Weekly
news
Term 1, Week 4
Coming up this week
Calendar
Upcoming Events
MISSION STATEMENT
To serve in a Christ-centred community, connected with families, nurturing students to grow in a love of learning and flourish in every part of life.
VIsion
Shaping faithful hearts and curious minds for a life of purpose.
Principal’s Report
Thank you to all parents and carers who attended our Parent Information Night last week, it was wonderful to see many of you there. We especially enjoyed sharing some of our new wellbeing initiatives, including our Student Learner Profile and information about The Resilience Project. Community is important and it was also wonderful having many parent volunteers and spectators at our Swimming Carnival. Congratulations to Rocky Hill for being the winning house on the day.
Homework and Reading
Our approach to homework is guided by research and a strong focus on student wellbeing. We believe that reading is essential for all learners, as it supports vocabulary development, comprehension, general knowledge, and a lifelong love of learning. Every student has received a reading log, and we encourage families to support regular reading at home. Beyond reading, research shows that traditional homework has minimal impact on student learning outcomes, particularly in primary years. For this reason, we prioritise meaningful learning during the school day and see reading as the most valuable and purposeful learning activity students can continue at home.
If you have any questions about this or interested in what your child is learning at school, please don’t hesitate to send your child’s teacher an email to find out more.
Year 6 Legacy Gift – New Bubbler
We are thrilled to share that, thanks to the success of the Year 6 Legacy Gift Colour Run, a new school bubbler has been purchased, and it looks fantastic! This wonderful addition is and will be enjoyed by students for many years to come and stands as a lasting legacy from our 2025 Year 6 cohort. Thank you to all families and community members for your generous donations and support in making this initiative such a success.
Year 1 and 2 enjoying the new bubbler
Lunches and Allergies
Our school is an allergy aware environment. In practice, this is very similar to being nut free, as families are asked not to send foods that are known allergy triggers, particularly nuts, to school.
At present, we have very few students with anaphylaxis, with only two students allergic to peanuts. Other foods, such as whole eggs, may be reviewed from time to time, especially as we are currently unaware of any students with this allergy. This flexibility is part of what it means to be allergy aware.
Ongoing education and shared understanding among students, families, and staff is key to keeping everyone safe and supported. For further information please see the Parent Handbook:
Working Bee
It has been many years since Lutheran School has held a working bee. More information to come but please save the date.
As the year continues to progress, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the school if you have any questions.
Blessings,
Hollie Kinning
Principal
Deputy Principal’s Report
What an action packed fortnight we’ve had! From enjoying delicious pancakes, to cheering on our swimmers at the carnival, to doing our part for the environment during Clean Up Australia, and finally launching our Clubs program—it’s hard to believe we’re only in Week 4. Throughout all the excitement, our students have shown kindness, a willingness to serve, and displayed plenty of bright smiles. I’m looking forward to all the events and activities still to come.
SRC News
We are delighted to introduce our Semester 1 SRC representatives from Years 1–6. This enthusiastic group has already held its first meeting and is brimming with creative ideas for making our school an even better place to learn and grow. Each representative received their SRC badge this week, and they are wearing them with pride as they step into their leadership roles. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make throughout the semester.
SRC MEMBERS – SEMESTER 1 2026
Year 1 Nellie Hibbard and Hector Geard
Year 2 Harper Jackson and Matthew Meshack
Year 3 Arabella Lamont and Lincoln Hall
Year 4 Augusta Clark and Noah Walker
Year 5 Fareeha Ayeni and Samuel Riesterer
Year 6 Rosie Molineux, Indi Walker, Eli Poole and Jordan Tracey
In Term 4, our school community once again showed extraordinary generosity through our 2025 Christmas fundraiser for ALWS Gifts of Grace. Together, we raised over $792 and were able to purchase a wonderful range of lifechanging gifts, including five lots of chickens, three gardens, three water tanks, training for two tailors, and two Start School sets. These gifts will make a meaningful difference for families and communities in need. Thank you for your kindness and compassion during this special time of year—it is truly appreciated.
Harmony Day on Friday, March 20 will be our first awareness raising event for the year, and we’re looking forward to celebrating the rich diversity within our school community. As part of the day, students will take part in a collaborative art piece that reflects the “Everyone Belongs” theme. We’re excited strengthen the sense of inclusion that makes our school such a welcoming place.
Emma Davenport
Deputy Principal
Inclusive Learning Lens
Working Together to Support Every Learner
This week, our teachers have been engaging in important work to review and update Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students who require specific supports and adjustments to access their learning on the same basis as their peers. This process reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusive education and ensuring that every student is supported to participate fully in all aspects of school life.
Individual plans help guide the adjustments, strategies and learning goals that enable students to experience success, build confidence and continue to grow as learners. As part of this year’s planning process, teachers have intentionally incorporated the voices of students themselves, acknowledging the valuable insights students can provide about how they learn best, what supports help them succeed and the goals they would like to work towards.
The next step in this collaborative process will involve teachers meeting with parents and carers — and students where appropriate — to share these updated plans and invite family input. These conversations are an important opportunity to ensure that plans accurately reflect shared understandings, celebrate strengths and establish clear goals and supports for the year ahead.
Over the coming weeks, targeted intervention supports will also begin for some students across the school. Now that students have had time to settle into their new classes, teachers have developed strong understandings of learners, and beginning-of-year assessments have been completed, we are able to carefully identify students who may benefit from additional short-term or ongoing support. These research-informed interventions are designed to strengthen key learning skills and provide additional opportunities for practice and success alongside classroom learning. Parents and carers of students participating in intervention programs will be contacted shortly to share further information and seek permission for their child’s involvement.
We greatly value the partnership between home and school in supporting student learning and wellbeing. By working together, we can ensure that each child feels known, supported and empowered to engage confidently in their learning journey.
We look forward to continuing these conversations with families over the coming weeks as we work together to support every learner to flourish.
Lauren Forsyth
Learning Enhancement Coordinator
Wellbeing Window
Supporting Healthy Sleep for Growing Minds
In recent conversations with students across our school, many students have shared that sleep is something they find tricky. For some children this means difficulty getting to sleep, waking during the night, or simply not getting enough rest to feel refreshed for the day ahead. While these challenges are common for school-aged children, sleep plays a vital role in supporting learning, emotional wellbeing and overall health.
Australian research highlights the strong connection between sleep and a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Quality sleep supports concentration, memory, behaviour and emotional regulation — all essential foundations for successful learning at school. When children do not get enough sleep, they may find it harder to focus, manage emotions, problem-solve and engage positively with peers and classroom learning. The Australian Department of Health recommends that children aged 5–12 years receive between 9–11 hours of sleep each night to support healthy development and wellbeing.
When students are well rested, we often see improved engagement in learning, stronger emotional regulation, increased resilience and greater overall wellbeing throughout the school day.
Sleep Tips for Families
Establishing positive sleep habits can make a significant difference for children and families. The following strategies are recommended by Australian child health and sleep organisations:
✅ Keep bedtimes consistent
Aim for similar sleep and wake times each day, including weekends.
✅ Create a calming bedtime routine
Quiet activities such as reading, prayer, gentle music or conversation help signal that it is time for sleep.
✅ Limit screens before bed
Turn off devices at least one hour before bedtime, as blue light can delay sleep.
✅ Create a sleep-friendly environment
A cool, dark and quiet bedroom helps children fall asleep more easily.
✅ Encourage daytime activity
Regular physical activity and outdoor play support natural sleep rhythms.
✅ Avoid late sugary snacks or caffeine
Chocolate, soft drinks and energy drinks can interfere with sleep.
✅ Support independence at bedtime
Helping children fall asleep in their own bed supports longer, more settled sleep overnight.
If your child continues to experience ongoing sleep difficulties despite consistent routines, it may be helpful to speak with your GP or health professional. Persistent sleep challenges can sometimes be linked to medical, emotional or developmental factors, and early support can make a meaningful difference.
From a school perspective, sleep can significantly influence a child’s learning, attention and emotional regulation throughout the day. We encourage parents and carers to keep your child’s classroom teacher informed if your child is experiencing sleep difficulties. This allows us to respond with understanding and provide appropriate support within the school environment where needed.
By working together — home and school — we can support healthy routines that help our students arrive each day ready to learn, connect and flourish. Quality sleep is one of the most powerful foundations for wellbeing, and small, consistent changes can have a lasting impact on growing minds and bodies.
Lauren Forsyth
Resources:
Sleep & Learning (raisingchildren.net.au)
Physical Activity & Exercise (5-7 Years Old) (health.gov.au)
Chaplain's Chatter
I think the Bible story for chapel this week is a great one. The disciples are out on a boat when a storm hits, and they’re terrified. Panic starts to set in. The boat is being tossed from side to side, water is washing over the deck – and when they look for Jesus, he’s asleep.
Oh, how I wish I could sleep through something like that.
It must have been a massive storm to frighten the disciples. Many of them were fishermen before they followed Jesus – seasoned sailors with years of experience on the water. They would have known storms. And yet, I can’t get the image out of my head: Jesus, asleep in the middle of it all.
It reminds me of my daughter running out of the bathroom after spotting a spider – completely petrified. Then I wander in, pick it up in my hand, and calmly carry it outside to a new home. How can something that fills her with fear not faze her dad at all?
I think one of the key themes running through the Gospels is this: Do not be afraid. Again and again, Jesus invites his followers to face their fears. His life, death and resurrection speak the same message – don’t be afraid. Not of the Roman Empire. Not of death. And certainly not of God, whose love is revealed in every word Jesus speaks and every action he takes.
I wonder what you’re afraid of, and how have you learned to face your fears? That might be a good question to ask each other over a meal this fortnight. And when you are afraid – what do you do? Who do you turn to?
Darren Wright
Blank Section
Finance
DIRECT DEBIT
Please see below for February direct debit dates:
February
Weekly
Thursday 5, 12, 19, 26 February
Fortnightly
Thursday 12, 26 February
Monthly
Friday 27 February
Term
Thursday 26 February
Any changes to bank accounts or credit cards please let me know as this could result in a payment being declined.
If a payment is declined this can be paid either through direct deposit, credit card over the phone, or in person at the office.
*Term 1 fees have been emailed out and are now available on parent lounge*
Feel free to email me [email protected] call 69238100 or pop into the office and see me with any queries regarding your account.
P&F News
Mix and Mingle
Join us for a relaxed evening where new and returning families can connect, chat and get to know one another ahead of the school year, while strengthening our school community.
Saturday 21 March
7:00PM to 11:30PM
Uneke Warehouse
Kincaid St Entrance
Tickets: $65 per person
Includes a drink on arrival and canapes
Dress code: Casual
We look forward to seeing you there!
Get some friends together and get your tickets now –
http://www.trybooking.com/DJZYL
Library
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who have helped cover library books and home readers. It’s wonderful to see our students enjoying these new books so soon after purchasing them.
Our library continues to grow thanks to the wonderful support of families and staff who take part in the Scholastic Book Club. Each purchase contributes directly to expanding our collection, helping us place more engaging, quality books into the hands of our students.
Our current issue (#2) of Scholastic Book club is due by 4pm Friday 20th March.
Ordering remains quick and convenient through the Scholastic Book Club LOOP platform, where payments can be made securely and books are delivered straight to classrooms. Families can order online at scholastic.com.au/LOOP or via the LOOP app on the App Store or Google Play.
Thank you for your continued support. The next Book club issue will be in Term 2.
The NSW Premiers Reading Challenge has begun and information will be shared with your child in the coming weeks through their class teachers.
Sports Desk
Swimming Carnival
Our annual year 3-6 Swimming Carnival was held at the Oasis Aquatic Centre on Tuesday 17th February. All students are to be commended for their efforts, participation, sportsmanship and enthusiasm on the day.
A massive thank you to the Wagga Swimming Club, year 3-6 staff and amazing parent volunteers who assisted on the day.
Eliza Smith
PE Teacher/Sports Coordinator
Stage In The Spotlight
Stage 2 - Years 3 and 4
Year 4
In History, we have been learning about how archaeologists and Aboriginal Elders help us discover what life was like in the past. We explored different artefacts and talked about how they give us clues about how people lived, worked and cared for our Country. We also learned that archaeologists’ skills and the cultural knowledge shared by Aboriginal Elders both help us understand Australia’s long and rich history.
Year 3
This week in Year 3 we are learning about Multiplicative Relations, with a focus on how we can use visuals to represent multiplication with specific focus on fact families for multiples of 2, 4, 5 and 10. Students are exploring how arrays help us understand multiplication by organising objects into organised rows and columns.
OSHC
Other Information
Families leaving the school
Please note that one full term’s written notice is required if you are withdrawing your child from Lutheran School. We purchase learning materials based on projected enrolment numbers at least one term in advance. Hence, the enrolment contract you signed specifies that failure to provide a term’s notice will result in you being charged for the subsequent term.
Uniform Shop Orders
If you would like to purchase uniforms from the Uniform Shop, please email [email protected]
We will email you once the order is ready to be picked up from the office. Thank you.
Final Notices
