The Launceston Preparatory School - Newsletter 25th July 2024

'Imagine If...' - From the Principal

Imagine If...

As we begin to journey through another exciting term, I find myself inspired by a simple yet profound proposition: "Imagine if..."

Imagine if we could see our school as a place where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered. What would that look like? A place where we could come to create, explore and celebrate togetherness, community and family, in truth in happiness.

Imagine if each of us, students and staff alike, embraced curiosity and wonder as our guiding principles. Our classrooms would be buzzing with innovative ideas and creative solutions, turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth, 1% at a time.

Imagine if we nurtured not just academic excellence but also the emotional and social well-being of our students, staff and of parents. We could foster a culture of empathy, resilience, and kindness, creating a supportive environment where everyone thrives, holistically following our one school rule, “Be Thoughtful”.

Imagine if our commitment to our school values—community, strength and positivity—was evident in every action we take. How would that strengthen our community bonds and enhance our collective experience? What experiences would we see if this was present?

Imagine if parents felt as welcomed and involved in our school community as their children. What if every parent had the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities, fostering a deeper connection to their child's education and to the school?

Imagine if some of our students trained to become Olympians. With the right support and encouragement, their dreams could take them to the highest levels of athletic achievement, inspiring their peers and the entire global community.

Imagine if we organised community get-togethers that truly brought everyone together—students, parents, teachers, and neighbours—celebrating our diverse cultures and shared goals. These events could strengthen our communal ties and promote a sense of unity and belonging.

Well, without sounding too much like one of my idols, Willy Wonka, ‘come with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination’. This term at The LPS is packed with all of the above and more.

Some of the things to look out for and get involved in include:

• 100 Days of 2024 at The LPS – August 1. Be sure to arrive at Olive St gate at 8:15 for a photo and fun
  
• 'Parent Reading' mornings continue - Prep / 1
• Parent Cooking sessions - Groups 2/3
• BASS Fight MND Fundraiser, 8^th August
• Parent Workshop – “Kids do well, if they can” with Bel Flint and Franny Stewart from Emerge (TBC - limited spots)
• Parent ‘Philosophy’ immersive observations Week 5? Keep eyes peeled in the upcoming Newsletters for more information
• Book Week, 19^th – 23^rd August at The LPS
• Athletics Carnival and St.Leonard's Sports Centre, 29^th August
• Winter Fest at The LPS, feat. Billy Tea Bush Band and Cody Gunton LIVE, 30^th August - 5pm
• PCYC experiences for Groups P-6, 23^rd July – 26^th September
• Early Learning / Kinder Father’s Day Picnic (Date TBC)
• Father’s Day Dad’s Dropoff, 6^th September from 8am at Olive St gate
• Meerkat Production at The LPS, 18^th September
• Terripin “Feather” production at The LPS, 27^th September

As we reflect on these possibilities, let us challenge ourselves to turn these "Imagine if..." scenarios into realities. Our school is a canvas, and together, we can paint a picture of a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.

Term 3, what a time we have to make our own! I cannot wait.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication. Let's continue to imagine, innovate, and inspire each other every day.

In truth and happiness,

Mr Timothy Bristow

Principal

Meet the Staff - Miss Mel Andrews

We are excited to continue a new addition to our weekly newsletter this term! We are featuring a different staff member each week providing an opportunity to meet and celebrate the talented individuals who make up The LPS.  This week, we introduce, Miss Mel Andrews. Mel joined us just a few years ago at The LPS and we all feel very blessed to have her as one of our Senior teachers. She works as a Mathematics and Drama teacher whilst caring and leading the students with thoughtfulness each and every day. Mel is a highly valued member of our staff and community. 

Mr Timothy Bristow

Early Learning - 'We are the World'

Welcome to Term 3! We are excited about the term ahead and are thrilled with the way the children have settled back into school. It is always exciting to welcome new students. This term, Agustin has joined our Early Learning team and we are impressed with how easily he has transitioned into the school environment.

 This term will be action-packed and lots of fun. Early Learners will be engaging in a variety of activities and experiences to explore the theme, “We are the World.” The children will be investigating the themes of Identity, Olympics and teamwork, and Cultural Heritages. The Early Learners have been eager to use their balancing and climbing skills as mini–Olympic Gymnasts on the obstacle course!

Along with these thematic ideas we will also be celebrating and taking part in:

• Book Week
• Father’s Day
• Billy Tea Bush Band, Winter Fest
• Teddies and Binn Performance in the MPH
• Bass House Fundraiser for MND
• Early Learning to Group 1 Athletics Carnival at the Greenfield

What a busy term we have! Keep a look out for the dates of these events in the newsletter.

Mrs Alice Batten

Kindergarten

The Kinder term has started off with great gusto! We are enjoying our obstacle course on the deck as part of our morning's program. Teamwork, co-operation and problem solving are all skills we are practicing as we navigate the course. Before school, and during break times, this area is being enjoyed as we continue to enjoy this challenge.  We are learning to stay healthy by being active.

Ms Rebecca Howard

Prep/1 - PCYC Fun

Yesterday was the beginning of our series of sessions at PCYC working on developing gross motor skills. A brilliant set up with gymnastics equipment, spring floor and trampolines. Under the guidance of four PCYC instructors, the children were taken through a series of climbing, hanging, balancing, jumping, rolling and tumbling activities. As always, The LPS example of beautiful, respectful listening, trying our very best at all we do and speaking beautifully to everyone made us very proud. Each week, Mr Payne is choosing three medal winners - shining examples of children working hard and trying to learn and grow. This week we celebrated Ellie, Rosie and Nora. A very hard choice for Mr Payne when everyone did such a great job. We are looking forward to going again next week.

Mrs Kellie Cook and Miss Nicole England 

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Group 2/3 - Math-lympics!

The Group 2/3s are currently training for their own mathematical Olympics – Math-lympics!  This week they honed their measurement skills by timing themselves counting to 100, measuring the length of a variety of 2-dimensional shapes, and racing to see how quickly they could roll up all their numbers in Tenzi. 

Soon, we will be training for the heptathlon, one of the most challenging Olympic events.  They will need to train hard to master the following skills if they are to make the podium finish.  The events involved in the 2/3 heptathlon include:

1. Shoelace tying
2. Pencil sharpening
3. Ruling up our books
4. Putting jumper on
5. Writing the alphabet
6. Counting to 100
7. Tucking in our shirts

Just like the ancient Olympics, the events have been selected to help with their survival!

The children have all returned to school with such a positive vibe and great work ethic.

Mrs Melissa Freeland

Philosophy Groups 4-6

The senior students are already immersed in their shared novel, NIPS XI by Ruth Starke. This book relates beautifully to our theme, combining Australia’s passion for sport with a multicultural perspective. As the blurb says, it is “A funny, empowering story of cricket and curry, spinners and leggies, NIPS XI is about overcoming cultural barriers, in sport and in life.”

Arising from the central character’s comments in the first chapter, we explored a very deep question in Philosophy this week - “Who is a real Aussie?” The discussion raised a marvellous array of different viewpoints and would be a great one to continue around the dinner table!

 Mrs Leonie McNair

Seniors

Senior Maths

We've used lots of critical thinking and reasoning in our first lesson for the term!

The children were presented with jumbled up Olympic measurements and World Records. In groups, they had to match the event or World Record with the correct measurement and unit of measurement.

It was a fun way for them to see how mathematics is used in sport and to grapple with the size of different measurements. We quickly discovered that the Men's High Jump World Record couldn't possibly be 23.56 metres!

 The Messenger

We hope you enjoyed the first episode of The Messenger, our new student-run news service, in the last newsletter edition of Term 2! This week, the children have been busy brainstorming things that parents might like to see in our upcoming episodes, as well as starting to film and edit. Keep an eye out for Episode 2 soon.

Miss Mel Andrews 

Senior Mathematics

The Messenger

Introducing 'Oakley'

The Launceston Preparatory School has a long association with Guide Dogs Tasmania and our students have welcomed many puppies in-training into our classrooms. I am very grateful that you support me in training these amazing dogs.

My latest dog is called Oakley. He will be with me at school this term on Thursdays and Fridays for Art and French lessons. For new families and students to The LPS, I just wanted to introduce him and explain how this works.

Oakley is being trained to give emotional support to victims of trauma who are required to give evidence in court.  He is a beautiful, friendly, cuddly boy and he's finding his training quite easy so far!

At school he is 'in coat' which means that he is in working mode and has to display the high level of behaviour expected in a service dog. He is toileted outside of the school grounds and as you would expect, he has to have a high standard of grooming. His health checks and vaccinations are up-to-date and regularly carried out by the vet.

Please do not hesitate to contact myself or Mr Bristow if you have any further questions. I thank you very much for your support.

Jane Dean

Art/French Teacher 

The LPS PCYC 'Olympic' Medal Tally

Our students have been demonstrating the Olympic spirit in our PCYC gymnastics unit! Each week, three lucky students from P/1, 2/3, and the seniors will be awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals based on their effort, attitude, thoughtfulness, and skills. At the end of the term, we'll tally the medals for each house to see which house has the most. 

Mr Alex Payne

Term 3 House Leaders

With great pleasure, Mr Payne announced our Term 3 leaders for their respective houses. With the Olympics getting us all inspired to be the best leader in our own lives, may these proud students lead with the thoughtfulness and kindness we see from them all each day. Congratulations!

Ossa: Connor Baillie and Toby O'Meara

Esk: Susie Corfield

Bass: Logan Bull and Millie Andrews

Sport Report - Champion Sport Stars

Over the break, two of our students, Poppy Steen and Esther Lundie, took their place in the Kanga Cup in Canberra. Our two girls’ NTJSA team won the U12 girls’ Championship which is a truly spectacular achievement. Both girls fulfilled key roles within the team throughout the tournament, displaying sportsmanship and resilience. What an effort. In the 9 completed matches, the girls won 8 which included winning a penalty shoot-out in the semi-final, before taking out the Grand Final 1-0.

Congratulations to you both. We are all super proud.

To top this experience off, the girls were brought into the lounge rooms around the state, being part of the Channel 7 Nightly News program.

Incredible!

Wool Request

Does anyone have any yarns of wool that you would like to donate for various craft projects that we have planned for the students in Term 3? Any thickness or coloured wool would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be left in the school office. 

Scholastic Book Club due 7.8.2024

Issue 5 Scholastic Book Club booklets will be sent home this week. Please ensure all orders are returned to school with the payment by WEDNESDAY 7th AUGUST 2024. Alternatively you are able to process an online LOOP order directly with Scholastic. Please refer to the catalogue for more details.

'The End of Winter Fest'- Friday 30th August

We are excited to announce The Launceston Preparatory School 'The End of Winter Fest' event. This fun family evening will be held on Friday 30th August, 2024. Save this date with more information to follow in the coming weeks.

Head Lice

We have been made aware that some students have experienced a recent case of head lice. We just ask that you all check your child/ren’s hair and treat appropriately.

Please refer to the head lice flyers below for more information.

2025 Term Dates

Please see below the 2025 Term Dates for those of you making holiday plans for 2025 !