From the Principal 

Athletics Day

On Tuesday, the students had a fun and competitive day at the annual school athletics event. This was a chance for students gifted in sport, to display their talent and to be acknowledged. Qualifying students will now participate in the district athletics carnival to compete at a higher level. We wish them the best.

Staff Movie

On Wednesday, the staff stayed back after school to complete the filming of their movie. There were many bloopers and much laughter. We are looking forward to the screening of the student and staff movies in November at Village Cinemas. Details will be posted later this term.

Holmesglen Staff Visit

Yesterday, the lecturer team came for a school tour. Le Page Primary School accepts up to 10 pre-service Education Support Staff annually from Holmesglen, providing teaching experience placements as a part of their course and training. This is a win-win situation for Holmesglen, their students, and our teachers and students. The team were impressed with the school’s culture based on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Giancarlo Siclari manages the placements and supports the pre-service ESS in their development.

Student Disco

Tonight, the Social and Fundraising Committee will hold the annual student disco. This will be a chance for the students to dress up and dance the night away. Parents will supervise the event, for which we are grateful.

Kelli Colvin 

It is with a heavy heart that we had to say farewell to one of our favourite staff members, Kelli Colvin. Kelli was a team member since 2018, and her effort to help re-establish Le Page Primary School was fruitful. Kelli wore many hats including integration aide, green team facilitator, grant writer, therapy dog liaison person, and 1:1 and small group remedial teacher. Kelli did not want a fuss on departing but the staff wished her all the best as she made her next step forward in her career. We will miss her.

K-F Transition

The program continues to offer 2024 Foundation students with opportunities to experience primary school activities and build connections. Last week 21 students participated in an art class led by Shelley Bradley. Artistic fish made from paper-plates and rainbow colours was the take-home product. More transition dates are scheduled through to November, listed on the school’s website, newsletter, and in distributed brochures.

School Zoning Now Activated

As at the end of Term 2, the enrolments for 2024 hit the school’s current capacity. We anticipate 240-250 enrolments for the start of the 2024 school year. This being the case, only students living in the school zone, or siblings of students enrolled can be accepted. Students who were enrolled before the end of Term 2, from out of zone have been accepted. 

Student Lighthouse Team

The Semester 2 team has been working productively to make school improvements. Targeted projects include hand-dryers in the student toilets, opening the library at break times, seeking guest speakers regarding differentiated learning styles and effective social interactions, and an amplified Cultural Day in Term 4. The students will meet with selected staff members next week, to initiate their plans. 

The Four Disciplines of Execution

Many people are good at setting goals; far fewer are effective at achieving goals. The 4 Disciplines form a tested, sequential process that helps individuals and teams achieve their Wildly Important Goals. Embedded in the process are valuable principles and tools for decision making, problem solving, critical thinking, and being more effective.

In Years F-2 the students at Le Page Primary School are developing awareness and capacity to set personal and academic Wildly Important Goals. In Years 3-6 they are developing awareness and practice of the four disciplines of execution, to achieve their goals.

Discipline 1: Focus on the Wildly Important 

Students F-6 are developing capacity to set relevant important personal and academic goals. We call their Wildly Important Goals WIGs.

Discipline 2: Act on the Lead Measures 

After making their WIGs, the students identify and act on one or two high leverage strategies that help drive them closer to their goals. We call these lead measures because they lead the students towards goal achievement. A student could choose lead measures such as reading for 20 minutes per night, and/or reading aloud with a partner three to five times per week.

Discipline 3: Keep a Compelling Scoreboard

To achieve their WIGs, the students need to know how they are doing on a regular basis. A scoreboard helps them track their lead measures and the progress they are making toward their goals. Scoreboards make tracking progress feel like a game and tells them if they are winning or losing. Scoreboards help students know when to adjust their strategy along the way.

Discipline 4: Create a Cadence of Accountability

It’s fun for the students to huddle up once a week and use a scoreboard to see how they are doing. To keep on track, students are learning to hold each other accountable.

Thought for the Week

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt

Keep warm and have a great weekend.

George Danson