rtant DatesFrom the Principal

Werte,

In our last newsletter I shared some non-negotiables that I had reminded students about at assembly including non-negotiables that relate to our culture.  At the assembly I re-shared an old favourite of the students: the "Bullying No Way!" rap.

In each teaching team Reef, Nest, Village and Hive students and staff worked together to establish the protocols, ways of operating, for tasks and interactions. This was our focus for the first 4 weeks of term. We know a healthy culture increases a sense of belonging which in turn impacts achievement and well-being.

"A sense of belonging involves more than simply knowing other people. It is also focused on gaining acceptance, attention, and support from others as well as having the opportunity to provide the same to other people." - Dr Emma Woodward.

Belonging is a fundamental need for students, especially in the school environment. Recent data from a research project found that students who felt a strong sense of belonging in their school had higher levels of academic achievement, are more likely to feel engaged in their learning, have positive relationships with their teachers and peers, and have a greater sense of school pride.

Our regular student well-being pulse checks demonstrate that our students feel a strong sense of belonging at Living Waters. We work hard to cultivate a sense of belonging through proven strategies such as the positive relationships between our students and teachers, a welcoming and inclusive school environment, and opportunities for student participation and leadership. We strengthen this by student ownership, voice and choice.

We are also aware that bullying can erode our strong sense of belonging. Bullying is intentional behaviour that hurts, harms, or humiliates someone, whether it's physically or emotionally. It is repeated over time and involves an imbalance of power, where one person has more power than the other. Examples of bullying can include name-calling, teasing, spreading rumours, physical aggression, exclusion from activities or groups, and cyber-bullying.

However, not all negative behaviour is considered bullying. It's important to distinguish between bullying and other types of behaviour that may not be as serious. For example, a single act of teasing or name-calling is not bullying, but it can still be hurtful and damaging. Similarly, a disagreement or argument between peers is not necessarily bullying, as long as it doesn't involve intentional and repeated harm.

It's also important to remember that conflict is a normal part of human interaction. It's okay to have differences of opinion or to experience tension with others, as long as it's resolved respectfully and without intentional harm. When conflict does arise, it's important to encourage open communication and to seek help from a trusted adult if needed.

As always, we seek your help with this relationship education, debriefing and problem solving. Talking through with your children, as we do at school, when they come to you with these tensions and struggles. I encourage all children to not only report but also come to you or one of the many trusted adults at school if they feel unsure if a behaviour is unacceptable.  

Please know we have a zero tolerance for bullying and we acknowledge the need to work as a team to stamp bullying out.  

Blessings,

Lisa 

Devotion

Charles Dickens called it the greatest story every told. It is a story about families and relationships, bad decisions and second chances. Most of all it is a story about God and us. You may know it as ‘the Parable of the Prodigal Son,’ but it is actually a story about two sons and a loving Father. 

The story goes like this. A young son demands his share of the family inheritance. He leaves home and wastes the lot. He ends up broke, hungry and desperate, before deciding to return home. He expects his Father to be angry but hopes to be accepted back as a hired worker. 

While he is still coming down the road his Father notices him, runs to meet him and embraces him. He demands his servants to put a robe on his son’s back, a ring on his finger, sandals on his feet and kill the fattened calf for a feast. This is a hero’s welcome! Not what the young son expected. 

Meanwhile the older brother is working out in the field. The Father goes to him too and invites him to the feast, but he won’t go. He is angry that his Father has accepted his brother back, after everything he had done. The Father expresses his love and appreciation for the older son but explains that this young son ‘was lost and has been found, was dead and is alive again.’ The story ends with a question mark over what the big brother will do. 

The story teaches us a lot about human behaviour, but even more about God. The Father in the story is generous, loving and forgiving, to both his sons. He never gives up on them, no matter where they are and what they are doing. As John writes, ‘See what great love the Father has given us, that we should be called the children of God, and that is what we are!’ 

Pastor Ben

Prayer Families

At Living Waters we highlight different families to pray for each week. Praying for people in our community by name shows that we care for them as God does. He knows and loves each of us individually, and when we lift others up in prayer, we recognise their value in His eyes. This strengthens our community by bringing us closer together, reminding us to support and encourage one another.

Week 8

Gahani, Goldsworthy, Goodwin, Gunalan, Gundani

Week 9

Harvey, Hattingh, Hearn, Hunter

Week 10

Jones, Kells, Khaira, Kim, Kodgire

Important Dates

School Spotlight

Student Captains 

Eco Captains

Due to the recent wet weather, we were unable to go ahead with our scheduled school clean up. We will be holding it in Term 2. 

Bookfair

Thank you to all students, families and friends who visited our bookfair.

The book fair was a huge success with families purchasing over $2,600 of bookfair products! This means our school can choose a further $600 worth of Larrikin products to support our students in the library and through the school. 

The winners of the competitions were:

Harmony Day

On Friday 21st March our school celebrated Harmony Day. It was great to see our students come to school wearing their cultural dress or their orange shirts. The day was filled with various colours and fun activities.

Awards

Student of the Week - Week 8

Congrats to Florence St Clair, Anne Quin, Amarrie Fernandez, Braxton South, Namura Bureau, Joshua Zisengwe, Reagan Whipple, Hannah Shen-Plesko, Sandy St Clair, Noah Mills & Ted Ewin.

Student of the Week - Week 9

Congrats to Elektra Jones, McKenzie Colotti, Pariha Kumar, Gabriela Juarez, Henco Hattingh, Evelyn Embrey, Jorge Quin, Zia Miso, Lucius Forrester.

Birthdays 

Happy Birthday to the following students & staff:

Meen Thon, Luke Pfeiffer, LaiLarni McKay, Alora Oliver, Hannah Shen-Plesko, Aryak Parthik, Kaylyn Kim, Asha Linsley, Katherine Pfeiffer, Theodore Ewin, Levi Rangi, Thomas Chen, Dany Chen, Eva Salian, Ron Thomas, Moyaz Alam, Ezra Childs, Lachlan Marks, Miss Nicola Venske & Miss Josie Ewin.

General News

Casual Dress Day

Casual dress day will be held tomorrow, Tuesday 1st April. 

Students are invited to wear casual dress and bring a gold coin donation for the SRC’s fundraiser for a Wi-Fi booster at the Alice Springs Hospital – they are very close to their goal!

Please remember that students need to wear sun safe clothing (no singlets) and school appropriate shoes.

School Times

School Start and Finish Times (8.20 am – 2:50 pm)

As has been the case for many years, it is an expectation that children arrive at school by 8.15am at which time teachers collect and take children to class in readiness for roll marking. 

It is vitally important that children arrive at school on time, please. Every minute of learning/classroom organisation is important for each learner. Your assistance in helping us by having your child at school by 8.20 am will be most graciously appreciated. To that end, school commences at 8.20 am sharp, each day. Should your child arrive at school late, then they should present for a late pass, at the office.

Back to School Vouchers

Families are reminded that back to school vouchers expire at the end of Term 1. If you would like to check how much you have remaining on your child's voucher or would like to place an order, please contact the school. Any amount remaining on vouchers will be automatically applied to school fees at the end of the term. 

If you would like to use your voucher for a winter uniform preorder (form attached below) or Year 6 senior polo, please let us know. Year 6 polos have an ETA of the end of this term.

Uniforms

Uniform Standards

Parents are reminded of the need to ensure that the wearing of uniforms are in line with the school expectations.

Particularly, we would draw your attention to the following areas:

• Students' hair is to be kept clean, neat and tidy, off the face; of natural appearance, not dyed, tinted or bleached. Hair below the shoulders needs to be tied up at all times.

• Black shoes should be plain, conventional and well-maintained

• Students may not wear any makeup at any time

• Girls may wear plain gold or silver studs or sleepers only

Our students have a responsibility to uphold the ethos of the school, and to show pride in their school by wearing the uniform correctly – both at the school and when in the community. Your support in this regard is greatly appreciated.

Children's University

With Term 1 coming to a close, we want to welcome all students to the program for 2025. We also congratulate those students who have already submitted their learning achievements so far! 

As you head into a well-deserved school holiday break, remember that the Children's University portal can direct you to the many amazing Learning Destinations across Alice Springs or across Australia if you are heading interstate. It can also help you find some fun and interesting online learning activities to do at home.

Families, we encourage you to remind your child to record any extra learning activities your child undertakes during the break for Children’s University. Every experience counts towards their learning journey!

Make sure to document your child's activities in their Children’s University Temporary Passport or through the online portal. See Miss Emma if you require a temporary passport for the holidays. 

Canteen Ordering

If your child is going to be away from school and you have already ordered canteen, please ring or email reception by 8.30 so that your child’s order can be held until they return to school.

The canteen days will change slightly in Term 2, with it being open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Canteen will open again in Term 2 on Monday the 28th of April.

To order, simply download the School24 app and use School ID: 2513 7963. Orders are due in by 8.20 am each day. 

Please remember that all canteen orders require a bag. Separate bags are needed for first and second break. You can purchase paper or reusable bags through the School24 app when ordering. Please check the 'bags' section of the menu. Students are also welcome to use a lunch bag purchased from elsewhere or brought from home - make sure to clearly label it though. 

Ness in the canteen is always looking for volunteers to help out, particularly on Fridays, but anytime you can give would be much appreciated. To register your interest please email Ness at lwls.canteen@ntschools.net.

Important Dates & 2025 Calendar

Enrolments 2026

We are currently taking Foundation enrolments for 2026. If your child has a younger sibling who is eligible for Foundation in 2026 (turns 5 between 1st July 2025 and 30th June 2026) please contact Reception for an enrolment pack. We ask that you enrol now to avoid disappointment as places are limited. 

We are also taking enrolments for Years 1-6, please call 8950 0700 to book a tour. As with Foundation, places are limited.

Student Departure

Families are reminded that in line with our enrolment policy conditions we require a full term's notice of student departures. If you are planning to depart from Living Waters, please let us know by emailing living.waters@ntschools.net as soon as you know. 

Easter Parade 

Friendly reminder that our Easter Bonnet Parade for all Foundation to Year 2 students and any younger siblings will be held this Thursday 3rd April. 

The parade will start at 8:50am. Hope to see you there!

PE - Cross Country

Hello parents/carers, 

I am looking for some volunteers to help assist for our school cross country next term on Monday 28th April. The job would require you to stand at a checkpoint to assist in directing and encouraging students. This would only be for a couple of hours in the morning. 

If this is something you would be interested in, please reach out to myself via Seesaw message, or email at: harry.armstrong@ntschools.net

Thank you!

Mr Harry Armstrong

SUPA Club

Braitling Holiday Program

Saver Plus

Could the parents at your school use an extra $500 for education costs? We know that cost of living pressures are continuing to put extra stress on households, with families in particular feeling the effects.

 What is Saver Plus?  Eligibility applies

Saver Plus is a program for people on lower incomes. It’s about bolstering their financial skills, so they can develop (and keep) good savings habits.  

Since 2003, Saver Plus has supported more than 62,000 people to start saving.

It’s helped overcome the barriers around education expenses. And it’s helped set them up for a brighter future. 

 What are the eligible savings goals?

Eligible savings goals are education related products or services that:​

• ​Assisting primary / secondary / Tertiary student’s education: 

​

Church News

Mid-week Lenten Services

The season of Lent is the time of preparation before Easter. Each Wednesday night during Lent there will be services at other local churches. All services are at 7.00pm. All welcome.   

2nd April - Anglican Church, 18 Bath Street

9th April - Uniting Church, Todd Mall

Facebook Page  

The congregation's Facebook page is now up and running. 

You can check it out by using the QR code or following this link 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557831308251

The purpose of this page is mainly to advertise our services 

and events and share devotional content. 

Please contact Pastor Ben or Liz for more information.  

Community Calendar

Living Waters Lutheran School

Corner Albrecht Drive & Kramer Street, Larapinta, 0870

P: 08 8950 0700 E: living.waters@ntschools.net

Alice Springs Lutheran Church

49 Gap Road, P: 8953 2432

Sunday Service 9.30am

Follow Us on Facebook 

Our Facebook page is regularly updated with information and photos from events at Living Waters. You can follow the page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100024059916012 to see what has been happening around the school.