Principal's Report

Wominjeka!

Welcome to a new year at Lancefield Primary School.

Its wonderful to see everyone settled straight back into learning in their new classes for the year. It has certainly been a hot start however we are grateful that all learning spaces now have split systems installed so everyone is enjoying the coolness and we are no longer dependant on gas heating in the winter. 

To get everyone off to a focused start all classes are participating in our LPS START RIGHT program. This program provides all students  with the tools they need for a great year ahead. Explicit teaching and practicing of processes such as lining up as a class, understanding school boundaries, moving safely around the school, visiting the office, classroom expectations, looking after belongings and school property, using the bubble taps and many more. We also unpack our school values of Learning, Positivity and Safety and school vision. When students practice these several times our school environment is calm and orderly with everyone understanding our expectations of behaviour at school. 

Official Kinder opening

Last week, Andrew, Jenna and myself had the privilege of attending the official opening of the Lancefield Kindergarten centre. The kinder is such a beautiful new facility for our community and we are thrilled to be next door neighbours. We are looking forward to sharing facilities, resources and lots of fun times with the kinder staff and students. 

School Council 

I would like to thank all of our outgoing School Council members. Prudence Williams, Sally Soper, Rhi Williams, Nat Brown,  Ben Colquhoun and our two DET members Kirsty and Bec. Some of our members their tenure on School Council was at an end and others unfortunately for personal and work commitment reasons have had to resign from their role earlier than they would have liked to. This means we have 5 parent/carer vacancies and 2 DET vacancies  for School Council this year. This is a large turnover for School Council but I believe also presents you with an opportunity to join us! I will be sending more detailed information out during the week and the call for nominations will start this Friday 14th of February. 

Please consider joining the LPS school council.

Here are some FAQ. If you would like further information please either come and see me for a chat or go to https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/school-council-overview/overview

What is a school council and what does it do?

All government schools in Victoria have a school council. School Councils are legally constituted bodies that are given powers to set the broad directions of a school in accordance with Ministerial Order 1280 Constitution of Government School Councils and the Education and Training Reform Act 2006. In doing this, school council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school provides for its students.

What are some of the duties of school council?

School council has particular functions in setting and monitoring the schools direction.

School Councils have key responsibilities : Finance - overseeing the expenditure of the schools annual budget and ensuring proper records are kept of the schools financial operations. Strategic Planning - participating in the development of the schools strategic plan. Policy development and review and Community engagement.

Do you need special experience to be on School Council?

No! Each member brings with them their own valuable skills and knowledge to the role, however in order to successfully fulfill your duties councillors will need to gain some new skills and knowledge. School Councillors are strongly encouraged to participate in an online learning training short course to support developing a deeper understanding of your role.

How often do meetings take place?

School council must meet at least 8 times in each year, and at least once per school term. We usually meet twice per term. 

School council does not-

Manage the school,  employ ongoing teaching staff with no fixed date for termination, represent sectional interests, renew the principal's contract or hire and fire the school principal, determine class allocations, determine the curriculum programs to be followed in the school, discuss individual issues between teachers and students and/or parents, purchase land or buildings, enter into hire purchase agreements or obtain credit or loan facilities, unless authorised by the Minister 

Get to Know You Interviews - Year 1-6

Our get to know you interviews will be conducted on Tuesday 25th of February and Thursday 27th of February. You will be able to book your interview time on Compass. Please make sure you come along to get to know your child/ren's teacher for 2025 and share any relevant/pertinent information with them to ensure your child is well supported with their learning and wellbeing this year.

Prep parents/carers do not need to attend these interviews

2025 Curriculum Days

The following are confirmed 2025 Curriculum days - passed at our recent school council meeting: ( these may be slightly different from the days advertised in your recent class letter)

Monday March 17th - Curriculum Day - All staff training - Protective Intervention 

Friday June 6th - Staff Professional Practice day

Friday July 4th - Parent/Carer/Student/Teacher mid year conferences

Friday December 19th - Curriculum day - planning for 2026

Important information

Please make sure you look through our newsletter to find important information regarding our  our introduction to the RESILIENCE PROJECT at LPS and our whole school cross country coming up very !

DID you know that these are our Lancefield Primary School MASCOTS? 

Hopefully you have seen them around the school!

The Yarra Pygmy Perch (representing LEARNING) - These tiny fish are listed as a threatened species and if you are lucky, you may find them in Deep Creek at Mustey’s bridge, Lancefield. 

Genyornis newtoni (representing POSITIVITY) The bones of this flightless bird which stood about 2 metres tall, weighed more than 200 kg and is thought to have died out around the same time as humans arrived in Australia. Remains have been found at the Lancefield Swamp

Diprotodon (representing SAFETY) is one of the best-known megafauna in Australia. It was widespread across Australia when the first indigenous people arrived coexisting with them for thousands of years before becoming extinct about 25,000 years ago. Remains have been located at the Lancefield swamp