Principal's message

Staffing changes

Recently we have made some staffing appointments, both to positions created internally, and in welcoming some new staff members to the school. These newly created roles, and the staff members filling them, are as follows: 

- Seamus Coppick: Learning Specialist - Instructional Practice

- Alana Smith: Leading Teacher - Applied Learning

- Nim McIntyre: Learning Specialist - Learning Interventions

- Patrick Keane: Maths/science classroom teacher 

- Kiki Havos: Art Therapist (part-time)

- Sharyn Attard: Facilities Manager (in addition to her existing role and duties)

- Mara Weyers: Admin support (Richmond)

- Molly Willerton: Classroom support (Richmond, part-time)

- Jack Kong: Kitchen support (Coburg)

- Mick Murphy: Hands on Learning artisan teacher (casual)

Enrolment & Attendance

Our current total enrolment across Richmond and Coburg is 65. Compared to previous years, a larger number of our young people are turning up to school regularly, which provides more opportunities for them to engage in learning and contribute to a safe and respectful learning environment. 

In coming years we hope to build student numbers to around 100 students across both sites. In doing so, we intend to meet the needs of students who broadly fit the following categories: a) reside close to one of our two campuses, b) had a strong interest in one or more of our programs or in our approach to teaching and learning, c) have a specific learning need that our school environment can cater to. 

School Council Elections and Membership 

Last week we held our first school council meeting for 2023. During my time as LHCS Principal, I have had the pleasure of working with various parents, staff and students in support of the proper governance of the school. Having an engaged school council is important in ensuring that decisions of the school are made having regard, as a primary consideration, to the best interest of the students. Ultimately, decisions are designed to enhance the educational opportunities of each young person enrolled at our school. I thank our school council members for the important work they do. 

Nominations are now being sought for our new school council, which will be formed at our next meeting on March 23rd. There are two parent vacancies, one staff vacancy, and two student vacancies to be filled. Interested people are welcome to contact me with any questions.

School Improvement Team (SIT): what we do

Our school also recently held the first meeting for its 2023 School Improvement team (SIT). The School Improvement Team builds teacher and leadership capacity and drives a culture of learning at the school. The SIT forms an integral part of the leadership structure of a school, undertaking the crucial role of developing, overseeing, and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) each year. 

In 2023 we have adopted a broader membership of SIT and have set a schedule of meetings throughout the year coinciding with key dates for the development, implementation and monitoring of our school's Annual Implementation Plan.