Principal's Prattle
Term Three is done and dusted!
Term Three has officially finished and looking back we have celebrated many achievements with students and enjoyed a range of special events which have enhanced learning and brought our community together.
I have reflected on the term and again wish to thank teachers and staff and parents for their efforts in working together for the benefit of our students. Our students are indeed so lucky to have talented teachers focused on their learning but also are able to engage in a wide range of extra curricular events. These 'extras' are only possible when we have the support of so many parents who are willing to work alongside school. Many thanks to all families who have been involved in any way throughout Term Three. Your efforts and participation is very much appreciated. A very sincere thank you to our Parents & Friends Association who have also been very busy this term.
These special extra curricular events often provide opportunities for students to take on new challenges, step outside of their comfort zones and to be brave and participate. Primary school education covers our core subjects of literacy and numeracy but also gives experiences in a range of subjects and all students are expected to join in and give everything a 'try'. Often students find a new interest or skill and can develop their confidence and belief in themselves when they over come their doubts, anxiety or fears! The satisfaction of achievement is so much greater when you have worked hard and given effort!
The smiles on our students' faces certainly say a lot and I hope that all families enjoy our fortnightly newsletter and the photos which are included.
Special Morning Tea for Mrs Leppin & Mrs Davidge
Our students enjoyed a special morning tea with both Mrs Leppin and Mrs Davidge last Wednesday. Mrs Leppin has headed off on long service leave and will officially resign in December when she returns and Mrs Davidge is now on maternity leave as she awaits the arrival of baby number three for the Davidge Family. There were some giggles and tears as students spoke beautifully and then gave out hugs and hand shakes wishing both Lyn and Mel the very best for the future. On behalf of Lyn and Mel, students and their families are thanked for their kind words, well wishes and generous gifts.
Inclusion Funding
Ms Rachael Geerts and I attended a briefing at Melbourne University last week to participate in a pilot to trial assessments and tools for identifying students with learning difficulties. We were one of twelve schools across Victoria invited to join the pilot because of our work in this space. We were able to hear about what other schools are doing and meet teachers who are also becoming highly skilled about learning difficulties and disabilities. Ms Geerts and I will be trialling some of these assessment tools in Term Four with a small number of students and then participating in interviews with Melbourne University about their effectiveness. Parent consent requests will be sent home prior to the trial.
In our last newsletter I included some information about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and in this edition you will find information about Autism Spectrum Disorder. I encourage all families to read this information and to develop their understandings and awareness of the needs of many of our students.
Often I hear parents complain about certain children and their behaviour or actions and they believe that these children are being deliberately 'naughty' or 'nasty' when they are often simply struggling to communicate, to manage their emotions or have difficulty understanding social situations. Developing your own knowledge, empathy and compassion will continue to ensure our school is inclusive for all students. I encourage all families to read this information and to develop their understandings and awareness of the needs of many of our students.
Division Athletics
Congratulations to Paige and Bianca who competed at the Division Athletics and had a very successful day! Paige placed 1st in the high jump event and has beaten her personal best record. Bianca placed 2nd in both the hurdles and 1500m. Both girls have qualified for the next stage of the athletics competition which will be the Regional Championships held on Tuesday 16th October at Newborough.
Reminders for Parents
School Uniforms
The School Uniform Online Store is currently open until October 19th. The next delivery will then arrive mid November.
https://onlineshop.fcw.com.au/lochps
Enrolments for 2019
We are calling for all enrolments for 2019 to be confirmed as soon as possible. If you know anyone who is intending on enrolling their child please remind them to complete their forms and return to the school office as soon as possible.
Loch Primary School Roma's Op Shop is calling for volunteers and donations. If you are interested in assisting with the OP Shop in any way please let us know via the office.
Whole School Musical
Our end of year musical is confirmed for
Friday 14th December.
Mark this date in your calendars as it will be a fabulous night that you will not want to miss! This evening will also involve the presentation of end of year awards and will replace our Celebration Evening event.
Curriculum Day
Loch Primary School will have a Curriculum Day on Monday 15th October when staff spend a day with Dr Lorraine Hammond on Explicit Instruction.
Please read the 'IMPORTANT INFORMATION page for PARENTS' to keep up to date with news from the school office.
Happy Holidays
During the school break our front garden path will be relaid and concreted. We will be reusing the named red bricks and ensuring the path is less slippery and safe for everyone. Please avoid this space if you are visiting the school during the holidays. The admin area is also undergoing refurbishment and as a result the office will not be open at all during the holiday break. For any urgent matters please leave a message on the school's answering machine or mobile phone.
Mr Hunter will be taking an extended holiday break and will be on Long Service Leave for the first week of Term Four. The Year 5/6 class will be taught during this week by Ms Kathryn Burns.
I wish all students and their families a safe and relaxing holiday break. School resumes on Monday 8th October.
Provocation
Tracey King
Principal