Issu 3 - October 2024
- Principal's Message
- Important Dates for the Calendar
- In the Spotlight
- Learning Area News - Visual Art
- Learning Area News - Technology
- Learning Area News - Performing Arts
- Learning Area News - Languages/ISP
- Learning Area News - English
- Learning Area News - Science
- Learning Area News - HASS
- Learning Area News - HPOE
- Home Group/Futures News
- Student Services
- TASC Notices
- School Notices
- Community Noticeboard
Principal's Message
Term 3 is always a huge term at any school, and life at Hobart College for those 10 weeks goes into next gear with a huge focus on providing students with continuous information about the progress they are making in their learning but also with the kind of high-quality feedback that supports students to know what to do with the feedback. The development of skills and knowledge over Term 3 by every learner is always incredible to witness. But there’s also the fun stuff: culminating in the College Lap and Spring Breakfast, the college community feels so dynamic, and activities such as the College Musical, the College Ski-Trip, winter excursions in Outdoor Ed and Tourism for example, enable students to take their learning to the field, whilst Sustainability Week, Science Week, Maths Relay, and Music Showcases extend opportunities for students to express their fields of study.
Term 3 is focused heavily on the topic of transition and decision making. In Home Group, staff have been working with Year 11 students to plan their subject choices for 2025. Year 12 students are focused on ‘what next’ for their time when they leave Hobart College. There have been so many events and achievements over the past few months, with many of them featured in this edition of the Newsletter. Home group teachers are talking regularly to students about their progress towards attaining the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) and discussing strategies to ensure that students are on track to achieve their TCE by the end of year 12. All teachers have been working as a team to ensure career and course counselling are part of our repertoire of expertise, so that every opportunity is taken to support students to consider their next steps. Again, families play a significant role in helping students to make successful transitions. You don’t have to know what Nuclear Medicine is, or be able to do Maths Methods 4, to help your young person. Just grab the course guide or the information from MyCareer and have a chat. Yep, it’s really that simple. Conversations are the most powerful tool in the shed on this topic. If you have any concerns, please make an appointment to speak to our Student Services counsellors.
Term 3 also saw us welcome back students from our international partnership schools from Kagawa, Japan, and Fujian, China. We thoroughly enjoy hosting the students who clear enjoyed the extraordinary environments of the campus and Tasmania’s natural beauty. We have also had our student community enriched by the presence of more International Students this year, as we see a return to numbers in our international programs close to pre-pandemic levels. Other items in the school calendar this term have been the awards ceremonies, and it is incredible to see the talent of students recognised in the Young Archies, and Tas Training Awards. I’ll let the articles in this edition of the newsletter tell the stories of these exceptional young adults.
A huge undertaking this term has been continued planning and commencement of significant infrastructure projects that have taken recent years to fund and procure. The Construction Precinct has a nearly completed new area for teaching key skills in the building industry, and the Domestic Kitchen redevelopment project will commence in November of this year, ready for 2025. There are other projects currently that will allow improvements in provision, but we are still a long way from having the kind of improvements on the campus that helps everyone to have ease of access and enable us to confidently look to future enrolment numbers, but we are working with DECYP to apply for further funds. To be honest, there were a few windy days in Term 3 when I was just glad that the buildings, howling though they did, remained steadfastly still.
As Term 3 will concludes, and Term 4 is very short, our students are on the homestretch for 2024, and so much can be achieved by being focused on helping all students achieve the goals they set for themselves at the start of the year. All the hard work and preparation from during the year comes together over next term as students undertaking pre-tertiary subjects are preparing for folios, practical performances, and end of year examinations, whilst students on vocational pathways complete the requirements for their certificate programs. Students need to ensure that all work requirements for each course are completed for final assessments and check with their teachers if they are unsure about any requirements. Students will also be discussing their internal assessments in all subjects with their teachers over the first two weeks of next term.
There are some important dates to be aware for the rest of this year. Formal classes finish on Friday 8 November. Detailed information about all aspects of the final examinations can also be accessed at via the links under the TASC Notices section of this newsletter.
Our goal is for all students to have a successful end to the school year, and we are aware that this time of year can be particularly stressful for some students. Attendance is one of the greatest determining factors in student achievement and family engagement is the other. The College has a range of support services available to assist students, and provide information to families, through the tutorial and Home Group programs, and our library and Student Services teams, so please encourage your young person to make the most of all the support available to them.
Dr Libby Robinson
Principal
Important Dates for the Calendar
DATE | TIME | EVENT |
Monday 14 October | 8.45am | Start of Term 4 |
Thursday -Saturday 17 -19 October | 7pm - 9pm | Theatre Performance presents Comic Potential |
Thursday 24 October | ALL DAY | Public Holiday - Show Day |
Wednesday -Friday 30 Oct - 1 Nov | TBC | UTAS Music Public recitals |
Monday 4 – Wednesday 6 Nov | TASC Oral Language Examinations | |
Friday 8 November | 4pm - 8pm | Olinda Groove @ Salty Dog |
Friday 8 November | 4pm | Last Day for Students |
Monday 11 – Thursday 21 November | See timetable | TASC written examinations |
Monday 25 November | 6 – 8pm | End of Year Art Exhibition Closing Event |
Wednesday 27 November | 6pm – 10pm | Year 12 Formal |
Friday 29 November | 5pm-8pm | Hobart College House Band @ Salty Dog |
Thursday 5 December | All day | Step Up Day |
Friday 14 December | Teachers last day | |
Wednesday 18 December | Student Results Released (via email) | |
| Wednesday 18 December | Office closes | |
Tuesday 31 December | Applications close for first-round requests to inspect written examination materials (Year 12 and 13 students only) | |
Monday 3 February | Applications close for second-round requests to inspect written examination materials |
In the Spotlight
Congratulations to the following students and staff on their recent academic, sporting and cultural achievements:
Charlotte Crowley (Grade 12) and Chloe Daun (Grade 11)
Won the Schools Trophy for Hobart College for the Tasmanian Interschool Show Jumping Championship
Charlotte was Champion in 100cm on Pt I am the Dude
Chloe was Champion in 120cm on PEC Fairytale
Chloe was Champion in 110cm on PEC Willunga Royal Castana
Skills Tasmania Tas Training Awards
Finalists: Addy Madden and Tais Hennekam
Shortlisted Students: Ayda Bell, Jet Cyngler, Stephanie Lowe, Cameron McEwan and Izzy Sullivan
Shortlisted Staff: Lachlan Court
Tas Rock Challenge
Emily Oates and Isabella Davis: Finalists in State Rock Challenge and Highly Commended awards.
U/20 Men Australian Cross Country Championships
Isaac Bonsey: 7th with a time of 22:13
Jacob Gardner: 36th with a time of 23:45
RACI Tasmanian Titration Competition
1st and 3rd place to Hobart College teams:
1st placed team
- Juliette Cousins
- Bonnie Pollard
- Dihansa Udawatta
3rd placed team
- Tuong Vy Nguyen
- Jingya (Evey) Su
- Melody Sii
Queensland Bouldering Competition
Ines Christoffersen: Open women's section: 4th place
Stella Wass for achieving the highest score in the Australian Geography Competition in Tasmania
Stella has been chosen for an exciting week-long Geography field trip to Canberra and the NSW coast later this year.
ACEL TAS Teacher Leadership Award winners
Alex Bruce and Kim Wolff
Canoe World Championships
Master B – MK1: Matthew Dalziel – 1st
Men’s Kayak Classic: Matthew Dalziel – 20th
MK1X3 Classic: Matthew Dalziel/David Burdett/Harry Langley – 12th
Australian Surf Championships
Jo Goldfinch had a strong campaign, making the Over 50 Women’s Final and finishing 4th in the country.
Learning Area News - Visual Art
Success at Young Archies
Congratulations to Amy Lewincamp and Mack Brown for their outstanding achievements at this year’s Young Archies Awards! Their exceptional work was honoured at a prestigious presentation ceremony held on Saturday. We're incredibly proud of their accomplishments.
Amy: Year 11 & 12 Category Highly Commended Award
Mack: Year 11 & 12 Category Winner and Tony Woodward Award - Overall Secondary Winner
Visual Art Exhibition
Learning Area News - Technology
Our VET Hospitality and Cookery classes are busy today preparing for a range of events, inlcidng the Salmon Cafe service, the College Canteen and the College Musical Gala night event for VIP guests which incuded some Stranger Sings inspired menu items such as Demogorgonzola Crostin. A big term!
Learning Area News - Performing Arts
End of Term 3 Music Concerts
Early September we hosted our end of year music concerts for 2024. Olinda Groove concert highlighted the high energy and diversity of the contemporary music program, showcasing many genres, emerging acts and songwriters
Our Music concert featured our pre-tertiary music performers who are all working towards a public examination recital in term 4. This also included our school ensembles including vocal ensemble, flute ensemble and stage band.
Congratulations to all who performed and provided technical support behind the scenes!
And that's a wrap - Stranger Sings comes to an end.
Hobart College recently wrapped up its 2024 production of Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical, which ran from August 15 to 24. This lively parody of Stranger Things delighted audiences at the Mount Nelson Theatre with its playful take on the iconic 80s-themed TV show. The show featured two casts, "Demos" and "Gorgons," performing on alternating nights. The production was filled with catchy songs, clever humor, and 80s nostalgia, making it a fun tribute to the beloved Netflix series.
A huge congratulations to the cast, orchestra and crew who brought this production to life. And a special thanks to the team of teachers and volunteers who supported the students to reach their best potential!
Tas Rock Challenge
7 Music acts did Hobart College proud at the 2024 Rock Challenge.
Congratulations to the bands:
The Pedestrians
Conversationalists
Citrus Bliss
And the acoustic acts:
Mia & Mia
Emily Oates
Isabella Davis
Raspberry Terrapin
Emily and Isabella were selected for the state final where they were awarded ‘Highly commended’ for their final performance! We are so grateful for this event which gives young musicians a chance to perform in front of industry judges and often leads to more performance opportunities and connection with industry.
Future events
Theatre Performance show “Comic Potential” Oct 17-19
The 2024 Theatre Performance Class proudly presents their final practical assessment with a live performance of Alan Ayckbourn's Comic Potential. This inventive comedy blends sharp satire and touching romance, set behind the scenes of a TV studio where a hospital soap opera is being filmed. When a malfunctioning robot actor, or "actoid," starts speaking gibberish, chaos and hilarity ensue.
At the heart of the story is Adam, an aspiring writer, who discovers that Jacie Tripplethree, the actoid playing the nurse, can not only converse but also has a creative imagination. As Adam dreams of building a TV series around her and starts to fall for the charming robot, he faces resistance from the studio, leading to a mix of comedic and heartfelt moments.
This performance is the culmination of months of dedication and preparation by the Theatre Performance Class. As their final practical assessment, it showcases the students' talent and creativity in bringing Ayckbourn’s lively characters and humor to the stage.
The shows are October 17-19 and you can book tickets here:
https://www.trybooking.com/CVPYH
Olinda Groove final performance Nov 8
House Band Tour & final performance Nov 29
Learning Area News - Languages/ISP
Kagawa Student visit
From July 29 to August 5 Hobart College hosted seven students and two staff from Kagawa, Japan. Our relationship with Kagawa has spanned more than 30 years, with visits from Japan occurring biannually, and Hobart College going to Japan, every four years. Students were hosted by HoCo students and staff, providing an invaluable experience of the Tasmanian lifestyle. Whilst in Tasmania, staff and students had a packed itinerary:
Day 1/2/3: Arrived in Tasmania, after which group were met by Host Families and taken home for the weekend.
Day 4: School Tour, visit to Waimea Primary School
Day 5: Mt. Nelson Signal Station, Town Hall to meet the Acting Lord Mayor, Zelinda Sherlock, Derwent River Lunch Cruise.
Day 6: Day at HoCo with Japanese classes and International Student Home Group, finishing the day with a cooking class making ANZAC biscuits.
Day 7: Bonorong and Richmond
Day 8: Double Decker Bus Tour of Hobart and lunch, ending the day with a choral performance from Kagawa.
Day 9/10: The weekend with Host Families
Early Monday morning, Libby, Hobart College International Student Program Team and Host Families bid a sad farewell to our Japanese friends, with many hugs and tears. Sayonara, until we meet again, in Japan.
Learning Area News - English
Debating News!
Hobart College 1 lost the grand final debate to EC by two points in Term 3. The topic was “that if possible, we would allow people to buy and sell years of their lives.” I think that with less experienced teams – this could have been a very messy debate, but these experienced teams dealt well with the material. Zara Fenton was awarded the Adam Marshall Medal for the Best Speaker in the competition. Kathryn Ellis, TDU President spoke of Zara’s intelligence, logic, evidenced based arguments which she delivers with humour and sass. We make them with moxie at Hobart College!
Ultimately – we are so proud of these young people. They argued a contention which centred on morals and the ethical implications of the proposal.
Learning Area News - Science
Science Week wrap-up
The week of August 10 to 18 was Science Week for 2024. The Science Learning Area got into action with a range of activities in which the whole school could participate, following along with the theme of ‘Species Survival: More than just Sustainability’. In Home Group time on the Wednesday there was a range of activities from which groups could choose, ranging from making animal biscuits with cricket protein to learning how to do botanical artwork to getting into some virtual reality (VR action) to learning about bush food with our aboriginal educator to engaging with a species scavenger hunt at the Sustainability Learning Centre.
The annual Science Photography Competition winners were announced in Science Week too. This year it was won by Shem Hansard with a beautiful photo of a Tasmanian environment entitled February Plains Misty Morning.
A large number of students also participated in daily quizzes which involved identifying Tasmanian species from published clues. We now have many of our student body who know a bit more about creatures such as the Maugean Skate as a consequence.
Science Week photography winners
The annual Science Week Photo Competition was run in conjunction with other Science Week activities. Shem Hansard was the overall winner and also the Peoples' Choice winner. Ella Trott and Angus Gullick were runners up.
Science Week at Government House
Olivia Hood. Natalie Zorn (see attached photo) and I went to Government House for a Science Week reception. We met a range of interesting scientists and heard about their Science. Some of them also encouraged us to visit the university to see things for ourselves, first hand. We were entertained with music from the Elizabeth College Jazz Band.
Titration Competition Success
On 3rd August 24 enthusiastic Chemistry students descended on E Block to complete their work in the annual RACI Tasmanian Titration Competition. These eager students gave up their Saturday and were rewarded with good times and pizza. Four HoCo teams placed in the top 5 in the state with a team comprising 3 Year 11 students (Bonnie Pollard, Juliette Cousins and Dihansa Udawatta) taking home first place. The task was to use analytical techniques to identify the concentration of an unknown substance. The winning team did this with 99.97% accuracy which is the same as a drop of water in a litre of milk.
Learning Area News - HASS
VET Tourism Student Led Tours
Students from Certificate II in Tourism class were tasked with researching, planning and organising a tour for their fellow classmates. The tour had to include a range of activities within a particular geographic location. There were 7 tours all up covering a vast array of tourist destinations. It was a great way for students to build their communication and planning skills as well as improve their knowledge of Tasmanian tourist destinations, including:
- Hastings Caves, Franklin & Willie Smiths Cider Shed
- Mount Wellington and South Hobart
- Tahune Adventures and Geeveston
- Port Arthur and Tasman Peninsula
- ZooDoo, Richmond & Cambridge
- Hobart Walking Tour/Old Hobart Town
- Mt Field National Park & New Norfolk
Learning Area News - HPOE
HoCo Weightlifting Competition
Congratulations to everyone who entered, cheered, supported and helped out the competitors at the annual weightlifting comp on Wednesday 21 August. There were some fantastic achievements!
Check out these results:
- 56-62kg weight class: Alessandro Bartemucci with a 70kg Bench Press
- 63-69kg weight class: Robbie Reeves with a 107.5kg Bench Press
- 70-77kg weight class: Nick Griffin with an 85kg Bench Press
- 78-85kg weight class: Kyle Walker with an 85kg Bench Press
- 95-104kg weight class: Sean Bader with a 165kg Bench Press
Home Group/Futures News
RACT distracted driver course
RACT worked with Hobart College in the next 2 weeks of Term 3, to promote and enhance student learning about the dangers of distracted driving. The program is delivered in a safe and supported environment that helps our students gain an understanding as to how they keep themselves and others safe on the road.
College Lap 2024
The annual college lap was held on Wednesday 25 September. A fabulous way to spend the last Home Group of Term 3 and well done to everyone involved.
Huge congratulations to our 2024 College Lap winners:
Isaac: 2.11.11 (a new record!)
Zoe: 3.13.88
Student Services
Say no to Bullying
Fact sheets for families (bullyingnoway.gov.au)
The link below is an audio file of a chat with Professor James Scott clinical child and youth psychiatrist, and the head of the Child and Youth Research Group at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Queensland, he discusses the signs your teenager may be experiencing bullying, how to start the conversation with them and how you can approach the school to resolve the issues.
Spring Breakfast
On Wednesday September 4, Student Services hosted the annual HoCo Spring Breakfast. With a snow covered kunanyi as our backdrop, we came together as a community to welcome the new season with our annual Spring Breakfast. A wonderful way to start the day as we head into the final stages of our teaching and learning program.
TASC Notices
ITEM | Notice |
Understanding assessment in Years 11 and 12 | A 2:40 minute video explaining course ratings and awards |
Student Declaration | A Student Declaration must be completed by all students (Year 11, 12 and 13) who are undertaking one or more TASC courses (Level 1, 2, and 3). When students complete the Student Declaration they are: · declaring they have read and will comply with the TASC academic integrity requirements · declaring that they have read and will comply with the TASC external assessment rules · providing an email address where TASC will send electronic results* · providing a phone number in case TASC needs to contact them*. * TASC is committed to protecting information collected through this process and the handling of data in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act 2004. |
Receiving results | Students receive their final results directly from TASC, via email* (only if an address has been registered via the Student Declaration process) and post. * The emailed results include extra detail about course results, including the ratings achieved for each criterion (both internal and external). Email addresses can be updated via: Update your email address - TASC For email address updates before or on Tuesday 17 December, results will be received on Wednesday 18 December (result release date) For updates between Wednesday 18 December and 5 pm Friday 20 December, results will be received within 24 hours. |
Understanding your results statement and certificates | The results statement and certificates you receive will depend on a range of factors, including what year of study you have just completed. Your Statement of Results shows the results of all courses for the year and information about your progress towards achieving the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE). Depending on your achievements, Year 12 and Year 13 students might receive one, two or three certificates. https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/students/years-11-and-12/your-results/ |
Written examination timetable | https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-TASC-Written-Exam-Timetable.pdf |
Oral examination timetable | |
Nationally or interstate assessed language (NIAL) examination timetable (written and oral) | |
Practical examination timetables | https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-Music-Practical-Timetable.pdf https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-Visual-Art-Practical-Timetable.pdf |
Student exam guide | The Student Exam Guide covers the essential information needed to prepare for end-of-year examinations (including exam rules & the process for what to do if unwell on the day of an examination) |
Accessing previous examinations papers and audio files | The previous examination papers for all current TASC courses have been collated to help students with revision and practise, ahead of sitting their written exams. A maximum of five exam papers are provided, less if the course has been recently accredited. The exam audio files are also included for language and EAL/D exams. https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/students/years-11-and-12/preparing-for-exams/previous-exam-papers/ It may also help to read the Assessment Reports for previous exams available on each courses page. The reports include feedback from markers on what aspects of the exam students did well and where they could have improved. |
Exam support | Study tips: https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/TASC_Infosheet_Study_Tips.pdf Answering exam questions and exam marking: https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/students/years-11-and-12/preparing-for-exams/written-exams-answers-and-marking/ Managing exam stress: https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Managing_Exam_Stress.pdf Tips for staying CALM during exams: https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/students/years-11-and-12/preparing-for-exams/tips-for-staying-calm/ |
Result queries | Having received final results from TASC, students may have some queries. Information on result queries can be found on this webpage: https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/students/years-11-and-12/your-results/ |
University entrance - pathways | The following information sheet outlines the many pathways to university study: https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021_infosheet_university_entrance.pdf Note - If you intend to go to university, it is important to find out from your chosen university what the entry requirements are for your preferred course(s). |
Understanding the ATAR | The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) shows a university how your overall academic achievement in senior secondary education compares with other students in the same year group. Note - The University of Tasmania (as the Tasmanian Tertiary Admissions Centre) oversees the ATAR. |
School Notices
HoCo Year 12 Formal 2024
The annual Year 12 Formal is heading our way, and we are all extremely excited about it! This is when our Year 12 students come together and celebrate their time at Hobart College with new and old friends.
Date: Wednesday 27 November 2024 (the week directly after exams)
Time: Start 6:30 PM and finish by 10 PM.
Venue: Elizabeth St. Function and Conference Centre, situated at Elizabeth Street Pier.
Cost: $75 which includes a 3-course buffet dinner, soft drinks, and a DJ.
Please note the following details:
- Ticket sales are limited to 230 seats to allow space for a dance floor, DJ and Photobooth.
- Only students in Year 12 in 2024 at Hobart College students may attend.
- Dress is semi-formal.
- There will be a Photobooth.
- Ticket purchases from College Office - EFTPOS (preferred) or cash.
There is an extensive buffet table with a range of options available, including gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan which should cater for people’s likes/dislikes. Students should inform College Office staff of any dietary requirement when they purchase a ticket.
In particular, the venue needs to know about any specific dietary requirements based on a medical condition, e.g. anaphylaxis that could result in you becoming extremely ill or requiring medical attention. Students must also inform the Office Staff of relevant details when they purchase a ticket.
Tickets go on sale on Monday 14 October (first day of Term 4).
The deadline for purchasing tickets is Monday 18 November.
Have your say on the future of Tasmania’s Education System
Your voice matters!
There are a couple of ways to get involved:
Engage in consultation opportunities for Tasmanian children and young people.
Complete the survey for educators, families and community members.
Learn more and get involved here:
https://ier.tas.gov.au/how-to-get-involved
Community Noticeboard
Chris Crerar Reconciliation Scholarship
I am pleased to announce that applications for a new UTAS scholarship sponsored by Reconciliation Tasmania are now open: are now open.
The Chris Crerar Reconciliation Scholarship is available to a Tasmanian Aboriginal student commencing a Bachelor degree for the first time, in any discipline, at the University of Tasmania from Semester 1, 2025. The $5000 a year scholarship ($25,000 over five years) aims to provide financial support for the duration of the undergraduate degree, and to offer the successful applicant opportunities to connect with Reconciliation Tasmania.
The scholarship was established in memory of our former colleague Chris Crerar, a strong social justice advocate who was committed to Closing the Gap and self-determination for Tasmania's First Peoples.
We would be grateful if you are able to notify your school community and networks of this scholarship opportunity.
Applications close on 31 October 2024.
Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the UTAS website to view the full scholarship details and apply online.
Any questions can be directed to UTAS via the links on above webpage or by contacting Reconciliation Tasmania at info@rectas.com.au.
