2021 Launceston Christian School
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2021
CONTENTS
Vision Statement, Core Values and Motto ............................................................................................................. 4
Christian Education ................................................................................................................................................. 5
Educational Creed and LCS Educational Purpose Statement: ................................................................................ 6
Christian Education National……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6
Campus Map ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Launceston Christian School Structure ................................................................................................................... 9
LCS Board (as per June 2020)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10
Leadership Team and Coordinators ..................................................................................................................... 10
Times of Lessons ................................................................................................................................................... 11
Term Dates ........................................................................................................................................................... 11
Visitor Information ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Parking .................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Buses ..................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Absentee/Attendance .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Canteen ................................................................................................................................................................ 13
First Aid & Medication .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Students with Ongoing Medical Problems ........................................................................................................... 14
Change of Address/Phone Numbers .................................................................................................................... 14
Communication .................................................................................................................................................... 14
Connect with LCS .................................................................................................................................................. 14
School Newsletter – The Herald ........................................................................................................................... 16
School Website, Facebook & Privacy .................................................................................................................... 16
Prayer ................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Personal Property ................................................................................................................................................. 17
Damage & Vandalism………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………17
Page 2
School Banking...................................................................................................................................................... 17
School Photos ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
Parents in Community …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….18
School Fair……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….18
School Sport .......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Student Accident Insurance .................................................................................................................................. 19
Student Representative Council ........................................................................................................................... 19
Library ................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Student Wellbeing Unit ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Assessment & Reporting………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….22
Junior School…………………....................................................................................................................... 22
Middle & Senior School……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..23
Celebration Night and Graduation Awards .......................................................................................................... 23
Music Tutoring ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
Fees ....................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Uniform................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Mobile Phone Policy ............................................................................................................................................. 26
Parental Involvement ........................................................................................................................................... 26
New Parent Induction Course………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….28
Playgroup .............................................................................................................................................................. 28
Kindergarten ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
Bible Reading Program ......................................................................................................................................... 29
Staff Professional Learning Days........................................................................................................................... 30
School Policies and Guidelines ............................................................................................................................. 31
Homework Policy .................................................................................................................................................. 31
ICT Usage Policy (Year 7 - 12)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..34
Page 3
VISION STATEMENT, CORE VALUES AND MOTTO
Vision Statement
• To glorify and honour God through Christ-centred education
Our Core Values
• To live in obedience to God
• To act with humility, integrity and fairness
• To work with creativity and diligence
• To encourage participation and teamwork
• To be trustworthy and accountable to one another
School Motto
• In Christ wisdom and knowledge
Page 4
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Good education is about developing the discernment to make worthwhile and
discriminating choices in life. LCS was established by parents who wanted to provide their
children with a framework for making choices that was built upon a personal commitment
to Christ and around the fundamental Christian principles and values - compassion and
mercy, critical discernment, a concern for integrity and justice, the courage to pursue what
is good and to resist what is harmful, a care and appreciation for God's world, and a
commitment to a life of service for the betterment of the community and the world.
This is the framework of thinking that the school wants to develop as it prepares students
for a technologically sophisticated but value-uncertain 21st century. From a Biblically-
directed foundation which pictures the whole of life as being a response to God's love in
Christ, LCS attempts to provide students with the intellectual, practical, moral and spiritual
tools necessary to contribute enthusiastically and positively to the building of a more just,
compassionate and peace-loving world.
LCS is a Christian community. The school sees itself as an extension of the Christian home,
and the Christian church; a school that is in harmony with the values and attitudes that
parents would want to encourage in their children. To that end, all teachers in the school
must be practising, committed Christians. The enrolment profile of LCS is carefully
considered, ensuring that the large majority of families actively engage and identify as
Christian, not in a contrived or 'forced' manner, but as an expression of a Christian
community which sees all of life as a gift from God to be explored and enjoyed. The Bible is
taken as the infallible source of truth. It also becomes the guide for all of life.
The school aims to prepare students for the world. The educational environment is open
and inquisitive in its approach. Students come from a wide variety of Christian homes and
from different social and ethnic backgrounds. Nearly all students completing Year 12 at LCS
move on to university or some other tertiary institution and the experience of our graduates
is that they are well prepared for their future places in society.
LCS has a warm, supportive, informal culture in which strong relationships are built among
students, and among staff and students. It does not exhibit, therefore, the more extreme or
rugged behaviours that are sometimes found in school settings. Students at LCS have the
opportunity to develop and mature in a nurturing and generally happy community.
The Biblical principles and theological understandings upon which the school stands might
be described as representing the 'reformed, evangelical’ approach. The school has a broad
theological appeal to a wide variety of Christian families.
Page 5
The school is governed by a parent-control system. In practice, 'parent-control' means that
the governance such as broad direction, policy setting, financial control and future planning
of LCS rest with a Board of Directors elected by the Association of the school. The school is
not controlled by any particular church or denomination but by the Board of the Parent
Association of the day, acting in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of the
Association (Constitution) which were drawn up when the school was established. Parent
involvement in the school is strongly encouraged and many parents actively contribute their
time and expertise to a variety of different activities which enhance the life of the school.
Membership of the school’s Association is maintained on the acceptance that the school will
remain based on the Reformed Confessions - the Three Forms of Unity (Heidelberg
Catechism, Canons of Dordt, Belgic Confession) and the Westminster Confession of Faith.
The school focuses its attention upon those fundamental Christian foundations (primary
doctrine) upon which we, as a community, all agree. Those theological issues (sometimes
called secondary doctrine) upon which we disagree are discussed in the school only by way
of explaining and understanding the attitudes of different Christians. On the rare occasion
when it is thought that an issue could cause significant division, we exclude it from the
school’s teaching arena and require students to consult their parents or pastor on the
matter.
EDUCATIONAL CREED AND LCS EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE STATEMENT
Please see the school’s website for a downloadable version of these documents. It can be
found under the Our School tab of our website under School Policies:
https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/school-policies
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NATIONAL
Launceston Christian School affiliates to a national network of Christian schools called
Christian Education National (CEN). CEN is an Australia-wide group of 53-member
associations that together govern over 80 schools of approximately 23,000 students and
2,000 teaching staff.
Page 6
CEN reaches out to communities of all varieties and shapes: Christian Education National
members include remote rural schools, large metropolitan schools, multi campus schools
and incorporated school systems
Founded in 1966 as the National Union, and later called Christian Parent Controlled Schools,
CEN has constantly expanded and welcomed new members, and now consists of schools
and associations from every state and territory in the country.
Our transformation to Christian Education National in 2008 reflects our commitment to our
previous aims and values, but also our desire and commitment to stay up-to-date with the
latest developments in education and training.
CEN is a not for profit public company limited by guarantee and is a registered charitable
institution with the ATO.
CEN is structured around a national board with state councils to determine local priorities.
The national board maintains subcommittees which at times include business and finance,
membership, reviews and reconciliation.
CEN promotes a partnership between home, church and school to provide a Christian
worldview where the love, power and authority of God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) inform
all practice and community life in member schools. More information can be found on their
website: https://www.cen.edu.au/
Page 7
CAMPUS MAP
CONTACT DETAILS
Phone: 63272854
Web: www.lcs.tas.edu.au
E-mail: office@lcs.tas.edu.au
Page 8
LAUNCESTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL STRUCTURE
Page 9
LCS BOARD (as per June 2020)
Executive Chair Mr Andrew Goelst
Vice-Chair Mr Mike Lichtendonk
Secretary Mrs Anita Vos
Treasurer Mr Gerry Geskus
EX-OFFICIO Mr Adrian Bosker (Principal)
Directors
Mrs Teenette van Dyk
Mr Peter Morgan
Mr Sam Loef
Mr John Dykman
Mr Chris Worthington
Mrs Margaret Dingemanse
SENIOR STAFF
Leadership Team
Principal Mr Adrian Bosker
Director of Studies Mr Robert Morgan
Head of Junior School (K-6) Mrs Irene Niebuur
Head of Middle School (7-9) Mr Rohan Kew
Head of Senior School (10-12) to be advised
Business Manager Mr Graeme Smith
COORDINATORS
ESU (Educational Support Unit) Mrs Natalie Polis
Curriculum Support Miss Lisa Carins
Assistant Head of Junior School (K – 2) Miss Sacha Marshall
Assistant Head of Junior School (3 – 6) Mr Terry Lake
Assistant Head of Middle School Mrs Bonnie Armstrong
Assistant Head of Senior School Mr Nathan Hill
Registrar, Community, Events & Marketing Coordinator Mrs Tanya Socorro
ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Mr Brad Robinson
HR & Compliance Coordinator Mrs Liz Winter
Property Coordinator Mr John van Donselaar
Executive Assistant Mrs Katrina Barracu
Page 10TIMES OF LESSONS:
School commences at 8:56am and concludes at 3:15pm.
(Classrooms are not open or teachers available to supervise students until 8:30am)
Class Teacher ............ 8:56 - 9:04
Period 1 ..................... 9:04 - 9:43
Period 2 ..................... 9:43 - 10:22
Period 3 ..................... 10:22 - 11:00
Recess........................ 11:00 - 11:20
Period 4 ..................... 11:20 - 11:59
Period 5 ..................... 11:59 - 12:38
Period 6 ..................... 11:38 - 1:16
Lunch ......................... 1:16 – 1:58
Period 7 ..................... 1:58 - 2:37
Period 8 ..................... 2:37 - 3:15
The Middle School and Senior School (and Junior School to a lesser extend) operate on a
fortnightly timetable called Week A and B which are indicated on the school calendar on the
website.
TERM DATES
All relevant dates and a downloadable school calendar are on the school’s website:
https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/
VISITORS
The safety of our students and School is paramount. It is compulsory that all parent helpers
and visitors to our school sign in at the Office when on school grounds between 9:00am &
3:00pm. Parent helpers and visitors MUST wear and visibly display a ‘Visitor’s Badge’.
Please note that ALL Parent helpers must hold a current Working with Vulnerable People
Card. For more information, please see your class teacher or our office.
Page 11PARKING
For safety reasons, the turning circle and guest car park at the front of the
school cannot be used for any dropping off or picking up of students before
school and after school. Please use West Tamar Highway, Riverbank Christian
Church car park or Windsor Park for this. It is a privilege to use Windsor Park
and the following needs to be observed:
• STRICTLY NO PARKING in the
“No Parking” zone.
• STRICTLY NO PARKING in the
“Pick-up and Drop-off” zone.
• If Parents need to park and
accompany their child(ren) to
class, they should park in the
DESIGNATED Parking areas.
• All traffic through the Windsor
Park Precinct must honour the
speed limit of 10km/h.
• It is important to remember that
Windsor Park itself is a pick-up
and drop-off zone. If you are
going to be at school for longer
than 30 minutes, please use the
LCS Car Park.
• Please note that the back gate
from Windsor Park into the
Junior School is locked daily
from 9.30am to 2:45pm.
BUSES
Buses are provided for students who live in the following areas and the school office can
provide parents with contact numbers:
• Longford, Perth – Tassie Link
• Hadspen, Westbury, Deloraine - Tasmanian Redline Coaches
• Launceston City – Metro
• North Riverside – Metro
• West Tamar Area (inc Legana & Grindelwald) – Manions
• Ravenswood, Newstead, Launceston, Newnham, Mowbray, Invermay – Saintys
• Ecclestone Road (western and) through Rosevale & Bridgenorth – McDermotts Coaches
• Gravelly Beach, Deviot, Exeter – Scott’s Bus Service
Page 12ABSENCES / ATTENDANCE
Parents are asked where possible to telephone the school or email the office in advance
when a student will be absent. If you subscribe to the mobile app, The Hub, you can also
lodge an electronic absentee form which will reach the office immediately. The school
telephone number is (03) 6327 2854 and email is office@lcs.tas.edu.au
Written permission is required to leave the school grounds during school hours (except Year
11 & 12). All students must use the sign out folder at the student counter in the main office.
When students return to school, they should report to the student counter in the main
office and sign in. Students who sign in ‘late’ must have a note of explanation from home.
If families intend to be absent from school due to extended holidays, parents need to fill
out an Application for Extended Leave for Travel form, found on our website in the School
Policy section under Our School: https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/school-policies
CANTEEN
We currently do not operate a canteen. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE A NUT AWARE
SCHOOL. Please refer to our Allergy Awareness Policy on our website for more information.
FIRST AID
The school has a well-equipped First Aid Room, managed by our First Aid Officers, where
students who become ill or are injured at school can be attended to. Students may remain
in the First Aid Room for a short time to rest or recover but if they are too ill to attend class
the First Aid Officer will contact a parent or emergency contact to arrange for them to be
collected and taken home. If a student attends the First Aid Room for a moderate or minor
injury that does not need immediate contact to parents, a blue ‘medical card’ will be sent
home to parents outlining the details of the injury and medical action taken.
MEDICATION
Should your student need to take prescribed medication at school please inform the school
office. Prescription medication must be administered at the school office and students are
not permitted to carry medication at school. All medication, both prescription and over the
counter medication, needs to be in original packaging and labelled with clear dosage
instructions (prescription medication needs dosage instructions from a registered medical
practitioner). Medical forms are sent home at the beginning of each school year and parents
are able to indicate whether they give permission for paracetamol to be administered if
required.
Page 13STUDENTS WITH ONGOING MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Parents are required to inform the school office if their child has an ongoing medical
condition and supply medial plans where necessary for staff. i.e. Peanut Allergies, Diabetes,
Epilepsy. All students who suffer from Anaphylaxis and/or Asthma need to supply an Action
Plan from their doctor to the office.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBERS
Current details of all students including names, addresses, emergency contact info, medical
conditions and parent contact details are kept on file. Important: Parents are required to
advise the School Office if any student details change asap.
COMMUNICATION
We encourage you to contact your teacher at any time and the best way to communicate
with teachers is by email. When email is used, it is suggested that a ‘cc’ be included to the
relevant Head of School. Email addresses for your child/ren’s teachers can be found on The
Hub.
CONNECT WITH LCS
Good communication is a priority at our school so there are various ways to CONNECT with
us:
• Facebook (like and share us on Facebook)
• The Herald – our school newsletter. This is emailed to all parents and available from
our website and The Hub mobile app.
• The Hub – an online management and reporting system that is accessible to all
current parents and students from our website homepage.
• LCS Community Business Directory – join B2Me via their website to be involved
https://b2me.com.au/ Our school business page is accessed via our website via the
connect tab and we encourage you join: https://b2me.com.au/members/launceston-
christian-school
• Website https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/
Page 14• The LCS Hub App (a downloadable app for all mobile devices) – can be used for
excursion permission, absentee notification and links to our school newsletter, The
Herald. Please read below for information on how to download.
LCS is now paperless. All notices, excursions and other information for parents is now sent
out electronically via a program called EdSmart. Permission forms are sent via parent’s
emails and can be found on The Hub under the tab Slips & Forms. Broadcasts, which are
just information based only, are sent only to email addresses and cannot be accessed
through The Hub.
Page 15SCHOOL NEWSLETTER – THE HERALD
Our school’s newsletter, The Herald, is published electronically fortnightly. The Herald is
emailed to all current parents and can be downloaded using the The LCS Hub app or from
our website https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/. The aim of The Herald is to keep our community
informed and we encourage parents to ensure they receive it and read it thoroughly. Each
Herald usually contains:
• a devotional/pastoral column from the Principal (or any other Leadership Team
member);
• news, announcements and an up to date calendar;
• programs and rosters for cultural and sporting events;
• general information relating to the community.
SCHOOL WEBSITE, FACEBOOK & PRIVACY
https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/
The school’s website & Facebook as an important and effective tool for community building,
communication and sharing of information. This is maintained and edited by the school and
the school uses a high level of discernment when sharing about events, excursions or news.
The school takes a careful approach to the publication of content. As a school we assume a
high level of consent from parents unless permission is not given for photos on the signed
Offer of Enrolment Form. If parents do not want for instance their children to possibly
appear on the school’s web site (mostly via the Herald), they may register their wish by
email or written notice to our office. A Parent Photo Exclusion From can be found on our
website under the Our School tab in School Policies https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/school-policies
PRAYER
Prayer is a vital part of any Christian school community. Through the Herald and the
website, the community will be made aware of any prayer needs. The school values the
partnership with families and encourages families to uphold this covenant by regular prayer
at home.
Page 16PERSONAL PROPERTY
The school accepts no responsibility for any personal item of student property that is
brought to school and subsequently lost, broken or damaged. Lost property: It is
recommended that all pieces of uniform and private property (including school
books/folders) are clearly NAMED. Jackets and jumpers are easily lost and if items are
named it makes it easier to return to the owner. All lost property is kept in the school office.
At the end of each term a notice will be placed in the school’s newsletter (Herald) indicating
that any unclaimed lost property will be donated to either the school uniform shop or a
local charity by the beginning of the next term.
DAMAGE AND VANDALISM
If students are involved in breaking a window or other school equipment, the cost of
damage resulting from any deliberate vandalism will be paid for in full by the student and/or
family. An invoice will be issued. The cost of damage resulting from accidents that
happened because of an inappropriate action may incur a percentage of up to 50% of the
replacement or cost of repairs.
SCHOOL BANKING
Student banking is conducted through the Commonwealth Bank. If you would like your
child/children to participate and they don’t already have a Commonwealth Bank account
please contact the school office for an information pack.
Banking is done on a weekly basis and the school earns 5% of every individual deposit
banked. All funds raised are used to purchase resources for our Educational Support Unit.
SCHOOL PHOTOS
School Portraits are taken early each school year. Parents have the opportunity to order
individual and class photos of their child(ren). Family photos are also available. Details
advising parents of the date of ‘photo day’ and order information will be sent out prior to
this event.
Page 17PARENTS IN COMMUNITY (PIC)
Upon enrolment all parents are part of the LCS Parents in Community Association (PiC),
which meets once a month in the school staff room. The main purpose of PiC is to build
community and fundraise for projects not normally covered by the school budget. Their
fundraising efforts have been used to provide playground equipment for Kinder, Junior &
Middle School, seating, Junior readers and radio mics for our Performing Arts Centre and
shade sales around the school. Meeting times are advertised in the school Herald, Facebook
and on the school website and if you require any further information, please call our school
office or email PiC directly: LCS.PiC@lcs.tas.edu.au
SCHOOL FAIR (AGFEST & TWILIGHT FAIR)
Launceston Christian School maintains a presence at the annual agricultural show near
Carrick called Agfest. The Parents in Community Association (PiC) runs a stall for selling our
famous Oliebollen and Croquettes. Parent volunteers are needed to help at this stall and
support is recruited through The Herald. As part of our parent agreement, all parents are
required to serve at the school’s annual Twilight Fair. PiC usually organises the fair in
conjunction with teachers. Class teachers will involve their parents in their different stalls
and roster them on to help. Some classes don’t require all parents to help and parents are
asked to volunteer their support in any other area needed at the Fair. For more information
check out the Herald, The Hub or our website.
Page 18SCHOOL SPORTS
The school’s PE curriculum is based around promoting physical activity and encouraging life-
long participation in sport. The curriculum aims to cover a range of different sports and
games with a focus on skill acquisition and game practice. More information can be found
in our LCS Sporting Opportunities Booklet downloadable from our website:
https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/volumes/documents/Sporting-Opportunities-at-LCS.pdf
TEAMS
The school has three houses or teams. They are Barrow (Red), Tamar (Gold) and Melaleuca
(Green). Students are randomly or allocated by family name to these teams.
CARNIVALS
LCS holds 3 carnivals throughout the year and the Middle School and Senior School have a
separate carnival to the Junior school.
The school is also involved in interschool/afterschool sport and interschool carnivals.
• Swimming (Early in the year) • Athletics (End of the year)
• Cross-Country (Middle of the year) • NHSSA & NSATIS Carnivals
(Interschool)
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
For information please view the School Polices area of our website:
https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/school-policies
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC)
Students and staff elect a Student Representative Council each year for the following year.
An Executive of four senior students that include a President, Vice President, Treasurer and
Secretary leads the SRC. Students chosen for the SRC organise various events such as school
socials, lead assemblies, represent our school at functions and fundraise.
Updated information of the SRC and their activities are on the school’s website
https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/student-leadership-senior
Page 19LIBRARY
The Launceston Christian School Library provides services and resources to assist students
and staff in the learning and teaching process. Library staffing includes a Junior School
Library Teacher and two full time Library Technicians.
To assist students to become confident, competent and independent learners the LCS
Library provides and promotes resources and technologies which will meet their needs. To
ensure that teachers are supported in meeting teaching and learning outcomes the Library
collects, communicates and seeks to improve the availability of appropriate resources, tools
and technologies.
The Library aims to provide a broad selection of quality resources for both reading and
research which students are excited to use. New books are purchased regularly, and are
checked to ensure they adhere to the Launceston Christian School Selection Policy. Special
events are held in the library during the year associated with events such as Children’s Book
Week, anniversaries of important books and author visits.
The Library Staff are responsible for the teaching of information literacy in the context of
the total school curriculum, providing quality reading materials, and managing the school's
information resources and services. All Junior School students have a weekly library lesson
with the Junior School Library Teacher. Middle School and College students use the library
for class and personal research, study and leisure reading, and receive individual assistance
from Library staff as required.
The LCS Library is open every day, is used after school for Maths tutoring and meetings, and
is also open during lunch hours from Monday to Thursday. The Library provides a warm,
welcoming environment where students can learn, study, enjoy quality literature, and
develop their reading and research skills.
"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world
and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life.
Libraries change lives for the better." Sidney Sheldon
Page 20STUDENT WELLBEING UNIT
LCS has two skilled professionals who support students, families and staff at our school. Our
Pastoral Counsellor, Mrs Angela Curtis provides guidance, emotional and spiritual support to
all members of our school community.
Angela works in compliance with the Code of Conduct for Teachers at Launceston Christian
School and the Code of Conduct for School Chaplains under the National School Chaplaincy
Programme.
Teachers and parents, via the teacher, are able to refer students to the Pastoral Counsellor.
Older students may self refer. Parents may choose to access the Pastoral Counsellor
privately by personal contact.
Members of the school community commonly see the Pastoral Counsellor for conversations
about personal, professional and family matters, including; relationship issues, parenting
concerns, trauma, grief and bereavement, stress, anxiety, crisis response and assistance
with spiritual perspective and ethical issues.
Working alongside our Pastoral Counsellor is Mr Ben Lundie, our Student Welfare and
Support Worker. Ben works closely with students at school and has a strong focus on
student welfare, support and mentoring programs.
PASTORAL COUNSELLOR
Angela Curtis
Tuesday & Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 1 – 4pm
Phone at school: (03) 63272854
STUDENT WELFARE & SUPPORT WORKER
Ben Lundie
Monday, Thursday & Friday: 8.45am – 3.30pm
Phone at school: (03) 63272854
Page 21ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING
Reporting to parents is essential to the relationship between parents and teachers. It is
fundamental to a student’s progress through and beyond school.
As far as it is possible and appropriate, within a Christian school, statements of student
outcomes developed nationally and in Tasmania will be used to provide a uniform and
sound basis for reporting on individual student achievement. Where there are ‘outcomes’
in the achievement of ‘knowledge’, ‘skills’, ‘capabilities’ and ‘competencies’, which are
recognized as specific to a Christian school curriculum, these shall also be assessed and
reported on.
Communication with home, regarding both the teaching program and student progress and
achievement, is carried out in a number of ways.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
INFORMATION SESSIONS
These are held within the first two weeks of term 1. The sessions are an opportunity for
teachers to outline their programs for the year to interested parents. Information sessions
are also held as part of our orientation program for new students in December of each year
STUDENT PROFILES
These are folios of annotated samples of class-work which are compiled for each student
throughout the year. They are available for parent perusal at the end of term 2 and at the
end of the year.
PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS
These are held towards the end of second term. Parents collect and discuss their child’s
written term 2 reports at these interviews.
MID-YEAR AND END OF YEAR REPORTS
Summary reports are emailed home in July and December of each year.
SPECIAL PURPOSE COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
Apart from formal reports other modes of communication (including email) may be used to
communicate information about such things as a significant achievement or a concern
about progress.
Page 22MIDDLE SCHOOL AND SENIOR SCHOOL
PARENT INFORMATION SESSION
These are held in August for students in years 10 and 11 and in September for students in
years 8 and 9. At these sessions, the course of study in years 11 and 12 and 9 and 10
respectively, are outlined. The purpose of these sessions is to help students make informed
choices regarding subjects for the following year. Information sessions are also held in
December of each year for students in Year 6 entering Year 7.
PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS
These are held in May and July. Parents are invited to meet with subject teachers. Students
are encouraged to be present at these interviews.
CONTINUOUS REPORTING,
Students will receive ongoing assessment and feedback throughout the year, recorded on
The Hub, on all key assessment tasks, in each of their subjects. Parents are able to view this
feedback and their child’s progress throughout the year via The Hub.
MID-YEAR AND END OF YEAR SUMMARY REPORTS
Middle School Students will receive their midyear summary reports at the end of June.
Senior School Students will also receive a midyear summary report at the end of July. In
December, end of year summary reports will be sent home for Year 7 to 9 students and Year
10 students will receive end of semester 2 reports.
Year 11 and 12 students receive their end of year results under the auspices of the
Tasmanian Qualifications Authority.
CELEBRATION NIGHT AND GRADUATION ASSEMBLIES
The Launceston Christian School has various events that celebrate the end of each academic
year. For Middle & Senior School our Celebration Night is held at the Door of Hope in
December and formally celebrates the school community through music, art, and creative
visuals. This night includes written and verbal reports by the Chairman of the Board and the
Principal, Senior School Awards and concludes with the graduation of Year 12 students.
Besides Celebration Night there are three main End of Year Assemblies – two for Junior
School and one for Middle School. For Senior School, our Senior School Awards Night is held
early in the new year because of TASC results being published after school has closed for the
year. Generally, and in the interest of recognising and encouraging excellence, the following
awards are presented.
Page 23YEAR 11 AND 12 SUBJECT PRIZES
These are awarded to the student with the best results in each subject. Awarding a subject
prize is not automatic – An HA (High Achievement) award is a minimum requirement in all
subjects. In the case of pre-tertiary subjects, an HA with a TE score of 17 is the minimum
requirement.
YEAR 10 – 12 SPECIAL AWARDS
Nominations for these awards may be submitted by any teacher but particularly Year 10 –
12 teachers. Senior School teachers meet to discuss nominations received before
determining the final recipients.
CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL SPIRIT
Awarded to the student who we believe best exemplifies the Christian virtues of
consideration for others, humility, temperance, and honesty which we try to foster in our
students.
SCHOOL SERVICE
Awarded to the student who is always there showing initiative in doing what needs to be
done no matter how mundane it might be.
SCHOOL SPORT
For overall achievement in sport and sportsmanship - Nominated by P.E. staff
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH AWARD
Awarded for contribution to the community
YEAR 7 - 10 AWARDS
Achievement Awards are awarded to students with the best overall results. This will usually
be done by identifying students with the highest number of ‘A’ awards across all subjects.
Highly Commended Awards are awarded to students in each Year who receive
Commendation nominations from more than two-thirds of their subject teachers. For the
purpose of this award, subject teachers will nominate students, in each of their classes, who
have demonstrated a high level of persistence, endeavour, and effort in meeting the
expectations of their subject. This will be done before the determination of awards for
Presentation Night.
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD
This is usually awarded to the student with the best results in Year 9. Year 9 is the graduate
year for Middle School.
Page 24OTHER AWARDS
Other awards such as Australian Defence Force awards for teamwork and leadership may
also be awarded dependent on sponsorship.
MUSIC TUTORING
The school provides a basic music programs to students. Parents may wish to enter private
music tuition with selected tutors. This is a private arrangement between the parent and
the music tutor but times and spaces are facilitated by the school’s music teacher(s). Further
information will be published through the Herald in the beginning of each year.
FEES
Our school fee is an all-inclusive fee and covers all schooling costs – tuition, text
books, writing supplies and all other costs including most excursions (camps, field trips etc.).
The only costs not included are transport to and from school, school uniform, tablets or
laptops, Year 11 & 12 subject textbooks and levies, some excursions in Year 11/12 Outdoor
Education private musical instrument lessons, extra curriculum events (eg Science
Challenge) and materials for major projects in senior practical classes (woodwork, etc).
School Fees are assessed on the basis of the number of children attending the school and
the Year level students are in. Families with more than one child enrolled at the school at
one time, pay substantially discounted fees for the subsequent children. School Fees are
payable in advance by choice of several methods. For more information refer to our
website: https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/fees-structure
FEE DEPOSIT
Each new family that enrols is required to pay a New Family Fee Deposit prior to their first
child starting school. Please note that new Kinder families have until Prep to pay this fee.
This amount is held by the school until the last child of the family commences the last term
of their last year at school. It will then be credited to the family fee account. For more
information, see our website: https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/fees-structure
Page 25UNIFORM
Please check the LCS website for the latest information regarding Uniform and the
Uniform Policy
https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/uniform
Use the “Out of Uniform” notice for communication of uniform issues with school
MOBILE PHONE POLICY
Under no circumstances should students have mobile phones in class!
Students are strongly discouraged from bringing mobile phones to school at all. As with any
other valuable items, if mobile phones must be brought to school, (because they are needed
before or after school), they can be left at the office for safekeeping.
Phone calls of an urgent nature can be made from the office with the permission of the
office staff. Students who use mobile phones in class will have their phone confiscated and
the teacher will leave it at the office for the remainder of school. If students offend
regularly, the Head of School will keep the phone and parents will have to collect the phone
from the Head of School themselves.
Phone calls of a non-urgent nature must be made out of school hours.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
PARENT PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
1. Through this Agreement, Launceston Christian School strives to create and maintain
strong and engaging partnerships with all its families.
2. A strong and engaging partnership is based on the biblical covenant principle of
being united in love. A healthy partnership therefore ensures accountability and
improves relationships. Parent involvement is a wonderful indication for children
that their parents are interested in them, and a positive parental attitude towards
schooling is crucial in the formation of positive learning attitudes in children.
3. Upon receiving an Offer of Enrolment, parents and guardians of students in
Launceston Christian School commit to supporting the school as best as they can in
the following ways and measures:
Page 26a. For all parents’ compulsory each year:
i. Attend and assist at the school’s annual Twilight Fair. Apologies must
be submitted in writing to the Principal and Chairman of the Parents
in Community Association (PiC) at least a week before the Fair.
ii. Attend at least one of the parent-teacher interviews for each child in
each school year.
iii. Attend at least one Parents in Community meeting per school year
b. Assist the school by providing voluntary support in at least two of the
following activities per year:
i. musical productions & performances
ii. sporting carnivals
iii. weekend sporting activities (for example. managing an LCS soccer or
netball team)
iv. parent help (through ESU Teachers and/or a class teachers)
v. working as an in-class student mentor
vi. staffing the LCS stall at Agfest
vii. occasional school working bees
viii. supervision at camps or excursions
ix. serving in the Uniform Shop
x. serving in the Canteen
xi. serving on the school Board and other sub-committees providing
practical support to the school within your area/s of expertise
4. All parents sign the Parent Partnership Agreement as part of the Offer of Enrolment.
The school (supported by PiC) will in general monitor parent involvement. The
Parents who consistently treat their partnership with disrespect or refuse to be
involved with their children’s education may as a last resort be re-interviewed. This
will be done in the first instance by the Principal and if this does not resolve the
matter, it will be referred to the Board.
5. The school is always in need of extra funds, materials, skills and good mentors. Much
of this, we believe, can be found within the LCS community and by giving generously
to the school, the quality of education improves and the whole community benefits.
As part of the Parent Partnership Agreement, parents are asked to make the school
aware of anything they can offer to the school or respond to calls for support in the
Herald.
Page 27NEW PARENT INDUCTION COURSE
All new parents are required to attend our New Parent Induction Course. This is an
opportunity to welcome you to the school community that you have chosen to partner with;
sharing our Mission, Faith and explaining the benefits of Christian schooling at LCS.
This course is led by our Principal, Mr Adrian Bosker and held once a term in our school
library on a Saturday morning from 9am – 1pm. Dates are advertised on The Hub, in The
Herald and on our website. In 2020 the dates for this course are:
Term 1 – Cancelled die to COVID- 9
Term 2 – Cancelled due to COVID-19
Term 3 - Saturday 12th & 19th September
Term 4 - Saturday 14th November
PLAYGROUP
All children under 5 years of age, who do not attend school, are welcome to attend
Playgroup with a parent or other caregiver. Parents and children are encouraged to spend
time working together during these sessions but it is also a great way to meet others
socially. Playgroup sessions run on Tuesday & Wednesday’s from the last week of Term 1
from 9:00-10:30am in the Kindergarten room. Children are asked to bring some morning tea
and a small donation to assist with costs. More information about our playgroup is available
on our website: https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/junior-school
KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten is a time for the first steps toward independence. Children learn and develop
through play; socially, physically and emotionally. Children start Kindergarten at the
beginning of the year in which they turn 5 years old. They attend school for three full days
each week and wear the school sports uniform. More information about Kinder is found in
our Welcome to Kinder booklet available from our Registrar.
Page 28BIBLE READING PROGRAM
The school broadly follows the Bible passages as listed by the Scripture Union UK website
(Wordlive) https://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/89157.id
To reap the benefits of such a reading program, the following should be kept in mind when
doing the program at home. Begin by praying. One very simple and good prayer to use is
Psalm 119:18
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”
Take some time to be quiet, to think about what you read yesterday, and to think again
about what you learnt from that reading.
Read the passage for the day. Think what the passage tells you. Some questions worth
asking yourself are: Does this passage tell a story? Or is it a prayer or a poem, or perhaps
part of a letter? What is it mainly about? Does it tell me something about what God is like?
Does it teach me something about human nature? Does it tell me something about how to
live God’s way?
Try to summarise what you have learned from the passage. Have I learned something about
how I should live? Have I learned something about what God promises? Have I learned
something that adds to my understanding of the Bible?
Does the passage show me something, in myself or in my life that I need particularly to pray
about? Does it show me an example I should follow, or perhaps offer a warning? Is there
something here that I don’t understand, that I need to think about more, or talk to someone
about, or perhaps even look for more information about?
Think again about yesterday’s reading or other parts of the Bible—how do the things you
have learned already fit with what you read today? Is there something that maybe you need
to discuss with someone else? Is there something that encourages you, or warns you, about
what you are likely to do today? Pray for strength and wisdom to keep following God’s path.
Praying about your Bible reading is really important - before, after and while you are reading
it, and as you think about it during the day. It’s also important to find yourself a regular time
and place to read the Bible; reading Scripture regularly and habitually will gradually deepen
your relationship with God.
Keeping a notebook of what you learn can be very helpful. Sometimes using a different
translation can help you understand a difficult passage or even give you a new insight into a
passage you already know well as you try to live your life closer and closer to God.
Page 29STAFF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAYS
Education, as with all other professions, is an area of change and development. This is an
expected outcome of the fact that God has placed us in this world at a time when there are
rapid and ongoing advances and changes in knowledge, understanding, and technology.
These advances in knowledge involve changes in understanding about the way students
learn and the way teachers should operate in the classroom. With ongoing change comes
the ongoing challenge of applying our Biblical Perspective in a world where there is always
something new.
At Launceston Christian School we acknowledge the fact that teachers need to be engaged
in ongoing Professional Learning. Under present arrangements, there are five ‘student free’
Professional Learning days during the school year. Teachers are also involved in ‘after
school’ Professional Learning sessions on a weekly basis as well as attendance at relevant
workshops and seminars which address individual professional learning needs.
SENIOR SECONDARY MODERATION MEETINGS/PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAYS
See the official School Calendar on the LCS website for the exact time of these days.
All teachers of senior secondary subjects must attend these meetings. They are conducted
under the oversight of the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards & Certification (TASC)
as part of the process which gives validation and recognition to the results awarded to our
Senior Secondary students. Junior School teachers and the few secondary teachers who are
not involved engage in internal Professional Learning Activities including activities involving
moderation of assessment standards throughout the school. Moderation procedures are
procedures by which teachers discuss and reach agreement regarding assessment
standards. They are a necessary part of our quality assurance processes as we work to
guarantee the delivery of educational outcomes for our students.
CEN (CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NATIONAL) STATE TEACHERS CONFERENCE
This Conference is conducted normally over the first two days of Term 3 which are student-
free days. It is an opportunity to address issues relating to furthering the cause of Christian
Education in our Schools. Our teachers join together with teachers from other schools to
hear relevant keynote speakers and devotions. They also engage in workshops which are
relevant to their particular teaching area.
MIDTERM BREAK LCS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY
This is an opportunity for the teaching staff at Launceston Christian school to work together
in addressing common needs in professional learning and curriculum development
Page 30SCHOOL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
All relevant LCS Policies can be found on the school’s website:
https://www.lcs.tas.edu.au/school-policies
HOMEWORK POLICY
As a Christian school, we strive to honour Jesus Christ in all that we do. The Bible tells us
that whatever we do we should work at it with all our heart (Colossians 3:23). Christ should
be our focus and we should seek to please him in our conduct. Students are encouraged to
conduct their studies with diligence and to work hard to achieve the best they can as God
has enabled them.
Rationale:
Research shows that homework is important in consolidating learning and developing
ongoing healthy study habits. Homework is generally considered to enhance student
learning and improve academic results. It can also build confidence to deal with frustrations
and overcome difficulties. Homework can also encourage students to recognise that
learning can take place outside of formal schooling.
The school recognises the many and varied commitments that students have outside of
school including family time, the need to rest, church, sport, and other recreational
commitments. What is needed is for staff, parents, and students to recognise the need for
balance. Homework should be considered a priority for students, but not to the detriment
of other reasonable commitments.
Amount of Homework:
It is expected that homework be completed on 4 nights per week, usually from Monday
until Thursday. If this is not possible there would generally be flexibility to allow the
equivalent amount of work to be done on another occasion, such as Friday night or over the
weekend (although this is not the preferred option).
The suggested amount per night is set out below:
Kinder No formal homework, reading as discussed by teacher
Prep – Year 2 Up to 10 mins
Year 3 Up to 15 mins
Year 4 Up to 20 mins
Year 5 Up to 30 mins
Year 6 Up to 40 mins
Year 7 Up to 1 hour
Year 8 Up to 1 hour 20 mins
Year 9 Up to 1 hour 40 mins
Year 10-12 as negotiated. (Pre-Tertiary - General guide: Homework/study time equivalent to
the amount of class time)
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