8th March 2024
Dates to remember
Dates to remember – view live calendar on side panel of newsletter, website, or communication app.
Principal’s Report
Dear Parents and Community Members,
International Women’s Day – March 8th
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Inspire Inclusion”. A great motto for everyone to demonstrate and appreciate, especially on such a significant day!
Some of the ways we support our women and girls at Ashdale Primary include:
- supporting women and girls into leadership, and decision-making.
- providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
- elevating women and girl's participation and achievement in sport
- promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls
- addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls
20 Year Celebration
As everyone is aware, Ashdale Primary is celebrating it’s 20-year anniversary this year. There is always a little conjecture around when the school was formed. In 2004, there was a Kindergarten complex set up on the southern tip of our present school site. This is clearly seen in the attached photograph. Officially, the school was opened in December 2005.
This term, the following events are occurring to celebrate the occasion.
- Whole School photo on the oval - last week, the school population gathered on the school oval and formed a giant 20, which was photographed and videoed. This will be printed and shared soon.
- The staff have designed a special staff shirt which incorporates our commissioned aboriginal artwork throughout the design. The polo shirt is a one-off design and is very popular with staff.
- Kite Class-making competition - as the school logo contains a Kite and our five blocks are named after different types of kites, each class is designing their kite out of recycled materials and the community will get to select their favourite kite.
- Staff gathering - over 120 present and past staff members are gathering for an after-school event. This is out of a possible 300 plus staff members.
- Our time capsule will be ready to present to the school at a whole school assembly in the very near future. Watch this space!
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)
The following information about The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is specially written for parents and Community members. NAPLAN will commence next Wednesday, 13 March, for all year three and five students.
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. It is the only national assessment all Australian students can undertake.
As students progress through their school years, it is important to check how well they are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and numeracy.
NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards.
NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.
NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are achieving important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.
More detailed information is available on the following attachment.
ySAFE
Paul Litherland, Cyber Safety educator and campaigner has been working throughout the Ashdale Cluster on educating students about the benefits and disadvantages of the internet. The ongoing and measured approach has provided a strong platform for the school and cluster to assist young people to navigate the online world. Unfortunately, Paul is looking at other ventures and can’t provide the same service.
The Ashdale Cluster will now be working with ySafe, a national leading provider of cyber safety education. We are excited about the change and feel reassured our students will develop a strong digital well-being personality through their interaction with ySafe. https://www.ysafe.com.au/
Kind Regards
Tony Watson
Student Information and communicating with teachers
We encourage families to keep class teachers up to date with any changes that may impact our student's ability to engage and learn in the classroom. This includes if your child starts accessing therapy out of school or attends appointments that may impact at school.
When should you contact your child’s teacher?
- Changes in family circumstances
- Medical issues that change or arise
- Safety issues or changes in behaviour at home
- Concerns about your child’s academic or social progress
- Can’t attend a scheduled appointment
- Homework takes much more time than expected, or your child is unable to do most of the homework independently
- Child has head lice or a contagious disease.
* Please be mindful that some teachers have a part-time work fraction.
Communication is important in building positive relationships between home and school. When issues or concerns arise, please contact the classroom teacher and refrain from:
- Approaching the teacher during the school day without an appointment.
- Visiting the classroom during the teacher’s preparation time before school
- Speaking to the teacher disrespectfully or angrily, especially in front of your child or other students
- Using social media platforms inappropriately; and
- Talking to other parents rather than discussing issues directly with staff members. Remember that you are the model of how you want your child to behave and communicate.
Warwick School Slam Basketball Competition
Ashdale’s two basketball teams had a fantastic day at the Warwick School Slam basketball competition, one of several regional primary school basketball competitions coordinated throughout the state by Basketball WA. Ashdale was represented by year 5 and year 6 students in both the boy’s and girl’s events.
Congratulations to our girl’s team who made the final and finished second overall to a very experienced team from Willeton Primary School. The boy’s were very competitive throughout the day and finished third overall.
Congratulations to all our students on their outstanding effort and behaviour throughout the tournament.
All Star Girls Basketball Team | All Star Boys Basketball Team |
Eva Arsovska Arya Grinceri Tayla Campbell Samantha Scheiweis Kavroop Bhangu Ivy Persic Leah Murray Kate Fitzgerald Eve McCallum | Heath Chapman Joseph Paiva Jai Lawson Joshua King Filip Utjesinovic Drake Florento Orhan Abas Mason Healey Noah Arya Jake Butler |
Legends
Office News
THE NEW AND IMPROVED CONNECT APP IS HERE!
The new and improved Connect Now app is now available! We listened to you and improved the app.
- We made it easier than ever to use, and you will now stay logged in until you log out.
- All your school info is now available in one single app, with quick access to notices, learning content, and calendar events.
- Check your children’s reports, notices from the school and upcoming events all from your mobile device.
The new features can be accessed by updating to the latest version of Connect Now or if, you don’t have it yet, download it from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
SCHOOL VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS (including P & C Contribution)
Have you paid the voluntary contribution $60/student and P & C Levy $40/family?
We encourage payments via the Qkr! app – this is a very simple and quick process and alleviates the need for busy parents to come into the office or send money in with students.
Instructions on how to download the App are available on our website from the link below or see the Qkr! Tip article below.
- Remember to change the profile (year, LAs etc) for your children when first accessing Qkr! for the year
- Alternative payment methods (cash/eftpos/credit card) are available through the front office.
- Families may pay the Voluntary Contribution in instalments.
QKR! TIP
Download Qkr!
Parents and carers at Ashdale Primary School can enjoy the benefits and convenience of online credit card facilities.
Qkr! by MasterCard can be downloaded for free from Apple’s app store for iPhones (iPads should download the iPhone app) or from Google Play for Android phones and tablets.
After downloading the app and registering, simply select Ashdale Primary School from ‘Nearby Locations’ on Qkr! or type ASHDALE after tapping the magnifying glass in the top right of the home screen of Qkr! and select the appropriate school. Once you have made your first payment on Qkr! the app will always recognise you as part of the school in future to make payments even easier.
You can pay for
- School Voluntary Contributions and P&C Contributions
- excursions
- library bags
- canteen orders
Student Update Forms
It is important that our school’s database is up to date with student’s current details. Families can update their child’s details held at the school by completing an online form on the Ashdale Primary School website. This is located under the home tab, or use the following link,
If you require any further information, please contact the school on 6207 4500 or email Ashdale.ps@education.wa.edu.au.
P&C News
The P&C held a successful AGM in week 3 and are pleased to announce all office-bearer positions are filled.
- President: Erryn Siva
- Vice President: Michelle Graneri
- Treasurer: Chantelle Rouge
- Secretary: Nicole Mola
- Canteen Coordinator: Kathryn Norrris
- Fundraising Coordinator: Nadia Daly
We are busy organising our events for the year, with our first event being just around the corner. Our Scitech Night is on Friday, 22nd March and we would LOVE to see as many Ashdale families enjoy this special evening as we can. Please follow the link below to purchase your tickets:
The Ashdale community will be the ONLY people after-hours which means limited crowds and heaps of fun for kids to enjoy without being limited! We can’t wait to explore with you all!
Our first general meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday, 12th March 2024 at 7pm in the staff room and we would love to see some new (and old!) faces - please come along and see what our P&C is all about!
A Note From The School Health Nurse
My name is Melanie Arnison and I am the School Health Nurse who visits your school.
School Health Nurses work in schools to promote healthy development and wellbeing so students may reach their full potential. A major part of my work is focused on early intervention and the School Entry Health Assessment program. Additionally, the nurse can be contacted at any time throughout primary school if you have concerns about your child’s health, development or wellbeing.
School Health Nurses serve as a health contact point for children and their families, providing information, assessment, health counselling and referral. They also work in partnership with schools to support teachers in health related curriculum and can assist in the development of health care plans for students with complex and chronic health needs.
The services provided are free and confidential.
My work days are Mon, Tues, Wed, Thursday 8.30-1630hrs except Mondays when I finish 1430hrs.
Please contact me on Ph: 0439 061 628. My Email is; Melanie.Arnison@health.wa.gov.au
OSHClub News
Before and after school program
OSHClub is proud to run the ‘Adventure Program’ at their before and after school care services. The Adventure Program is an industry leading framework designed to nurture children’s potential through play.
The Adventure Program lets your child choose how they spend their time outside of the classroom with seven fun-filled categories packed with activities.
Kids can kick start their day at the 'Rise then Shine' morning program which offers energising activities and a nutritious breakfast to set kids up for a positive start to their school day.
Why not continue the fun after school at the 'Stay and Play' afternoon program where children can participate in fun activities, build close friendships and wind down after a busy day at school.
Whether they're getting active with 'Super Sports' or solving puzzles with 'Brain Boosters', OSHClub's adventures enable kids to do what they love and discover new interests!
Visit the OSHClub website to learn more about their before and after school care program.
Holiday program
Holiday HQ is the ultimate destination for kids looking for an unforgettable break from the school routine. From exciting outdoor escapades to creative workshops, cooking classes and interactive learning sessions – OSHClub's expert educators provide a dynamic blend of engaging activities and enriching experiences.
Holiday HQ promises that every child’s holiday is not just entertaining, but an opportunity for growth. Helping them to build new friendships, explore their interests, and return to school with unforgettable memories. With a different theme every day on top of incursions and excursions, no two days will be the same at Holiday HQ. Let your kids become the experts in fun at Holiday HQ!
More information about Holiday HQ is available on the OSHClub website
Learn about the Childcare Subsidy
Did you know that OSHClub’s Before School, After School and Holiday Programs are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
Since 10 July 2023, childcare fees are cheaper for most families and more parents can access the CCS if your family earns under $530,000 per annum. On average OSHClub families get a 86%* rebate on eligible session fees.
*Based on Australian average household income and average session fee
CCS is eligible on both OSHClub incursions and excursions during Holiday Programs too.
Learn more about the Child Care Subsidy on OSHClub’s website.
Community News
Calling cricket student enthusiasts - apply now for trials to enter the Belridge SC Specialist Cricket Program
LEARN FROM THE BEST IN THE FIELD
Applications are open for male and female students in Year 6 to apply for the Belridge Secondary College 2025 Specialist Program in Cricket - delivered by our high-quality Cricket Australia coaches.
Trials will be held on Friday 22 March 2024.
Registrations close Thursday 21 March. Register your place here:
https://forms.office.com/r/csvHh8p9vY
Alternatively, find out more here:
https://belridgecollege.wa.edu.au/specialist-programs/scp/
BRICKS 4 KIDZ Autumn School Holiday Workshops
Online enrolment is at the following link: https://www.bricks4kidz.com.au/perth-karrinyup/program-events/school-holiday-workshops-activities-lego-bricks/
Our Summer Holiday Workshops are located at the following locations:
- Davallia Primary School @ Duncraig
- Our Lady of Good Counsel School @ Karrinyup
- Christ Church Grammar School @ Claremont
- BRICKS 4 KIDZ City West @ West Perth
Creative Kids Art Club
DoE SECURITY
Please help to keep our school safe! As part of our school community, we ask that if you see any unusual behaviour, evidence of theft or vandalism of our school outside of school hours, could you please contact school security on the number below.
Please do not approach any individuals, just contact security and they will investigate the situation or contact the Police. Working together will help protect our school.
9264 4771 (24-hour number) or 9264 4635
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