Thank You & Farewell Rosemary Chowne
Outstanding LEPS educator Mrs Rosemary Chowne has announced her retirement from teaching and will bring a dedicated career of service to public education to an end this term. A collection has been organised to allow the entire LEPS community to contribute to a gift that recognises the highly valued teaching career of Mrs Chowne. Money in a sealed envelope can be deposited into the 'front office' box labelled, 'Mrs Chowne's Farewell Gift'.
Lindfield East school is lucky to have a team of motivated, inspirational teaching staff. On this page we say a fond farewell to staff members who move on and welcome new staff to our school community.
Congratulations to Mrs Cheryl McNamara &farewell to Ms Wendy Stanton!
After 12 years teaching at LEPS, Ms Stanton has successfully gained transfer nearer to home, at Newington PS. Her service to LEPS has been of the highest quality. From exemplary classroom practice, to unequalled success as a PSSA netball coach and her creative contribution to the performing arts, Ms Stanton's dedication and skills will be fondly remembered. We thank her sincerely and wish her the very best at her new school. Mrs Cheryl McNamara, after commencing a relieving stint as Assistant Principal at Killara PS, has now been promoted into that position permanently. Mrs Mac's commitment, enthusiasm and innovative edge provided LEPS with a much loved educator over the past 7 years. Whether it be organising Zone Carnivals, launching the 'Lyrebird Chronicles' gifted writers program or exhibiting versatility across grades and committees, Mrs Mac has definitely left her mark on LEPS. We thank her and wish her the very best in her first step along the executive career path!
Welcome Mrs Nicole Chau
In the final week of Term 1, Mrs Nicole Chau was appointed Assistant Principal (AP) at Lindfield East PS. Mrs Chau gained the promotion through a merit selection process and fills the Stage 3 supervisor's position, recently vacated by Mr Clint Lowe. Mrs Chau has previously been teaching at Northbridge PS where she held the position of relieving AP for the past 3 years. With a strong track record in delivering high quality pedagogy, we look forward to having Mrs Chau join the LEPS school community. LEPS would also like to acknowledge Mrs Jennie Rixon and Mrs Emily Wares for their outstanding work as Relieving Stage 3 Assistant Principals over the past 3 terms.
Many parents are already aware that late last term, Mr Clint Lowe secured a position through merit as Assistant Principal at Terrigal Public School, relieving until the end of 2016. Whilst Mr Lowe's expertise as an exemplary classroom teacher and Assistant Principal will be certainly missed by the LEPS community, we congratulate him wholeheartedly on his appointment and this exciting new development in his career.
We congratulate Ms Jennie Rixon and Mrs Emily Wares who will jointly fulfil the role of Assistant Principal for Stage 3 for the remainder of the year. Ms Rixon and Mrs Wares are both exceptional classroom practitioners who possess experience in school leadership. We are very pleased to welcome them to the school executive team and know that they will contribute very positively to all programs on offer at LEPS. If you have questions about Year 5, please see Mrs Wares. For Year 6 inquiries, please see Ms Rixon.
We are very pleased to advise that Mr Nathan Lee has taken over as class teacher of 5/6CL. Mr Lee is very well known to staff and students, having been an outstanding Science teacher this year and a highly valued casual teacher throughout 2015. Mr Lee knows the students and the school routines well and has worked with Mr Lowe over the break to ensure a smooth handover.
Replacing Mr Lee in the Science Lab is Miss Steph Cannell. Miss Cannell has also done a wonderful job at LEPS in her capacity as a casual teacher and brings with her experience working in the UK. She is an ex-Killara High School student, with family ties to LEPS. Miss Cannell has a passion for Science which she will be sure to impart to all our students.
Welcome Jill Masters
Congratulations Mrs Jill Masters, who was appoint-ed via the merit selection process as our new teacher librarian, replacing Mrs Pam Milthorpe. Jill was working at Denistone East Public School prior to her appointment. She comes with a wealth of experience and aims to further encourage a love of reading and develop the student's information skills. Jill would welcome parent helpers to assist in the library from 9:15am. Please either email Jill or pop into the library before or after school.
Farewell Pamela Mithorpe, Samantha Tuckerman, and Cheryl Hill
This year has marked the end of an era for a number of long term LEPS staff. The last day of Term 4 will sadly be the last time the school community has the quality teaching services of Mrs Pamela Milthorpe, Mrs Samantha Tuckerman and Mrs Cheryl Hill.
Mrs Milthorpe started at LEPS in 2008 as the Librarian. Her outstanding commitment to LEPS was highlighted by a passion for quality literature and a progressive mindset to the evolving role of the modern library. Mrs Milthorpe developed an excellent rapport with stu- dents and teachers alike, with her library a dynamic and interesting hub of the school. Her natural ability to connect with the needs of the entire K – 6 curriculum made her an invalu-able school resource. LEPS wishes Mrs Milthorpe a much earned retirement and thank her or her commitment to LEPS and Public Education. |
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Mrs Samantha Tuckerman started at LEPS in 2003. Her innovation and versatility are at-tributes she'll be remembered for. Moving from ESL, to Stage 1 to Science and finally to Stage 3, Mrs Tuckerman continually adapted to any new educational challenges and was instrumental in many of the exciting initiatives at LEPS. She established the Science labor-atory, the Eco-garden, Code Club and Robotics. Mrs Tuckerman is always seeking new ways to make learning significant and engaging. Beyond the classroom, Mrs Tuckerman worked extremely hard as the WH&S representative over many years. We wish all the very best after securing a transfer to Mona Vale PS. |
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Mrs Cheryl Hill started at LEPS in 2004. Employed as our ICT expert by the P&C, Mrs Hill has coordinated and team-taught our K-6 computer program with skill and dedication. Addi-tional to her teaching load, Mrs Hill has provided invaluable technical support over the years and has also been instrumental in developing the school website and, in more recent times, social media. Mrs Hill has also became synonymous with the emotional ‘Presentation Day videos' that have encapsulated each grade's annual journey. We wish Mrs Hill the very best with her next exciting technology project. |
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Farewell Mr Denis
On Friday 28 August, LEPS ‘ longest serving employee will bring to a close a wonderful career. It will mark the end of an era, with Mr Denis Mitchell deciding to retire as our General Assistant. Starting in the role as the 'jack of all trades' school assistant in 1987,'Mr Denis' (as he is affectionately referred to by the school community) will walk away in a fortnight with 28 years of distinguished service to his credit. Having worked closely with three Principals, hundreds of teachers and thousands of students over the past three decades, Mr Denis has remained an integral part of our great school. More memories of this LEPS stalwart will be shared over the coming weeks. Those in the school community wishing to contribute to Mr Denis' farewell gift can do so via the front office collection.
Farewell Ms Ferrier
Ms Roslyn Ferrier retired in the dignified style that had become synonymous with this teacher who has given so much to LEPS and Public Education over 40 years!
We wish her the best for the next stage in life.
A New School Counsellor
In June 2014 we welcomed Miss Mimi Kan to LEPS in the role of School Counsellor.
School counsellors provide valuable support for students. They are an integral part of the school's welfare team and work closely with students, parents and teachers.
School counsellors strengthen the student welfare provision of schools by providing counselling and psychological assessment of students with special needs.
Miss Kan is at LEPS on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Welcome Miss Tan
The DEC has appointed Miss Hwa Tan as our latest classroom teacher via their targeted graduate program. Miss Tan completed her internship at St Ives PS last year and has been working casually at Chatswood PS as an ESL teacher during term 1.
Miss Tan comes to LEPS with outstanding references; she is the 2014 recipient of the prestigious 'Laurie Brady Award' which recognises the most outstanding teaching graduate from UTS. She will bring to LEPS highly commended teaching credentials as well as a passion for the Arts and an ability to play both saxophone and piano.
We sincerely hope Miss Tan enjoys her first teaching appointment and a career in education.
Special thanks needs to be made to Mrs Jenny O'Connor who has once again so capably established a LEPS class in an interim capacity during Term 1.
Welcome Miss Pullen
We are pleased to advise that DEC staffing has notified LEPS and provided approval for Miss Kate Pullen to remain on class 4KP as a temporary teacher for the remainder of 2014. Miss Pullen has filled the class teacher position created by the formation of an additional class this year.
Miss Pullen has already developed a positive rapport with the students and her teaching colleagues. Her strong teaching skills and curriculum knowledge ensure she'll be a huge asset to our school community this year.
Welcome to our new Deputy Principal
Our new Deputy Principal, Ms Rachel Watkins started at LEPS in October 2013. Appointed via the rigorous and highly competitive merit selection process, Ms Watkins needs to be congratulated on attaining promotion.
She brings to our school an outstanding portfolio of teaching and leadership success and will certainly be a huge asset for our school community.
Ms Watkins is highly recognised for her outstanding work in curriculum, creative arts, data analysis and quality teacher training as an Assistant Principal at Beaumont Road Public School in recent years. She has been a DEC advisor to aspects of the new Australian Curriculum, a coordinator of the Northern Sydney Assistant Principals network, a contributor to the Killara Schools Partnership and is well known in the local PSSA and also from her assistance on the Ryde Schools' Spectacular committee.
We wish Ms Watkins the very best in her new appointment and look forward to her skills and experiences contributing to this wonderful school community in the years ahead.
Farewell Mr Pho
On the final day of Term 2, 2013, our highly regarded Deputy Principal, Mr Sakuna Pho gained permanent appointment as the Principal of Hunters Hill Public School.
After 6 years of dedicated service to the families and staff of LEPS, Mr Pho entered his first principalship this Monday. All accolades being directed towards our well loved K-2 Deputy, are greatly deserved. Mr Pho has achieved promotion via the highly competitive DEC merit selection process. His reputation across Northern Sydney as an innovative and visionary leader, no doubt presented a compelling case to the panel to secure and offer him the opportunity to lead a school community in his own right. His strong interpersonal skills, strategic planning and expertise in technology will all be highly valued and a genuine asset to Hunters Hill Public School. Mr Pho returned to LEPS today for a traditional 'mowercade' farewell. The iconic 'guard of honour' sent off another outstanding school leader in true LEPS fashion.
Congratulations to Miss Lauren Mason
Well done to Miss Lauren Mason after having just been appointed to LEPS in a permanent capacity. Miss Mason is well known to the LEPS school community after having spent the last 3 years as a dedicated temporary teacher.
Her selection through the highly competitive merit selection process is most admirable and an acknowledgment of her exemplary teaching practise. Miss Mason will be a tremendous asset to LEPS, her outstanding contribution to the 'Middle School' programs with Killara High School, the integration of emerging technology into classroom numeracy, her commitment to PSSA sport and organisation of the school debating program are all highly commendable.
We wish her the very best with her teaching career at LEPS.
Farewell and Welcome
Welcome to Mrs Leanne Nielsen who will be joining the LEPS staff in Term 2. She will be replacing Miss Kristy Johnson, who finishes up at LEPS next Monday and assumes the Assistant Principal position at Greenwich PS. Congratulations and farewell Kristy.
Mrs Nielsen is an experienced teacher relocating back to Sydne
y after 6 years of working at Banora PS on the far north coast of NSW. Leanne's current principal has given me a glowing appraisal of her teaching skills and ensures me that she'll be a huge asset to our school community. Mrs Nielsen's educational achievements include demonstrated excellence in the differentiated teaching of literacy and numeracy, outstanding leadership capacity including 8 years as the Assistant Principal of Brookvale PS and an ability to embed technology into her classroom pedagogy.
We very excited about her joining our Stage 2 team after the holiday break.
Ms Buckle's retirement celebration
The LEPS community provided Ms Judy Buckle with a retirement celebration to remember on Wednesday 13 February 2013. Students, parents and teachers that have been associated with our dedicated Assistant Principal over the past 12 years, turned out in numbers to say thank you and farewell. The 'High Tea' themed celebration featured a variety of musical performances and speeches from both past and current students. A photo slideshow encapsulated the colorful and outstanding career that started at Mt Druitt back in 1974 and an incredible parent made birthday cake was revealed to surprise Ms Buckle who turned 60 on the day.
The great news for LEPS is that Ms Buckle has agreed to stay on as a STLA for 2 days a week in 2013. Her 40 years of experience and acquired knowledge and skills in education will be invaluable to this program. Thanks Ms Buckle, you've left a footprint on the hearts and minds of many, many students.
We wish to acknowledge the many people who have contributed to today's high tea for Judy Buckle. Thanks to everyone who attended the high tea, contributed food, stories, messages, photos, gift money and generally helped out. Thank you to the staff and parents who stayed and packed up so well. Your contributions are appreciated.
Welcome new staff members in 2013
LEPS has once again secured some outstanding temporary teachers in 2013. This year Mr Sam Woodward joins the LEPS staff in a full-time temporary capacity. His K - 6 experiences in North Shore schools, combined with a broad range of across curricular skills make him a welcome addition to the Year 2 team. The highly recommended, Miss Ruby Hughes has also joined us in a part-time position on Year 2. Also a warm welcome to Miss Nicola Vernon who will be working on 1GV every Monday and team teaching music K-2 on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Other familiar, highly qualified and inspirational temporary teachers returning to LEPS in 2013 include; Mrs Ellis, Ms Rixon, Mrs Esther Lee, Mrs O'Connor, Miss Mason, Miss Sonter and Mrs Pearce.
Welcome to our new Deputy Principal
LEPS welcomed Miss Diane Read as its new Deputy Principal in Term 3, 2012. Diane brings with her a wealth of educational experiences and will be a tremendous asset to our school community. She will take over responsibility of Years 3 – 6 and will assume many of the liaison responsibilities that Ms Lockery previously oversaw.
New Learning & Support Teacher
The NSW DEC has appointed Mr Peter Traynor as the Lindfield East Public School, Learning & Support Teacher (LaST) commencing in Term 3, 2012. These newly created positions are a result of a restructuring to disability and learning support services across schools.
Due the criteria on which learning and support had been previously allocated, LEPS historically hadn't qualified for any additional human resources. Mr Traynor will be shared with Lindfield Public School and will become an integral part of the learning support teams.
The role will include:
- Supporting individual students and their teachers
- Providing whole class social skills programs
- Delivering parent workshops
- Coordinating the lunchtime ‘Social skills—Friendship Room'
- Training staff
- Advising the Learning Support Team
Farewell Ms Lockery
LEPS congratulates Ms Megan Lockery on her recent appointment as Principal of Greenwich PS. After 9 years of dedicated service as both an Assistant and Deputy Principal, she farewelled the school community on 18 May 2012 with the traditional guard of honour. Ms Lockery will be remembered for her outstanding organisational and interpersonal skills.
She has been an integral element of all Year 3 - 6 teaching and learning, a driver of assessing and reporting procedures across the school, an amazing Band Liaison and strong supporter of the P&C, to name just a few highlights.
Ms Lockery will be sadly missed by the students, staff and parents that she has built strong relationships with during her years at LEPS. We wish her the very best in her first principalship! Thank you and good luck to a great educator!
New Year 2 Teacher
Miss Alyce Kelly has been appointed to LEPS via the merit selection (CV & interview) process. Formerly an outstanding temporary teacher at Strathfield North PS, Miss Kelly has taken over class 2TL in a substantive capacity as of mid May 2012.
With a strong literacy, numeracy and performing arts background, she'll be an outstanding acquisition to our Stage 1 team.
We must also thank Mr Terry Lai for the great start to the year he has provided the students. We wish him the very best with his teaching career.
New Assistant Principal
Mr Scott Campbell joined the LEPS staff in Term 2, 2012.
An educator with over 25 years experience, Mr Campbell has been appointed as our new Assistant Principal. With both Principal and Deputy Principal experience in the NSW independent school system and also at international schools in both Hong Kong and Singapore, Mr Campbell is an outstanding acquisition for our school community.
New Faces in 2012
Welcome to new staff members who have joined the LEPS team in 2012.
LEPS welcomes two newly appointed Assistant Principals in Clinton Lowe from Kambora PS and also Julie Pitt from Pymble PS. Both have been appointed on merit selection and both will be tremendous assets to LEPS from 2012.
Welcome to Mr Richard Worboys who joins us on class 4RW, Ms Deanna Sonter on class 2DS, Mr Terrence Lai on class 2TL and Mrs Jenny O'Connor on class 3JO. It is a pleasure to have you at LEPS.
Farewell and good luck
Farewell to serveral staff members who are moving on from LEPS at the end of 2011.
Mrs Belinda Zorian and Ms Caroline Desmond will take up Deputy Principal roles at Wahroonga PS and Lindfield PS respectively, whilst Mrs Denise Petrie will take extended leave after 16 years of dedicated service to LEPS. They will be sadly missed after many years of incredible dedication to LEPS students.
Mr Matt Ellis will also take leave in 2012. He will take a temporary teaching appointment in Dubbo with his family and use the opportunity to complete his theological studies. We wish him the very best. Ms Kristy Johnson has been selected to relieve in the position of Kindergarten Assistant Principal at Wahroonga PS in 2012 and Miss Amy Hannan has been appointed through merit selection to neighbouring Gordon East PS this year.
Thank you for all your hard work at LEPS and we wish you all good luck wherever your paths take you.
Congratulations and farewell – Ms Desmond
Our dedicated and innovative Stage 3 Assistant Principal has been acknowledged with a promotion to the role of Deputy Principal at Lindfield Public School in 2012. Ms Desmond's 4 years at LEPS are highlighted by her work with Gifted and Talented education, Literacy programs, integrating classroom technology and as a triple premiership AFL coach.
Ms Desmond will luckily remain within our local community of schools group, an educational alliance that she has played a key role in contributing to in recent years.
We thank her for her commitment to LEPS, congratulate her on her selection via merit and wish her the very best with her career.
Congratulations Mrs Zorian
Our longest serving executive teacher, Mrs Belinda Zorian has just been appointed via merit selection as the Deputy Principal at Wahroonga Public School. Her promotion is the result of many years of dedication towards building quality teaching and learning practices here at LEPS. Mrs Zorian will start in her new role as of Term 1 2012 and will be a major asset to her new school community. Mrs Zorian will leave LEPS with the legacy of exemplary curriculum implementation structures, strong student welfare practices and a sound model of educational leadership.
After many years as Assistant Principal at Lindfield East Public School, Mrs Zorian will be sadly missed. Congratulations and good luck!
New Faces
In June 2011, we welcomed Miss Lauren Mason as the new teacher for 2CDV. Lauren comes to us highly recommended from her previous schools and brings a wide range of experiences to her teaching. Mrs Colinda Della Valle has commenced her maternity Leave and we wish her well as she embarks on this new chapter in her life.
Another new face at LEPS is Ms Angela Sainsbury who is currently teaching 3RF whilst Ms Ferrier is on leave. We thank her for her enthusiasm and hard work as she works with the students of 3RF, providing them with a quality learning environment.
Meet our new PE Teacher
In the absence of Liz Sandall (maternity leave), Stephanie Rose joins the LEPS staff in 2011 as our specialist PE teacher. Her University Training in Human Movement studies and specialist swimming coach background ensure that LEPS students will again be provided with an exemplary PE program. We warmly welcome Stephanie to our school Community!