PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have had a busy start to the term with lots of activity around the school. Transitioning back into a learning routine after a holiday period can be challenging for some and takes a coordinated effort between students, parents and staff to reestablish some routines. Our appreciation goes out to the parents and carers who have supported their children in this process.

Last week we had a challenging moment on Thursday with a hoax threat that required our student safety procedures to be enacted. The responsiveness of our students and staff during this event was exceptional. Our staff did an amazing job remaining calm to ensure all students were accounted for and kept safe during the event. Even though this situation panned out to be harmless, being prepared and having clear safety practices is paramount. We regularly run our emergency drills which enable us to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff and visitors is of the highest of priorities should an emergency arise.

Heating and Cooling Works

Our heating and cooling work has continued during the early part of this term. Learning Community 1/2, the Specialist Pavillion and the Admin Building are approaching completion and the Learning Community 3/4 should be completed within a few weeks. This work is funded through the VSBA building program and will ultimately provide a learning environment that is comfortable for all, year round. 

Book Fair

It has been wonderful to see many families taking advantage of our Book Fair this week. Once again, this year we have engaged Lamont to provide an extensive range of books for students and their families to browse and purchase from during the Book Fair. The Book Fair is running from our Administration Building this week at the times listed below. Not only does the Book Fair enable families to update their home libraries, for each sale, the school receives a small commission so that we can continue to update the libraries at school. In 2023, we were able to purchase over $2000 worth of books from the efforts of our families.

Thanks to all those who have already attended the Book Fair this week, your support is greatly appreciated.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

This Thursday, for the first time, we are celebrating the grandparents and special friends in our students’ lives. Between 9 and 11am, our special visitors are welcome to join in some activities in the classrooms. We also have the Book Fair open should our special guests wish to purchase a book.

We look forward to this special occasion.

NAPLAN

Recently, we received our NAPLAN results for 2024 and are currently in the process of working through the data. All Year 3 and 5 students have received their reports in hard copy that were sent home in specially addressed envelopes last Thursday July 25.

At this time, we need to remember that NAPLAN is just one form of assessment that we use to develop learning plans for the students. The results don’t define us as there are many elements that underpin an effective learner.

2024 is the second year that NAPLAN has adopted a parent friendly reporting scale; Exceeding, Strong, Developing, Needs Additional Support. The accompanying information that was sent out as a Compass message last Thursday helps to explain the report and how to interpret the results.

Well done to all of our Year 3 and 5 students and teachers who have successfully navigated the NAPLAN process this year. 

2025 Prep Enrolments

As we are currently beginning our planning for 2025, there is a call out for all Prep enrolments for next year. The following support is provided to siblings of current students and perspective students living within the Lucas Primary School zone:

• Enrolment packs are available from the school office.
• School tours are being conducted every Wednesday at 9:30am for those wishing to find out a little more about the school.
• Our supportive office staff are available to answer all your questions.
• Our website has important information relating to school zones and beginning school.

What to do to enrol:

1. Refer to www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au to confirm that your address in the Lucas School zone. If you are unsure if you are in our zone, please do not hesitate to call the school to confirm your address.
2. Contact the school office to request an enrolment pack and if you would like, book in for a school tour (bookings are essential).
3. Submit all required enrolment paperwork either in person or via email. lucas.ps@education.vic.gov.au

If you, or someone you know is yet to submit enrolment forms for 2025, please contact the school office for support. 

Over the past few weeks, we have begun our Prep Transition program with visits from local kindergartens. Our current Preps have enjoyed being hosts to the younger visitors, proudly showing off what it is like to be a primary school student. We look forward to further visits over the coming weeks before our more formal 2025 Prep Transition program begins in Term 4.

Swimming Program

Our Year 1/2 students have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in their intensive swimming program over the past two weeks. Year 1/2 A,B,C and D completed their program last week, while 1/2 E,F,G and H will be putting their skills to the test this week. The students have represented the school to the highest of standards while participating in the program and it is always wonderful to see the smiles on their faces as they return to school after each session. 

New Flags

Our thanks go out to Catherine King’s office for the kind donation of new flags to proudly display in Sawyer Street. The Lucas winds often play havoc with our flags as it tends to whip through the school grounds. The flags took a particular battering during Semester 1, leaving them quite tattered. 

Our new Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags will be hoisted this week.

Lost Property

Lost Property is situated in the administration building near the office. Parents and students are encouraged to come and look in our new lost property box if students' belongings have gone missing.

We have a huge number of jumpers, jackets and coats that have not been claimed. Along with this there is still quite a few belongings left from grade 3/4 camp. 

Any items that may have been misplaced at Lucas Leap Holiday Program or Before and After School Care are also stored here. 

As always, we ask that you clearly name ALL of your children's uniform and belongings please. This will ensure that they make their way back to their rightful owner.