The Launceston Preparatory School Newsletter, October 17th
Welcome to Term 4!
Welcome to Term 4!
As we say goodbye to winter and the holiday season, we are greeted by the warmth of spring and the excitement of a busy Term 4. Whether your break was restful, adventurous, or filled with insightful moments, we hope everyone returns feeling refreshed and ready to dive into the final term of the year.
The upcoming term is packed with exciting events, programs, and activities that will keep both students and staff engaged and motivated. From the Leavers' Camp to the final day of school, there’s much to look forward to as we close out the year on a high note.
Speaking of Camp for the Leavers, having this experience in the final term at The Launceston Preparatory School is one to be cherished. One that allows students to bond, reflect on their journey, and build lasting memories - yes, they can add a few more on what is an epic journey through our incredible school! It fosters personal growth, resilience, and independence, marking a meaningful transition as they prepare to move on from primary school. And, without giving away too many of the secrets that make the camp all the more special, this year there has been visits from three extra special guests!
Key Events for Term 4:
- Leavers’ Camp (Carnacoo): 15th – 18th October
- Seniors Survival Swimming Program: 18th October & Fridays ongoing thereafter
- Junior Athletics Carnival: 24th October
- NIJSSA Athletics Carnival: 1st November
-Camp Clayton (Groups 4/5): 13th-15th November
- Triathlon Series in Devonport: 22nd November
- 2024 Production: 4th & 5th December
- Christmas Picnic: Friday, 6th December
- Socrates Shield: 10th December
- Leavers’ Dinner: Thursday, 12th December
- Leavers’ Assembly: Friday, 13th December
These events are only a small part of what promises to be a fun and rewarding term. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay updated with our newsletters for more details as these dates approach.
As always, we look forward to catching up with everyone and hearing your holiday stories. Let’s embrace the sunshine, the spirit of community, and the positive vibes that will carry us all the way through to the Christmas holidays!
We choose our attitude each day—whether to be kind and respectful—so choose thoughtfully. The Launceston Preparatory School is wonderful place to be part of for all.
In Truth and Happiness,
Timothy Bristow
Principal
We introduce the ever-creative, Ms Jane Dean to our community this week, the wonderfully active Jane, offers a wealth of experience in all areas of life for our students and we are incredibly lucky to have had her working with us for over 15 years. Enjoy her insights into what life and The LPS is all about to Jane.
Early Learning
The Early Learners have returned to school eager and ready for a fabulous Term 4. We have welcomed Tom to our group this term. Sophie, our student from Newstead College, is working hard to complete her Certificate III in Childcare and will continue to work with us for a few more weeks. The children are confidently building relationships with Sophie, and she is enjoying her time at The LPS.
• Reminders: Hats are needed in Term 4, and children need to have sunscreen applied in the morning.
Mrs Alice Batten
Term 4 Fun
News from our Seniors
Senior Drama
Here is the text with corrected spelling and punctuation:
The Group 4/5s have had a great start to Term 4! They had their first Drama lesson for the term yesterday, and there was an air of excitement around getting into production mode. The children have chosen the concept for their home group's performance, brainstormed how it might look, and then started scriptwriting.
The children will have five lessons this term to complete writing their scripts, learn their lines, and rehearse their stage movements before the production arrives in Week 8. They always blow me away with how hard they work on the production, and I'm sure this year will be no different!
Stay tuned for more information about the production dates and booking details.
Senior Mathematics
'In the Spotlight' this term will be reviewing mathematics concepts using game shows. Once a week, we will start our lesson by playing the Numbers game from *Countdown* to develop their flexibility with numbers and all four operations. Some of our children were able to solve the following:
Jeopardy was our focus game for the fortnight. Like the TV show, children chose a category and price, and they needed to buzz in the fastest to win!
This was a fun (and loud) way to review concepts and identify areas that we know well and areas that need more time to learn.
Miss Mel Andrews
Game Show Fun
Philosophy - Groups 4/5
In English this term, we are putting the spotlight on poetry! We will be sharing poems for pleasure, exploring the features of poetry and writing our own, and using poems to spark our Socratic seminars.
This week, we examined the poem The Playground by Michael Rosen. We discussed the poet’s message and our opinions of it, extending our thinking to consider who is responsible for children’s safety and whether a “safe” life is a better life. The students had some perceptive (and, at times, forceful) ideas on this topic!
The Playground
In the playground
At the back of our house
There have been some changes.
They said the climbing frame was
NOT SAFE
So they sawed it down.
They said the paddling pool was
NOT SAFE
So they drained it dry.
They said the see-saw was
NOT SAFE
So they took it away.
They said the sandpit was Sawn down
NOT SAFE Drained dry
So they fenced it in. Taken away
Fenced in
The said the playground was Locked up
NOT SAFE
So, they locked it up. How do you feel?
Safe?
Michael Rosen
Mrs Leonie McNair
Camp is in full swing!
Let us assure you, the Leavers are having an absolute blast!
My New Gallery
Tea Towel orders - Final Call!
This is the final week to order our 2024 Tea Towels - due Friday 18th October. Once all the orders are in, we can finalise with the manufacturer. Monies raised will go towards matching fundraising efforts of our philanthropic LPS kids and helping the Parents of The LPS fund our events.
Grab one for now, one for a keepsake, one for grandma or the favourite aunt. We’d like to think that if this is a success, we’ll do one for every year.
The links below take you straight to the sale*
CLICK THROUGH LINKS TO PURCHASE:
1 Tea Towel for $18
https://square.link/u/J8SNCOem?src=sheet
2 Tea Towels for $34
https://square.link/u/kDeDpT57?src=sheet
3 Tea Towels for $45
https://square.link/u/UzUK88oD?src=sheet
4 Tea Towels for $60
https://square.link/u/ZK7TsieP
5 Tea Towels for $75
https://square.link/u/HuE3BW49
6 Tea Towels for $90
https://square.link/u/fPwrmTiy
Amelia
Amelia Padgett (she/her)
m: 0475 457 225
2/3 News - We Are Off and Racing!
In exciting news, we are heading off on an excursion next week! The Group 2/3s are participating in a Heritage Sketch art competition, where they will submit an artwork inspired by their favourite heritage place within Launceston. To help inspire them, we have planned a heritage walk around Launceston that starts in Princes Park and ends at City Park. Mrs. Freeland and Mrs. Thyne will show the children many wonderful buildings and structures around our beautiful city and talk about their history, form, and function. The children will be given the opportunity to create their masterpieces during their regular Art lessons at school. A letter with further details will be sent home today.
Shape is our major topic in Maths for the first few weeks of the term: 2D shapes, 3D shapes, shapes in nature, architectural shapes, irregular and regular shapes, strong shapes, beautiful shapes, useful shapes, shapes that are easy to wrap, symmetrical shapes, and tessellating shapes! It would be great if you could take the time to discuss shapes with your child and see how they are part of our everyday lives.
We have already started our novel, Finders Keepers by Emily Rodda. The children loved the first chapter and are keen to find out how this journey evolves.
"In the Spotlight" is shaping up to be a wonderful theme, and we are excited to dive into it.
Ms Melissa Freeland and Mrs Harriet Thyne
Winnie The Pooh reflection
Last term, the Prep/1 Crewwere lucky enough to see a performance of Winnie the Pooh put on by the Launceston Youth Theatre. Our school was represented by Jude Brennan and some ex-LPS students too. Even more exciting was that this production was directed by an ex-LPS student, Gabe Walton-Clear, who was a leaver in 2015. I invited Gabe in to talk to us about his work as a director and his love of drama and the arts. We also had the pleasure of Mrs. Turner, who taught Gabe and, in his words, encouraged him to become the amazing storyteller he is now. We had a fantastic session listening to stories, and we even had time to play an Old-Fashioned Game with Mrs. T.
Gabe's message to the students was to follow their dreams and not be afraid to be different from their friends.
Miss Nicole England and Mrs Kellie Cook
HPE in Term 4 is such an exciting time!
It’s an exciting term in HPE with several events and programs on the horizon! Next week, our Junior Athletics Carnival for Early Learners to Grade 1 will be held on Thursday, 24th October, run by Mr. Payne's fantastic assistants in the Group 6 leavers, who have developed their leadership skills all year through our new Morning Fitness Leaders program.
The NIJSSA Athletics Carnival is coming up on Friday, 1st November, followed by the Tasmanian Schools Triathlon Challenge in Week 6 on Friday, 22nd November.
In Week 7, students will participate in the Growing Up Program, focusing on body changes and development.
Finally, our Senior Survival Swimming program kicks off this week and will run for 5 weeks, helping students develop essential water safety skills!
Mr Alex Payne
Steph Brake is off and 'Walking'!
Congratulations, Steph! You have now completed your preparation in full for the upcoming Tassie Backbone walk.
We can't wait to follow your journey. Starting Monday in Penguin, Steph hopes to walk over 500km to raise funds and awareness for men's mental health.
Best wishes from us all at The LPS!