We acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal custodians of the lands, waterways and skies of the Bunurong Peoples of the Kulin Nation where we gather, learn and grow at Aspendale Primary School.

We pay our respects to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of all nations,  and their ongoing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.  


We extend this respect to all Torres Strait Islanders and any First Nations peoples who learn or visit these grounds. We thank you for sharing and caring for the land we are learning on.

New version of the Acknowedgement of Country
Above is an updated Acknowledgment of Country that has been written in consultation with staff, students and members of our community. We recieved positive feedback and approval from our friends at the Bunurong Land Council in 2023. 

Transition at Aspendale Primary:

Transition at Aspendale Primary is all about helping students feel confident, connected, and ready for their next step. Whether they’re starting their journey in Foundation, shifting between year levels, or preparing for secondary school, our transition programs give them time to build relationships, understand routines, and feel supported by teachers who know their strengths. By creating a smooth, positive transition, we set students up for success—both academically and emotionally—as they continue their journey through school.

This week we have had another Foundation Transition session and our Year 6 students have had another session with Kingston Youth Services who are assisting with year 6 to 7 transition.

We have a range of upcoming transition sessions for students across the school.

Up Day for current Foundation to Year 5 students:

Tuesday 9th December, 9.10am - 10:40am. Students start their day in their current classroom, then move to the next year level to experience the next level with the 2025 teachers for that year level.

Statewide Transition Year 6 to Year 7:

Tuesday 9^th December – all day. Year 6 students attend their Secondary School for the day.

2026 Foundation 2026 Orientation Morning:

Tuesday 9th December. We welcome our new Foundation students to meet their 2026 teacher and classmates.

Meet your 2026 Teacher:

Friday 12^th December, 9:30-10:40. Students will start their day in their current classroom and then move to their new classroom with their 2026 teacher and classmates.

Year 5/6 Beach Swimming:

Our students in Year 5 and 6 have had an opportunity this week to participate in a water safety program. They have visited Mentone Beach Surf Life Saving Club and Mentone Aquatic to participate in a variety of fun and educational activities.

Year 1 Showcase

Tomorrow our Year 1 students will take centre stage for their performing arts Showcase. I am looking forward to seeing our students shine!

Assembly

We will have a quick assembly tomorrow in the courtyard following the Year 1 Showcase. We expect to begin about 3.05pm.

Week 9 will be packed with FUN!

Next week we have a range of activities planned:

Wednesday 3^rd December: Ability Day – see flyer later in the newsletter.

Thursday 4^th December: In-school Disco - see flyer later in the newsletter.

Friday 5^th December: Colour Run:

Aspendale Primary is gearing up for our upcoming Colour Run, and excitement is already building across the school. Students will dash through a vibrant, colour-filled course while raising funds that will contribute to our fundraising for new drinking taps for the school.

Follow the link: Aspendale Primary School Colour Run

Year 6 Graduation Art Works:

You may have noticed that the school is looking a little brighter. This is due to our Year 6 students beginning work with Deb McNaughton on their Year 6 Graduation Art Work piece. Can’t wait to see the final mural.



Enjoy the weekend ahead,
Amelia 

Colour Run 5th December is tomorrow.

To celebrate our 100th year, Aspendale Primary School will be holding a Colour Fun Run on Friday the 5th of December (Week 9)!

This exciting, colourful event is all about having fun while raising funds for a student-led initiative, installing new water taps around the school. Each tap costs around $3,000, or for a larger one we require $8,000. We’re hoping this fundraiser, will help us reach our goal and we are very appreciative of any donations.

You can donate through this link: https://www.mycause.com.au/events/aspendaleprimaryschoolcolourrun

On Wednesday 3 December, we will join people around the world in celebrating the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). Recognised at our school as ‘Ability Day’- through the Dylan Alcott Foundation. In Australia, there are 5.5 million people with disability — that’s 1 in 5 Australians.

The theme for 2025 is: “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” This means making sure everyone can join in, learn, play, and be included, so that our communities grow stronger together. At our school, we can show this by helping each other, including everyone in games and activities, listening to different ideas, and showing kindness and respect to all students and staff.

It’s important to remember that disabilities can be both visible and hidden, and they can affect people in many ways — such as physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, or mental health disabilities. Every person’s experience is unique, and we can all learn from and support each other.

Throughout the day, classes will participate in an activity that builds empathy, inclusion, and awareness. Students will explore what it means to have different strengths and challenges, and how we can make our school a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

This special day is being organised by one of our Year 6 students, Elliott Youngs, as part of his PYPX project about disability inclusion. This is an action he has taken. 



We encourage all students to wear a ‘splash of purple’ -the colour of disability awareness—to show their support and celebrate the unique abilities and contributions of every member of our community with an optional gold coin donation to raise money for the Dylan Alcott Foundation.

Through their programs and initiatives, the Dylan Alcott Foundation opens pathways and foster growth across education, sport, the arts, employment, and building a more inclusive society where every young person with disability has the ability to thrive.

If you or your child would like to be involved in any way, big or small, by sharing their lived experience, please reach out to our Inclusion Leader- Jessica Johnston: jessica.johnston2@education.vic.gov.au

Together, we can challenge stereotypes, remove barriers, and celebrate what makes each of us special.