Launching Place Primary School Newsletter

Principal's Message

Welcome back

Welcome back folks to Term Two!  It has been a joy to see everyone return and get straight back into learning, interacting and enjoying each other’s company.  Lovely to hear about what you all got up to over the break, I hope you were each able to enjoy some family time over Easter.  

 

Staffing

Rachel Bowen, PE teacher has accepted a Term Two contract at our school and will continue to teach our students in Prep to Year 6 on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

 

Dolly’s Dream – Sessions for students in Year 3 – 6 running on Thursday 8th May

We will be using some of our Mental Health and Wellbeing funds to have a facilitator from Dolly’s Dream run sessions about developing self-worth with our students.  These sessions will be of no cost to families and will be run in addition to our teacher led Social and Emotional Learning this term.

Session outcomes

Students will leave with a strong sense of self-worth so they can develop resilience, handle bullying more effectively, and create positive relationships with themselves and others.

 

Objectives

  • Reflect on unique strengths and qualities to understand intrinsic value beyond external judgement.
  • Take action despite fears of judgement from others and encourage authentic self-expression.
  • Explore ways to show up for themselves and their peers to foster a culture of mutual support and respect.
  • Engage in activities that promote self-acceptance and self-compassion.

Mother and Special Friends Day Event

We warmly invite our mothers and carers to our Mother's Day afternoon on Thursday 8th May from 3:30 – 4:30pm to celebrate the wonderful women in our school community.  Come and enjoy a cuppa, chat and a special junior and senior school performance.  Tea, coffee and a delicious afternoon tea will be provided.  Forms have been sent home asking families to RSVP. 

 

Education Week: Monday 12th – Friday 17th May

Monday 12th May - Open Afternoon 3:00 – 4:30PM – We welcome current and prospective families to share in the learning and wonderful art creations of our students through our ‘Open Afternoon/Art Show’.

Tuesday 13th – We welcome our local kindergarten students to join us for a fun afternoon enjoying a ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’.  Teddy Bear crafts, cookies and yummy snacks provided.  BYO your favourite teddy.

Wednesday 14th May – LPPS ‘Annual Film Festival’ 2:30 – 3:30PM– We warmly invite our families to view our Year ¾ movie trailers and 5/6 movie clips.

Thursday 15th May – Grandparent and special friends are invited to enjoy some classroom activities, light refreshments and special student performances from 11:00am – 1:30pm.

Friday 16th – Special Assembly with Mad About Science Incursion (permission and payment on Compass) and Dress up day – ‘Dress like a Pirate – Arrgh!’

 

 Financial support for Education items

Just a reminder, staff at school are always keen to help families experiencing financial distress.  From food parcels, to uniform support and payment plans for camps and excursions, there are many supports we can access to assist.  Email laura.caddy@education.vic.gov.au or have a chat with Audrey at our office.

 

School Communication

Our school communications will continue to predominantly flow through Compass as the first port of call, so I encourage families to make sure they have this app and/or access the platform regularly via their internet browser. This is where you will find notices, check the school calendar, receive our fortnightly newsletters, and updates via your newsfeed. Our website https://www.launchps.vic.edu.au/ also contains valuable information. Whilst the purpose of the website is to provide generalised information, it is another reference point for families.

 

ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day as we know it was first observed on 25 April 1916, as people came together to commemorate the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli, Türkiye, on 25 April 1915.

This important tradition has now become an opportunity to stop and reflect on the sacrifice and dedication of all our veteran and service community, and the families who support them.

It is a significant day for the department, and we proudly recognise our many staff who have served over the years.

We recognise First Nations people who served in conflicts, and we acknowledge their service, sacrifice and ongoing impacts on their families. The annual Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service is held during Reconciliation Week and is on Saturday 31 May 2025 at the Shrine of Remembrance. For more details and to register to attend, refer to Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service.

 

ANZAC Day in our local community

ANZAC Day is a public holiday. School staff and students who wish to observe the day can join in commemorative activities at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. These activities include the:

  • dawn service
  • commemoration march
  • laying of wreaths
  • commemoration service.

For more details, including about the dawn service and where to watch it online, refer to the RSL Victoria website. 

RSL Victoria sub-branches also host ANZAC Day commemorative services for everyone in their local area to attend, with our local service taking place in Yarra Junction.  Check out Compass if you would like to be involved in our local march.

 

Our first assembly for this term will be held next Friday 2nd May.  We would love to see you there.

 

Please remember:

  • This Friday 25th April is ANZAC day and hence a public holiday.  
  • Monday 5th May is a Curriculum Day, with teachers at school learning more about the teaching of writing, in particular non-fiction texts.  This is a student free day. 
  • Friday 6th June is also a Curriculum Day, with teachers at school continuing work with our Writing consultant on the use of mentor texts.  This is a student free day.
  • Monday 9th June is the King’s Birthday and hence a public holiday.  No students or staff will be required at school.

See you around our place,

 

Virtual Tour

 

Laura Caddy

Principal