PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Dear Parents and Carers

As we head towards the September holiday period, we take some time to reflect on the term. Some highlights included, but are not limited to:

• The Swimming Program for Year 1/2.
• The continuation of the Young Authors Program.
• Incursions, including History Box, Girlosophy, 
• Celebrating our language program with Japanese Day
• The introduction of Welcome Circles every morning, every day.
• The establishment of the Walking School Bus.
• Participation in the Girls in STEM program at Ballarat Tech School.
• An Emergency Evacuation practise or two.
• The Dental Van visit to check our teeth
• Father’s Day activity session.
• Visits from Journey and Lucas Kinder students.
• Sporting teams representing the school in basketball and athletics.
• 100 days of school celebrations for our Prep students.
• Book Week celebrations with a dress up day and an Alice in Wonderland video.
• The annual school disco.

• Welcoming many new students and their families to the Lucas community. 

   

All of this on top of ensuring high quality classroom learning was maintained. As this is the last newsletter for Term 3, thanks to all parents and guardians for their support and we look forward to a positive final term when all students return on Monday October 6.

This is a friendly reminder that Term 3 will come to a close on Friday September 19 at the earlier finishing time of 1.30pm. We thank you in advance for making the necessary arrangements to support this earlier finishing time.

Father’s Day

Thanks to all those fathers, father figures and special guests who came along for a sausage and activity session on Monday. It was wonderful to see everyone spending a few special moments together joining in games and connecting over a game of basketball, a kick of the footy, a dance or a spot of building. 

Special thanks to Integra, who once again supported this initiative and assisted with the organisation of the Miners basketball players and some giveaways for the students.

Disco

Last Thursday, more than 400 students danced the night away at our annual school disco. Our very own DJ Tim Tam (Mrs Cooper) kept the energy high and had everyone on their feet. A big thank you goes to the Disco Working Party, led by Mrs Thorpe, along with staff who generously volunteered their time to make the event so memorable. Our parent volunteers supported the event with assistance on the door, supervision and running the food and drink stations. A huge thank you to those who were able to assist. The funds raised will directly support the development of our new playground and master plan.

Staffing 

Last week we farewelled Mrs Danielle Toose who began a period of family leave to welcome her second child into her growing family. We wish Dani, Tom and Ned all the best over the coming months.

As such, Mr Dylan Rodger will increase his Assistant Principal role to a full-time position. Mr Rodger is well placed to continue the wonderful work of the past as he leads the teaching and learning department.

Mr Nick Shell will be increasing his teaching allocation in Grade 5/6B. Nick has done an excellent job with the class this year and will continue this work full-time for the remainder of the year.

We will continue to have P-2 Performing Arts and Yr 3-6 Wellbeing sessions for the remainder of this term. We hope to have a full time Performing Arts teacher in place from the start of Term 4. Stay tuned for more details.

Traffic Reminders

Please remember that it is quite congested at drop off and pick up times. Considerate driving behaviours is paramount to ensure everyone remains safe. 

Some other strategies that can be used to assist with the congestion around the school at drop off and pick up times includes:

• Park and walk - we are lucky to have lots of parks and wide pathways around the school. Please consider parking away from the school and enjoy a stroll in the morning and in the afternoon. (This could calm some nerves)
• Drop your child at the Lucas Park at 8.30am so they can join the Walking School Bus. Departing each day at 8.35am. Look for the adults in fluoro vests.
• Ride your bike: The wide pathways are conducive to safe riding to and from school. The bike shed has lots of space and bikes are secured during the day. 
• Use the Children’s Crossing - Please ensure you use the school crossing when crossing O’Shannassy Pde. This street is very busy before and after school as cars are parked on both sides of the street. As adults, we must also model safe pedestrian behaviour. Fiona, our school crossing supervisor will be pleased to see you. 
• Use the bus service - There is a ‘student only’ bus service that drops off and picks up at Lucas PS. It has many stops between the school and Cardigan Village. Please contact the office for a schedule. Please note, a Myki card will be required.
• Have a pickup plan - discuss with your child where to meet you after school away from the school gates.

The bus stop at the front of the school is a no parking zone as the public bus systems runs throughout the day. The parking officers are regularly in and around Lucas issuing fines for people parking illegally. They are targeting school zones.

Term 4 Reminders

As we return for Term 4 on October 6, it is a timely reminder to:

• Check uniforms and upgrade as required. (This includes black shoes only)
• Ensure a school broad brimmed hat is washed and ready for Day 1. Term 4 requires all students to wear a hat while outside.