Principal Class Report 190625

Misuse of Social Media

It has been brought to the school’s attention, the misuse of social media at home.

The recent reports relate to:

the use of Roblox
identification of LPS landmarks
unkind / unsafe remarks

With Roblox, please note that users under the age of 13 need parent permission to access certain chat features. Users under the age of 9 also need parent permission to access experiences with content maturity “Moderate,” which may contain things like moderate violence or moderate crude humor.

We ask for all parents to discuss with their child/ren how they are using Roblox, report to parents any misuse and the impact that such unkind / unsafe remarks can have on others.

This is a timely reminder of the Safe Socials – For parents and carers (Primary), which helps parents and carers prepare and support their child/ren to be safe on social media even if they do not use it yet, by building good online habits.

School Reports: A Time for Reflection and Connection

As we approach the release of school reports, it's not just a time to look at grades - it's a valuable opportunity to strengthen the connection between students, families, and teachers.

School reports offer a snapshot of a student's academic progress, but they also open the door to important conversations. When we sit down to review a report together, we are doing more than discussing results - we are listening, sharing, and supporting. This shared reflection builds trust and understanding, and reinforces that we are all working toward the same goal: the growth and success of every student.

For students, this connection can be empowering. It helps them see that their efforts are recognised and that they are supported by a team that believes in them.
For families, it is a moment to celebrate achievements, acknowledge challenges, and plan next steps in a positive and proactive way.
For teachers, it is a chance to deepen relationships with both students and their families, tailoring support to meet each learner’s needs.

We encourage all families to use the mid school reports as a springboard for connection. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and celebrate progress—academic or personal. And please do not hesitate to reach out to teachers; communication is a vital part of the partnership.

At LPS, we believe that connection fuels growth. Let’s use this report season not only to reflect, but to reconnect—because when we work together, students thrive.

Author Swarn Lamba Speaks to Young Readers at LPS

Students listened attentively to the author Swarn Lamba as she presented her book at the whole school assembly on Friday 23rd May 2025. She talked about the key features of the baobab, often called the “Tree of Life”—its massive trunk that stores water, its ability to live for thousands of years, and its role as a shelter, food source, and meeting place in many African communities. As she spoke, Ms Lamba also shared a series of slides that brought her story to life—photos of ancient baobab trees, glimpses of Tanzanian landscapes, and close-ups of the animals and people that inspired her narrative. She also read excerpts from the book and drew the audience into the world of Listen, Whispers the Baobab.

The following week, Grade 4D invited Ms. Lamba into their classroom for a more personal visit. The students came prepared with a long list of questions, eager to learn more about her journey as a writer. They were especially curious about what inspired her to write, whether she was a well-known author, and—most candidly—if being an author meant she made a lot of money!

When asked about the writing process, she shared insights into her writing journey, her creative inspirations, and the work that goes into bringing a book to life For Listen, Whispers the Baobab. She described how she jots down ideas in notebooks, sometimes even sketching scenes or characters before the story takes shape. She emphasized the importance of revision—going back, rethinking, and rewriting many times. “The first draft is only the beginning,” she said. The students were fascinated to learn that writing a book doesn’t happen overnight. Ms Lamba shared that Listen, Whispers the Baobab took several years from idea to final publication

One of the highlights of the session was when students asked about the book’s illustrations. Ms Lamba explained that while she isn’t the illustrator herself, she works closely with the artist. “It’s a collaboration,” she explained. “I send the story, and we discuss the mood, the characters, and the setting. Then the illustrator starts sketching. Sometimes I change the words because of what the pictures show.” She described how important it is for the images to reflect the heart of the story as she flipped through her book to point out favourite drawings.

“How do you get a book published?” was one of the many questions students asked during the session. Ms Lamba offered a fascinating glimpse into the world of publishing, explaining how authors submit their stories to publishers and often wait weeks or even months to hear back. She described the editing process—how a manuscript goes through several rounds of changes, sometimes big and sometimes small—and how authors work closely with editors to shape the final story. Swarn also spoke about the role of illustrators, especially in picture books, and how the visual storytelling must align with the written word. “It’s like being on a team,” she explained. “Everyone—writer, editor, illustrator, designer—is working together to make the book the best it can be. You have to be patient and open to suggestions. It’s a journey, not a race.”

Ms Lamba also mentioned her other works, including Let’s Play, Kanche and Other Traditional games of India, which explores traditional games from various states in India, and A Twinkle, A Tear, a more emotional journey.

Finally, Ms. Lamba read a short excerpt from Listen, Whispers the Baobab, through the reading she shared a few fascinating myths about the baobab tree—how, according to African folklore, the tree once grew proudly tall, boasting about its beauty, until the gods grew tired of its arrogance and planted it upside down. That’s why, she explained, its bare branches stretch toward the sky like roots, giving it the nickname “the upside-down tree.”

It was a joy to see the students so engaged. Their questions revealed not only curiosity but a growing respect for story-telling and story writing. It was clear from the buzz in the classroom that this visit will inspire many future writers!

Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace for all

When parents, carers and school staff work together as one team, our students do better. Everyone at school, particularly staff and parents/carers, play a role in making school a better place for learning and work.

Parents, carers and school staff have a relationship that can last many years. This is an opportunity to work together to create a positive relationship in the best interests of your child. When this relationship is built on respect and trust, students learn better and feel like they belong in the school.

Every member of our school community has a right to feel safe and be protected.

The department’s Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy describes the positive behaviour expected from parents, carers, and other adults in Victorian school communities. The policy sets clear standards of behaviour to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for students, staff and adults.

There are also resources to support safe and respectful relationships in our school community, including information about getting involved in the school, advice on how to raise a concern or complaint, and parenting support resources.

You can find the policy and these resources here.

Somers Camp Parent Feedback

Hello

I just wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in making the Somers Camp happen for the lucky Grade 5 students that got the chance to go. What an incredible experience it was for the students!

My child truly gained so much from it. They came home with a deepened appreciation for the environment and the people around them. As a parent, I’ll admit I was a little anxious about the duration of the camp, but the growth I’ve seen in them over this time has been remarkable.

From everything I’ve heard, the camp was run seamlessly, and the staff were absolutely amazing. I could list so many lessons my child has brought home (and I hope to school as well!), but the ones that stand out most are accountability and respect - values that are already making a difference in our home.

Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to the LPS teachers and all the Somers Camp staff who made this possible. Their dedication has left a lasting impression on my child and the extended family.

I genuinely hope this becomes an opportunity that Lyndhurst Primary continues to be part of. I would encourage every family to embrace it if it comes around again—it’s truly worth it.

Thank you, Parent X

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