’s preferences.

Zach and Nora

Thank you 3D, for demonstrating the power of democracy in action! A close count! I'm sure your class Plant will be well loved throughout 2025.

Kristine Atkins

Head of Department - Curriculum

Parking around the school

We know that parking around the school is very difficult. There is no short term fix other than being patient and respectful.

Two Mins Zones

One strategy that the P&C have initiated to make movement as safe as possible for students and as efficient as possible for parents, which the school has supported with staff on duty each afternoon is the “Be a star, Stay in the car” processes.  Below is a reminder about the areas that are two minute loading zones only.  We request that you have your family name label on your car visor so that the staff on duty can call out student’s names and ask you to move around the block should there be no parks available or your child is not yet ready.

15 min zones

A reminder also that the other areas are 15 mins zone only.

We often get complaints from neighbours about people parking in their driveways.  They are advised to ring the council, who will begin patrolling and issuing fines.

Rest assured that we have people taking care of your children in the afternoon until you can collect them safely during this pick-up time.  Please contact the office should you need a new or additional car signs at admin@ascotss.eq.edu.au

OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE – UPDATE AND BOOKINGS

Afternoon Ascot families and carers, 

We have hit the ground running at Ascot Jabiru with enrolments and booking. At our Ascot service, we are licensed to care for 73 children in before and after school care. As some of you may be aware, we are operating at capacity and are limited for space at this time. 

Please rest assure, Jabiru is currently working with the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care to be assessed for a licensed increase. This isn't a quick process and can take time, depending on what documentation and evidence the department requires. Such things could be enough resources for the children to play with, staff to facilitate supervision as per the legal ratio requirements and correct indoor spacing that has the floor measurements for the number of children we are applying for. Due to the space limitation, we are only applicable to increase to 79 based of the departments space requirements. 

Jabiru is working closely with the Team at Ascot State School to explore our different options for the future.

Jabiru understands this isn't an immediate fix to the families who are on the waitlist and require care so we ask that if your child is absent from school, to please mark them through the XAP app so any availabilities that do arise, we can fill with the families on the waitlist.  

To clarify booking types:

• Permanent booking are the same days of the week (be it one day eg every Monday or all 5 days or somewhere in between)
• Casual bookings are “one-bookings” where the days and sessions may vary depending on need.

If you require permanent bookings, this being repeated bookings on the same day every week, this request can be submitted through your XAP Smile App. This request is then approved based on the space available for the service. A casual booking can be made in the meantime, being a ‘one-off’ booking where you can vary days and sessions. Also to be completed through your XAP Smile App.

Eliza Britton

Area Manager

Jabiru Community Services

Discover the Magic of Reading: Borrow Books from our School Library!

District Swimming Carnival Report

Congratulations to all the children who competed for Ascot at the recent City District swimming carnival. We appreciate the efforts of the students and their parents supporting participation at this event. As a result of their performances at this carnival Pippa, Rupert and Chloe have been selected to compete in the City District team at Lawnton on March 10. We wish them the best of luck at the regional trial.

We would also like to congratulate Ava G who was selected in the Met North team to participate in the Aquathlon. Ava travelled to Hervey Bay last weekend to compete for the region against 90 competitors from around the state. This is a great experience and well done to Ava.

Sport Carnival Dates/ Gala Days – Term 1

Cross Country Training

Morning trainings with Mrs Hunter/ Ms Graham will begin in week 5 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday  mornings (8:10 – 8:30) and children can attend run club on Thursday afternoons (3:10 – 3:50) with  Mrs Proctor and Mrs Parer. Yr 3 – 6 run between 1km and 2.5 km in and around the school on cross country day and Prep – Yr 2 run 2 – 3 laps of the oval. Over the coming weeks children will be preparing for this event in P.E. lessons but it is also a good idea to do some regular training so children are confident they can complete the course and don’t become stressed.

City District Sports Trial Process (Representative Pathway)

• Trials for selection into City District teams for various sports for students turning 11 and 12 in 2025 will be held in term 1 and 2 (exceptional 10 year olds may be able to nominate).
• The standard at these trials is very high with children coming from over 20 schools (including 12 year olds from high school) in the City District.
• Students must express interest in attending a trial a week before the school nomination date (highlighted below). Dates are on display in classrooms and students will be reminded as trials come up.
• Children selected to attend each sport from Ascot (numbers are usually restricted to 5) will be given a trial notice and need to complete QR code details and pay trial fee online.
• From QR code data parents will be emailed a student information pack which will need to be completed and emailed back to designated convenor by due date.
• Trials will normally be in school time and private transport to venues will be required.
• Sometimes trials are postponed (weather) or the date changes and children will be notified as quickly as possible. Term one trials are listed below.
• We wish our netballers and AFL players the best of luck in their upcoming trials and we are now seeking nominations for hockey and soccer. Children must play at club level to be considered for these trials.

Any concerns/ queries about P.E./ sport with Yr 3 – 6 students please direct to Mrs Hunter (Wednesday – Friday) bphun0@eq.edu.au and for students in Prep – Yr 2 to Ms Graham (Monday – Thursday) agrah27@eq.edu.au

These students impressed their teachers with their approach to learning in a variety of ways over the past week. Congratulations!

Congratulations to these students who are mastering our school expectations and earnt a Boarding Pass that put them into our weekly draw at Assembly. With thanks to the P & C for their support, our winners receive an ice block or home bake from the Tuckshop.

CAN YOU HELP OUT IN THE TUCKSHOP?

With some of our Year 6 parents finishing up at the school last year, we’re looking for some new volunteers to join our team. This is a great (and easy) way to get involved and meet other parents from within the school community and the kids love seeing you there too!

The tuckshop volunteer roles only involve helping out one day a month for a two hour shift from 9.30 - 11.30am so if you’re interested in getting involved please contact Julie at tuckshop@ascotsspandc.org

WE'RE LOOKING FOR HOMEBAKERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM FOR 2025!

Are you wanting to help out but just don’t have the time to volunteer at school? We have the role for you – Homebaker! 

As a Home Baker, you’d be rostered once a month on a day that suits you best to drop off some baked goods for us to sell. Goods can be delivered before school to the Tuckshop anytime between 6am – 9am. Popular items include Cupcakes, Choc Chip Cookies, Anzacs, Slices etc and you don’t need to be Nigella either as packet mixes are fine.

Please email Julie - tuckshop@ascotsspandc.org

This newsletter section provides a great opportunity for local businesses to engage with our parent community. If you would like your business to be a part of this or for more information, please email us at comms@ascotsspandc.org.