Dear Families,

As Term 1 comes to an end we have much to celebrate at LBPS.  Social Reasoning is one of the Big Picture Learning Goals.  Already this year we have seen classes and individual students exploring diverse perspectives and seeking to understand social issues.   Our students have stepped up and taken action to demonstrate their respect and care for others and to act for positive change.  This was evident when Rob’s advisory lead the school to celebrate Harmony Day connecting us through food, stories and visually with a sea of orange across the school. The initiative of one of our Grade 10 students to raise awareness of FND (Functional Neurologic Disorder) by sharing information at Town Hall, creating conversations through the orange and green focus on FND day and raising money for FND research was another great example of social reasoning in action.  I have had the pleasure of having many conversations with students as they explore a wide range of social practices and perspectives and work through ways in which they can learn more and impact in their areas of interest – I look forward to seeing these ideas moving forward across the year.

I have also been impressed this term with the courage our students have shown in planning and engaging in out learning – from exploring interests, university and TAFE studies through to engaging in learning through LTIs. The thinking, conversations and planning, supported by Mel is a great example of the value of Big Picture Learning. 

The recent addition of Damon Long to our staff has enable increased access to the workshop for our students.  The skill set and experience Damon brings, in addition to our current staff enables us to support the wide range of interests of our students.

Our School Association AGM and first meeting were held in Week 8.  I thank and congratulate the following office holders for 2024:

Chair: Ben Cunningham

Deputy Chair: Debbie White 

Secretary: Marianne Olsen

I also welcome Mel de Clouet as a new parent member to the School Association and thank returning members to the association committee.

It certainly takes a village to raise a child, the ever growing village that supports the learning of our students is greatly appreciated – from each of our staff, our student’s families, our school association, and our local community - through this team approach we are able to help our students to learn, with a focus on one student at a time.

Whilst we hear a lot in the media about youth in a negative light, we are certainly lucky at LBPS to see students flourish when their voice is heard, they are well supported and given the opportunity to learn within and outside the school.

Next term, I am looking forward to learning more about our students, their learning and their interests at the Exhibitions in week 2. 

Have a safe and restful break.  I look forward to meeting more families and working together to support our learners throughout 2024.

Thanks

Cindy Johnston
Principal 

Breakfast at Big Picture

We know that during adolescence, young people’s circadian rhythm, or body clock, changes. Teenager’s sleep wake cycle and all associated timings, such as eating and being active, are delayed during this period of growth and change. This is one reason that young people arrive to school without having breakfast and so this year our school has committed to supporting all our young people to be well fuelled for learning.

Every day there are a range of healthy breakfasts available before school from 8:30am – 8:55am, and there are toasties and fruit to eat at morning tea time each day. This is a team effort from our awesome TA staff, Teachers, Senior Staff and of course our young people.