Dear Families

Welcome to our first newsletter for the term. Students have made a very positive start, reconnecting with friends and teachers and settling smoothly into their learning.

I am very pleased to be back after an extended period of study last term through the Hardie Fellowship in the USA. During my time away, I studied at Harvard University, focusing on curriculum, student wellbeing, support, attendance, and school culture. I also had the opportunity to visit a range of schools and educational leaders across the country. It was an incredible experience, and over the coming months, I look forward to sharing my learning with staff and students. A big thank you to Mrs Claxton and Mrs Copeland for stepping into the role of Acting Principal during my absence.

One of the key areas I explored during my study tour was attendance. Like Australia, the USA experienced a decline in school attendance after COVID, but many schools are now seeing improvement. Attendance continues to be a priority at Longford Primary School. Coming to school every day supports your child’s learning, wellbeing, and future success. Even missing just a day or two can have a big impact over time. As DECYP’s Every Day School Matters message reminds us, regular attendance helps children build routines, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging—every day really does count. If you need help getting your child to school, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have a dedicated attendance team ready to support you and your child.

In August, Longford Primary School will participate in an External School Review. The purpose of the review is to gather valuable feedback on how the school is going and to help shape our future direction. As part of the process, we will also be inviting families to share their thoughts and perspectives. You can find more information about the review further down in the newsletter.

There are many exciting events coming up this term for students and families, including Book Week and Dad’s Night. Please keep an eye on our newsletter and Facebook page for updates.

In partnership
Candice Burnett