Principal Ponderings

Maths resources 

Many thanks to the crew and ongoing casual helpers involved in collecting, sorting and organising the maths resources. Our aim here is to have easily accessible hands-on maths learning resources, especially for number, in every classroom relevant to the year level curriculum. We also want to have clearly labelled close by year level boxes for all strands of maths. As you can imagine it has been a huge endeavour, but the team have developed a system and process and will be getting these out to soon for teaching enjoyment and the students’ learning.

Here are 10 key benefits of using hands-on resources (manipulatives) for teaching maths to primary school students of all ages:

1. Concrete Understanding
   Physical tools like blocks, counters, and fraction tiles help students grasp abstract concepts by making them tangible.
2. Improved Engagement
   Hands-on activities are fun and interactive, keeping students interested and focused during maths lessons.
3. Supports Diverse Learners
   Visual, tactile, and kinaesthetic learners benefit from manipulating objects to understand mathematical relationships.
4. Boosts Conceptual Understanding
   Manipulatives help children explore why mathematical processes work—not just how to do them.
5. Encourages Problem Solving
   Students can test ideas, explore strategies, and discover patterns through guided play and experimentation.
6. Promotes Mathematical Language
   Using objects to explain thinking encourages students to verbalise and clarify their mathematical reasoning.
7. Increases Confidence
   Success with hands-on resources builds confidence in students who may struggle with traditional symbolic methods.
8. Fosters Collaboration
   Working with manipulatives in pairs or groups supports teamwork, discussion, and peer learning.
9. Develops Fine Motor Skills
   Especially in younger learners, using small objects builds coordination and control, supporting broader school readiness.
10. Provides Formative Assessment Opportunities
    Teachers can observe how students interact with resources to assess understanding and identify misconceptions in real time.

NAPLAN results 2025

Last week I had a pleasure of previewing our students individual NAPLAN reports. While they do not usually tell us anything we don’t know about individual students, it is useful for triangulating student achievement data, benchmarking our school, and diagnosing patterns and trends over time.

Our focus remains on ensuring a deep understanding of curriculum, and quality teaching and learning processes based on student needs, so that student achievement results can flow from this.    However, they are an opportunity to celebrate our children’s efforts and achievements, as well as our school’s success.

We still have some work to do in Numeracy and Mathematics in particular next year, and part of this is developing a strategic NAPLAN readiness plan.   The students having their own devices from Year 3 to 6 is part of our plan for 2026 (as part of a Student Resource Scheme). This will enable us to build their skills in online environments, especially reading thoroughly and slowing down, as so much of what they do online is immediate and fast-paced.  Online testing and assessments require a different approach and skill set which requires practise and consideration.

You will see some graphs and commentary below. Overall, our progress and achievements are commendable, and we are proud that they honour your children.

Tracking our Growth

In these first two weeks we have taken some time to consider how our students are progressing in their areas of English and maths in semester one. I share with you here some data outlining their ongoing improvements. The first graph below details each semesters’ English and Maths results (AB ) back from 2021 when we started the work on improving percentage of our students achieving AB results.     You can see the lovely upward trends and it is apparent here how well positioned our school is above state and the Metro-North region (which is the highest performing region in the state).

I particularly like to consider this in the context of cohorts of children which you can track through the coloured graph below showing considerable improvement.  While, this is nice on the graph, of course they represent real children and our acknowledgement of their achievement which is very rewarding. It is their faces and knowing them and their pride which gives the data the most meaning.

AB Maths % over time increase:

AB English % over time increase

Below is our tracking of particular cohorts of children which makes the most meaning for us as this enables us to compare apples with apples.  What makes this data more impressive is that it doesn’t even show the number of our students who often are achieving students who leave the school before the end of grade 6. Imagine our data if they were still with us!

Note some of the data in English tracking

• 72% of students in year six now getting AB where once it was 53% of that same group
• 72% of the fours AB where once it was 52%
• 70% of yr ones getting AB it was closer to 60%.

Some of the maths data overtime is genuinely impressive

• Current year sixes 86% while back in grade 2 it was 67% of the same group and we know of course that many of our AB students have left as well, making this data more impressive
• Grade fours with 84% getting a B while back in prep it was 54%.
• Current yr threes with 84% getting a B while back in it was 72%.
• And more recently current ones getting 79% or back in prep it was 66%.

Cohort Tracking

School Review 

We had a very successful and affirming external school review process in week one of this term with three reviewers talking to 200 staff students and parents about their experiences and perceptions of Ascot State School. The general feeling was one of great pride and positivity about our future together. I will share with you the report when it comes in and it will be one data source in our analysis with the school council and staff to inform our new strategic plan  Aspiring at Ascot 2026-2030. My sincere appreciation to all of those involved for sharing the stories and hopes for our future.

Front of school – well one of them - Pringle St side

Many thanks for the positive comments about the renewed fresh look on the Pringle Street side of school. We have to stick with existing heritage existing colours but managed to pick a colour scheme from the Heritage Haymes paint range which had a brighter more uplifting blue colour which we will now transition throughout the school.

Schools Opinion Survey

As you know every year the department invites parents and carers to give feedback to the school via a school opinion survey. As your new principal and we are in the process of developing a new strategic plan for Ascot State School – Aspiring@Ascot 2026-2030 – we would very much appreciate your input to inform our strengths opportunities, actions and results that we have to achieve as part of that strategic plan. Please do take the time to complete the survey for us.  It will be considered seriously and valued. An email will come to you directly from the department inviting your input at the end of this month.

Hobbiton Wallpaper Installed

Many thanks to Harry’s mum Trang Nyugen for his skill in time and helping our Schools officer Mark install this Hobbiton wallpaper near the junior boys toilet. Just a little something to get started and let the boys know that we haven’t forgotten them.

Hobbiton – There and Back again  ...  update

Meanwhile have a look at what has been happening with the lighting, green ceiling, edging  and flooring  installed to complement the mural. Also, many thanks to the Hamilton Mens’ Shed for their first instalment having repaired both our old stools which we will be putting in this area.  You might also notice some new signs for the toilets in keeping with the theme.

Mindfull Furniture Trial

We were most fortunate to have been offered a trial of Mindfull furniture by Sebel.   Just the thing for a school looking at creating intentionally inviting classrooms which attend to the needs of all learners.  The staff have responded very positively and the items are with the following classes for 4-5 weeks

• Green cubby to Mrs Parer yr 3
• House seating – Prep E with Mrs Clements
• Floor items being tested out by Yr 1/2 Mrs Cutler’s students are testing them out.
• Two rocking items – Mrs Jodie Beverage to liaise and move around as useful to different classes.

After that in wk 7-10 + we shall swap  to Yr 2 with Mrs Thomas and Prep with Mrs Baker.

So far, they have been a hit with the students.

Their feedback to Sebel and us as we finalise I block (yr 6-3 classroom designs) will be interesting.

Belonging - feeling welcome

I know from comments that you have noticed the new signs on the gates as you went to the school with our Ascot Mascot Winston welcoming our students as they arrive to school. Our ‘glad you are here’ slips have been very well received by students and parents alike.   One of the strong commendations from the reviewers was how many people reported feeling a sense of belonging and connection to our school.

Feeling welcomed is the first most critical dimension and the cornerstone of belonging, and belonging is critically important in primary schools because it supports wellbeing, learning, and positive behaviour. Here’s why:

1. Emotional Security

When children feel welcomed each day, they feel safe, valued, and emotionally secure, which is essential for learning. This reduces anxiety and allows children to engage confidently in classroom activities.

2. Foundation for Relationships

A warm welcome fosters trust and connection with teachers and peers. Belonging encourages kindness, cooperation, and a sense of community, which are vital for social development.

3. Improved Engagement and Motivation

Children who feel like they belong are more likely to participate in class, persist with challenges, and take pride in their learning.

4. Supports Behaviour and Self-Regulation

A welcoming, inclusive environment helps children develop self-regulation and positive behaviour, as they understand and feel part of the school culture and expectations.

5. Protective Factor for Wellbeing

Belonging is a known protective factor for mental health. It helps reduce feelings of isolation and builds resilience—especially important for children facing challenges at home or school.

6. Equity and Inclusion

Creating a welcoming environment is especially important for students who are new, different, or vulnerable. It sends the message: You matter here. You’re one of us.

In short, our welcoming practices that nurture belonging help create happy, inclusive, and high-achieving primary schools.

Kindness 

One of the qualities/values which is important to me but also presented as very important to you and to us as a staff when we did the values work was the value of kindness. For me is it important ingredient in the overall sense of belonging. You’ll see here a new graphic and a new sign at the front of the school on Pringle Street as part of the refresh of this area.  Our personal social learning lessons over these few weeks will focus on kindness to others and kindness to self as part of ensuring our brains are receptive and ready for high-level academic learning.

New shadecloth

The Department of Education funded the replacement of these shade structures for us as well as the one on the oval which is very cool or at least will be when the weather heats up.

Art work for Long lunch

I continue to be impressed by the work of parent Mel who has taken the students artwork here and used them to develop impressive works of art for the long lunch to be auctioned off to raise money for the school.

Prep garden

You can see here that we have tidied up this little corner of loose parts play response to request from prep teachers for the preppies to have a garden. They’ve cleaned down all the blockwork and paths as well as installing some new framing blockwork. We are also making very good use of the old sink near the art room.  I believe Mrs Luhrs class has planted some sunflowers for us to watch grow

Olympics 7 Year Launch

We were also most privileged to be one of 5 schools invited to represent schools for a 7 year Olympic Launch at the RNA Showgrounds.   Originally 36 students were invited, but they agreed to host all of our year 5 students, and they did us proud in their level of enthusiasm.  The day was a very appreciated by our year 5 staff, students and parents.  Students engaged in a variety of activities as the Year 5’s thoroughly enjoyed themselves and got a lot out of the day, including a yellow bucket hat and some keepsake trinkets, but mostly fun sporting activities and meeting some Olympians.  Boyd met a hero in Lachlan Kennedy.  A few of our students even scored an Australian scarf.  I think they will all remember it in 7 years time (when they are in Year 12).

Enrol in Prep 2026

ACING ASCOT

Is your child starting Prep in 2026 - register for the Acing Ascot sessions to get a Taste of Prep.

Come and join us for our Acing Ascot sessions.  You are welcome to attend one or all of them.  Places are limited to 50.   

Whilst your child attends a session with one of our Prep teachers, we will host you with a variety of presenters each week.

We run the session twice, Session 1- 9.00-10.00; Session 2-10.00-11.00

Venue: Meet us at the School Hall – access via Massey Street

Book by emailing Sondra McArthur - smcar17@eq.edu.au

Prep 2026 Date Claimers

City Cluster Mini-Festivals

The 2025 City Cluster Mini-Festivals have come to a close after two exciting weeks of exploration, innovation and high engagement. This initiative brought together selected Year 3 and 4 students from our City Collective schools, including Newmarket SS, Brisbane Central SS, Milton SS, Windsor SS, Wooloowin SS, Wilston SS, Kelvin Grove SS, New Farm SS, West End SS, Eagle Junction SS, Petrie Terrace SS, Hendra, and Hamilton SS.

Across various festival locations, students had the opportunity to take part in workshops such as investigating polymers in science, exploring CAD design and 3D printing, crafting creative pieces with a published author, tackling challenging maths problems, coding arcade-style games, and producing green screen documentaries in media arts.

Mr Manning and Ms Baker were proud to host the STEAM Design Thinkers Festival at Ascot State School—an engaging program designed for students who enjoy exploring creative possibilities.

During this festival, students investigated the real-world challenge, ‘How can we keep our oceans clean and healthy?’, inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As part of their learning, they developed skills in Tinkercad, a 3D design tool, to create innovative digital prototypes. These designs will be brought to life as 3D-printed models.

I had the privilege of visiting all the Mini-Festivals held across our City Collective schools. The level of student engagement, enthusiasm and the quality of work on display were truly outstanding. It has been a pleasure to receive such positive feedback from both students and families.

Marley Wickham (Year 4/5) shares her reflection below after attending the Mini-Writers Festival:

Over the past two Wednesdays, some very lucky Ascot students were chosen to participate in the City Collective Mini-Festivals Writers program at Milton State School. On the first day, we met with author Dr. Cameron Stelzer who showed us fun and creative ways to make our writing even better. One of the things we loved was learning how to use ‘Super Similes', like this one: ‘I am as hungry as an elephant who had a pea for lunch!’ We also explored how to show meaning in our writing by using words with pictures.

I personally LOVED being involved in Mini-festivals. Not only because we got to write, but also because we made new friends and learnt alongside students from other schools.

Kristine Atkins

Head of Department - Curriculum

After many years with Mrs Proctor as head coach, and Mrs Parer and then Mrs Thomas lending their expertise, Thursday afternoon run club has come to a close. Our oval is now hired by Sophie for Little Athletics. We encourage our young runners to maintain their training. Thank you so much to our coaches and everyone who supported this activity for their enthusiasm for athletics.

Premier’s Reading Challenge and the Ascot Bookworm Cup

We have already started receiving Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) sheets back to the library of those students who have successfully completed the challenge so far.  Congratulations to those students.  

To complete the challenge:

• Prep to Year 2 are challenged to experience at least 20 books
• Years 3 and 4 are challenged to read at least 20 books
• Years 5 and 6 are challenged to read at least 15 books.

Book Suggestions https://readingchallenge.education.qld.gov.au/resources/book-lists

The Bookworm Battle

Every student who completes the challenge, and returns the completed record reader form to the library will earn a point towards our new annual reading-based house competition – the Bookworm Battle!

Which house will be crowned the ultimate Bookworm Champions? Last year Ryan took home the trophy.

Additional forms can be collected from the library or from the following link:

https://readingchallenge.education.qld.gov.au/resource/PublishingImages/s/documents-and-forms/School%20reader%20record%20form.pdf

Book Week

Book Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate literature and the contributions of Australian authors and illustrators. It's a time to encourage a love of reading among students and highlight the importance of storytelling and creativity.

Our library is currently being transformed into this year’s theme, Book An Adventure.

Classes have commenced reading the Children's Book Council of Australia shortlisted nominated books for the Early Childhood Book of Year awards and will be voting on their favourites.

Book Week Assembly

All families are invited to join us for our whole school Book Week Assembly which will be held on the Games Court, Friday 22 August commencing at 9.15am. Students are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book, character, or in theme. Our Book Week Assembly is always a highlight of the school year.

Costume making is not meant to be a daunting occasion. Keep it simple and fun. Children’s Books Daily provides some costume ideas and tips for involving children in the fun.

Regards

Meredith and the library team

Finding Nemo

Our rehearsals are going very well and the students are excited to perform in four weeks' time!

As per the Finding Nemo calendar, there is a compulsory rehearsal on Sunday 3 August, 12.45pm arrival to 3.30pm in the Hall.

Please regard the memo attached for important information. 

If any one has the honeycomb packaging from Amazon products that they would like to donate for props, that would be greatly appreciated. 

Ticketing information out shortly!

Finding_Nemo_Sunday_rehearsal.pdf

Ascot Singers and Ascot Chorale

From next week, we are trialling a new rehearsal time; 8.00-8.50am for Singers (choir for Years 2-3) and Chorale (Year 4-6).

This means that rehearsal starts at 8am and it is expected that all students are there by this time. 

Staff will be there from 7.45am and students are welcome to be there at this time to help with set-up.

All other rehearsals remain as usual. 

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.

Triple P’s tips for reframing daily challenges

The results of the recent 2025 QLD Wellbeing survey indicate that Sleep and Device Use are areas for growth here at Ascot State school: 71% of student respondents say they usually/always get enough sleep and 58% of respondents (across Years 4, 5 and 6) use a device in the hour before bed, an opportunity for digital wellbeing education.

Let’s face it – parenting can feel like a juggling act, can’t it? Toddlers fighting bedtime, school-aged children wanting more screen time, teens rolling their eyes at chores – it’s enough to make you wonder, “Why can’t they just help out a little?”

One approach that works wonders: routines. Kids thrive on consistency – it gives them a sense of security and makes cooperation come more naturally. A predictable bedtime routine, for instance, can take some of the stress out of the nightly ritual.

Finding balance also helps – try thinking of it as a mindset rather than an even split. It’s not about doing everything perfectly, but making choices that feel right for you and your family. Give yourself permission to embrace imperfection – and the resulting boost to your wellbeing!

Oh, and screens? They’re part of our world now. While setting boundaries is wise, screens can be tools for learning, connecting, and even having fun. With some practical tips, you can learn how to manage kids’ screen time to support mental health, promote safety, and encourage positive digital habits in today’s tech-driven world.

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program can help you handle the ups and downs of parenting more calmly and confidently.

An invitation from our School Council to shape our future at Ascot State School…

Parents and caregivers your Ascot school council would very much appreciate your input by the way of this very short (or long) Survey to help us shape our future strategic plan  - Aspiring @Ascot.

Please complete by the QR link below by Monday, 4 August 4 pm.

Thank you for thoughts in shaping our future.

Francis Carroll

School Council chair

REGISTER BY 9PM TO WIN CUPCAKES & EXTRA BREAK TIME FOR YOUR CLASS! 

The countdown to the 2025 Colour Carnival has begun! This will be held on Friday the 15th of August from 1.40pm onwards and will be a super fun afternoon of colour, slime and bubbles! There will also be a family fun run where you too can join in the fun with your kids and get your colour on! 

This is one of our major fundraisers for the year with lots of amazing prizes up for grabs, so please get behind this great event and support our school.

To get things started, we’d love you to register your child/children by clicking on the link below. It only takes less than a minute to do and the top class in P-2 and 3-6 that has the most students registered by Tonight, Sunday 27th of July at 9pm will win cupcakes and extra break time for their class. 

To register your child, please go to www.myprofilepage.com.au and follow the steps below.

STEP 1: Click on the "Register” button to create your Parent login

STEP 2: Create your child's profile page

STEP 3: Select your child's fundraising target (this can be edited at anytime) and click "Create Page"

STEP 4: Your child's profile is now registered!

If you have more than one child at Ascot, you can register multiple children under the one parent login by:

STEP 5: Clicking on the "Add another child" button in the top left corner

STEP 6: Complete the next child's profile page and follow from Step 3 above.

ASCOT LONG LUNCH - POSTPONED AGAIN TO DUE TO WEATHER 

After a fantastic event last year, we were so excited to bring back the Ascot Long Lunch this weekend.

Despite our entire team and the school's best efforts to explore every possible alternative (including alternate venues, marquees and more), the ongoing wet weather and continued forecasts left us with no choice but to postpone the event once again to ensure we didn’t compromise the quality, safety and overall experience of the day. 

We appreciate your understanding and continued support and are working hard with our suppliers to secure a new date. We are trying for third time lucky and promise it will be worth the wait!

We look forward to enjoying a fabulous afternoon of food, drinks and live entertainment with you — under sunnier skies! 

Stay tuned!

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.