By Callum Ludwig
Launching Place Primary School welcomed their new prep students to school on Monday 3 February.
On their first day, the Preps spent valuable time with their classroom teacher and peers making connections, getting to know the school grounds and spending recess outside with their new classmates and Year 5 buddies, as well as completing the first aid course, making sure that they know how to stay safe at home and school and what to do in an emergency.
Launching Place Primary School Principal Laura Caddy said she firmly believes that making a good start to the school year is crucial for all students, their families, and staff.
“A strong beginning sets the tone for the entire academic year, laying the foundation for a successful and productive learning environment. For students, a good start to the school year helps to establish a sense of routine, structure, and familiarity. It allows them to settle into their new classes, meet their teachers, and get to know their peers. A positive start also helps to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of belonging, which is essential for academic success,” she said.
“For families, a good start to the school year provides an opportunity to establish open communication with teachers, administrators, and other parents. It helps to build trust, sets clear expectations, and ensures that everyone is working together to support the student’s learning journey,”
“For staff, a good start to the school year is essential for building a cohesive and collaborative team. It allows teachers to establish their classroom routines, develop relationships with their students, and plan engaging lessons. A positive start also helps to boost staff morale, motivation, and job satisfaction, which is critical for providing high-quality education.”
Launching Place Primary School students and families can look forward to the annual welcome back barbeque in the first couple of weeks and the school’s ‘Get to Know You’ parent-teacher interviews.
Ms Caddy said a good start to the school year can have a lasting impact on the entire school community.
“It can lead to improved academic performance, increased student engagement, and better attendance. It can also foster a sense of community, promote social-emotional learning, and create a positive school culture,” she said.
“As we welcome our new Preps and returning students to the first week of school, we have an exciting and engaging program in place to ensure a smooth transition and a strong foundation for the year ahead.”