IT’S uncertain who was more excited about the first day of term at Leongatha Primary School (LPS) with a new crop of Prep students arriving and Warwick Ford beginning his time as principal after the retirement of Dot Coghlan.
Warwick said the school year has crept up quickly but not before improvements to the grounds were made that included painting buildings, adding to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Staff returned on Tuesday, getting together as a team to set goals, focusing on the school’s values of promoting learning, respect and resilience.
Kindness and curiosity are also important, with STEM subjects a key to developing the latter, enabling students to learn in small groups and display their work.
Sixty full-time staff are almost all ongoing, with Jake Proctor returning to teach Grade 5 after a couple of years away from the school and Warwick new, albeit moving from the next-door Leongatha Secondary College.
There are three classes of Preps, numbering about 70 kids.
One of the school’s therapy dogs, Millie was proving popular during the Sentinel-Times visit and along with fellow canine Winnie is sure to help ease any nerves for those starting their school journey.
Warwick’s spirit of fun was quickly apparent as he climbed to the top of a piece of play equipment.
Afterwards, he gave a brief talk to the parents and guardians of the Prep group and it was evident the warmth and friendliness that retired principal Dot has long been renowned for will continue under Warwick’s leadership.
