PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Term 4 Week 6

As we celebrate a significant milestone for Lucas Primary School this week, it's an opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey we've had over the past five years. Our enrolment numbers have steadily grown from 67 students at our opening in 2020 to 503 students as of this week. Welcoming new students, families, and staff to Lucas has become a well-honed tradition that we take great pride in.

With this growth, has come an exciting shift in our cultural diversity. Many of you who are Ballarat locals have witnessed the transformation from a predominantly monocultural society to one that now boasts a vibrant tapestry of languages and cultures. This diversity is a true strength of our school, and one that sets us apart in the Ballarat region. With more than 18 languages spoken and students from over 10 different countries, we celebrate and embrace the uniqueness that each of our community members brings.

Although we’ve reached capacity with our current infrastructure, we have plans in place to ensure that there will be room to grow in the years to come. The newest additions to our school facilities, including the double-storey portables, will provide much-needed space for our learning communities. These are the first of their kind in the area, but as Ballarat’s western growth continues, we are confident they won’t be the last.

As our school expands, it’s important to acknowledge the foundational structures and routines that have endured over time. Our mission and values continue to guide our work and cater to the needs of a rapidly changing world. Our instructional model ensures explicit, engaging teaching across all curriculum areas, while our specialist programs continue to thrive, introducing new learning opportunities year after year.

Our staff continues to grow in number and expertise, yet their commitment to the learning outcomes of our students remains unwavering. Together, we are building a strong foundation for the future of Lucas Primary School, creating traditions that will endure for generations to come.

Prep Transition Days

On Thursday, we welcome the 2025 Preps to Lucas PS for their very first transition session. We have two sessions throughout the day where the kinder students will spend an hour with the current Prep teachers. While the students are engaged in the classroom, the parents will attend an information session in the administration building. Our current Prep students will spend some time in buddy classrooms doing some multi -aged learning activities.

We look forward to welcoming our newest students to Lucas Primary School this week.

Curriculum Day

Next Monday the 18th of November will be a curriculum day. There will be no school for students on this day. Staff will spend this day working on data moderation to ensure consistent and accurate judgements are in place for the end of year reports. Thanks in advance for your flexibility to arrange alternative care for your child/ren.

Remembrance Day Commemoration

On Monday at 11am, our students, staff and parents gathered around the Lone Pine tree to conduct our Remembrance Day service. This was our chance to reflect on the men and women who have served in the wars, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice. It was also a time for us to think about the families who are left behind as servicemen and women head off to serve their country.

Thanks to our students who read so eloquently during the service. 

Lest we forget.

Christmas Carols

An important date to keep clear on the calendar is our Christmas Carol picnic tea on Thursday December 12 between 5.00pm and 7.00pm.

The students will be involved in singing a song with their class and also a whole school performance. Families are encouraged to bring along a picnic rug and enjoy each other's company in a fun filled evening of entertainment. We hope everyone can attend.

We are looking for parent volunteers to cook a BBQ on the night. If you are able to assist, please pop your name down on the roster link below. 

BBQ Roster Link

We will also have some other food options onsite or parents might like to bring their own.

If you are interested in helping out on the Christmas Carol organising team, please contact the school office.

GIANT CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

We are also looking for donations for our Giant Christmas Raffle which will be drawn at the Christmas Carols picnic.

If you have a donation, please send it along to the office. Thanks in advance.

Energy Breakthrough

The Energy Breakthrough team has been working hard over the last month to put the final preparations on our two carts for the competitions. The students have been polishing their presentations and continuing to build their strength and stamina to ensure they are ready for the 3-day event.,

Our two carts are called Prometheus and Poseidon and will be presented to the team sponsors at a special morning tea on Friday. 

We wish our teams all the best for the competition next week and we look forward to hearing all the stories from the race upon their return.