Apply now to enrol your child in Foundation (Prep) for 2027

The Department of Education's online enrolment system opened for Prep 2027 enrolments in April. The VicStudents portal allows families to complete their enrolment application and upload necessary documents . 

If you have a child starting primary school in 2027, it’s time to enrol. Please see our website Prep 2027 Enrolment page. 

Enrolling your child in line with the timeline allows us to plan our classrooms, staffing and transition activities and ensures your child has the best start to school.

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Introducing our new staff at LPS.....

My name is Carla Osses, and I am the new Spanish teacher at Laburnum  Primary School. I am originally from the beautiful country of Chile in South America, and I bring several years of experience teaching languages to primary school students.

I am passionate about sharing the rich cultures of Spanish-speaking countries with my students, as I believe that learning a language goes hand in hand with understanding the traditions, perspectives, and lived experiences of the people who speak it.

I am truly delighted to be part of the wonderful Laburnum community, and I look forward to growing, learning, and sharing meaningful experiences with students throughout the school year.

My name is Carmen Lao and I am the new speech pathologist at Laburnum Primary School.

I have experience working with people across the lifespan to develop their communication skills in practical and meaningful ways.

I am looking forward to collaborating with the teachers, education support staff, caregivers, and the students to support them to achieve their goals.  

Education Week is around the corner. This is an annual celebration of the amazing public education system in Victoria. This year, Victoria celebrates Education Week from Monday 18 May to Friday 22 May. 

At Laburnum PS, we are committed to keeping our community safe and well. As the weather gets cooler, illnesses may begin to circulate. It is Department of Education policy that schools ensure that unwell children do not attend school. As we do not have medical staff or facilities to care for unwell students, schools are required to isolate children who become unwell during the day and send each unwell child home as soon as possible. Below you will find some guidance from the Department of Education around staying well this winter:

Stay well this winter 

Influenza (flu) can be serious, especially for children.  

Choose to protect yourself and your loved ones with an annual flu vaccine. The earlier you and your family get vaccinated, the better your protection heading into winter.  

Keeping our school community well  

We encourage parents and carers and students to: 

• wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face 

• cough or sneeze into your elbow 

• stay home if unwell and consult your GP or Nurse-on-Call as needed 

• stay up to date with your flu vaccinations. 

Flu vaccinations 

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. 

Some people are more at risk of severe illness from flu, especially babies and toddlers. They can get a free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program. 

You can book a flu vaccine through your GP or pharmacy, or find a flu vaccine near you.  

Find out more 

For more information about staying well this winter, refer to: 

• the DE policy on Managing illness in schools has recently been reviewed and remains available on our website Home Page
  
  
• the policy above includes a link to the Royal Children's Hospital Viral Illnesses page
  
  
• your GP, pharmacist or midwife 

• the Better Health Channel – Don’t risk the flu campaign, including information about flu and other vaccines. This information is available in different languages 

• the Better Health Channel – assisted

• the Raising Children Network – influenza, COVID-19, bronchiolitis and helping your child prepare for vaccination.  

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When: Sunday 17th May, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Blacks Walk, near the school side gate

The Blackburn Creeklands Advisory committee will be planting over 350 tube stock in Blacks Walk near the school side gate. We would love to see some school families supporting our efforts to enhance the parkland around the school.  Morning tea and tools will be provided.   Bring gloves if you have them.

Your support will make a big difference in beautifying our local environment. For any queries, please email: blackburncreeklands@gmail.com

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Term 2 has got off to a busy start in Prep. We had our second visit from the firefighters and this time they brought their truck.  We enjoyed having an explore through the truck and we got to use the hoses. Ms Kiriati, Mrs Verbi and Dr Dray all had a turn too!

Our Preps pretended to be inventors and builders using the various 'loose parts' at the new playpod. There was an abundance of creativity displayed with some children even making their own see-saw!

Last week Preps met their Grade 4 buddies. They made cards together for Mother’s Day and spent time getting to know each other. Our buddies have been coming to see us in the playground during break times.

Prep swimming starts Monday May 25 and will be each day until Friday June 5.  Students attending swimming will need to wear their bathers to school under their uniform and bring a towel and goggles in a named bag each day. Please make sure ALL items of clothing are clearly labelled with your child’s name.

Students not attending swimming lessons should come to school as usual. 

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

Inquiry Term 2

Preps – Celebrating Differences

Students will explore similarities and differences between their physical appearance, their families, and cultural backgrounds. They will learn about food and celebrations in different cultures and how they contribute to multicultural Australia. Students will ask questions to gain the perspective of people from different cultural backgrounds and go on a travel adventure to learn more about other cultures by visiting different countries.

EXPO Date: 13 May 2:40pm

Grades 1 & 2 – Through Generations

Students will consider how life has changed and stayed the same through generations. They will learn about the past in different ways, including by sharing objects, listening to stories of places, and asking questions. Students will learn words to describe past, present, and future events. They will interview people from older generations to learn about their lives in the past. Students will use what they have learnt to create a role-play comparing an aspect of life in the past to their own lives.

Grade 1 EXPO Date: 25 June 2:45pm

Grade 2 EXPO Date: 23 June 2:45pm

Grades 3 & 4 – First Contact

Students will learn about the lives of First Nations Australians before the British settlers arrived in Australia and the causes and reasons for the journey of the HMB Endeavour and The First Fleet. They will practise thinking and acting like historians as they are immersed in stories and artefacts to learn more about Australia's history from different perspectives. This unit culminates in a presentation where students share what they have learnt about the past by interviewing an older member of their family or community about an object of importance from the past.

Grade 3 EXPO Date: 19June 9:15am (Science)

Grade 4 EXPO Date: 25 June 9:15am

Grades 5 & 6 – Museums in Motion

Students will learn about the concept of perspective through the lens of Australian history. They will learn about the reasons, causes, and effects of establishing the British colonies in Australia. Students will develop their research skills as they investigate significant historical events during the time of colonisation and the different experiences of individuals and groups. They will research the life of an influential person who helped to shape Australia so that they can appreciate the impact that one person can have on the history of the nation. They will work towards sharing their findings from this person's perspective by creating a Museums in Motion exhibit for their Expo.

Grade 5 EXPO Date: 20 May 2:45pm

Grade 6 EXPO Date: 28 May 2:45pm

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Grade 5
In Inquiry this term, students have been exploring the concept of perspective by considering how the establishment of British colonies in Australia may have been perceived by different groups of people. Students unpacked the complexities of the time by investigating the perspectives of convicts, settlers, explorers and Indigenous Australians. Using this information, students wrote journal entries from the point of view of someone alive at this time.

We had fun making our ‘old’ paper look worn and crumpled by staining it with tea bags and dirt and scrunching it up!

For our Inquiry Expo on 20 May, the Year 5 classrooms will become museums filled with people and artefacts from colonial Australia, showcasing ‘Museums in Motion.’ Students are preparing for the Expo by researching the life of an influential person who helped shape Australia. They will present their findings from that person’s perspective to appreciate the impact that one individual can have on our nation’s history.

Grade 6
A Moment of Remembrance and Reflection

On Thursday 23 April, our school leaders attended a commemorative service at Box Hill Gardens to honour the ANZACs and reflect on their courage and sacrifice. The ceremony was a respectful and meaningful occasion, bringing together members of the community to remember those who have served our country.

As part of the service, our school leaders participated with pride, as we had the privilege of placing a wreath as a tribute. This experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance and the values of service, resilience and respect that continue to shape our community today.

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

This session outlines the program content, language, and teaching strategies used with students, supporting schools and helping adults feel informed and comfortable with the Interrelate approach.

Please register here by Friday 29 May. 

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Our Recognising Individual Student Excellence (R.I.S.E.) program has had a very busy start to the year. Since February, teachers have selected highly able students in Grades 3 - 6 to participate in some fabulous opportunities. Two of these Grade 5 & 6 events are outlined below. 

Connecting with Country at Blackburn Lake Sanctuary

Some of our Grade 6 students recently enjoyed an engaging excursion to Blackburn Lake Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is part of the Kulin Nations lands, and specifically the Country of the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung. The visit focused on deepening our understanding of Australia’s First Peoples and exploring how the site has changed over time.

We learnt about the traditional use of the land and how efforts have been made to restore native plants and return the area closer to its original environment. We closely observed local flora and discussed the importance of caring for Country.

We also played a range of hands-on games and activities designed to build essential skills such as teamwork, observation, and communication. It was a valuable and enjoyable experience that brought classroom learning to life.

Soul Sonics Workshop 

A selection of Grade 5/6 students participated in an engaging Soul Sonics workshop. Students used digital technology to create and record their own rhythmic compositions. They explored layering beats by experimenting with sound patterns, and collaborated creatively using music production tools. The workshop focused on innovation, teamwork, and individual excellence in a hands-on digital music environment.

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

Tony’s Pies Fundraiser

This year LPS Parents Group will be selling delicious pies from Tony’s Pies, to raise funds for the school's priority projects. Please look out for the ordering form which will have online ordering details.  These will be sent home with your child next week (week beginning 18th May).

LPS Trivia Night – this Saturday 16^th May

There’s still time to buy your tickets to the 2026 trivia night! A social event for parents and friends of Laburnum Primary School.

• Date: Saturday 16th May
• Time: arrive 7pm for a 7:30pm start
• Location: LPS School Hall enter via Pakenham St gate

Get ready for an evening of fun, laughter, friendly competition, and community spirit! Gather a team of friends and family and put your knowledge to the test across a range of fun and engaging trivia rounds. Teams of 8-12 people. People are more than welcome to book a table for 10 friends ($250 for 10 people), but if you want to come solo or with a friend or two, we will ensure everyone is seated on a team.

Please bring along a stash of gold coins to take part in some games on the night. Any profit raised from the event will go towards school infrastructure, e.g. new play equipment, landscaping, seating.

What to expect:

• Exciting trivia challenges
• Prizes for winning teams
• Games throughout the night
• BYO food and drink for your table. Alcohol is permitted 

Tickets: $25 pp

Whether you’re a trivia buff or just in it for the fun, this is a great way to connect with our school community and support the Parents Group.

Don’t miss out – click on the link or scan the QR code for more info and to book your spot today! (Adults only please, this is not an event for children).

https://www.trybooking.com/DLMUT

**Walk-ins on the night are also welcome **

LPS Mother’s Day breakfast – Thank you!

The first ever Mother’s Day Breakfast at LPS was a huge success – with Mums, kids and some dads too, enjoying a breakfast feast of epic proportions!

Thanks to the many helpers who were up and about early to get breakfast prepared, and to Caroline H and Jennie S for orchestrating the event.

Get your LPS Umbrellas!

Winter has seemingly arrived early the last few weeks, so now is as good a time as ever to purchase your large, sturdy and long-lasting LPS umbrella. Available for sale at the school office for just $25!

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

       


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

Welcome to Term 2 in the Art Room.

Grade 3 students are learning to paint with acrylics and for this reason it is important that all students have a smock to protect their uniform. They are learning to mix colours and creating works inspired by Aboriginal artist Kaylene Whiskey. This means creating a work about all their favourite things, pop culture, food and traditions from home or family culture. Students are remembering to fill their page with blue sky and copy other techniques that Kaylene uses, to create the impression of a fun filled party. Later this term, Grade 3 will be exploring optical illusions, 3D drawing techniques and paper construction.

Grade 2 have made coil pots, developing skills to roll out clay, roll clay logs and utilise joining techniques to build their pot up. We compared this technique to 3D printing in layers and students understood the shape of their pot began at the bottom and so, could start with any shape they decided on. Some students mixed up the layers of coils, adding balls of clay and small vertical shapes between the layers. Later this term, students will be learning to weave and draw overlapping lines in patterns.

Grade 1 have also been building with clay. Designing spoon rests and little clay spoons. This involves rolling, cutting, shaping and printing designs into the clay. Later this term they will be learning about Paul Klee for drawing and painting a still life.

The Preps' focus is on construction and they are currently making and decorating small birds from card. They will be looking at Autumn themes and the art of Bridget Farmer, for inspiration.

As always, we are grateful for donations of clean recycling and non-food related small packaging for sculpture units. We are currently needing cardboard cylinders from cling wrap and aluminium packaging. Science, gardening and home decorating magazines are also appreciated, as well as ribbon for weaving projects.

Thank you to all those parents who have already provided their children with Art Smocks. Please clearly label your child’s smock with their name and class. All students will require a smock for Art lessons.

Art Captains, Ananya and Zac, are busy planning an Art Competition. Please keep an eye on the Art Notice Board for details.

Art Club is open on Tuesday at lunch time for Grades 4 to 6.

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

Walk Safely to School Day encourages families to think about how they can include more walking in their daily routine. Walking is a healthy and active way to get around!

We understand that not all families can walk all the way to school. However, there are always opportunities to include some walking each day.

You can help your child build healthy habits by:

• Walking with them to school 
• If you need to drive, park a short distance away from the school and walk the rest of the way

Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day and walking before and after school is one of the simplest ways to help meet that target. Walking regularly helps children and adults stay healthy. It can improve physical health, support mental wellbeing and provide parents the opportunity to teach their children to stop, look, listen and think near roads and traffic.

Active kids are healthy kids!

We encourage all families to think about how they can take part in Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 22 May.           

Curiosity  •   Respect  •  Integrity  •  Resilience

The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools, or ICAS for short, is an independent, skills-based assessment program, designed to match and test skills that are learned in the school classroom.

Every year Laburnum Primary School participates in the ICAS competition in English, Mathematics and Science. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to challenge themselves academically.

Entry is available to students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 ONLY.

As ICAS is not part of the Victorian curriculum provided to all students, the tests will be held before school on the following dates:

• English ICAS test – Tuesday 11 August at 7:45am
• Science ICAS test – Tuesday 18 August at 7:45am
• Maths ICAS test – Wednesday 26 August at 7:45am

Families enter their child through the ICAS Parent Payment System. To enter follow the link below and use the school access code to enrol your child.

Access details for parents:

Your school access code is:  ZPF593

Your parent page link is: 
https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/ZPF593

LPS enrolments close on 27 July. All enrolments must be made by this date.

If you enrol your child, please mark these dates in your calendar. Students cannot sit missed tests.

More information will be provided closer to the test dates.

QR Code for the parent page link: 

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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. We’re bursting with excitement to let you know that bookings for our Autumn Holiday Program are now officially OPEN for Laburnum Primary! See what’s happening at our school → https://downloads.teamkids.com.au/laburnum_primary.pdf Please click here for Mandarin flyer.

Please click on the Chess Club image for Term 2 registration.

Digimaker will start in Term 2. Please click on the logo for information.

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