Issue 1 â 30 Jan - Ascot State School
Issue 1 â 30 Jan - Ascot State School
Issue 1 â 30 Jan - Ascot State School
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<strong>Ascot</strong> <strong>State</strong> <strong>School</strong> Digest<br />
Lifelong Learning for Lifelong Success<br />
Phone 3326 9333<br />
Student Absences: 3326 9360<br />
Email: admin@ascotss.eq.edu.au<br />
Web: www.ascotss.eq.edu.au<br />
<strong>Issue</strong> 1: Wednesday <strong>30</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary 2013<br />
FROM MRS SEDGMAN: THE PRINCIPAL<br />
Dear All,<br />
Welcome back to the new school year. We welcome to our school our new enrolling Prep students<br />
and their families as well as new students and families in other year levels. I am so pleased to see<br />
everyone return safe and well. Any comment about enjoying the long, hot summer I enjoyed<br />
relaxing enjoying sun, surf and sand seem irrelevant after the recent wild weather we have<br />
encountered. I’m pleased to report that the school received only a small amount of damage with<br />
little disruption to start the school year. Many schools have not been as fortunate.<br />
We have started the school year with 32 classes with this number being based on student numbers<br />
we estimated at the end of the year. It is our Day 8 numbers at the beginning of the school year<br />
which determines how many teachers/classes we actually will be entitled to have. This is all part of<br />
the state-wide staffing process.<br />
Rather than having a short fall of student numbers, the school enrolments have increased over the<br />
holidays and we are predicting that we will be entitled to another teacher. This won’t be finalised<br />
until the Day 8 students are confirmed and approval from Regional Office is given. My mantra that<br />
on occasions changes can and do occur is more than likely to eventuate. So changes are likely and<br />
there are a number of scenarios being looked at. It is not our preference to make changes but some<br />
things are unable to be predicted. We do continue with the usual start-up of the school year.<br />
Parent Teacher Evenings<br />
This is the start of two important aspects this school values – parent teacher relationships and good<br />
communication. Parents will be able to meet your child’s new teacher for this year and teachers will<br />
outline school and class policies and expectations, work to be covered and how parents can assist.<br />
You will find the evening very informative. Meetings are held in your child's classroom.<br />
Tuesday 5 February<br />
Wednesday 6 February<br />
Prep & Year 4: 6:00 – 6:45pm<br />
Year 1 & Class 5A, 5B and 5C: 6:00 – 6:45pm<br />
Year 2 & Years 7/6: 7:00 – 7:45pm<br />
Year 3: 7:00 – 7:45pm<br />
Wednesday 13 February<br />
Class 5D 6:00 – 6:45pm.<br />
Wednesday 6 February<br />
Year 1 & Class 5A, 5B and 5C: 6:00 – 6:45pm<br />
Year 3: 7:00 – 7:45pm<br />
Staffing<br />
We welcome new teachers and returning teachers to <strong>Ascot</strong> <strong>State</strong> <strong>School</strong>:<br />
Ms Ngaire Miller (Prep A) Mrs Madonna Thomas (Year 1D) Mrs Cassie Mathewson (Year 5C)<br />
Ms Deb Lewis (Year 1A) Mrs Colette Mouat (Year 2C) Mrs Deanne Clark (Coach)<br />
Ms Haida Luke (Year 1C)
With today’s Digest is our 2013 Calendar. Again, changes may occur, but for the most part it is a<br />
great planner for us as a community. I am looking forward to hearing about everyone’s holiday<br />
adventures and am excited about what is ahead for the 2013 school year. This rain can’t dampen<br />
the <strong>Ascot</strong> spirit.<br />
Regards,<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>e Sedgman, Principal<br />
BOUQUETS<br />
UPCOMING EVENTS<br />
Thank you parents for the lovely attention you<br />
have given to your child/ren in preparation to<br />
start or return to school. Students are keen<br />
and enthusiastic and so happy.<br />
Friday<br />
1 February<br />
Monday<br />
4 February<br />
Tuesday<br />
5 February<br />
Wednesday<br />
6 February<br />
<strong>School</strong> Leadership Day/<strong>School</strong><br />
Captain preparation<br />
Swim Club Meet – Invitational<br />
Event Only<br />
Waiting List for 2014 opens<br />
Parent/Teacher Evening:<br />
6.00-6.45pm – Prep & Year 4;<br />
7.00-7.45pm – Year 2 & Year 7/6<br />
Parent/Teacher Evening:<br />
6.00-6.45pm – Year 1 & Classes<br />
5A, 5B & 5C<br />
7.00-7.45pm – Year 3<br />
FROM MRS HADDEN: MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS 3-7<br />
Happy New Year and welcome to the 2013 school year. I am delighted to welcome new students and<br />
families to <strong>Ascot</strong> <strong>State</strong> <strong>School</strong> and to welcome students returning from last year. I trust that 2013<br />
will be a happy, productive and rewarding year for everybody associated with the middle school –<br />
students, teachers and families.<br />
Please provide your child's teacher with any information which may assist your child in settling into<br />
the new school year.<br />
By setting goals and striving to achieve those goals, it is possible for all students to achieve great<br />
success in their schooling. I encourage every student to build on their achievements of last year.<br />
Discuss with your child the areas in which they would like to develop further skills. When the<br />
children set goals each term we encourage them to set academic, personal and social goals.<br />
Parent Information Evenings<br />
Information Evenings with class teachers will take place during Week 2 (5D in Week 3). I encourage<br />
every parent to attend the information evenings to meet class teachers and learn about your child’s<br />
education program. The evenings provide parents with the opportunity to hear of the expectations of<br />
the school and an outline of the academic and extra-curricular program from your child’s class<br />
teacher.<br />
The Leadership Process<br />
The <strong>School</strong> Captain selection process continues over the next two weeks, building on the foundation<br />
of the Leadership Day in 2012. This week, all Year 7 students will continue their Leadership training<br />
and preparation at school on Friday 1 February. Students applying for <strong>School</strong> Captain will be
forwarding their written application to us and candidates for the positions will be finalised next week<br />
with the election of <strong>School</strong> Captains taking place. This will be followed in Week 3 with the selection<br />
of Class Captains and Sports Captains. Music Seniors and other leadership positions will be finalised<br />
by Week 4. Best wishes to all students striving to attain a leadership role. All Year 7 students are<br />
student leaders and are recognised as such by the school community. The presentation of all<br />
Captains and school leaders will take place at a whole-school assembly in Week 5.<br />
Travel Safe<br />
In the interest of safety for our students the following rules should be closely observed:<br />
Inform your child of the pick-up point where you will collect them each day<br />
At 3:00pm the pick-up zones are very congested so you may find a 3.10pm pick-up is easier.<br />
Your child will be supervised at either the Massey Street or Pringle Street designated pick-up<br />
zone<br />
Children go directly to the designated area on Pringle Street or Massey Street when the 3.00pm<br />
bell rings<br />
Children must sit down inside the marked line on the footpath, awaiting the directions of the<br />
travel safe supervisor<br />
Drivers are not to disembark from their vehicles at any time<br />
Do not call for your child to come to the car as the supervisor will instruct them to move towards<br />
the vehicle<br />
Do not ask your child to place bags in the boot as it can be extremely dangerous with cars<br />
moving closely behind each other<br />
Children should get into the passenger side of the vehicle<br />
After 3.20pm any child/children who have not been picked up will wait outside the Administration<br />
block. Please inform the office if you are delayed beyond that time.<br />
Bus Travel<br />
Children are to go directly to the bus when the 3.00pm bell rings.<br />
Please ensure your child has a bus pass or money ready to catch the bus.<br />
We thank you for observing these rules and for making travelling home from school safer for<br />
everyone.<br />
Storms and 3:00pm<br />
It seems that if a storm is to hit at any time during the day it will be at 3:00pm. If this happens<br />
children who are in pick-up zones will be either inside the Hall or under the Prep building. In the<br />
case of children meeting parents in other locations or walking home a decision will be made, in the<br />
interests of safety, to keep the children in a safe area within the school until the storm passes. If<br />
your child uses the Massey Street crossing or crosses the oval they will be held under the senior<br />
building until it is considered safe to cross. Please discuss these after-school arrangements with<br />
your child.<br />
I look forward to meeting with parents and to sharing a year of positive achievements with your<br />
child.<br />
Sharyn<br />
FROM MRS PROVOST-BOYLE: EARLY YEARS PREP-2<br />
I’m the Deputy Principal for the Prep – Year 2 area of the school. I’m always happy to discuss any<br />
concerns you may have and to share the successes your child/ren experience at school.<br />
I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to the new families joining <strong>Ascot</strong> <strong>State</strong> <strong>School</strong>. <strong>Ascot</strong> has a<br />
strong sense of community. Parents are encouraged to volunteer to help out with the many
classroom activities and to join our active P& C. Welcome back to our existing parents; it’s great to<br />
have you on board for another exciting year.<br />
The first week of school is always an exciting time for parents, teachers and most importantly<br />
students. The students of <strong>Ascot</strong> <strong>State</strong> <strong>School</strong> have had a wonderful start to 2013. It’s delightful to<br />
see the enthusiasm and excitement on the faces of the students. Some of the new Prep students<br />
look like they have been coming to school for months, other students may take a little while to<br />
settle in – but they will.<br />
What can you do to help your child at school?<br />
Establish a consistent routine before and after school<br />
Have a positive view of school. Stay in touch with teachers and where possible get involved with<br />
the school. Talk about school and what the children are learning<br />
Encourage children to be resilient. Have high but realistic expectations for your child/ren<br />
READ READ, READ and more READING. Reading to your child every night assists children to<br />
build vocabulary and to develop their oral language and the language of books.<br />
Assembly<br />
Prep – Year 2 Assembly is held on a Monday morning at 10.<strong>30</strong>am. All parents and grandparents are<br />
welcome to attend. The Assemblies are a wonderful opportunity for classes to showcase their<br />
learning and their talents. You may be surprised at what capable public speakers we have. Our first<br />
whole school assembly is the Presentation <strong>School</strong> Leaders on Monday 25 February at 9:00am.<br />
<strong>School</strong> Zones/Two Minute Parking Zones<br />
Brisbane City Council has notified the school of their intention to maintain a presence and enforce<br />
illegal parking within school zones during the 2013 school year. As you know, parking spaces during<br />
pick up and set down times are at a premium. Subsequently, competition for these spaces leads to<br />
poor driver behaviour and potentially dangerous parking practices.<br />
The primary purpose for parking enforcement around schools is to ensure child safety and it is not<br />
Council’s intention to make parking near schools an overly onerous task. Officers will engage with<br />
all drivers where it is safe to do so and advise the risks associated with illegal parking. Officers may<br />
issue parking fines in cases where dangerous parking practices are observed.<br />
Our only priority in the Two Minute Parking Zones is your child’s safety. Please support our staff to<br />
manage your child’s safety.<br />
Early Years Update<br />
What do Children do in Prep?<br />
In the Early Years at <strong>Ascot</strong> <strong>State</strong> <strong>School</strong> we use the Australian Curriculum and the Early Years<br />
Curriculum Guidelines to plan and implement quality learning experiences for students.<br />
The curriculum is based on active learning, which includes inquiry and play. Early Phase children:<br />
Engage in focused learning episodes<br />
Actively make choices about what and how they learn<br />
Investigate and learn how to inquire about their interests<br />
Plan collaboratively with the teacher<br />
Participate in music and language experiences<br />
Investigate and play independently, in pairs, small groups and as a class<br />
Participate in dramatic play to build an understanding of themselves and the world around them<br />
Draw and paint to encourage oral language, reading and writing skills<br />
Construct, using blocks and create collages to develop early mathematical concepts and skills.<br />
Enjoy the first week.<br />
Melissa
SCHOOL COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER’S NEWS<br />
Welcome back to the new school year. Tuesday may have been your child's first day of Prep to Year<br />
7; however their teachers and other school staff have been back at work since the middle of last<br />
week. We are very fortunate to have such a well resourced and devoted team of teaching staff.<br />
The Parent Teacher Meetings that are scheduled for you to become well acquainted with your child's<br />
class dynamics and routine are Tuesday and Wednesday evenings starting at 6:00pm depending on<br />
your child's year level. It is a great opportunity to meet the other parents in your child's class as<br />
well as familiarise yourself with their classroom, homework expectations, swimming class, library,<br />
sport and music timetables.<br />
This will be my fifth year in this <strong>School</strong> Community Liaison Officer role. It is a very rewarding role. If<br />
there are any questions that I can help you with then please don't hesitate to contact me. I look<br />
forward to meeting you at the parent teacher nights.<br />
Until then, have a great week.<br />
Leanne Buckle, SCLO, leannebucklefrew@mac.com, 0403 576 688<br />
FROM THE TUCKSHOP<br />
There are still some vacancies available if you wish help out at Tuckshop or do Home Bake. Call in<br />
and see Kathryn in the Tuckshop or ring her on 3326 9326.<br />
Pauls Collect a Cap<br />
We are still collecting the milk caps so if you have any at home please bring them into Tuckshop.<br />
Tuckshop - Group 2 Home Bake - Group 2<br />
Monday4<br />
February<br />
Tuesday5<br />
February<br />
Wednesday<br />
6 February<br />
Thursday7<br />
February<br />
Friday8<br />
February<br />
Catherine McL, Trudy C Monday 4<br />
February<br />
Louise A, Erika B Tuesday 5<br />
February<br />
Helen L, Andrea E, Melinda<br />
Russell, Manana, Maria M,<br />
Sarah W<br />
Wednesday<br />
6 February<br />
Vanessa S Thursday 7<br />
February<br />
Carolyn H, Miranda D,<br />
Deirdre N, Mardi H<br />
Friday<br />
8 February<br />
Colleen H, Suzie C<br />
Susie C<br />
Rachel D<br />
Anna Q<br />
Volunteer required<br />
Uniform Shop – Group 1<br />
Monday 4 February<br />
Wednesday 6 February<br />
Thursday 7 February<br />
Sophie B<br />
Marion W<br />
Deborah W
SWIM CLUB<br />
Dear Swim Club Families<br />
Welcome back to the final half of the 2012/2013 season<br />
The first swim meet for ALL SWIMMERS is Friday 8 February<br />
It is a short term, but there is much to do before your Committee can retire! We are hosting the<br />
<strong>Ascot</strong> Cup this year and hope to win back the Cup from Eagle Junction! We also have the Club<br />
Championships on 10 March and a Presentation night in the hall on 15 March, where we may have a<br />
surprise guest! So heads down, caps on and get ready for a great finish to what we hope will be<br />
another successful season.<br />
1 February 2013 (Invitational Swim Only)<br />
This night is only open to those swimmers invited to swim, as we’ll be doing trials to select our<br />
team for the <strong>Ascot</strong> Cup which we are hosting in 2013. An email was sent last week (the last week of<br />
the Christmas holidays) to those families whose child was required. From those families that are<br />
invited, we’ll fill the normal roster. We’ll only offer sushi that night, so the BBQ will not be running.<br />
In essence, the top six children in each age group, for each race will be called upon and we’ll pick<br />
the fastest two for the team plus some relay teams. Remember, we need age “on the block”, so if<br />
your child has a birthday between 1 <strong>Jan</strong>uary and 23 February Inclusive, then they will be a year<br />
older than their allotted swimmer number for club meets.<br />
8 February, 2013<br />
Our first night back and gates will open at 5.45pm with our 12½m races starting at 6.00pm. The<br />
races that night will be the 100m Individual Medley, followed by 25m & 50m of freestyle, backstroke,<br />
breaststroke & butterfly.<br />
Parent Roster – 8 February, 2013<br />
On that Friday night, our roster girls Kylie and Rosie will put up Term 1 dates and jobs and ask<br />
every family to nominate 2 jobs over 2 dates. This Friday we have all positions filled as follows:<br />
Courageous Co-ordinators: Vicki B & Jennie S<br />
Star starter:<br />
Michael S<br />
Main (wo)men marshalling: Deb P, Peter H<br />
Fabulous floating assistants: Stella DeJ, Mel T<br />
Cantina Bar and Grill: Anna D, Mel H, Rowena G, Amanda B, Alexander C, Angus C<br />
Terrific timekeepers:<br />
Lauren B, Julia R, Mandy T, David W, Susan A, Nicola W<br />
Darlings of data entry: Kris S, <strong>Jan</strong>e ?<br />
Swimmers of the Week – to be awarded on Friday 8 February 2013<br />
The Ray White <strong>Ascot</strong> Swimmer of the Week towels go to Stephanie C, Hope J, Sarah A and Emma G.<br />
Dune Outdoor Luxuries Special Mention awards go to Gabby H, Sophie H and Tayla N.<br />
Key Dates for 2013 Season<br />
Friday night swim meets from 6:00pm – 8:00pm<br />
Term 1, every Friday night from 8 February – 15 March 2012<br />
Cups & Carnivals<br />
<strong>Ascot</strong> Cup – Saturday 23 February 2013<br />
Club Championships – Sunday 10 March 2013<br />
Vicki & Sarah, on behalf of the 2012/2013 <strong>Ascot</strong> Swim Club Committee<br />
swimclub@ascotsspandc.com.au; 0419 900 558 (Sarah) or 0414 464 507 (Vicki)
LOST PROPERTY<br />
Did your child lose a house key, spectacles, electronic device, pink bag or cuddly toy during 2012?<br />
Last chance to check for it at the Office this week!<br />
COMMUNITY NOTICES<br />
Greater Brisbane Junior Tennis (GBJT) conducts weekly Tennis Fixtures at the Queensland<br />
Tennis Centre, Tennyson and The University of Queensland for children up to 18 years of age.<br />
Grading Day for new players is to be held on Sunday 10 February at the Queensland Tennis Centre,<br />
Tennyson from 3:00-5:00pm. Further information is available at www.gbjt.org.au or by phoning Mrs<br />
Peta Davis on 3374 0516.<br />
Brothers Junior Rugby Club Sign On - Saturday 2 February<br />
9:00am–1:00pm at 103 Crosby Road, Albion. In 2011 we were again named Club of the Year by the<br />
Brisbane Junior Rugby Union and our player numbers continue to grow from year to year. All boys<br />
and girls are welcome to join our Under 6 – Under 17 age groups. Players must have turned five to<br />
be eligible to register to pay (please note that proof of age is required. Further information:<br />
registrar@brothersjuniorrugby.com.au; brothersjuniorrugby.com.au. You can also find us on<br />
Facebook.<br />
Brothers Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc. Sign On, Sunday 3 February<br />
9.00am–1.00pm at Brothers Grange Community Sports Club, 41 Agincourt Street, Grange.<br />
(Associated with the Northern Broncos Development Program.) The only acceptable documents for<br />
proof of age for new players and transfers are birth certificate or extract, current passport or drivers<br />
licence. Qualified coaches for all age groups U6-U18, Under 20/22 and Opens. Players must have<br />
attained the age of 5 before they can play Under 6. Qualified first aid officer at all home games.<br />
Phone President 0412 872 586 or Secretary 0411 029 202; email: brothersjuniors@optusnet.com.au<br />
or visit www.brisbanebrothersjrlfc.org.au/.<br />
Valleys Junior Rugby League Football Club Sign On - Sunday 3 February<br />
10:00am-2:00pmat Emerson Park, Bega Street, Grangefor Under 6 – Under 18. Member of the<br />
Northern Broncos Development Program. Contact Danny Walker the President on 0410465549 for<br />
more information. Email: diehards@valleysrugbyleague.com;<br />
Website: www.valleysdiehards.leaguenet.com.au.<br />
The Gap Netball Club 2013 Season 2013 Sign On<br />
Saturday 2 February 8:00-11:00am at Hilder Road <strong>State</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
The Gap has teams for all abilities and ages from Nippers (8-9 year olds) to Opens (adults).<br />
Teams train on weekday afternoons and evenings at Hilder Road <strong>State</strong> <strong>School</strong> and play at Downey<br />
Park on Saturdays from April to August. The Club will also be running NetSetGO at Hilder Road for<br />
six weeks from Monday 11 February. NetSetGO is an introductory program for 5-10 year olds<br />
Registration & further information: http://thegapnetball.org; registrar@thegapnetball.org.<br />
Fancutt Tennis Centre will continue the tennis program at the school courts on Reeve Street on<br />
Mondays 3.<strong>30</strong>-4.15pm, Tuesdays 3.15-4.00pm (Beginners), Wednesday afternoons 3.00-3.<strong>30</strong>pm<br />
(Prep <strong>School</strong>), Wednesdays 3.<strong>30</strong>-4.15pm (Beginners), 4.15-5.00pm (Players) starting 4 February.<br />
Rackets on special $<strong>30</strong>.00. Friendly Hot Shots Tournaments for trophies are on Saturdays<br />
11.00am-1.00pm during school term. Superleague fixtures are on Saturday afternoons and<br />
Sunday evenings for children and teenagers and Tuesday/Wednesday nights for adults. Starts<br />
Saturday 2nd February. Restrings – a 24hr. service or possible emergency restring while you wait.<br />
All enquiries, please contact Fancutts 3857 2922 in office hours or email admin@fancutts.com.au.