At a recent assembly, we launched Parents Group's major fundraiser for 2025 - the Colour Fun Run. Monies raised will complete this year's Priority Project, the Sensory Garden. We hope all students, with parental support, can create an online Colour Run profile.

In the run up to the event on 1 December, we handed out house points incentives to those students with profiles. From the next assembly, there'll be lots more excitement as those students will also be in the draws to win weekly prizes provided by the Colour Run company, as well as a double pass to Shrek the musical in January, valued at over $200. More details can be found in this eNews on the Parents Group page.

Without the efforts of Parents Group, LPS would be a very different school. Just since I started at the school, their fundraising has provided:

• The synthetic surface for the school oval
• The Laburnum Laboratory
• Science equipment for the Lab
• Reading resources
• The Junior School playground and outdoor learning area
• The hall ventilation system
• New curtains for the hall and stage
• P.E. equipment

Prior to that, Parents Group provided significant funding to build the school hall, the renovation of Doncaster East PS (now our Performing Arts Centre), the running track and almost all the current playground equipment in the school.

Government schools rely on local fundraising to improve the learning environment for our students and it's great to see these opportunities returning after an unavoidable COVID lull. It is hugely apparent that, over the last three decades, a dedicated group of parents has been instrumental in developing a fantastic learning environment.

We hope all families can support the 2025 Colour Fun Run, by raising monies and/or helping out on the day.

The LPS Transition program commenced last week as we welcomed our incoming 2026 Prep students for their first visit. As always, transition for students in Years 1-5 will take place later in the term.

Year 6 students are also eagerly anticipating their 'Step Up' program and secondary school transition days, which will take place later this term. We've already had visits from some secondary schools to meet or discuss students and Year 6 Graduation planning is well underway.

Finally, if parents/carers would like to see Education Minister Ben Carroll's media coverage of his recent visit to our school, please click here.

REMINDER:
Parent Payments for 2026 are due by Tuesday 25 November. Thank you!

Our Vision:    Learn   •   Thrive  •   Contribute

With 7 weeks to go until the end of term, we will soon commence our 2025 LPS Transition for current Prep to Year 5 students.

During these sessions, students will have the opportunity to visit classrooms across the school and meet with different teachers. The main focus is to support a smooth transition for the new year. Our transition program is made more successful through the use of our LPS Expected Behaviours matrix, which promotes and supports our calm and consistent learning environments.

Teachers will also commence the process of creating 2026 classes, balancing classes to meet student needs and considering requests made by students and parents.

The transition program will culminate in a 'Meet the Teacher' session on Tuesday 16 December, where we plan for students to meet their actual 2026 classroom teachers. There will be an opportunity for parents to meet Year 1-Year 6 teachers in the Hall after school from 3.30pm to 3.45pm.          

Story time has been a highlight for our Prep students this term. Our Year 6 Library Captains have delighted the Preps by sharing some of their favourite picture books each week.

Thankyou to Parents Group for organising this years Colour Fun Run on Monday December 1.
Please see the schedule below for when each year level will be participating on the oval.

12.00 Year 2  12.20 Year 4  12.40 Year 5  1.00 Year 1

Thankyou to JSC who have been selling Remembrance Day poppies, badges, wristbands etc. ranging in price from $2.00 - $10.00. This will continue until next Tuesday unless sold out.

Our Vision:    Learn   •   Thrive  •   Contribute

Writing

In Prep, we have been busy learning how to write short stories with a clear beginning, problem, and solution. To help us understand how stories work, we have read a range of wonderful picture books that show how authors create interesting problems.

Some of our favourite books have been Stuck! by Oliver Jeffers, GoGo and the Silver Shoes by Jane Godwin, Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers, and Jetty Jumping by Andrea Rowe. These stories have inspired us to write our own short stories.

We’ve also been experimenting with different sentence starters. Our stories are becoming more interesting each week. We are so proud of our efforts and can’t wait to share our books with you at the end of the year!

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

LPS Colour Fun Run Update!
                                    

We are 2 weeks into the Fun Run and have had over 300 profiles created so far – well done Laburnum Primary School! If you are yet to create a profile for your child, please sign up at www.funrun.com.au

Wristband Competition!
This week keep an eye out for your child wearing a School Fun Run Wristband! Just scan the QR code, log in or sign up, and enter the wristband’s unique code for a chance to win a $500 Prize Credit – perfect for when the prize ordering opens up! Good luck!

Lucky Draw Prizes!
At the next assembly on Friday the 14^th November, every child who has created a profile will be in the draw to win one of many prizes – you can see the prizes on display in the school office!

Parent Volunteers
Please keep Monday the 1^st December free to come and watch the event, and if you can, volunteer to help out and throw colour powder at the children! Sign up information will be coming very soon! If you have any questions about the colour fun run, please email parentsgroup.lps@gmail.com

LPS Mango Fundraiser Update
Orders have gone in for the mango fundraiser – thanks to all who supported this fundraiser, we sold 190 trays of mangoes!

If you ordered a tray, you will be notified of the delivery date (likely to be early December) sometime during November.

Next Parents Group Meeting
Our next meeting is being held at 7pm on Tuesday 11^th November in the staff room upstairs from the office (please access school via Janet Street). We’d love to see you there as we start to plan for 2026!

LABURNUM PRIMARY SCHOOL 
SECOND-HAND UNIFORM SHOP

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

Year 5 students have been busy learning about fractions. They are taking their understanding further by investigating LEGO pieces and finding their fractional values when different sized blocks represent one whole. After determining that a 4-bump piece represents a half when an 8-bump LEGO piece represents a whole, students worked in pairs to record the different fractions represented within their small LEGO creations.

Building on their use of tables to record fractional quantities, students are now learning to read and interpret a variety of visual text features found in non-fiction books. These include tables, Venn diagrams, maps, labelled diagrams, and infographics. They are discovering that these non-fiction text features add valuable information to the text; not just visual appeal.

In Writing, students are exploring what makes an effective speech by analysing examples of both strong and less effective speeches. They are also examining speech structure in preparation for writing and presenting their own speeches on topics they are passionate about.

Unlocking the Fun Side of Maths!
A select group of Year 5 and 6 students took part in a fun-filled day of Maths challenges led by the creator of Think Square. Our session was packed with engaging puzzles, problem-solving activities and hands-on tasks that brought Mathematics to life.

We were encouraged to think outside the box, collaborate effectively and apply creative strategies to tackle tricky challenges. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as teams worked together to solve problems and share ideas. Throughout the day, we discovered that Maths is not just about numbers and equations but also about curiosity, logic and teamwork. Each challenge encouraged persistence and collaboration, sparking laughter and friendly competition along the way.

By the end of the day, the group felt proud and inspired, leaving with new confidence in their mathematical thinking and a deeper appreciation for the fun side of problem-solving.

Year 6
Spark Curiosity with Circuits!
This term, we have been busy exploring the fascinating world of electricity! We have been working like real scientists and engineers by experimenting, problem-solving and discovering how electricity powers our world.

We discussed renewable and non-renewable sources of electricity by researching different energy sources such as, solar power, wind power, coal and natural gas. We recognised the importance of using energy wisely and thinking about how we can protect our planet for the future.

We explored how electrical circuits work. Using wires, bulbs, switches and batteries we built our own working circuits and experimented by identifying conductors and insulators. We discovered which materials allow electricity to flow and which ones block it. Our classrooms have been buzzing with energy, creativity and teamwork - a truly electrifying atmosphere!

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

If you would like to join, use the QR code below.

                    

Our Vision:    Learn   •   Thrive  •   Contribute

On Tuesday 14 October, our annual Whitehorse Division Athletics Carnival was held at Tom Kelly Athletics Track in Doncaster. This year we proudly took our largest ever team of students who competed across a range of events including Shot Put, Discus, Triple Jump, Long Jump, 100m and 200m sprints, 800m and 1500m races, as well as the 4x100m Relay.

Our students displayed outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork, and pride throughout the day, demonstrating respect toward their opponents and the event officials. It was a fantastic opportunity for our school community to demonstrate our core values in action.

A huge congratulations to all students who represented our school at this year’s Division Carnival and well done to those who progressed to the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Athletics Carnival.

We also extend our best wishes to two of our students, A and N (below), who are proudly representing our school today at the State Championships at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park. 

What’s Happening in P.E.

Prep
Our Prep students are developing their kicking skills. By working with balls of different sizes, shapes, and textures, they are learning how to adjust their technique while building fundamental skills such as balance, coordination, and foot-eye accuracy. These engaging activities are helping them develop confidence and control in their kicking abilities.

                     

Year 1 & 2
Year 1 & 2 students are focusing on throwing and catching skills. Through a range of activities, they're learning and practicing different throwing techniques (including underarm, overarm, and chest passes) while also developing their ability to track and catch effectively. These essential skills are building hand-eye coordination and providing a strong foundation for participation in various sports.

Years 3 - 6
Year 3 - 6 students are concentrating on target games, with the first focus being golf. Using brand new equipment, students are developing proper grip, stance and swing techniques while building skills in precision, focus and control. Golf provides students with the opportunity to work on personal skill development and offers an introduction to a sport they can enjoy throughout their lives.
                                

Year Level Sport sessions provide additional skill development opportunities tailored to each year level.

Prep students continue to practise motor skills by throwing, catching, coordination, balance and movement. Students get to perform these movements through the mini games that have been created for them. 

Year 1 - 3 students are participating in a carousel of skill-building activities focused on accuracy, ball handling, and skipping. Through rotating stations, students work on their precision in target-based games, develop their ball control across different activities and improve their coordination through skipping challenges. These varied sessions keep students engaged while building essential movement skills.

Year 4 students are continuing their target game focus by applying the skills taught in PE to competitive game situations. This allows students to transfer their learning into practice and develop their abilities in a more dynamic setting.

Year 5 & 6 students are participating in a competition-style program, competing against other teams in Netball, Soccer, Basketball, and Tennis. These competitive matches provide students with valuable opportunities to apply their skills in game situations while developing teamwork, sportsmanship, and strategic thinking.

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

Click on these links  below for Community News or information:         

TeamKids Out of School Hours Care  Please register your child here - it's free to register and you'll always have that option for childcare, even in unexpected circumstances.  More information is on our website here.

Please click Chess Club image for T4 registration

Please click here for information - statring November 5

Our Vision:    Learn   •   Thrive  •   Contribute