From the Principal 

Intrinsic Security

There is intrinsic security that comes from service, from helping other people in a meaningful way. One important source is our work, when we see ourselves in a contributively and creative mode, and seeing that we are really making a difference. Another source is anonymous service – no one knows and no one necessarily ever will. When our concern is about blessing the lives of other people, influence rather than recognition becomes our motive. Giving in this way helps us to create a sense of intrinsic security. It is a rewarding feeling.

SMART Spelling 

Over the first two weeks of Term 2 the Le Page staff participated in SMART Spelling training by Michelle Huchinson. This ran over four staff meetings and the training upskilled teachers in this spelling approach. We now have a whole-school scope and sequence as well as instructional model for explicitly teaching spelling across all year levels. Staff are enthusiastic about our new spelling approach and have all started implementing SMART Spelling in their classrooms.

Assessment Data Trackers and Walls

The staff use a comprehensive system to track student progress over the school year. We use Compass and Google Sheets to enter our assessment data to have a clear picture of each student's strengths and weaknesses. Assessment is obtained via many avenues including; formal standardised tests, a variety of assessment platforms, moderation of student work and ongoing observations. This year we have created a ‘data wall’ in the staffroom as visual representation related to the progress of our student’s writing against the Victorian Curriculum Standards. The Data wall are a practical and powerful way to focus the work of every teacher on the growth and achievement of every student. Our data wall is updated each term by the classroom teachers.

National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy

The Year 3 and 5 students participated in the assessment program along will most students in there cohorts, across the country. The NAPLAN provides clear student learning outcome data sets that are useful for identifying students’ individual points of need, and trends in outcomes over time. The results will be available in Semester 2.

School Review 2018-2021

Review preparation has commenced. Every four years schools undergo a review and develop a new strategic plan. Shortly data analysis will begin, to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the school’s academic results over these years. It will be an interesting review as the student population in Grades 3-6 are mostly transfers from other schools, whilst the Grade F-2s are predominantly from our local Cheltenham addresses. The students represent a mix of educational backgrounds and experiences, and due to low numbers in each cohort, it will be likely that trends in performance will not be identified in this review. Later in the term the whole staff will spend Curriculum Day reviewing all aspects of the school’ relaunch from 2017. Next term a review panel will lead students, staff and parents through a number of observations, reflections and surveys, to assist with the writing of a relevant 2022-2025 plan, that will meet the needs of our students.

Computer Technology Support and Donations

The library now has 20 desktops with more are to be added. 10 iMacs will also be added to the developing library space. The devices will be placed in the library space outside the Foundation rooms and will prove as effective tools for students who want to create posters, movies and PowerPoint presentations. These highly useful and expensive devices were donated by Mordialloc Secondary College, and facilitated by one of our parents, Mark Pavicic. Mark is an I.C.T. technician at the college and has been integral in providing many devices that are proving to be so helpful in our daily activities at school. It is will a grateful heart that we acknowledge Mark’s significant contribution to rebuilding our systems and structures.

Junior Mayor Presentations and Election 

The school and vice captains (Lola, L’Amour, Tara and Mackenzie) have been writing a speech in preparation for the Kingston Junior Mayor presentation on Wednesday 26th May. The topic is ‘If you could create anything to help others, what would it be and why? This event is an invite only, for the school leaders of all primary schools in the Kingston network. One student from each school will present a speech. The winning presenter, elected by all school teams at the event, will become the Junior Mayor of Kingston for the next 12 months. Lola will represent our school and we wish her the best of luck.

Cross Country Run 

At the end of Term 1, we held a school-wide cross country House event. The leading runners from ages 9-12 were selected to represent Le Page Primary School at the Kingston District Cross Country event, to be held on Wednesday May 26th. 20 students from grades 3-6 will represent our school. 

Library Update 

Furniture has been delivered and set up. The training and ordering of the system has been confirmed for this term. Natasha Tsiaousis and an Education Support Staff member will be trained to manage the filing and borrowing system. The library will be functioning at the beginning of Term 3.

Film Making Program 

Over the past three weeks Creative Director Bruce Grantford began the movie making process by visiting each class and collecting ideas for each movie. When visiting last week Bruce presented scripts and assigned speaking roles for every student. Each class has their own unique story and script, and will rehearse in class and at home. In the weeks ahead, Bruce will support the students to learn their lines and in a few weeks, begin the production process.

Consent Education 

Next Semester the whole staff will be trained in Respectful Relationships, a mandated government initiative that addresses Consent Education. Further information will be forthcoming. 

K-F Transition 

K - F Transition sessions are running during Term 2 on a fortnightly basis on Wednesday mornings from 9:30am - 10:30am. They are being facilitated by the Foundation teachers who are taking turns to run each session. Feedback has been positive and children are excited to be coming to school. During each visit the children get to read a story, create a craft activity and get to know the learning space and the teachers they will be working with next year. In Term 3 transition sessions will continue to run on a Wednesday from 9:30 – 10:30 and then they will move to Friday mornings from 9:30 – 10:30 in Term 4.

Future Transition Dates:

Wednesdays: May 26, Jun 9, 23, Aug 11, Sep 15th

Fridays: Nov 26 and Dec 3

Leader in Me 

A school Lighthouse team has been established that includes Marisha Telegin, Narelle Diggins, Kayla Mugford, Rachel Hill and George Danson. The Lighthouse Team completed a full days' training with regional coach, Deidre Lau.  The Lighthouse Team will design and implement new processes and strategies that will drive Le Page Primary School to Lighthouse accreditation (being identified as an exemplar school for demonstrating the process of positive cultural development). The Lighthouse team is working on new and exciting ideas such as a school leadership day, goal setting and tracking, and ways to improve family engagement. 

Grant Success

Kelli Colvin our Garden Club facilitator successfully attained a $1000 grant to support our gardening initiatives. This will allow further purchases of seedlings, plants and beds.

Thought for the Week (Habit 6: Synergise)

“You don’t have to take insults personally. You can sidestep negative energy; you can look for the good in others and utilise that good, as different as it may be, to improve your point of view and to enlarge your perspective.” S. Covey

Have a great weekend everyone.

George Danson