Hobart College eNewsletter

Principal's Message

Welcoming our 1404 students to the start of the school year is a complete joy as well as a relief, given that the weeks of preparation in the lead up to the first day for learners are always filled with a huge volume of work to complete but also a nervous anticipation and excitement. When we saw all those smiling young faces catching up with friends, scanning class lists, woofing down a sausage, listening to the welcome assemblies, and rushing between orientation classes it was truly re-energising. I warmly welcome all of you: families, every staff member, local community members, inter-agency groups, Department for Education, Children and Young People personnel, our local schools, friends, and visitors to the college, in this work of supporting continual growth in the learning and wellbeing of our students.

Our main goal at Hobart College is for all students to complete the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or Tasmanian Certificate for Educational Achievement (TCEA), and for us to prepare students for a successful transition to further studies or employment. We are also committed to providing students with a holistic education that enables them to be healthy, connected, and responsible members of the community. As well as a focus on careers and goal setting, the weekly Home Group Program provides opportunities for students to participate in enrichment activities and themed events like Clean Up Australia Day and Harmony Day.

Wellbeing for Learning and Effective Pedagogical Practices that ensure that all learners achieve to high levels, are our main school improvement priorities for this year. We will continue to ensure that our Student Leaders program provides students more opportunities to take on leadership roles and to have a greater voice in their learning and how the college operates. We will also continue to work with the Hartz Collective of associated schools (Taroona, Kingston, Woodbridge, Huonville, and Dover Schools) to ensure there are relevant and engaging pathways for all students in our southern region to continue their education and to achieve successful outcomes at the end of Year 12.

Hobart College students continued in 2023 to achieve exceptional results and were aptly celebrated at Hobart Town Hall in February at the TASC Awards and we also celebrated with you, our school community, at our Awards Evening on March 27, the awe-inspiring achievements of our learners academically and no less importantly in the fields of leadership, contributions to community, and performance. What I find so inspiring are the visions our young people have for the future, and how they see themselves as playing key roles in that future.

I would encourage you to stay connected with the college through our Parent Teacher Evenings (held in Terms 2 and 3) and engaging online with our Schoolzine app, Facebook page, Instagram and website. You may also consider joining the College Association. We meet both virtually and face-to-face 6 times over the course of the year. Please contact me on 6220 3133 or email hobart.college@decyp.tas.gov.au if you would like an invite to the College Association meetings, or if you have any concerns throughout this year.

Of critical importance to learning is engagement and attendance. Hobart College continues to hold attendance rates above other schools in our sector, but it is at the individual level that attendance matters most. We care deeply that every learner knows that they are important to us, that their sense of connection and belonging matters. It was wonderful to meet so many family members recently at our Parent Welcome BBQ and we look forward to many more opportunities throughout the year to partner with you as important fonts of knowledge about how our students are best supported to be known, safe, well and learning.

I really look forward to working with all of you over this year to ensure that we continue to uphold our traditions of excellence and diversity. Participation in College life is part of the fun, so we’re also looking forward to seeing each of you here, loving college life and enjoying learning.

Dr Libby Robinson

Principal

Important dates for the calendar

Monday 29 April	Start of Term 2
Tuesday 4 June (4pm)	Parent/Teacher Evening (Information on how to log in and register will be sent with reports the week prior)
Monday 10 June	King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Thursday 20 June	Student Study at Home Day
Friday 21 June – Friday 28 June	Mid-Year Assessment Period (MYAP)
Friday 5 July	End of Term 2

In the spotlight

Congratulations to the following students and staff on their recent academic, sporting and cultural achievements.

TASC Outstanding Achievement Awards

A big HoCo congratulations to the following students who were recognised for their 2023 achievements in academia and VET at the TASC Outstanding Achievement Awards Ceremony at Government House earlier this year:

👏 Jemima Baghurst
👏 Jack Bowerman
👏 Fernando Brito Cavalheiro
👏 Finlay Grant
👏 Noelle Harradine
👏 Felicity Jackson
👏 Chelsea March
👏 Ewan Michelin
👏 Toby Reynolds
👏 Django Richardson
👏 Jacob Chandler
👏 Harrison Fitze
👏 Jing Qi Hii
👏 Ethan Loring
👏 Jonty Savory
👏 Bianca Severini.

Tasmanian U/22 Trampoline State Individual Champion 2024 - State Trampolining Championships.

Rohan Wilcox

NSW Senior State Championships & TRP National Squad Camp
Finalists in the Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards - Sports Achievement

Jonas Shelverton

High Performance Scholarship at the Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS).

Grace Gregson

Public Speaking and Overall Winner leading to the finals for Lions Youth of the Year.

Zane Chamberlin

Selected for the Indoor Cricket State Team.

Zac Ford

Placed 8th (and was only .2 off 5th position) in U19 Downhill category of the GWM Mountain Bike National Championships.

Alexander Stopl

Selected to participated in the:

Australian Surf Life Saving Championships – Sunshine Coast, and
Water Polo Australia Countries Championships – Gold Coast.

Claire Clements, Fergus Page-Brown & Freya Boocock

Claire and Fergus won silver medals in their U18 Canoe Slalom races at Penrith’s Whitewater Stadium for the Canoe Slalom Australian Open. Claire and Fergus and Freya also placed 4th in their respective U18 Kayak finals.

Tasmanian State Athletic Championships

Jacob Gardner	1500 open 2nd 1500 u20 1st
Sam Brownlow	Long jump u20 1st (PB) 100m u20 2nd 200m u20 3rd
Nathan Hippel	pole vault open 1st
Max Perkin	100 open 3rd (PB) 200 open 1st (PB) 400 open 2nd
Oliver Vince	Discus u20 1st Shot u20 1st Javelin u20 1st (PB)
Never Hagan	Triple jump u/18 bronze
Isaac Bonsey	1500 open 3rd 1500 u/20 2nd
Billy French	High Jump U20 2nd Long Jump U20 3rd Triple Jump U20 2nd

Max Perkin

Bronze U20 200m (PB) at the Australian Athletics Championships in Adelaide.

Belinda Winkler

Exhibitor at the Bett Gallery Meleleuca #1 Exhibition - a collaborative project between ceramicist and sculptor Belinda Winkler and Kevin Perkins AM.

(Photos by Peter Whyte)

We had a wonderful night on the mountain on Wednesday 13 March, as we held our Welcome to HoCo Parent BBQ for over 190 students and their families. With kunyani as our backdrop, and music as our soundtrack performed by the amazing students from the music department, we all enjoyed a casual meet and greet. And did we mention the food? Wow! Platters-a-plenty prepared by the foods classes topped off a great evening.

On Wednesday 27 March, Hobart College held its annual Awards Evening, where we celebrated the academic, sporting, and cultural achievements of our 2023 student cohort. It was a fabulous night of celebration with over 220 individual achievements acknowledged.

Ella Smalley, Hobart College alumnus 2014, provided us with a wonderful occasional address, speaking fondly of her time at the college and related her story from her graduation to her current post-doctoral fellowship investigating how our genes can increase our risk of developing a condition called pulmonary fibrosis. An wonderful address to inspire us all.

Congratulations all students. Hobart College is very proud of all of your achievements.

Awards Evening Program

The Expedition Class recently embarked on two unforgettable surfing camps on Bruny Island from February 23 to 25 and March 1 to 3. Camping at Lunawanna, we surfed the sea-weedy waves at Cloudy Bay and hiked to Fluted Cape and Cape Queen Elizabeth. Despite facing wind, sun, rain, and clouds, our students progressed remarkably in their surfing skills. Fuelled by delicious camp stove creations, we forged unforgettable memories of camaraderie and adventure. Stay tuned for more thrilling tales from the Expedition Class!

Science Out and About

A number of our Science classes have been out and about in the early weeks of the Term 1. Anita’s Biology 2 class visited the wharf area to collect samples of plankton as part of their investigation of living things and the places which they inhabit. This class used their microscope skills to examine the plankton that was collected. Rosemary’s Biology 2 class spent some time at the Sustainability Learning Centre (SLC) where they investigated the living things with which we share our school property. Students also had fun interacting with the stick insects that live at the SLC.

The Environmental Science class has already had two excursions! They spent a morning investigating the environment at Blackman’s Bay Beach and then a whole day at the Marine Discovery Centre (MDC) at Woodbridge. They were able to get up close and personal with some of the wildlife at the MDC including sharks and rays in the big pond.

A Science Visitor

Bianca Deans, who is a Hobart College Alumnus (2008/2009), visited during Home Group time to share some of her career journey. She told students about what led her into a career in Agricultural Science and how her time at HoCo contributed to her chosen career pathway. Bianca also gave students some insights into some opportunities that are available to them to investigate career opportunities and described the diversity of careers in agriculture.

Science and Maths Tutorials

Need help in with Maths or Science subjects? Or help with writing in any subject? We've got you covered with the HoCo Tutorial program for 2024. Check the graphic for times and locations.

Learning Area News - Performing Arts

Hartz Summer School

From January 30 - February 2, Hobart College hosted the 4th annual Hartz Summer School Program at the Mt Nelson Theatre. 54 students from over 10 different schools met together and had a four-day intensive program culminating in a spectacular concert on Friday February 2. Young musicians had the opportunity to not only engage in the large ensembles but smaller sectional rehearsals with expert tutors.

This year, we were able to present opportunities to our talented alumni students to mentor others, and they really thrived in that leadership role! A shout out to our superhero teacher assistants Jarod Dance, who was the backbone behind many of the rehearsal logistics and tech, and Ben Nelan who led the filming and post production of the show.

A special thanks to Simon Cawthorn for facilitating this wonderful opportunity, and also preparing these students to thrive in their school band programs from the get go, and building the leadership and teaching capacity of our alumni students.

Congratulations again to all students involved in this program, your performance in the final concert was inspirational and a great showcase of your abilities after just 4 days of rehearsals.

Check out the live recording of the concert via the link below.

Hartz Summer School Concert

Performing Arts Concert Series

It was a week of fantastic performances as the HoCo Performing Arts showcased its thriving performing arts culture in the last week of Term 1. Students showcased their work over three major concerts starting on April 10 with the Performing Arts Launch matinee and evening performances. The launch featured items from pre-tertiary music students, work from media students as well as performances from the Hobart College House Band, Vocal Ensemble and a preview of our upcoming musical: Stranger Sings: a Musical Parody.

On April 11, Olinda Groove Records kicked off another great year for the record label with a spectacular theatre concert full of great music from our emerging contemporary performers and songwriters with the Olinda Groove Launch.

Performing Arts Launch Photo Gallery

Oh what a night!! With four hours of power at the Hobart Twilight Market, the Olinda Groove Showcase had the market goers grooving in their shoes and seats. A fantastic way to showcase our wonderful emerging contemporary musicians. And what better way to learn than in authentic environments like this!

Come along and support the Hobart College House Band before they head over to the national band competition Generations in Jazz the following week.

The Hobart College House Band is a collective of seriously talented emerging musicians, complete with a cooking rhythm section, slick horn section and engaging vocalists. Prepare to be entertained by their grand sound and their exciting set of jazz, funk and soul music.

Learning Area News - HASS

National Schools Constitutional Convention - Canberra

The 29th Annual National Schools Constitutional Convention was held March 18 - 21 in Canberra. Due to the excellence of their written submissions, Hobart College students Grace Gregson and Zephyr West were chosen to be two of only five students representing Tasmania, out of approximately 100 students from around the nation. They travelled to Canberra, and spent a challenging and inspiring few days considering many difficult legal and political issues facing Australia.

The central topic was the complicated and occasionally fraught relationship between the federal and state levels of government, particularly in relation to funding (and the expansive funding powers which the Federal Government has under Section 96 of the Constitution). At the beautiful and venerable Old Parliament House, Grace and Zephyr both listened to several prestigious keynote speakers, took part in working group discussions with other students, and shared their insights with the entire convention.

They also enjoyed:
- A visit to the Governor General's house, and personal meetings with the honourable David and Linda Hurley.
- A three-course meal at the National Press Club of Australia complete with special guest speaker Caitlin Figueiredo, 2024 ACT Young Australian of the Year (not pictured).
- A visit to the National Museum of Australia
- A visit to Parliament House, including meetings with such politicians as Barnaby Joyce, David Pocock, and Tasmania's own Tammy Tyrell.
- Question time - live!

All in all, a thrilling and formative experience in our own grandly beautiful capital city. Year 11 students should keep this in mind for next year - the 30th NSCC is sure to be just as brilliant!

VET Tourism - End of Term 1 Tour
On Thursday 11 of April, after a busy term completing theory work, saw the VET Tourism class being rewarded with a meet and greet with Josh and Brad at the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre in their visitor centre on Davey Street, Hobart. Josh is the assistant manager who hails from NSW, and Brad is visitor advisor who was a past Hobart College VET Certificate II in Tourism student in 2018. Both men explained the importance of having a passion for your job and strong ‘people skills’ as important traits to be successful when assisting tourists. Josh’s best ‘familiarisation tour was a Par Avion flight to Port Davey’.

From there, the class walked up to one of Hobart’s newest and best hotels, the Vibe Hotel on Argyle Street. Here the class met Jamie the CEO who started out working in hotels as a porter in Cairns. He gave us a comprehensive tour of this new site visiting two suites with fantastic city views, their function centre, which has a beautiful rooftop deck overlooking the harbour, their lap pool, gym, and the restaurant 'Belvedere’, named after the old dance hall which once stood on this site.

Learning Area News - Visual Art

Bunnies and Flowers Exhibition

Congratulations to everyone who entered the annual Bunnies and Flowers exhibition. Never before have such complex and daring interpretations of the theme graced the lofty halls of A block.

The winners of the popular vote were:
1st Thea Dobie
2nd Mia Van
3rd Isla Cameron

Sam Tran - Teachers Choice
Isaac Dumas - Mixed media
Olivia Yu - Digital Art

Contemporary Art Practice 3 - Exhibition visit – “Between Waves” at Plimsoll Gallery

The Contemporary Art Practice 3 class visited the “Between Waves” exhibition at the Plimsoll Gallery recently as part of their course where they analyse, interpret and evaluate art work. How lucky are we to have access to authentic learning environments and experiences like this.

Learning Area News - Languages/ISP

Ritsuimeikan Moriyama High School visit

Recently, we have played host to students from Ristuimeikan Moriyama High School which is about 40kms from Kyota in Japan. Students spent the week immersing themselves into HoCo life with the culmination being a weekend on Cradle Mountain. We so enjoyed having you all here at HoCo.

Home Group News - Harmony Day

Wednesday 10 April was a wonderful day on the mountain as we celebrated HoCo Harmony Day. It started with cheese toasties in the morning, a picnic with our HG peers, a "Lion Dance and Eye Dotting" ceremony presented by the Tasmanian Chinese Buddhist Academy including the Rituals of Dedication of merits, purification and praying for good fortune, a "Dragon Dance" performance by our international students and finishing with a "hand tree" banner. The message "you belong here" was felt far and wide thanks to the community engagement and participation from everyone at HoCo.

End-of-Year Exams Information

Exam Dates window: Students are reminded to clear their calendar and save the date/s for the 2024 written exam period which is from Monday 11 November to Thursday 21 November 2024.

Are exams compulsory? Students are expected to be ready to attend the scheduled exams for Level 3 and 4 courses as they are a necessary part of their assessment for that course.

What if I am away on a family holiday? If a student is planning to travel interstate or overseas at the time of the exams, Hobart College can assist them to request a special exam centre. However, they must apply before 1 July and students/parents/carers must be prepared to cover the cost associated with having a special exam centre. TASC will assess the request and their judgement will be final.

Can I get derived exam ratings if I miss an exam? Derived exam ratings are restricted to students experiencing unfortunate and unplanned circumstances, such as being sick, an emergency or other exceptional unexpected circumstances. Derived exam ratings are NOT given to students who are away on holidays or decide not to sit their exams.

What if I’m away for a sporting, academic or cultural event during the exam period? TASC has clarified the evidence that needs to be submitted when a student is unexpectedly selected to take part in a recognised National or International sporting, academic or cultural event that will occur at the same time as their exam. This includes that a National or International event is an event that is officially sanctioned and has a limited entry basis where a restricted number of young people represent the State of Tasmania, nation of Australia, or a specific cultural group. Students must submit an application for a special exam centre if their travel and/or recognised National or International sporting, academic or cultural event attendance is likely to overlap with the two-week written exam period, and the date of their selection for the event is before 1 July (the closing date for special exam centre applications).

If you want more information, please contact Yvette Jones, the Hobart College TASC Liaison Officer on Yvette.jones@decyp.tas.gov.au , or speak with Cam Lynch, Assistant Principal.

Reasonal Adjustment for External Written Assessments

What are reasonable adjustments?

The Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards & Certification (TASC) provides students undertaking Level 3 & 4 accredited courses, with reasonable adjustments to support equitable access & opportunities for success in completing their studies & assessment.

Students may be eligible for adjustments on the following grounds:

diagnosed condition, impairment, or disability as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992
humanitarian entrant (refugee) status
personal circumstances or misadventure

https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/TASC-Reasonable-Adjustments-Fact-Sheet.pdf

There are many usual adjustments granted by TASC & dependent upon eligibility, however, exceptional adjustments can be approved for students with additional requirements.

Each application is considered by a panel comprising Department for Education, Children & Young People (DECYP), & private practice, psychologists, a DECYP Disability Services representative, University of Tasmania disability advocate, an Anti-Discrimination Commission representative, & a TASC officer.

It is expected that students can demonstrate, with the support of reasonable adjustment(s), the required knowledge, skills & standards of their Level 3 & 4 course(s) during the external assessment.

https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/TASC-Reasonable-Adjustments-Policy.v3-Mar-22.pdf

How can students apply for reasonable adjustment(s)?

New applicants

Students with a current learning plan – Yvette Jones, Hobart College’s TASC Liaison Officer, will complete the application in consultation with the student & main contact parent/guardian. This process will begin early in Term 2.

Students with a medical diagnosis please:

Collect an application form from Hobart College’s Student Services.
Complete the form’s Section A: Student Information, including email, & student &/or main contact parent/guardian signatures. (Yvette can fill in TASC ID if unknown).
Arrange for their medical practitioner* to complete Section B: Eligibility (Part 2 only). The practitioner must also provide detailed medical evidence in support of the application & requested adjustments. This documentation can be attached to the application or emailed to Yvette or Jenni Bailey, School Psychologist. (A letter or medical certificate by the medical practitioner is not accepted by TASC).
Return form to the Hobart College, Main Office, for principal endorsement & sending to TASC (do not send directly to TASC).

* It is preferable that a student’s medical practitioner completes Section B, however, if a student has, or can obtain, detailed evidence of their current medical diagnosis, the student can follow the procedure for a school-based assessment (below).

Students undertaking a school-based assessmentg., assessment for speed and legibility of handwriting under test conditions (Term 2), undiagnosed anxiety, please:

Complete a Student Services Counselling Request via the Student Intranet.
If the application relates to a previous but ongoing, or current medical diagnosis, it is very important to bring evidence & documentation of the original diagnosis to the arranged appointment.
Students will receive a SMS from our school psychologists regarding an appointment time.

Students with refugee status please:

Contact Yvette via email: yvette.jones@decyp.tas.gov.au
Evidence of time since arrival e.g., copy of student visa, ImmiCard, must be provided with the application.

All evidence supporting a medical diagnosis including with a student’s application will be treated with confidentiality.

Students with previous approval for reasonable adjustments

Students who had reasonable adjustments in 2023 will be contacted by Yvette, confirming their ongoing approval for adjustment(s) or their need to re-apply. Students in the latter category will be supported with the re-application process; TASC have produced individualised forms which simply require a student declaration.

These students may still apply for additional adjustments or changes to their current adjustments during the year, by completing a simpler application with new supporting detailed medical evidence; this form is available from Yvette.

How can parent/guardians assist a student to apply for reasonable adjustments?

Parent/guardians are invited to contact Yvette and Jenni if they have any queries or concerns with the application process. They are also encouraged to talk to their young person’s teachers.

Due date for applications

Applications close on Friday, 5 July (end of Term 2)

(Applications due to personal circumstances/misadventure open on Monday, 22 July and close on Friday 27 September (end of Term 3))

How will a student receive notification of their approval for reasonable adjustment(s)?

TASC will send correspondence to a student’s nominated email address once their application has been considered by the panel. Yvette will be included in this email.

The school cover letter attached to the application form at Student Services includes indication of a student’s consent for Yvette to also send TASC’s correspondence to a student’s main contact.

Will reasonable adjustments be applied for internal assessments?

Reasonable adjustments will be applied during the school’s mid-year assessment period, Friday 21 to Friday 28 June.

Information regarding each student’s adjustment(s) is communicated to their teachers upon application (each month). Students are encouraged to speak to their teachers regarding school-based internal assessments.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or concerns with the application process.

Yvette Jones Jenni Bailey

TASC Liaison Officer School Psychologist

yvette.jones@decyp.tas.gov.au jenni.bailey@decyp.tas.gov.au

Academic Integrity Guide for Students

TASC's Academic Integrity Guide for Students is a student-focused document that provides advice about how to follow TASC's Academic Integrity Policy.

The Guide directs students to the Academic Integrity section of TASC’s website where frequently asked questions are answered and outlines:

what academic integrity is
the different forms of academic dishonesty (e.g. copying, collusion, contract cheating, inappropriate referencing/paraphrasing, plagiarism and recycling)
the possible consequences of academic dishonesty
why the student declaration form is important.

It also provides a link to another resource for students: Types of Academic Dishonesty: A (Cartoon) Guide for Students. This illustrates how students can avoid academic dishonesty.

Please take the time to carefully read through these guides to ensure you are familiar with the requirements.

Any questions? Please speak with your Home Group teacher.

Student Support

It’s the end of Term 1 and we’re all looking forward to the April break. However, holidays can also be a challenging time for our students who might need the routine of school and regular social contact with their friends. Please be reminded to take extra good care of yourselves and your wellbeing over the holidays. See some tips from Headspace here: How To Stay Healthy Over The Holidays | headspace

If you need support, find help here:

eheadspace – 1800 650 890

Tasmanian Lifeline 1800 98 44 34

School Notices

Vaping_Letter.pdf

UCAT 2024 Registration is Now Open

Candidates taking the UCAT ANZ in 2024 for entry to universities in Australia and New Zealand in 2025 should note the following key dates.

UCAT ANZ 2024 Key Dates

Concession Scheme opens	1-Feb-2024
Access Arrangements open	1-Feb-2024
UCAT BOOKING OPENED via ucat.edu.au	5-Mar-2024
Concession application deadline	10-May-2024
Access Arrangements application deadline	17-May-2024
BOOKING DEADLINE	17-May-2024
Late UCAT booking deadline	31-May-2024
Late Access Arrangements application deadline	31-May-2024
FINAL late booking deadline	5-Jun-2024
Cancellation deadline	10-Jun-2024
Testing begins	1-Jul-2024
Last testing date	9-Aug-2024
Results delivered to universities	By early September 2024

PLEASE NOTE: UCAT registration is only via the UCAT ANZ website - ucat.edu.au

Universities and the UCAT Requirements

UCAT Format

Attention: Year 9 - 12 Students, Parents and Career Advisers

UCAT & Pathways into Medicine Information Session

Free Webinar

3 April 2024 at 7.00pm (AEDT)

The National Institute of Education ( UCAT NIE) is proud to present the free information seminar all about UCAT and the undergraduate pathways into medicine and dentistry.

This forum is an excellent opportunity for teachers, students, and parents to find out about the UCAT and to have their questions answered by an expert who has been working in the field since 1999.
The session is PACKED with loads of valuable information during which we will be covering the following topics and more.

What is UCAT? UCAT scores? UCAT Sub-tests?
The Undergraduate Selection Criteria
Application process into universities for medicine and dentistry
When and who can sit the UCAT
UCAT vs GAMSAT - How is UCAT different?
Can you prepare for the UCAT?
Undergraduate medical school interview explained and medical school interview preparation advice
Gap Year
Alternative degrees and career choices
Q & A

REGISTER

HOME STAY

Embrace your next adventure without leaving home.

Year 9 – 12 students from around the world attend Tasmanian Government Schools, and you can support their once-in-a-lifetime journey to study and explore Tasmania beyond the classroom.

Give it a go and start hosting now.

Register your interest here

study.tas.gov.au/homestay

+ 61 3 6165 5727