School Newsletter - 5 November 2009

SCHOOL NEWS:

Transfers into the School for 2010

On behalf of the School community I would like to welcome Dan McDonald who has been transferred to Ashgrove State School and will start work at the school in January 2010. Dan is the PE teacher based at Kingsthorpe near Toowoomba and will work in this capacity next year at Ashgrove.

Parent Network

Last Wednesday the school hosted the last of our Parent Network meetings for the year. The Parent Network has been operating for two years and has been a very successful addition for our school. The network has helped organise some great class parent get togethers and helped disseminate information to parents. I would like to thank each of our Class Parent Network Representatives. Many people have commented on the excellent communication channels these parents have established within class groups and new families in particular have been very impressed by the way they have been embraced thanks to these representatives. These people have indicated they will continue in their roles until new representatives are appointed once classes are established early term one 2010.

World Teachers Day

Thank you to our P&C Executive, who on Friday organised a fantastic breakfast for our teaching staff to celebrate World Teachers Day.

Chaplain

Last week Scripture Union informed the school that our permanent Chaplain Gaylene Strimaitis has resigned. Those who know Gaylene would have realised what a difficult decision this was as she thoroughly enjoyed the Chaplaincy role and made significant sacrifices to take it on. However family does come first and Gaylene has made the decision that in her family’s current circumstances her family needs her most. On behalf of the school community I would like to thank Gaylene for the outstanding job she did as Chaplain and we wish Gaylene and her family all the best in the trying months ahead.

Scripture Union have offered the role to Kath Brown, who has fitted in brilliantly since taking over the acting position in July. Kath has accepted this position and we welcome her permanently to the staff team.

New parent resources – achieving with literacy and numeracy

Literacy and numeracy skills are vital to ensuring your child has the best chance to succeed in their schooling and life.

A new suite of parent resources, Achieving with Literacy and Numeracy, has been developed to assist parents with their children’s literacy and numeracy skills.

The new resources include a range of fact sheets and activities for the early, middle and senior phases of schooling.

Parents and carers are encouraged to visit the new website, which also includes video clips of parents sharing their literacy and numeracy tips. The videos can be played in English and 12 other languages.

The website also provides useful information on how to get involved within your school community, support services available and details about the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s literacy and numeracy skills please contact your class teacher.

The resources can be downloaded online at: www.education.qld.gov.au/literacyandnumeracy

Pat Murphy - Principal

Thank You

Last week one of our parents (Justine Whip) dropped $15 on the school oval/ She felt she had lost the money for good, but was pleasantly surprised to find it had been handed in to the school office. One of our children (and we have no idea who it was) picked up the money and gave it to a staff member who took it to the office. Justine asked us to mention this in the newsletter as she is so proud of the honesty of our children and so are we all. From Justine and the school, we thank this very honest student very much. We know that after reading this you will be very proud as well.

Student of the Week

Congratulations to the following students who were recently presented with their student of the week certificates at parade.

Helen Lynch – Deputy Principal

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR - 9 - 11 NOVEMBER @ JB STEPHENS CENTRE

This year's Book Fair begins next week. We are excited about all the bargain books, stationery items and posters. Every age range is catered for and we are hoping that everyone will visit us and find a book, poster or stationery item to love! The Book Fair runs from:

Monday 8-8.50am, Lunchtime, After School 3-4pm
Tuesday 8-8.50am, Lunchtime, After School 3-6pm
Wednesday 8-8.50am, Lunchtime, After School 3-4pm

The Book Fair is a great opportunity for the school to increase our own library collection, as Scholastic gives back 25% commission to the school in fiction and non-fiction resources.
Items from the Book Fair are available for immediate purchase. We will happily accept cash. EFTPOS and credit card facilities are available, but please no personal cheques. Look forward to seeing you there!

Julie and Stella

Support-a-Reader Program

The Support-a-Reader program will be held on Tuesday 17th and 24th November from 7pm until approximately 8:30pm in the school staffroom. It is necessary to attend both nights so that the whole course can be covered. RSVP slips (in last weeks newsletter) indicating your attendance should be returned to the office as soon as possible.

Marian Geraghty STLD & Marg MacGinley HOC

Festival of Music

On Tuesday 27th October the Senior Concert Band performed in the 2009 Music Festival at Iona College. We played 3 pieces; Buena Vista, Moonmarch and the set pieces Conundrum. The band played exceptionally well and received a gold award, to the utmost delight of our conductor and band leader Mr Fons Hartog. Previously the Senior Strings Ensemble had won a gold and Mr Hartog was keen to match them. Mr Hartog now has his sights set on the Indooroopilly performance taking place on the 5th November.

Sally & Jade (Music Captains)

Ashgrove State School Invites applications for the Long Term Lease of Swimming Pool

Ashgrove State School, in conjunction with Ashgrove State School Amateur Swimming Club is seeking offers from suitably qualified persons for the long term lease of the school’s swimming pool.

To obtain a copy of the tender documents please contact the school office on 3858-4777.

Applications close Friday November 20 2009

Instrumental Program 2010

Letters have been given to those children accepted into the 2010 Instrumental Program. There will be a meeting for parents regarding this program in the school Undercover area on Tuesday 10th November at 6.45pm.

Rosemary Clark – Music Teacher

1C/W Class News

This term 1CW has been having fun reflecting on the great progress we have made this year. In our Integrated unit “All About Me” we are looking at how much we have changed since we were babies and even since the children were in Prep! They have certainly acquired many new skills. We have talked about where we come from and even drawn our own family trees. Our excursion this term took us to the museum where we looked at the traditional Aboriginal culture and some of their family traditions.

Our focus this term is to create a beautiful personal portfolio all about ourselves and our families which the children are having great fun making and is sure to be a memento to treasure for years to come.

As the year draws to a close we want to thank all our fantastic children and parents for sharing such a fun-filled and rewarding year with us. We have enjoyed our time with you so much.

Kelli Webb & Helen Crawford

Inter-School Sport Results – Friday 30/10/09

Touch Football – Boys

YR 6-1 VS FERNY GROVE B-1
YR 5B-8 VS FERNY GROVE B-2

Touch Football-Girls

Cricket

SENIOR-ASHGROVE DEF HILDER ROAD
JUNIOR-ASHGROVE DEF HILDER ROAD

Softball

ASHGROVE-19 VS ITHACA CREEK-5

T-Ball

ASHGROVE 35 VS FERNY GROVE A-19

Swimming Carnivals

Senior Swimming Carnival

Years 4-7: Thursday 3rd December, 9.00am to 3.00pm.

Junior Swimming Carnival

Years 1-3: Friday 4th December, 9.00am to 1.00pm.

Darren Waugh – PE Teacher

Thank You

Last week I completed my Internship with 4B and Kristine Barbarossa which was my very last step towards graduating as a Primary School Teacher. During my time at Ashgrove I have had the privilege of working not only with wonderful teachers and a fantastic group of students but a whole community of people who share in creating a welcoming, successful and friendly learning environment. In my first week I observed mutual respect and genuine appreciation amongst staff, students and parents. The school has a vibrant and happy atmosphere and I hope I have made a positive contribution during my Internship. I have greatly enjoyed the chance to participate in this community. I have learned first-hand that a truly successful learning environment is created with extensive assistance from a wide body of collaborators including office staff, cleaners, groundskeepers, teachers and families at Ashgrove State School. I would like to thank everyone for the very warm and welcoming introduction extended by students, parents and staff and for a fantastic learning experience. I am sure many pre-service teachers in years to come will have equally kind words to share about Ashgrove.

Leanne Holland (4B Prac Teacher)

P&C NEWS:

Next P&C Meeting – Tuesday 01 December at 7.30pm in the staffroom. All Welcome.

Thanks Year 2 Mums!

Last Friday Night we had fun at the ‘Girls Night In’ and raised $340 for the Cancer Council. Thank you for your support.

Julie Thistlethwaite

School Calendar

Finally the Ashgrove State School’s beautiful, big (30x30cm), glossy, colourful, calendar is here and on sale for $20. The calendar features all the class auction paintings (from the fete) with all the key dates for next year, so one has a keepsake of all the children’s art and a practical date planner as well. A calendar will be on display in the office, as well as extra order forms.

Order forms and payment can be left in the Calendar box at the office with your child’s class name for delivery. Calendars are selling fast so don’t miss out.

Jam Jars

Rodger (Janitor/Groundsman) has kindly offered to take collections of all those glass jam jars (for the fete) that are amassing in many of our homes. So if you want to do some recycling send them Rodger’s way, to the box at the door of the Janitor’s storeroom near the tuckshop on Fridays .Super easy!

Anyone for Tennis? Calling all Serena Williams' & Navratilova's out there?

If you are keen to have a hit'n'giggle at the school courts on Tuesdays from 9am til 10am, please call Vanessa Cribb on 0412 076 462. It'll be heaps of fun — you won't even know you're exercising!

COMMUNITY NEWS:

YMCA Ashgrove OSHC News

Megan is back from Prac this week on Wednesday 4th of November as YMCA’s Assistant Coordinator. A big thank you and good luck goes to David Carnell who, last week, left on his journey to Nepal. David was an Assistant with the YMCA for over 4 years and will certainly be missed.

What’s On in November… Theme this week: Hit-the-Target

AASC: Monday Cricket / Wednesday Soccer
Crazy Craft Monday & Wednesday: Piñata
Thursday Frenzy Cooking Class: Fizzy Spiders

The Gap Health & Racquet Club - Ashgrove SS Player of the Week: Christian T

Christian is always very enthusiastic and is a talented player and this week he showed off his skills as a volleyer in a range of different activities. Keep up the good work.

ISCC Tennis Update

Week 2 of the ISCC saw Ashgrove taking on Hilder Rd, the undefeated RED team had a very tight match but unfortunately Hilder Rd grabbed victory in the last bonus round by only 5 points. The ORANGE team yet again showed what a dominant force they are and won convincingly. The GREEN team went down to the very strong force of Hilder Rd but Ashgrove is a school that never gives up. Next week Ashgrove will be up against St Peter Chanel, tennis starts at 8.00am on Sunday so come and cheer your school on!!

Generation Next Seminar

A public seminar aimed at understanding the unique health and wellbeing challenges facing generations Y&Z – and how these challenges can be met. Six of Australia’s leading experts on children & teenagers will present seminars at this one event. Saturday 28 November, Midday-5pm, Lecture Theatre, UQ Building, University of Qld. Free Parking. Tickets $45 per person available from Ticketek 132 849. For more information visit the website www.gennextseminars.com

Parent Diaries

Dear Parents. Who would like to win vouchers to “The Grove”, Milk, Miss India, Siam Garden, Toys to Go and bottles of wine!!! And help out the school. If so please read on.
Your help is required. Next week there will be some sample “PARENTS’ diaries available to use for the remainder of the year or at least read and comment on. These diaries are going to be commercially produced next year and will be sold through schools as fundraising. A lot of research has already been made into the design and format of the diary and the purpose of the sample dairy is to finalise the design and make sure it is the best product it can be. Thus included in the diary is a survey that can be filled out and dropped into a special box left at the school front desk or faxed. Please only take the diary if you believe you will read it or at least complete the survey. If you do take it and will not use it, the diary can also be returned to the school. Alternatively you can email comments to johnnielsen2@optusnet.com.au.

Included in the trial diary are some great special offers and vouchers supplied by local businesses to encourage you to participate including Free Coffee, Free Entrees, Free Naan bread, discounted pool supplies etc. Please support these local businesses as well who have subsidized the production costs.

John Nielsen