From the Principal 

Dear Parents and Carers,

I was on leave for the first two weeks of term. I thank Courtney Mason for Acting as Principal, during this period.

Financial Management

Wendy Sheppard has been hired on a casual basis, to manage the school’s finances. We send our best wishes to Heather Gillott as she continues her leave.

Chess Club

This term chess club commenced. 22 students are participating in the program, which runs weekly.

Movie Night 

On Wednesday November 9, the students’ movies will be screened at Village Southland. Outstanding production payments and ticket purchases should be made before the screening. This is a rewarding and fun experience for the whole family.

Tutor Learning Initiative

The T.L.I. will continue in 2023. F-2 students will be targeted. The focus will be Reading and Mini-lit will be the remedial approach.

Leadership Day

On Thursday December 1st 9.30 – 11.30 the students will welcome the school community and showcase how they practice the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The morning session will comprise a welcome assembly, school tours, habits in action, and reflection. Morning tea will be provided at 11.00. See the RSVP flyer on Compass.

Leader in Me School Review 

Last Wednesday I teamed up with L.I.M. International Reviewer Brooke Judd, to review Gladesville Primary School’s readiness for Lighthouse accreditation. It was a privilege to spend the day with staff and students, and to observe leadership at all levels and the embedded practices of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The school of only 75 students, was welcoming and dynamic. Le Page Primary School is working towards Lighthouse accreditation, with a review in 2024.

Compass Notifications, Permission Slips and Payments 

We are working towards an easier online system for parents to authorise permission and payments for events and activities. BPay has been offered as an option this term. In 2023, the QKR platform will be introduced.

M.P. Nick Staikos' Presentation of the Lorraine Francis Award

State Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos visited Le Page Primary School, to present the annual Lorraine Francis award. This award was named in honour of a former principal of St Peter’s Primary School in East Bentleigh, the late Lorraine Francis. Lorraine was a primary school principal. She served as principal of St Peter’s from 1995 to 2005. Lorraine was someone who always taught her students the value of service to others. Whether it was participating in school fundraisers to provide aid for people in remote villages around the world, or for causes closer to home, Lorraine encouraged her students to make the lives of others better. In doing this, she empowered her students to be strong leaders. The award is presented to a student from each of the schools in the electorate of Bentleigh who is in the school’s most senior year level; demonstrates community leadership either at school or outside school; and has influenced others to get involved in improving the lives of people in the local or broader community. The student can be nominated by teachers, students or both. The nominated student receives a trophy and a gift voucher from Benn’s Books, Bentleigh.

This year's recipient of Lorraine Francis award was Harry B. Harry was recognised for the following reasons.

Harry is a positive role model for students in and outside the school community. He is a 2023 School Leader (Vice Captain). Harry is tall and strong in statue, with a high capacity to support and encourage others. He is empathetic and caring. He is a member of various sporting groups. He is a dedicated sportsperson, active team player and an inclusive captain. Football is one of the sports Harry excels in. Harry’s influence across the school community is significant. Harry has won the trust of many new students who enrolled at Le Page Primary School over the past two years. The students in the school look up to Harry as an inspirational leader, nurturer, and someone who will defend what is moral and just. He is gentle, yet with the courage and strength of a lion. Harry’s heart and actions heal the world.

Sun Smart Reminder

Despite the wet and soggy weather of late, in Term 1 and 4, all students are required to wear sunhats outside during school hours.

NAPLAN

Data from our NAPLAN results have now been released. Staff will continue looking at this to look for patterns and trends so to address areas of concern. Jarrod Bradley and Courtney Mason attended a NAPLAN data analysis meeting to gain further insight into how to analyse our data effectively. Overall, our NAPLAN data was pleasing, showing we are achieving results similar to our like schools. Unfortunately, we do not have growth data as our six Year 5 students didn’t do NAPLAN in 2020. Spelling remains our greatest area of concern and the school is addressing this by developing consistent, research-based phonics and spelling approaches across the whole school. 

Attitudes to School Survey

Results for our Attitudes to School Survey have just been released with some very positive results. The four main areas surveyed for students are differentiated learning challenge, effective classroom behaviour, effective teaching time and stimulated learning. All Year 4-6 students completed an online survey earlier in the year that was confidential and not completed with their teacher. Results are given as a percentage positive endorsement with comparison to similar schools, all schools in the Kingston Network and the entire state. Screenshots of our data are below.

It is Not Okay to be Regularly Late or Absent

It should only be on minimal occasions, that students arrive late to school or are absent. Sometimes we all have private appointments to attend. 80% of students are punctual and reap the full benefit of settling into the class on time and participating in the explicit Reading instruction between 9.00 am and 10.00 am. For students who regularly arrive up to one hour late, or are absent, significant learning is lost, and difficult to catch up. Arriving late regularly is not an option when we want the best for our students. The state average of student absent days per year is 12.  Some students at Le Page Primary School have already been absent in excess of 50 days this year (not referring to family holidays), which equates to 1 Term of lost learning. All late arrivals need to present themselves at the office for a late pass, and Compass attendance record modification. Families struggling with student attendance are encouraged to contact the school to co-construct a supportive plan.

Chicken Coop Project

The Student Green Team presented a proposal to construct a Chicken Coop in the vegetable garden space outside the BER building. The proposal was granted. The total cost for the development is $3500. The Student Lighthouse Team members who are also Green Team members requested that the school conducts a casual dress day to cover the partial cost, and the remaining cost be covered by the 2022 fundraising sum. The School Council approved the motion. The coop will be constructed before the end of Term 4 and the chickens will be introduced to their new home, shortly thereafter.

Student Light House Spending Proposal

Last week the Student Lighthouse Team presented their spending proposal to the School Council. Main ideas included a giant outdoor chess set, painted snakes and ladders game/board on the asphalt, activity trails, 2 and 4 square relining etc. The School Council approved the students' proposal. The Student Lighthouse Team will now place their orders. The Social and Fundraising Sub-committee raised approximately $27,000 this year: an outstanding achievement for the students.

Habit 1: Be Proactive

Gratitude: Be thankful for what we have. 

Empathy: Practice random acts of kindness. 

Mindfulness: Keep in the present moment. 

Reflecting on G.E.M. can change the way we think and feel. As we feel gratitude, practice empathy and remain mindful, we actually nurture ourselves: we positively influence others and increase our capacity to create win-win outcomes. G.E.M. fosters a sense of peace and happiness, regardless of our circumstances.

Have a great weekend everyone.

George Danson