Early Years

East Gippsland Newspapers 12 2026 Wednesday, May 27, 2026 See what Lucknow Primary School has to offer Lucknow Primary School is inviting prospective families to explore its modern campus and rich educational heritage as it prepares for 2027 Prep enrolments and beyond. Located in Bairnsdale's Eastwood estate, the government primary school operates under the motto "Proud Past – Exciting Future." The phrase encapsulates the school's commitment to embracing modern learning challenges while staying grounded in its long-standing traditions. Established in 1873, the school has deep roots in the region. In 2023, the community celebrated a milestone 150 years of education. While the school's history began on the Great Alpine Road in Lucknow, it moved to its current, expansive site on Howitt Avenue in 2003 to better serve the growing Eastwood community. To help families make informed decisions about their child's education, the school will host two formal Open Days. These sessions offer a comprehensive school tour, an overview of the curriculum, and the opportunity to ask staff questions about the school's various programs. Open Day Sessions: - Friday, June 12, at 9am - Friday, July 24, at 9am In addition to formal tours, the school is introducing "Come and Play" sessions specifically for children entering Prep in 2027. These informal afternoons allow children to become familiar with the Prep classrooms and play in a relaxed environment, while parents can chat with teaching staff. 'Come and Play' Dates (3.30pm–4.30pm): - Thursday, August 13 - Thursday, August 20 - Thursday, August 27 Whether families are looking for Prep 2027 placement or have general enrolment enquiries for other year levels, these sessions provide a firsthand look at what makes Lucknow Primary School a cornerstone of the Eastwood community. Junior sport: The heart of the East Junior sport plays a vital role in Australia's sporting identity, and nowhere is that more evident than in East Gippsland, where local clubs and schools continue to nurture the next generation of athletes across a wide range of disciplines. From Aussie Rules football and basketball to soccer, tennis, gymnastics and surf life saving, junior sport provides young people with more than just a pathway to elite competition. It builds confidence, teaches teamwork and discipline, and fosters a strong sense of community connection that extends well beyond the playing field. In East Gippsland, junior sport is often the heartbeat of towns and townships, with weekend competitions bringing families together and volunteers forming the backbone of clubs. Local leagues and associations provide opportunities for children of all abilities to participate, ensuring sport remains inclusive and accessible regardless of experience or background. Codes such as Australian Rules football remain deeply embedded in the region's culture, while basketball and soccer continue to grow rapidly among younger age groups. Meanwhile, tennis and gymnastics offer structured development pathways, and surf life saving programs along the coast combine fitness with vital water safety education. Beyond the scoreboard, junior sport in East Gippsland also plays an important social role, helping young people build friendships, resilience and a sense of belonging in their local communities. As participation continues to grow across multiple sports, the emphasis remains on enjoyment, development and inclusion — ensuring that junior sport remains a strong foundation for both regional communities and Australian sport more broadly. Local clubs and schools are continuing to nurture the next generation of sporting stars, from surf lifesaving, Aussie Rules football and basketball to soccer, tennis and gymnastics. EN23217 DW 2ɝFH &KRLFH Helping Little MindsShine Discover the colourful world of Maped Kidy & Sensory Sprouts designed to help kids play, focus, create and thrive. urful world of sory Sprouts kids play, y p thrive. p everything $W 2ɝFH &KRLFH Bairnsdale, ZH KDYH WR VXSSRUW GL΍HUHQW ZD\V RI OHDUQLQJ $W elp k and p thriv Please contact us on 5152 3897 or email westdale.kin@kindergarten.vic.gov.au for more information 99 Wallace Street, Bairnsdale Behind the hockey pitch OPEN DAY Sunday 14th June | 10am-12pm

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