From the Principal 

Successful Start to the New School Year

The new school year at Le Page Primary School has commenced with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose. Our students and staff have embraced the start of Term 1 with a focus on building a positive learning environment and establishing routines that set the foundation for a successful year ahead.

Development of Class and Individual Mission Statements

A key initiative this term has been the development of both class and individual mission statements. These mission statements are rooted in the principles of The Leader in Me program, helping students to articulate their values, aspirations, and commitments for the year. Each class collaboratively crafted a mission statement that reflects their collective goals and the positive behaviors they strive to exhibit daily. Individually, students have created personal mission statements that guide their academic and personal growth, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning journey.

Setting Personal and Academic Goals

Aligned with our mission statement initiative, students have set clear personal and academic goals for Term 1. The primary academic focus areas include handwriting and lining up, both of which are essential skills that contribute to overall student success and classroom efficiency.

Handwriting: Teachers are implementing targeted strategies to improve students' handwriting, emphasizing neatness, legibility, and consistency. Regular practice sessions and individualised feedback are helping students refine their writing skills, which are fundamental for effective communication across all subjects.

Lining Up: Establishing orderly and respectful lining-up routines has been another focal point. This seemingly simple practice plays a significant role in promoting discipline, cooperation, and a smooth transition between classroom activities. Students are learning to line up promptly and quietly, fostering a calm and organized school environment.

School Transition Routines

Transitioning smoothly into the new school year has been a priority, and our structured routines have greatly supported this process. Teachers have introduced and reinforced daily routines that help students feel secure and confident in their school environment. Morning line-ups, classroom entry and exit procedures, and transitions between subjects are all designed to minimize disruptions and maximise learning time.

These routines not only help students adjust to the school environment but also teach important life skills such as time management, responsibility, and respect for others.

The successful start to the new school year at Le Page Primary School is a testament to the dedication of our students, staff, and community. By focusing on the development of mission statements, setting clear goals, and establishing effective routines, we are laying the groundwork for a year filled with growth, achievement, and leadership. 

We look forward to seeing our students continue to thrive and embody the values and skills that will guide them throughout their educational journey.

Parent Teacher Meet and Greet

We are delighted to share that the Parent-Teacher Meet and Greet Meetings held on Monday were a tremendous success! It was wonderful to see so many families engaging with our dedicated teachers, building strong connections that are vital for supporting our students' growth and development.

The positive energy and open communication throughout the evening highlighted the strong partnership between home and school. These connections play a crucial role in fostering an environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We appreciate your time, enthusiasm, and commitment to your child's education. Your involvement is invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration throughout the year.

If you were unable to attend and would like to arrange a time to meet with your child's teacher, please do not hesitate to contact the school office or reach out directly via Compass.

School Council Election Nominations

An election is being conducted for members of the School Council of Le Page Primary. Nomination forms were posted January 28 and due by 4.00pm today, Friday February 7. Following the closing of nominations, a list of the nominations received will be posted on Compass. If the number of nominations is less than the number of vacancies, a notice to that effect and calling for further nominations will be posted. Should the number of nominations exceed the number of vacancies, a ballot will be conducted, by which ballot papers will be prepared and distributed on Friday February 14 and close at 4.00pm on Friday February 21. There are three Parent Member Membership vacancies. The Term of Office is from the day after the date of the declaration of the poll in 2025 to and inclusive of the date of the declaration of the poll in 2027.

Election Steps Timeline

A. Notice of election and call for nominations - Tue Jan 28

B. Closing date for nominations - Fri Feb 7

C. Date by which the list of candidates and nominators will be posted - Mon Feb 10

D. Date by which ballot papers will be prepared and distributed Fri Feb 14

E. Close of ballot - Fri Feb 21

F. Vote count - Mon Feb 24

G. Declaration of poll - Mon Feb 24

H. Council meeting to elect office bearers (principal presiding) - Tue Feb 25, 6.00 pm

I. First council meeting for 2025 - Tue Feb 25, 6.30 pm

Family Picnic and Games Night

You are warmly invited to join the Le Page Primary School community for an evening of fun, connection, and laughter.

When: Thursday, February 13th

Time: 5:30-7:30 pm

Where: School Oval

Bring along your picnic blankets, folding chairs, and a delicious picnic dinner to enjoy with family and friends. Following the picnic, our wonderful teachers will facilitate a range of exciting games and activities that are sure to entertain both kids and adults alike!

This is a fantastic opportunity to meet other families, connect with the school community, and kick off the year with a smile.

Importance of Punctuality and High Attendance

At Le Page Primary School, we are committed to providing every student with the best possible learning experience. To achieve this, regular attendance and punctuality are essential.

Why is punctuality and high attendance important?

Maximises Learning: Arriving on time ensures your child doesn't miss vital instructions and learning activities that set the tone for the day.

Builds Responsibility: Consistent punctuality fosters good habits, teaching children time management and responsibility - skills that benefit them throughout life.

Supports Social Connections: Being on time allows children to settle in and connect with their peers, contributing to a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

Boosts Academic Success: High attendance directly impacts academic growth and achievement, helping your child reach their full potential.

We understand that sometimes absences or late arrivals are unavoidable due to illness or unforeseen circumstances. However, we encourage families to prioritise attendance and ensure students arrive by 8:55 AM each day, ready to learn.

If your child is unwell or unable to attend school, please enter the absence on Compass or contact the school via email or phone as early as possible.

Thank you for your support in fostering a strong learning culture at Le Page Primary School.

Home School Communication

At Le Page Primary School, we are proud to serve as a community hub, bringing families together to share in a rich journey of learning and experiences. By working in partnership, staff and parents foster outstanding personal and academic achievements for our students. To support this partnership, we have outlined clear communication guidelines to ensure effective, respectful, and constructive interactions between home and school.

Compass Communication Platform Compass serves as our primary communication platform. Parents will receive emails and daily updates regarding all aspects of the school's operations. Additionally, a fortnightly newsletter is emailed via Compass, providing relevant and current information about school activities, events, and updates.

Opportunities for Engagement

We encourage parents and teachers to discuss students’ academic and personal growth during the following:

·         Semester Parent-Teacher Conferences

·         Scheduled Student Support Group (SSG) meetings

·         Pre-arranged meetings at mutually agreed times

Informal Updates

Brief updates on urgent but non-critical matters can occur informally during morning line-up or student dismissal. These quick exchanges provide an opportunity to connect with teachers without disrupting classroom time.

Email Communication via Compass Emails are reserved for formal and occasional information sharing. To maintain clarity and efficiency, emails must be brief. For more detailed discussions, we encourage scheduling a meeting. Teachers will respond to emails within two business days and check emails only during the following times:

·         Before 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday

·         Before 2:00 pm on Friday

Respectful Communication

All interactions between parents, students, and staff are guided by Stephen Covey’s principle, “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.” We emphasise the importance of maintaining a positive, respectful, and non-judgmental approach in all communications to strengthen our relationships and foster student growth.

By embracing these guidelines, we aim to strengthen the partnership between home and school, creating a synergy that supports every student’s academic and personal development. 

At Le Page Primary School, our mission is to "Identify the talent, develop the confidence, and create the leader" in every student.

High Achievers Programs

We are excited to share that this week, several of our Year 5 and 6 students have commenced the Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP). This enriching, online program takes place during the school day and is designed to extend and challenge high-achieving students.

Selection for VHAP is conducted by the Department of Education, which analyses student achievement data to identify those best suited for the program. This ensures that students are both ready and able to fully engage with the advanced curriculum.

For Term 1, the following programs are being offered:

Patterns: From Symbols to Secrets (Primary Mathematics, Years 5-6) In this course, students will discover that mathematics is more than just finding the correct answer. They will explore the idea that there are often multiple solutions and strategies to solve problems. The curriculum covers advanced concepts not typically included in the primary mathematics syllabus, such as number patterns, alternative numeral systems, and cryptography. Students will be encouraged to view mathematics as a journey of exploration, where asking questions, making conjectures, and testing ideas are key components of learning.

The Power of the Pen (Primary English, Years 5-6): This course invites students to explore the profound purpose and impact of writing. They will delve into a world without writing, examine its historical development, and enhance their storytelling abilities. The program includes narrative masterclasses focusing on plot, character development, setting, perspective, voice, and genre. Students will also explore humorous and optimistic texts, differentiate between writing to control and writing to empower, and understand how writing can influence hearts and minds.

These classes run once a week throughout the term. We look forward to showcasing the exceptional work our students produce and sharing their achievements with the broader school community soon.

School Response to Behaviour

At Le Page Primary School, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students. As part of our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), our staff have been diligently refining our responses to student behaviour.

These behaviour expectations and processes are explicitly taught in every classroom to ensure that all students and staff have a clear understanding of the standards and procedures in place. This consistent approach helps create a cohesive and supportive environment where everyone knows what is expected and how to contribute to a positive school culture.

We kindly encourage you to familiarize yourself with these expectations and discuss them at home with your child. By reinforcing these principles both at school and at home, we can work together to ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and valued in our community.

Thank you for your ongoing support in promoting a positive and respectful learning environment.

Valued, Motivated and Proud

The staff at Le Page Primary School are deeply passionate and committed to fostering an environment where every student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. With a shared dedication to excellence, they embrace the school’s inclusive culture and take pride in the positive impact they have on students' lives. The collaborative spirit among teachers, learning specialists, and wellbeing staff creates a dynamic learning environment where innovative teaching practices and student-centered support systems flourish. 

Through programs like The Leader in Me, Respectful Relationships, and individualised learning pathways, staff members celebrate the unique growth journey of each child, inspiring them to reach their full potential. Their unwavering belief in every student’s ability to succeed, combined with a nurturing and proactive approach, makes Le Page Primary School a place where both students and educators feel valued, motivated, and proud to be part of a thriving community.

"Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." – Melody Beattie

Have a great weekend everyone.

George Danson