From the Principal

Busy Times at LEPS

It is hard to believe that we are already half way through the term! We have all been very busy and the students have settled in well. Our new preps are working well and it seems as if they have been with us for longer than 5 weeks. It is fabulous to walk around the school and see all the grades engaged in their learning and activities.

The students have embraced our new school values of Respect, Kindness and Responsbility, and we are seeing lots of examples of the students demonstrating the values. Our ticket numbers are high for our Focus on the Good recognition program and I am sure it won't be long before the students are 'cashing' in their points for their reward.

Zero Tolerance for Violence

It pains me to write this, but I am becoming increasingly concerned by the violence exhibited by some of our students towards their peers and staff. It is the responsibilty of families to ensure that their children understand that punching, kicking and hitting others is not okay. We tell them this at school BUT your follow up and support for consequences is necessary for students to understand the seriousness of their actions.

While we understand that children exhibiting violence towards others can be a 'cry for help' as they have been exposed to trauma outside school and do not have the capacity to regulate their emotions themselves, they need to understand this is not acceptable behaviour and will not be tolerated at LEPS.

Violent behaviour is not okay. When this occurs it creates an unsafe learning environment for students and an unsafe working environment for staff. Violence at school will result in a number of consequences including:

• parents being asked to collect their child

• suspension of the child from school for a period of time

• loss of priviledges at school including attending excursions, wellbeing clubs, interschool sport.

   

When these things occur, we need parents/guardians/carers to work with school staff so we can avoid further instances of violence. We know children do not mean to be violent which is why as adults we need to get them the help they need so they can grow to be fully functioning adults, not adults whose lives are ruined by violence.

The school is able to access psychology support for children through a group called OnPsych who can provide 10 free counselling sessions for children either onsite at school or via telehealth. These sessions will be covered under a Mental Health Care Plan which can be obtained from a doctor. I know a lot of families struggle with accepting that this support is needed by their child and may feel a sense of shame, BUT, when we become parents, that means doing everything within our power to ensure our children grow up to be responsible, kind and respectful members of society.

Grace has arranged packs containing everything you need to know about how to access these sessions for your child. All discussions will remain confidential.

If you are concerned about your child's behaviour, please make a time to meet with your child's teacher, Grace, Julie, Scott or me. We all want the same thing, for your child to be able to be the best version of themselves.

Road Safety Reminder

I am writing again to remind the families who collect their children from Cleveland Street to please remember the road rules, and by doing everything in your power to keep your children safe, but also all our other students. I was horrified by the actions of several parents on Monday 23 February after school. Parents were double parked and called their children onto the road to get into cars that were not parked next to the curb. This is not responsible behaviour by our parents. You create a dangerous situation for your children and others in the area. You may have saved 3 minutes but that will be worth nothing if that 3 minutes resulted in injury or death to a child. 

Do you think you could live happily for the rest of your life if you were responsible for injurying or killing your child or someone else's child? Because I know I couldn't!!

If you are too impatient to follow the road rules on Cleveland Street, perhaps you should park at the Lalor Plaza Shops and have your child cross at the McKimmies Road crossing.

Easter Raffle

It is that time of the year when we like to run one of most popular fundraisers, our Easter Raffle! We are aware that Easter egg prices have increased substantially this year, but know the students will be disappointed if we do not have one. We have decided to have a new raffle offering this year.

We aim to create 9 hampers and one special entry prize offering. All donations will be dropped off at the office, instead of the classroom. The office team will weave their magic and create 9 amazing prizes for offer. Tickets will be available for purchase to win the hampers and tickets will be sent home soon.

Donations for the hampers can include: Easter eggs or rabbits, soft toys, blocks of chocolate, lollies, colouring books, games, books, sports equipment and craft items.

Tickets to the special prize cannot be purchased. Tickets are FREE, but entry to win the special prize can only be secured by donating to our raffle hampers! Only students who donate to the hampers will go in the draw to win the special entry prize. I wonder who the lucky winner will be??

LINDA RICHARDS

Principal