Principal's Message
Staff Appreciation Week
This week, we are thrilled to celebrate Staff Appreciation Week! It’s a wonderful opportunity to recognize the dedication and hard work of our exceptional teachers and educational support staff who make a meaningful difference in our children’s lives every day. While schools and communities across Australia will honour Teachers’ Day on Friday, October 25th, here at Launch, we believe in celebrating all our staff and their collective efforts in creating a fantastic school environment for your children.
We invite you to join us in expressing your appreciation—whether it’s through a heartfelt note, an email, or simply a kind word. Let’s come together to show our gratitude for these incredible professionals who nurture and inspire our students every day. Thank you for your support in making this week truly special!
Well done to our Division Athletics Superstars!
A huge thank you to Molly K, Ryan M, Mitch O, Archie R and Jackson S for your participation in the Division Athletics event! Your enthusiasm and sportsmanship truly shone through as you represented our school with such respect and pride. We are incredibly proud of each of you for your hard work and dedication. Your efforts not only showcased your talents but also reflected the spirit of our school community. Great job, everyone!
Congrats to Archie R who has made it through to the Regional Athletics on Thursday 24th October. Best of luck Archie!
Year 5 Respect and Equity Action Group Success
We are thrilled to highlight the incredible work of our Year 5 Respect and Equity Action Team, led by Mrs. Stewart. Recently, they visited Badger Creek Primary School for a series of sessions focused on gender equality and equity, exploring ways to challenge and break down gender stereotypes.
I had the pleasure of attending their final session this past Tuesday and was immensely proud to hear about their initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive and welcoming environment on our school oval for students of all ages and genders. Their commitment to fostering respect and equity is truly inspiring, and I encourage everyone to support their efforts in making our school a safe and inclusive space for all. Keep up the fantastic work, Lily, Bianca, Molly, Oliver and Archie!
Save the Date – Year 5/6 students and families – Transition to Secondary
Mark your calendars for a special Transition to Secondary evening on Monday, November 11th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM! We are excited to host this event in collaboration with Yarra Ranges Council and Kate Wilde from The Human Development Workshop.
This session aims to bring families together to discuss the important transition your child will be making in their schooling journey. Enjoy a barbecue while connecting with other families, and don’t miss the chance to win an amazing prize: a family ticket to Healesville Sanctuary!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Be Sunsmart!
As we enjoy the beautiful Australian sun, it’s important to remember the effects of UV rays on our school-aged children. Prolonged exposure can lead to skin damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer later in life. We encourage all parents to check in with their children about sun safety practices, including wearing a school hat during outdoor activities.
If your child doesn’t have a school hat, they are available for purchase at the office. Let’s work together to keep our kids safe while they enjoy their time outdoors!
Swimming Program
Our senior Launch students have been booked into the Yarra Centre from Monday 11th to Friday 15th November (One week program) and our junior students from Monday 18th to Friday 29th November (Two week program) for swimming lessons with qualified instructors. As this is a significant part of our Physical Education program for 2024, it is our expectation that all students will attend. Come on it is cheap as chips AND all kids need to know how to be safe in water! This will be a great opportunity for your child to prepare for the summer season and help them become more water safe, remembering that a lot of the program is also about safety in and around water venues.The cost of the program will be $20 for the 5 days (Seniors)/ 10 days (Juniors). ** The State Government is subsidising all schools re their swimming programs according to enrolments hence the price, plus LPPS is contributing other funds from our Sporting Schools Program (Normally $120+) The $20 covers approx 75% of the bus fare. At the end of the program a certificate will be presented to your child indicating their progress.
Peer Requests – 2025 Classes
As we plan for the new school year in 2025, we are giving parents the opportunity to help us shape your child's classroom experience by providing peer requests. This process allows you to share your insights on who your child learns best with.
Please note that our students are asked to make their own requests regarding which peers they would like to be in a class with. Each student selects 5 students, and we try our best to place as many children together as possible.
Peer requests can have a meaningful impact on your child's classroom dynamics and learning environment. It's essential to consider the following factors when making your request:
Who Does Your Child Learn Well With?
- Think about friendships and learning compatibility. Who are the classmates your child collaborates with effectively and enjoys studying alongside?
While we value your input, please keep in mind the following:
- Peer requests are not guaranteed, as class assignments are ultimately made by the school to create balanced and inclusive classrooms.
- Please maintain a positive and considerate approach when suggesting changes. Our aim is to foster a supportive and respectful learning environment for all students.
To submit your peer requests, please send a brief email to laura.caddy@education.vic.gov.au by Friday 25th October.
Rubbish around yard
We’ve noticed an increase in litter around our school yard, and we’d appreciate your support in keeping our environment tidy. Here are four ways you can help:
1. Encourage your child to dispose of their rubbish properly and use bins provided around the school.
2. Promote “nude food” lunchboxes by packing snacks and meals without any packaging or wrapping. This reduces waste and encourages healthy eating!
3. Discuss the importance of cleanliness with your child, reinforcing that a clean space is enjoyable for everyone.
4. Lead by example during school events or pick-up times by picking up any litter you see.
Together, we can create a cleaner and more inviting space for our students! Thank you for working with us in partnership.
Virtual Tour
See you around our place,
Laura Caddy
Principal