From the Principal 

School Council Members 2023

Last week at assembly we acknowledged our out-going president Emma Doble and introduced our in-coming president Tiffany Fuller. The 2023 team are: 

President: Tiffany Fuller

Vice President: Belinda Griffiths

Treasurer: Stefan Conrad

Secretary: Richard Earl

Community Member: This year a community member has been invited to join School Council. David Schmidt is an ex-school principal and currently the school’s traffic safety officer.

Sub-committees

Education Programs and Policy: Courtney Mason

Social and Fundraising: Monique Graham

Buildings and Grounds: Richard Earl and Belinda Griffiths 

Finance: Stefan Conrad and Tiffany Fuller

Sub-committees usually meet twice a term to share ideas, plan and review some aspects of schooling. Parents wishing to participate can contact the school office and register their interest with Brooke Sheppard. A meeting schedule will be created and distributed early in Term 2. 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

On Curriculum Day March 14th all staff participated in an intense program of self-reflection and personal planning. This was an opportunity for new staff members to be introduced to the 7 Habits and was a refresher for the rest. 

Student Lighthouse

The team has been productive and sought whole-school feedback to identify two major projects for semester one. The beautification and increased privacy of the Chicken Palace, and a Science and Technology Day will be the focus. 

Student Attendance Up-date

The Department of Education and Training has a laser-light focus on student attendance in 2023. All schools have reviewed their strategies to promote attendance. Last year was the most problematic with students and staff constantly absent due to Covid, influenza, and the slightest of symptoms. Le Page Primary School’s comparison:

• Term 1 2022 88 students (48%) recorded 5 or more days absence, 
• Term 1 2023 34 students (16%) recorded 5 days or more absence.

Scout Hall Car Parking Notice

Next door to Le Page Primary School, the Scout Hall is preparing to house Cheltenham East Kindergarten, whilst the old kinder is demolished and rebuilt. New fences have been erected for the safety of the kinder community. The off-road parking on the Scout Hall site is not to be used by the Le Page Primary School community at any time. The safety of pre-school children and their parents is of the utmost priority. 

Working Bee

Our Term 1 working bee was held on Wednesday 22nd of March. The focus was to distribute new soft fall at the play equipment, sweep the leaves and clean the drinking troughs. We thank everyone who was able to help.

New Shade Sail

The waterproof shade sail is finally here. The cover was installed on Tuesday 21st of March. We are looking forward to using this space as an outdoor learning area, and meeting place.

Rotting Tree Removal

The tree between the Art room and main building was removed on our last student-free day to ensure safety.

ANZAC / Reflective Garden

The ANZAC Garden project is underway. Old garden beds and shrubs were removed for new plants and the third flag pole will be installed shortly. 

Sick Bay

Sick Bay renovations will be completed during the school holidays.

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy was completed in the week after the Labour Day holiday. Catch up sessions were completed for students in Year 3 or 5 who were away on scheduled days. We are proud of the effort the students have made, doing their best at each assessment and remaining resilient and persistent. As this year’s assessment was in March, not May, we are expecting to get the results late Term 2.

Student Support Group Meetings

During the last two weeks teachers met with parents of students who require an Individual Education Plan. These meetings happen each term and give opportunity for parents and teachers to have clear and specific goals for the students. 

Curriculum Day 24th April

The first day of Term 2 is a student free day. Staff will complete important work around semester reports, Leader in Me, Leadership Day preparations and team planning. ANZAC day falls the day after on Tuesday April 25th. 

5 Core Paradigms

Seeing the world through these 5 paradigms is transformative, not only for students, but for everyone. Leadership: Everyone can be a leader. Potential: Everyone has genius. Change: Change starts with me. Motivation: Empower students to lead their own learning. Education: Educators and families partner to develop the whole person.

Thought for the Week

I’m a valued member of a winning team doing meaningful work in an environment of trust. Stephen R. Covey

Have a great weekend everyone.

George Danson