Education Week

To celebrate Education Week we will have an open morning on Wednesday 21st May. Coincidentally this also falls on National Simultaneous Storytime.

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 25th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

We invite parents/carers and relatives to join us on the morning of 21st May from 9am - 10am to join us for our storytime and some literacy activities.

Staffing

There is much discussion about teacher shortages across the state. We are currently looking for a Year 6 class teacher. This also impacts LPS, especially with relief teachers. Some days relief teachers (CRTs) run out. Please understand that all schools are having these challenges and it’s not something we can control. At LPS we manage these circumstances pretty well but they do become challenging especially during the winter months. I thank Ms Soutar who continues to manage the daily staffing coverage from the early hours of the day until well into the evening.

School Tours and Enrolments for 2026

We are very keen to know what our sibling enrolments are likely to be for 2026 so we encourage you to enrol your child as soon as possible. This will assist greatly with our forward planning! We have school tours happening every week for new families interested in enrolling in our school. Put the word out there and let everyone know all the great things we do here at Langy! To book a tour or pick up an enrolment pack, please call by the office and see one of our lovely office team.

Camp Quality Cancer Education Program coming to LPS

As a Principal, as a teacher and as a mum……I never want to hear the words that one of our very own students has received an awful diagnosis and is going through rigorous chemo treatments in hospital. But this is the reality we currently face, and whilst the family are seeking privacy at this time, it is with their permission that I have reached out to Camp Quality to come to visit us here at LPS on Tuesday 10th June.

Camp Quality’s cancer education program has been teaching kids about cancer with a fun and interactive puppet performance, for over 33 years. The program focuses on telling the broader cancer story, including how to support someone who is facing their own cancer diagnosis or that of a loved one.

I have also asked our Junior School Council to support this foundation in a future fundraising event.

Respect

Please be considerate of all staff members when communicating. Respectful communication is the only type of communication warranted at Langwarrin Primary School.

Tips to help improve your child’s attendance

Setting up good attendance patterns and addressing attendance issues promptly can lead to future success and help your child feel more engaged and connected at school.

Here are some ideas which may assist you in supporting your child to attend school:

Talk to your child about school and the importance of attending every day. You can ask them how they feel about school, what interests them or if they are having any difficulties. Some problems to look out for include:
- bullying or cyberbullying
- feeling isolated at school
- disliking or feeling disconnected from the school culture or environment
- falling behind in school work or feeling overwhelmed about keeping up
- disliking school subjects, choice of subjects, or not feeling challenged by the work
- finding relationships with teachers or other students at school difficult
- competing demands on time, such as extracurricular activities
- not feeling understood and fully accepted by peers or teachers
- not experiencing cultural acknowledgement and understanding
Encourage and celebrate good attendance habits with your child, including arriving at school on time every day.
Set a good example. Show them how you keep to your own commitments.
Encourage your child to take on hobbies at school that they enjoy such as sports and clubs. This will help them develop positive relationships outside of the classroom setting and can help your child feel part of a group, important to the school, and more motivated.
Help your child maintain daily routines such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
Help them pack their school bag the night before with everything they need.
Have a set time for breakfast.
Plan for your child to meet with a friend so they can travel to school together.

Remember, Every day counts. Act early if you are concerned about your child’s attendance and contact their school to discuss how you can work together to support positive attendance.

Useful websites/contacts

Be You – beyou.edu.au

Headspace – headspace.org.au or e-headspace for online counselling & support eheadspace.org.au

Reach Out – reachout.com

Kids helpline – 1800 55 1800 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit here for web counselling

Raising Children Network – raisingchildren.net.au

Parentline – 1300 22 89, 8am to midnight, seven days a week

Have a great fortnight,

Mrs Pepper

Dolly's Dream

Parenting in the Digital Age Workshop