The Launceston Preparatory School - Newsletter 5th December 2024
A DEEP reflection - Discovering and Exploring Extra Potential at The LPS
Students at The Launceston Preparatory School are graced with a remarkable opportunity upon reaching Group 4, as they may partake in a captivating class every Monday afternoon known as Discovering and Exploring Extra Potential – DEEP. This wondrous program invites both students and teachers to delve into topics that ignite their curiosity and passion.
At the beginning of the academic year, DEEP teachers determine the topics to be addressed during the first three terms. Subsequently, students in Groups 4, 5, and 6 complete a form indicating their class preferences. The teachers then organise the students into classes, carefully balancing individual preferences across the three terms. During the fourth term, teachers introduce a new topic that is sometimes specific to that time of year.
I commenced my DEEP teaching career in the second term of 2019, during which the student's explored photography focused on heritage houses within our neighbourhood. We submitted their photographs to the Launceston City Council's Heritage Snap competition, where Annie Howard achieved recognition in her age category. In the third term, we organised Science Week activities for younger students, and in the fourth term, we engaged in gardening, complemented by a small cooking component.
The year 2020 presented a unique set of challenges. While many of my colleagues were unable to offer DEEP-at-home experiences, I believed that my initiative—DEEP Cooking—could provide a sense of normalcy for those passionate about culinary arts, as well as light entertainment for others. Recording myself while cooking proved to be quite entertaining for my family, and it was rewarding to see participants engaging with my clips by sending back videos or photos of their own cooking endeavours at home. Fortunately, we eventually returned to the kitchen, where we thoroughly enjoyed the dishes prepared during class.
The students at The LPS have a passion for cooking, which has been a prominent feature of my DEEP classes since 2020. At various times, I have successfully integrated additional components alongside cooking, such as photography, journaling, guest chefs, and business studies, to enhance our picnic stalls.
This year, I have adopted a more Zen approach to DEEP, with the first three terms of classes titled "Keep Calm and Cook." Each week, we alternated between cooking and mindfulness practices, equipping ourselves with tools to calm our busy minds while simultaneously addressing the culinary interests of our students.
This term, I have had the pleasure of partnering with Mrs. Eastman, a remarkably creative individual who possesses an extraordinary ability to transform a simple piece of cardboard into virtually anything. Together, we aimed to provide our senior students with the opportunity to design both physical and digital props for this year's production. Initially, we planned to integrate prop-making and cooking throughout the term; however, various uncontrollable factors have resulted in an overwhelming focus on prop creation.
The students have thrived in this dynamic environment, taking ownership of responsibilities for their buddy class. They have embraced constructive feedback, enjoyed leadership roles, and allowed their creativity to flourish. Although my presence has been limited due to illness, Mrs. Eastman, with the invaluable assistance of Mrs. Rosevears, Mrs. Thyne, and Miss Andrews, has effectively kept the momentum of prop creation alive. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to her; she is truly an exceptional partner.
We are both eager for everyone to witness the incredible prop creations that the students have developed for this week’s production.
I invite you to enjoy these throwback photos from my six years of DEEP classes. It has been a truly enriching experience, and I will miss the opportunity to engage deeply with our LPS students.
Ms. Tam Goss
Staff Spotlight - Ms Melissa Scott (formerly Freeland)
A wonderful servant of our school, Ms Melissa Scott (formerly Freeland) shows us what working at our great school is all about. With over 30 years of experience and a positive outlook on life at The LPS, we are super proud to have this one-of-a-kind educator on staff. Enjoy.
Kindergarten: - Class of 2024
Our 2024 Kindergarten class has shown incredible growth throughout the year. There have been countless opportunities to connect with one another through play, informal sharing, and intentional learning experiences. These capable children end the year with a strong sense of identity—connected, confident, and fully engaged in life here at The Launceston Preparatory School.
Thank you to each and every parent for allowing us the privilege of nurturing and supporting your child on this exciting journey.
Wishing you all a peaceful and safe holiday break.
Ms. Rebecca Howard
Miss Paige Gilbert
Mrs. Kellie Crosby
Prep/1's - Kellie Cook and Nicole England
Thank you so much to all the Kinder parents who joined me yesterday to discuss Prep in 2025. It was a wonderful session, and I truly appreciated you making the effort to attend. We had a fantastic Q&A session, followed by a tour to see the lunch steps, toilets, bag hooks, my homeroom, and Kellie Cook’s homeroom.
As voted by you, Mrs. Cook will be on the Kinder deck next Tuesday, December 10th, from 2:45–3:15 pm to meet you and answer any additional questions that may have come to mind.
Thank you again for your support yesterday. I am very excited about working with your lovely little humans next year and getting to know you all better.
Miss Nicole England
Meet your Teachers
Talks in Group 2/3
Over the last few weeks, the Group 2/3 children have all prepared a talk about their favourite game. They chose a day and a time they wanted to present it during Weeks 5 - 7 and we have all been amazed at the range of games the children play and enjoy.
We have had talks about board games, computer games and have even had a talk about Eightball! We now all know so much about Ticket to Ride, Earthbound, Yahtzee, Cluedo Junior, Mouse Trap, The Shopping Game, Chinese Checkers, Othello and Stratego (and this is just naming a few).
I have been amazed at the level of organisation of the children and their confidence in speaking in front of a group. Some have made PowerPoint presentations; some have prepared cards to prompt them, and others have just stood up and talked to us. We have particularly enjoyed having a go at playing some of the games and I am sure there will be children giving hints about games they would love for Christmas.
Congratulations to all the Group 2/3 children for their fabulous effort!
Mrs Harriet Thyne
Picnic Stalls – Tomorrow Night!
We’re excited about the School Picnic tomorrow night, where students from Groups 3–6 will be running their own stalls. This fantastic initiative gives them the opportunity to:
- Form groups,
- Decide on items to sell,
- Create or prepare their products,
- Organise a float,
- Take charge of selling their items during the event, and
- Calculate total prices and required change.
We’re incredibly proud of the students for their teamwork, organisation, and dedication to this event. It’s inspiring to see them willingly give up some of their Friday evening playtime to contribute to this wonderful community effort.
Please note: The stalls will be a cash-only event.
All proceeds will go directly towards purchasing new equipment for the students to enjoy at school. Thank you for supporting the children and their stalls!
Big Summer Read
Although our school library books need to be returned by Thursday next week, we hope that students continue to read over the holiday break!
Libraries Tasmania is helping by running the Big Summer Read, an opportunity for young people to win prizes, share book reviews and be part of an online reading club over the summer holidays.
Registrations are now open for the Big Summer Read which runs from 1st December to 2nd February. The registration form is available on the Read Books website at www.readbooks.com.au
Tasmanian authors Liam Tanner (who visited our school earlier this year) and Tony Flowers will feature as Tasmanian ambassadors throughout the summer.
The aim of the Big Summer Read is for students to read at least ten books over the holidays. There are weekly prizes for eligible participants and a major statewide prize at the end - a beach bag filled with books, vouchers, merchandise and other book-related prizes valued at approximately $500.
Let's keep reading!
