ASHBY: ALWAYS STRIVING TO EXCEL

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Hello Everyone.

Firstly, thank you to all parents and caregivers for your questions and queries regarding the current situation we all find ourselves in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. These are certainly uncharted waters for us all and each and every day we are receiving new information which is coming at us quite rapidly, which is much like ‘drinking water from a fire hydrant’. The patience and understanding that the Ashby community is displaying at the moment is wonderful and we as a school ask that this patience please continues. We are receiving updates from DET and will share all necessary information with you as it comes to hand. 
We are continuing to explicitly discuss and teach our students the importance of personal hygiene and what this looks like in practice here at Ashby. This includes, however, is not limited to; 

• The washing of hands with soap frequently and properly,
• Using the hand sanitiser that is located in learning spaces,
• Coughing and or sneezing into tissues and or the upper sleeve/elbow area,
• Avoiding all physical contact, 
• And ensuring that students are practising social distancing where possible - that does not impact upon teaching and learning programs.  

On the back of what has been outlined above, and after having had further discussions this morning as a staff and leadership team, we have made the difficult decision to CANCEL and or POSTPONE all future gatherings that we have deemed to be non-essential. This is also in line with recent DET information to cancel all school camps and excursions. As a school we will NOT BE PROCEEDING with the following events and or gatherings;

• APS Cross Country (Thursday 19th March)
• APS Movie Night (Friday Evening 20th March)
• Harmony Day Celebrations (Monday 23rd March)
• End of Term Whole School Assembly (Friday 27th March)
• All Students House Related Activities (Ongoing)
• Local Library Visitations (Ongoing)

We understand very clearly that there has been a lot of planning and effort that has gone towards the creation of certain events and or activities however we have a responsibility to limit contact where we can without directly impacting teaching and learning programs in classrooms. Please note that if you are opting to keep your child at home at any stage over the next week period, please be aware that teachers are still identifying ways in which we can support students learning at home, therefore, we will not be providing structured work for students to complete at home at this current point in time.

A little under a fortnight ago, we held our first ‘TransPARENTcy’ afternoon which was very well received by students and their parents/caregivers. It was tremendous to see students sharing their learning and being able to articulate what their learning goals are, how they know if they have achieved a learning goal, and also show clear evidence to their teacher (and guardian) that a learning goal has been met. We are looking to certainly build the capacity of our students to be able to share their learning journey with others and to be clear about the goals that have been set and what it is they as learners need to do to be able to achieve them. Our next ‘transparency’ session is scheduled for the 8th May and hopefully, we can open our doors and run this very worthy program.

A reminder that our amazing JSC is still proceeding with their termly fundraiser for Term 1. All students are encouraged to ‘Dress up as an Animal Day’ for the last day of Term 1, with all gold coin donations going to support Wildlife Victoria. Students may wear Casual Dress if they do not wish to dress up like an animal. The disco however associated with the event will unfortunately not proceed. Thank you to Amanda Heitmann and her work with the JSC in organising these events and fundraisers to support very worthwhile organisations.
Until further notice, next Friday 27^th March is our final day of term with the school day concluding at 2:15 pm.

As always we please ask that our wonderful APS community please keep an eye over the school during the term break as best possible. If anyone witnesses people misusing or mistreating our school grounds, please call 000 and report this to the police immediately. 

Finally being the last newsletter for the term, I wish all families a safe and supportive term break. Please look after one another and, at this stage, we will see you all at the beginning of Term 2 for another great term of teaching and learning. 

Regards,

Corrie Barclay
Assistant Principal.
Ashby Primary School
1-7 Waratah Street, Geelong West, 3219
52231291

Dress Up as an Animal Day, supporting Wildlife Victoria

JSC is excited to announce the first fundraiser for the year - A Dress Up as an Animal Day! On the last day of Term 1 (March 27) come to school dressed as an animal, or in casual clothes if you don't wish to dress up. To participate, bring a gold coin donation to support Wildlife Victoria and their work to help animals affected by this summer's bushfires.
FACT SHEET

Inspiring Student Leaders Day

On Thursday March 5th all the student leaders went to Geelong Arts Centre for the Inspiring Student Leaders Day. There were 13 other schools and we all participated in four activities. We did dance, drama, technology and values.

At the end of the day we came up with an idea to bring back to Ashby. We'd like to thank Amanda for taking us and everyone else who organised the amazing day!

Lyla and Marcel

• Anthony - for displaying Terri values! One morning when Emily wasn’t feeling very well, Anthony offered to give her a hug to make her feel better! His hug was very welcomed!! It was a sweet genuine display of support and kindness! Thanks Anthony, I really appreciated your support!
• Jasper showed a great deal of kindness and consideration for others when organising Beyblades at play times.
• Congratulations to all the school leaders being amazing representative for Ashby at the Inspiring Student Leader’s day.
• Kaitlin Mair for kindness and always being ready to help others.
• Corrie Barclay & Adrien Fierro for sorting out the 1/2 iPad on short notice - thank you ICT legends.
• Gavin Dowling - for being reflective on his practise and having conversations to learn more.
• George Kikos - for being flexible when changing his timetable to support in class and sports events.
• Kate Young - for touching base each day you’re at school to see how we're going and making us smile.
• Georgia Holroyd - for having a happy smiling face each time she greets people.
• Kate Suter - for championing a sustainability focus at Ashby.