Welcome to Term 2 Primary
‘Always be humble and
gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults
because of your love. Make every effort to keep
yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.’ Ephesians 4:2-3
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Welcome back to Lighthouse Christian College – Primary School for 2025.
We are extremely excited to see our precious Primary students in just a few more days. As we continue to empower a culture of excellence and successful academic outcomes through a Christian teaching and learning environment, we are also delighted to be embracing our school values straight from the word HEART – Humility, Empowerment, Authenticity, Respect and Tenacity.
New Staff
A special welcome to our new Primary staff: Evelyn Siew (6S), Jisuk Lee (3T & 6R), Deborah Rebello (Head of Learning Support), Anu Abraham (LS), Geraldine Rocha (LS), Tanika Platt (LS), Ervina Wee (LS), and
Ming Lau (LS),
New Students/Families to LCC
A very warm welcome to all our new ELC and Prep families joining us at Lighthouse Christian College
this year (letters to follow). May God richly bless your family as you settle in and become a special part of our school community. A warm welcome to our Year 1-6 new students joining us this year: Jennifer Fong (2H), Henry You (2H), Su Ei Ean (3J), Nira Ramtohul (3P), James Leslie (3T), Jukim Peng (4N), Juliette Fong (4O), Yurui (Ryan) Gong (4O), Jadesola (Zoe) Dickson (4N), Damon Luu (5A), Jackson Leslie (5A), Kai Allison (5A), Jia Wei (Vivian) Li (5I), Tyler Ta (5I), Jackie Peng (6R), Orion Trinh (6S), and Noah Moreira (6S).
I look forward to welcoming all our new students on Tuesday 28 January at 8:30am at the College Reception. You will also be met by your year level Primary staff leaders and taken by your Homeroom teacher.
Spiritual Theme
Our theme for the year is ‘EQUIP’, focusing on how we can equip ourselves as His people. Our Primary students will be learning about this important idea, with the Scripture Challenge for 2025 centred on Ephesians 4:1-13. The Primary courtyard and Year 5/6 learning areas will feature large posters of the books of the Bible to help students learn and test each other as they walk by. Our classroom doors will display the Armour of God, and there will be a special award for students who can recite Ephesians 6:14-18 (the parts of the armour) from memory. We are excited to begin this year of learning and spiritual growth, equipping our students to know and live by God’s Word!
‘…….to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord.’
Ephesians 4:12-13
New Initiative in Primary 2025 – Parents
We are excited to announce a new initiative this year—the Prep & Year 1 Family Picnic! Join us on Thursday, 27 February, at 5:00pm for an evening of fun and community as we welcome our new Prep students and their families. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families and begin the school year together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting (more information to come).
This year, we will continue with our 2024 initiatives, including two informal “Chat and Share” tea and coffee mornings in the Chapel foyer, held from 9:00am to 9:30am each term. Recognizing that drop-off and pick-up times aren’t ideal for parents to connect, my goal is to offer these opportunities throughout 2025 for parents of Primary-aged children to form friendships and build community. Additionally, due to the positive feedback we received, we will be hosting our “Open Classrooms” initiative again during Term 2.
I am excited to share some wonderful updates about the recent developments at our school. During the break, we added a giant Snakes & Ladders and Hopscotch in Playground B, which will bring even more joy and activity to our outdoor spaces. These new features will provide our students with fun, engaging, and active ways to enjoy their playtime.
Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that this year we will be giving our Primary classrooms a fresh coat of paint. The Primary courtyard will also undergo a fabulous facelift. These improvements will enhance the learning environment for our students, and we can’t wait to reveal more exciting details as the work progresses.
Deputy Principal – Primary ELC-6
For those who do not know me my name is Venlo Kruize, and I am responsible for all things Primary, from Early Learning Centre (ELC) to Year 6, at Lighthouse Christian College. Teaching has been my choice of vocation since I was five years old, and since my university days my passion has always been to foster a strong foundation and a love of learning in all my students. With over 35 years of experience in Christian education, I am committed to providing high-quality education and creating a rich and exciting learning environment for every child. I have had the privilege of writing curriculum across all subject areas, incorporating outstanding global resources, which have been utilised in multiple schools.
I live in Clyde North with my wonderful husband and daughter Adelaide who is off to university this year. My other daughters Bronte (25), Prudence (22), have recently married and have their own little homes. We also share our home with our King Charles Cavalier. My heart’s desire is to be a vessel for the Lord, positively impacting the lives of students, staff, and parents at Lighthouse Christian College.
Primary Coordinators
*Head of ELC: Alice Siew
*Head of Lower Primary: Prep-2: Danielle Ng
*Head of Upper Primary Year 3-6: Kathryn Samuel
*Head of Teaching and Learning Prep-6: Matilda Tan
*Head of Learning Technology Prep-6: Jennifer Holloway
*Primary Sport Coordinator: Benny Ng
Year Level Leaders
Prep Rachel Salib
Year 1 Monica Bassilios
Year 2 Jennifer Holloway
Year 3 Matilda Tan
Year 4 Shaila Nagel
Year 5 Kiran Appikatla
Year 6 Samantha Leonardis
Primary Pastoral/Wellbeing
Mental Health & Wellbeing Coordinator: Alice Yang
Primary Chaplain: Cherrie Marshall
Primary School Counsellor: Michael Barry
Subjects & Programs
Homeroom teachers- General subjects – English, Mathematics, Integrated Studies (Science & HASS), Personal Development, Christian Studies, Library and Technologies (Prep-6)
Specialist teachers – Music, PE, Sport, Art, and LOTE (Prep-6) Drama (Year 3-6)
External Gymnastics and Swimming Programs (Prep-6)
Contact
It is important that if you have any concerns regarding your child your first point of contact should always be the Homeroom teacher. The Homeroom teacher may direct you to our Wellbeing Coordinator or your respective Head of Lower Primary (Danielle Ng) or Head of Upper Primary (Kathryn Price). If the situation is too sensitive, then please communicate with the Deputy Principal LCC – Head of Primary (Venlo Kruize).
School Camps in Primary
Year 4 – Mill Valley Ranch (2 days)
Year 5 – Philip Island Adventure Camp (3 days)
Year 6 – Canberra (5 days)
Parent Information Evening
Our annual Parent Information Evening will be held on Wednesday, 5 February. The Primary parent session will begin at 5:00pm in the Chapel. Afterward, Primary parents will move to their child’s classroom for a session led by the Homeroom teacher 5:45pm. During this time, parents of Year 4-6 students will have the opportunity to learn about the year level camps for 2025. Year 4 and Year 6 parents will also receive the camp booklet. Teachers from Prep to Year 6 are looking forward to answering any questions you may have after their presentations. The school will be providing a sausage sizzle dinner between the Primary and Secondary sessions for Primary families.
Year 6 Leadership
In 2025, our Year 6 students will take part in the Prep Buddy program. This is a fantastic opportunity for our Year 6 students to become that ‘special big person’ in the life of a new Prep student, helping to guide and encourage them through their first year of school. The Year 6 students will meet regularly with their Prep Buddy, especially during the crucial first weeks as the Preps settle into school life. Throughout the year, they will also work together on eight small projects, fostering a strong bond and sense of responsibility.
Birthdays
In Primary, we celebrate each student’s birthday with our ‘Birthday Box’ in every classroom. Each child receives a small gift, a birthday certificate, a novelty item, and a special birthday ribbon to wear for the day. The class sings “Happy Birthday,” and the child is celebrated by their peers and teachers. As part of our school policy, we kindly ask that no lolly gift bags, gifts or birthday cakes be sent to school for the class on a child’s birthday.
We also encourage parents to remind their child to distribute birthday party invitations privately. If an invitation is given at school, we ask that the recipient places it immediately in their school bag as a gesture of kindness to those students who may not have been invited.
Absences
If your child is unwell or absent due to an appointment, please contact School/Student Reception as soon as possible, either by phone or direct message. This is a legal requirement to record the reasons for all absences. The absence will be logged on SEQTA for the Homeroom teacher and for government records.
Additionally, please inform the school if there are any changes to your residential address, email, or phone number, so we can reach you in case of an emergency. If there are any updates to your child’s medical conditions, please also notify the school nurse.
School Uniform
The Primary uniform documents are attached for your reference. Please ensure that your child adheres to the LCC uniform policy from school socks to hair ties. All school hats must be packed in school bags and ready for the first day, as we have a ‘No Hat, No Play’ policy.
To help ensure hats are always available, we will keep them at school inside student desks or lockers throughout the year, so they don’t get left at home accidentally.
PE Uniform
Homeroom teachers will inform you of the specific days for PE once they have access to the new 2025 timetable. While students may wear tracksuit pants over their sport shorts, sport shorts are compulsory on PE/Sport days (white or black lace up sport shoes).
We kindly ask that you label all tracksuit pants and tops with your child’s name. When students are not wearing their tracksuit pants or tops, they will need to place them inside their school bag.
Shoelaces (School/Sport Shoes)
As mentioned at the end of 2023, moving forward, all school shoes and sports runners must have shoelaces. We are now Velcro-free in Primary. Please ensure your child is able to tie their shoelaces before the school year begins.
Our prep students will receive a certificate on their first day of school if they can tie their shoelaces, as this is an important skill that supports fine motor development. We also ask that you replace any deteriorating shoelaces throughout the year to ensure your child’s shoes remain functional and comfortable.
Chess Tutoring
Please find attached the online Chess Club Invitation form for Term 1. In Primary we have Chess for any student from Year 1-6. Professional tutors in Chess (Company -Kids Unlimited) come into the school and teach our students the art of playing chess.
The cost is $200 / student / term. There are 8 sessions in a term. Term 1 begins Wednesday 5 February 2025. Students participating in the Chess Club meet in BEAM 02 1:00pm- 1:45pm every Wednesday lunchtime.
To register please use the link below or the QR code on the invitation.
Wed 5 Feb 25 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Wed 12 Feb 25 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Wed 19 Feb 25 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Wed 26 Feb 25 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Wed 5 Mar 25 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Wed 12 Mar 25 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Wed 19 Mar 25 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Wed 26 Mar 25 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Dismissal Information for Parents – Kiss and Go
·
Prep Students:
Prep students will be picked up at 3:05 pm from the Sport Centre ‘Kiss and Go’.
Kiss and Go Zone:
- Families with children in Years 1-6 may enter the Kiss and Go zone starting at 3:15 pm.
- Only Primary parents can enter Kiss and Go from 3:15 pm to 3:30 pm.
- If you have children in both Primary and Secondary, please wait until 3:30 pm to enter the Kiss and Go zone.
- Vehicles blocking the Kiss and Go zone will be asked to move on, loop around, and return at the
appropriate time to reduce congestion along Springvale Road.
Important Reminder:
- Please pull forward as far as possible in the Kiss and Go zone to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize gaps between cars.
- All Primary students are to remain in the Sport Centre until they are picked up by parent/guardian.
- Students who have a sibling in Secondary may be picked up by their sibling after 3:30pm and will need to be supervised by their older sibling.
- Primary students are not permitted to wait in other areas to be picked up i.e. nearby park.
New Signage:
- Your child will be given a new laminated A4 sign to display on your car dashboard during pick-up. This helps staff assist students exiting the premises safely.
- Be sure to have the sign visible as you enter the school gate for afterschool pickup.
After School Care (Prep-6)
After School Care at LCC is provided by Camp Australia, a company with an experienced team of educators who create a safe, engaging environment for your child outside of school hours. Through enriching experiences, Camp Australia helps students learn and grow by focusing on building confidence, curiosity, and resilience.
Students who regularly attend After School Care will be picked up by Camp Australia staff at 3:15pm each day. Our Primary staff are off-ground supervision duty from 3:45pm.
We now require all Primary students to be registered for the Camp Australia After School Care program in the next couple of weeks using the link provided below for those who are new to LCC 2025 or not previously registered. Registration is free, and charges will only apply if you use the service.
Additionally, there is a form that must be filled out and signed, providing consent for the teacher on duty to escort your child safely to After School Care at 3:45pm if you are unable to pick them up on time. This form, along with the online registration, is required by both the school and Camp Australia to activate your child’s enrolment in the program.
This process ensures that your child is cared for until 6:00pm, providing peace of mind in case of an emergency or if you’re running late.
https://auth-cust.campaustralia.com.au/
Click on this link to register your child/children. You will only be charged when you use the service.
Primary Term 1 Events
The countdown is on! There are only a few more days until we get to welcome our wonderful students back to school! We are beyond excited to begin an amazing year together. Year 1-6 students will return on Tuesday, January 28th, and our prep students will join us on Thursday, January 30th.
Our classrooms are ready, stationery and textbooks are labelled, and we’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of our spectacular students. It’s going to be an unforgettable year of learning and fun. Welcome back, Primary—let’s make 2025 the best year yet!
God bless,
Venlo Kruize
Deputy Principal LCC – Head of Primary ELC – 6
Thank You
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this letter, please do not hesitate to contact us.