Wrapping Up Term 2
As we bring Term 2 to a close, we reflect on what has been a truly jam-packed term filled with powerful learning experiences, creativity, and countless moments of happiness. From engaging classroom projects and community events to enriching excursions and student-led initiatives, there has been an unmistakable energy across the school that speaks to the joy of learning and the strength of our school culture.
This term has seen our students challenge themselves academically, collaborate with kindness, and grow in confidence and independence. The smiles, laughter, and sense of pride evident in our classrooms and playgrounds have made it clear that Le Page continues to be a place where every child is encouraged to shine.
Book Fair
Led by librarian Anna Ottersbach, our Semester 1 Book Fair was a resounding success. The initiative engaged students with reading and fostered excitement about books both at home and school. Families were able to purchase titles, contributing to the development of home libraries and further supporting literacy at Le Page.
Read-a-thon
In tandem with the Book Fair, our Semester 1 Read-a-thon was a tremendous success. Spearheaded by the Social and Fundraising Team and facilitated by Anna Ottersbach, the program raised over $10,000. These funds will support future initiatives and resources that benefit our students. More importantly, the event nurtured a love of reading and a sense of purpose in our student body through participation and goal setting.
Leadership Day
Recently, we hosted a highly successful Leadership Morning as part of our ongoing commitment to the Leader in Me (LiM) framework. Approximately 50 visitors attended, including parents, extended family, and representatives from other schools. We were especially honoured to welcome Maria Matris from the FranklinCovey Sydney Team.
The morning began with a powerful student-led presentation in the hall. Students showcased their musical talents and delivered articulate, confident speeches highlighting their understanding and personal application of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This was further enriched by two parent speakers, Garry Tanner and Diane Flanagan, who shared insights into how the 7 Habits have positively influenced life at home.
Following the hall presentation, guests toured classrooms to see the LiM strategies embedded in daily practice. The morning concluded with a community morning tea. This event powerfully reinforced our students’ leadership capabilities and the depth of our staff’s commitment to holistic education.
Aveo Community Concert
Last Thursday, approximately 40 students from the school band and choir, accompanied by Susie Davies-Splitter, Richard Earl, and Tom Picking, visited the local Aveo community. The students delivered a heart-warming performance that was met with joy and gratitude by the residents. This event not only provided a public platform for student talents but also reinforced the school’s commitment to community engagement and service.
Auslan Check-ins
Last Friday, we welcomed another Auslan Check-in. This special event provided a meaningful opportunity for every class to engage with and learn from members of the Deaf community in a dynamic and inclusive setting.
Each session allowed students to deepen their understanding of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) while fostering respect and appreciation for Deaf culture. The Check-ins were designed to be interactive, engaging, and informative, ensuring that students gain practical experience and authentic insights that extend beyond the classroom.
Each cohort participated in a dedicated 30-minute session led by the Deaf presenter. These sessions focused on communication strategies, cultural awareness, and simple Auslan vocabulary, tailored to suit each year level.
The students and our staff gained a great deal from this experience, both educationally and personally, as they developed greater empathy, communication skills, and a deeper connection to the world of Auslan.
Interschool Sport & Lightning Premiership
Throughout Term 2, students in Years 5 and 6, along with a select group of Year 4 girls, represented Le Page in Netball, Soccer, and Softball against other Kingston Network schools. These weekly sports events focused on developing social growth, teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership.
We are especially proud of our girls' softball team, comprising mostly Year 4 students, who achieved near-total success in their matches. Their performance was a testament to the school’s culture of empowerment and perseverance.
The interschool sports program culminated in the Kingston Network Lightning Premiership Round Robin today, marking the end of a vibrant and rewarding sporting season.
Grade 3 & 4 Mini Concert – What a Wonderful World
Yesterday, the Year 3-4 students enthusiastically performed a mini concert, titled "What a Wonderful World." They showcased their creative and musical talents performing five diverse and engaging musical pieces:
- Touch the Sky
- We Will Rock You
- Somebody That I Used to Know / Anxiety Mash-Up
- What a Wonderful World
- Waka Waka – including both singing and dance
Each performance integrated a variety of artistic elements. Students were involved in combinations of:
- Singing
- Dancing
- Auslan signing
- Playing instruments – including recorder, drums, keyboards, and guitars
The choosing of these pieces aimed to provide a rich and collaborative learning experience, allowing students to explore rhythm, melody, expression, and performance technique while reinforcing confidence, coordination, and teamwork.
This event was a wonderful opportunity for families to see first-hand the musical progress and creativity being nurtured by Susie Davies-Splitter’s in her dynamic music program. It was an uplifting and memorable showcase.
Watch How We Teach Maths
On Monday, parents observed a series of classroom demonstrations as part of our "Watch How We Teach Maths" initiative. The focus was on explicit teaching, a cornerstone of our 2025 pedagogical approach.
This initiative is part of our broader strategy to reduce cognitive load across all learning areas, allowing students to master core concepts with clarity. Early data and observation indicate strong academic growth across subjects, affirming the impact of our instructional design.
National Tree Planting Day – Growing Together!
On Tuesday, we celebrated National Tree Planting Day a little earlier with a special visit from our local MP, Nick Staikos. To help mark the occasion, Nick donated a native tree and lent a hand with planting it in the inclusive garden.
National Tree Planting Day is all about getting people involved in looking after the environment, one tree at a time. Since it began in 1996, Australians have planted almost 28 million native plants, helping make our parks, schools, and neighbourhoods greener and healthier.
Reporting and Parent-Teacher Interviews
Student Semester 1 reports were published on Compass today. Parent-Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, July 1st. These meetings offer an opportunity for discussions about student progress and goal setting for Semester 2.
“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” - Chinese Proverb
Thank you for being part of such a vibrant and caring school community. We wish all our students, families, and staff a joyful, safe, and restful holiday break. May it be filled with laughter, love, and plenty of time to recharge.
Please remember that school will finish early next Friday at 2:30 pm, marking the start of the well-deserved school holidays.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Le Page Primary School!
George Danson