Principal's Report
National School Chaplaincy Program Funding
As I type this principal's report for our second last newsletter I have just received an email letting our school know that we have been successful in obtaining National School Chaplaincy Program Funding for 2026. This means that Cherrie will continue to work alongside our staff, students and families to assist in so many valuable ways. The work Cherrie has done this year in particular has been much needed and welcomed by many.
Step Up
Next Monday we begin our annual Step Up program. This is an opportunity for students to see and hear from some of the teachers currently working in that year level about the programs and curriculum they will participate in during 2026. Our final part of our step up program will be on Monday 15th December, where students will meet their 2026 teachers, find out their class mates and what room they will be in next year.
Meet the Teacher
Monday 15th will see students meet their 2026 teacher. This is a very exciting time for all students. I thank Mr B and our class teachers for the many hours of work and meetings that go into creating classes and the complexities that come with it. We consider all requests however at times we cannot appease everyone.
A Special Assembly – Whole School Assembly
On Friday 12th, we will have our second last assembly, this will be to announce our 2026 school captains and also present our last Above and Beyond certificates. This will commence at 3pm, parents are welcome to attend.
Christmas Concert – 10th December
We are excited to have our Christmas concert on Wednesday 10th December! Starting time is 5.30pm. Students sit with their families on the oval. Please bring deck chairs or picnic blankets. You are welcome to bring your own picnic, snacks, drinks; however, this is an alcohol-free event. No pets or smoking are permitted on the school grounds. Classes get called up to the back of the stage area to meet their teacher two items before their turn. When students are not performing, we ask that they are seated with their family. From 5pm we will have the BBQ going - selling sausages in bread, cold drinks and Zooper Doopers. Payment will be CARD ONLY. There will be a HUGE raffle on the night - some fantastic prizes up for grabs including an iPad and two x $100 The Continental Sorrento vouchers. Tickets are 3 for $6.00 and these can be purchased between 5pm and up to class act 28. The winners will be drawn at the end of the concert. You MUST be present to receive the prize. Payment will be CARD ONLY. Mel the coffee lady will be onsite too. Fingers crossed the weather will be on our side, and we are in for a big night of celebrating our wonderful LPS kids. Look forward to seeing you there.
Who returns when?
Teachers: Tuesday 27th January 2026 – Staff only
Teachers: Wednesday 28th January 2026 – Staff only
Years 1-6: Thursday 29th January 2026 – Students return to classrooms at 8.45am
Preps: Monday 2nd February 2026 at 10am.
***(some preps will have a scheduled appointment on 29th January / 30th January for one-on-one assessment with classroom teacher)
School Hours in 2026
8.50am – 3.20pm
| 8:45am | First bell (students can go into their classroom) |
| 8:50am | Learning time |
| 11:20am | Eating bell (students eat in their classroom) |
| 11:30am | Big Play |
| 12:00noon | Half bell |
| 12:30pm | Learning time |
| 2:10pm | Little Play (students will have time to eat prior to play) |
| 2:30pm | Learning time |
| 3:20pm | Students dismissed |
Don’t forget Friday 19th December is a 1.30pm finish.
Teaching Teams for 2026
Below are our 2026 teaching teams. As always we plan this with the best intentions of no changes, but occasionally changes need to be made due to unexpected circumstances. We thank you for your understanding with this.
2026 LPS School Leadership Team
Nicola Pepper, Rowan Balzary, Heather Soutar, Jennie McDonald, Ryan Jellie, Georgia Ryan, Angela Stacey & Brittany Taylor.
| Prep | Mrs Hansted Prep H Team Leader | Ms Vrionis Prep V | Mrs Brown Prep B | Mrs Kregor Mrs Williams Prep KW | Mrs Geldenhuys Prep G |
| Year 1 | Mrs Bear 1B Team Leader | Miss Anderson 1A | Miss Spiteri 1S | Miss Rowlands 1R | |
| Year 2 | Mrs Putson 2P Team Leader | Mrs Hollier 2H | Miss Yates 2Y | Miss Riggs 2R | |
| Year 3 | Ms Quinn 3Q Team Leader | Ms Chen 3S | Ms Christie 3C | Mrs Devers 3D | |
| Year 4 | Mrs Craig 4MD Team Leader Mrs Dyer | Mrs Horvath Mrs Dyer 4HD | Mrs Gadsden 4G | Ms Chila 4C | |
| Year 5 | Mrs Ninitch 5N Team Leader | Mr Tilling 5T | Mrs Vancea 5V | Mrs Luxford 5L | |
| Year 6 | Mrs Payne 6P Team Leader | Mr Embling Mrs Doughty 6ED | Mr Preston 6D | Miss Kambarbakis 6K | |
Specialist Classes | ICT Mrs Pask Team Leader | Music Mr Flynn
| PE Mr Coburn Ms Hussey | LOTE - Auslan Mrs Golden | Health Mr Smith |
Specialist Classes | Visual Art Ms Kincs | Library - P-2 Mrs Cullen | Maths in action - 3-6 Mr Jellie | ||
Well-Being Team | Well-being Assistant Principal Mr Balzary | Disability Inclusion Leader/MHWL Miss Ryan | Disability Inclusion support Miss Campbell | School Psychologist Brittany Taylor | School Chaplain Cherrie Newsham |
Admin Team | Business Manager Angela Stacey | Administration Michelle Kilby | Administration Christie Davidson | Administration / OHS Jo Davey | First Aid / OHS Kelly Upston |
| Education Support staff | Literacy Intervention Narelle | Grounds Jay | Koorie Engagement Pip | Food Science/Farm Laura | Classroom Support Kathy |
| Education Support staff | Classroom Support Tegan | Classroom Support Zac | Classroom Support Connor | Classroom Support Josh | Classroom Support Lily P |
| Education Support staff | Classroom Support Megan | Classroom Support Liane | Classroom Support Candice | Classroom Support Fiona | Classroom Support Sarah W |
| Education Support staff | Classroom Support Debbie | Classroom Support Sam | Classroom Support Sarah J | Classroom Support Jody | Classroom Support Julie-ann |
| Education Support staff | Classroom Support Sarah G | Classroom Support Ashley | Classroom Support Max | Classroom Support Alisha | Classroom Support Eleanor |
| Education Support staff | Classroom Support Lily S | Classroom Support Troy | Classroom Support Karen | ICT Technician Sarah Edwards | THRIVE Sarah Roney |
| Leadership | Numeracy Leader Mr Jellie | Junior School Literacy Leader Miss McDonald | Curriculum Assistant Principal Ms Soutar | Well-being Assistant Principal Mr Balzary | Acting Principal Mrs Pepper |
We welcome new staff to LPS in 2026. Mrs Sarah Luxford and Miss Natalie Rowlands. We also welcome back Mr Anthony Smith. With new additions to the team, we have some sad farewells…. we say good bye to Mr Brad Sheehy, Mrs Rebecca Jarvie and Alex Mason who are all moving on to other local schools. After working 20 plus years at LPS we say a sad good-bye to Mrs Sandra Thomas who is retiring. Sandra is looking forward to spending more time in her caravan on trips around our great land and looking after her granddaughter.
Have a wonderful fortnight,
Nicola Pepper.