The Launceston Preparatory School - Newsletter 13 June 2024

Mount Olympus Comes to The LPS… Every Day!

“Whilst we are actively in thought today,” begins the facilitator, “our Socratic Seminar needs to be a reasonable venture for all scholars,” they continue. “All present should be looking at ways to enhance their thinking skills and respond to questions proposed with rigor and humility.” The session begins promptly, and the questioner probes, “What is ‘hope’?” Those present in this Socratic Seminar pause, each set of eyes roams the nearby environment for answers, some even scratch their chin, reminiscent of Zeus himself fondling his famous beard. Then, like a synchronized choreography of the Twelve Olympians of Mount Olympus, the voices begin to exude confident insight. You may be mistaken (even forgiven) if your imaginative minds, whilst reading this, drift to a toga-laden amphitheater in ancient Greek times, but let me assure you this very practice takes place right here at The LPS most days of each week.

At The Launceston Preparatory School, we pride ourselves on offering the greatest exposure to the act of learning. Be it in explicit instruction (Didactic), student-centered self-exploration with fostered support from a mentor or teacher (coaching), or in the form of Socratic questioning in weekly seminars, our offerings are rich in structured planning, with endless ways to navigate as an individual, not to mention the scaffolded support from peers and adults alike. The Launceston Preparatory School adopts a unique educational philosophy that emphasises both didactic and coaching approaches to teaching. This philosophy aims to create a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for students.

To sit in these learning environments fills me with a certain pride. All of our teachers show care, nurturance, and an innate ability to draw from the students a radiating understanding of concepts in both the Australian Curriculum and our everyday world around us, truly owning the mantra of “Preparing for Life.” For instance, Leonie McNair, a fierce advocate at The LPS, exemplifies this philosophy by integrating her roles in teaching English, Philosophy, and as a Library teacher, with a strong focus on student growth and preparation. Having recently had a lovely conversation at the gate with a proud parent, she indicated what made their original school tour different, like really different, was the exposure to a Socratic Seminar. She reminisced about being blown away that the kids were literally given time to be entirely present in their thinking. That’s right, at The LPS we urge our students to be present, to actually think for themselves and inspire those around us through thought.

You see, to sit in on our Socratic Seminars is a different experience. There is time to ponder, an opportunity to add to or clarify the content if unsure, and best of all – time to simply have a go. All this without ridicule. When, as a scholar taking part, you offer something a bit out there, or heaven forbid even inaccurate, there are no sniggers. There are no notions of black and white, right or wrong, because in this Socratic Seminar circle the students sit in, there is more than enough space for all insights to be reflected upon, challenged, and seized!

I have the privilege of watching these empowering and edifying experiences across Groups Prep through to 6 in action. At this point, right now, I start to question. I pose this: why aren’t we sharing this amazing practice more readily? Don’t all members of our community deserve to see all of this raw, authentic richness in action? I ask myself, what can I set up to give others an opportunity to view such an extraordinary learning experience? Well, watch this space.

Term 3 is a two-and-a-half-month period of time for productivity, extension, and holistic depth. It is a whole ten weeks of basically uninterrupted (no NAPLAN or Camp experiences) learning. What depth will we have on show? It’s exciting just thinking about it.

In golf, Day 3 of a four-day major tournament is coined ‘Moving Day,’ and as such our third school term should be seen as this. It’s the space in time to really push the boundaries of our capacity and truly grow. Term 3 offers a chance to “unleash potential,” so be ready, as parents, to witness this unleashing in action!

Exciting details on your chance to watch your child in action in Term 3 to come.

In Truth and Happiness,

Timothy Bristow

Early Learning - Little Scientists

The Early Learners worked harmoniously as a team to build a volcano in the "Mud Kitchen." It was lovely to see them all contributing to the construction. The most exciting part was, of course, watching the lava erupt and spill down the sides of the volcano! "Let’s do it again." "More vinegar." "It’s erupting, it’s erupting, it’s erupting!”

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Principal Award - Scarlett Blackford

Often we confuse what stress is about.

Lots, if not most of what we do at The LPS is about creating ‘stretch’ for our students. We stretch our thinking to explore mathematical or philosophical questions, we stretch our compassionate hearts to walk in others’ shoes, and we stretch our comfort zones a little bit each day to ensure we get better. Is this stress? Most certainly, but this is the stress we all need to find that 1% gain. When it comes to ‘Getting There’ (our theme), there’s no better example in our cohort than Scarlett Blackford. She consistently grapples with each challenge, wondering how the world around her works and compiling strategies to get there. A leader in this space, each day offers an opportunity for Scarlett to grow. She looks for ways to improve the school experience—not only her own but also others'. What a worthy recipient of this month’s Principal’s Award!

Don’t stress, Scarlett is here!

Warm Regards

Mr Timothy Bristow

OSSA Fundraiser - 24.6.2024

The Ossa Fundraiser will be supporting Tassie Mums. Tassie Mums is a volunteer-led group, passionate about providing essential items to babies and children in need. Students will be collecting CLEAN second-hand coats/jackets (please ensure zips are working and pockets are empty), gloves, scarves and blankets to donate to this cause.  A free dress day will coincide with this fundraiser (no money is required), however, students are encourged to wear warm clothes, beanies and scarves (these are separate to the clothes they are donating). 

Prep/Group 1 - Buddy Play Time

Prep and Group 1 students have been enhancing their mentoring skills by learning activities to teach to Kinder and Early Learning students. Last week, they shared a bush craft project, creating cuffs with found nature objects. This week, they worked on weaving, using grasses and plant pieces in a loom. Buddy playtime is a chance to develop nurturing, patience, and kindness while practicing leadership skills like effective communication and confidence. It's wonderful to observe these relationship developments and see students becoming older role models in the school.

Mrs Kellie Cook

Philosophy - Groups 4-6

The senior students are enjoying listening to Somewhere Around the Corner by Jackie French in English lessons this term. It is set in the Great Depression when, despite one in three men being out of work, people being evicted from their homes, and families not having money to buy the necessities of life, there was very little government welfare.

This week we read about the “sussos” of Poverty Gully trying to start up their own school. One character says it is the government’s responsibility to provide a school, so we discussed the role of governments in Australia, whether government can tell people what they should do (including what to spend their money on) and whether voting in Australia should be compulsory.

Mrs Leonie McNair

Sports Training - Tuesday 18th June - Cancelled

Due to the sport commitments of many students next Tuesday and Wednesday, Sports Training on Tuesday afternoon has been CANCELLED. Please arrange for your child to be collected from school at the normal time.

Meet the Staff - Mrs Kellie Crosby

This week in our Meet the Staff at The LPS, we would like to introduce to you Mrs Kellie Crosby. Kellie has been a staff member at The LPS for a period of 4 years and is currently assisting Ms Howard in Kindergarten as a Teacher Aide, dedicating four days per week giving back to the very community of staff and students that nurtured her schooling journey (just a few) years ago!  Kellie is a highly valued member of staff and all of our community. 

NIJSSA Cross Country Carnival, Windsor Park - Rescheduled to Wednesday 19th June

Please see below the schedule for the NIJSSA Cross Country carnival that was postponed on the 12th June do to inclement weather and rescheduled for Wednesday 19th June. The event will be held over the back of Windsor Park, Riverside.

10.30am    Schools arrive

10.40am    Course walk through Grades 3 - 6

11.20am      Event 1   Grade 3 Girls

11.35am       Event 2  Grade 3 Boys

11.50am       Event 3  Grade 4 Girls

12.10pm       Event 4  Grade 4 Boys

12.30pm       Event 5  Grade 5 Girls

12.50pm       Event 6  Grade 5 Boys

1.10pm          Event 7  Grade 6 Girls

1.30pm          Event 8  Grade 6 Boys

2.00pm         Final annoucements and clean up

2.15pm          Schools Depart

All Schools Cross Country - Symmons Plains - Tuesday 18th June

Congratulations to the following students who will representing The LPS next Tuesday at the All Schools Cross Country at Symmons Plains.

Grade 3 - Delvin Hua, Owen Higgins and Bass Abel

Grade 4 - Kathryn Reardon, Charlotte Lim, Xavier Perry, George Archer and Max Blackford

Grade 5 - Belle Batten, Esther Lundie, Poppy Steen, Olive Howard, Lucy Chandler, Max Lundie and Archie Byrne

Grade 6 - Jack Gray and Ryan Bonny

Sport Reports

Soccer

The LPS Barnes Bashers played Scotch Oakburn at Scotch Park. We all played an excellent game, however, we lost 8-4. Special mentions to Esther and Max B for scoring our goals.  I think we need to work on defending our players behind the line of defence - Archie B 

The LPS Green Machines soccer team played Scotch Oakburn at Scotch Park. The scores were 5-1 in their favour.  I have a shout out for Belle for shooting an amazing goal and getting our only goal. Also to Xavier for always going for the player with the ball. We had a great competitive spirit throughout. I think we worked well on keeping the pressure on. Thanks to Miss Gilbert for coaching us - Audrey D

Netball

The LPS netball team played Scotch Oakburn at Hoblers Bridge. The scores were 8-10 in their favour. The team did a great job at spreading out and calling for the ball. Special mentions to Milly, Arkie and Henry for scoring our goals and to Lucy for great footwork - Amelia A & Matilda L

Hockey

The LPS Wackadoos hockey team played Scotch Oakburn at Scotch Oakburn Park. The scores were 11 - 0 in our favour. We played a great game and we used great passing.  Ollie F and Oli W definitely improved a lot.  We need to improve on our teamwork and good positive chat between our team.  Special mentions to Robert M and Max M for their brotherly teamwork!- Henry H

Susan McLean - Growing Up Online

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to better support your child in the online enviroment. An educational and empowering session for parents and carers.  Susan's unparalleled knowledge leaves audiences shocked at the reality of the online world. It is a wake up call to even the most switched on parent and is delivered with Susan's famous 'no nonsense' approach.

Where: Riverside Primary School Gym, 7/11 Cleghorn Ave Riverside

When: Tuesday 2nd July 2024 - 7.00 - 8.30pm

This is a FREE, non-ticketed event, please register your interest by using the link below  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LGN3QRZ

Parents of The LPS - Bake Sale pickup / Social catchup

Just a reminder that if you have ordered bakery items from the Bake Sale, pickup is Friday afternoon 14th June from the Multi Purpose Hall between 2.45-3.30pm.

Lost and Found

We have had these little trinkets handed into the office together with a Leisure and Aquatic Centre card. If your child has lost either of these items, please contact the office.