8 March 2024: Term 1 Week 6
Kaurna Acknowledgement
Niina Marni. As we feel the earth beneath us, the wind around us and the sun above us, we acknowledge the Kaurna people, the traditional owners of this land. We pay our respects to past Elders and will work with present and emerging Elders to protect and care for this unique land of ours. We also extend this respect to other First Nations peoples.
Principal's Report
Fiona Voigt, Principal
Dear Families,
LPPS School Fete - A Community United
Whilst next fortnights’ newsletter will no doubt be filled with photos and reports about our school fete, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to thank everyone for supporting such a wonderful event. I was asked by some of the younger students, ‘Who had organised it, Whose idea was it? Did I know Peter Combe was performing a concert?’ - all those questions that come from excitement and anticipation….
It is with heart felt gratitude that I thank all of the Governing Council Fundraising Committee, the volunteers, the Admin team, the Staff but I must reserve special acknowledgement for Brooke Robins, Mel Sandery and Debbie Foster. I can’t tell you whose idea it was, but the three conspired and took on incredible amounts of work in order to bring such a wonderful idea to fruition. This was a concept that many doubted could be done and yet they not only did it – they smashed it out of the park!
To the Fundraising Committee, Brooke Robins, Mel Sandery, Astrid Kinnaird, Sarah Jarrett, Rachel Conway, Sally Miller and Stephanie Hooi - for your commitment above and beyond, especially those who took time off work, words cannot express our appreciation and awe.
To all of those parents who supported class stalls; giving their time, food and support- thank you.
Peter Combe, who donated his time, we are grateful for your connection to LPPS and generosity.
Congratulations to all!
Peter Combe - Draws a crowd!
LPPS Community Fete
Governing Council AGM
Our AGM was held Monday evening and whilst the gathering was attended by a smaller group, we welcome a reinvigorated Governing Council that promises to bolster our commitment through its robust membership.
The meeting resulted in the election of seven Council Members, three new to our organisation, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise across various domains.
The Annual General Meeting also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements and hard work of the outgoing council members, Aysegul, Mona and Dev, thanking them for their dedicated service and the impact of their contributions during their tenure.
Looking forward, the newly established Governing Council is set to embark on its' defined roles and responsibilities immediately, with an initial focus on the Green Canopy Project, resultant from the removal of the three established trees as part of the courts upgrade. There will also be a consultation process where we explore the engagement with NDIS funded service provision in our school.
For more information on the proceedings of the Annual General Meeting, the initiatives outlined, or any further inquiries regarding the Governing Council and its Sub-Committees please visit the Parent Portal or contact Debbie Kennett via email debbie.kennett231@schools.sa.edu.au
Governing Council 2024: Carolyn Lam, Chairperson; Anokhi Parikh; Mel Sandery; Gemma Morath; Enzo Belperio; Brooke Robins; John Wang; Serena Shaik; Shamus Cogan-Briater; Lara Ebbs; Bolei Deng; Rachel Conway; Julian Zhu.
NDIS funded Service Provision at LPPS
The Department for Education and many schools are reviewing the logistics and impact of NDIS service providers in school settings. The NDIS scheme was introduced a decade ago and since its inception the expectations and changes to practice have been significant. The most significant change has been historically therapy sessions occurred at specialist consulting rooms; NDIS providers are wanting to deliver services in school settings, requiring site to manage space, scheduling and liaison between staff and administration.
As a site we value the expertise and support that service providers deliver. The collaboration between families and school will always endeavour to put the needs of the child first, however we do need to ensure that the impacts are not detrimental to other students or aspects of our school.
As part of our review, we are collecting data relating to the management and oversight of NDIS programs at LLPS. From the start of 2024 this includes 45+ providers, supporting a significant number of children. In seeking advice from the Department for Education we have become aware that other school are exploring the same issues and challenges, as such a policy is being drafted. Over the next few meetings, Governing Council and leadership will engage further with families to ensure that we have a clear understanding of what is required to create a positive interface for students, families and school.
Fiona Voigt, Principal
Student Wellbeing News
David Molloy
Student Wellbeing Leaders
At the conclusion of last year, Year 5 students submitted applications to become Student Wellbeing Leaders for this year. Student Wellbeing Leaders facilitate meetings of the Student Action Committee, engage with fellow Student Wellbeing Ambassadors within the Greenhill South Partnership, evaluate wellbeing statistics, pinpoint areas requiring attention, and develop strategies for improvement.
Congratulations to the 2024 Student Wellbeing Leaders;
Linda W, Chelsea M, Nikki V, Far, Fiona L, Caitlin T, Jenny W, Aliya J, Zoe U, Ivy P and Chenulki U.
Student Action Committee
The Student Action Committee consists of two students chosen from every class each semester. These students participate in meetings and advocate for the opinions of their classmates, guaranteeing that every student is heard in matters concerning LPPS. The initial gatherings took place during Weeks 5 and 6.
Congratulations to our new representatives for first semester.
Autism Inclusion Teacher
As well as being the Student Wellbeing Leader, I am also the Autism Inclusion Teacher. This involves supporting teachers and providing them with strategies that can be used in class, relationship building and adjustments that can be made in class which allow students with Autism to access learning successfully. Below is a flyer which outlines the role in more detail.
David Molloy, Student Wellbeing Leader and Austism Inclusion Teacher
Library News
Russell Hanson
Premier's Reading Challenge
At Linden Park Primary School, we encourage all students (Reception to Year 6) to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC).
The Department of Education started this reading program to promote both independent reading and being read aloud to for all school-aged children.
To participate your child needs to read twelve books by September 2024; however we are asking that Linden Park students return their completed sheets by Week 5 of Term 2.
Children do not need to actually do the reading themselves. Any or even all of the books can be read to your child. The title and author of the books need to be recorded on the student reading record, including an adult’s initials. This sheet has been given to the Year 1 to Year 6 students by their classroom teacher.
Reception students’ PRC sheets are completed by their classroom teachers and do not need to complete the program independently. The reception teachers will send their student’s sheets to the library upon completion.
The first eight books on the student reading record need to be from the PRC list. The Library Team have put special PRC stickers on the PRC books to identify them. Red stickers (R-2), Green stickers (3-5), Yellow stickers (6-9).
Families may also go to the PRC website where you are able to check if a particular book is on the list: www.premiersreadingchallenge.sa.edu.au
This website is helpful because as much as the Library Team try to put stickers on all the books, we do miss some. Also, if a book is from a shop, another library or home, you may need to check. The last four books on the student reading record are free choice books. They can even be take-home reading texts (readers). The students may also like to utilise our school’s e-platform for further reading and audio materials.
Once your child has completely filled out the reading record, including their 12 books, please return the reading record to your child’s class teacher.
Please call or email the school if you have any questions and I will be glad to give you additional information.
Russell Hanson, Teacher Librarian
Student Free Days - 2024
The LPPS Governing Council has ratified our 2024 Student free days:-
TERM 1: Friday 8 March
TERM 2: Friday 7 June
TERM 3: Friday 6 September (School Closure Day) and Monday 9 September
TERM 4: Friday 8 November
Years 4 : Water Safety Program
As part of our Heath and Physical Education programme, children in Year 4 participated in a Water Safety Swimming Program at the George Bolton Swimming Centre Burnside from Monday 26 February to Friday 1 March. The lessons were conducted by qualified swimming instructors, with each lesson being 90 minutes duration. Thank you to all the parent volunteers that attended the swimming lessons with us.
Year 6 Camp
The Year 6 students attended a camp at Victor Harbor on 28 February to 1 March 2024. The camp was an opportunity for the Year 6 cohort of students and their teachers to get to know each other. Students engaged in a program that focused on team building and the development of leadership skills through outdoor problem solving activities and water safety activities.
Library Volunteers 2024
Do you have some time to spare? Our school library is looking for volunteers!
The library team are looking for volunteers to assist with daily reshelving and covering of library books.
The covering of the library books can be done from home if volunteers would like to.
Please call into the Library if you are able to assist.
Thank you,
Russell Hanson Teacher-Librarian
Harmony Day
In Australia and at Linden Park Primary School, Harmony Day is celebrated during the week of 18 March – 22March.
Harmony Day is a celebration of our cultural diversity – a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.
On Thursday 21 March, we encourage all students at staff at Linden Park to wear orange clothes (socks, a hair ribbon, a t-shirt, shorts, etc.).
We look forward to talking with our students about diversity and cultural inclusion.
For more information about Harmony Day, please visit https://www.harmony.gov.au/
David Molloy, Wellbeing Leader and Autism Inclusion Teacher