Dear Families,
At the conclusion of my first term at Launceston Grammar, I am inspired, invigorated and excited for what is to come! Each day I have the unique opportunity to experience the full gambit of life in our wonderful village. We are a School with purpose and passion and the palpable focus on success for your children serves us well.
Over the term, I have witnessed our Early Learning and Kinder students transition with ease to a more structured learning environment. Our youngest students are nurtured and encouraged by staff to discover the joy of learning in a safe and awe-inspiring environment. The close and collaborative relationship with our families has established a positive foundation for future learning for our students. Each time I visit Early Learning, I know I will share the joy of laughter and witness first-hand the power of curiosity that is nurtured through nature play, the arts, literature and stimulating learning environments.
Our Junior Campus students have boundless energy and enthusiasm which they bring to their classroom. I have seen our students actively learning across a myriad of subjects in many different learning environments. Our staff understand the importance of these formative years and use the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme learner profile to shape each student’s holistic growth.
I have received wonderful advice about how to be a good Principal and although I have not yet bought Mrs Bennett a horse, I do believe I have always been happy and told pathetic dad jokes upon request!
I have had the pleasure to sit in on classes observing excellence in the delivery of numeracy and literacy education – the fundamental keys to life success. I have seen our students have agency in their learning. They design in collaboration with their teacher’s sophisticated inquiry questions and then find the answers together – contemporary learning at its best! I loved having the Prep students visit my office and their wonderful artwork is now on display.
The Little Extras program has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to explore their interests and I was delighted with the Grade 3 Art Exhibition this week. Our Junior Campus reflects the purposeful industry and activity symbolised by the bees on our crest. Pollinating their world with ideas, transforming their learning into a source of powerful and truthful knowledge!
The Senior Campus is a dynamic space for all and why wouldn’t it be? We have adolescents experiencing significant change in their lives and our staff embraces the opportunity to work with our teenagers as they navigate this transformative time.
The Outdoor Education programmes have been remarkable. We challenge our students in these environments, and I have witnessed our Grade 7 students being proud after taking on a 12km hike, trangia cooking for the first time and growing new friendships. I am amazed by the opportunities our students get to participate in and in such large numbers giving back to their school and representing us with pride and distinction.
Reaching the State final for Cricket, Open Boys Basketball, Rowing achievements, B Grade Tennis champions and qualifying for Nationals in Equestrian is indicative of our successful sports program.
Each week seeing our vocalists and instrumental performers in Chapel or assembly or being an audience at the confronting but outstanding Grade 12 Drama production Eyes to the Floor or attending the Artist in Residence Art Show enables us to proudly claim our students have incredible talent and are inspiring as they play to their strengths and find their thing!
The recent Grade 10 Enrichment Week program was a wonderful step up into the final 3 years of schooling as our students contemplate their purpose, their future careers, and the challenge of personal pursuits in the great outdoors. The Resilience project which all students are undertaking through the House program is an excellent framework for better understanding personal well-being. Having experiential learning opportunities that enable students to put theory into practice is ideal.
My neighbours in Hawkes Boarding House have had a great term. It is safe to say that boarding is flourishing at Launceston Grammar. New leadership and renewed commitment from students and their families to grow this aspect of our offering see our students from overseas, remote and rural areas coming together to create a home away from home. The Hawkes team take their responsibility to co-parent seriously and nurture students to find their independence and skills which will set them up for life success.
Our Chapel programme helps each of us to better understand ourselves and each other. We have focussed on gratitude this term and there is no better way to do this than to give service. We are engaged with the local community on many levels and I am proud of the Service ethos evident in our School.
Today we have seen our Grade 12 students complete the Walkathon. Wow! It has pushed them out of their comfort zone, tested their resilience and is a wonderful celebration of esprit de corp. However, it is not the test of character that it is remembered for. It is the purpose of being able to take an action that makes a difference to support individuals and their families who are facing significant challenges in their life. We are all so proud of their efforts and of this 60-year tradition that embodies our School values and commitment to service.
In my spare time, I have met with many members of the Launceston Grammar family and broader Launceston community members. I have attended several alumni events and each has been an opportunity to better understand the incredible DNA of this great School. The Fun Food Fest was a highlight and we enjoyed several functions put on by our Parent Grade Representatives. There are more community celebrations to come!
Jane and I have been made to feel most welcomed and each day is proof to us that coming to Launceston Grammar was a great choice. Thank you for your support and engagement with us and the Launceston Grammar programme. I look forward to the journey to come with great enthusiasm and purpose.
At Launceston Grammar, our vision is a simple one. A graduate of Launceston Grammar does not have to be running a multimillion-dollar business to be deemed successful. Their success will be in
- who they are and what they stand for
- the type of partner they are
- the type of parent they are
- the type of friend they are
- how they serve others without demands but with grace and compassion, and
- how they have made the world a better place because they have walked in it with purpose.
I hope this resonates with you and your hopes for your children.
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish each of you a relaxing and holy Easter where we reflect on sacrifice and new beginnings. I look forward to seeing everyone back at School on Wednesday 26th April.
Dale Bennett
Principal