Issue 16 – 29 May - Ascot State School

Ascot State School Digest
Lifelong Learning for Lifelong Success
Phone 3326 9333
Student Absences: 3326 9360
Email: admin@ascotss.eq.edu.au
Web: www.ascotss.eq.edu.au
Issue 16: Wednesday 29 May 2013
FROM MRS SEDGMAN: THE PRINCIPAL
Dear All
Lately I have been outlining to parents the purpose of Independent Public Schools (IPS). The
benefits include enhanced local governance, opportunities for innovation, locally tailored workforce
and increased financial flexibility. The process to be undertaken to gauge school community interest
in applying to be an Independent Public School was detailed last week.
The following response is to the important question of what it will mean for students:
“Independent Public Schools will have greater freedom to shape their own strategic direction and
make decisions which will directly benefit their students. They will have the ability to work directly
with local businesses, industry and community organisations. This new way of working could lead to
unique and innovative partnerships and sponsorships, providing extra support for students, schools
and the local community. Schools also have greater flexibility to tailor the curriculum to directly suit
the needs of their students.”
IPS sits nicely within the recently launched Parent and Community Engagement Framework which
included community collaboration and decision making as a means for greater community ownership
and trust of school directions and decisions. Both strategies are what schools can do to strengthen
learning outcomes for students – through effective partnerships between principals, teachers,
students, parents and the community. It sends a call to action to our school to focus on parent and
community engagement as a key part of supporting student learning.
The question asked to me is what my position is and my response is very simple. Yes. I do believe
anything that allows a school to have a degree of autonomy which allows a school Principal to be as
responsive as possible to the needs of students gets my vote.
I wish to inform parents that I have the opportunity to act in the role of Assistant Regional Director,
Metropolitan Region for the last two weeks of this term and the first three weeks of Term 3. Our
Deputy Principals, Mrs Sharyn Hadden and Mrs Melissa Boyle will act as Principal in my absence. I
am proud of the leadership capacity and capabilities within my staff which sees consistency in school
direction and the teaching and learning agenda for the school.
Regards,
Jane Sedgman, Principal

BOUQUETS
Thank you to Phoenix Trading for their generous donation to the school.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday 29 May
Thursday 30 May
Welcome Group
6:30pm High Achiever’s Parent Information Session (KGSC)
Book Club
Met. North Tennis
Friday 31 May Athletics Trials Years 3-7
Sunday 2 June Music on Sunday 1:00-3:00pm
Monday 3 June
Tuesday 4 June
Wednesday 5 June
Thursday 6 June
9:00am Music Assembly
10:30am PE Assembly
LCC Meeting
ICAS Science Test
Welcome Group
Met. North Touch
High Achiever’s Orientation (KGSC)
State of Origin 1
Met. North Touch
UPCOMING HOLIDAYS
Monday 10 June – Queen’s Birthday
Winter vacation: Saturday 22 June – Sunday 7 July inclusive
Wednesday 14 August – EKKA Holiday
FROM MRS HADDEN: MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS 3-7
Congratulations to our Music Department and the Senior Choir. The choir performed to a very high
standard yesterday at the Choral Fanfare and were awarded gold. Reaching this standard requires
children to learn the value of perseverance, commitment and dedication. Well done to the children
and their teachers.
This Sunday we celebrate more musical achievements with Music on Sunday. This event is sure to
be another memorable one for students, parents and their teachers. I always look forward to these
opportunities to be part of an audience where students have the chance to shine and share their
talents with family and friends.
Keep an eye on the P.E. News as we are working towards the Athletics Carnivals in the last week of
this term. As the Gala Days are now finished, Friday afternoons will now be used as trial times for
Athletics.
Last week 7/6D presented an assembly which focussed on energy sources and the ways in which
energy can be described and used. We saw some amazing balloon powered cars which students
have so much fun designing and testing. A very well presented assembly.

An integral aspect of today’s learning is to be able to share ideas, communicate with
others and still maintain focus. It is challenging to work with others and accept that
our way is not the only way. Being part of a group also promotes an understanding
of the rights and responsibilities of each member.
Congratulations to the following children who “Work Well in Groups”:
3A Bridget T Alec O’B 4E Joshua M Kioa P
3B Peter C Katie B 5A Charlotte B Louis G
3C Nick T Jessica T 5B Flynn B Calliope C
3D Joel G Liam M 5C Randell G Indigo H
3E Lara E Matthew C 5D Elliot B Piper S
4A Harrison L Ella M 7/6A Mia H Denny Z
4B Guy P Charlie W 7/6B Daniel J Hamish McL
4C Isabel M Ashton S 7/6C Jade S Nicholas V H
4D Harry D Charlotte J 7/6D Charlotte C Natcha P
FROM MRS PROVOST-BOYLE: EARLY YEARS PREP-2
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May
and 3 June. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey - the
anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. The week is a
time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to
explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort.
National Sorry Day
3A and 3C wrote letters to Mrs Sedgman urging her to commemorate National Sorry Day, which was
observed on 26 May. I’ve included a letter below written by Georgia C (3A). As a result of the letters
to Mrs Sedgman students were invited to speak about National Sorry Day at the Senior and Junior
Assemblies.
“Taken! Have you ever heard of National Sorry Day? Mrs Sedgman, if you don’t commemorate or
say sorry to those poor Aboriginal children, people will think you’re cold hearted. Just imagine your
own children getting taken away from you and your husband! It is heart breaking and one of
Australia’s greatest tragedies.
I think that National Sorry Day should be commemorated all over the world to demonstrate Australia
is a free country. If I told someone from China the stolen generation was yet to be acknowledged I
don’t think they would believe me. The only way to change this is by commemorating.
I strongly believe that the children were treated badly because they were bossed around all day and
they were also treated like slaves. I would believe that the government would look after the children,
but no.
When they washed up, the soap was so harsh that their hands would sometimes bleed.
As a result of Aboriginal children being taken from their families they no longer knew who their
families were and where they truly came from. They lost their brothers and sisters, mothers and
fathers. Can you imagine how sad and lonely they must have felt?
That is why I believe National Sorry Day must be marked and respected. How could you not feel
sorry about this and show your feelings by commemorating?”
Congratulations on your outstanding work 3A and 3C.
Georgia C (3A)

Ascot Big Day Out Class Art Projects: We currently have on display in the office three pieces of
art work that will be auctioned off at the Big Day Out. Parents are invited to come to the office to
see the art work of 1D, 3C, and 4E. The art is very impressive.
Prep D’s Vegetable Garden is thriving. Last week Michael and Will came
to show me the zucchini that Prep D had grown in their garden. The whole
class is very proud of the vegetables that they are producing.
Junior Assembly: 1C had us thoroughly entertained on assembly this week with their performance
of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”. The children reinforced the importance of doing our best. 1C use
their learning targets to make sure they’re achieving their best in learning. Congratulations 1C and
Mrs Shannon on a great Assembly!
Student of the Week P-2
Next week’s student of the week award is for “Working Well in Groups”
Congratulations to:
Prep A Ava F. Nicholas P. 1D Elaine C. Jack M.
Prep B Jake H. Tiana P. 1E Isabella C. Charlie C.
Prep C Jake D. Jasmin C. 2A Lani M. Greta C.
Prep D Lachlan O. Imogen V. 2B Cooper R. Tom R.
Prep E Milly C. Ryen B. 2C Axel H. Grace T.
1A Harrison C. Isla F. 2D Hamish L. Emily C.
1B Milan B. Zara D. 2E Lily D. Lucia O.
1C Liliana H. Boris K.
Junior Assembly Schedule for Term 2 – Be sure to mark the dates in your calendar.
Week 8 03.06.13 PE Working well in groups
Week 10 17.06.13 2E Helpful Behaviour
Have a good week.
Melissa
OUR FEATURED APP OF THE WEEK
Math Bingo
This app allows students to practise mental maths across addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division.
Choose from 3 different levels of difficulty: Easy, Medium and Hard
Create up to 30 player profiles
Choose from 8 different fun cartoon avatars
Keep track of number of games played by player profile
The Scoreboard keeps track of scores for each game and level
Kids love to collect and play with BINGO Bugs when they earn a high score!

P.E.NEWS
Perceptual Motor Program (Prep/Year 1)
Thank you to the parents and grandparents who have come along to help supervise group activities.
So many parents have told me how they see the improvement in student’s skills from week to week,
particularly with skipping (Year 1). In these activities we concentrate on jumping and landing, rolling,
balancing, hand/eye co-ordination, general co-ordination and negotiation of obstacles (over, under,
through, round, between, etc.). These are all important developmental skills for children to master.
We have this week and next week left to run in the program before the Runathon and Athletics
Carnival preparation, so if you haven’t been able to assist yet please feel free to put your name on
the roster in your child’s class room.
Athletics Carnival Trials/Practice (Years 3-7)
All children in Years 3 to 7 will be out on the oval (weather permitting) for the next three Friday
afternoons practising events for the Athletics Carnival to be held on Tuesday, 18 June. Students will
need to have hats and it is recommended they bring a water bottle with them to keep hydrated.
Runathon
All students should have received information and sponsorship forms for the school Runathon to be
held in P.E. lessons in Week 9. In conjunction with our Athletics Carnival and Smart Moves program
children will be asked to run as many laps of the oval in 10 minutes as they can. As extra
motivation there will be prizes awarded for highest number of laps per year level, as well as
participation prizes and prizes for the highest fundraisers.
Alayne Graham/Paul Harris
CHESS CLUB NEWS!
Years 3, 4 & 5 students keen to participate in the Term 3 Chess Club need to check the Digest
next week for the official and only application form. Entries on this form will be accepted in order of
receipt at the office from 6 June. A limit of 24 students is set each year. Parents will be invoiced a
fee of approximately $35.00 for the coaching supplied by a tutor from the Gardiner Chess
Association. Students will be required to commit to a lunch time session each Tuesday in Term 3
from 1.00pm to 1:50 pm. Your Chess Club teachers, Miss Gurren (3B) and Mr Sayer (3E) are looking
forward to assisting the students to enjoy this very popular Club.
SCHOOL PAYMENTS
Every term our office sends a Debtor Statement home with each child. "Debtor Statement" is the
phrase used by our finance system and replaces the previous "Statement". It is a list of the costs for
various activities and excursions in which the children participate.
If you pay the account by EFT, please include the Debtor ID in the payment information line and
send an email letting us know what you have paid. Payments are very difficult to trace without this
information and we are not able to allocate the money properly if we do not understand who has
paid and for which excursions/activities. Attached to your statement every term is an explanation of
the separate invoice lines.
Please also be aware that Ascot State School and the Ascot State School P&C Association are two
separate entities and we do not share the same bank accounts. Sometimes we receive monies for

P&C activities and fundraisers which we cannot accept and must refund. In order to save time and
effort please check the account first.
We are a fortunate community - each term is full of wonderful opportunities for our children and we
appreciate your support and prompt payment of school accounts - it's how our state school
continues to provide such a varied and rich learning environment.
Many thanks.
Savina Hodges, BSM
SCHOOL COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER’S NEWS
Last week was a fabulously busy week for parents with social opportunities on Tuesday and
Thursday. The Tuckshop hosted a superb Biggest Morning Tea and it was a wonderful success.
Many lovely parents gathered to support the Cancer Council. Great prizes were raffled and over a
$1000 was raised for a very worthy cause. Thanks to Kathryn and the Tuckshop team for a great
morning.
The 3rd annual Golf Day at the Nudgee Golf Course was a cracker of an event. Many thanks to
Shannon M, Amanda B and Catherine Mc L for their stellar energy in making this P&C event flow so
seamlessly. Jane Sedgman drew the many raffle prizes and acknowledged the efforts of these
wonderful ladies and their families for the time that is dedicated to making fundraisers like this a
reality. Adrian E our super P&C president thanked our supporter, Belle Property. To Rochelle L, Kelly
H, Mrs P and Mrs McL a sincere thank you for their wonderful help. Special thanks to Nudgee Golf
Club.
Wednesday 29 May in the Staff Room, Angela Moore and Sharyn Hadden presented a workshop
aimed at helping parents gain an understanding of the Mathematics their children will be learning
daily. Some of the methods which children use haven't changed but there have also been others
where strategies and content have been developed in a different way. This was a not to be missed
opportunity. I know that when supporting my children with their Maths homework it will help me to
understand the way that they are being taught to work out the answers.
The next big event on the horizon is the Ascot Trivia Night - get your tables together! Theme your
group and dress up for a night of frivolity at the New Farm Bowls Club on Saturday 15 June. Visit
www.flexischools.com.au to secure your spot. $20.00 a head covers entry and canapés. Numbers
are limited to 100, so book now!!
A fantastic Gala Sports Day 3 was held last Friday for our Years 5, 6 & 7 students. Thank you to the
intrepid teachers and parents who helped our sporting teams compete. It takes a village!
Choral Fanfare: our Senior Choir competed on Monday. Congratulations to Debbie Daley for getting
the children prepared for this fantastic interschool event. Gold Award. Fantastic
This Sunday 2 June sees the Music Department on show with our annual Music On Sunday afternoon
extravaganza. Mrs Howard, Mrs Daley, Mr Pethick, Mrs Doucet and Ms Moorhouse have been
working away with our budding musicians. Special thanks to the families and FoM supporters who
enable the program to flourish. Doors open from 12.15pm and performances commence at 1:00pm.
See you there.
Have a great week.
Leanne Buckle, SCLO, 0403 576 688, leannebuckle11@gmail.com

FROM FRIENDS OF MUSIC
Years 4 and 5 students enjoyed a fun night at their Disco on Friday. Thank you to Miss Howard and
Mrs Daley for supervising the students and also to Mrs Hamer. Thank you to Mrs Pecorelli for her
behind the scenes organisation and to Danica E for co-ordinating the event. Thank you to the parent
helpers: Deb W, Natasha S, Nicola W, Kim H, Philippa S, Katrina M, Michael E, Stephen H, Melissa A
and Susie C. Thank you to the Music Seniors and bio-box students as well.
The Music Department is a hive of activity with rehearsals in full swing for this Sunday's concert.
Friends of Music are holding a Silent Auction for a beautiful piece of artwork, generously donated by
Year 5 parents, Michael & Danica E of FireWorks Gallery.
The artwork, pictured below, is on display in the Administration office, along with the Silent Auction
bidding sheet. The successful bidder will be announced at Music on Sunday in the school Hall on
Sunday 2 June. Funds raised from the auction will benefit the school.
Please see the Music on Sunday poster in this Digest for more details about the concert.
Thank you for your support.
FOM@ascotss.eq.edu.au

Ascot State School Golf Classic
We were blessed with lovely weather last Thursday ensuring that the 2013 Ascot State School Golf
Classic was a roaring success.
With over 70 players - parents, friends of the School and members of our local community - all
participants had great fun and merriment. A few even lost their soles on the golf course!
Congratulations to the winners:
18 Holes – Brad’s Boys – Brad L, Michael S, Mark S and Peter L
7 Holes – Team Hudson – Cath H, Peter H, Mike Q and Sam Q
Longest Drive – Peter H
Nearest the Pin – The Dream Team
Best Dressed – Cath H.
The 2012 framed and signed Wallabies jersey, kindly donated by KooGa, went to the highest bidder,
Bruce B, with a bid of $2,000.
A huge thank you to our supporters whom made the day possible:
RBS Morgans Sports First Toombul Dendy Portside
Body Shop Toombul Nudgee Golf Club Pro Shop KooGa
Nudgee Golf Club
Francoise Swiss Health & Beauty
Iseekgolf.com.au Dimity McDouall Vanilla Pod
Brisbane Dance Centre Leanne Buckle Pilot Partners
A special thank you to Michael C and Andrea Y from Belle Property Ascot who presented this event.
Without your support, we would not have been able to deliver such a successful event.
Monies raised from this fundraising event go directly to funding the various P&C projects, including
the placement of an Art teacher at the school. Be sure to mark 22 May 2014 in your diaries for the
2014 Golf Classic.
Congratulations to the Organising Committee of Shannon M, Catherine McL, Rachelle L, Kelly H and
Amanda B for delivering the 3 rd Golf Classic. We look forward to seeing you on the course next year.
This event was proudly presented by
This was a P&C fundraising event.

FROM THE TUCKSHOP
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
Thank you to the parents, staff and friends of the school who bought raffle tickets and made gold
coin donations to the Biggest Morning Tea. This year we raised a magnificent $1204.00.
We would like to thank the following sponsors of our raffles: Victor Scott, Hunt and Gather, Fiera
Jewellery, Subiaco Hair, Vanilla Pod, Naoko Nails at Subiaco Hair, Independent Phoenix Trader,
Tonja F, Julia C, Jollie C, Jo C, Studio Pilates, Leanne B and Jo D.
Kathryn has a full list of raffle prize winners in the Tuckshop and will contact all winners who were
not there at the time of the raffle being drawn. There are, however, two winners who we do not
have numbers for: Janita R and Melanie B. If they could call into the Tuckshop, Kathryn will give
them their prizes.
Thank you once again.
Woolworths Earn and Learn
From Monday 8 April to Sunday 9 June 2013, when staff and parents shop at Woolworths they can
collect Woolworths Earn and Learn points from the checkout operator and place them on a
Woolworths Earn and Learn point sheet. There will be one Woolworths Earn and Learn point for
every $10.00 spent (excluding liquor, tobacco and gift cards). Once completed, simply place the
Woolworths Earn and Learn point sheet in the collection box at Tuckshop. This is a wonderful
promotion from Woolworths and this year FoVAD, the Music Department and the Tuckshop benefited
from the program.
Tuckshop - Group 3 Home Bake - Group 3
Monday 3 June Julia C, Mary Jane S,
Kellie DeR
Tuesday 4 June Maria H, Julie R,
Paula B
Monday 3 June
Tuesday 4 June
Sam C, Deb P, Veronica
S, Michelle F
Pepita H, Melissa McK,
Rowena G
Wednesday 5 June Pep H, Cherie B Wednesday 5 June Julie, Miranda G, Nicole
A
Thursday 6 June Brad L, Liz W Thursday 6 June Fiona B, Angeline Bassi,
Hilary L
Friday 7 June Trudy C, Lisa O,
Louise N
Friday 7 June
Kris S, Louise K
FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP
Don’t forget our Sports Carnivals are coming up and you will need a house t-shirt for these events.
They are available at the Uniform Shop on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 8.15- 9.30am
or via flexischools where your purchase will be delivered to your child’s class.
Uniform Shop – Group 4
Monday 3 June
Wednesday 5 June
Thursday 6 June
Hanna M
Kate R, Shannon R
Cindy J

Friends of Music
presents
Music on Sunday
proudly supported by
on
Sunday 2 June
in
Ascot State School Hall
Doors open 12.15pm
Concert 1.00pm until 3.00pm
Adults - $5.00
Children - no charge
The program will showcase the Senior and Intermediate Bands,
the Senior and Junior Choirs
and various ensemble performances by
Ascot State School students
Light refreshments, tea, coffee and raffle tickets will be
available to purchase
We hope you can join us for a wonderful afternoon of
Ascot State School Music!
For more information please contact:
FOM@ascotss.eq.edu.au

ASCOT STATE SCHOOL
WHEN: Saturday, 15 June 2013
(6.30pm doors open for dinner, 7.30pm trivia start)
WHERE: New Farm Bowls Club, Brunswick St, New Farm
(Opposite New Farm Park)
COST: $20 per person, includes entry & finger food (not dinner)
Tables of 8 people $150 (Limited numbers so get in quickly!)
CONTACT: Kelly Millar 0431 308 332
PAYMENT: Please pay via cash or on the flexischools website by 31
May 2013 to secure your spot.
DONATIONS: Any prize donations from sponsors will be gratefully
received!