Letter from the Principal 

This term has flown by, I cannot quite believe that this is our last newsletter for Term 3. Thank you to all of our community who were able to celebrate Education Week and our Book Parade with us this year. It was lovely to welcome everyone back onsite. A big thank you, also, to our P&C for their provision of sausage sizzle lunches for the school community for our Education Week celebrations. 

Entry and exit times for community events

At LPS we are a group of very diverse learners with varying needs and abilities. For the safety of our students, our gates are locked all day with limited access throughout. At times, we have some students who are overwhelmed by the classroom and they may leave the learning space. This is why it is important that we have our gates locked. 

When we invite families to events at school, it is important, for the safety of students that we require times where the gates are staffed to allow families to enter or exit. Outside of these times, the gates are not staffed and exiting or entering can put our students’ safety at risk. It is understandable that these times are inconvenient to parents or carers who may have commitments, but it is vital for school operations and in consideration of all of our students, that they are adhered to. If you intend to attend an event and you may not be able to enter or exit at the available times, call the school to discuss this with staff prior to the event, to determine whether we will be able to cater for you. 

Front gate times

In response to student safety, the gate on Burrendong Rd will now be closed at 9am from Term 4. Currently the gate is staffed until 9.10am and this has been at risk to students. From the first day of Term 4 when the music concludes at 9am, the gate will be closed. Students arriving after 9am, will need to access the intercom to enter the gate because it will be locked. It is important that this gate is closed and locked when students enter. Depending on the age of your child, a parent may need to support this. 

As school begins at 9am, students should be at their lines at the completion of the music, otherwise they are late. 

SASS recognition week

SASS recognition week is an opportunity for school communities to acknowledge the efforts of our non-teaching staff and say thank you to them. This week, Mrs Seeney, on behalf of the teaching staff acknowledged the efforts of our office, general assistant and School Learning and Support Officer heroes. 

Thank you to:

• Mrs Pritchard, Mrs Durham, Mrs Griffiths and Mrs Clifton for everything they do in the office for our school. 
• Mr Mitchell for keeping our school safe and supporting events. 
• Mrs Periera, Mrs Montague, Miss Sarah, Miss Alliyah, Mrs McGlinn and Mrs Stephens for supporting our students with their learning and wellbeing. 

High school students onsite

I would like to thank our families in supporting us to ensure that high school students meet their siblings outside the school gates after 2.50pm. I recognise that it is inconvenient for some families, but it has eliminated the issues that we had. High school students are permitted onsite when they have a parent with them. 

Air conditioning work

The air conditioning install is continuing, as expected. A large portion of classes now have their units installed. There is still some cabling to lay and the finalisation of the substation before completion. The works should be completed in time for the warmer weather. I thank everyone with their patience as the work progresses. 

COVID and flu

The number of COVID and Influenza cases within our community have eased. It is important to remain vigilant. If your child has cold or flu symptoms it is necessary that they remain at home and they take regular RATs or have a PCR test. If your child’s symptoms are lingering, it is important to ensure that you seek advice from a doctor. 

Online safety learning

The NSW government and eSafety Commissioner are offering an online session for parents, on October 12. The session, Digital technologies and mental health, is about how parents and carers can learn how social media and online gaming can affect their child’s mental health. You can register for this session here. More information about cyber safety for families is located here.

I wish all our families a safe and rejuvenating Spring holiday break.