I would like to welcome our newest members to the Lockington Consolidated School Council - Trish McVeigh (Department of Education), Dan Walker and Celia Hobbs (Parent Members) as well as the renominated members of Mel Sproal-Portwine, Anna Kemp and Michelle Johns. These members will join myself, Jackson Gray and Taylah Smith (Department of Education representatives), Kerryn Giorgianni and Melissa Gowler (Parent representatives) to form the 2026 School Council.

Our first meeting was held on Tuesday night and I am pleased to announce the following office bearers:

President: Michelle Johns

Vice- President: Mel Gowler

Treasurer/Finance: Mel Sproal- Portwine

Minutes Secretary: Taylah Smith

All members of council represent the best interests of our children and families and help to ensure our school is not only compliant with departmental and government regulations (regarding policies and finance) but to help shape the future direction of our school.

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday March 24th at 6pm.

Donations of Goods

Whilst we really do appreciate it when we are "gifted" items from families that they no longer have use for or to enhance our programs, grounds or classrooms we do ask the following:

Please do not leave items on our doorstep, outside the office or in the yard.
Always check with myself or other staff members before bringing items to school.
Consider if the items are safe, in good working order and clean.

At the moment we do not require any more items for the Peace Garden or sandpit areas as too many large items can be a safety risk and we need to ensure that there is ample space for all students to use the area and do so safely.

Mrs Portwine and Mrs DeKleuver (STEM and Visual Arts) are always happy to accept washed and safe items for craft and experiments but the above information still applies.

Parking and Vehicle Access

Please be aware that there are to be no cars driving down the driveway on Lockington Road side of the school (from where the buses park and down toward the teacher's parking area at the rear of the school) during the hours of 8.15am and 4pm in either direction.

The Hopetoun Street entrance is for staff access only.

All parents and carers must use the front car park via the Forest Street entrance for student drop-off and pick-up. Please follow the posted signage and observe the designated traffic flow — one way in and one way out.

Under no circumstances should the Lockington Road exit be used for dropping off or collecting students. Please do not enter the school via this exit, as you may encounter buses or obstruct their pathway.

These rules are in place for the safety of our students, parents and staff.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this very important matter.

Meet & Greet and Student Support Group Meetings

Thank you to families who came along to either of the above meetings. These meetings set the tone for the year ahead and are a chance for parents and teachers to have a conversation about individual students and to reach a common understanding with regards expectations, academic learning as well as social and emotional concerns.

Just a reminder that if parents would like to discuss any matters with a particular teacher or myself, please reach out (via Xuno or a phone call to the office) to make a suitable time to meet. When a time is booked in, rather than just trying to "catch" a staff member before/after school or during the day, we are often having to rush conversations in order to fit in other necessary tasks and this can make all parties feel pressured. We are always willing to sit and discuss any matters with families and work in partnership through any concerns or issues.

In two weeks time our Year 3 and 5 students will participate in the annual NAPLAN Testing Program. Teachers of these students have begun preparations to familiarise their students with the testing format and will continue to do so up until the testing days. We ask that if you have a child who is to sit NAPLAN that you make every effort to ensure that they attend school on the the scheduled days (unless they are ill). There is the opportunity for students who are absent to sit "catch up" testing sessions, but students take part in these additional sessions are often at a disadvantage in terms of whole group preparation and instruction and do not have the advantage of having their peers sit alongside them.

Our school's testing times and dates are below:

Wednesday March 11th- Writing

Thursday March 12th - Reading and Conventions of Language

Friday March 12th - Numeracy

If you have any questions about he program or concerns relating to your child's participation, please make a time to speak with me.

Click on the link below for more information about the NAPLAN testing program

Parent Information Brochure

That's all for this week, Lisa Duffy

Community News