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. 

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2026 Calendar 

Event	Date
Interschool Sports begins for Year 5&6	13 February
National Apology anniversary	13 February
Year 3/4 Hockey incursion	16 February
Year 3/4 Hockey incursion	17 February
Night On The Green  5-7pm	20 February
Year 5 State Library and Old Treasury excursion	26 February
Chelsea District Swimming	27 February
Getting to know you interviews	2 March
Getting to know you interviews	3 March
Student Free Day	6 March
LABOUR Day Holiday	9 March
NAPLAN Testing window for        Years 3&5	11-20 March
Year F-2 Swimming	16-20 March
Year 3-4 Swimming	23-27 March
House Athletics	30 March
Last day of Term 1 ~ 2.30pm finish	2 April
Good Friday	3 April

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We have continued our wonderful start to the term with our students again demonstrating how our routines assist in our calm and orderly learning environments.

To further assist our whole school routines, our classrooms have also been set up to assist with reducing cognitive load for our students.








Moving around the school.

It has been great to see our students displaying the expected behaviour of walking their bikes and scooters while on the school grounds. Demonstrating this expectation allows for all members of school community to be moving around the space safely.

Assembly.

Our School Captain’s, Lenny, Mandy, Charlotte and Jack, did a sensational job of hosting their first school assembly last Friday. As part of our leadership program, students in year 6 will have the opportunity to speak at assembly throughout the year. I would also like to thank our 2026 Band for their first performance of the national anthem together. We are proud of our school captains and band members for being brave and leading the way this year!

Assembly will take place each week on Friday in the courtyard at 2:50pm. Alternate arrangements will be made in the event of inclement weather.

Running Club is back and was well attended this week. This year running club is from 8am-8:40. Sessions will take place across Terms One and Four. It is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to start the day with some physical activity.

We look forward to Breakfast Club commencing next week.

Global School Play Day took place on Wednesday 4^th February. The day was filled with excitement as students shared games with peers, engaged in imaginative and creative play inside and outside the classroom. Students had opportunities to build connections with class members, other student in their cohort and across the school with their buddies. There was an extra special buzz in the year 4 space as the students became the big buddy and they enjoyed their time with their new little buddy.

This day is a wonderful opportunity for our students to identify and practise ways to be kind, safe and fair when playing in the classroom and the school yard.


Enjoy the weekend ahead!
Amelia

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Tom Pearce - Principal

Welcome to the 2026 school year! I am excited to lead our school community as the Principal. Having started my teaching career at Aspendale Primary School in 2007, I feel a strong commitment to our school and feel fortunate to work with each of you to achieve excellent outcomes for all students.

Over the holidays I enjoyed visiting family in North-East Victoria, making the most of our local beach & library and heading to Bali with my wife and two daughters. I enjoy reading, exploring the world and trying to play golf.

Amelia Busuttil - Assistant Principal 

I joined the APS team in 2022 and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a wonderful, vibrant, caring community. Before joining the APS team, I spent most of my teaching years in the junior grades, then moved into a leadership role related to wellbeing, inclusion, engagement and school transition. Bringing that passion here to Aspendale, I continue to work within these areas alongside my whole school operations and organisational role.

When I’m not at school, you’ll usually find me at my children’s basketball games, camping or travelling with my family, listening to true crime podcasts, or relaxing by the pool. Over the break I was able to tick off a bucket list item of seeing my first Aurora Australis!

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Global School Play Day

Yesterday we celebrated Global School Play Day. Students had the opportunity to play with students in their own year level, as well as with their buddies and even some of their teachers. It was fantastic to see so many students able to share their passions with others, as there were many games and toys brought from home to share.

All of our students truly exhibited our school values and demonstrated amazing teamwork, sportsmanship, patience and turn taking skills. We look forward to many more celebration days across 2026.

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**As this is a family friendly school event, just a reminder that it is an alcohol free event. 

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Dear Aspendale Primary School Community,

Welcome back to another fantastic school year!. Hope you all are refreshed and ready to sart running!

Running Club is a fantastic way to start the day. It will commence next Wednesday morning 4th February and will continue throughout Term 1 for 8 weeks, finishing on Wedensday 25th March.

For those new to Running Club, all family members are welcome to join in on the oval from 8.00am until 8.40am each Wednesday during Term 1 and Term 4. Laps are recorded after each lap and the totals are recorded by a teacher at the end of each session.

This year, there will be a few changes.
* Firstly the new start time of 8.00am
* Second, the total number of laps run/walked will be calculated over both Term 1 and Term 4 combined. A marathon medal will be awarded to any student reaching a total of 42.195km (211 laps) over the two terms. (some will reach this in Term 1)
* AND third, the most exciting of all, is a new award - The Ultra Marathon trophy awarded to any student speedy enough to reach 100km over the two terms (500 laps)

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Katrina.scott@education.vic.gov.au

Happy running everyone and I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow for the start of Term 1 (Yrs 1 - 6)
Regards,
Katie Scott.

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Come along to Running Club AND then, head to the courtyard for some breakfast!

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Each week we will include a Policy here in the newsletter. 

At anytime you can find our school policies on our school website or by requesting a hard copy from the school office. CSEF - Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund. 
 

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Canteen ordering is in the process of transitioning from Qkr! to Compass, with the new system expected to be fully operational by Week 2. Students were given Compass logon details on Wednesday 28^th January. If families have not received these details, please contact your child’s teacher or the school office.

The canteen will be open each Thursday and Friday. Orders for same-day delivery must be placed by 9:00am.

Please note:

• Sushi is available on Fridays only
• Sushi orders must be placed by 9:00am on the Thursday prior to delivery

The onsite canteen service relies heavily on the generous support of volunteers. Our wonderful volunteer team includes parents, carers, and grandparents from across the school community, and new parents/carers are always welcome. Volunteering is a great way to make connections, and students love seeing familiar faces at the canteen window!

No experience is necessary—even one shift per term makes a huge difference and helps keep the canteen operating at full capacity.

For enquiries or to get involved, please contact Canteen Manager Megan Wheelhouse at
? canteen@aspendaleps.vic.edu.au, or feel free to pop into the canteen on Thursday or Friday and introduce yourself.

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