Lismore South Public School Newsletter

Term 4 is certainly flying by! Our students have many wonderful lessons, excursions, incursions and activities to end the school year.  This term in particular is a busy one with lots to look forward to. Please make sure you keep up to date with our Term 4 calendar featured in this newsletter. We recommend that you use the Skoolbag and Class Dojo app to receive all school updates.

I wish to thank our staff for their professionalism and recognise the work that they undertake on a daily basis. The time, efforts and dedication of our staff do not go unnoticed. They have worked really hard to create a positive and engaging learning environment at our new school campus. It is lovely to visit classrooms and see our students settled, happy and switched on for learning time. 

If you know of any students who are considering enrolling at Lismore South Public School in 2023, please ask them to contact the school office as soon as possible.  Families of students who will not be returning in 2023 are asked to advise the school office as soon as you are aware of your change in circumstances.  We rely on accurate enrolment information to form the basis of our staffing and class organisation. We appreciate your help in this matter.

Kind regards,

Larissa Polak

As of 14th October, it is no longer mandatory to self-isolate if someone tests positive for COVID -19, but it is recommended to stay home and take steps to protect others. Students, staff, visitors should only attend school when they are symptom-free. We will continue to send home students or staff displaying flu-like symptoms and will continue to follow COVID smart measures to help reduce the risk of transmission. If you require additional RAT kits please phone the office and we will send them home for your family to use.

At the end of the school day your assistance in keeping our main school gate clear is helping maintain the safety of all. Teachers will dismiss children from the main gate and will supervise them crossing the road. Children will only be released from the main gate when they can see their parent or carer waiting across the road.

You will begin to notice that new safety barriers will be installed on Wilson Street over the next few weeks. These barriers will support our students in safely using the school crossing. We have also been advised that that highway patrol will be visiting our school zone in the next few weeks to monitor motorists complying with the 40km school zone rule. If any other traffic related issues arise, officers will enforce those laws also. Please park sensibly and safely at drop off and pick up times outside our school.

Bridie and Tahlia recently represented our school at the Rivers Public Speaking Competition held at Kadina High School. The girls were selected as the finalists from our in-school public speaking competition. Both girls presented well-rehearsed and informative speeches. We are so proud of their confidence to speak in front of a large audience. Paza and Abigail were also terrific comperes throughout the day. Well done to our public speakers. 

The Stormbirds program has commenced at Lismore South, supporting our students to understand and manage the changes and impacts they experience as a result of a natural disaster. Several staff have been trained in this highly effective  wellbeing program and it will continue into 2023. The Stormbirds program creates a safe space for children and young people to practice new ways of thinking and responding to change and loss following natural disaster events. 

Stormbirds is a child-centred, small group education program based on the belief that grief is a normal response to change, loss and uncertainty that often results from natural disasters. Children, young people and adults benefit from learning about how natural disasters can impact their lives. 

The program is called 'Stormbirds' after a bird of the same name (also known as the eastern Koel). These birds are believed to foreshadow coming storms by their calls, fleeing to safety and only returning when catastrophic events have passed.

The program incorporates a range of age-appropriate activities including writing, drawing, discussion, stories and music. Children’s learning is largely generated through these activities and the conversations that emerge from stories shared, questions asked, skills learned and friendships developed. 

If you have any questions, please contact Stormbirds Organiser, Gaye Titcume (Mrs T) at school. 

Meet Netty, our wonderful master artist who is leading the Lismore South Public School Heart to Heart Stage 3 project. Students will be lead through the process of creating their very own masterpiece in weekly lessons. Heart to Heart combines the process of creating a masterpiece in oils, mindfulness techniques, making meaningful connections within a group setting and learning the importance of creativity in one’s life. Two of our staff have been trained to also continue this program in 2023

We have welcomed our new Kindy 2023 students to LSPS. It is so lovely to see their smiling faces each week and welcome them to ‘big school’.  Last week the class enjoyed a scavenger hunt around the school finding some places and people. They also enjoyed being the first students to borrow from our new library. Our transition days will continue on Wednesdays from 9.30am - 2.30pm. The last day of transition will be 30th November. 

If you know of any friends or other community members who have children who are due to start next year, please encourage them to make contact with the school via phone or email. Children can start Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5, on or before 31 July in 2023. 

Greg Inglis’ Goanna Academy is the first accredited and Indigenous-owned mental health organisation in Australia. Working together with NSW Education, the schools program looks to reduce stigma, open the conversation, and provide students with support and coping tools for mental health related concerns. We are so fortunate to be involved in the program with our Stage 3 students completing modules 1 and 2 this year and modules 3 and 4 in 2023. If your child is going to the Rivers Secondary College the program will continue into high school.

This week we have enjoyed celebrating Grandparents' Day, a time to celebrate the older people in our lives and to maintain connection across generations. Grandparents, grand-friends, other special elders, and those who take on the role of a grandparent in their family or community are recognised for their contributions. We read 'Grandpa and Thomas and the the Green Umbrella' by Pamela Allen and 'Dancing with Grandma' by Rosemary Mastnak. Then we explored the connection we have with our grandparents through sharing stories, feelings and understandings, and created a special card to say thank you to our Grandparents.  Learning about Grandparents' Day has enhanced the children’s learning about whom they are and where they belong, establishing their identity.

Over the last few weeks the children's interest in nature has continued as they have engaged in nature scavenger hunts, searched for four leaf clovers, made clover flower chains, and created play dough animals. Children have also enjoyed making crowns, building zoos, creating , tea parties, Barbie's, and singing.

The NSW Department of Education has released the Rewarding Excellence in Teaching Options Paper to help create a stronger teaching career pathway for highly effective teachers in our schools.

Now the Teaching Options paper has been released, the NSW Department of Education wants to hear from school communities across the state to ensure they get the final policy position right and fit for purpose. If you would like more information and/or to complete the survey please click on the following link: Have your say 

The next P & C Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 16th November, 5.30pm, at Lismore Heights Sports Club.  All interested parents and community members are welcome.

Students will finish school on Friday 16 December 2022. This is due to an additional School Development Day announced for staff across NSW public schools. School Development Days allow our staff to participate in professional learning that was put on hold due to COVID-19 staffing pressures and to plan ahead for 2023 to ensure we meet the needs of our students. With this change, we ask that you make alternative care for your children on Monday 19 December.

Football Australia and Northern NSW Football; along with some dedicated host clubs, are working together to offer 8x FREE MiniRoos Come and Try Days during the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup Period!

• For children aged 4-11 years, this is a safe, fun and FREE way to give football a go.
• Learn about how new players and their families can get involved with their local community club for season 2023!
• We will also have some Socceroos themed giveaways, as our Men’s national team does battle with some of the world’s best teams in Qatar at the World Cup during November/December.

FOOTBALL FAR NORTH COAST - EAST LISMORE. 

• Location: Nielson Park, Oakley Avenue, East Lismore NSW 2480
• Date: Wednesday 23 November 2022
• Time: 5:00-6:00pm
• Cost: Free 
• REGISTER HERE