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. 



Aspendale Primary School commemorated Reconciliation Week.
We understand that for many members of the APS community, this is a challenging time.

Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Now more than ever, these conversations are important to be having. 

As a school, we commemorated the week by focusing on developing our sense of community and connections with a whole school event. 

Our School Captains made a video during camp to commemorate the week. It starts with our school's Acknowledgement of Country. You can watch the video here. 


Thank you to Gus, Surina, Warren & Edie for helping create the video. You all did an amazing job understanding the purpose of the week. 

From Coby Larrieu,

Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

A very warm welcome back to term two. I hope that everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday break and an extra special ANZAC day. We are already full steam ahead and preparing for another busy term.

Next Tuesday we begin the first day (Validation day) of our three day Review. The School Review provides the school with an opportunity to reflect upon the last four years and set the future strategic direction of the school. Our panel for the three days will be led by Karen Patten (Reviewer). Members of the panel include: Tim Wilson (Kingston Senior Education Improvement Leader), our Challenge partners, Mr Aaron Cox (Principal of Kingswood Primary School), Mrs Mel Bach, (Assistant Principal of Parktone Primary School), Mr Kevin Riant (School Council President), Principal Leadership Team and School Improvement Team.

Upgrades to our grounds over the holidays.

We are very excited that the poles for our new shade sails have been put into place and ready for the sails. This will provide our school with some much needed shade, particularly during our assemblies during the warmer months.

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Sibling enrolments for 2024

This week we will be sending e-mails to those families with younger siblings for enrolment in 2024 Foundation. Please contact the office if you do not receive one or would prefer a hard copy. Your cooperation in forwarding this form back quickly will  assist us with our forward planning.

Sunsmart

In accordance with our SunSmart policy, hats need to be worn until the last day in April (week 2).

Dear Families,

As you may be aware, Aspendale Primary School will undergo our School Review in Term 2.

The School Review provides the school with an opportunity to reflect upon the last four years and set the future strategic direction of the school. The review panel will conduct a variety of observations within classrooms and focus groups with students, staff and families.

We are inviting parents and carers to participate in a Parent/Carer Focus Group for our upcoming School Review.

Monday 8^th May - 9:00-9:30am - Staffroom

or

Monday 8th May - 5:00-5:30pm - Webex online meeting

If you would like to attend a Focus Group, please complete this google form: https://forms.gle/sq1miWYszCnusBBK9

Kind regards,

Coby, Tom and Amelia.

Last term, the Year 6s attended Legacy Australia’s 91st Annual ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony for Students at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. This special commemoration service honoured Australia’s brave service men and women through the eyes of the young, with student guest speakers, school bands and Defence Force cadets, proudly supported by Legacy’s patron the Governor of Victoria, dignitaries and a RAAF fly-over. Two of our school captains, Ella and Maddi laid a wreath on behalf of Aspendale Primary School. 

Then again on ANZAC Day, two of our school captains, Hugo and Kai, along with a range of other Aspendale students, attended the ANZAC memorial service at Long Beach RSL. Hugo and Kai laid another wreath on behalf of Aspendale Primary School. A big thank you to Mrs Macdonald and the Aspendale Primary School students who came along to the service to represent our wonderful school community.




 

Statistics regarding unwanted sexual activity in children are a concern, and as such we believe all children need to be empowered to be able to talk about their bodies and follow the mantra, “We all have the right to feel safe”. Sessions will cover topics such as saying no, identifying body early warning signs, types of secrets, consent, and establishing a safety network. More detailed information regarding the lessons will come out in fortnightly parent emails. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or myself at any time.  

Statement of commitment to child safety

Aspendale Primary School is a child safe organisation which welcomes all children, young people and their families.

We are committed to providing environments where our students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Our child safe policies, strategies and practices are inclusive of the needs of all children and students.

We have no tolerance for child abuse and take proactive steps to identify and manage any risks of harm to students in our school environments.

We promote positive relationships between students and adults and between students and their peers. These relationships are based on trust and respect.

We take proactive steps to identify and manage any risk of harm to students in our school environment. When child safety concerns are raised or identified, we treat these seriously and respond promptly and thoroughly.

Particular attention is given to the child safety needs of Aboriginal students, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, international students, students with disabilities, those unable to live at home, children and young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) and other students experiencing risk or vulnerability. Inappropriate or harmful behaviour targeting students based on these or other characteristics, such as racism or homophobia, are not tolerated at our school, and any instances identified will be addressed with appropriate consequences.

Child safety is a shared responsibility. Every person involved in our school has an important role in promoting child safety and wellbeing and promptly raising any issues or concerns about a child’s safety.

We are committed to regularly reviewing our child safe practices, and seeking input from our students, families, staff, and volunteers to inform our ongoing strategies.

Click here to view our school Policies