The Launceston Preparatory School - Newsletter 16 May 2024

The Beauty of Imperfection!

The Malevolent misdemeanour, errant error, oh the miscalculated mistake!

In a world that often glorifies perfection, there is a quiet beauty to be found in imperfection. While perfection may seem ideal, it is often the flaws and imperfections that add depth, character, and richness to our lives. Following the successful, Do it for Dolly Day, Fundraiser and the overwhelming reception of its message, I am deeply impressed by our community's capacity to embrace and celebrate each individual, including ourselves, for who we truly are. Flaws and all!

So, what failures, small or monumental, have you had recently? Better yet, what are some of your child’s errors you’ve celebrated in the last little while?

Personally, I am trying to ensure I ask my own daughter regularly this question. “Margot, what was a really great mistake you made today?” Once she thinks about it and answers – no matter how small – I celebrate it! “Oh, that’s an awesome one!” I proceed then to explaining one or two of mine. Trust me, I make many.

Imperfection reminds us of our humanity and our shared experiences. It is a reminder that no one is flawless, and that it is our imperfections that make us unique and relatable. When we embrace our imperfections, we open ourselves up to vulnerability and authenticity, fostering deeper connections with others and ourselves. Just last week I called upon all mothers amongst our staff to give kudos in Assembly, except one of our staff is indeed not a mother. Emphatic apologies ensued. Then there was my end of week email to the staff – riddled with fatigued, end of week (4:30 on Friday) errors! Even in our Newsletter, earlier this year (see photo – for your chance to spot my flaws), I had a tough time making sense of my words in a sentence or two. But I am ok with this – if we expect others to embrace making mistakes, we must model and own them too! Imperfection allows for growth and resilience. It is through our mistakes and failures that we learn, adapt, and evolve. Each stumble or setback is an opportunity for reflection and growth, leading us on a path of self-discovery and personal development- the path to ‘unleashing our true potential’.

Research suggests imperfection also encourages creativity and innovation. When we let go of the pressure to be perfect, we free ourselves to explore new ideas, take risks, and think outside the box. It is often the imperfections in art, music, literature, and design that add beauty, depth, and soul to creative works. Furthermore, imperfection teaches us the value of acceptance and self-love. By embracing our imperfections, we learn to accept ourselves fully, flaws and all. This self-compassion allows us to live with greater authenticity, confidence, and resilience.

By no means am I suggesting now we go and deliberately make errors for fun. We must hold our professional and personal selves to a high standard, but mistakes happen, and that’s ok. My mission leverages off not doing everything right, but moreover, doing the right things. We had a wonderful staff Professional Learning session last week, hosted by Jess Sanders and three words resonated. The whole thing was empowering and insightful but those three words rang true: “Connection over Perfection”. We are never going to do things flawlessly; say the right things when needed, acknowledge one’s effort 100% of the time, respond to unexpected behaviour, the list goes on; but the more we are aware of those words of wisdom, the more we can, together, pursue the ‘unleashing of potential’.

Connection over Perfection.

In Truth and Happiness,

Timothy Bristow

Meet The Staff - Suzie Pickett

We are excited to continue a new addition to our weekly newsletter! We are featuring a different staff member each week providing an opportunity to meet and celebrate the talented individuals who make up The LPS.  This week, we introduce our Teacher Assistant, Mrs Suzie Pickett. Suzie is in her 39th year with us at The LPS and we all feel very blessed to have her living our values, bestowing her joy for learning on all of us. She is a highly valued member of staff and all of our community. 

Early Learning - Woodwork

In Early Learning, the children have been using wood to make their own houses. They were excited to use a real hammer and nails to bang on the doors and windows. These types of ‘risky play’ activities help the children to build muscle control, coordination and focus needed for writing. This sort of play also shows that it is okay to fail. Failure and frustration shouldn’t always be viewed as negative, as the children are more exposed to it, they learn to persist and build resilience. Some of the Early Learners persisted for a long time as their houses grew and grew!

Alice Batten

Prep/1 - Physics

The theme, Getting There, offers an opportunity this term in Science to look at how things move. We started the term with an excursion looking at transport, in particular water transport, making a connection to Uncle Rex’s paperbark canoes at QVMAG. Back at school a challenge was set: can you make a table vehicle that will slide when blown by a hair dryer? A wonderful array of designs were made. Excellent thinking and questioning around why some vehicles slide very well where others don’t slide very far. Outstanding learning in Science-and all in good fun.

Kellie Cook

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Connected Parenting Workshop - 5th June 2024

On Wednesday June 5^th Jo McFarlane is presenting a workshop, Connected Parenting, just for parents here at The LPS!

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to listen to the powerful message and the bank of strategies she offers, and have a chance to ask questions that are on all of our minds when it comes to parenting.

Where: Multipurpose Hall

Time: 7:00pm start

How to book: simply email the office to book your place – admin@lps.tas.edu.au

         What is connected parenting?

- The quality of time you spend together.

- Being present and fully engaged during the time you have together.

- Approaching interactions with a positive and compassionate attitude rather than, being critical, nagging, or blaming.

- Accepting your child for who they are.

- Validating and supporting their feelings and beliefs.

- Creating a safe and supportive place for them to feel comfortable make mistakes, acknowledge their mistakes and be themselves.

About Jo McFarlane!
Jo McFarlane is a passionate professional who builds respectful relationships with families. Her extensive knowledge of disabilities combined with current research enables her to support children with current interventions and accommodations in school and home environments.
During her 30 years in education, Jo has developed experience in the following settings:

• Giant Steps Tasmania Teacher (School for Children with Autism)
• Vision Impairment Support Service (Children 0 – Year 12)
• Esk Support Service (Support role, support inclusion of students in DECYP schools, School age children)
• Learning Support Coordinator (Accessing funding, working with families and children, 3 years – 12 years, in the school setting)
• Jo has worked closely with Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech and Language Therapists to provide successful programs to support children at home and at school. This multidisciplinary approach is evident in her work.
• see more at https://connectingwithkidstas.com.au/

Groups 2/3 - Barbara, Margaret and Anne Stories

On Monday, Mrs Turner came in to school to tell the Group 2/3 children one of her famous Barbara, Margaret and Anne stories. Whilst she didn't actually tell us a story, Mrs Turner talked about the transport used in and around Oatlands when Barbara, Margaret and Anne lived there as children. This linked it to our theme, "Getting There", quite perfectly.

Mrs Turner told us that walking was the main form of transport for herself and her sisters but they also got around on bikes, on horseback, in big old cars and by train if they wanted to go as far a field as Hobart. She even told us about the time they hitch-hiked to St Mary's to watch a football game.

The children were fascinated from start to finish. It was interesting that Mrs Turner noted, 'it is not the types of transport that have really changed but the access the children and their families have to many more far away places', than she ever visited as a child. She grew up in a small country community where everyone knew everyone else and she felt safe and cared for by all those around her. In this environment, their fun was had close to home.

Thank you, Mrs Turner, for sharing your amazing stories and we are looking forward to many more during the year.

Mrs Freeland and Mrs Thyne

Philosophy - Groups 2 & 3

In the land of Deltora, where The Forest of Silence is set, the citizens and their leaders have very explicit rules by which they have to live. We discussed these and then explored:

• What rules do we have to live by?
• What are rules for?
• Jarred thinks some of Deltora’s rules for Endon are bad. What could you do if you thought the same?
  

Mrs Leonie McNair

Philosophy - Groups 4-6

Our shared novel, Somewhere Around the Corner, takes place mostly in 1932 during the Great Depression. The book gives us great insight into the way people lived one hundred years ago, especially during this time of great need for many. It seems quite strange to hear about people living in what we would now view as quite a sexist society. In our Socratic seminar this ek, we discussed:

• During the 1930s, it was usually the man of the family who was the “breadwinner”? Why do you think this was so?
• What sorts of tasks were considered “men’s work” and “women’s work”?
• What might have been the benefits of this system? What about the disadvantages?
• What might have brought about the change?
• Are men and women equal in today’s society? Should they be?

Mrs Leonie McNair

Principal Award for May 2024 - Amelia McFarlane

This month, even with our holiday break woven in, stood out as a time to shine a spotlight on our school rule, 'Be Thoughtful'. Why? Because it's the little things that truly count, and investing thought in little acts makes a significant difference.

Questions posed to the children at last week’s assembly, as we announced our Principal’s Award recipient were:

• (Hands up) Who thinks it’s most important to be thoughtful when we are in the presence of our teachers? A fair showing of hands were raised.
• (Hands up) Who thinks it’s most important to be thoughtful when we are in the presence of our friends? Many hands went up.
• (Hands up) Who thinks it’s most important to be thoughtful when we are in the presence of our parents? All hands went up.
• (Hands up) Who thinks the most important time to be thoughtful when we are in the presence of our principal? Nearly all hands went up.
• It has me thinking, is there a time when it is the most important time to be thoughtful?

I believe true character shines brightest when nobody is watching. Amelia McFarlane exemplifies this. Whether it's tidying up communal spaces, diligently organising her learning materials and commitments, or greeting every opportunity with a genuine smile, Amelia's actions are consistently deserving of recognition.

With her unwavering attention to detail, thoughtful actions, and exemplary leadership - characterised by generosity and selflessness, she has made a profound impact on all her peers and staff throughout 2024 and, for this, please join me in congratulating our May recipient. Congratulations, Amelia!

School Photos - Thursday 23rd May 2024

Just a reminder that School Photos will be taken next Thursday 23rd May.

Cutt-off for ordering Family Photos is at 4.30pm Wednesday 22nd May, all students will have an individual photo taken regardless of whether they have ordered or not. Individual student ordering will stay open after Photo Day.

Children should be dressed in their normal school uniform (Leavers in their Leavers’ tops)

All children to wear a cardigan, jumper or vest for their photo.

If your child normally has Sport on that day, they can bring their sports uniform and /or sneakers in their bag.

Early Learning and Kinder children need to wear their normal sports uniform with their rugby top.😊

If you opted to have an additional Family photo taken when ordering, please advise Melissa L in the office so there is no confusion on the day.

Thank you in advance for helping your children to be ready to have their photo taken 😊

Lady Gowrie After School Care

Lady Gowrie Tasmania would like to invite all families in the Launceston Preparatory School Community, to contact our team for information in regards to bookings & new enrolments for our After School Care programme, or Vacation Care Services on offer. All general enquires for new & existing families can call our Service Support Team on 6331 5106, or forward your query via email to oshcclusternorth@gowrie-tas.com.au. We’re always happy to help.

Please be advised that our littlest learners (Early Learning Students), are still too young to join our Vacation Care program, unfortunately. Our licensing contract, in conjunction with LGT’s policy, explains that children must be enrolled in Kindergarten during the current year or be a minimum of 4 years old.