The Launceston Preparatory School eNewsletter

What a Year! 2024 - One to Remember

What a Year It Has Been!

As we close the chapter on 2024, we reflect on a year filled with remarkable achievements, both individual and collective. Our students have excelled in the classroom, on the sports field, in creative endeavours, and as compassionate, active members of our school community. Each triumph, no matter how big or small, has been a testament to the dedication, hard work, and resilience of our students, staff, and families. Together, we’ve created a vibrant, nurturing environment where every moment of growth is celebrated. A heartfelt thank you for entrusting us with the nurturance and care of your child/ren's journey this year.

A new Addition to The LPS Family

Mr. Alex (formerly Payne) and Jane Chester are thrilled to welcome another bundle of joy into The LPS family during the summer break! We are all so proud and excited for them as they eagerly await the arrival of their little boy. This wonderful news brings such happiness to our school community, and we can’t wait to share in their joy when their new addition arrives. Sending our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the growing family!

Helping Your Child Prepare for 2025

As we gear up for the exciting possibilities of 2025, now is the perfect time to help your child prepare for a fresh start. Here are five simple steps to set them up for success:

1. Ensure uniforms are upgraded and ready for the year ahead

2. Establish consistent sleep routines to promote focus and well-being

3. Encourage balanced, healthy eating habits

4. Involve them in setting personal and academic goals

and

5. Enjoy a wonderful summer of adventure before our return

These small actions can make a big difference in starting the new year with confidence and clarity.

Engagement for Parents in 2025

Parents of The LPS are always working super hard for the community and are really keen on helping spread that sense of achievement, reward and belonging in 2025. The more hands we have on deck, the more exciting ways we can bring joy to the community in the years to come. Please consider joining or supporting individual events where you can. The kids are always at the forefront of our thinking, and this is yet another way to celebrate their journey at our great school.

Change of duties for Jane Dean

This year, we also celebrate the contributions of Jane Dean, who has been an integral part of our art program. Jane has decided to step away from her Thursday Art role to dedicate more time to her passion for community music. Her creativity, warmth, and commitment have inspired countless students, and her presence will be missed in the classroom. We wish Jane every success as she embarks on this exciting new journey, and we thank her for all she has given to our school.

Names changed...still the same great staff

Several staff members will return in 2025 with a fresh burst of energy and a new name! Mrs. Edmunds will now go by Ms. Goss, Mrs. Freeland will go by Ms. Scott, and Mr. Payne will return as Mr. Chester. We’re excited to embrace these changes and look forward to another amazing year together!

Reflecting on 2024

The end of the year is a wonderful time for reflection. As you spend time with your children over the first few days of holidays, consider asking them these questions to help them celebrate their incredible year:

What was your proudest achievement in 2024?
How did you grow as a learner and as a friend this year?
What is one thing you’ll carry forward into 2025 to build on your success?

These conversations can open the door to meaningful discussions about perseverance, gratitude, and aspirations. They have all done an almighty job and deserve great kudos for all they have achieved.

Unleashing Potential in 2025

As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited about the opportunities it will bring to unleash the full potential of every member of our school community. It’s a time to dream big, embrace challenges, and ask ourselves: What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? Let’s encourage our children to step boldly into the new year, armed with confidence, curiosity, and the courage to turn their dreams into reality.

Wishing all our families a joyful, relaxing, and safe holiday season. May 2025 be filled with growth, achievement, and more countless magical moments!

Staff name changes

Mr Alex Chester

Ms Melissa Scott

Ms Tam Goss

End of Year Picnic

What a wonderful night Friday night was at the End of Year Picnic!

We were so impressed with the children's stalls. They put a lot of effort into coming up with ideas on what to sell, working collaboratively with others, creating their products, and then selling them on the night. The children managed all of this in their own time - what dedication!

A very special thank you to the parents of the children involved in the stalls for supporting your child/ren both in the lead-up to, and during, the picnic!

Thank you to everyone who purchased something from the stalls.

This year, the children raised $2213.40 through their stalls. This money will be used to develop projects raised by the students, perhaps through the Leavers' Legacy program next year, and will be something that children across the school can use.

Wishing you and your families a fun holiday break!

Mrs Melissa Freeland and Miss Mel Andrews

End of Year Christmas Picnic Gallery

This week, in our final week of 2024, we’re delighted to introduce Mr. Alex Chester (formerly Payne). With his unwavering smile, passion for education, and positive approach to teaching and learning, Alex has become an invaluable member of our team at The LPS.

After completing his UTAS Placement under the trusted guidance of Leonie McNair, it was clear that Alex’s sense of family and community aligned perfectly with our school’s values. Fast forward a few years, and Alex continues to inspire and contribute to the vibrant culture of our school.

Take a moment to enjoy Alex’s reflections on what makes our little slice of educational heaven so extraordinary. His perspective is a wonderful reminder of the heart and soul that define The LPS.

The Messenger! Farewell 2024

What an amazing voice we have amongst our students! This is a wrap on what has been a stellar initiative in 2024! Tune back in next year, we will be back. For now, enjoy the works of our students in the last edition!

Early Learning - Achievements of 2024

As we reflect on our year in Early Learning, we are filled with pride for the wonderful achievements of all our Early Learners. It has been a year of happiness and memory-making with each day bringing a new sense of curiosity, resilience and a love for being at school. It is privilege to be a part of your child's first school experience, and we look forward to either working with them again next year or seeing them continue to blossom in Kindergarten in 2025.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Mrs Batten and Mrs Dai

What a year it has been with these beautiful children in Prep/1. So many highlights it's hard to include them all.

A partnership that was right from the very beginning. Miss England and Mrs Cook are such a support for one another. A magnificent year of joy and growth for us as teachers together and for the children in our care. It has been a wild ride. This Prep/1 crew has been magnificent! They work so well together with empathy and kindness.

The themes this year have been wonderful. Starting the year with, In the Deep Blue, we explored ocean creatures and sea going vessels. In Art, students worked with clay to make beautifully patterned sea stars and decorated gorgeous fish with Mrs Picket with a tissue and gold leaf collage.

Term Two had us investigating transport with, Getting There. An excursion to meet with Uncle Rex to visit his traditional paperbark canoes was a real highlight of 2024.

Term Three had us on a magic carpet ride, travelling to many countries around the world. Teaching and learning I will never forget.

Finally, our whole school production in Term Four with the theme, In the Spotlight. We were so proud of the students work developing scripts, producing and finding costumes and props and performing in front of large crowds of adults. Philosophy after the performances asked the question, 'Is performing on stage good for you?' The feeling in the room was a resounding 'yes'. The children reflected deeply on their growth throughout the process of creating and performing our skit. A worthwhile experience for all - and something quite new for me. I was very nervous.

Thank you for everything Prep/1. That's a wrap!

Mrs Kellie Cook and Mrs Nicole England

.

Group 2/3 Year-End Reflection

The Group 2/3s have finished the year on a high note, demonstrating incredible enthusiasm, resilience, and progress right up to the end.

Our Grade 3 students have truly shone as independent, thoughtful, and enthusiastic learners. They have been exceptional role models for the younger students, consistently modelling positive behaviour, helping others, warmly welcoming new class members, and stepping up to thank guest speakers when needed. Most importantly, we are proud of their genuine love of learning and their willingness to embrace new challenges. We are confident they are well-prepared and ready to thrive in Group 4.

Our Group 2 students have also made impressive strides. They are confidently following class routines, taking responsibility for their belongings, and showing greater initiative in their learning. In 2025, they will step into their roles as kind and supportive seniors in our groups, setting a wonderful example for the new Group 2 students.

A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing parents for your unwavering support of your children and our school throughout the year. It is a privilege to work with you to ensure your children make the most of their time at The LPS.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

Melissa Freeland & Harriet Thyne

Principal's Award - Luke Selby

For the last time in 2024, the Principal's Award was announced. Luke's can-do attitude and ability to inspire those around him set him apart. A determination to learn and grow is matched only by his kindness and generosity, making him a better friend to all. Luke's positivity and supportiveness create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to thrive.

Congratulations!

Philosophy

Groups 2 and 3

Students have finished listening to Finders Keepers and really loved it! At the end of the story, Patrick thinks back on a game he used to play with his friend Michael: "What would you do if you had a million dollars?" So, this was our first question for this week's Socratic seminar and students gave a variety of interesting answers. There were lots of new pets involved and donations to charity! I then made it harder by asking students to consider the prize they would most like to win, excluding money, gift cards and whatever they offered for their answer to the first question! Finally, we considered whether the world would be better or worse without money - a very thought-provoking issue!

It has been a pleasure to take these younger students for Philosophy this year and to see their growth in confidence and depth of thought.

Mrs Leonie McNair

Too many emails? School Stream is coming

The LPS plans to introduce the Schoolstream app to the school community in 2025. The benefits include:

Receive reliable communication directly from the school in real time
Receive relevant notices, reminders and newsletters from school - directly to your phone
Sign and submit permission forms digitally
Report absences via the app.
Instant and unlimited (private) messaging between school and home
Simplified event management including event notices with attached permission note, start-end times and location maps.
Parents can locate information and manage notifications with customised folders
Translation services with over 100 languages
Cashless payments - lunch orders, uniform purchases

School Stream is an all-in-one app. designed specifically for school communication and is available for all users on iOS and Android phones and tablets. Its free for families, easy to use and you will always have information regarding your child or children on hand.

Very soon the school will send out information on how to install the app. We anticipate there will be some teething problems, however, until every parent is happy and comfortable with the app., information will continue to be sent out via email.

For those who wish to check out School Stream, the website is School Stream School App | Communication Tool

A Year of Memorable Moments...

What was your favourite moment in 2024?

Enjoy the gallery of all things The LPS in 2024! How lucky we are to have a rich and wholesome community. Our learning experiences are authentic, like our people, and we can hold our heads high for the connection we all continue to harness.

Looking for fun activities for your little ones during the school holidays?

Kaitlyn Graham, (parent of Noah in Early Learning), has arranged to run a school holiday playgroup out of the Playgroup Tasmania Hall in Invermay, to help early-learner and kindergarten students maintain their connection and friendships over the school holiday break, and hopefully ease their transition back from holidays in the new year (and take the load off parents for hosting play-dates!)

Playgroup Details

📅 When:

Wednesday, 8th January 10:00am – 11:30am
Wednesday, 15th January 10:00am – 11:30am
Wednesday, 22nd January 10:00am – 11:30am

📍 Where: Playgroup Tasmania Hall, Invermay

RSVP or Enquiries

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
📞 Kaity Graham, 0415544049 | OR via the event on facebook: https://fb.me/1RR6snoqnJH7LyK

The Wizard of Oz

Wicked is now in Cinemas, but Launceston Musical Society are showing you where it all began this Christmas at the Princess Theatre.

Frank Baum’s classic novel comes to life in The Wizard of Oz. This faithful adaptation by the Royal Shakespeare Company features all the most beloved songs and moments from the 1939 classic film, brought to life onstage.

Young Dorothy Gale is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. There, she encounters a host of whimsical characters: good witches, bad witches, animals that talk, scarecrows that walk, and things magical to behold. To find her way home, she must journey along the Yellow Brick Road to see the mysterious and all-powerful Wizard in the Emerald City. Along the way, she makes new friends, but must also brave many dangers, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers.

To make it home safely, Dorothy must learn an important lesson: there really is no place like home. Tickets can be purchased via www.theatrenorth.com.au with a family ticket price bundle included.

The Launceston Preparatory School - the only place to be!

Wishing everyone a wonderful festive season. See you all next year!

The Launceston Preparatory School - Newsletter 12th December 2024