From the Principal 

World Teacher’s Day

Last week we recognised the service of our teachers. At Le Page Primary School every member of the staff is a teacher. Whether in administration, education support or teaching, each sets an example for others. We learn and teach in a reciprocal manner daily. Learning is life-long and a shared journey. 

Movie Night

On Wednesday evening, the school community gathered to enjoy the screening of the students’ 2022 class movies, at Village Cinemas. Storylines were varied, interesting, and in most part either cute, funny or both. The students shone on the big screen. It was such a celebration to see students working in their element with passion. Bruce Grantford did an outstanding job, managing all aspects of the productions. Movie making supplements our Performing Arts program, which also includes dance.

School Disco Friday November 18th

Our Social and Fundraising Sub-Committee is excited to be holding a disco night for our students, facilitated by professional entertainers Bop ‘til You Drop.  This will be an exciting night full of hit music, dancing, games, and celebration.  The entertainers, Bop ‘til You Drop, have many years of experience entertaining children and will be conducting a structured disco party, keeping the children focused and engaged.  The disco will be supervised by members of the Social and Fundraising Sub-Committee and some extra registered parent helpers.

Scholastic Book Fair

Our librarian Anna Ottersbach is excited to announce that Le Page Primary School will host its first Scholastic Book Fair from Monday, the 28th of November, to Friday, the 2nd of December. The fair will be set up in the library area in the BER building and open every day from 8.30-9am and 3.30-4pm. Scholastic is providing us with books, posters and other items that will be on sale. There will be something for everybody: picture books, chapter books, activity books and more. The market will be fully cash-less, therefore you will need to bring a credit card or phone to pay for items. It will not be open during school hours and children will not be able to buy items unaccompanied. A share of all sales will go straight back to Le Page; this fair will be a wonderful fundraising opportunity whilst also allowing families to have a look at books together and maybe even buy some early Christmas gifts.

Leadership Day Thursday December 1st

This will be an opportunity to see student leadership in action and how we foster Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The plan for the day:

9:30-10:00 – Welcome and Assembly

10:00-10:45 – School tour in small groups to see the 7 Habits in action

10:45-11:00 – Reflection and Assembly

11:00-11:30 – Morning Tea 

If you can attend, please RSVP to le.page.ps@education.vic.gov.au stipulating the number of visitors in your party, by Thursday November 24th. This will support us with planning and catering.

Proactive Language

Recently the staff reflected on the use of proactive language. Two statements that can help us to think and behave proactively are, “Let’s look at our options.” and “There must be something we can do.” These are opening statements rather than ‘shut-downs’ such as, “We have no other choice or there’s nothing we can do.” Proactive statements create a sense of hope.

School Uniform Reminder

A uniform dress code reinforces in students a pride in their own appearance, instils recognition of themselves as an integral part of the school community, and assists in developing pride in representing their school.  Issues of equality, health and safety, and expense are also factors that contribute to the establishment of the dress code. The Le Page Primary School policy aims to promote equality amongst all students and to develop a sense of pride in, and identification with the school. The policy also aims to provide durable clothing that is cost effective and practical for our school environment and to maintain and enhance the positive image of the school in the community. Some students have been wearing dangling earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The policy states that stud earrings and sleepers worn in the ears, and watches are the only acceptable jewellery. Student safety is the policy’s first priority, and considers the financial cost to replace expensive jewellery, should it be lost. A wide-brim hat is preferable over a bucket hat, in that it provides increase protection. Caps are not endorsed.  A netball skirt is not identified as a standard uniform item. Hair colouring is not encouraged. Primary School Wear is the school’s main provider, and some second-hand items are available for purchase at the school office. 

Thinking about Synergising

To put it simply, synergy means "two heads are better than one." Synergise is the habit of creative cooperation. It is teamwork, open-mindedness, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. But it doesn't just happen on its own. It is a process, and through that process, people bring all their personal experience and expertise to the table. Together, they can produce far better results that they could individually. Synergy lets us discover jointly things we are much less likely to discover by ourselves. When people begin to interact together genuinely, and they are open to each other's influence, they begin to gain new insight. The capability of inventing new approaches is increased exponentially because of differences. Valuing differences is what really drives synergy. Do we truly value the mental, emotional, and psychological differences among people? Or do we wish everyone would just agree with us so we could all get along? Many people mistake uniformity for unity, sameness for oneness. Differences should be seen as strengths, not weaknesses. They add zest to life.

Working Bee Wednesday November 30th 3.45-5.00 pm

The main tasks will be to weed, rake soft-fall and clear leaves. This is the day before Leadership Morning, and it would be fantastic if we could have many hands, to achieve a lot in an hour. A reminder will be posted on Compass before the date. 

It is Not Okay to be Regularly Late or Absent

It should only be on minimal occasions, that students arrive late to school or are absent. Sometimes we all have private appointments to attend. 80% of students are punctual and reap the full benefit of settling into the class on time and participating in the explicit Reading instruction between 9.00 am and 10.00 am. For students who regularly arrive up to one hour late, or are absent, significant learning is lost, and difficult to catch up. Arriving late regularly is not an option when we want the best for our students. The state average of student absent days per year is 12.  Some students at Le Page Primary School have already been absent in excess of 50 days this year (not referring to family holidays), which equates to 1 Term of lost learning. All late arrivals need to present themselves at the office for a late pass, and Compass attendance record modification. Families struggling with student attendance are encouraged to contact the school to co-construct a supportive plan.

Student Free Days and the Last Day of School

Friday December 16 is the last day of school for our students. They will be dismissed at 3.30 pm. Monday December 19 and Tuesday 20 are student free days at Le Page Primary School. The teachers will plan and undergo professional learning, including Auslan, the school’s language other than English in 2023.

A Favourite Quote

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller

Have a great weekend everyone.

George Danson