Weekly
news
Term 3, Week 4
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
At a recent staff morning devotion, we reflected on the importance of encouragement and the difference it can make in the lives of those around us. Drawing on the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,” staff were reminded that encouragement is often found in the small, everyday moments: a kind word, a listening ear, an expression of gratitude, or taking the time to notice someone who may be struggling. As a Christ-centred community, we are called to reflect God’s love through our words and actions, helping others feel valued, supported, and uplifted. It was a timely reminder that simple acts of encouragement can have a lasting impact on those we serve and work alongside each day.
As we reflect on this message, perhaps we might ask ourselves: Who has been an encouragement to me lately? And equally importantly, who in my life might need a word of encouragement, a note of thanks, or a simple act of kindness today? We never know how much a small gesture can mean to someone who needs it.
Spring Fair
The countdown is on! Our much-loved Spring Fair is fast approaching, so make sure Saturday 7 November is marked in your calendar. This is always one of the highlights of our school year, bringing together families, friends, and the wider community for a day of fun, entertainment, and connection.
Our P&F team is already hard at work behind the scenes organising rides, food stalls, activities, and plenty of family fun. Information will be sent home in the coming days, including opportunities for volunteers to assist on the day. As always, the success of Spring Fair relies on the support of our wonderful school community, and we look forward to working together to make this year’s event another memorable one.
Father’s Day Breakfast
It is almost time to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, carers, and special father figures who play such an important role in the lives of our students.
We warmly invite these special people to join us for our Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday 4 September. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, connect with other families, and start the day with your child before the school day begins. All are welcome and invited to stay for our weekly Chapel service after the breakfast.
To assist with catering, please RSVP using the link below.
We look forward to celebrating together and acknowledging the many ways our fatherly figures support and encourage our children each day.
Blessings,
Hollie Kinning
Principal
Deputy Principal’s Report
Uniform in winter
With the cold and wet weather we’re experiencing at the moment, we kindly ask that all students have a jumper packed in their bags each day. While many children insist they don’t feel the cold, it’s still in their best interests to have something warm to put on—especially when we’re outside for learning and play.
We love having students outdoors as much as possible, but we also want to help minimise coughs and colds by making sure everyone is dressed appropriately for the weather. A jumper in the bag is a simple way to keep them comfortable and healthy.
Coughs and colds
As we move through this colder stretch of weather, we also ask that families keep students at home if they are feeling unwell. Germs spread very quickly through classrooms and staff, and even a mild cough or cold can move through a whole grade in just a few days. Keeping unwell children at home helps them recover more quickly and protects the health of their classmates and teachers. We appreciate your support in keeping our school community as healthy as possible.
Tournament of the Minds
We’re excited to once again host the Riverina Tournament of Minds (ToM) competition on Saturday 22 August. With several visiting schools joining us, this event also provides a great fundraising opportunity for our community.
We really need a couple more parent volunteers to help sizzle sausages on the day, please contact Nicole Verus via email.
Thank you for your support in helping us create a memorable and successful event for everyone involved.
Emma Davenport
Deputy Principal
Curriculum Corner
Performing Arts Showcase - is moving to Term 3!!!!!
This year the Performing Arts Showcase concert will be held on Thursday 24 September (week 10) at 9am. Students involved in the creative arts will have the opportunity to share their learning, with their fellow students. Performers must currently be receiving private tuition in music, drama or dance and can only register for one item.
Items should be kept to two minutes or less, with group items no longer than four minutes. Please also note any siblings performing so we can try to place them close together in the program.
Please register your child or group using the registration form below by 5pm Thursday 3rd September (Week 7), with consultation with their Music, Dance or Drama teacher. Only one form is needed per group.
Inclusive Learning Lens
Parent Consultation Meetings for IEPs
Thank you to the families who have already arranged a consultation meeting to discuss their child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). These meetings are an important opportunity for parents, teachers and students to work together to ensure learning goals, adjustments and support strategies continue to meet each student’s needs.
Parents and carers of students with an IEP are encouraged to arrange their consultation meeting as soon as possible if they have not yet done so. You should have received an email with the subject “IEP Parent Consultation”, which includes a digital copy of your child’s updated IEP. We ask that you take the time to read through the document carefully prior to the meeting, noting that any recent updates or changes in blue font within the plan.
Please contact your child’s classroom teacher to organise a suitable time to meet and discuss the IEP. These collaborative conversations allow families to share valuable insights, celebrate progress, and contribute to future goals and support strategies. Where appropriate, students are also welcome to attend and participate in the discussion, helping to ensure their voice remains an important part of the planning process.
Developing Self-Regulation Strategies to Prioritise Learning
Learning is about much more than reading, writing and mathematics. For students to learn effectively, they first need to feel calm, safe and ready to engage. Self-regulation is the ability to understand and manage our emotions, behaviours, energy levels and attention so that we can successfully participate in learning and social situations. Australian education research highlights that self-regulation plays an important role in student engagement, wellbeing and academic success, and that these skills can and should be explicitly taught from an early age.
Even our youngest learners are developing an awareness of how their bodies and brains respond to different situations. At Lutheran School Wagga Wagga, students are taught a range of self-regulation strategies and tools to help them recognise how they are feeling and what they can do to become ready for learning. These might include movement breaks, breathing strategies, sensory tools, visual supports, calm spaces and emotional regulation activities. Teaching these skills helps students gradually take greater ownership of their learning and wellbeing.
An important part of this process is co-regulation. Before children can regulate independently, they often need a trusted adult to support them through challenging emotions or situations. Our teachers and learning assistants regularly use co-regulation strategies by modelling calm responses, helping students identify their feelings and guiding them towards appropriate regulation strategies. Through repeated support and positive relationships, students develop the confidence and skills to regulate more independently over time.
If you notice that your child is regularly becoming overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, or finding it difficult to manage emotions at home or school, we encourage you to speak with their classroom teacher. Working together allows us to build consistency between home and school and identify strategies that may best support your child. Some simple ways families can support self-regulation at home include:
- Establishing predictable routines
• Talking about emotions and naming feelings.
• Encouraging movement and physical activity.
• Practising calming strategies such as deep breathing.
• Celebrating when children use regulation strategies successfully.
By working together, we can help our students develop the lifelong skills they need to learn, build relationships and thrive both at school and beyond.
References:
Supporting self-regulated learning | Australian Education Research …
edresearch.edu.au
AERO Practice guide Supporting self-regulated learning
edresearch.edu.au
The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework – Department of Education
education.gov.au
Wellbeing in Australian schools – AITSL
aitsl.edu.au
Lauren Forsyth
Learning Enhancement Coordinator
Wellbeing Window
Student Wellbeing Surveys
Over the past week, all students have participated in our termly wellbeing surveys. Students in Kindergarten to Year 1 completed age-appropriate paper-based surveys, while students in Years 2 to 6 completed an online survey.
These surveys provide valuable opportunities for students to reflect on their wellbeing and help us identify any students who may require additional support. Teachers will review survey responses and follow up with students whose responses indicate concerns or a need for further discussion. Where appropriate, relevant information will be communicated to parents and carers.
While these surveys are an important tool in supporting student wellbeing, we also encourage all students to speak with a trusted teacher or staff member as soon as they need support, rather than waiting for the next survey. Building strong relationships and open communication is an important part of maintaining a safe, supportive and connected school environment for every child.
Thank you for partnering with us in supporting the wellbeing of our students.
Callum Gardner
Pastoral Care Leader
P&F News
🌸 Spring Fair 🌸
When: Saturday, 7 November 2026
We are only 3 months out until our wonderful Spring Fair event and preparations are really ramping up! We have some excellent stalls already booked, but we certainly welcome more.
🙋Volunteers Volunteers Volunteers
We are looking for as many volunteers as we can to help make the day a success.
Shortly, all families will receive a Volunteer & Info Pack outlining the various ways you can be involved – whether it is assisting for an hour or two on the day or helping in the lead up – WE WANT YOU!
It is a fantastic event, but it is not possible without our generous volunteers. Please consider how you can help and get in touch.
💰Donations
All are welcome! Whether it is cash, prizes, silent auction items or your time, we are very grateful to receive them.
SILENT AUCTION – we are seeking a variety of donations including gift vouchers, memorabilia, holidays, fun items, and hampers. There is no specific theme for the items, so feel free to be creative! If you have something to donate, please contact Kristin Browning – kristin_browning@outlook.com
🚚 Food Vans
Do you have, or know anyone with, a food van that might like to set up on the day? Let us know, we’re open to expanding our food options on the day.
Spring Fair Meeting
Our next Spring Fair meeting will take place on Tuesday, 18 August 2026 at 7pm via Zoom,
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81364992790
All are welcome to join.
WhatsApp – if you would like to join our dedicated Spring Fair WhatsApp group, please send a text to 0421 442 218.
Next P&F meeting
Our next P&F meeting will take place on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 at 7pm in the Staffroom. We would love to see as many parents and carers as possible. If you cannot attend in person, please feel free to join in via Zoom, with the following link
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89108502674
We will also follow the P&F meeting with a dedicated Spring Fair meeting.
Library
Book Week and Book Fair
Wow! Our book parade was amazing! It was wonderful to see so many students and staff proudly sharing their favourite book characters. The excitement and creativity across the school made it a truly memorable morning.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported our School Book Fair. Together, we sold an incredible $7,791 worth of books.
Also, if you bought a book at the Fair but have misplaced it please call into the office as we have an unclaimed book. You will need to recall the title of the book to claim it.
The K-2 students were lucky to hear from one of our parents and author Mr. Sainsbury, who shared the process he goes through to write and publish a book. He also read one of his books to the students.
Mr. Sainsbury’s Keepers Series of books link in wonderfully with our PDHPE content.
If you would like purchase your own copies please go to this website https://keepers-books.myshopify.com/
We also have some wonderfully talented students in Year 5 – Sophia Harrison, Sam and Dean Busuttil, and Sam Riesterer who are launching their own book “The Gem Bourne” at Wagga Library on Tuesday 25th August between 4-5pm in the Children’s Area. More information can be found below
https://waggalibrary.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=244686
The fun doesn’t stop there! During the official Book Week of August 24 – 28th classes have been linked up with several virtual author excursions to enjoy.
Premiers Reading Challenge
We’re thrilled to share that 22 students have already completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge this year! It’s fantastic to see so many students developing a love for reading and engaging with a wide range of literature.
There’s still plenty of time to join them as the challenge doesn’t close until 19th September. Please contact your students teachers for login details if they have been misplaced.
Don’t forget to log your completed books online before the deadline!
Keep reading and enjoy the journey through stories!
Sports Desk
Regional NSW Snowsport Championships
On Tuesday the 29th of July, our Ski team travelled to Falls Creek to compete in the Regional New South Wales Interschools Snowsport Championships. We extend a huge thank you to Piers Metcalfe for organising and for being the team manager.
Congratulations to the following students:
Cara Metcalfe – 1 x Gold
Brodie Metcalfe – 1 x Bronze
Jack Nicholas – 1 x Bronze and Silver
Euan Nicholas – 1 x Bronze, Silver and Gold
Good luck to all the students who have been invited to compete at State Level in Perisher later this month.
RAS Athletics Carnival
On Tuesday 4th August, 45 students from years 2-6 competed at the RAS Athletics Carnival in Albury. Our school performed very well, placing 4th overall in the Championship point score.
A big congratulations to Sam Curry, who was awarded Runner-Up Age Champion for the 12/13year old boys.
Thank you to the teachers and parents who travelled to Albury to support our team.
We wish the students who have qualified for the CIS Athletic Championships the best of luck.
Sydney FC Cup – Stage 3
Our Stage 3 Boys and Girls soccer teams competed in the Sydney FC Cup at Duke of Kent Oval this week.
Our boys had a fantastic day, winning 3 out of 4 of their pool games. They then progressed through to the finals, playing Wagga Public, where they were defeated.
The girls’ team also had a great day, coming away with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss in their round games. The girls were then defeated by St Joeys 4-1 in the first round of finals.
Thank you to Mr Richards and Mrs Hitchenor for coaching our teams, and thank you to the parents and spectators for their support.
NSWPSSA AFL Championships
Last week Jordan Tracey represented the NSWPSSA AFL team at Nationals in Canberra. The team performed well, and placed 5th overall in the competition, winning their games against ACT and the Northern Territory.
Jordan displayed impressive skills and sportsmanship while gaining valuable experience and creating new friendships.
Todd Woodbridge Cup – Stage 2
On Friday 7th August, our stage 2 Tennis teams competed at the Todd Woodbridge Cup at South Wagga tennis courts. All teams displayed excellent sportsmanship, respect and teamwork on the day. Competitive team 1 placed 1st overall and will compete at the regional finals later this term.
Competitive team 1
Eliza Smith
PE Teacher/Sports Coordinator
Stage In The Spotlight
Year 1 and Year 2
Year One
Every morning Year One have ‘Sounds Write’ lessons. They learn about letter-sound relationships through explicit instruction. After spending learning time with the teacher, they then practice their reading and spelling skills in hands on activities.
Year Two
Year Two students have been exploring the important role of oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. Through shared reading and discussion of Sea Country by Aunty Patsy Cameron, students discovered how stories are passed down through generations to share knowledge, traditions, values and connections to Country. They learned that storytelling is not only a way of remembering the past, but also a vital way of educating younger generations and ensuring cultural continuation.
As students revisited significant parts of the text, they explored how Aunty Patsy Cameron shares memories of her family’s seasonal life on Flinders Island, Tasmania. Rich vocabulary and descriptive language helped students visualise experiences such as collecting shells, fishing in wooden dinghies with long oars, watching clouds snake their way down Mt Munro, and recognising signs from nature, such as a ring around the moon telling us bad weather was coming. Students discussed how these examples show a deep connection to Country and how people listened and learned from the natural environment, “free to hear the Country speaking to us.”
To help students develop their own connection to Sea Country, they have begun creating a collaborative coral reef artwork. As they carefully design and construct colourful coral and marine life, students are reflecting on the importance of oceans, waterways and coastal environments in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. This creative project is helping students build a deeper appreciation of the relationships between people, place and the natural world, while making meaningful connections to the themes explored in Sea Country.
UNIFORM SHOP
The sale will begin on Monday, 17 August.
Orders can be placed by:
• Emailing admin@lpsww.nsw.edu.au
• Visiting the school office between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm
While stocks last.
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.
Uniform Shop Orders
If you would like to purchase uniforms from the Uniform Shop, please email admin@lpsww.nsw.edu.au
We will email you once the order is ready to be picked up from the office. Thank you.
Final Notices
