16th February 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,

Our first newsletter for 2024 provides an opportunity to welcome all our new families to the Ashdale Primary Community. Hopefully, your first three weeks at our school, have been enjoyable and full of exciting prospects. To our families returning to our school for another year, once gain we extend our warmest appreciation for your ongoing support and respect. Our reputation is a critical component of our culture, and we work incredibly hard to sustain and maintain our approach.

Please feel free to contact classroom teachers or members of the Executive Team, if there is an area which can continue to improve this approach.

Secondary School Planning

Planning for secondary school is a topic that many parents are already discussing from the early years at primary school. The following information informs you what is available through the WA public education system.

Over 90% of Ashdale Primary school year six students consistently attend Ashdale Secondary College (ASC) every year. Check out what programs are available at ASC at present.

Click here to view programs offered at Ashdale Secondary College

As system, the Department of Education offers Gifted and talented Secondary Selective Entrance Programs. This is known as the GATE program. Information is available at.

Find out more about the Gifted and Talented Entrance Programs

Finally, many secondary schools offer specialist programs and allow students from out of local area intake to attend their school. Find out more information at.

Click here to find out more about the Approved Specialist Programs.

We encourage parents to have these discussions with their children well before the end of the year six year and are prepared for the application processes as they are all individualised.

Composite/Split Classes

It is highly probable that Ashdale Primary School will always have split/composite classes spread throughout our classroom structure. An information sheet which has been shared many times over the last ten years is also attached to the newsletter. Please be reassured Composite/split classes are not detrimental to students educational or social development.

Please feel free to contact the Executive Team to discuss this position anytime throughout the year.

Read Play Grow – NGALA

We are thrilled to be hosting the Read Play Grow Program, starting this Thursday in LA33. The 6-week program explores everyday experiences that help children grow, develop and prepare for successful learning by the time they reach school.

Contact NGALA for more information about future courses.

Regards

Tony Watson

State School Sport Trials

Trials for this year's State Schoolboys 12 Years & Under AFL Team State Team will take place during the April School holidays.  The trials are open to any student born in 2012 or 2013 (Yr5, 6 or 7).  Please note that only players turning 11 and 12 years of age in 2024 are eligible to nominate. 

Please be aware that WA also has a State Schoolgirls 12 Years & Under team that attends the same National Championships.  Details in relation to these trials can be found on the same website.

This year's championship will be in Geelong, Victoria from August 4 – 10.  The trial dates can be found on the School Sport WA website (Boys 12s – SSWA (schoolsportwa.com.au) .  All relevant details can be found on this webpage.  If you have any queries, please don't the School Sport WA office (6318 5711).

In order to nominate for the trials please follow School Sport WA website link AFL Boys 12s Interstate Nomination Form – SSWA (schoolsportwa.com.au) . 

Also be aware that School Sport WA sends teams interstate for other sports as well.  To nominate students simply follow the same process as above.  Below is a list of sports and their travel dates.  Nomination details can be found on the same website ( Interstate – SSWA (schoolsportwa.com.au) ).

Legends

P&C - Scitech event is live!

We are thrilled to announce an exciting event exclusively for our beloved Ashdale Primary community! 🌟

On the 22nd of March, we invite you all to join us for an extraordinary evening of learning, networking, and endless fun at the renowned Scitech! 🚀

This exclusive night is designed to bring our Ashdale families closer together, fostering connections and creating unforgettable memories. 🤝✨

Limited tickets are available, so make sure to secure your spot through Eventbrite as soon as possible. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity! 🎟️

To make this event even more delightful, we are offering the option to pre-order mouthwatering pizzas for the whole family to enjoy. 🍕 So, mark your preferences and ensure a scrumptious treat awaits you at this exceptional gathering! 🤤

Prepare to be amazed as Scitech presents a range of interactive exhibits, mind-boggling experiments, and thrilling demonstrations. 🧪🔬 Let your curiosity run wild as you explore the wonders of science and technology in a fun-filled atmosphere! 🌌

This is a chance for Ashdale families to connect, learn, and have an absolute blast together. 🎉 Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply looking for a great time, this event promises something for everyone!

So, save the date, rally your loved ones, and get ready for an unforgettable evening at Scitech on the 22nd of March. 📅 We can't wait to see you all there!

#AshdalePrimary #ExclusiveEvent #Scitech #ScienceFun #FamilyNight

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ashdale-primary-scitech-night-tickets-819314350277?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios

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 started the year with a bang, holding our AGM on Tuesday 13th February. The following members will be holding executive positions for 2024:

• Erryn Siva - President
• Michelle Graneri - Vice President
• Nicole Mola - Secretary
• Chantelle Rouge - Treasurer

We are also welcoming Nadia Daly as the Fundraising Committee Chair and Kathryn Norris as the Canteen Coordinator. A huge thank you to the many members who have joined the P&C and to those who volunteered to be on the committees this year. 

Our first P&C event for 2024 is our Scitech Family Night which will launch Science Week at Ashdale Primary on the evening of Friday, 22nd March. Prepare to be amazed as Scitech presents a range of interactive exhibits, mind-boggling experiments and thrilling demonstrations after dark just for our Ashdale community. 

The P&C are always keen to welcome new members and encourage new people and ideas. Please contact us at pandc.ashdale@outlook.com for more information or join us at our next general meeting on Tuesday, 12th March (week 7) at 7pm in the staff room. 

For any new Kindy parents we have created a Kindy facebook group. Please share this with any new Kindy families. https://www.facebook.com/share/UQU7MmsvbdRjd26z/?mibextid=K8Wfd2.

AusBike - Learn to Ride - Starts next week on Landsdale PS Oval!

AusBike program for Term 1 on the Landsdale Primary School oval commences on Thursday the 22nd of February.  

The program is open to all kids on the local area.

AusBike is an awesome learn to ride program that has been developed by AusCycling (NSO) and is currently being launched nationwide.

AusBike is aimed at kids aged 5-12 years old who are starting out on the bike riding journey.  The program is delivered over 6 weeks in Term 1 and aims to teach kids how to ride in a safe and controlled environment.  The sessions will be delivered by an accredited AusCycling coach with a lot of experience working with children.

Registration for the program is open now. Registration and Information: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/83437/midland-cycle-club

Wanneroo-Joondalup - Modcrosse

Attached is a flyer for our Summercrosse program at Penistone Reserve, Greenwood that you may wish to share and put in your schools newsletter. This program welcomes all and is a great opportunity for beginners to be guided through or those with carnivals coming up to get a little extra training in.

https://www.facebook.com/share/Kb6stC3XdT4ySKeh/?mibextid=I6gGtw

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