From the Principal

Welcome back!

It has been wonderful to see all our students and families return to LEPS with such big beautiful smiles on their faces. It has been sensational visiting the classrooms and seeing how settled the students are and how engaged with their work. We are all hoping 2026 is going to be our best year ever!

Thanks to all the families for ensuring the students have come back to school refreshed and ready to learn. 

School uniform expectations

The students look fabulous in their lovely fresh new uniforms. There are just a couple of reminders about our uniform as per our Uniform Policy:

1. all shorts must be black, knee length, loose fitting and free of all logos/stripes/branding

2. bike shorts and netball skirts are NOT part of our uniform

3. earrings need to be small studs or sleepers

4. hair longer than shoulder length, needs to be tied back.

    

It may seem that we are being picky but our uniform policy sets the standard we would like to see our students achieve and also ensures student safety. 

Long earrings can become a hazard if children are playing and they get caught on clothing or another child's hand. We would hate to see someone's ear lobe being ripped or injured because the wrong earrings were worn. 

Long flowing hair is gorgeous but it increases the risk of injuries while playing and the spread of headlice. As a mother of two daughters, I know it is never fun having to eradicate head lice.

We ask parents to show Respect for our Uniform Policy and take Responsibility for ensuring your child is wearing the correct uniform. If you are haivng difficulty sourcing uniform, please chat to Robyn in the office and she may be able to provide assistance.

Staffing updates

It is very exciting to have four new faces and one familiar face join our team in 2026.

Welcome to:

• Julian Demarco (Phys/Ed - Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
• Melanie Karagaslis (3/4C - Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday)
• Sarah Krupa (3/4C - Thursday & Friday)
• Jane Joske (3/4A - Monday & Tuesday and 1/2B - Friday).

We are very excited to welcome Brad Jones back to LEPS after his 12 months away from us. Brad is working in grade 5/6 and sharing a class with Kristian.

Our congratulations to Hannah Sutherland who welcomed a gorgeous baby girl, Lilly, in early January. Our Gardening Leaders are very excited Hannah chose a floral name for her baby. Both are doing well.

Shona McCulloch is on long service leave and travelling with her family. She will return to us in 2 weeks. Just in time for Saffy Niem to head off on maternity leave to prepare for the arrival of her baby.

Scott has not returned to us yet, but hopes to be back towards the end of the term. He was unwell during the holidays and still needs time to recover. He is doing well and misses everyone greatly.

School Council Elections

It is that time of the year when we call for nominations from our community to join our School Council. We meet eight times a year, normally once a month, on a Tuesday at 5:30pm. Meetings normally last one and a half hours. 

School Council is made up of parents and staff. There needs to be more parents than staff. School Council provides input into decisions regarding uniform, fundraising events, policy approval and have a level of oversight regarding budgets and finances. Rest assured, being on School Council is not scary and you do not need to have high level knowledge of what happens in schools. You just need to be willing to have a go. We have quite a few laughs and there is usually some treats to nibble on during meetings.

We have 5 parent vacancies we need to fill for 2026 as several current School Councillors are completing their term (usually 2 years but sometimes 1 year). If you feel like you would like to make a positive contribution to your child's school, please ask at the office for a self nomination form.

LINDA RICHARDS

Principal