Dear Families, 

Our school community continues to be a vibrant place of learning! Students are busy working on their various projects and looking at ways that they can go more deeply with their learning. To support students with their learning we are always looking to form partnerships with “experts” from our community. If you have a particular skill or interest and are keen to work with young people, we would love to hear from you!

We have been fortunate regarding the quality and skills of the volunteers who work with some of our students on a regular basis. I am pleased that we can have such an amazing Art and Craft program at school! Wow, hasn’t it been a success, students learning to create some interesting and detailed pieces of work and then having the opportunity to lead workshops with community groups such as the residents at Elphinwood. A big thank you to Hayley McPartlin, Mel Tyson and Natasha Bender for their work in the area of art and craft.

Bob Blackman continues to run his “now famous” Creative Writing and Philosophy workshops- these are both integral to the culture of learning from skilled volunteer mentors that exists at our school. Thank you Bob!

Learning Through Interest

At Launceston Big Picture School we all know that so much learning occurs outside the traditional classroom setting. As a school we continue to offer opportunities for our young people to involve themselves in programs or activities that involve learning within our local and wider school community. It is fantastic to see that most of our students are participating in Learning Through Interest programs. It is wonderful to chat with students upon their return from their placements and see the real sense of purpose and authenticity in the work they not only completed off site but are participating in at school. As a staff we have made a collective commitment to ensure that every student has at least had the opportunity to participate in a shadow day by the end of term 2- the half way point of the year. Please continue to discuss with your child, their Learning Through Interest Placement and assist our team with ensuring that we have all students actively involved.

Café Red

We are very excited that we now have our very own Café on site. Café Red (our students devised the name) is now open every Friday for students and staff to access. Orders are placed online, with our team of students, supported by Rob Lewandowski and Adrian Stabb, monitoring orders, and working together to ensure that students and staff can either dine in or takeaway food and drinks at both morning tea and lunchtime.  I have no doubt that the new Cafe will continue to be very popular.

Science and Engineering Challenge

The Science and Engineering Challenge was recently held at the University of Tasmania. We had many students take part in competitive hands-on challenges involving the principles of science, engineering, and technology. A highlight of our day was Lily, Freya and Bel winning the bridge building competition. Congratulations girls.

Student Leaders

Our student leaders provide a strong voice for their peers in our school. They attend weekly meetings where they learn to chair and lead discussions, record meeting minutes and set agenda items.  Recently our leaders organised a very successful Beanie Day, raising funds to support homeless people and the charity, Strike it Out. They have also attended and participated in staff professional learning sessions, making valuable contributions regarding our planned wellbeing initiatives.

Student Wellbeing Plans

As a school we are working hard to assist our young people with improving their wellbeing. Our social worker, Jasmine Poslon and Brock Kerslake, our support teacher, have been leading some work which involves every young person devising their very own wellbeing plan- a list of strategies that they can choose when needed and with a particular focus on resilience building skills. Recently our student leaders reviewed potential planning templates in an after school professional learning session. It was fantastic to work in collaboration with our young people.

Attendance At School Matters- Making Every Minute Count! 

At LBPS we have a real commitment to supporting and ensuring students attend school. Our school day begins at 8.55 am and finishes at 2:45 pm. We monitor individual student attendance closely and would really like to see all students work hard to increase their individual attendance percentage.

Higher student attendance at school is associated, on average, with higher student achievement.

Why is regular attendance at school important?

Regular school attendance will mean that your child has a better chance in life.

• they learn better
• they make friends
• they are happier
• they have a brighter future.

School Association – next meeting

Our next School Association meeting is Wednesday 14^th June at 5.30pm at school. We invite and welcome all existing and new members to attend these meetings.

Our Newsletter

Thank you to those people who read our electronic newsletter! I certainly hope that you enjoyed looking at the achievements of our young people and hearing about the various things happening at our school. Please feel free to encourage others to subscribe using the following link:

New Enrolments For 2024- Family Information Session

Our first information evening for prospective 2024 enrolments is on Wednesday 21^st June, commencing at 5:00 pm.

Adrian Dean
Principal

We want your help for our Learning Through Interest Program!

Launceston Big Picture School appreciate the support of the following businesses, who have offered a Learning Through Interest placement.

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

Mel Van Asperen
LTI Co-ordinator

Forestry Work Experience Program

There are over a 100 career options in the Australian forestry industry. Recently we were fortunate to have Sam from Arbre visit and discuss possible opportunities with interested students.

Wellbeing/Mindfulness

Students in Grade 9 have been experimenting with watercolour painting as a wellbeing/mindfulness tool. It has been wonderful to see the students trying new ways of creating and the shared discussions during this time.

Kathryn Kahl
9B Advisory 

Agfest 

On Thursday 4^th May, 25 students enjoyed a day out at Agfest. This learning opportunity was organised by Charlotte Hindrum. We enjoyed a sunny day while inspecting innovative technology, admiring animals, LTI opportunities, socialising with our mates, collecting free materials, seeing our mates demonstrating their skills and finding out more about businesses and service providers. 

Brock Kerslake
Support Teacher

Launceston Branding - Invermay Banner Workshop

On Tuesday 16^th May, 20 students and staff attended a Launceston City Council workshop with graphic designers to develop some ideas for banners around Invermay. Working in small groups, students brainstormed the people, places and businesses of Invermay, to then translating their ideas into images to celebrate within our local community. Trams, Utas stadium, flora and fauna were among just some of the ideas and illustrations that our students came up with. These designs will now be worked on by the Launceston City Council, before being turned into banners that will appear along the streets of Invermay. Congratulations to all of the talented and creative students who were involved.

Ben Miller
9A Advisory 

dAda mUse Gallery

Grade nine students were able to have the opportunity to go for a walk to dAda mUse an 1842 gallery. Students observed and discussed their interpretation of art pieces and books on display. It was an inclusive learning environment that allowed students to speak their minds freely. Thank you to Ben and Kathryn for organising the trip.

Hayley McPartlin
Teacher Assistant 

Heavy Bag

Noah expressed the need for a heavy boxing bag at LBPS. He was lucky enough to help in the purchasing of one for all students and staff to use. It will be a great asset for the school.

Advisory 10C - Building a Reading Culture

10C have managed to build some additional bookshelves for our Advisory so that we can exhibit lots of different books to engage students. We are trying to promote a wide range of texts to help students reach their big commitment of 120 minutes of reading per week.

Tom Clark
10C Advisory

Science and Engineering Challenge

On Thursday 11^th May, a group of Grade 9 and 10 students chose to participate in the Science and Engineering Challenge at the University of Tasmania Newnham Campus.

This was a fantastic experience for those involved as they were immersed in a range of hands-on STEM activities requiring good problem solving, teamwork and perseverance. From designing a bionic hand, designing apartment towers that could withstand an earthquake, coding messages along optic fibre rods and developing transport networks that link towns. We had a fantastic time! One group of students spent most of the day designing a lightweight bridge that hopefully would be strong enough to hold the most weight. Congratulations to this team for winning the challenge!

Creativity, innovation, problem-solving and teamwork was demonstrated by all LBPS students – awesome job! We are very proud of the way all of our students represented Launceston Big Picture School.  Everyone worked hard on the tasks and we came away with first places in the bridge building, job juggle and helter skelter shelter.  It is wonderful to see students who are willing to take up these opportunities and push themselves out of their comfort zones.  Congratulations to all involved.

Leanne Wickham and Tom Clark
10A and 10C Advisories

Pride Celebration Event

10A Advisory is hosting a Pride Celebration Event on Friday 16^th June.

Leanne Wickham 
10A Advisory

LBPS CAFE OPENING 2023 

LBPS Cafe

Our new cafe “Cafe Red” has opened and what a success it was! Our team are participating in a training day, learning all there is to know about coffee and barista. Don’t forget that Cafe Red is now open every Friday for students and staff.

Grandparents Day

LBPS will be hosting Grandparents Day on June 23. The 3 course meal (soup, roast and dessert) will cost $20 per person. Bookings need to be made directly to Rob via email: robert.lewandowski@decyp.tas.gov.au We look forward to seeing as many people here as possible, however there is a limit of 30 seats so it is a case of first booked first seated.

South Park - source analysis

Grade 12 student, Grace has been heavily researching ancient Egypt whilst undertaking a University History unit. She has applied her skills in source analysis, critical reasoning and academic writing to a satirical topic. We hope you will enjoy some light entertainment as Grace explores an argument from South Park.

Beanie Day

Beanie Day! We had a range of wacky, wonderful and awesome beanies worn on the 12^th May by staff and students in aid of raising money for Strike It Out. Thanks to the Student Leadership Team for their time and effort in organising this event.

UTAS Catering Partnership

We are fortunate that our school has a strong relationship with the University of Tasmania. Recently some of our students prepared and delivered fruit platters to the University as part of a catering partnership.

Visual Art

Our students with an interest in art and craft have been looking at ways to express themselves freely using unusual/different methods when making their creations. They have been collecting eggshells that have had just a top opening over a period of two months. Students then filled the eggshells with paint and took them outside to experiment with texture, colour and design on canvas. Reflections were conducted after the experiment. Students agreed that less paint was needed in the eggshells to control the dripping of paint and to create a more defined hit on the canvas.

Hayley McPartlin
Teacher Assistant 

Term 2 has gone splendidly in our art group. Students are engaged in personal art projects exploring a range of materials and ideas.

Kathryn Kahl 
9B Advisory  

Mother's Day Craft

Students with an interest in art and craft got together to choose Mother’s Day craft ideas. Pom pom coasters and teacup cards were chosen. Students experimented with patterns, materials and colours and were very happy with their outcome.

Cooking

Flex cooking for term 2 has gone back to basics - we are learning how to make tasty recipes with minimal ingredients and how to substitute when we lack key ingredients. Pasties, apple turnovers and chicken burgers are a few of the yummy items we have made.

Sport & Recreation

Students with an interest in Sport and Recreation recently had a visit to Launceston’s newest sporting facility - Swisherr!! So much fun!!

Students have also been enjoying various tag games.

Design & Technology

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 Term so far are:

• Abbey-Lee Waugh-Lucas:  Aspiration and Growth - For a great commitment to your Art and Internship
• Grace Radbone: Courage and Growth - Well done for seeking feedback on HAP work
• Seth Perry: Courage and Growth - For doing a great job at his Learning Through Internship work placement
• Joel Holton: Growth - Always striving to do his best project work
• Franky Perez: Respect and Courage - Digital wellbeing and following school process
• Ava Rutherford: Courage - Courage for volunteering for Town Hall
• Ciara Keating: Growth - For having an amazing attendance, coming to school every day
• Zach Arnold: Growth - Fantastic leadership and organisation of Beanie Day

FACEBOOK POSTS 

As always, please remember that when engaging with any Department of Education page, to do so in a respectful manner, in line with our Terms of Use which can be found in the ‘about’ section of our page.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Please ensure your student keeps their school polo top in their bag or keeps it safe in their Advisory room at all times.

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  

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

The City Council have recently approached the school and have informed staff that this area is being patrolled and $86.00 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

2023 Student Leaders 

2023 Support Staff 

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.

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@decyp.tas.gov.au

Jennifer Kendall
School Business Manager