Reporting

Many thanks to parents for the pain of getting signed up to QParents to access report cards.   Once done this will be so much easier for many things for you and the school administration-office team.

The teachers have worked very hard on two things this term

1. Moderating and calibrating student work and results against the Australian Achievement Standards and examples of student work to ensure consistency and confidence in teacher judgement with our colleagues.  To help this we did some blind marking of students work from another school to benchmark our standards and this was most affirming and helpful.  We also have some new rigorous processes of portfolio moderation, looking at fullest and latest evidence of learning for each child.
2. Reporting to you in more detail by reporting Strand level progress achievement instead of generic comments; and
3. Customising and personalising Behaviour and Overall comments to speak to each child’s Glow and Grow areas.

Yr 6 Senior Shirts arrive to much excitement 

Year 6 students, and one in particular, are very excited about the arrival of their shirts for the year. Remi's shirt was the chosen design for this year and here she wears hers proudly.  They are very much looking forward to getting some wear out of them in their last 6 months at primary school. The students will wear their shirts Monday and Friday.

We have also decided to do the T-shirt design process in Yr 5 during Term 3, so that parents can order their t-shirts by the end of year 5, and then they will have so many more opportunities to wear them during the school year as our seniors.

Reader’s Cup Team – huge success

Congratulations to our reader’s cup team.. one of the teams came 2^nd out of 59 participating teams – very impressive and our best result yet.

They returned most proudly with their medallions on their chests.   We are also very proud of how they represented Ascot SS.

An invitation to a quality presenter on the challenges of parenting in current times

Our recent Student Wellbeing survey indicated that how often our students use an electronic device in the hour before bed is higher than other primary school students that responded to the survey in 2025. The session below maybe of interest to our parents as we grapple with this. Below is some information we share and an opportunity for some learning you may be interested in.

Managing Screen Time for Children

Screen time needs to be balanced so it is part of a healthy lifestyle. Balancing it with physical play, socialising and reading and so it does not interfere with SLEEP.

Tips to help children use screens in a balanced and healthy way include:

• Making rules about screen use covering where, when and how.
• Aim for short screen time sessions
• Get your child moving especially outside. Australian Guidelines recommend the following amount of time for physical movement.

• Incorporate activities where children imagine and create without the use of screens
• Encourage face to face play and friendship with others
• Avoid screen time before bed. It is recommended that your child avoids mobile phones, tablets, computer screens or TV in hour before bed.
• Keep screens out of the bedroom at night so they do not interfere with your child/ren’s ultimate sleep requirements.

Additional information on this topic can be sourced through the following links.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

https://raisingchildren.net.au/

Acclaimed Psychologist- Karen Young- Parent Seminar- Holding Strong, Loving Boundaries (Including Social Media and Screens)

Dear Parents and Carers from Across the Brisbane City Collective Schools Big feelings and the behaviours that often come with them are part of growing up, but when emotions run high,even the strongest parent-child connection can feel the strain. Boundaries matter. So does connection. The challenge? How to hold your ground without losing your connection and influence in the process. As parents and carers, we want to hold firm, loving boundaries, but how do we do this in a way that deepens connection, holds them safely, and protects their willingness to turn to us? This seminar is here to help….. We have invited acclaimed psychologist, Karen Young, to Windsor State School to host a parent seminar on the evening of Thursday 14 August 2025. The topic of her seminar for parents and carers will be, ‘Holding Strong, Loving Boundaries (Including Around Social Media & Screens) While Preserving Influence and Connection’. It will be about leading with presence, connection and confidence. To view a flyer outlining the content of the evening in detail, please click here. This seminar, has a different focus to Karen's well-attended and well-received parent seminars from 2022, 2023 and 2024. However, there are some key themes that will be reinforced, as they are highly important for enabling our students to develop with our guidance and support as adults. There will be many key takeaways for parents, carers and staff to implement when working to support our wonderful students.  Historically, these events have seen very strong ticket sales, so please look to opt-in early to secure your seat.  Date: Thursday 14 August, 6.30 – 8.00pm Venue: School Hall Cost: $15 Tickets are available for purchase exclusively via the Qkr! App via the below path:  Windsor SS > School Payments > Payments > 2025 Karen Young Parent Seminar Don’t have Qkr! Please see the following link for set up information- How to set-up Qkr! Parents who are unable to access Qkr! from City Collective Schools other than Windsor SS are welcome to email tjohn353@eq.edu.au to notify of planned attendance and then pay via EFTPOS at the front desk on the evening. A list of all parents and carers that have paid via Qkr! will be kept at the door on the evening of the event as a record of who has purchased a ticket. Please present to the sign-on desk upon arrival. You may purchase multiple tickets in each transaction via the 'add to cart' function. Ascot Mascot Winston greets you at the gate I invite you to notice with your children, our new Ascot mascot, Winston, greeting you at the gate on your return to school next term with our new signs. Part of building a deep sense of belonging is for children to feel welcomed at school, and while there is nothing like a human connection and “good morning”, Winston’s smiling face is a lovely start.   There is a delightful book which our Year two students are studying this term called “If I built a school” as part of their persuasive text study with ideas to improve our learning spaces and school.   It begins “if I built a school the first things you’d meet, are lots of excited puppies. They’d flock to your feet”.  Thus, the inspiration for our signs.   Winston started as our mascot for our Prep puppies and has gone on to become much more, as he is in real life. New Oval shade sail  You will see that we have a new oval shade sail (and repaired pole), many thanks to the Dept of Education.  Another two are coming for the Prep-loose parts play area. Gates off underneath Admin building   With our improved security, we felt comfortable removing the gates underneath A Block-D Block.  This will enable families to park in Pringle Street and move through to the Hall easily for afternoon and evening events. We are seeking grants to improve this area and the lighting. More furniture donations We have been most privileged by more donations of free furniture as BFX clear their storerooms and stock on floor.  See our new softer sick room beds and new staffroom furniture . There is also a few items suitable for the I block classrooms which will save us some $. Hobbiton – there and back again project continues The greenery and lights have been installed into the stage 1 area of our Hobbiton Visual Arts Project, courtesy of the Lowry Group’s generosity and collaboration with ASL Electrical. And doesn’t it look fantastic! Thanks to team for their workmanship.   The students are so excited (even the boys who are a little jealous we started at this end, but I asked for their patience). This is all providing a fantastic platform for the students’ pottery work which begins next term. Teachers will be in touch to ask for helpers for their class sessions. Look for a feature in The Village Voice coming in the future as they follow this story.  Today they interviewed our school and arts captains, and representatives from The Men’s Shed who are assisting with the woodwork. Proud Yr 4s celebrate success As the teacher’s conduct their celebrations of success sessions – it is such a delight to see the pride on the students’ faces for their quality work, and listen to their explanations and understanding. Just two examples here from Harper and Myra. Tunes on Tuesday Another successful student celebration with our instrumental music students sharing their learning and talents. I loved the narrative showing the growth of our year 3 students in “purple band” with Mr Porter, and the precision of the Chamber Strings and Senior Strings under the tutelage of Ms Sheppard (My favourite things is .. my favourite song – well second to Dancing Queen). Alexa brings such joy and energy to her conducting.  Then layering up to the more sophisticated playing of the Intermediate Band, percussion ensemble and ultimately senior band.  Thank you also to Bridget, Lisa and Luke.  But especially thank you to our families who nurture the students talents through the hard times, helping them find their joy and their resilience in the learning process over many years. I do love hearing how nervously excited the children are, then watching their intent concentration, followed by relief and joy.  Thank you for the pleasure.

Dear Ascot Staff and Community

My position as School Improvement Coach in the North Coast Region has been extended to the end of 2026. I have enjoyed the work and have learnt a lot, and have therefore accepted the extension. 

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have led a school like Ascot and worked with such amazing people and wonderful students. This work over almost three years, positioned me well for the work that I am now doing. I truly miss my visits to the classrooms, standing in the middle of a dozen football games on the oval all happening at once and the chatter and questions from our youth. I am humbled by the generosity of the staff and community with their time and spirit.

The school is in good hands and is moving onwards and upwards.

Wishing you all the very best.

Michelle D’Netto  

School Improvement Coach

Education Futures Institute

North Coast Region

Uniform is about habit

Schools have long used uniforms as a way of creating a sense of belonging. ‘Uniform’ is such a great word, as it can operate as a noun, a verb and an adjective. Uniformity in schools is often necessary, less so in thinking and learning, and more so in behaviour and the following of accepted social norms. Our aim is for students to be wholly independent in the management of their gear, and what they need to wear each day.

We expect students to know what days they have their PE lesson, and come wearing their sports uniform. Every student we speak to can tell us exactly what they need to be wearing, all the way down to white ankle socks. Being prepared for this the night before is the next step.

For Year 6, this means being able to tie their tie themselves, storing it in the same place every afternoon when they get home, and wearing it every day. Being in an incomplete or wrong uniform is not mum or dad’s fault, so feel free to let them know that from your end as well!

Sometimes all it takes is some tweaks to make a difference. We would love to see every student in white ankle socks with their sports uniform, everyone with socks pulled up when wearing their formal uniform, shoes that are entirely black, the correct Ascot jumper and every Year 6 in a tie. For safety, long hair should be tied back and earrings should be studs only.

Being prepared for the day is about forming good habits. Success in life is more about consistency than anything else. Our dress code is about the building of positive habits around organisation and presentation and most importantly, belonging. Here’s to uniform uniforms!

The sports uniform is acceptable on the following days:

• Prep – every day
• Years 1/2/3/4 – Wednesday and Thursday
• Year 5 - Friday
• Year 6 – Monday and Friday (sports shorts and senior shirt or sports shirt)

Habit is a cable; we weave a thread each day, and at last we cannot break it.” - Horace Mann

Cheers

Cindy and Simone

What is ICAS?  

ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills. At Ascot, we offer families in Years 3-6 the opportunity to sit the competition in English, Maths and Science.

Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals.  

 Learn more about ICAS here. (https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas)  

 How to participate in ICAS 

Families can elect to have their child/ren participate and must sign up before Monday 28 July. At this point, the payment portal closes, and no further entries can be taken. The cost of each competition is $20.95.

Please note, we cannot facilitate refunds or make alterations as all money is paid directly to ICAS Assessments.

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:  

1. Read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (com/products-icas/) 
2. Read the Privacy Collection Statement below.
3. Read the terms and conditions here: (com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Schools-TsCs_S2023.V6-1.pdf) 
4. Go to the Parent Portal to sign up to chosen subject areas here: (icasassessments.com/pages/pps)  
5. Enter our school’s access code – VUI251
6. Enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed to payment.  

Please note that the ICAS tests shown for selection are at the school’s discretion.   

After payment is made via the Parent Payment System, you will receive an order confirmation email, please keep this for your records. 

ICAS sitting dates

We sit the tests before school in the week of testing nominated by Janison. Below are the test weeks and will we confirm which day we will sit the test in the next newsletter.

We will do our best to work around our music rehearsals, however it is impossible to avoid clashes. If you wish your child to sit ICAS, and the time conflicts with their attendance at their band rehearsal, please contact the teacher and make your child’s apologies for that week.

• English – Tuesday 12 August - 7:15am for a 7:30 start
• Science - Wednesday 20 August - 7:15am for a 7:30 start
• Mathematics – Monday 25 August  - 7:15am for a 7:30 start

ICAS Results and Certificates 

We will notify you when your child’s ICAS results are ready. Once we have received your child’s ICAS certificate, we will send it home with your child.

The back of the certificate shows ICAS results and the login details, “TAP ID and Pin”, that you and your child need to enter the Results Portal orti.icasassessments.com/ortiStudent  

 Read the terms and conditions here: (icasassessments.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Schools-TsCs_S2023.V6-1.pdf). 

Privacy collection statement  
The following information is a privacy notification about how your child’s data is kept private and secure.

ICAS Assessment is owned by Janison Solutions Pty Ltd (We, Us, Our).

To deliver assessment products, Janison will require your child’s School to obtain your consent to provide Janison with certain personal information of students. Janison will collect, store, use, disclose and otherwise deal with such personal information in accordance with its privacy policy (below). We are aware of our responsibility to protect personal information related to children and students from being disclosed when we deliver an ICAS Assessments product. Unless you, as the child’s legal guardian consents, we will not:

• collect any personal information or data of children other than the information we need for the successful completion of an assessment, test, or exam.
• transfer any personal information we obtain from a child in the delivery of assessments and tests to any jurisdiction outside of Australia.
• share any personal information relating to children with any third parties (except for those third parties necessary for us to carry out our Services or provide our Products e.g., medal engraving).
• use any personal information or data relating to children for marketing purposes.

You can view our full privacy policy at https://www.janison.com/privacy-policy/.

We may retain personal information and data relevant to a child for their future purposes or for research purposes by Janison for the duration of the school life cycle of the child. However, if you or your child at any time wish to have their personal information or data removed from our systems, they or you may opt out by simply contacting our Privacy Officer at privacy@janison.com or by contacting icasassessments@janison.com.

These students impressed their teachers with their approach to learning in a variety of ways throughout Term 2.  Congratulations!

Our Year 2 students recently showcased their hard work and creativity at a ‘Travel Expo’! As part of our Inquiry unit, students collaborated in pairs or small groups to research a country of their choice. They used their technology skills and creativity  to design eye-catching posters and brochures, adding images and writing informative paragraphs about the country’s climate, top attractions, food and more. Parents were invited to attend as part of our semesterly Celebration of Learning and enjoyed visiting the different countries where they had a passport stamped at each stall. This was our second annual Expo which we hope to continue in the future. Miss Bartlett, Mrs Thomas and Miss Jackson are so proud of all the hard work and effort that was put into this event.

What beautiful weather we had last Wednesday for the junior carnival and what great effort and behaviour was on display from our younger students. A huge thank you to Mark for preparing the oval and tents for our carnivals, our House Leaders who did such a great job leading the students through the tabloid activities and all staff who made sure the carnival ran smoothly. Also a big thankyou to our friends of sport parent group, particularly Julie Moore for organising the parent help roster/ BBQ.   Below is a summary of house results for the day. In a very close race Meibusch House won the day. Congratulations to Meibusch competitors and all P – 2 competitors for a great day.

Yr 3- 6 Athletics Carnival

Our Year 3–6 Athletics Carnival was a fantastic day filled with energy, enthusiasm, and team spirit! Students showcased their skills in sprints, relays, long jump, shot put, and novelty events. It was wonderful to see so many students giving their best effort, cheering on their peers, and proudly representing their house groups.

A huge congratulations to Lilley House on being crowned our 2025 winners. A big thank you must also go to our staff, volunteers, and supporters for helping make the day such a success. Congratulations to all students for their efforts, and good luck to those who will go on to represent Ascot at the City District Track and Field carnival next term!

Thank you, Julie Moore, for your wonderful support across both carnivals. A special thanks also to Ed Turley for running the BBQ with the support of other parents, and to all those who assisted with events over the two days — your time and efforts were truly appreciated. We’re very grateful for the generous and continued support of our parent community.

A special congratulations goes to our age champions below.

Ascot Athletics team for City District Carnival (only students born 2016 - 2013) 

Following the carnival, Mrs Hunter has identified students who have met the qualification standards to compete at the City District Track and Field Carnival on Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25, 2025. The students listed below will receive paperwork in the final week of this term, which needs to be completed and returned to Mrs Hunter in Week 1 of Term 3. As the Year 6 Camp is scheduled for the same time this year, students have already been consulted about this, and it was taken into consideration during the selection of the Ascot team.

The carnival will be held at Bowden Park, Geebung and private transport will need to be organised for the days/times students are competing.  

Training for these competitors will commence in Term 3 and information for this will be provided to students in the first week back of Term 3.   

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected in the Ascot team and will compete at the City District Carnival in Term 3: 

9 yr Boys – Bernie, Achilles, Hayato, Tom, Gus, Aiden.

9 yr Girls – Angelica, Lulu, Sofia, Elle, Savannah.

10 yr Boys- Nemer, Kaanish, Rocky, Charlton, Harper.

10 yr Girls - Katherine, Ava, Matilda, Arabella, Jemima, Lily.

11 yr Boys – Emmett, Timmy, Henry, Hugo, Oscar, Remy, Alexander.

11 yr Girls - Taylah, Evie, Halle, Pippa.

12 yr Boys – Boyd.

12 yr Girls - Sophia, Ava, Remi, Tallulah- Belle, Olivia.                                                                                                               

Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and restful break! We hope you enjoy the downtime and return recharged and smiling for the start of Term 3 – we’ll be doing the same!

Alayne Graham – P - Year 2 (Mon - Thurs) – agrah27@eq.edu.au 

Brogan Hunter – Year 3 - 6 (Wed - Fri) –  bphun0@eq.edu.au 

That’s a wrap on Term 2

Thank you for your support on a very productive semester, from Fanfare Gold to Music concerts and camps. Our students have had an excellent start to the year, and it has been wonderful to watch them grow as musicians.

Semester 2 Events and Rehearsal schedule

Please see the attached documents for events and rehearsals in Term 3 and 4.
Lesson timetables will be the same as Term 2, unless you hear from Instrumental Music staff.

Contact details, absences, and late arrivals

If in doubt, go to rehearsal

The email lists are being updated this week. If you have recently updated your email with the office, please also contact Bridget banes1@eq.edu.au so the Music Team can update their lists. If you have a gmail account, our messages can end up in Junk Mail or ‘Promotions’. Please add your child’s instrumental music teacher, myself (Bridget) and musicadmin@samfordss.eq.edu.au to your email address book.

If your child is away from rehearsal/lessons, an email is to be sent to the conductor/teacher the day of the absence. Or ahead of time if known. This is due to our duty of care. If you do not hear otherwise, rehearsal is ON.

Please note the arrival times and rehearsal start times for each ensemble below. Every part of the rehearsal is important and it is imperative that students are on time.

LESS THAN ONE MONTH TO THE ASCOT LONG LUNCH!

There’s still time to get tickets and pre-order your champagne so get cracking as orders will cut off immediately after the holidays.

For those that previously booked, you don’t need to do anything as your tickets will automatically be valid for the new event date, so lock it in and get your babysitters sorted.

For those of you who were unable to make the original date but would now love to come along and join your friends or year group table, please book your tickets via the link below and mention your friend’s name or year group in the booking comments and we’ll try to accommodate your request.

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

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Ps. Keep an eye out on our socials for a sneak peek of the incredible Ascot Long Lunch year group artwork pieces…. Coming soon!

Look forward to seeing you all there!

CHECK OUT OUR ASCOT LONG LUNCH ONLINE AUCTION - PLACE YOUR BIDS NOW!

With a range of amazing items available, get clicking now to be in the running:

* Two Night Luxury Stay - Essence, Peregian Beach - Valued over $1,400 - Kindly donated by Essence Peregian Beach 

* $10,000 Package for Architectural and/or Interior Design Concept Services - Kindly donated by Lande Architects 

* Billboard Advertising on Sandgate Rd - Valued at $4000 - Kindly donated by Harcourts Local

* Brisbane Broncos Jersey signed by the entire 2025 team - Kindly donated by Rosel Group

* Residential Property Management for a Year - Kindly donated by Harcourts Local

*An entire terms tuition for English or Maths - Valued at $650 - Kindly donated by NumberWorks'nWords Clayfield

* 6 bottles of Whisky + 12 Month Subscription to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society - Valued at $900 - Kindly donated by Cheval Rouge

* Gold Coast Titans Jersey signed by the entire 2025 team - Kindly donated by Rosel Group

* Tickets for 4 People to see a Gold Coast Titans home game - Valued at $300 - Kindly donated by Rosel Group

For more details check out the following link: https://airauctioneer.com/ascot-long-lunch-online-auction

SUPPORT ASCOT STATE SCHOOL AT GRILL’D THIS JUNE!

We’re taking part in the Grill’d Racecourse Rd Local Matters Program for the month of June. There’s never been a better time to give yourself the night off cooking dinner so head down to Grill’d to feed the family and pop your tokens in the Ascot SS jar to help our school bring home the win.

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.