Term 2 has been a great time of learning and celebration for the Junior Campus community.
All the Junior Campus staff are to be congratulated for the successful result of our application to be an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) World School. Being a PYP school ensures we have a common framework and pedagogical approach enabling us to offer the best learning experiences for our students. Mrs Claire Calvert (PYP Coordinator) and all the staff are to be congratulated for collaborating to achieve this result.
Our Early Learning Centre educators have collaborated to reflect on the philosophy that underpins the daily practices of our staff, the learning experiences planned for the children in our care, the learning environment we curate and our relationships with families. All agreed on the image of the child as a competent and capable learner and that the rights and best interests of the child are central to all that we do. We will seek feedback from our children and families as we refine our philosophy. Already, learning environments have been refreshed and there is a plan to reinvigorate the outdoor spaces. The staff will also be revisiting the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) to ensure that our practices align with our philosophy.
Our Performing Art staff have prepared students to perform at evening events such as the Autumn Choral Concert, the 175th Birthday Church Service and Junior Campus Celebration Assembly and the concerts at the Junior Campus. The level of participation and enthusiasm is very impressive.
Our PE and Sport Teacher, Mr Christian Zantuck has ensured that the children engage in a challenging and engaging programme at school and beyond. Grade 3 to 6 students participated in our House Cross Country Carnival, the Winter Cross Country Series (Kindergarten to Grade 6), NIJSSA Cross Country Carnival and Tasmanian Cross Country Titles, with Harry Jackson winning the Grade 4 Boys event at the Northern meet and finishing Runner-Up in the 10-year-old Boys event at the State Championships. Harry was presented with his medal by our Headmaster, Mr Richard Ford at the recent End of Term Assembly. The Perceptual Moto Program (PMP) continues to be a highlight for our younger students.
While investigating units of inquiry, the Junior Campus students have enjoyed engaging with visiting experts, and having their learning extended through incursions and excursions. The regular visits to the Senior Campus have further enriched the science and technology learning of our students in Grade 3 and 4 and Grade 6 respectively. Our teachers continually seek ways to enrich the learning experiences of the children.
As the term draws to a close, I would like to acknowledge the loyal support of the leaders on the Junior Campus. Acting Deputy Head of Campus, Mr Christian Zantuck has been diligent with his attention to the daily organisation of the Campus. Christian always brings a welcome optimism to his role. PYP Coordinator Mrs Claire Calvert collaborates with all staff to ensure that the learning opportunities for the students are appropriately challenging, require the children to think and that we have a cohesive approach to teaching and learning across the school. Mrs Jess Kernan has been an asset to the Learning Enhancement team this term, leading the way with mapping our student data to ensure that we are providing the resources where they are needed.
Mrs Ann Green will be taking leave at the end of term. We took the opportunity to show our love and appreciation at our End of Term Assembly and at a staff function.
Many parents took the opportunity to attend the welcome events earlier in the term, which gave me a great opportunity to meet parents and friends. Since then, many have attended parent teacher interviews, shared expertise in class and attended sporting and musical events. Thank you to all for extending such a warm welcome. I do look forward to getting to know everyone better as the year progresses.
As the term draws to a close, I hope that you can all reflect with satisfaction on what has been achieved. Our community is committed and vibrant. Best wishes to all for a safe and relaxing break. We look forward to welcoming the children back to school on Wednesday 21 July.
Left Mr Christian Zantuck with the special cupcakes created as part of the 175th birthday celebrations. Middle Grade 3 student, Max Scott celebrating his birthday on the same day as the School’s 175th. Right Celebrating as a collective at the all-school service.
We asked Sakura about her card making business venture, how she started, and any challenges along the way.
Q. When did you begin your business?
I began in July 2020.
Q. What sparked your interest in art and painting?
I have always enjoyed drawing and painting ever since I was very little and in Grade 4 I entered the Queen Victoria Art Gallery’s student ArtStart competition. My artwork was selected to be exhibited in the gallery. When I was in Grade 5 I was invited to collaborate in the Calculating Infinity exhibition by Josh Foley. He inspired me to continue with my art journey and to keep working toward developing my skills.
Q. Who has encouraged you along the way?
The person who encouraged me first was my Grade 6 class teacher. Since then, some teachers in my old school, Invermay Primary have encouraged me by buying my cards, providing me with ideas, suggestions and feedback. My parents helped me organise the financial side and help me keep track of how many cards I am selling, how many I should make and what kind.
Q. When did you start thinking about turning your art into cards?
Last year, my Grade 6 class teacher’s mother passed away and she took three weeks off school. When she came back, I gave her a sympathy card I had made from one of my artworks. She was very impressed and asked me to make two cards a month for her and also suggested for me to sell them for $5 each. I have sold many cards for Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day and also prints of my artwork.
Q. How would you like to grow your business?
The organiser of ArtStart suggested I contact the QVMAG shop coordinator to ask if they would sell my cards. I will also ask other shops. Festivals are on my radar so that people outside of the School community can view my work. I would like to create a website where people can easily purchase my artwork and cards.
For more information simply click here.
We asked Rory about his business, how he came up with the idea and who has inspired him along the way.
Q. What is your product or enterprise?
I carve and paint traditionally made hunting and decorative duck decoys by hand using willow that I forage for along our stretch of the South Esk River at our farm. There are different decoys for each species. They were originally invented in America over 140 years ago in the 1880s. Since then, they have become important pieces of cultural nostalgia for a forgotten past time. Traditional hunting decoys have become very desirable in the eyes of hunters, collectors, and bird appreciators.
Q. When did you start and how did you come up with the idea?
Over the summer of 2021 I began to watch the wild ducks that frequently land on our river. I read a National Geographic article about a Maine (USA) carver that fascinated me; just how unique duck-carving woodwork is. The ducks are beautiful objects, and I began to take an interest and carve a few bodies and heads.
Q. Did any person or event inspire you?
A family friend and Launceston Grammar alumnus, Scott Routley took an interest in my first few decoys and has been giving me tips and encouraging me to carve local duck species that would be sought after.
Q. Who are your customers?
There are a wide variety of people who have an interest in them including investors, collectors, hunters, art appreciators and bird watchers. So far, my ducks have been more ornamental and I am working on developing a keel to weight the decoys and make them more stable in the water. It is all trial and error at this stage.
Q. Any advice for those thinking of starting their own business?
Conducting research is important and ask a lot of questions. Sometimes you have to be confident to engage in a conversation. If you are creating something and enjoying it, it will come through in your work and others will see and appreciate that – then the marketing takes care of itself!
For more information simply email RADouglas@lcgs.tas.edu.au
The Grammar Shop trading hours during the school holidays and for Term 3 are as follows. To contact the shop simply email LauncestonCGS@noone.com.au or call 03 6336 6062.
Rascal Robot Art Space upcoming classes include spin painting, a drawing challenge, making soap and shampoo, and sewing a heat pack. For more information click here
