From The Principal
Q Parents Announcements
Now we have almost all of our parents on Q Parents, our dept communication tool, as the place where you can notify of absences and get your report cards, we are going to make more use of its features. It now has an announcement tool, so we are going to transition to this as our main push out notifications. For example, the P&C discussed with us the other night how uncertain it can be for parents about whether choirs, bands etc are on, and when they are cancelled etc. We will set up a system whereby the IM and Music staff can push out a notification if they are for example sick and unable to attend, so you know not to drop your children off early. It will be helpful for changes and other important announcements.
iPad BYOD resourcing 2026 yr 3 and yr 5
We are hosting a parent evening on Wed 29th from 6 – 6:45 pm regarding the transition to byod iPad resourcing in 2026. You are invited to attend to get details and specifications and to have any of your questions answered. JB HiFi are attending to assist with any questions re purchase, insurance etc.
Please look for a reply to with more information to register. This will help us know whether to hold this session in the hall or the staffroom depending on numbers attending.
Year 3 Instrumental Program: update
I wish to thank profusely our Instrumental Music team. Mr Port was absent for the last couple of weeks last term, and then submitted withdrawal of his contractual services due to personal circumstances. We wish him all the best.
The leadership and Music team of Ascot SS are committed to ensuring that our year 3 child/ren continue their lessons this term to provide continuity of skills and engagement into yr 4 as much as possible.
Thus, our other instrumental music teachers will step in and provide lessons to year 3 students from week 2 to week 8. These lessons are designed to prepare students for the Year 4 Department of Education instrumental music program. It is a wonderful transition for the students to get to know the teachers and for the teachers to assess their skills and needs for a strong start in 2026.
2026: Yr 3 program – in development
Rather than the ‘user pays’ IM program we have had in year 3, we are working with the Dept of Education to provide qualified IM teachers to implement an innovative and more inclusive extended trial and recruitment process for all year 3 students to experience all instruments – as a kind of “taste and test” across the year. This will enable us to better match students to instruments for long term success and most importantly to ensure all students experience an opportunity to know the value in learning the right musical instrument for them. We will stay in touch about our success in bringing this off. Over time, we believe this will enable us to once again build up our IM program so that we have quality engagement, levels of participation and performances.
Congratulations to Emmerson Bartlett
On the weekend our Emmerson did the Brisbane to Gold Coast triathalon (Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer 2025) in 3 hr 41 mins and raised $ 720 for charity.
What a great effort. Next time we will advertise this in the newsletter before hand in case you want to support her energy.
Respectful parking for our neighbours.
We have received another request from one of our neighbours to remind parents to please not park in their driveways. The system can work if we keep looping around until there is a park in the drop off-pick up zones. It helps our staff greatly if you use the name signage on the car – let us know if you need another of these for your car or a 2nd car.
Visit from CEO of BFX
BFX has been very generous in helping us both design and be able to purchase with significant discounts our I block classrooms. They also have donated several trucks of floor stock to us, eg health room beds, year 1 desks etc. This week the owner of the company Denis Moore visited to have a look at how the classrooms have taken shape. They are also assisting with ideas for seating in the Yr 6 legacy project area. We are very grateful to Denis and Connie for their partnership and generosity.
Gratitude - What are you grateful for? Who are you grateful to?
21st September was World Gratitude Day, so we have taken some time these past two weeks in our social-emotional learning lessons to explore the benefits of gratitude in both attitude and practices for the individual body system, but also for the emotional climate and culture of our school.
There is much research about the benefits of Gratitude for individuals and then our collective selves – this is our focus for social-emotional learning this week.
Benefits of Gratitude for Teachers
- Improved Wellbeing & Reduced Stress
Practicing gratitude helps teachers reframe challenges, lowering stress and burnout while increasing resilience in demanding roles. - Stronger Relationships with Students
Expressing appreciation toward students (for effort, respect, or kindness) strengthens trust, rapport, and classroom culture. - Increased Job Satisfaction
Regularly noticing small wins (student progress, teamwork, supportive colleagues) builds professional fulfilment and motivation. - Positive Role Modelling
When teachers show gratitude, they model empathy, kindness, and perspective-taking—qualities that students naturally mirror.
Benefits of Gratitude for Students
- Boosts Mental Health
Gratitude practices (like reflection journals or sharing daily “thankful moments”) are linked to reduced anxiety, greater optimism, and higher self-esteem. - Enhances Learning Engagement
Students who feel appreciated and express gratitude are more motivated, attentive, and persistent in their learning. - Improves Peer Relationships
Expressing gratitude promotes kindness, cooperation, and conflict resolution, strengthening friendships and inclusivity. - Builds Resilience
Focusing on what’s going well, even in tough times, helps students bounce back from setbacks and approach challenges positively.
✨ Whole-School Impact
- Creates a Positive Culture
When gratitude is embedded across staff and students, the school climate shifts to one of kindness, appreciation, and belonging. - Supports Values-Based Education
Gratitude aligns with social-emotional learning (SEL) frameworks, encouraging reflection, empathy, and community-mindedness
