What a busy term we have had so far. The students and staff have enjoyed many events and it has been wonderful to share these with our community.

The professional photos taken at our 50 year celebrations have been received and will be shared to families via a Seesaw slideshow and also available on the LPS website. I hope you enjoy reliving the celebrations.

Spotlight on new staff

I would like to introduce our new teachers for 5/6G, Mrs Giatris and Miss Tila.

Mrs Brook Giatris is completing her Master of Teaching at the University of Wollongong. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology, but driven by her belief in the transformative power of education moved across to teaching. Mrs Giatris has worked in a number of local schools and has undertaken casual work at Leumeah PS.

Mrs Giatris is passionate about being a positive influence during this crucial phase of learning for primary school students. She in enthusiastic to foster curiosity with her class. Mrs Giatris is lucky enough to live near the beach and has an interest in swimming, she regularly swims in ocean rock pools. Mrs Giatris also enjoys reading and hopes to instil this passion for her students.

Mrs Sentila Fakalelu, known by students as Miss Tila graduated from University in New Zealand, specialising in Early Childhood, Primary and Environmental Studies. Miss Tila has worked in both primary schools and has been an educational leader within preschools in NSW. In all settings she is passionate about partnerships with families and having a positive impact on her students.

Miss Tila has a special interest in sport and singing, you may have even seen her performing cultural dances in the local community. Miss Tila would like to express her passion for diversity, respect and supporting all students to achieve their personal best.

Welcome Mrs Giatris and Miss Tila, please make them both feel welcome as part of our LPS community.

You may have noticed our General Assistants have been working very hard to keep our gardens and school looking beautiful. They also provide support when we have events, so have been rather busy this term. We currently have 2 General Assistants working at LPS.

If you have not yet met Clint Brunero and Craig Sherwood, please feel free to extend a warm Leumeah PS welcome to them too.

Year 5/6 Camp

This term, Year 5 and 6 students attended overnight camp at The Great Aussie Bush Camp, Tea Gardens. I am sure there were lots of memories made and staff will be sharing photos with families via Seesaw. I would like to thank the Stage 3 staff who attended, as you can imagine not much sleep occurs, but it is such a worthwhile experience to offer our students. Thank you for trusting us with your children, some of whom have never slept away from home before. I saw lots of tired but very happy campers when they returned to school.

Road Safety

Reminders about road safety have been communicated families via Seesaw this term, due to reports of some parents or community members driving and parking unsafely around our school. Please remember to allow extra time for a safe pick-up, especially in wet weather. Many resources have been shared about road safety, if you want to stay up to date, please visit Transport NSW.

Uniform Review

The uniform review has been ongoing for almost 12 months, with several student surveys conducted, sharing at P&C and now a parent focus group completed at our recent ‘Coffee & Chat’ morning. We need to conduct one more student survey to move things along. We are excited to provide these new options, which will be easier to wash and wear.

Earlier this year, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students worked with local Aboriginal artist, Michael Fardon to design a mural that represents their connection to culture and the place of Leumeah. Michael has achieved a unique mural which incorporates the local landmark hills, waterways and people that are significant to Leumeah. You will soon see the mural or symbols and elements of the mural within our school, in electronic communications and on our new uniform.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their engagement this term with our many enriching events and look forward to striving for excellence with you all towards the end of Term 3.

K-2B

Miss Boutkaska