The Launceston Preparatory School - Newsletter 28th November 2024
2025 - A Year of Building!
In 2025, The Launceston Preparatory School is set to embark on an exciting journey of growth, both literally and figuratively. A major building project is set to transform our campus, enhancing the spaces where students learn, play, and connect. This development will include updated classrooms, dynamic outdoor areas, and flexible learning spaces that reflect our commitment to 21st-century education.
Yet, at The LPS, the most important structures are not made of bricks and mortar but of the values and connections we cultivate daily. Like any sturdy foundation, our values of strength, community and positivity are nurtured through a supportive experience that nurtures personal growth alongside academic achievement. In Truth and Happiness, our children foster our one school rule, 'Be Thoughtful' on each experience at school, so as a school we want to continue to add value to the experiences we have on offer.
As construction reshapes our school’s physical environment, we will continue to focus on the foundations of character and capability, fostering in our students the confidence to explore, ask questions, and build meaningful relationships. Just as the new structures will serve generations to come, so too will these life skills empower our students to thrive in any environment.
So, what exactly are we planning to do in order to unleash our potential further, you ask?
The Launceston Preparatory School is set to embark on an exciting transformation, with plans to enhance our spaces and elevate the learning environment for students. Over the holiday periods, we aim to create more spacious and functional classroom areas by revitalising the current Prep/1, 2/3, and Library spaces. These updates will also include an expanded staff room, modernised kitchen, additional toilet, shower, and First Aid facilities to support our school community.
In the back corner of our playground, a state-of-the-art learning hub will take shape. This new facility will feature a beautifully designed, gabled Library—a true reading wonderland—alongside a large classroom equipped with modern amenities. An outdoor undercover courtyard will provide flexible learning and social spaces, while the pièce de résistance may well be a fully equipped recording studio.
Picture our students diving into the enriching Library experience, collaborating on school projects in the classroom, or broadcasting through our community news station, The Messenger, via the recording studio. With these innovative facilities, all areas of our school program, will also reach new heights, inspiring creativity and collaboration for years to come. This transformation represents not just new buildings but the foundation for endless opportunities to nurture potential and passion at The LPS.
The 2025 building project symbolises more than physical expansion—it represents our unwavering dedication to creating a school where potential is unleashed, and anything is possible.
And for those wondering, 'What about the playground and the magnolia tree -and its treehouse?' Rest assured, we are inspired by our grounds and are already planning to create a new playground that will spark exploration and memory-making. Perhaps our students could offer their insights into what The World's Best Playground should include? As for our beloved magnolia, it will remain untouched, ensuring that the legacy of our treehouse lives on for future generations of students.
We have attached our plans for your perusal and please reach out if you would like to chat further about our exciting development.
In Truth and Happiness,
Principal
Timothy Bristow
Meet the Staff - Mrs Angie Dai
Meet Angie Dai, our wonderfully present and innovative Early Learning Teacher Aide. The students, staff, and broader community are incredibly fortunate to have Angie as part of the team. She brings a diverse skill set, a creative outlook on life, and a nurturing presence that creates a true sense of home in our learning spaces. A qualified architect, Angie seamlessly integrates her expertise into her role, enhancing the educational environment in meaningful ways.
We invite you to hear from Angie herself about what she treasures most about being part of The LPS family
Early learners
Our Orientation for 2025 was held on Monday and Tuesday this week, and it was such an exciting time for our students and families! The children embraced the opportunity to get to know new teachers and classmates. They were happy in their space and felt really proud to be "Big Kinder" kids.
They are going to be amazing next year in Kindergarten and will thrive as they continue to learn and make new friends.
Mrs Alice Batten
Early Learning Orientation Day
Parents of The LPS - End of Year Picnic
Parents of the LPS will be doing a BBQ and Drinks on the night - so if you can’t/don’t want to BYO we’ve got you covered (and you can tap to pay!)
Sausages, veg options and burgers on the BBQ.
Beer, wines and sparkling (please BYO cup for wine if you can) + soft drink.
We also need some helpers, so if you are keen to help for an hour or so during the cooking and drink serving, contact Amelia on 0438448199, or just put your hand (or tongs?) up on the day.
AND we’ll be drawing the End of Year RAFFLE, everyone should have their tickets by now. If you need more, the front office has extras.
Please donate prizes up until next Wednesday 4th of December to the front office (and make sure they are things you’d like to win!) We historically have a very generous community, and we’d love to give as many prizes as possible to ring out 2024.
Prep/1's - Class of 2025
On Transition Tuesday, we had a very successful morning in our classrooms for 2025. In Miss England's room, next year's Prep and Group One students played competitive Maths games filled with teamwork and laughter, while in Mrs. Cook's classroom, the Group One students mentored the Preps through some writing activities. The Preps were happy and settled, enjoying their time in the new classrooms with their new classmates and teachers. The Group One students were beautifully nurturing and kind—really stepping into the role of the senior class—a shining example of the success of the class model at The Launceston Preparatory School.
At the end of our session, the Group One students shared all the wonderful things about school life. We are looking forward to a special year together in 2025!
Mrs Kellie Cook and Miss Nicole England
Learning together
Group 2/3 -A busy week
The Group 2/3s have been working incredibly hard, and their growth and progress are truly commendable. Here are some highlights from the past week:
- Orientation Morning: We were thrilled to welcome two new students who will be joining us in 2025. Our current Group 2 students shone as role models, demonstrating care, enthusiasm, and compassion for all the younger students.
- Favourite Games Presentations: Our discussions about favourite games have continued with great success. We are so proud of the students' work, their enthusiasm, attention to detail, and the excellent presentation skills they’ve displayed.
- Growing Up Program: This program has been both informative and empowering for our students. They’ve engaged with essential life topics, including understanding consent and learning about the changes in their bodies as they grow. These discussions have opened the door to meaningful growth and understanding.
- Production Rehearsals: The excitement is building as rehearsals are in full swing! Our Group 2/3 students are stepping up with creative ideas to make their skits shine. A heartfelt thank-you to the parents who have been helping with costumes – your support makes a huge difference!
- Ongoing Learning: Even as we embrace the end-of-year activities, we take pride in maintaining a strong focus on core subjects. Authentic, meaningful learning continues to take place daily.
- Mathematics: Our mathematicians are diving into data collection and display, exploring these concepts with curiosity and enthusiasm.
- English: We’re thoroughly enjoying our class novel, Finders Keepers, which has sparked engaging discussions. The students have also been crafting wonderfully descriptive pieces in their writing, showing real creativity and growth.
It’s been a fantastic week, and we look forward to all the exciting learning and activities still to come!
Mrs. Freeland and Mrs. Thyne 😊
Orientation Morning Games
Seniors - Sharing their knowledge
The Kinders have recently been asking questions about electricity and how it makes its way into the home. Ms. Howard asked Mr. Barnes if there were any senior students who could help explain this to them.
Flynn Eilander and Harry Dondas took on the project, creating a model using all the circuitry components from the lab. They then delivered a fantastic presentation, explaining how electricity works and powers our homes.
It is wonderful to see knowledge and understanding being shared between students at the school.
Eddie Barnes
Circuitry Problem Solving
Philosophy
Giant Pumpkin Patch...
It was lovely to have Henry’s dad in recently to help plant a giant pumpkin for classes to measure and weigh as the season continues. Our students will no doubt invest much time in observing what will be more fun than watching grass grow! Imagine the excitement of the growth over summer! This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see the end result! Any estimations of how much this pumpkin will weigh when complete?
Growth begins!
Steph Brake finishes Tassie Back Bone
You may remember our own Steph Brake heading off on a momentous endeavour, tracking the Tassie Backbone to raise funds and awareness for Men's Mental Health.
We are proud to announce that this amazing feat is now complete! What an extraordinary effort, Steph! Congratulations!
We cannot wait to hear all about the fun, hardship, and everything in between.
Being smart with smartphones
Parents and carers often discuss with us the issues they are facing around their children's use of mobile phones. The eSafety Commisioner's website has a lot of helpful information, like this flyer on smartphones.
Two issues in particular crop up with regular occurrence - students messaging each other late into the night, and inappropriate messages being shared. The eSafety Commissioner recommends that:
* parent controls are used to monitor apps like Kids Messenger
* phones are switched off at particular times, and
* most importantly, mobile phones are not kept in bedrooms.
We have also been made aware that some students are switching to direct messaging via texts, in order to circumvent monitoring of Kids Messenger. Parents and carers might want to keep an eye on this.
We hope this information is of some assistance to our parents.