Principal's Message
Book Week: Beyond the Costumes
What a wonderful celebration of books we enjoyed during Book Week! Thank you to our students, families and staff for the creativity and effort that went into the many fantastic costumes we saw across the school. While dressing up is always a highlight, Book Week is ultimately about celebrating the stories that inspire us, make us laugh, help us understand different experiences and sometimes even move us to tears. Throughout the week, students explored a range of texts and shared their favourite books, characters and authors. We hope the excitement continues at home through regular reading and conversations about the books your children are enjoying.
Student Support Groups and Individual Education Plans: Partnership in Action
Thank you to the parents, carers, staff members and allied health professionals who have participated in Student Support Group meetings this week. These meetings provide an important opportunity to share information, celebrate progress and agree on meaningful next steps for each student. Families bring valuable knowledge about their child, while teachers and other professionals contribute their observations, assessment information and expertise. Working together helps us develop Individual Education Plan goals that are specific, achievable and relevant to each child’s learning, engagement and wellbeing. We greatly appreciate the thoughtful and collaborative way families have approached these conversations.
Speaking with Kindness and Repairing Harm
Over recent weeks, we have been reminding students about the importance of speaking to others with kindness and respect. Words can have a lasting impact, even when they are spoken quickly, intended as a joke or said during a disagreement.
We are encouraging students to pause and think: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? How would I feel if someone said this to me?
Children will sometimes make mistakes, and an important part of learning is recognising when our words have caused harm, listening to the other person, apologising sincerely and making a better choice next time. We appreciate families reinforcing these conversations at home.
Planning Ahead for a Strong Term 4
Although we are approaching the final weeks of Term Three, there continues to be important learning taking place in every classroom. At the same time, teachers are beginning to plan for Term Four by reviewing assessment information, considering progress towards IEP and classroom learning goals, and identifying the next steps for their students. This careful planning helps ensure that teaching begins purposefully from the first day of the new term.
Prep 2027: Our Growing Launch Community
We are excited to now have approximately 20 children enrolled to begin Prep at Launching Place Primary School in 2027. It has been wonderful to meet our newest students and their families and begin helping them feel connected to our school community. Our transition program will continue to provide children with opportunities to become familiar with the school environment, meet staff and classmates, and build confidence ahead of their first year of school.
A Smooth Start to the School Day
Arriving at school on time gives children the opportunity to unpack, greet their friends and teacher, organise their belongings and begin the day feeling calm and prepared. When students arrive after learning has commenced, they can miss important instructions and may find it more difficult to settle into the classroom routine. We encourage families to aim to arrive with enough time for children to be ready in their classroom before the morning bell. A calm and punctual start makes a meaningful difference to a child’s readiness to learn.
Spring SunSmart Reminder - Pack your hat!
With the arrival of spring and increasing UV levels, students will again required to wear a school hat during outdoor activities. Please ensure your child brings a clearly named, school-approved hat each day, along with a named drink bottle. Families may also wish to apply sunscreen before school. Melbourne’s spring weather can change quickly, so clearly labelling jumpers and jackets will also help us return misplaced clothing to its owner.
Safe Arrival and Departure from School
We remind all students and families to use the pedestrian path at the top of the school when arriving and leaving, rather than walking through the staff car park. Some staff members begin work at 9:00 am and may still be entering and parking while families are moving through the grounds. Keeping pedestrians and vehicles separated is an important part of maintaining a safe environment for everyone. Thank you for helping us establish this as the consistent route into and out of the school.
Thank You to the People Behind Our School
The past few weeks have been particularly busy, with our school review, Book Week celebrations, Bogan Bingo, Student Support Group meetings and preparations for Term 4 all taking place. These activities are possible because of the considerable care and effort contributed by our teachers, Education Support staff, office team, School Council, Parents and Friends Committee, volunteers, students and families. Thank you to everyone who has attended a meeting, organised an event, supported a child, contributed behind the scenes or simply offered encouragement. It is this collective commitment that makes Launching Place Primary School such a connected and caring community.
Warm regards,
Laura Caddy
Principal