Dear Parents,

It often gets to this time of the year, especially with the changing weather, that things seem a bit more challenging. It is in these times that being around our children fills us with so much joy! The resilience of our children never ceases to amaze me and their ability to look beyond the rain to see the rainbow is inspiring!

Walking the corridors of St Leonard’s this past week has put a smile on my face, from seeing our Preps in buddy reading, Year 1/2 tackling new words during phonics, our 3/4 students engaging in hands on maths tasks and our 5/6 children leading their own literature circles, there is always a buzz of energy and an excitement around our learning. It is a testament to the learning design of our staff, knowing the needs of our children and being able to engage them in learning at their point of need.

It has also been wonderful to see how our students interact during playtime. Their smiling faces and their laughter fills the school grounds with such an uplifting sense of what school is all about. Being outside, playing ball games, climbing or digging lets our children be just that…kids! While academics are our core business, being outside and playing with our friends and creating memories is fundamental to our Primary School journey.

School Advisory Expression of Interest

We are calling for expressions of interest to join our School Advisory Council (SAC).

The School Advisory Council provides a forum for discussion and discernment, where parent voice and community perspective are available to inform and support the decisions made by the principal and parish priest as the custodian of mission for the good of school and parish where students’ wellbeing and outcomes are paramount.

If you would be interested in joining the SAC please email principal@leonardsgwav.catholic.edu.au

Important Reminder - Safe Driving and Carpark Protocols

It has come to our attention that there has been a concerning increase in dangerous driving and a lack of patience on school grounds, particularly during peak drop-off and pick-up times. This behaviour poses a serious risk to the safety of our students, staff, and families — and it must stop.

We understand that traffic congestion on Springvale Road and Allen Street can be frustrating during busy periods. However, unsafe driving or parking practices are not acceptable under any circumstances. We urge all members of our school community to remain calm, courteous, and vigilant — our children’s safety depends on it.

Please take a moment to review and follow these important carpark protocols:

· DRIVE SLOWLY and follow the one-way loop in both the Springvale Road and Allen Street carparks. Speeding is strictly prohibited.

· If entering via Springvale Road, PLEASE SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY.

· When exiting onto Springvale Road, LOOK BOTH WAYS, CAREFULLY — especially to the left, where pedestrians and children may be walking or cycling. Please be alert and patient.

· Parents/guardians must accompany children across all pedestrian crossings. Children must not be dropped off to walk alone from the Springvale Road car park.

· Only park in designated bays. Do not block pedestrian walkways, driveways, or other vehicles.

· Disabled parking bays (within the school and in front of the parish) are for vehicles with a valid permit only, clearly displayed.

· 10-minute bays are for during-the-day pick-up/drop-off or deliveries only — not before or after school.

· Students not collected by 3:30pm must remain inside the school with staff supervision. They may not wait outside unsupervised.

· If someone else is collecting your child, please ensure they are fully aware of these expectations.

If you prefer to avoid the school car parks at peak times, we encourage the use of off-street parking in nearby areas, including Central Reserve. Be sure to follow all parking signs and leave space for residents to access their properties.

The safety of our children is non-negotiable. It's always better to be a few minutes late than to risk an accident. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to keep our school community safe.

Alyce Lowther - Principal

Kids Unlimited Chess