Week 4, Term 1 2025
- Principal Pen
- Updates from the Admin Office
- Year 6 Students Get Creative in Technologies!
- Meet and Greet Breakfast
- Year 3-6 Swimming Lessons Have Commenced!
- Term 1 Curriculum Learning Overview
- Inclusion Insights
- Naplan
- QParents
- New School Uniform Policy is in Effect
- Student of the Week - Week 3
- Student of the Week - Week 4
- Important Reminder: Dental Van Leaving Soon
- School Chaplain Position Available
- Play 2 Learn Playgroup
- Prep Vision Screening
- Phones Away for the Day: Promoting Focus and Connection in the Classroom
- Look Before You Lock
- Do You Qualify for Free Internet?
- Centrepay
- School Absences
- Medication
- Important: Updating Student Details
- School Watch
- Like us on Facebook
Principal Pen
2025 Annual Implementation Plan Focus
School Priority 1
Maximise engagement and wellbeing through a clear vision that increases student engagement, staff morale and community connection.
School Priority 2
Improve LOA in English for all students (P-6) through a focus on lesson planning and delivery
Dear Parents and Carers,
Wadda Mooli, Habari, Bonjour. Welcome to Week 4, Term 1 2025.
I am so excited to share another week of learning, growth, and school spirit with all of you! We already have so much happening at Aitkenvale SS, whether it’s in the classroom, in the playground or in the community, we’re proud to see everyone embracing the work and celebrating success in their learning.
2025 is going to be a great year at Aitkenvale! I can feel the positive vibes already.
Aitkenvale State School sets high standards for behaviour from all in our school and community, so teaching and learning can be prioritised, and staff and students can experience success in a safe and enjoyable environment. Aitkenvale has 3 school rules, which include but aren’t limited to the following examples:
Be Safe
- Keep hand, feet and objects to yourself
- Use equipment appropriately
- Move around the school sensibly
- Line up and be in the correct areas
Be Responsible
- Ask permission to leave supervised areas
- Be in the right place at the right time
- Ask for help when required
- Be responsible for your own behaviour
Be Respectful
- Use school appropriate language
- Use your manners
- Listen to and follow all staff instructions
- Respect property and personal space
Please ensure you speak with your child/ren in regards to what you expect from them, what the school expects from them and what it looks like to be SAFE, RESPONSIBLE and RESPECTFUL.
GRIP LEADERSHIP
Last week our students' leaders attended the GRIP Leadership Conference. GRIP engages the students in hands on activities that explore what it means to be a school leader. The Aitkenvale students along with students from across Townsville engaged in activities about the responsibility of being an example, a voice, a helper, and being willing to do what the school needs. There were many activities about leadership and friendship, ways to help others, and realistic ways of working as a team to achieve goals.
SWIMMING
Swimming lessons have started for year 3-6 and by all accounts the students are loving being in the water. Thank you to the staff who are in the pool with the students every session. I have heard good things about the swimming from the staff involved. Keep up the great work.
ASSEMBLY
Just a reminder that our assemblies are held each Friday morning from 8:45am in the Hall. Parents and caregivers are always welcome. During assembly we share whole of school messages, present student of the week awards, and have special draws for attendance and PBL. We look forward to seeing you on Friday mornings.
SCHOOL LEADERS’ INDUCTION – Special Assembly
Next Friday, 28 February at 8:45am, we have our official Whole School Assembly inducting our school leaders for 2025. This is a special Assembly, where we recognise some of our wonderful school role models. We look forward to working closely with the leaders and their families throughout the year.
UNIFORM
Aitkenvale has an amazing new uniform, which we have fully transitioned now. The Aitkenvale uniform consists of the new polo shirt, black shorts/skorts/skirt, Aitkenvale Bucket hat, shoes and socks. In winter months we ask that jumpers are plain black. Please ensure we are all respecting our school by wearing the uniform with pride. The broader community see us wearing the uniform and make assumptions of our school based on things such as the appearance and behaviour of students. Be proud to be part of the Aitkenvale community and wear the uniform with pride.
ATTENDANCE – Everyday Counts & School Starts at 8.30am
1. Parent Responsibility – to make sure their child is attending school EVERY DAY!
2. Parent Responsibility – to explain their child’s absence and if late to school.
3. School Responsibility – to make contact with families if their child is absent and it has not been explained.
4. School Responsibility – to meet with families if students are having continued absence or a high amount of absence (even if explained).
P&C
Are you interested in your child’s schooling? Do you like the chance to have a say about what happens in our school? Are you keen to have a bit of fun with a dedicated group of people? Come along to our next P&C meeting. There is no pressure to contribute anything other than your thoughts, and if possible, a small amount of your time during the year to help out with events. Our next P&C Meeting will be Tuesday 18 March, at 3pm. We hope to see you there.
Lee Braney
Principal
Updates from the Admin Office
Office Hours 8:00AM - 3:30PM
Supervision on gates begins at 8:00am
Gates Close at 2:50pm - all remaining students will then be escorted to the office to await collection.
Important Dates
- Term 1 Years 3-6 Swimming lessons have commenced - Payments Due NOW
- Year 5 and 6 Camp Expression of Interest Form - Due Now
- Musical Instrument Payments - Due Now
- Prep Vision Screening - 25th and 26th February - Please return permission notes
- Senior Badge Ceremony - 28th February
- Naplan Commences 12th March.
All late slips and early pick-up requests for students are now handled at the student counter. Please follow the signs to the window at the back of the Administration Building.
LATE STUDENTS
There are a growing number of students who are being picked up later than expected after the 2:30 PM dismissal.
We are asking parents and guardians to be mindful of the pickup times and make arrangements, when possible, to ensure students are collected promptly. If late pickups become a frequent occurrence, it could also be helpful to explore alternative solutions, such as after-school programs or extended care options that might better meet the needs of busy families.
Year 6 Students Get Creative in Technologies!
Our talented Year 6 students are hard at work designing and constructing their very own theme park for the Townsville area as part of their Technologies learning! 
From roller coasters to food stalls, they’ve put their imagination and skills to the test to create some incredible designs. Check out their amazing artwork below! 
Stay tuned to see more of their creative projects
Meet and Greet Breakfast
What an incredible morning we had at our Meet and Greet Breakfast! 🥞🍳 A massive thank you to our amazing community and students for joining us and bringing your energy, enthusiasm, and big smiles! 🤩
It was the perfect way to kick off the school day, filled with fun, laughter, and good vibes that set the tone for a wonderful day ahead. ✨ We are so grateful for everyone who came out to connect, share, and make this event truly unforgettable.
Thank you for making this morning so special! We look forward to many more moments like this with our wonderful school community.
Year 3-6 Swimming Lessons Have Commenced!
We are excited to announce that Year 3-6 swimming lessons have officially begun! 🌊 This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their swimming skills, build water confidence, and have fun while staying active.
A big thank you to our dedicated staff and swim instructors for making this program possible. We can’t wait to see our students improving their skills and enjoying the experience in the pool!
Parents, please remember to ensure your child has their swimming gear and sunscreen for each lesson. Let’s make a splash this term!
Term 1 Curriculum Learning Overview
Prep Term 1 Overview
Year 1 Term 1 Overview
Year 2 Term 1 Overview
Year 3 Term 1 Overview
Year 3/4C Term 1 Overview
Year 4 Term 1 Overview
Year 4 - 4/5C Term 1 Overview
Year 5 - 4/5C Term 1 Overview
Year 5 Term 1 Overview
Year 5/6C Term 1 Overview
Year 6 Term 1 Overview
Inclusion Insights
Naplan
NAPLAN Testing
Our students in Years 3 and 5 will be undertaking NAPLAN Online testing in Term 1(Weeks 7-8) this year. NAPLAN moved online in 2021 bringing with it many advantages including a test design that offers test items tailored to students' knowledge and ability levels. The Years 3 and 5 online test sequence is: 1. Writing (paper for Year 3 only) 2. Reading 3. Conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) 4. Numeracy
Some particular points to note are:
- Year 5 students must complete the writing test within the first two days of the test window
- Each student must complete the reading test before they sit the conventions of language test
- Catch-up sessions are scheduled for students who are absent for testing sessions, where possible
NAPLAN Online numeracy, reading and conventions of language are tailored or adaptive tests. Tailored testing provides a more engaging test for students and a more precise assessment of student performance. Students at each year level start with a similar set of questions. Depending on each student's answers, the next set of questions may be easier or more difficult, giving students greater opportunity to demonstrate what they know.
We will also be conducting a practice session next week. This is an excellent opportunity to fine tune any technical and logistical needs, as well as familiarise students and teachers with the online testing process. Student data is deidentified and will not be collected or monitored throughout the test.
Parents and caregivers of children in these NAPLAN year levels will need to be aware of important information relating to privacy, which can be found on the NAPLAN Online Queensland website's parent information page.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit the NAPLAN Online Public Demonstration site at https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site to view models of the online testing and provide students with further opportunities to interact with the platform.
An information brochure can be accessed at https://nap.edu.au/default.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/docs/default-source/default-document-library/naplan-information-brochure-for-parents-and%20carers.pdf.
For further information regarding NAPLAN Online, including privacy statements, please visit https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment
QParents
We are transitioning to a digital platform in 2025 and encourage all parents to register for QParent. To complete your registration, you will need your invitation email and your child’s EQ ID number.
If you require any assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask one of our admin staff for help.
New School Uniform Policy is in Effect
As of this year, the old uniform is no longer permitted, and all students are required to wear the new uniform, which aims to foster a sense of unity and pride throughout our school community.
The new school uniform includes the following items:
- Aitkenvale State School polo shirt ($30)
- Aitkenvale State School bucket hat ($15)
- Black shorts, skirt, or pants
- Enclosed shoes (suitable for school activities)
- White socks
Uniforms are available for purchase through the school office. If you have not yet purchased your child’s uniform, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible to ensure readiness for the 2025 school year. This change applies to all students, and the previous uniform is no longer permitted.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that all students are in full compliance with the new uniform guidelines. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the office at 4421 2333.
Student of the Week - Week 3
Prep A | Ariki Che | For approaching all tasks with enthusiasm and contributing to classroom discussions. |
Prep B | Iniah | For being an enthusiastic learner and contributing eagerly to class discussions. Amazing work! |
1A | Mirade | For being a kind friend to others |
1B | Abdurahman | Excellent work and participation during English |
2A | Aurora | For her critical thinking in answering all questions. |
2B | Yossanengar | For coming to school ready to learn and trying his best. |
2C | Jazsmine | For working hard in spelling lessons. |
3A | Name Withheld | For always staying on task and giving her best effort. |
3B | Pierre | For staying positive in class and showing high levels of engagement in his learning. |
3/4C | Addison | For producing a strong written opinion on the best film. |
3/4C | Max | For working hard on his opinion writing. |
4A | Zaina | For always being at school, ready to learn! |
4/5C | Jayz | For being ready to learn and contributing to class discussions. Keep up the great work. |
5A | Nabab | For incredible engagement in learning |
5B | Hissein | Willingly working wondrously with wonderful written work |
5/6C | Name Withheld | For being a respectful and supportive classmate. |
6A | Joseph | For being responsible during learning by having your equipment ready. |
6B | Falmata | Excellent listening and peer help |
Technology | 5/6C | For an engaging, energetic and inclusive start to their design unit. |
Literacy Pathways | Nehemie | For being a responsible classmate - helping to support new students to Pathways. |
Literacy Pathways | Josaline | For being a responsible classmate - helping to support new students to Pathways. |
Literacy Pathways | Kiza | For following our class rules, work hard, be kind, look and listen to the teacher. |
Literacy Pathways | Jonathan | For following our class rules, work hard, be kind, look and listen to the teacher. |
Student of the Week - Week 4
Prep A | Imran | For using text connectives when retelling a story. |
Prep B | Archie | For working very hard to learn, write and blend SATPIN sounds. Keep it up! |
1A | Aisha | For showing she is ready to learn during every lesson. |
1B | Ibrahim | For working hard during PLD. |
2A | Ka’ade | For coming to school ready to learn and trying his best in all learning areas. |
2B | Jayden | For his great start at his new school |
2C | Benesia | For coming to school ready to learn and trying her best. |
3A | Saba | For working diligently to ensure he correctly structures his TEEL paragraphs. |
3B | Nyota | For always striving for excellence in the classroom. |
3/4C | Bella | For consistently giving her best to all areas of learning. A quiet achiever. |
3/4C | Ornella | For working hard at her spelling and reading. |
4A | ||
4/5C | Hailey | For writing a great persuasive paragraph in English and using a range of language features. |
5A | Chelsea | For being a diligent member of the class. |
5B | Amelia | Caring, considerate, compassionate and collegial classroom collaboration. |
6A | Nadia | For being ready to learn each day with a positive outlook. |
6B | James | Getting the job done! |
Technology | 2A | For impressive identification of materials and their properties. |
Literacy Pathways | Valerie 1B | For excellent participation in Pathways lessons this week - completing all tasks! |
Literacy Pathways | Tresor 6A | For working hard in Pathways lessons this week - completing all tasks! |
Literacy Pathways | Wema | For returning homework each day this week. |
Literacy Pathways | Clement | For returning homework each day this week |
Inclusion | Joy | For showing us how to be a good learner |
Inclusion | Dominic | For his great effort in Maths |
Important Reminder: Dental Van Leaving Soon
Reminder that the Dental Van will be leaving our school on Thursday, 27th February. If you have any questions or need to get in touch with the dental team before then, please feel free to contact them at 0417 194 822.
We encourage all families to reach out if there’s anything you'd like to discuss regarding your child's dental care.
School Chaplain Position Available
Play 2 Learn Playgroup
Prep Vision Screening
Phones Away for the Day: Promoting Focus and Connection in the Classroom
As we kick off this year, we want to remind everyone of our “Phones Away for the Day” approach. During school hours, students are to hand their phones into the office so they can focus on learning, building friendships, and being fully present when at school.
Keeping phones away during school hours helps:
- improve focus in class
- strengthen friendships and social connections
- protect students from cyberbullying during school hours
reduce distractions.
Look Before You Lock
The temperature inside a parked vehicle on a typical Australian summer day can be up to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.
In as little as 5 minutes, the temperature in a vehicle can reach dangerous levels.
A child's body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adult's and the impact of heat on a child's body is almost immediate and can be fatal.
A child left unaccounted for in a vehicle is also unprotected and vulnerable to danger, particularly in an emergency situation.
It only takes one shortcut on safety to have devastating, lifelong consequences.
Create a Look Before You Lock routine.
Building simple steps into your daily routine can help you to avoid unintentionally leaving a child in a vehicle.
- Place an item you will need at your destination in the back seat of the car, such as your bag or wallet.
- Attach a mirror for rear-facing car seats so you can easily see your child.
- Create a mental checklist to run through every time you leave the car, such as 'baby, keys, bag'.
- Get in the habit of checking your backseat every time you get out of the car. Check even if you know your child is not with you. This will help make looking before you lock part of your normal routine.
- Look Before You Lock. Every. Single. Time.
Discuss your Look Before You Lock routine with every person who drives your child. This includes partners, grandparents, babysitters and friends.
Be extra alert if your routine changes to avoid unintentionally leaving your child in your vehicle.
Importantly, if you accidentally lock your child in a car, or you come across a child left unattended in a vehicle:
- Keep calm.
- Think clearly and act quickly.
- Call your roadside assistance provider if you have one.
- Call 000 immediately if you have any concerns about the child's health.
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Do You Qualify for Free Internet?
Do you qualify for free home internet to support your child’s education? To ensure all students have equal opportunity for online learning, the Australian Government has extended the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) to continue free NBN broadband access until 30 June 2028. There are limited places available nationally. For more information or to check your eligibility, please contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 or visit http://www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.
Centrepay
School Absences
Medication
Important: Updating Student Details
UPDATING STUDENT DETAILS
It is extremely important that students' personal details such as contact telephone numbers, email addresses and emergency contacts are correct and up to date so you can be contacted if your child is unwell or needing medical attention. It is also very important that we are aware of all medical conditions.
Please email admin@aitkenvaless.eq.edu.au or contact the office to update your child’s details.
School Watch
The School Watch Program is a partnership between Education Queensland, the Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service. It aims to reduce criminal activity in Queensland schools and encourages everyone to look out for after-hours crime in our schools. If you see anything suspicious, please don’t attempt to intervene.
Look, Listen, Report. Call School Watch on 13 17 88.
If you see a crime in progress, call Triple Zero (000).
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