Dear Families,

As we approach the end of the year and with our grade 11 and 12 program complete, it is time to reflect on the year that has been. Our school has an improvement agenda which explicitly details our priority areas and includes strategies that we aim to implement in order to achieve target goals. As a staff we are constantly reviewing our work, celebrating our achievements, whilst continually looking for ways we can further improve. We aim to have measures in place to improve the learning outcomes of every student and ensure that successful outcomes are achieved for all. What success looks like is different. Some of our young people are on University pathways, some are seeking traineeships or apprenticeships, whilst others have ideas to pursue work or further training options. What is important to us, is that we have some clear goals established and a comprehensive plan in place to support all of our young people achieve their goals. We want all students to graduate from our school at the end of year 12 with a positive plan for life beyond our school.

With regard to our school improvement journey throughout 2021, improving and building upon cognitive engagement has been a priority. We have unpacked what this means in our school and regularly surveyed our young people with regard to the following 5 key questions:

• I work hard on my learning
• When I find something hard, I try another way
• I take a lot of care with what I do
• I can improve myself as a learner
• I am excited to come up with new things

Listening to our students has been a crucial part of this work and we have implemented many strategies based on the feedback and thoughts of our young people.

We have also worked hard to create a strong reading culture in our school with our young people reading not just for learning but also enjoyment. The data that we collect has shown that more and more of our students are indicating that they are now enjoying reading and consequently, learning more.

School Wellbeing and Satisfaction Data

I am pleased to let our school community know that we have received our Student Survey results which give us a clear indication of how our student body are travelling in terms of their wellbeing. Some pleasing results indicate that the majority of our students feel that our school is a safe and inclusive space, free from various forms of bullying and harassment.  Areas of priority for us will continue to involve enhancing engagement and supporting students with resilience and striving to find alternate ways of solving problems etc.

Our school satisfaction data was extremely positive and something that we are extremely proud of. We highly value and welcome the opinions and thoughts of our families. Some highlights in our data included:

• Teachers at this school provide my child with useful feedback about his or her school work. Our rating 9.1, Tasmanian average 7.1
• I can talk to my child’s teachers about my concerns. Our rating 8.9, Tasmanian average 7.9
• This school takes parents’ opinions seriously. Our rating 8.6, Tasmanian average 6.4

  We will continue to interrogate our data during the early part of 2021.

New Enrolments 

Our last transition program for 2021 has recently completed. During the past week, it has been very pleasing to have approximately 45 young people participate in our transition programs, all keen to hear about the great things that happen at our school and more specifically, the key aspects associated with Big Picture Education. We look forward to welcoming lots of new enrolments into our school community in 2022.

These are some photos of our Transition Students preparing Morning Tea for the school on their last days:

Grade 12 Graduates

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate our grade 12 students who graduate from our school this year. I have been continually impressed with the commitment to learning that has been displayed by our senior students throughout 2021. They have been fantastic role models for our younger students, working diligently and always being prepared to act on feedback from their advisory teachers.

We look forward to celebrating and recognising the achievements of our year 12 students at our upcoming awards evening and celebration dinner.

Remembrance Day

Our students were great ambassadors at the Remembrance Day Service in Launceston. Several students attended on behalf of our school community, to show their respect and understanding that the significance of this event is important to our school community.

Key School Celebration Events

Our celebrations events have been finalised for this year and include the following key events:

Grade 9 & 10 Learning Expo: Wednesday December 8th, at School,1:30 - 2:30pm

This term, our grade 9 and 10 students have been busy working on their projects and more specifically, planning how they will display and share their learning at our upcoming expo. We welcome and strongly ask that all families visit our school and see the amazing examples of learning that has been occurring. Please remember to sign in via the Tas Check in app and paper folder on arrival.

Presentation Awards Evening: Tuesday December 14^th, 5:30 - 6:30pm

This year our celebration event is again being held at the Boathouse, 55a Lindsay Street.  

Individual students will be recognised with special and prestigious awards and we will also farewell and congratulate our year 12 graduates.

Unfortunately for 2021, we can only have a limited number of people attend this event. Award winners and year 12 graduates will be able to have one family member in attendance (special circumstances will be considered). 

We thank people for their understanding.

Celebration Dinner: Tuesday December 14^th, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Our Celebration dinner will commence at 6:30pm at the Boathouse. Students will need to be collected from the front of the Boathouse at 8:30pm.  

End of Year Picnic: Wednesday 15^th December

All students (9-12) will be going to the Deloraine. Students will have the opportunity to use the pool, visit art galleries or do some shopping in Deloraine.

A free BBQ lunch will be provided for all students. This is sure to be a relaxing and positive way to end what has been a busy but enjoyable year.

Adrian Dean
Principal

LTI Mentor Breakfast

Students learning from experts in the community is a key part of our learning design.

We recently acknowledged the support of some of our valuable mentors by providing them with breakfast to start their day and we would like to say a HUGE thank you to all our supporting business people and mentors.

LTI at The Mish

For Learning Through Interest in week 7 students attended workshops held by City Mission youth services, The Mish. 

A beginner Wire Wrapping session offered students the opportunity to learn the twisting technique of wire to make pendants using gem stones. The four hour workshop was a practical class working alongside mentors from The Mish. 

A second session The Mish offered was learning how to use a Cricut.

A Cricut is a cutting machine allowing people to be creative by designing and making their own products using specific software and special machines.

Students who attended the workshops now have an opportunity to make use of The Mish and their resources to continue on their projects to participate in The Mish market on 10th Dec.

• Melody creating a piec
• e to be printed by the Cricut
• Cameron working of a timber piece they designed using the Cricut machine
• Ally and Genevieve participating in the Wire Wrapping workshop

Orange Juice's Devonport Excursion 

On Thursday the 18^th November the year 11 Advisory (Orange Juice) travelled to Devonport to explore the yummy tourist attractions on offer.

We ventured off at 8am with our first stop at the Raspberry farm at Christmas Hills. Some of us had a second breakfast here, including Pancakes, Crepe’s and French toast. We then had a gentle walk around the lake behind the Café stopping to pat the Alpacas.

Next we stopped at Ashgrove where there was some cheese tasting and cow riding!

Following this we stopped at House of Anvers Chocolate where everyone was keen for a free sample of fudge and the chance to buy some chocolate.

We then drove to the bluff at Devonport where we had a play on the playground and ate hot chips.

On the way home we stopped at Reliquaire in Latrobe followed by Van Diemens Creamery as the last stop for ice cream.

It was a great day that we will remember for years to come.

We want your help for our Learning Through Interest Program!

If you are a local business and have opportunities for students to engage in your industry during these uncertain times,  please contact Mel at melanie.van.asperen@education.tas.gov.au

Mel Van Asperen
LTI Co-ordinator

We fed the Rainbow Trout in the aquaculture pens which made a splash!  

We were tempted to jump into the pool at the AMC Survival Centre where we found out about Coastal and Maritime Operations.

We were impressed by the submarines, autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicle in the AMSL, which can travel under the ice shelf and track water movement and the thickness of the ice.

We learnt that the model test basin can be used to ascertain the impact of wind and waves on both structures and vessels.

By far the highlight of the day was the Simulations Centre where people can train to pilot a wide assortment of vessels in a variety of waterways from around the world.  Nathaniel took the reins and safely docked us at Bell Bay.

With the STEAM Makers Space taking shape students have been able to produce physical products to enhance their learning during Term 4.

Melody has been improving her sewing skills to make a corset in the new textile area. While, Astryd printed a 3D model of Chernobyl to use as a reference for her diorama as she learns about the nuclear disaster site.

Hollybank Mountain Biking

Charlie has been planning outdoor excursions and recently planned a mountin bike excursion to Hollybank, Josh filmed the excursion.

Grade 9/10 Learning Expo

What an extraordinary year 2021 has been for our school and our young people.  Students are continuing to work hard to produce an amazing array of projects to share, record numbers of students have participated in Outlearning activities, plus families have been more involved than ever – even if sometimes online!!

And we’re not done yet! These last few weeks are extremely important in terms of student learning as our young people work to finalise their evidence of knowledge and understanding from 2021. This work meets the standards for both Big Picture Learning Goals and Australian Curriculum requirements for English, Math, Science, History and Geography and HPE and will contribute to students’ final assessments.

This term, we are hosting a Learning Expo at school on Wednesday 8^th December from 1:30- 2:30pm. All families are asked to attend this unique opportunity to see not only their own child’s work but the fantastic work being produced across the school. Family members can attend anytime between 1:30 and 2:30pm.

Students will be showcasing things such as:

• Portfolios - Hard Copy & Digital
• Learning Focus Posters from each Term (2021)
• Learning Plans, Project Proposals and Products
• LTI - photos, project
• Artwork, other creative artefacts, Technology projects, etc.
• Advisory Projects
• Technology projects

Please remember at Launceston Big Picture School, families are enrolled too, we look forward to seeing you on the afternoon of the 8^th of December at this important event.

Workshop & Construction

Thursday is the favourite day of the week for our students with an interest and passion for design and construction.

Aspiration, Courage, Respect, Growth

We are always looking for ways of rewarding positive behaviour at our school.

Students and staff are encouraged to nominate those people who have shown Aspiration, Courage, Respect or Growth. Winners receive a voucher from Bizy Bee  Café, Invermay Road and our winners this month so far are:

• Jarrod Smith: Courage and Growth - for the first student to have an LTI for Term 3.
• Finn Read: Aspiration - helping others in need.
• Finn Read: Respect, Courage and Growth - for getting out of their comfort zone and trying new things.
• Bethany Macfarlane: Courage - for getting an LTI in her interest area of horse care and management.
• Molly Walker: Aspiration and Courage - for always willing to try and cook new recipes in the kitchen.
• Jarrod Smith: Aspiration and Growth - for aiming high and achieving his goals.

Transition Students

• Drew Moran: Aspiration and Courage - for visiting all the shops during the LTI tour.
• Sophie Nichols: Courage - for approaching a local business with confidence.

Term 4: Start and End Dates

• Monday, 11th October 2021 - Thursday, 16th December 2021

Year 9/10 Student Expo

• Wednesday, 8th December at 1:30 - 2:30pm

Presentation Awards Evening

• Tuesday, 14th December at 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Celebration Dinner 

• Tuesday, 14th December at 6:30pm - 8:30pm 

End of Year Picnic at Deloraine 

• Wednesday, 15th December at 8:00am 
  • leaving school at 9:00am

Visitors to the School - COVID 

The DoE are now requesing visitor to schools are to provide evidence of their COVID Vaccinations, as well as their WWVP (if they have one).

Interested to increase your knowledge of Austism?

Click on the link below:

Bob's Bikes For Sale! 

Our school is very proud of our Bob’s Bikes program!!

Students who have an interest in working with bikes work with our coordinator, Bob Blackman, one afternoon a week to renovate the bikes. This renovation work achieves two main objectives: to involve students in a community project which is designed to benefit other people or causes; and to learn practical and technical skills associated with bike care and maintenance. Some of the bikes are sold directly from the school but the majority of the bikes are sold on Gumtree.  

The program continues to have a partnership with Tasmania Police in Launceston who regularly supply and donate unclaimed bikes in their possession.  Donations of bikes are also received from members of the local community who have become aware of and want to support the program.

Recently Shirley Blackman (Bob’s wife and financial manager of the program) transferred an amount of $3,100.00 on behalf of the school into Australia for UNHCR's NAB bank account.

Of the $3100.00, we have asked to donate $2,500 to your Afghanistan emergency appeal; and $500.00 to the ongoing emergency appeal for the the crisis in Yemen. 

As a school we are very much in appreciation of the work of Bob and Shirley Blackman – our students gain so much from this project and we can also assist such worthwhile causes.

Big Picture Education has 12 distinguishers. 
In our newsletter we will share them. 
Our tenth is...

10. Creating Futures

All students are expected to graduate from school to further learning. They are prepared for and connected to opportunities for learning at university and/or other further education.

COVID-19 Vaccinations Available for Students Aged 12 and Over

The Tasmanian Government is working hard to provide the COVID-19 vaccination to all Tasmanian’s aged 12 and above.

As you may be aware there have been a number of clinics run in colleges to vaccinate students in years 11 and 12. There will also be a small number of regional high schools that will host a vaccine clinic but this is not something that will be occurring at high schools in larger population centres at this point in time.

However, there are a number of different options available for parents to arrange for students aged 12 and above to be vaccinated, these include:

1. At one of the community clinics across the state. Appointments can be made by visiting coronavirus.tas.gov.au/booking or calling the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
2. At participating GPs - contact your local GP directly to make a booking.
3. At selected pharmacies  - find one near you at com.au

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and the wider community from COVID-19. Don’t wait. Vaccinate.

Young people under the age of 16 are encouraged to attend their vaccination appointment with a parent or guardian.

There are a number of places where you are able to find more information in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine. You may like to look at this information with your child to support them in understanding more about the vaccination:

• Information from the Australian Government about COVID-19 vaccines
• Information from the Tasmanian Government about COVID-19 vaccines

Information from the Western Australia Government through a video presented by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki which answers common questions and dispel myths about COVID-19 vaccines.

Facebook Posts 

Informing School of Student Absences

Your child’s Advisory Teacher records attendance daily using the DoE EduPoint system. Attendance is taken between 8:55am – 9:30am. 

If your child is going to be absent, you will need to inform the school ASAP - otherwise the EduPoint system automatically marks the absence as ‘Unauthorised-Unexplained’ and this is not altered until communication is received from parents.

The preferred method of communication is to send the school an SMS 0427 016 460 (this is a short message service only, so you will not be able to ring the school on this number).

LBPS admin check the SMS service throughout the day and update any changes to student attendance.

You can of course ring the school direct on 6335 1500 and leave a voice message on the answer phone.

Updating Student Medical Details

We are committed to ensuring that our information with regard to managing the wellbeing of our students is always accurate and updated.  

If your son/daughter:

-has a medical need and would benefit from being supported by a medical action plan (MAP)

-currently has a Medical Action Plan at school but has had recent health changes and would benefit from their plan being adjusted and updated

-requires the support of medication during the school day

-has any other medical or mental health needs (new or needing to be updated)

We ask that you please complete the relevant attached form and return to our office ASAP.

School Uniform

It is compulsory for students to wear their school uniform when attending school excursions, interviews, LTIs or if they are representing the school at events. 

Uniforms can be purchased from the school office and are sold at cost price:

• Polo Shirts with school logo = $30 
• School Hoody with school logo = $65

Any pre-worn uniform donations would be very much appreciated and are used in our emergency uniform/clothing pool.

Parking Inveresk Precinct 

It is highly recommended that parents and visitors to the school DO NOT PARK along the nature strip in front of the school, slong the footpath or on the grass area beside Aurora Stadium.

The City Council have recently approached the school and have advised these areas are being patrolled and infringements are being issued.

Parents and visitors are advised to use the paid parking facilities at the Inveresk Car Park (next to Blue Cafe).

Communication & Useful Links

I would like to remind families of some useful links and apps that you may use to assist with receiving communication from our school.

• SMS Only - 0427 016 460 to report student absences, please send a text to our short message service
• Schoolzine App & Newsletter - Our newsletter is published at the end of every month through Schoolzine. Schoolzine is an app that allows you to communicate with the school, receive notices and newsletters

• School Website - Our website allows you to access lots of useful information about our school

• School Facebook - please 'like' our facebook page as we often post communication to parents on there

Local Transport Services

Support Staff 2021

Student Leaders 2021

Our Newsletter

Thank you to those people who have signed up to receive an electronic copy of our newsletter! I certainly hope that you enjoy reading it!

If you haven’t subscribed please use the link below to do so:

If are involved in a community organisation and would like to advertise in our newsletter, please contact our office. Where possible, we will be happy to assist.

Adrian Dean
Principal

Thank You

Just want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all the LBPS students who have contributed to this months newsletter, we really do enjoy reading your articles and stories of your personal progress.

If students have stories they would like to share, then please email your news items to me jennifer.kendall@education.tas.gov.au

Jennifer Kendall
School Business Manager