Whole School News
Vale Garry Pike
It is with sadness that we note the passing of Garry Pike last week after a long illness. Garry was a much-loved teacher, colleague, and leader at Leighland Christian School. Garry started as a high school teacher in 1993, served as a Senior Staff member, and, in 2000, became Principal at Ulverstone. He was the longest-serving Principal in Ulverstone, serving from 2000 until 2013, when he retired due to ill health. Garry was awarded life membership of the Leighland Association for his outstanding service and leadership during a significant growth period at the school, including the commencement of years 11 & 12. Garry was a strong advocate for students who needed additional assistance and championed the Learning Support Hub. He was also a passionate Sydney Swans supporter. He loved nothing better than asking Primary students to recite the Sydney Swans theme song, which he proudly displayed on the wall in his office. Garry was known for his practical jokes, his great sense of humour, his compassion, and his deep commitment to God and Christian Education. He is now at rest, and our thoughts and prayers are with Julie, Sarah, and Matthew.
✝️Easter Service✝️
Our community came together for a combined Easter service, taking time to reflect on the meaning of the cross and the incredible love of Jesus. We remember His sacrifice and the hope it brings to us all.
“Greater love has no one than this…”
Our school community will be proudly involved in the ANZAC Day marches this year, remembering those who have served and sacrificed. Lest we forget.
KINDER 2027
Interest is very high at both Ulverstone and Burnie campuses for Kinder 2027, with enquiries continually coming in! Thank you to our Primary families for responding to our EdSmart forms asking parents to please let us know if you have a little one for Kinder next year (born in 2022). If you have not yet initiated the enrolment process for your child, we ask that you please do so as soon as possible to secure your child’s spot, and to assist our Principals in determining vacancies for Kinder 2027. Kinder children need to have turned 4 by 1 January in the year of commencement. Siblings are not automatically enrolled and application forms are required for all students. In order for current families to receive a link to the application form, please lodge an 'Enrolment Enquiry Form' on the school’s website: https://www.leighland.tas.edu.au/enquiries
If you are aware of any new families who are interested in enrolment at Leighland for next year for Kinder, or other year levels, please encourage them to complete the Enrolment Enquiry Form so that we can be in touch to organise a tour and information pack, or answer any questions they may have.
Lindy Mott Nicole Gillam
Registrar PA to Burnie Principal
School Bags
Early in the year, a parent drew our attention to the school bags that had been ordered for this year as being the larger size school bag. The parent expressed concern about younger children having to carry bags which were obviously too big for their size. Attention was drawn to this presenting risk in the short term, and potential damage long term in children who are growing. As a school we agreed that this presented an unacceptable risk.
In looking into this, it was discovered that during December 2025 and January 2026, Midford incorrectly sold larger school bags to Kindergarten and Prep students. Midford have taken responsibility for the error and are offering to parents who unwittingly purchased one of these large bags during this period, to please take it to Midford Devonport to exchange it for a primary-sized bag.
We draw attention to this as we want you to be across the risk associated with the larger bag and the option to head to Midford and swap the bag for one more suited to your child.
Please note that this applies only if you inadvertently received a large (high school) size bag as part of your order for this year.
We express appreciation that our attention was drawn to this, and also to our supplier, Midford, for their willingness to remedy the situation.
I suggest that you phone ahead to Midford before going into the store to ensure that your replacement bag is in stock. They can be contacted on 6423 3731.
With Christian greetings
Alwyn Terpstra
Executive Principal
School holidays
With the holidays just around the corner, your children might be spending more time online for entertainment and to connect with their friends. As a parent or carer, you can help them have safe and positive experiences online. Have a conversation with your child today about how to stay safe online and to deal with online safety issues like cyberbullying, inappropriate content or unwanted contact. The eSafety Commissioner (eSafety.gov.au) has lots of great advice and resources for parents and carers to help keep young people safe online.
2026 Term Dates
Term1
17 April Last day of Term 1
20 April – 1 May School Holidays
Term 2 4 May First day of Term 2
5 June Moderation Day – Whole school – Student Free Day
8 June Public Holiday
9 June Burnie Only – Student Free Day
9 July Last day of Term 2 for students
10 July Student free day- Kinder – Year 10 (Yr 11/12 attend)
13 – 24 July School holidays
27 - 29 July Whole school Student Free Day
Term 3 30 July First day of Term 3
27-19 July Whole School Student Free Day
25 September Last day of Term 3 for students
1 October Whole school Student Free Day
2 October Public Holiday – Burnie Show
Term 4 19 October First day of Term 4
2 November Public Holiday
5 November Year 11/12 Graduation Ceremony
6 November Year 11/12 Assembly & Year 11/12 Last Day
27 November Public Holiday
3 December Celebration Service – Ulverstone Campus
4 December Year 10 Last Day
10 December Celebration Service – Burnie Campus
11 December Last day of Term 4 for students
14-16 December Whole school Student Free Day
