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Dear families,
Welcome back to the school year and I hope you enjoy reading the first of our monthly digital newsletters. A special welcome to our new families. We are very pleased to have new students join all grades!
We know that this year feels very different to last with COVID-19 in the community, but we want to reassure families that we’re doing all we can to provide a safe learning environment.
Proactive measures are in place at our school, including:
- frequent cleaning and increased hygiene practices
- vaccination of all Department of Education staff, volunteers, and contractors
- wearing face masks indoors by all staff
- increased ventilation in classrooms
- use of outdoor learning areas.
RATs and Masks
Students have all been given COVID-19 care packs that include rapid antigen tests (RATs), face masks and useful information. Please know that additional face masks and RATs can be provided (up to two per week) if requested for the first five weeks of term. Please request additional RATs as you use them.
To keep our sites COVID-safe, if your child has symptoms and you have run out of school issued RATs, we ask that you don’t attend school to collect a RAT. Instead contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
Staffing For 2022
Thank you for your understanding as we have worked through department of education processes with regard to finalising our staffing for 2022. I can now confirm the following:
New Advisory Teachers
- 9/10 Advisory Teacher - Corinne Milton
- 10A Advisory Teacher- Scott Davenport
Corinne joins our team from Brooks High School and Scott, from Launceston College.
New Teacher Assistants
We are very fortunate to have some new teacher assistants supporting our students. Ashlee Woodberry, Ashley O’Kane and Hayley McPartlin have joined our team and made a positive impact.
Further Staffing News
From the 1st March, Tanya Ringuet will commence a new role working full time with Big Picture Education Australia. Part of Tanya’s new role will involve supporting the growth of Big Picture education internationally- an amazing opportunity! The good news is that Tanya’s new role will still involve coaching and supporting our staff.
Marianne Olsen will be our new Assistant Principal and Brock Kerslake will be our Support Teacher.
Congratulations Tanya, Marianne and Brock.
Our students have had a very settled start to the year, and it has been pleasing to see students busily preparing and organising their Personal Interest Inquiry Projects and Learning Through Interest (LTI) placements. Students have also enthusiastically participated in our Active Learning groups which run for 2 hours on Friday afternoons. We also have our regular student led Town Hall celebration every Friday at midday. These are currently being conducted virtually, so as we meet covid safe requirements.
Our values, respect, courage, aspiration and growth underpin much of our work and interaction. Throughout term 1 we are focussing on unpacking and building awareness of what it means to demonstrate courage at school and in our community. Our Town Hall meetings throughout this term will include a focus or example of the importance of courage. Students are to be commended for their leadership of these events.
Learning Plan Meetings
Thank you to all our families who recently attended and actively participated in learning plan meetings- you are a very vital part of your child’s learning and these meetings ensure that positive learning outcomes are achieved at school. Please remember that we aim to keep communication channels open throughout the term and welcome regular family involvement. Our key motto is that “Families are enrolled too”.
Communication
Effective communication between home and school is vital to support our students’ successful engagement and participation in education. As a school we are working to reduce paper usage and as a consequence, we aim to regularly communicate with families via email and/or our Launceston Big Picture School App. Please ensure that the email address that our office has on file (from validation forms) is your active address.
Our Launceston Big Picture (Official) Facebook Page is an excellent source of information and communication of updates to students, parents and the community. Of course, anyone using these are required to follow strict protocols regarding appropriate conduct/comment/posts.
Parents are encouraged to contact Advisory teachers or any member of staff at the slightest cause for any concern for students.
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.
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
SMS Only - 0427 016 460 to report student absences
Off & Away Mobile Phone Policy
OFF & AWAY MOBILE PHONE POLICY:
From the commencement of Term 2, 2020 all Tasmanian Government Schools from Kindergarten to Year 12 implemented restrictions on the use of mobile phones by students at school. The Minister for Education and Training announced the policy in November, 2019.
Kindergarten to Year 12 – “Off and away all day”
The decision to restrict the use of mobile phones by students during the school day will support schools to minimise distraction from learning and encourage healthy and positive personal interactions.
The policy has been developed in consultation with schools, School Associations and students. At Launceston Big Picture School, we actively consulted and worked with our students, staff and School Association members as to how we best implement the government’s policy.
Some key things that our policy includes are as follows:
-All advisory rooms will have a locked mobile phone storage box.
-From the start of the school day to the end of the school day, students in grade 9 and 10 must have their mobile phones switched off and stored in a locked box located in each advisory classroom.
-Grade 11 and 12 students will have access to their devices during break times but they must not be used during learning time without teacher permission.
-All communication with students during the school day must go through the school office.
-The government’s policy applies to all students, unless they meet the requirements of an approved exemption.
-Applications for exemption must be made to the school principal and will be considered on a case by case basis.
There is also a FAQs for Families that will hopefully answer some questions you may have.
School Association Meetings
I have the pleasure of sharing our Improvement journey through our School Association meetings and I invite any family or members of our school community to come along to hear more about our improvement journey and our wonderful school at these meetings. Joining our School Association is a wonderful opportunity to be part of the decision making within the school. In 2021 we had a very dedicated group of parents and community members who attended our meetings. Our group meets during week 8 of each term (Wednesday at 5:00 pm). Light refreshments are provided at each meeting! We welcome and encourage new members so please consider completing a nomination form (see enclosed within this newsletter).
Our 1st School Association Meeting For 2022 – Wednesday March 30th - 5.00pm-6.00pm. Please note this meeting may be held virtually (Microsoft Teams) depending on the Covid situation. More information will be provided closer to the meeting date.
Adrian Dean
Principal
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, please contact Mel at melanie.van.asperen@education.tas.gov.au
Mel Van Asperen
LTI Co-ordinator
News from 10A Advisory
Call out for mentors!
What a great range of interests and passions the young people in Grade 10 are bringing to our Advisory this term! Strong interests is essential for success at Launceston Big Picture School because the best learning happens through contexts that capture and engage us. A key part of the Big Picture Design is leaving the building for learning; students are expected to connect with mentors in our community who share their area of interest and generously share their expertise.
Is this you?
Could you mentor a young person who is passionate to learn in your field of experience, interest and expertise?
The range of interests in our Advisory community include:
- Sewing and textile design
- Anaesthesia
- Exo planets and alien life forms
- Developmental psychology - Nature Vs Nurture
- Health – interaction between physical and mental health
- World War II sniper warfare
- Car mechanics and body tech
- Horse hoof health
- Human anatomy and body systems
- Acting, film and stage make up
- History, research skills and archives
- Writing and publishing
- Visual Arts – water colour, sketching, clay modelling, lino print
- Audio design and video editing
- Online game design and graphics
- Metal fabrication
- Furniture design and making
- Lego design
We’d love to hear from you if you are keen to work with a student and want to learn more about our Learning Through Interest program.
Achievements from 9A Advisory
As part of our team building exercises and tech challenges, grade 9 students were tasked with developing and creating a 30-second advertisement for a fictional or non-fictional product or service.
The requirements of the ad were to include one person’s head/face, and at least one person speaking.
Students were given three blocks to plan, film, edit and export their films, which were shown to all grade 9 students and teachers on Friday afternoon.
E-Scooter Workshop
On Monday 14th February, Launceston Big Picture School hosted Beam Safe Academy E-Scooter safety education program.
The Beam Safe Academy program incorporated a briefing guide for new riders, an interactive safety quiz and a training course for riders to test out their E-Scooter skills in a supportive environment. Riders will also learn safe operating and manoeuvring skills, such as how to turn, brake and signal to other riders and pedestrians.So much fun was had learing how to use the new E-Scooters safely!
Exploring our Local Community
On Thursday the tenth of February, all year nine advisories and the 9/10 advisory walked from the school to the Riverbend Park at 9:15am.
Student took turns in their advisory groups going into Officeworks and purchasing stationary and other items using a list they made the day prior; the supplies were purchased using the respective classes budgets.
Instead of having all students be given the same supplies, Big Picture decided to instead make the process cater to each student.
This plan wasn’t only more efficient for students but with managing the school’s waste and funding.
When the advisories weren’t in Officeworks the groups were sitting in the Riverbend Park, this is where some students went on the playground equipment or sat by the entrance and chatted amongst themselves.
On the 16th, 9/10's advisory walked to the QVMAG and spent some time wandering around the exhibits, some students purchased items such as crystals at the giftshop, and some went to visit the taxidermy unit.
On Friday the 18th of Feb; the year 9 and 9/10 advisories went to Young’s Veggie Shed to learn about that aspect of agriculture and how important farming is in Tasmania, students also spent their time exploring Vinnies Op shop where a few students purchaed their own items, and some used the class budget to buy items for their classroom.
First Weeks Back at LBPS
What an awesome first two days back and how much do we enjoy learning outside!!
Our year 9 students have also settled in very quickly!
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:
- Wilbur McTaggart-Williams: Aspiration, Respect, Courage - for being kind and supportive towards everyone.
- Jessie Edrich: Courage - for writing a fantastic email and arranging an interview at LINC Library.
- Jake Bockholt: Respect - for handing in a member of the public's wallet that he found outside.
- Dusk Stevens: Aspiration, Courage - Reaching out for LTI and organising informational interview.
- Jarrod Smith: Aspiration, Growth - Trying new ways to capture learning using One Drive App.
Term 1: Start and End Dates
- Wednesday, 9th February 2022 - Thursday 14th April 2022
Bridport Beach Whole School Excursion
- Friday, 11th March 2022 (9:00am - 2:45pm)
Public Holiday
- Monday, 14th March 2022
School Association Meeting
- Wednesday, 30th March 2022
Exhibitions Commence
- Monday, 4th April 2022
UTAS Library Tour
The university library invited students to visit and join their system, meaning students can borrow and study inside the library when they please as long as they are respectful and follow all rules.
On the 21st many students were fortunate enough to have a guided tour of the new University Library- a simply amazing space!! We were given tours of each level, which included information on the history of first nations people and their art and tools that are displayed, the architecture of the library and future buildings, what was on each floor, how the books were sorted and structured, and any questions students or advisors had.
Bob's Bikes For Sale!
Our School is very proud of our Bob’s Bikes program which is led and coordinated by Bob and Shirley Blackman.
The amount of money raised and appeals supported is simply amazing.
Tamar Valley Writers Festival
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
10. LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT STAFF 2022
Leadership Staff 2022
Principal |
Adrian Dean |
Assistant Principal |
Tanya Ringuet |
Support Teacher / AST |
Marianne Olsen |
Grade 9 Advisory Teacher |
Rich Talbot |
Grade 9 Advisory Teacher |
Rob Lewandowski |
Grade 9/10 Advisory Teacher |
Corinne Milton |
Grade 10 Advisory Teacher |
Jenni Fraser |
Grade 10 Advisory Teacher |
Scott Davenport |
Grade 11 Advisory Teacher |
Dan Smith |
Grade 12 Advisory Teacher |
Ben Miller |
Support Staff 2022
School Psychologist |
Rebecca Mizzi |
Wednesday (fortnightly) |
School Social Worker |
Jasmine Poslon |
Monday (weekly) |
School Business Manager |
Jennifer Kendall |
Daily |
Administration Officer |
Claire Williams |
Tues, Wed, Thurs |
IT Support |
Jesse North |
Wednesday (weekly) |
LTI Coordinator |
Melanie Van Asperen |
Daily |
Teacher Assistant
|
Adrian Stabb Robert Blackman Ashleigh O'Kane Jacqui Leslie Hayley McPartlin Ashlee Woodberry |
Monday, Friday Wednesday Daily Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri Wed, Thurs, Fri Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs |
Education Facility Attendant |
Michael Doolan |
Daily |
Postal Address: | 4 Invermay Road, Inveresk, TAS, 7248 |
Reception Tel: | 6335 1500 (with answerphone service) |
SMS Only: | 0427 016 460 (to report student absences) |
Email Address: | https://lbps@education.tas.gov.au |
Web Page : | https://lbps.education.tas.edu.au/ |
Newsletter: | https://launcestonbps.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe |
Schoolzine App: | https://launcestonbps.schoolzineplus.com/app/ |
Sessionkeeper: | https://launcestonbps.sessionkeeper.com.au/ |
Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/launcestonbigpictureschool/ |
youtube: |
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