The Launceston Preparatory School - Newsletter 27 June 2024

The LPS Health and Physical Education - 'Program Implementation and Vision'

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, it is an opportune moment for me, as the HPE teacher, to share my vision and aspirations and shed light on the profound impact of our Health and Physical Education (HPE) program. At The LPS, we place great importance on nurturing the physical well-being of our students alongside their academic development. Through our carefully designed HPE curriculum, the goal is to empower our students with essential skills, knowledge and unwavering motivation to lead active and healthy lives.

The benefits of HPE extend far beyond our school grounds, positively influencing various aspects of our students' lives. Here are some key advantages that our HPE program offers:

Physical Fitness: Regular physical activity through HPE helps students develop motor skills, co-ordination, and cardiovascular endurance. Engaging in sports, games, and exercise routines lays the foundation for a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Holistic Development: Our HPE program focuses on holistic development. Through team sports and co-operative activities, students learn collaboration, communication and leadership. These skills foster social and emotional growth, enabling them to navigate real-world situations effectively.

Health Education: HPE encompasses health education, teaching students about vital topics like nutrition, personal hygiene and disease prevention as well as social and emotional health. Empowered with this knowledge, students make informed decisions about their well-being, cultivating healthy habits that last a lifetime.

 Mental Well-being: Physical activity is a natural stress reliever, enhancing mental well-being. Regular exercise releases endorphins, boosting mood and reducing anxiety and depression. Students find an outlet to release energy and improve their overall mental health.

Improved Academic Performance: Physical activity positively affects academic performance. Regular exercise enhances cognitive function, attention span, and memory, leading to improved concentration and academic achievement. Our HPE program supports students' academic success by incorporating physical activity throughout the school day.

Term 3 - PCYC

Next term we will be commencing the PCYC Gymnastics program as part of our HPE curriculum. This curriculum-linked program offers additional benefits such as:

• Motor Skill Development: Gymnastics enhances students' balance, co-ordination and body control, contributing to the development of fundamental motor skills.
• Strength and Flexibility: By participating in gymnastics, students improve their strength, flexibility and overall physical fitness.
• Discipline and Goal Setting: Gymnastics requires dedication, discipline and goal setting, teaching students' valuable life skills that extend beyond the classroom.
• Creative Expression: Gymnastics encourages creativity and self-expression through choreographed routines and individual performances.

As a passionate HPE teacher, I am dedicated to delivering a comprehensive HPE program that encompasses a wide-range of physical activities, health education and emotional well-being. I am extremely grateful for the support that all families show toward their children in the HPE domain. By investing in our students' physical health, we are building a foundation for their future success.

Mr Alex Payne

Early Learning - The Chickens have Hatched !

We are thrilled to announce that the much-anticipated Early Learning chickens have hatched! The eggs spent 21 days in an incubator and to the great excitement of all, they started hatching on Tuesday afternoon. The children have been overjoyed watching them arrive - firstly as eggs in their warm incubator, and then hatching into cute little chicks. We have loved sharing the joy of learning about life and caring for others. What an experience for all of us!

A massive thank you to Freyr and Andrew for helping us with the process from beginning to end! We hope the chickens live a happy life on your farm.

Mrs Alice Batten

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Prep/1 - Getting There on a Giant Peach

What a special time it has been reading our first novel together with our Prep/One students. James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl, has been a rollicking adventure with fantastic characters and a journey on the most unexpected of vehicles. Our classroom display has developed as we have read the book with students suggesting ways to display our work. Our writing workshops relating to the text are so productive and enthusiastic. The growth in students is similar to the growth of the peach-phenomenal! Last Friday, we had a ticker tape parade, just like the one in the book for James. A celebration of achievement for every student. The pressure is now on for me to come up with a novel which inspires this much creativity for next term….watch this space.

Mrs Kellie Cook 

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The Messenger - Episode 1

The Messenger is a holistic overview of some of the best bits at The LPS, through the eyes of us - the kids! Enjoy the first addition.

Philosophy and Critical Thinking

The Group 2s and 3s considered a line in their novel where a character says, “The longest journey begins with the first step.” We explored what this means and how it is applicable to our lives. We then considered why it is so hard to make a start on a difficult task, and the strategies we can use to help us take on big or difficult jobs. Cleaning up bedrooms and toy rooms were often cited as big tasks the students have faced but they now have lots of fabulous strategies to help them take the first step!

Having just come to the end of their shared novel this week, the senior students reflected on Somewhere Around the Corner and gave very well-considered comments about the characters, plot and language of the book. They then went on to compare this book with last term’s novel, Blue Fin by Colin Thiele. It was a very mature and illuminating discussion!

It has been wonderful to see how so many students have substantially matured in their involvement and contributions to Philosophy seminars since the start of the year!

 Mrs Leonie McNair

Meet the Staff - Mrs Leonie McNair

Leonie McNair, a woman who has offered the warmth in our hearts at The LPS for over three and a half decades, and can't you see the passion for our community in this small snippet! The LPS, through the eyes of one of the most dedicated educators you will ever meet. What a woman!

OSSA Fundraiser

What a generous community we have! 

This term, the Ossa Leavers, Arkie, Matilda, Connor, Ryan and Toby, have led a drive to collect as many coats as possible and as well as any warm clothing for "Tassie Mums". This organisation provides essential baby and children's items to social service organisations across Tasmania that work with vulnerable and at-risk children. As you can see in the photos, a lot of clothing has been donated that will now be sent to "Tassie Mums". Thank you so much for your generosity!

On Monday, children dressed in their warmest clothing. Ossa held the Scarf Challenge at lunch time with each house laying their scarves end to end to see which house had the longest scarf line. It was a tight competition with Bass the eventual winners!

Thank you again for your contribution to Ossa's fundraiser for 2024. 

Miss Mel Andrews

Ossa Fundraiser - Thank you letter

Thanks to all for the kindness in your hearts.

Please see our letter of thanks below.

Health and Hygiene Readiness

As we move to the end of wintery term, we kindly remind you to prioritise your child’s health and hygiene in readiness for Term 3. Please ensure regular handwashing and encourage good hygiene practices. If your child is feeling unwell, keep them at home to rest and recover, helping prevent the spread of illness within our school community. Further details can be found in our Health Policy on the website.

Thank you for your co-operation in keeping everyone healthy and safe.

Sport Reports

Netball

The LPS netball team played Australian Christian College at Hoblers Bridge. We had our first win of the season! Great job to Matilda, Milly and Lucy for getting all the goals, also to Sophie and Madi for great defence. We played an amazing game improving by getting into free space. - Lucy C and Sophie L

Hockey

The LPS Wackadoos hockey team played Scotch Oakburn at Scotch Oakburn Park. The score was 10- 0 in our favour. We played very well, with a special mention to Aagaman for a great save in goals.  I think we can work on spreading out and holding our sticks down. Well done to all the people who scored a goal - Ollie F

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

Midford July Closure

If you require any uniform items from Midford before the commencement of Term 3, please be advised of their July store closure. Midford as a whole company is closing from Friday 5^th July at 5.00pm and will reopen on Monday 15^th July at 8.30am.  

Critical Lockdown Drill Completion

Today we had a lockdown drill just before lunchtime. Not only did the staff ably support the preparations for the students, but the whole school also took a measured and reassured approach to this very important element of our school operations. The continued energy placed on keeping our children safe is foremost in our thinking and planning, and this drill exemplifies the care we take in doing what is best for our community. If your child speaks about this, please take the time to listen and answer any questions regarding the purpose of these types of drills. 

Retraction From Last Week's Newsletter

Thinking about all the fun everyone will be having over the 3-week break already makes us super excited to hear about it all when you return! At The Launceston Preparatory School, we love seeing and hearing about the adventurous things everyone gets up to on weekends, holidays, or during extracurricular activities. However, we ask that you take a considered approach to sending toys, precious items, and other miscellaneous things to school with your child. While our last newsletter mentioned Show and Tell, we do not have a formal structure for it. Pre-organising any sharing with your child's teacher would be both encouraged and appreciated.

 Mr Timothy Bristow