If you've been to our office recently, you may have met Sandra Hutomo, who has joined our staff. We're pleased to welcome Sandra, who will be part of our regular office team along with Sonya, Jodie and Charlotte. Of course, Hui Lin is still available for liaising with parents of International Students, or translating with Chinese parents, on Mondays and Thursdays. Ruth is also popping back occasionally to fill in while Bernadette and Angela are on leave.

Thank you to all those families who met with teachers this week. Along with the recent Parent Information sessions, these Term 1 opportunities form one part of our school arrangements for reporting to, or meeting with, parents:

• Term 1: Parent Information Sessions and Meet the Teacher
• Term 2: Semester 1 written reports
• Term 3: Parent-teacher Meetings
• Term 4: Semester 2 written reports, as well as parent-teacher meetings.

Additionally, parents of children with special needs or short-term challenges can expect:

• Individual Education Plans (IEPs), for students with complex needs;
• Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), which are updated every five weeks if needed; or
• Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs), which are reviewed each term.

We also offer Student Support Group meetings each term for some families whose children have complex needs or attendance concerns.

If you have questions or concerns at any other time, please follow the process in place below:

• Contact your child's classroom teacher first to discuss their learning, behaviour, social or personal needs. The PLC Leader can also be involved in these discussions.
• If you have more serious concerns regarding your child’s learning, safety or wellbeing, please contact the PLC Leader or one of our Leading Teachers/Learning Specialists (Mandy Ryan, Glenda Kelly or Jayde Fielding). 
• Finally, please don't hesitate to contact Assistant Principals Kathy Verbi (Prep - Grade 2), Nat Kiriati (Grades 3 - 6), or me if these steps do not resolve your concerns or questions, or for matters concerning the operation of the school.

To arrange a meeting or conversation with your child’s teacher, or appointments with other teacher/s, please email the teacher via their Sentral mailbox. As teachers are working with children for most of their day, expected email response times are typically 24 - 48 hours. You can also send documents to teachers this way.

For urgent matters, please email the school via laburnum.ps@education.vic.gov.au. This inbox is checked several times daily and important or urgent messages are conveyed to teachers. If your child’s teacher is absent on a day you email the school, messages can be passed onto the replacement teacher or PLC Leader if needed.

Finally, warmest wishes to all families celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Our Grades 1, 2 and 3 students created their interpretations of the Fire Horse, which are on display outside the Art Room.


Kim

Our Vision:    Learn   •   Thrive  •   Contribute

2026 Schedule 4: Notice of Election and Call for Nominations

Our Vision:    Learn   •   Thrive  •   Contribute

The Second-hand Uniform shop is 'moving'...to the second Friday of each month.

Thanks so much to our dedicated parents, Clarissa, Kate, Connie and Shusan, who can help with your child's uniform needs.

For other dates throughout the year, please click on the website
Event Calendar. 

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

We look forward to presenting badges to the 2026 Junior School Council Reps at tomorrow's assembly. Our Grade 6 JSC Captains, Abigail and Suzanne, will lead the JSC representative group this year, supported by our LPS teaching staff. 

The National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Grade 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. It is the only national assessment all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake.

Students will commence NAPLAN testing mid-March and LPS parents of Grade 3 and 5 students will receive further information next week via the Sentral Portal. For further information, please visit nap.edu.au

We are pleased to announce that Susan McLean will be at LPS to present a seminar for parents - Its an online world!

Susan is a highly sought after and highly respected presenter in the area of cybersafety. We encourage all parents/carers across the school to attend this seminar.

Please mark your diaries!

DATE - Thursday 21 May
TIME - 5.30-7.00pm
LOCATION - Hall

Starting in Week 6, the LPS Snack Club will be set up at the canteen on Tuesday mornings from 8:45am. Staffed by highly trained Grade 4 student leaders, there will be assorted fresh fruit, fruit cups, tomato and veggie rice bowls, and tuna and brown rice bowls to ‘grab-and-go’ before school on your way to class.

Come past for a little snack and a cheery ‘Good morning’ every Tuesday! There will be leftovers available at Thursday afternoon recess, also at the canteen.

Remember to pack a fork or spoon in your school bag if you’re interested in grabbing a fruit cup or a rice bowl.

Snack Club recipe of the week: Pumpkin Scones

The Smile Squad dental van has concluded their LPS visit. They will return for a fluoride visit later in the year. More information to follow closer to that time.

Our Vision:    Learn   •   Thrive  •   Contribute

   SAVE THE DATE! Thursday 12 March

Come along to our first Fathering Project event for 2026! 
This event is only for dads/carers.

We welcome back Rodney Eade to present Fathers/Father figures-the importance of the role.

Time: 5.00 - 6.00pm
Where: Staff Community Centre

    

Plans are underway for the next Fathering Project event for children and their father/carer. Stay posted!

It's never too late to join The Fathering Project! If you would like to join, use the QR code below.

                    

Our Vision:    Learn   •   Thrive  •   Contribute

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

Grade 1
Grade 1 students have had a wonderful start to the year, settling into their morning routines quickly and confidently. This includes putting their belongings away neatly and ensuring their take-home books are changed each day.
We have been getting to know one another through different activities, including asking questions and sharing our interests.

Students have also been learning more about themselves as readers by discussing their interests and what they like about reading. They have been borrowing from our classroom libraries, making sure to select a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts. Students have been practising scooping words into smooth phrases to improve their fluency and understanding, as well as changing their voice when they see question marks and exclamation marks. Parents and carers can support this skill by listening to students read aloud at home.
 

Grade 2
Grade 2 has also had a wonderful start to 2026! Throughout the Ready to Learn program, students have been revisiting day-to-day routines, sharing information about themselves to their new teacher and classmates, identifying what’s new for students this year and preparing themselves for new learning. Students have discussed the best ways they learn in the classroom, while identifying how they are be able to support others with their learning using the school values of respect, integrity, resilience and curiosity.

             
The excitement of new schoolbooks and equipment was evident when all students took immense pride in setting up their tubs and book boxes. Grade 2 has also been focusing on the school value of respect by taking care of their belongings and classroom equipment. It has been evident for all Grade 2 teachers that students have made a perfect start. Looking forward to what 2026 will bring!
              

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

Welcome to 2026 from LPS Parents Group!

Parents Group is gearing up for another year bringing community events and fundraising activities to the school. We’d love to see some new members join us this year, so if you’re at all interested, please join us at our first meeting for the year – details below.

LPS Parents Group is meeting for the first time in 2026 on Tuesday 24th February.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will commence at 7pm, followed by the first meeting shortly after.

The meeting will be held in the staff room upstairs from the office (access via Janet Street gate). We’d love to see you there!

For those new to the school, Parents Group tends to meet once per month throughout the year. It’s a nice chance to get to know other LPS parents / carers and get involved with organising community and fundraising events. We appreciate all help, no matter how big or small!  In previous years parents group have raised funds for upgrades around the school such as the sensory garden and Laburnum Lab science room.

If you plan to join parents group this year, please complete the registration form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLAAjuWldu0q8-fixTVNHqMhXtLZtIxt7Ho-lcWsEElM9vvQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor

If you have any questions, you can email: parentsgroup.lps@gmail.com

Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser 7th March – Calling for Volunteers!

LPS Parents Group will be raising money for the school with a Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings Box Hill South, on Saturday 7th March (the long weekend).

We have numerous 2-hour shifts to fill, so if you have a couple of hours free and would like to help out, please sign up at https://signup.com/go/FRCHsYP

Lunch Orders in 2026 – Volunteers Urgently Needed!

 
Our lunch order service is not only something the students look forward to as a little treat but also very handy for us parents/carers if we have run out of lunch food. However, it is only possible thanks to the wonderful parents/carers who volunteer their time. Without these volunteers we cannot offer lunch orders. 
We are therefore putting a call-out to fill ALL volunteer spots for Term 1 and 2 in the coming week, so that we can confidently continue to offer the service.  Even one shift makes a big difference! And it’s a chance to be at school and see the children playing at lunch time!
If you can spare 45 minutes on a Wednesday or Friday (11.15am – 12pm) then please sign up here - we all appreciate your help! 
Please note you will need a working with children's check which is safety card that shows you are allowed to help or work with children in Australia - so if you haven't got one it is very straight forward and only takes 10 minutes online here. 
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to parents group at parentsgroup.lps@gmail.com or pop a question up on your year level WhatsApp group. 

Laburnum Primary School Community WhatApp Group

Several times a term, aligning with Parents Group events and fundraisers, Parents Group send out communications to consenting families via the Laburnum Primary School Community WhatsApp Group.
We also have year-level specific WhatsApp groups which are often used as a forum for parents to chat about school events, reminders and organise year level social events.
Should you wish to join the Laburnum Primary School Community WhatsApp Group, please email parentsgroup.lps@gmail.com with your mobile number.
You can then opt-in to join the specific year-level WhatsApp group that your child is in.
Please note that joining these WhatsApp groups is entirely optional. LPS Parents Group will provide all relevant information on this Parents Group page in eNews, where families can be kept up to date with events and news.                                               

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

• Visual Acuity - using a Lea 3m -15 line Symbol Chart
• Colour Vision - using a Quick 6 - Basic Colour Screening Book
• Depth Perception - using a Stereo Fly Screening Tool
• Spot Vision Screener – A state of the art portable machine designed to screen for Myopia (near sightedness),Hyperopia (far sightedness), Astigmatism (blurred vision), Anisometropia (unequal refractive power), Strabismus(eye misalignment) and Anisocoria (unequal pupil size).

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

Our school library is a lively and welcoming space where students can enjoy high-quality, up-to-date children’s literature.

Opening Times
Before school: Daily, 8:45–8:57am (parents welcome)
Lunchtime: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 11:00–11:25am

Library Captains
A big welcome to our 2026 Year 6 Library Captains: Hannah, Jessie, Lydia, Wesley, Raghav, Mason, Renee, Naomi, Lily, Trischa, Summer and Yara. They’re always happy to help!

Library Bags
Please ensure students bring a clearly labelled, waterproof library bag to each session to help protect borrowed books.

Parent Volunteers Needed
Thank you to our wonderful parent volunteers. We are currently seeking additional helpers with a current Working with Children Check on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings (9:00–9:45am) to assist with returning and shelving books. Please see Wendy Keogh in the library before school if you can help.

Scholastic Book Club
Our school participates in Scholastic Book Club, offering a wide range of books at discounted prices while supporting school fundraising. Brochures are sent home twice per term. Online orders only (no cash accepted).

                 

This Term in the Library

Students are learning how to select books that suit their interests and reading abilities while developing a love of reading for pleasure. We are also highlighting the importance of picture story books for all ages, from Prep to Grade 6 and beyond.
For younger students, picture books may include simple texts, as well as rhyme and repetition. Our Senior Fiction picture books explore more mature themes, use advanced vocabulary, and feature rich, detailed illustrations that encourage deeper thinking and discussion. These titles are displayed on our Senior Fiction Picture Story book stand next to the borrowing desk.

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

Our Grade 3 students have had a wonderful start to the year, settling confidently into their new classrooms and exploring all of the exciting opportunities that come with being part of the Middle School.

Students have been getting to know one another by sharing aspects of their personal lives, including their families, favourite foods, sports, colours and hobbies. As part of this, each child decorated a patchwork square, which has been combined to create a vibrant display symbolising that we all belong.
                 

In Mathematics, students have been embracing their roles as mathematicians by using a variety of tools and strategies while problem solving. Students have been discussing the way that mistakes and challenges help us learn, build resilience and ask questions. They are also exploring how Maths is all around us in everyday life.

The Grade 4 students have made a fantastic start through our Ready to Learn program. Students have embraced our school values of Respect, Integrity, Curiosity and Resilience in both their learning and interactions with others. They have been revisiting class expectations and demonstrating a strong understanding of what it means to be positive, responsible members of our classroom community.
  

It has been wonderful to see students showing curiosity by asking thoughtful questions, resilience when tackling new challenges, integrity in their choices and respect as they build new friendships and strengthen existing ones.

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

Free resources for families of adolescents aged 10 to 14 years

The Department of Education has launched an Easing into adolescence webpage for families of students aged 10 to 14 (Grade 5 to Year 8).

The webpage has information and strategies you can use to help ease your child into adolescence and secondary school. These include:

• a guide to emotion coaching. Staff from The University of Melbourne’s Tuning in to Teens Kids program developed the guidance.
• how to support your adolescent with their studies and more generally. Parenting expert and clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller helped develop this resource.

Subtitles for videos by The University of Melbourne on the webpage are available in 10 languages. You can select your preferred language on the translations page.

School tours are a wonderful way to see Box Hill High School in action, and bookings are now open for a tour of the school for prospective parents/carers and students.

Not only will visitors see classes in operation, but there will also be opportunities to ask questions, meet BHHS staff and students and hear from a member of the Principal Class Team. Explore the school on a tour and find out more 

about how BHHS provides the perfect balance between academic, social, and emotional growth and development in its students.

School tours at BHHS will run from 10 February – 7 May. Bookings are now open at Trybooking.

As there will be no Open Afternoon during 2026, we encourage you to book your place on a School Tour if you are considering Box Hill High School for your student’s needs in 2027 and beyond.

Our Vision:    Learn   •   Thrive  •   Contribute 

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.

Digimaker will start in Term 2.

Please click on this Chess Club image for Term 1 registration.

Click on the logo for registration information.

Our Vision:    Learn   •   Thrive  •   Contribute