From the Principal 

Dear Parents and Carers, 

The past two weeks have been the most challenging for all of us. You are empathetic and supportive, and I am so grateful to belong to you. It is a privilege being a part of the Le Page Primary School family. I am starting this week's message with a tribute to Chloe Rendall.

Our Love for Chloe

We had the privilege of getting to know someone very special. Her name is Chloe. When she started in Foundation, some might say she was a cheeky little monkey. She was so spirited, and the first in the class to ask the teachers questions, to share her stories, and to give her opinions, almost always before she put her hand up. 

Making her way through Grade One, Chloe’s confidence increased and with each day, her inner character was revealed more and more. The staff noticed an inner strength, a strong-minded child, demonstrating focus and determination in class. Her smiles and laughter were abundant. 

By Grade Two, Chloe was having a significant impact on the students and staff. Her empathy for others had developed beyond her years. This attracted peers and made her popular. Even at eight years of age, she was mindful of others’ needs, often putting them before her own. This was her predominant behaviour. Chloe applied herself in the same way with the staff. Every one of her teachers would be greeted with an attempted hug. We would step back from her hugs, following professional conduct. She would say she loved us, and regularly made us cards and art and craft gifts. Most included love hearts. 

In the staff room, Chloe and her brothers Lachlan and Liam, are often the topic of discussion. The theme is always celebrative and positive. According to us, they represent Le Page Primary School’s vision and mission more than anyone else.  The staff agree, that the Rendall children are our greatest success story. 

Chloe, the day you went away, is the day we won’t be the same. Because you were a great friend to so many, we have decided to rename the Friendship Seat, Chloe’s Seat. Right now, it is covered in flowers and cards from the Le Page Primary School families who love you. We don’t know where you are, but we trust you are together with your amazing mum Koby, your big sister Hayley, and your little brother Harrison. We miss you Chloe, and our hearts are broken. All your friends say hi. All the teachers are sending the hugs we never gave, in the moment when you were here. 

School Review

The school is halfway through its four-year cycle review process. The goals, targets and outcomes of the previous School Strategic Plan have been analysed. Our students, teachers, education support members and parents have been interviewed by a review panel comprising our school council president Emma Benitez, two principals, a senior education improvement officer and an external reviewer. The panel’s questioning aimed to understand school community members perceptions of the school’s operations. There is much to celebrate. The analysis identified and confirmed an inclusive and nurturing teaching and learning culture, that fosters student confidence and sense of connectedness. Next Tuesday, the panel will make recommendations for the development of the next School Strategic Plan. When complete, the new plan will be shared.

Remote Learning Extended

We are hoping to return to face-to-face teaching in Term 4. Our remote learning system seems to be working well. Parent and student feedback regarding the two daily zoom meetings has been very positive. Parents and teachers agree that the 12.30pm meeting has increased student accountability and reduced some of the driving pressure on parents. And as a reminder, parents are encouraged to reach out to the teachers, if there is any need for extra support at home, with remote learning. Hard copy learning packs are available each Friday from 1.00pm from the office, for those without home printing options.

Thinking about Leadership

Leadership is the umbrella term to encompass the many character traits and basic life competencies that parents, business leaders, and educators are voicing as the desired skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century. Leadership is a concept we don’t normally consider when thinking of young children. However, young children are very capable of learning leadership skills and using them at home and at school. By developing well-rounded children who know their strengths, we help them to unleash their potential to lead their own lives and to influence others. 

Practicing Habits 1-3 (Be Proactive, Begin With The End In Mind, and Put First Things First) fosters the development of time-management, planning and goal-setting skills. Practicing Habit 4-6 (Think Win-Win, Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood, and Synergise) fosters the development of conflict resolution, listening, creativity, and teamwork skills. Practicing Habit 7 (Sharpen the Saw) fosters a balanced approach to taking care of the body, brain, heart, and soul. These habits and skillsets equip leaders to be effective and influential. 

Practicing the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People from a young age, sets our students up for success. As they transition to high school, they know what they are naturally good at, and passionate about, can set and work towards achieving their goals, and are empowered and self-driven learners. They are our leaders of the future, in the making.

Education Support Staff

This week we paused to recognise and celebrate the positive impact our support staff have on the students, teachers and parents. Led by Heather Gillott, our team members are: Mersa Keskic, Giancarlo Siclari, Anna Ottersbach, Bethany Rusden, Cheng Qian, Gemma Baker, Kathy Kritharidou, Kelli Colvin, Sam Boontjes, and Brooke Sheppard. We are grateful to have such a wonderful team and we appreciate them very much.

Kind regards,

George Danson