At Lightning Reef, we offer a diverse range of additional programs run by trained and qualified staff aimed at supporting students learning. These programs offer additional support and are targeted to the specific needs of students, providing them with the opportunity to reach their full potential.

READING RECOVERY

Reading Recovery is an early literacy intervention program designed for students who need extra support in their literacy learning. The individual lessons occur daily for 30 minutes, and are facilitated by a specially trained Reading Recovery teacher, for up to twenty weeks. The Reading Recovery Program operates for children in their second year of school.
The lessons consist of a variety of reading and writing experiences designed to help children develop effective reading and writing strategies. The program continues until the child can read within or above the class average and has demonstrated the use of independent reading and writing strategies.

EMU- EXTENDING MATHEMATICAL UNDERSTANDING

EMU is a research-based intervention program that improves children’s knowledge and confidence in mathematics. The program offers intensive learning opportunities for students who are experiencing difficulty in learning mathematics in the early years and beyond. At LRPS, students identified as being vulnerable in mathematics in Year 2 and 3 are provided with half hour lessons, 4 times a week with an EMU specialist teacher. The primary focus is on developing strategies for accelerating student learning in counting, place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with an emphasis on approaching mathematics with confidence and a growth mindset. The program fosters a strong link between families and the school, enhancing mathematical learning for students participating in EMU.

EAL- English as an Additional Language

The EAL (English as an Additional Language) Program supports students from language backgrounds other than English. The program is run by a qualified TEAL teacher and supported by Karen-speaking Multi-cultural Aides.
Working in small groups, the students engage in Intensive English lessons, based on conversation. Students learn to read, write, spell and communicate in English at their own level, regardless of their year level.

What is a School Council and what does it do?
All government schools in Victoria have a school council. They are legally formed bodies that are given powers to set the key directions of a school within centrally provided guidelines. In doing this, a School Council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school provides for its students.

Who is on the School Council?
There are three possible categories of membership:

• A mandated elected Parent category. More than one third of the total members must be from this category. Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DET) employees can be Parent members at their child’s school as long as they are not employed at the school.
• A mandated elected DET employee category. Members of this category may make up no more than one third of the total membership of school council. The principal of the school is automatically one of these members.
• An optional Community member category. Its members are appointed by a decision of the council because of their special skills, interests or experiences. DET employees are not eligible to be Community members.

The term of office for all members is two years. Half the members must retire each year, creating vacancies for the annual school council elections.

Why is parent membership so important?
Parents on school councils provide important viewpoints and have valuable skills that can help shape the direction of the school.

Do I need special experience to be on school council?
No. What you do need is an interest in the school and the desire to work in partnership with others to help shape the school’s future.

Lightning Reef Primary School Councillors 2024

Parent Members:
Dash Turnbull (School Council President)
Donna Rutherford (Treasurer)
Sonia Valli 
Hannah Allen 
Julie Darcy

Community Members:
John Jones
Stew Annan

DET Members:
Joanne Ryan (Principal)
Peter Millar                                   
Katrina Johnstone                                                           
Amy Gillett

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