Executive Principal
Natasha Mackinnon
Natasha Mackinnon
Welcome Back!
Welcome back to Leighland Christian School students and families, and a special welcome to our new families across both campuses. We are so thankful to God for you all. Leighland Christian School is continuing to grow, with a new Prep class added on the Burnie campus and an additional Prep and Year 3/4 class on the Ulverstone campus. We look forward to welcoming our new families formally at our New Families Dinner in March. Invitations will be forthcoming.
Staff Fellowship and Preparation
Our staff started a week and a half before our students returned, enjoying fellowship together, worshipping and praying for the year ahead. We were honoured to have Pastor Matty Coppin from Burnie Baptist Church share with us this year. His message was a great reminder of our mission and the importance of fostering our own spiritual formation to keep pursuing the vision of being a hope-filled Christian community.
Professional Development
We had many days of highly purposeful and inspiring professional development. I shared our strategic plan, highlighting our 2025 Annual Implementation Plan. We launched our learning framework, discussed Personalised Learning in more detail, and unpacked what our Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) look like. The K-4 teachers and aides had literacy training with our partner Jocelyn Seamer. We also had further training in our Learning Management System, Simon, and First Aid training. Year level planning, teaching team planning, and musical planning all took place. The whole staff of 150 people came together for a day on duty of care, staffing matters, child safety and policy discussions. We finished the week with prayer walks around the school for our incoming students.
Campus Improvements
Our campuses are looking more impressive, thanks to the work undertaken during the school break. Here are some of the highlights:
Ulverstone Campus:
Leased a 25-seat bus for NSATIS and PE classes
HR department offices refurbished and completed
Classrooms refurbished (Prep, 3/4, Design Technology, and STEM)
New switchboard installed in the staff room
New STEM room created
New Boardroom and conference room created
New C&C machine in DIT and other DIT equipment upgrades
13 new 3D printers installed at Ulverstone
New library stairs replaced
Burnie Campus:
Discovery Den created
New locker area established
Landscaping upgrade underway
Classrooms refurbished (Prep)
New furniture for Years 1/2
Sign upgrade to electronic sign, still in progress
Cross Campus:
Online enrolment system fully operational
Uniform store now outsourced to Midford
New laptops deployed and re-imaged
16 new touch screen TVs installed in classrooms
We also welcomed JUDAH, our Leighland Mascot, to both campuses! “Go the Leighland Lions!” (see our socials for pictures!)
Addressing Challenges
New improvements often come with some teething problems, and we apologise for any delays with stationery and book deliveries. Our Senior Team is working to ensure this process is smooth moving forward.
Looking Ahead
Our Board continues to work diligently on the Ulverstone Master Plan with Tim Penny Architects. We look forward to sharing more with you very soon.
Encouragement
I would like to end my update to you all with an encouraging Bible verse for the start of the school year, Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This verse, I hope, inspires our students, teachers and parents to face new challenges with confidence and faith. No matter what the year brings, God will never leave us, and we are full of hope for the year ahead. Let us embrace this new beginning with trust in His guidance and strength, knowing that together, we can achieve great things.
Blessings,
Natasha Mackinnon
Executive Principal