Our values learning this week

As a school we exploring the Ascot value of citizenship, in particular the rights and responsibilities which come with this.   I like to speak with students about 'Responsibility' referring to being accountable for one's actions and fulfilling obligations, encompassing both accepting when you make 'mis-takes' and also owning your strengths, successes and achievements.  And I like to speak with staff about how it is our job to help students become  'respons-able... because we teach them the skills of how to know themselves, and embrace their learning as they become  'responsible'.

Celebrations of Learning

Each Semester classes host a celebration of learning. As we transition into the school holidays (already).. it was so delightful to see every child share their learning processes and products with their families in yr 6B.   The students faces shone with pride as they explained what they learnt and made, and there was some sophisticated stuff.   Speaking of pride, Mr Marsh was also putting it out.

So funny story ...

Last week while I was taking care of the office reception for the team to meet, a lovely gal in year 5 asked me (while waiting for her mum to come collect her) what I wanted to achieve as Principal of Ascot SS… I started to answer … 'I want students, all of us to feel a deep sense of belonging and connection, to feel like they have ownership of their learning and can see themselves in their learning space.' … I didn’t get to finish because her mum arrived, but she told me that, 'so far that sounds great'. We also wrote an environmental plan recently as part of a process for us to apply for some grant funding.  Prompted by Yr 5C, I wrote the following for this document and realised that this story and statement below is a great frame to share the following with you in order to provide some context about our 'why'.

Update on Indoor and Outdoor Learning Environments (Facilities and Infrastructure)

Our vision for the future is to work in partnership with parents and businesses to enhance the learning environments (both outdoor and indoor) for students over the coming years in authentic and sustainable ways. We are committed to doing this in ways which engage student voice and agency and build a deep sense of belonging to and pride in the spaces in which they spend so much time.

We want all of our students to know that they are part of co-creating a culture and legacy of quality learning spaces which are both enjoyed and cared for by current learners and passed on with care to future learners by taking responsibility for their design.

So here is some information about facilities and learning spaces work which I have been working on and is now happening over the coming months.

School works:

• Our HODc (Head of Dept Curriculum) Kristine) has moved upstairs in the administration building, and we have employed a company to build in an office and meeting room downstairs in the professional learning space which will transition, over time, to a learning support space/rocket room-sensory space. The office space is for Trish as HODd (Head of Dept differentiation) and the rest of the team or visiting staff to use the meeting room as needed.
• We had a damaged and blocked drains at the top near the prep playground and this is now repaired.
• Garden for Prep we have engaged a local landscaper to create a small garden area for Prep planting (at the top of loose play parts area)

Parent supported works:

• Visual Arts installation project – you will have received an invitation to make a voluntary contribution to this project enabling us to work with a artist and our students to make the top part of the school under the buildings around the toilets more inviting and welcoming.    Thank you to those families who have contributed $ so far. There will be an opportunity to volunteer and help the students and artist. We will send more information with plans and pics but here is a taster where our artist Chrissy has overlayed real images to create design ideas.    We have some very keen students. The wooden beams, doors, and flowers and butterflies etc. will be made 3D with students.  I am keen to hear what students want to call the area.

Below is some inspiration from the Hobbiton Movie Tour website you might want to show your children.

Department works:

I have been liaising with the department of education to provide some additional funding to begin work on maintaining and improving our facilities. They have been very supportive and are funding the following as additional projects.

• Roof Repairs – we have long term leaks in I block (both levels) and D block (upstairs) which are damaging ceiling tiles and carpet.  We now have an awesome new plumber who is investigating and will repair.  They will replace the ceiling tiles in both buildings.
• The Water leak under hall  is still occurring and the plumber is doing further investigation to seek a solution.
• The shade sail which is missing near prep stairs where the poles are still in place is being replaced, and damaged shade sail over part of loose parts play.
• C Block painting is due to be undertaken by DoE as an extra for us: a project manager has come to scope up the works for painting the external part of the building.  In preparation for this we want to look at cleaning up Art room space (near staffroom) and the screening around boys’ toilets, removing what windows we can and installing screening to allow for better airflow.  This will be happening by the end of the financial year and will involve some fencing and adjusted access around prep.
• I block classrooms – the ceiling, walls, and floors are being painted by DoE also as an extra for us.   I want to take this opportunity to develop these 6 classrooms into 21^st C classrooms learning spaces re-design, to which I am asking the P&C to contribute funds.

Background:   I block classrooms (6 rooms yr 3 & Yr 6) are being refreshed by DoE this financial year by providing new ceiling tiles, new flooring and paint (due to ongoing leaking and mould)

Repairs – before this happens, the school is investing some of our maintenance funds to repair surrounding drainage, and to improve ventilation through this area. 

Development- we are also using some of our planned maintenance funds to replace the portable walls with fixed walls and to remove all of the existing narrow and limiting furniture which inhibits the flexible use of the space. 

Proposal P&C funding – for the P&C to fund the purchase of new height adjustable whiteboard furniture, portable storage, soft furnishings and extensive acoustic tiling installation to create modern flexible learning spaces with extensive learning walls. This would include putting the existing interactive whiteboards on portable stands. This would be based on the design principles of “learning space as 3^rd teacher”.  Look for more reading and short videos to be shared with you over the coming weeks in consideration for our May meeting. 

Landscape Master Plan - we have engaged a Landscape Architects out to do quote proposals to develop a whole of School Landscape Plan for outdoor learning areas. From there we will break down aspects into manageable bits we can seek funding for and undertake.   We are seeking parent interest in being part of a working party to contribute to this plan (as will staff and students).  Please email project lead Ms Cindy Keong if you are interested in being either on the working party or attending a consultation session at  ckeon5@eq.edu.au.  More details are below.   From this master plan we will be able to work with the P&C and the Dept of Education to develop funding opportunities, fundraising and grant applications, breaking the plan into priority steps.

FRED St is working with Ascot State School to develop a masterplan for the school campus that allows for strategic planning and implementation of projects that enhance the school grounds. The themes that the masterplan will cover include:

• Extending play opportunities
• Enhancing access
• The linking of learning outcomes and the landscape through curriculum lead outcomes
• Community connections
• Practical considerations – drainage, maintenance and refreshing of existing spaces.

Scope

The purpose of incorporating stakeholder engagement is to give a voice to the school community about their vision for the campus. The process aims to share information, problem solve and identify problems and opportunities.

Stakeholder engagement will occur concurrently with site investigations and analysis, allowing the gathered content to guide the master-planning process. FRED St will endeavor to reflect the needs of educators and the vision of students in the final report and plan.

Such fun!

Terrific Trivia Night 

Ascot is Awesome!   Who would believe that coming to a fun trivia night to raise amazing amounts of money for our students is my job!  Thank you all for your creativity, your cleverness, your kindness and your generosity.  The Harcourts team ran the night with such quiet elegance and efficiency.  And to the P&C organisers, my sincere thanks on behalf of the staff and students at our school.   

Here are some of the highlights..

Reframing “late” - Welcome slips for students

One of the things we really want for Ascot Students is that they feel a deep sense of belonging in our school.  This starts with how they are welcomed when they arrive.  Language matters and signals our mental models, we are shifting our language and procedures from 'late slips' to 'Glad you are here cards when student arrive after the roll has been marked.  For the students the procedure is the same, they come to the office reception but instead of a print off from the computer, we give them the laminated card below to take to their teacher.

You know who you are!

Year 6 Canberra Trip - parent information evening

Year 6 parents are warmly invited to an information evening about the Canberra trip, hosted by Pam Walsh, owner of EducaTours. This session will provide parents with an overview of the tour and how to best help your child pack and prepare.

• Monday 12 May
• 6:00pm
• Staffroom

Under 8s Day 2025

Join us in the celebration of early childhood.

Our community is warmly invited to join us for our whole school ANZAC Assembly on Thursday 24 April, at 9:15am on the oval.

Winter Uniform wearing

After consultation with the P&C and students and with consideration to the changing warm winter climates,  we have decided to adjust the timelines for when students are required to wear the formal ‘Winter' uniform.  So instead of  all terms 2-3 to  we are adjusting this to the same as many local schools do, making  the winter wear period from 'Mother’s Day to Father’s Day' .   This makes it relevant to temperatures and also easy to remember for students and families.

This year the winter uniform dates are Monday 12^th May to Friday 5^th September.  All  other guidelines apply for sports uniform wear etc.

What is important to us is that students wear their various uniforms with pride and honour, and also that they are comfortable in their play and learning at school.  We think this move will enable us to move closer to achieving both of these goals.

School photos will be taken in Term 2, Week 2.

• Wednesday 30 April – class photos
• Thursday 1 May – class photos
• Friday 2 May – sibling photos (9:00 – 11:00)

Teachers will let you know on which day your class photos are.

Uniform expectations:

• Students are to wear their tartan uniform / formal shorts and button up shirt with clean, black shoes / sandals. This includes classes that have PE on their scheduled day.
• Please assist your child/ren to ensure that they are wearing a pair of long socks that are the same length when pulled up.
• Coloured hairs ties are to be navy blue or red.

Please place your order online before the day of photography

Go to www.advancedlife.com.au and enter this code: FJ5 24Y ZNB

• Payment can be made using Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal
• If you have any queries concerning school photographs and ordering, please contact advancedlife directly: advancedlife.com.au/contact

These students impressed their teachers with their approach to learning in a variety of ways throughout Term 4.  Congratulations!

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.

As we wrap up a busy term, we want to thank all of our students, staff, and families for their enthusiasm and support throughout different sporting activities and events in Term 1. It has been fantastic to see so many students getting involved in different sporting opportunities, giving their best effort, and representing our school with pride.

The weather certainly slowed us down with our cross countries, but we have alternate plans in place as below.

Ascot / Queensland Cricket / TAFE partnership - cricket development

This term some of our classes enjoyed participating in a cricket development program provided through a partnership with TAFE and Queensland Cricket. Our students gained some skills in the cricket fundamentals and learnt more about game play. It was a great experience for Ascot students, and provided the opportunity for TAFE students to practise their coaching skills.

Sport Carnival/ Gala Day Dates – Term 2

School Sport Representatives

We are proud to announce that Halle O’Brien has been selected for the Met North Netball team and will be competing at the State Championships this June! We wish Halle all the best as she prepares for this competition.

UPDATED Cross Country Information for Term 2 (Week 1)

Due to the ongoing wet weather and unsafe conditions, we have rescheduled our cross-country carnivals to Term 2. The new dates and times for these carnivals are below.

On both carnival days children will wear house-coloured shirts with shorts, hats and sunscreen. All children who are asthmatic must carry a puffer with them on the course.

Year 3 – 6 students will run between 9am and 11am with students of the same year of birth e.g., born 2015 = turn 10 in 2025. The top 5 students (9 – 12 years) will be selected to represent Ascot at the City District Cross Country trials at the Grammar playing fields, Northgate on May 2nd.  

8/9yrs (born 2017/16) - Will consist of 1.5 laps of the oval, out bottom gate/ 1 lap around the top half of the school on the footpath/ finishing with a 3/4 lap of the oval.

10yrs (born 2015)  -  Will consist of  1.5 laps of oval, out bottom gate/ 2 laps around the top half of school/ finishing with a 3/4 lap of the oval.

11/12yrs (born 2014/13) – Will consist of 1.5 laps of oval out bottom gate/ 3 laps around the top half of the school/finishing with 3/4 lap of the oval.

Yr 3 – 6 Order of Events/ Approximate Times (Wednesday April 23)

P – Yr 2 UPDATED Order of Events/ Approximate Times (Wednesday April 23)

Parents are very welcome to come and spectate and cheer along the children but we would please ask parents and younger siblings to stay to the outside of the track while children are racing.

City District Sport Trials (10 – 12 yrs)

Information for City District Sport Trials for Touch Football, Cricket and Girls Rugby League will be provided early in Term 2. To be eligible for these trials students must be competing in a high division in club competition or have previously been selected for representative team in their chosen sport.

We hope you have a wonderful Easter and restful holiday. Stay active and we look forward to another great term of sport in Term 2!

Regards

Alayne and Brogan

Musical

Families will be emailed Finding Nemo resources this week. Please ask your child to practise over the holidays.

A Term 2 lunchtime schedule will be out early Term 2.

So far, there is one Sunday rehearsal; 3 August, 10am-12pm, in the Hall.

2025 Events

Please see the Event schedule attached for Term 2-4.

Junior Blue and Red Bands start in Week 2, Term 2. Schedules will be sent to families this week.

ANZAC Day Assembly

Please find attached the memo for Chorale and Senior Band for ANZAC Day assembly on Thursday 24 April. If you are able to help with set up and pack up, please email Bridget Anese- banes1@eq.edu.au

Thank you and have a wonderful Easter break!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

After a fantastic event last year, it is with great excitement that we announce the return of the Ascot Long Lunch which will be held on Saturday, 31st May.

Enjoy a fabulous afternoon mingling with friends in true long lunch style. With amazing live entertainment all afternoon, you don’t want to miss this one so get your group together and your tickets booked now via the link below!

https://events.humanitix.com/ascot-long-lunch-2025

After consultation with the students and the P&C and with consideration to the changing warmer winter climates, we have decided to adjust the timelines for when students will be required to wear their formal 'Winter' uniform.

Instead of the winter uniform being worn for all of Term 2 and 3 when we often still experience warm weather, we are adjusting this to be the same as many local schools making the winter wear period from 'Mother’s Day to Father’s Day' This makes it relevant to temperatures and also easy for students and families to remember.

This year the winter uniform will required to be worn from Monday, 12th May to Friday, 5th September. All other guidelines apply for sports uniform etc.

What is important to us is that students wear their various uniforms with pride and honour and also that they are comfortable in their play and learning at school. We think this move will enable us to move closer to achieving both of these goals.

Swim Club had its' final meet of the 2024/25 season on Friday, 28^th March. Despite the rain we had a great turnout and seeing all the Swim Club members enjoy their personalised certificates with their fastest times of the season and our award winners being presented with their awards made our night! I'm sure the parents and kids relay races, ribbons and the easter eggs were no doubt a highlight for many of our Club Members too!

A huge thank you to all our volunteers and supporters - our Swim Club Community. You have made this season such a great one and it's because of you we are able to run our Club each week!

Thank you to our Swim Club captain, Oliver.  You have been a wonderful example of leadership and sportsmanship combined with a calm manner and we have so appreciated having you this season.

Thank you to Harcourts Local for being our Principal Sponsor and for showing up every week and helping out on the canteen and BBQ continually throughout the season.

A special shout out of thanks to the Swim Club Chair, Alex Houston, for her endless efforts in making this Swim Club season such a success. Also to all of the Swim Club committee (the Kildey, Economopoulos, Heinz, Te Kloot, Lane and Houston families) who work tirelessly to set up, run, re-stock, clean, pack down and plan our meets - thank you so much!

Well done to all our award winners:

Our Club Champions (these are the swimmers with the highest amount of Personal Best points throughout the season):

Our Age Champion winners (being the fastest swimmers in their age group across a number of different strokes):

Our Club Spirit award winner (for teamwork, consistency, and sportsmanship) - Will G; and

Our Overall Club Champion - Rupert VT.

We have lots of plans for the future and will be working on these throughout the off season. We hope all of the swimmers are proud of their individual achievements and look forward to welcoming everyone back in Term 4!

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.