Principal's Report

Book Week

What a HUGE week of events we had!  It was such a joy seeing so many grandparents wandering the school, browsing (and spending) in the book fair and playing games like ‘Roll a Granny’.  The CAPE Centre was a popular spot all week as many families enjoyed the opportunity to look at and purchase some books to enjoy.  I would like to thank the many parent and grandparent helpers that came to help set up, pack up and work throughout the week – we could not have done it without you.  Last Wednesday morning’s book parade raised the bar with colour, creativity and character! So much so there were kids I did not recognise beneath the depths of costumes! A tremendous turnout of family and friends to cheer our kids along. Each year it gets bigger and bigger, I’m not sure how we can top this again in 2024.  I would like to thank Ms Soutar for all her efforts with the Literacy team for making last week a week to remember.

District Athletics

We had over 60 students represent LPS on Tuesday at Ballam Park.  It is lovely to hear that our students gave it their best, competed hard, cheered for their peers and even stepped into events where others were unable to complete.  We have quite a few students who have now progressed to the Northern Peninsula Division Athletics Carnival in Term 4.  Thanks Mr Smith and to the teachers and parent helpers who helped out.

Parent Opinion Survey

This morning in your email you would have received some information about the Parent Opinion Survey with details on how to participate.  Our school is conducting a survey to find out what parents / caregivers / guardians think of our school. The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour and student engagement. The survey is optional, but we encourage all families to participate. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies. All families are invited to participate in the survey. The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey will be open from now to Friday 8 September 2023. The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete and can be accessed at any convenient time within the survey period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones.

Last year we used the survey results to plan a key improvement strategy in our Annual Implementation Plan and a team at school has been working on community engagement in response to survey results.

To Share from School Council

Recently, the LPS School Council looked at new uniform items. These include a waterproof jacket and an LPS beanie. We will be organizing with our supplier to make these available to families before the 2024 winter months. These items will not become a compulsory part of the school uniform until 2025 to give families the time to prepare for the change. In addition to this, School Council have also updated the LPS School Uniform Policy. Whilst the complete policy can be found on our website, I have included some of the changes below that will come into effect in Term 4:

General appearance

While at school, travelling to or from school or participating in school activities (unless otherwise specified), Langwarrin School students must comply with the following:

• Additional layers of clothing may be worn underneath the uniform for added warmth, provided these undergarments are completely hidden

• Bike shorts are only permitted under the school dress and/or tunic

• Shorts must be of an appropriate length (not above mid-thigh) and must not be covered by jumpers or polos.

Jewellery and cosmetics

Students are not permitted to wear decorative jewellery to school. Stud earrings and sleepers worn in the ears, and watches (in line with the school’s Mobile Phones Policy), are the only acceptable jewellery. No other visible piercings should be worn, including nose piercings.

Hair and Sun safety

Shoulder length or longer hair is to be tied back to help restrict the spread of nits and lice and for student safety.

Hats/beanies are not to be worn inside.

Implementation

Students wearing non-compliant uniform items or not following the student dress code policy will be ineligible for a number of awards and positions, including (but not limited to) the following:

- Above and Beyond certificates

- Principal’s Awards

- Student leadership positions

- Adderly-Allen Scholarship nomination

- Year 6 graduation awards and scholarships

Over the next few weeks our teachers will be discussing the policy and the variations made by School Council in preparation for a successful Term 4.

Have a great fortnight, and barrack hard if your team is in the finals.  Go Saints!

Nicola Pepper