Principal’s Report 8th August 2024

What does Inclusive Education mean at Lyndhurst Primary School?

The Disability Royal Commission recently has made a range of recommendations to improve the lives of Australians with disability, including 15 inclusive education recommendations.

Of note, the Victorian Government has not accepted recommendation 7.14: to phase out and close specialist schools. The alternative recommendation, 7.15 – to better integrate specialist schools with mainstream schools – has been accepted in principle.

This is consistent with the Victorian Government’s commitment to providing parents and carers with the choice to enrol their child in a school that is right for them, recognising that inclusion does not mean a ‘one size fits all’ approach to education.

The Victorian Government is committed to inclusive education for all students, irrespective of the school they attend, where they live, or their social or economic status. This includes providing access to high quality education for all students to meet their learning and wellbeing needs.

There is room for continued growth including:

delivery of a new strengths-based funding model with additional school-level investment
implementation of new resources and initiatives to help schools be more inclusive
working with families to identify students’ strengths and the educational adjustments needed to enable full participation in learning.

I would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of teachers, educational support staff and school communities across Victoria, including Lyndhurst Primary School, in supporting the important work to build inclusive education capabilities. It is vital that students with a disability can attend their local school with their peers and receive a high-quality education. We have a great opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our current and future students with a disability.

School crossings at Lyndhurst Primary School

School crossings are crucial in ensuring the safety of our students at Lyndhurst Primary School (LPS).

VicRoads and local municipal councils share responsibility for school crossings, including the establishment of the crossing, training and employment of school crossing supervisors and the supply of resources.

Crossings are only operational when the flags have been displayed by a school crossing supervisor. When flags are displayed, drivers must not proceed through the crossing if children or adults are still on the crossing or about to start crossing, regardless of the presence of a crossing supervisor.

Several cases of near misses have been reported to the Principal class, including students dangerously jumping out of cars that are double parked, walking across busy roads unsupervised and generally not using the designated crossings safely.

LPS has brought their concerns to the attention of the authorities and voiced their concerns. As such, patrols of the local area will be conducted to ensure the safety of our children.

It is so important that parents and carers are positive role models in the correct and appropriate behaviour whilst using our roads and designated school crossings.

Kids Go Free For Footy Round 24

Victorian families love their footy – and there is nothing like the feeling of cheering your team on from the stands. All kids under the age of 14 years and under, tickets are free.

The first ever Kids Go Free in Victoria initiative is part of the AFL Events Package.

One of the tightest AFL seasons in history will all culminate in Round 24, with five massive games in Melbourne and regional Victoria. The MCG will host two matches with Melbourne vs. Collingwood and Richmond vs. Gold Coast, while Carlton will clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.

The much-loved Footy Festival is set to be bigger and better than ever before, with more player appearances and a showcase of star-studded activities.

On Friday 2nd August, the school celebrated Principal’s Day. The Principal and Assistant Principals were spoiled with cards, messages, flowers, sweets and treats galore. The students and staff were generous with their kind wishes and gratitudes of thanks. To add to the festivities, the Principal class were dressed as orchestra conductors, and the staff played were their talented orchestra.

An incredible LPS staff member wrote a poem (see below) which depicts all Principal class staff in each and every school, but especially at Lyndhurst PS.

In the heart of Lyndhurst, where dreams take flight,

As Principal you stand guiding with all your might.

With vision and care, you begin to nurture our youth,

Building a culture of kindness and truth.

Through hallways filled with laughter and cheer,

You foster a spirit that draws us near.

With high expectations, you light up the way,

Encouraging students and staff to shine every day.

In classrooms alive with curiosity's spark,

You encourage young minds to leave their mark.

With patience and wisdom, you are leading us to grow,

In a garden of learning, where seeds of hope sow.

Thank you, dear principal, for all that you do,

For the love and the guidance that shines through.

In the tapestry woven at Lyndhurst so bright,

Your leadership begins to glimmer a beacon of light.

As we soar through the days, together we all stand,

Grateful for your enthusiasm, your heart, and your hand.

Together we flourish, a community strong,

In the heart of Lyndhurst, where we all belong.

~ Happy Principal Day ~

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