From the Principal
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.
