Dear Parents and Carers,
We made it through an entire school term without reverting to remote and flexible learning. However, following government Covid guidelines, we experienced more students and staff isolating, and school events cancelled, which was somewhat challenging. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding effort and leadership of Courtney Mason, our Assistant Principal, who acted as Principal in my extended absence.
Night Market
Last Friday the Social and Fundraising Team facilitated the Night Market. Hundreds of visitors attended and enjoyed a variety of food and purchases from stalls, ranging from plants to creative art works. The Student Lighthouse Team will allocate the raised funds, to their chosen activities, resources and projects. Due to the absence of our Business Manager this week, the amount raised, will be tallied when Heather returns to the office. I am sending out a very big thank you to Monique Graham, Sally Howard, the Social and Fundraising Team members, and the parents and friends who planned the event, who managed stalls and who generously donated.
School Council
On Tuesday, at the AGM, the 2021 Annual Report was presented, and 2022 office bearers were confirmed.
President: Emma Doble
Vice President: Tiffany Fuller
Treasurer: Belinda Griffiths
Secretary: Richard Earl
Educational Policy Sub-Committee Leader: Tiffany Fuller
Buildings and Grounds Sub-Committee Leader: Richard Earl
Social and Fundraising Sub-Committee Leader: Monique Graham
Social and Fundraising Sub-Committee Members: Alina Bakham and Judith Anthony
Future School Council meeting dates: May 24, Jun 21, Aug 9, Sep 13, Oct 25, Nov 22 and Dec 13
Movie Night
On Wednesday we had the pleasure of attending Village Cinemas Southland, to view the students’ 2021 films. It was a great experience, for the students to see themselves on the big screen. Producer and director Bruce Grantford provided the students a keepsake they may look back on, for years to come. The movies will be available via a link shortly. Details of the 2022 movie making program will be shared early next term.
School Tours and K-F Transition
School tours for prospective parents with children starting school in 2023 commenced in March. Tours comprise a presentation, a walk through the school and chatting with students and staff. The students are highly articulate, when it comes to sharing their experiences at Le Page Primary School, particularly when referring to the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and their positive mindset. The Kinder to Foundation transition process also commenced in March.
Lunchtime Clubs
This term lunchtime clubs ran daily and included cooking, The Green-Team (gardening), sport, footy tipping, colouring, and teachers verses students games. Many students eagerly participated, and some students facilitated the activities. The Student Lighthouse Team members and the staff do a great job in providing students with alternative options over and above free play in the yard at break times.
Term 2 Swimming Program
On Wednesday in the first week of Term 2, the students F-6 will start the swimming program. A modified specialists’ timetable will be implemented to accommodate both regular programs and swimming lessons. The program is an important component of the curriculum, as well as being a lot of fun for the students. Parents of Foundation to Year 2 students may volunteer to support the staff at the facility. Interested parents are encouraged to contact the F-2 teachers directly. As always, volunteers must provide a Working with Children Check certification.
Classroom Cuisine Reminder (Online Ordering)
The Classroom Cuisine offers a Monday and Friday lunch order service. Orders must be complete before 8.30am on the day.
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, and sameness for oneness. Differences should be seen as strengths, not weaknesses. They add zest to life.
Thought for the Week
"Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity...it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." Melody Beattie
Have a wonderful break everyone.
George Danson