24 October 2025 | Term 4 | Week 2

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

Dear families, 

Sports Day 2026
Today saw the Early Years students take to the playing fields to demonstrate their fundamental movement skills; locomotor (running, jumping), object control (throwing, catching and striking) and balance. Sports day was a fabulous forum for developing some of the unseen curriculum, the Wellbeing aspects of persistence, resilience and belonging. Voices were positive; encouraging their team mates and learning to celebrate successes and deal with losing are all part of the experience.
My thanks to Bella and the PE team for their organisation and the parent volunteers who support with the set-up and pack-up. 

A special thanks to Coles supermarket - Unley for generously donating four hundred pieces of fruit. This incredible gift has enabled each student to enjoy a healthy and re-energising snack. Donna, from Governing Council, who organised their support was impressed by their willingness to support our community!

Lost Property
For the first time in over thirty years of leadership I have cause to comment on the volume of clothes that students leave behind around the school. Lost property, jumpers, jackets, hats, socks and other items of clothing must be costing families a fortune. The uniform shop manager, Nikki, is tasked with having to try and return items to classes, taking time that should be allocated to supporting students' learning. Please encourage your children to be responsible for their property by; 
- checking the lost property bins, located near entrance to the Early Years building and Room 16,
- looking in the gym, 
- searching in OSHC/PAC and other specialist areas such as Science and French rooms. 
On a positive note, Nikki has noticed that having items labelled has improved but she would recommend that your child's full name be included on labels. 

Year 4 Artists at Work 
This term, our Year 4 student's Art classes have drawn inspiration from the exquisite still life works of the renowned artist Cezanne. As part of the 'How we express ourselves' inquiry, students embraced Cezanne's vibrant colour palette and compositions, translating their interpretations of fruit into stunning pieces that reflect both the beauty of nature and their individual artistic voices. Students arranged fruit and create representations using pastel crayons. Each artwork showcases the delightful techniques of shading and the use of light to capture the essence of Cezanne's influence while adding a personal touch that makes it uniquely their own. 

Kind Regards, 
Fiona Voigt, Principal 

Assembly Awards

Culture Spotlight

Linden Park Primary School is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program school. The philosophy underlying the PYP encompasses global education, intercultural communication and international mindedness. Students make connections to their global community and assume a sense of responsibility towards its members. 
The profile of our students is highly diverse, with more than 70 different cultures being represented across the school. The Student Learning and Wellbeing Committee acknowledges this and has made a commitment to ensure that culture is more visible and represented across the school. 

Happy Diwali

Diwali, also know as Deepawali, is a popular Hindu festival known as the 'Festival of Lights'. Different variations of celebrations happen across India and Sri Lanka, as well as all over the world. It is enjoyed by many different people regardless of faith including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. Diwali symbolises new beginnings, the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. 
During the celebration many illuminate their homes and public places with diyas (oil lamps), candles and lanterns to symbolise the light of protection. People also take part in ceremonies, prayer, firework displays and gatherings with each other. 

The festival itself takes place on a different date each year, according to the Hindu Lunar calendar, usually between October and November. This year Diwali is on the 20th October. It lasts for 5 days with each day typically having different rituals and traditions. The 5-day celebrations calendar starts from the 18th of October until the 23rd of October, with the day of Diwali being on the 20th. On this day many people wear their nicest clothes and say 'Happy Diwali' to each other.

On the first day- many clean their homes and prepare food.
On the second day- people decorate their homes with clay lamps and create ‘rangoli’ designs made out of rice, sand or flowers created on the floor of the home.
On the third day- families gather for prayer, feast together and celebrate with fireworks.
On the fourth day- friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season. A common theme is the bond between husband and wife, so husbands will often buy their spouses gifts to celebrate.
On the fifth day- the focus on the bond between siblings, specifically between brother and sister where they celebrate and share a meal together.

The message of positivity, and kindness is one of importance that if everyone lives by, it will make the world a better place.

Wellbeing News

Welcome Back
Welcome back to Term 4. This is always a busy term, but it's one that I really enjoy. It's a time when we can look back at our students and your children and reflect and celebrate together, how far they have come in one year. I look forward to celebrating their achievements with you. 

Transitioning to a New Year Level 
For many students starting a new year in a new class is an exciting time but for some it can be an overwhelming and anxious time. As we begin Term 4, this can become more evident the closer we get to the end of the year. This can be particularly relevant for Year 6 students as they transition to high school and students in the Early Years. 
If your child is feeling anxious, please let their teacher know as soon as possible so they are aware and can offer support. If you would like to make a time to discuss any issues with me or Vonnie our Pastoral Care Worker (PCW), we are more than happy to meet with families and work on strategies which can alleviate these uncertain feelings. Please feel free to make a time to sit down and have a chat. 

Student Action Committee
A huge thank you to the Student Action Committee (SAC) students who voted to hold a Hero Day at the end of last term and raise money for the Childhood Cancer Association. We raised $855 which will go towards supporting children with cancer and their families in South Australia. 

Q&A on Hay 
Next Thursday, 30/10/2025, we will be hosting another Q&A on Hay presentation in the library from 5.30 to 7pm. The presentation titled "ThinkUKnow" is a program which raises awareness around online child sexual exploitation. 
This is particular important in today's technical age where students have access to a range of devices that can access the internet. Unfortunately, not all these sites are safe and as parents, this program will help you understand the potential risks that your children may face. It also outlines how you can support them to safely navigate websites and interactive online games and know who and where you can turn to for help. 
If you would like to attend, please respond to the email which was sent out yesterday. 
It is a good opportunity for parents of children who will be entering Year 3 and graduating students. 

Kind regards, 
David Molloy, Student Wellbeing Leader and Autism Inclusion Teacher

Did You Know? 
Digital devices and technologies, including online platforms and services, have many benefits. They can help us find connection, support and information. They can also help us to collaborate, socialise, learn and work. But they come with risks, especially for children and young people. 
Three key ways you can help your child to stay safe online are: 

1. Be engaged, open and supportive 
- Get involved with your child's online activities as a family. Play games together. Talk about favourite apps, games or websites. 
- Keep lines of communication open. Ask about their online experiences, who they are talking to and whether they are having any issues. 
- Reassure your child they can always come to you, no matter what. Your child may not communicate openly about things that worry them online if they fear being in trouble if they tell you. Let them know you will not cut off internet or device access if they tell you they're feeling uncomfortable or unsafe online. 
- If you notice a change in your child's behaviour or mood, talk to them about it. If you are concerned, consider seeking professional help - from your GP, a psychologist or school counsellor. 

2. Set some rules
- Set rules for devices and online access, with consequences for breaking them. As they grow in online skills and maturity you can review your rules together. 
- Get your child's input - this will help them understand risks.
- Model behaviour that you would like to see. Children will be more likely to follow rules if they see you doing the same.
- Consider creating a family tech agreement (sometimes called a family media plan for family online safety agreement). This is a set of rules about how devices are used in your home as well as what acceptable online behaviour looks like. eSafety has created downloadable templates for families with children under 5 or those with kids aged 5 to 8 years. For families with older children, The Family Online Safety Contract from ThinkUKnow Australia is a good starting point.  

3. Use safety features and settings
- Get to know the devices you and your children use and set them up for privacy and online safety. Take advantage of parental controls and monitor and control screen time and access to content, based on your child's age and experience.
- Choose apps and games carefully, and visit the App Store or Google Play for age ratings and consumer advice. 
- Consult The eSafety Guide | eSafety Commissioner which provides valuable information about the latest games, apps and social media, including how to protect your personal information and report harmful content.
- You can also visit the Australian Classification Board's online database - Homepage | Australian Classification, Children and Media Australia https://childrenandmedia.org.au/ and Common Sense Media (US) App Reviews, Kids Apps | Common Sense Media for information about movies, apps, games and websites, searchable by age. 

Adapted from Online safety basics | eSafety Commissioner

2026 Material & Services Charge

Dear families, 
The Linden Park Governing Council have reviewed the Material & Services (M&S) Fees for 2026. 
In setting the M&S Fees, consideration has been given to the resources and equipment your child(ren) require to engage in their learning. 
M&S Fees for 2026 will increase to $515 and the Excursion/Incursion Levy will remain the same at $170. 

An invitation is extended to all members of our school community to attend an Open Governing Council Meeting on Monday 27th October at 7pm in the staff room. This will be an opportunity for parents/caregivers to discuss with the Governing Council. 

Debbie Foster, Business Leader

Pupil Free Day | Friday 7th November

All educators will gather to reflect on the progress made this year with our Site Learning Plan's, 'Wellbeing for Learning' focus. This provides opportunity to celebrate progress but to also identify next steps to address ongoing challenges of practice. 

Library News

Thank you! 
A big "thank you" to the Leung family for the recent donations of 3 new Indonesian language books for our growing Foreign Language collection. 

Volleyball SA | Year 5/6 State Finals

On Thursday 16th October, Linden Park Primary School's Year 5/6 volleyball teams competed in the Volleyball SA Primary Schools Cup State Finals, held at The Lights Community and Sports Centre. Both teams earned their invitation to the finals after finishing in the top two at the qualifying carnival last term. 
The finals brought together some of the best primary school volleyball teams from across South Australia, and the level of competition was exceptionally high. Throughout the day, our students faced quality opposition and participated in matches played at a very high standard. 
The Linden Park boys' team embraced the challenge and performed admirably, showcasing their teamwork, determination, and skill in every match. The Linden Park girls' team also impressed, playing with great energy and consistency to finish the day as silver medallists - a fantastic achievement. 
Congratulations to all students who represented Linden Park Primary School with pride, effort, and sportsmanship. A big thank you also goes to the parents who supported the teams throughout the day, including those who assisted with transport-your encouragement and assistance are always greatly appreciated. 

Harry Slee, Sports Coordinator 

2025 LPPS Volunteer of the Year Nominations

The Minister for Education Volunteering Award for Outstanding Service is a way to recognise people in school communities who make a significant contribution to enhancing and uplifting the lives of others by volunteering. 
At Linden Park Primary School we have many volunteers who help make the teaching and learning at our school possible. 
If you know of someone who has made an outstanding effort to support the Linden Park Primary learning and sporting environment in 2025 please nominate them for the 2025 LPPS Volunteer Award (e.g. helped on excursions, parent volunteer coach of after-hours sport). 
You can nominate as many people as you wish. 
Please email your nomination with a short sentence as to why they ought to be shortlisted for the Award to dl.0647.info@schools.sa.edu.au before Wednesday 6 November. We will then shortlist the candidates and conduct a community vote. 
Please help us acknowledge our valued volunteers. 

Linden Park Primary School Governing Council

School Sport SA (SAPSASA) Basketball |Year 5/6 Boys Final

Following their outstanding performance at the Statewide Basketball Carnival, Linden Park Primary School's Year 5/6 boys' basketball team qualified for the State Final, held in Week 2 of Term 4. 
The boys faced some of the strongest teams from across the Adelaide metropolitan area, playing five highly competitive matches throughout the day. Despite the tough competition, they performed admirably, finishing with two wins from their five games. 
We are extremely proud of the boys for their dedication, skill, and teamwork - not only on the day but also for the many recess and lunch times they have given up for training since the beginning of Term 2. Their commitment to improving together as a team has been outstanding. 
A heartfelt thank you also goes to the parents who supported the team throughout both carnivals, assisting with transport, scoring, and encouragement. Your support has been invaluable and greatly appreciated by the players and coaching staff. 

Harry Slee, Sports Coordinator

2026 Family Fun Night Silent Auction

Calling for Silent Auction Donations!
Planning is underway for our 2026 Family Fun Night, and we're seeking your support to help make our Silent Auction a huge success! 
We are inviting our wonderful community to contribute items, experiences, or services to include in the auction. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us raise valuable funds for the school while also showcasing the generosity of our families and local businesses. All donating businesses will be advertised through our social media and newsletters prior and during the event. 

Here are just a few ideas of what you could donate: 
🎁 Products: Unique items, gift hampers, or handmade goods
🏖️ Experiences: A weekend at a holiday home or tickets to an event
🖼️ Memorabilia: Signed merchandise or collector items
🌿 Services: Gardening, tutoring, music lessons, photography sessions, and more!

Have an idea? We’d love to hear it!

💌 How to Donate
If you’d like to contribute, please get in touch with the school with your donation details either in person at the front office or email dl.0647.info@schools.sa.edu.au 

Community News