Dear Families,

As the cooler days are a reminder that winter is upon us, and getting moving in the mornings can be a little more challenging, there has been no slowing down for our young people at Launceston Big Picture School.

May has been a very productive month for our community of learners, with many great learning opportunities for staff and students.  I had the privilege of attending the Big Picture Learning Conference in Sydney earlier this term.  It was fantastic to hear and learn from students, educators and speakers from across not just Australia, but across the world.   It was great to reflect on the great work happening at LBPS and to consider ways in which we can continue to grow our practice on a day-to-day basis.

Following the conference 40 of the international guests travelled to Tasmania, spending two days at our school.  This provided our students with an opportunity to share their learning experiences with our visitors and to learn about the design in practices in very different contexts, including New York, Barbados, Kenya and Hawaii. Our Hospitality students also had a fantastic opportunity to challenge themselves, catering for our visitors across the two days. The thought, time and effort our students put into this was exceptional, sharing local produce and ensuring our guests got to try some uniquely Australian food. Rob and the Hospitality Crew did a fabulous job. During lunch on the first day Leannika (Grade 12 student) shared some of her research on Monotremes and some of the unique characteristics of some of our native animals. Her presentation was exceptional and demonstrated the depth of her knowledge in her area of passion.

Our staff also got to spend some time speaking with the founder of the Big Picture Learning Design, Eliott Washer, who reinforced the importance of outlearning, mentors and student interest driving their learning.  It was a great opportunity for us all.

Over the past month we have had some fabulous opportunities for our learners to learn outside of the school. Recently a group of our students attended the YNOT Youth Forum with other student leaders across the north of the state, and just last week 33 of our students participated in the air crash simulation at the Launceston Airport. Each student had an individual role as first responders got to test the implementation of safety procedures. 

As the colder months have arrived, can I please remind families that it is important that students push through those slow mornings to ensure they are at school, continuing with their fabulous learning. If illness does impact your child’s ability to attend school on any day, please ensure you let the school know via your child’s Advisory Teacher or the school office.

Finally, this week we will be farewelling two staff members. I would like to thank Vivienne Webb, who has been our A/SBM whilst Jennifer Kendall has been on leave. Vivienne moved into the role without a hitch, she has led our admin team exceptionally well – always providing a calm, happy and team-oriented approach to her work. Thank you Vivenne, your time here has been greatly appreciated, perhaps we may see you back at LBPS is some capacity in the future.

Last, but certainly not least, we are farewelling Jenni Fraser. Jenni is in her 5^th year at Launceston Big Picture – her experience and knowledge of the learning design and learners, along with her commitment to support all learners, will certainly be missed. Whilst we are extremely sad to see Jenni leave, we understand her desire to take on her new role at Cape Barren Island, what a fabulous experience this will be. Jenni is living the Big Picture learning design, leaving to learn. We wish Jen the absolute best, and hope it is a ‘see you later’ rather than a goodbye. We look forward to a continued connection during your time on the Island.

Thanks

Cindy

Cindy Johnston
Principal