The Launceston Preparatory School Newsletter - 4 April 2024
From the Principal...
Being my final address in our Newsletter for the term, and coinciding with the build up to ANZAC Day services, both internally (12th of this month) and amongst the broader community during our holiday break, I found myself feeling incredibly grateful. In reflection of Term 1 at The LPS in 2024, I encourage us all to do likewise. We have so much within our school community that is so special. To support my message this week, I couldn’t go past the true story, I’ll coin, “The Parachute of Gratitude: A Tale of Resilience and Appreciation.”
In the bustling heart of a city, amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the hum of lively conversations, an extraordinary encounter unfolded, revealing the profound impact of gratitude in our lives. Picture this: Captain Charles Plumb, a seasoned Navy fighter pilot, seated at a quaint restaurant, his mind undoubtedly drifting back to his days soaring the skies over Vietnam. Suddenly, a stranger approaches him, recognition gleaming in his eyes. With a mix of surprise and curiosity, Captain Plumb nods, acknowledging the stranger's familiarity with his past. But it was what followed next that truly stirred the depths of Captain Plumb's soul.
"You're Captain Plumb," the man exclaimed, his voice brimming with reverence. "You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!" In that moment, time seemed to stand still as Captain Plumb absorbed the stranger's words, each syllable a poignant reminder of the trials and triumphs he had endured during his seven years of captivity in the hands of the enemy. All the emotions of that time, and that which ensued, started to bubble uncontrollably to the surface.
Then, with a humility that reasonated deeply, the stranger uttered a phrase that would forever alter Captain Plumb's perspective: "I packed your parachute." In those five simple words lay a universe of meaning—a testament to the interconnectedness of human experience and the unseen hands that guide us, often without our awareness. For Captain Plumb, it was a revelation of the countless individuals whose behind-the-scenes efforts had played a pivotal role in his survival on that fateful day.
As I reflect on this remarkable encounter, I am reminded of the wisdom of gratitude in our everyday lives. This reminds us that gratitude is not merely a sentiment to be felt but a practice to be cultivated—a lens through which we can view the world with newfound clarity and appreciation. For those not only who have served bravely, and those currently serving, but also all who brighten our day—those who offer us hope and excitement, ensuring that today, like yesterday and the ones before that, is lived with an uncanny trust and reassurance that it can be fully lived in freedom.
Indeed, the story of Captain Plumb and the man who packed his parachute serves as a poignant reminder of the power of gratitude to transform lives and forge connections that transcend time and circumstance. So, as we navigate the complexities of our own journeys, and amidst our frantic scramble to plan holiday adventures, let us pause. Pause to acknowledge the countless individuals who have supported us along the way – in Term 1 at The LPS, for past years and for those in our country’s past for enabling it to happen at all. Be thankful for it all, for it is through gratitude that we honour their contributions and find solace in the interconnectedness of humanity. Lest we forget.
In the grand tapestry of life, may we all take a moment to recognise the unsung heroes who have woven their threads of kindness and compassion into the fabric of our existence, forever shaping our destinies with their selfless acts of love and generosity.
In Truth and Happiness
Timothy Bristow
Philosophy - Groups 4-6
There were no Philosophy sessions for the Group 2 and 3 students this week due to the Easter break. ☹
One of the senior groups continued to explore the idea of “belonging” as they caught up with other Philosophy sessions.
Another senior group thought about “the marvellous perfection of the world” as described by Blue Fin’s main character. We discussed whether nature really is perfect, whether everyone actually sees the wonders of nature, whether this is important and why.
In conversation with me this week, one of the students reflected on the way we drill down into issues in Philosophy and this is certainly true! Our students are becoming adept at thinking quite deeply on important issues.
Leonie McNair
Friendship in Kindergarten
In Kindergarten we are learning about friendship. This week we have enjoyed painting ourselves and learning to include and paint all parts of the body. We have also been thinking about the kinds of facts we could share with others in order to make friends.
Some facts we are discovering about one another are:
Hugh likes writing numbers.
Henry loves playing with Trucks.
Theo likes craft.
Travis loves ice cream.
Jonty is not scared of anything.
Noah is good at basketball.
Evie loves the world.
Isabelle loves nanny C.
Jimmy loves his sisters.
Emerald loves playing with Audrey.
Khitha is flexible.
Reina loves to dance.
Archer loves trucks.
Poppy loves sport.
In Kindergarten we care for our friends. We care for our classroom, we believe in each other and we are kind.
Ms Rebecca Howard
Group 2/3 Collaborative Piece
During this term, the Group 2/3 children have been learning about and experimenting with color mixing and painting techniques. They have experimented with acrylic paints, watercolour paints, brush techniques and using various implements to make marks on paper. They have created a number of “papers” to use to create sea creatures that will be attached to a painted canvas to create a collaborative artwork.
This art work has really come together over the last few lessons and it has been decided that it will grace the walls of Mr Bristow’s office. We invited Mr Bristow to join us in Art last Thursday to help with the layout of the art work so he is happy with the final product.
This was a much harder task than we first thought and the discussion around the art work was amazing. It was amazing to see the resilience displayed by some of the children as they chose the fish they would like to donate to the work and then were asked to choose again if the one they chose didn’t quite work with the fish around it.
It has been a wonderful process to be involved in and the final art work will be something to behold!
Mrs Harriet Thyne
Prep/ 1 - Art
In Art last week we continued our work on BLUE. We read, “The Willow Pattern Story”
By Allan Drummond and watched a version of it on You Tube. We then discussed this ancient Japanese fairy tale and made a list of what we needed to include in our version of the plate. They look amazing.
Well done Prep/1 artists.
Nicole England
Anzac Day 2024
ANZAC Day is a very significant day in the lives of most Australians and we at The Launceston Preparatory School continue to incorporate teaching about the day in our Civics and Citizenship education.
Whilst on the topic of ANZAC Day, we will be conducting our school service on the final day of Term 1 – Friday 12th April at 9.00am. This aligns with our current Teaching and Learning cycle, making the occasion all the more relevant and reverent in the lead up to the special ANZAC Day in the holidays. You, your family and friends are welcome to join us on this occasion, so please save the date in your diaries and notify the school office of your attendance.
Meet the staff at The LPS Mr Timothy Bristow - Principal
We are excited to announce an new addition to our weekly newsletter! We'll be featuring a different staff member each week, giving you the opportunity to get to know them better. Kicking off this new series, let's meet the talented individuals who make up The LPS. This week, let me introduce our Principal, Mr Timothy Bristow.
Sport Reports
Due to the Easter break we do not have any sport reports this week.
School Photos - 23rd May 2024
Please see below the details for ordering school photos this year. If you choose to have a family/siblings photo taken, can you please just email the office so it can be recorded. This will eliminate any confusion and the risk of photos being missed on the day.
Please note that any notices we include in this newsletter for providers of activities that occur outside of the school, are provided only for the interest of families and do not carry any endorsement by the school.