Principal Class Report Wk 5, Tm 4

Whilst we appreciate that parking around drop-off and pick-up time can be busy, there are some safety concerns to bring to your attention.

The staff carpark is not a public carpark.
There should be no parents parking in any of the staff car parks at any time, before or after school. This includes dropping off or picking up students for Out of School Hours Care.
There is to be no walking through the carpark by students and families.
The disabled parking in the staff car park is for staff use only. If a parent requires use of this space, please contact the Principal directly to discuss further.
Parents should refrain from parking on external nature strips of the houses around the school, as this is a traffic violation and can result in a fine.

Inquiry and Real World Learning

This term, our students are engaging in inquiry projects that encourage curiosity and real-world problem solving. Our pedagogical focus is on helping students apply their learning beyond the classroom — whether that’s designing solutions for sustainability, running small enterprises at Year 6 Market Day 10th Nov, or exploring local community issues. Through this approach, students strengthen critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

The Maths Tutoring program has taken inspiration from the extraordinary life and work of the renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall. Through numbers, timelines, and problem-solving activities, students explored key moments from her journey — from her early years to her groundbreaking research with chimpanzees in Tanzania.

The aim is to blend mathematical thinking with real-world context, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and (hopefully!) an appreciation for science, conservation, and perseverance.

The board outside the principal’s office will have the timeline and other related work displayed.

Appropriate Social Media Learning starts at home

At LPS, we have had an increase of reported misbehaviour and misuse of social media by some senior students at home, on personal devices, within apps that the students are under age. Some content, words / phrases used, general unkindness and sometimes disgraceful behaviour is being reported to the school. The school will always be there to listen to students, but the role of the parent / carer in the home is the most powerful. We ask all Year 5 & 6 parents to have a chat with their child/ren to explore this further.

Social media is a huge part of everyday life – especially for young teenages. It is where we connect, create, learn, and express ourselves. But sometimes, it can get overwhelming, or even affect our mood and wellbeing. It is about learning how to use it in a way that actually works for you. Some helpful resources are below:

Principals class across the Casey Cardinia Network of Schools, comprising the Casey South, Casey Central, Casey North and Cardinia Networks (C4), gathered together for the 14th Annual C4 Conference 23rd and 24th October.

Guest speakers presented on a wide variety of topics ranging from a unique blend of heartfelt gripping stories, actionable insights and empowering messages, to leading experts in the social trends shaping the future of work and organisational transformation. Such speakers provide high level insights into how people think, work and most importantly how we can be better leaders in the field of education.

To conclude the conference, Shane Jacobson (comedian / actor) delivered a highly entertaining and engaging keynote speech about his unique life and how laughter is contagious in all settings.

Happy World Teacher’s Day.

On behalf of the students, families and community, we thank each and every teacher, past, present and emerging, for their dedication, commitment, humour and perseverance.

Teaching is by far one of the noblest professions. The art of teaching often goes unnoticed. It takes hours of preparation, planning and consideration to ensure that learning is fun and engaging, whilst explicit and directed to the abilities of each student. Teachers are determined to ensure students feel motivated and are proud worthy of their achievements.

The LPS teachers are beautiful souls, kind hearted humans who are generous in how much they truly care for each and every one of their students.

The LPS teachers are a family… working together to craft their teaching, to mould the minds of students.

We are truly thankful for all that you do.

From the appreciative Principal class

🌟 We Are All Teachers at Heart 🌟

At Lyndhurst Primary, dreams take flight,Where learning shines both day and night.Amazing staff with hearts that care,Bring love and laughter everywhere.

Our leaders guide with vision bright,Their passion sparks our daily light.They lift us high, they set the tone,And help us make this school our own.

The junior teachers fill each dayWith fun and joy in every way.They build foundations, kind and strong,Where every child feels they belong.

Our senior teachers show the way,With passion growing day by day.They help each student find their voice,And guide their hearts to make wise choice.

Our specialists bring vibrant joy,Through art, through music, students do employ.At Lyndhurst, every role’s a part —We are all teachers from the heart,To make a difference from the start.

Congratulations to the LPS Inclusion and Engagement team, on being a finalist in the recent Mental Health and Wellbeing Health Promotion Awards – it was very well deserved!

Thank you to Kara Sampson for representing the LPS team.

What do you believe has been the key change towards health and wellbeing that you have influenced in your setting/organisation?

At Lyndhurst Primary School, powerful and authentic relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

Our whole-school wellbeing approach places connection, and belonging at the centre; creating a safe, inclusive environment where every child and adult feels seen, heard, and valued.

The key change towards health and wellbeing that has been influential in our school is ensuring we ‘Take Flight’ in purposeful ways. We embed the school values to inspire everyone to grow in confidence together, with Optimism, Empathy and Respect.

Learning is a byproduct of a strong wellbeing approach. At Lyndhurst, we do not just learn - we soar.

What actions are you most proud of working on at your setting/organisation?

At Lyndhurst Primary School, we are most proud of our collective actions to strengthen the health and wellbeing of every student.

The introduction of a Youth Worker, alongside our Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader, has enabled proactive support to reach more students.

The whole school commitment to the Berry Street Education Model, is evidenced by embedded implementation of welcome circles and clear, predictable routines. Consistency in the use of Ready to Learn Scales and Plans has helped students to connect mind and body, understand their feelings and how to apply self regulation strategies.

Weekly run clubs, daily lunchtime clubs, and a designated quiet play zone, ensures safe, inclusive and supported play for all. The play cubby program, led by trained student leaders, complements both physical and mental health in young people.

At Lyndhurst, our Whole School Wellbeing Days are the pinnacle of community spirit; celebrating engagement and connection.

Why do you believe you are considered a health and wellbeing leader/s at your setting/organisation?

At Lyndhurst Primary School, we believe we are considered health and wellbeing leaders because we respond in a thoughtful and strategic way to the changing needs of our community and the wider world. Society, technology, and global perspectives are evolving rapidly, creating challenges for students like never before.

We actively nurture an inquiring mindset amongst students and adults, encouraging exploration, reflection and development of resilience in a complex world. We are committed to fostering a strong culture of wellbeing not only inside the classroom but in all aspects of our lives.

Our wellbeing leadership is demonstrated through intentional initiatives that prioritise mental, emotional, and social health, including wellbeing-focused programs, social/emotional learning, child safe workshops and respectful relationships. We lead professional learning in wellbeing constructs; creating supportive and ongoing opportunities that empower staff to understand, practice, and champion wellbeing.

Whole Staff Wellbeing Days highlight the importance of staff to lead by example in the promotion and importance of one’s own physical and mental health.

The wellbeing culture is the DNA of our school. Led by us, as key leaders, wellbeing is felt in the relationships, seen in the smiles and heard in the laughter of all at Lyndhurst.

As part of our ongoing commitment to cultural understanding and global learning in Spanish lessons, we will be recognising El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead), a Mexican tradition that celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away.

This special time, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, is a joyful and colourful time when families remember and honour those who have died. It combines Indigenous Aztec beliefs with Catholic traditions introduced by Spanish colonists. The celebration is centred around love, memory, and connection and reminds us that those we’ve lost continue to live on in our hearts and stories.

Key Symbols and Meanings

Ofrendas (altars): Decorated tables displaying photos, candles, flowers, and food to welcome loved ones’ spirits.
Cempasúchil (marigolds): Bright orange flowers symbolising the fragility and beauty of life.
Calaveras (skulls): Often seen as sugar skulls or face paintings, representing both life and death with colour and humour.
Papel picado: Delicately cut paper banners representing the wind and the connection between life and death.

This celebration provides a meaningful opportunity for students to learn about respect, diversity, and the ways people around the world express remembrance and love.

Resources for families who need help with English