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. 

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Important dates: 2024 Calendar 

Event	Date
Student Free Day	9 December
State Transition Day, F-5 Up day. Foundation 2025 Final transition day	10 December
Year 6 Big Day Out	11 December
Year 6 Beach Swimming Make up Day	12 December
Meet your Teacher morning Year 5 Beach Swimming Make up Day	13 December
Christmas/ Festive Singalong Class Party and Festive Dress Up Day	16th December 2.15 - 3.15pm
Year 6 Graduation 6pm	17th December
Year 6 - Big Day In	18th December
Last Day - early dismissal	20th December Year 6 Final Assembly starts at 12pm Early finish at 1pm

2025 Calendar 

Event	Date
Student Free Day	28th January
Student's first Day	29th January 2025

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Dear parents and carers,

We have enjoyed the warmer weather this week and it has been terrific seeing our students out and about to take advantage of the first week of Summer.

Staff Movement

I’d like to update you about some of our staff movement heading into 2024. As mentioned in a previous newsletter, Teresa Baker is moving to Keysborough Gardens PS next year to step into a leadership role. Jack Powell is taking a year's leave in 2024. Lucy Warner is moving to work at The Resilience Project in curriculum development. Ardan Johnston is taking a year’s leave and travelling to China where he is looking to teach. Fiona Macnally has accepted a position Amsleigh Park PS in 2024. Lily Bocanegra Vasquez, a member of our Education Support Staff, is moving to Aldercourt PS in 2024. On behalf of the school community, I’d like to thank all of the staff listed above for the important contributions you have made to the teaching and learning program at Aspendale PS, the impact you have played in the lives of our children and the support you have given to all of us. We wish you well as you embark on your next adventures.

We look forward to welcoming our Principal, Coby Larrieu at the start of 2024, after her period of long-service leave.

In 2024, we welcome four new teachers to our school. Trent Dowling, Jess Wood, Ruby Clohesy and Neve Skillen are all looking forward to joining our team in 2024.

2024 Student Transition

This Tuesday is the statewide transition day for our Year Six students. It is also the Up Day for students at Aspendale PS. Our 2024 Foundation students will spend the morning with their new teacher and in their classes, followed by a Teddy Bear’s Picnic. All other students at our school will move to the next year level for the morning and start their induction into the new learning space, practising some of the learning routines for the next year and having the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

On Friday 15th December, students will spend the morning with their 2024 classroom teacher in their 2024 classroom. This will be an opportunity to again practise learning routines and to begin to build a sense of belonging with their classes.

Staff have started handing over learning and well-being information to student’s 2024 classroom teachers. This is an ongoing process and will continue into 2024.

2024 Annual Improvement Plan

Our School Improvement Team met recently to discuss our work in 2024, as the first year of our next School Strategic Plan. This team has worked hard to lead the further development of learning and wellbeing at our school this year and has made plans to continue this in 2024. We have two Key Improvement Strategies, one being to further our understanding of how children learn to read and then refine our teaching and learning program accordingly and the other to continue to develop respect, kindness and a sense of belonging in our school community.

T-Ball Team at State Championships

On Tuesday I was able to visit the T-Ball team at the State Championships. The ‘Aspendale Capybaras’ had two challenging games to begin with but finished strong in their last game. The camaraderie amongst the team and their support crew of staff and parents was a pleasure to be a part of. I’d like to thank the T-ball team for the way they have represented our school throughout the different competitions and for the way they have embraced the opportunities over the year. Thanks also to Cait Fletcher for her coaching and logistical support, Kevin Riant for his coaching, Katie Scott for her scheduling and organistion and to all of the families involved for supporting with extra training and at the various events. This has been a wonderful experience for all the students involved.

Bike Ed

Yesterday I had the opportunity to jump on my bike and join in the Big Ride Out with our Year Four students to Chelsea Bicentennial Park. The students have been practising their skills over the last few weeks and it was evident with their increased confidence on their bikes and the way they demonstrated their road safety skills. Thanks to Ardan Johnston, the Year Four teaching team and all of the parents and carers who supported the Bike Ed program and the Big Ride Out over the last few weeks.

A reminder there is a student-free day on Monday 11th December. Our staff are planning for 2024 on this day. TheirCare is running on this day if you need care for your child.

Enjoy the last few days of the week,

Tom

 

 

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On Wednesday the Year 4s were graced with beautiful weather for their much-anticipated Big Ride to Bicentennial Park. Eagerly they donned their bright clothing and put all their learnt skills to the test as they rode the paths from Aspendale to Chelsea. Thanks to the group of parents who accompanied them on the ride. Once they parked their bikes the students enjoyed a play at the park and a delicious sausage or 3 cooked by another team of parent helpers. The Big Ride was a fabulous end to the Bike Ed program that the Year 4s have been a part of over the last few weeks. Thanks, Mr Johnston, for your co-ordination and organisation of this great program.

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One of Aspendale Primary’s very own, Saskia Patzold, has decided to donate her (rather long) hair to raise money for Variety, the children’s charity. Saskia was inspired by Ms Matthews efforts last year and so when she decided to cut her hair, she thought she’d go the big chop and donate her hair to help make wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.

Any support you can offer her would be greatly appreciated!

https://hairwithheart.variety.org.au/fundraisers/saskiapatzold/hair-with-heart

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Today the Year 5 students were given the opportunity to attend a day in the life experience at Mordialloc College. Students participated in a range of activities such as, food technology, physical education, science and art. We would like to thank Mordialloc College for hosting such a wonderful event this morning. 

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On the 7th December until the 15th...

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