Issue 4 - June 2021

From the Principal

Term 2 has ended and there is so much to celebrate from the last few weeks on the mountain!

A highlight of term 2 for me is always the annual College musical and even more so this year after the cancellation of so many Performing Arts events last year. Matilda was an outstanding production, showcasing the talents of the students, both on stage and working backstage, the musicians performing in the orchestra, as well as our amazing Performing Arts staff.  Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this high-energy show together which was seen by over 3800 people!

We have just finished the Mid-Year Assessment Period which provided students with the opportunity to experience formal examination conditions and other assessment activities suited to specific subjects.  The feedback from these assessments will help students identify their strengths and what needs to be done to improve their learning before the formal examination period at the end of the year, which is run by the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC).   Teachers are now finalising the mid-year assessments and writing the final reports for this year which will be issued in week 4 of next term.

In Home Group, teachers are talking 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.  Our other focus in Home Group from now is assisting students with their plans for next year.  Following our Careers Expo a few weeks ago, Year 12 students are preparing for their transition to either further study or employment, and teachers will be working with Year 11 students (and Year 10 students in our associated schools) to help them make informed decisions about course selections for next year.  The University of Tasmania is again offering students the opportunity to apply for a degree through the Schools Recommendation Program which was introduced in 2020.  First round offers are currently being processed and there will be further rounds up until 31 October.  Please contact our Careers advisor, Kate Dewar, in the library if you would like more information on this program and you can always book an appointment with one of our UTAS Relationships team on the dedicated iPad in the library. 

I am continuing to meet regularly with the Principals of our associated high schools (Dover District School, Huonville High School, Kingston High School, Taroona High School and Woodbridge School) and we have been working on a Hartz Collective Regional Guide of offerings for 2022.   Our goal is to work in partnership to ensure that we support all learners across our Hartz region to have a course suited to their particular pathway.  Students have so many choices available to them now and their final course may be a combination of programs at different campuses across the Hartz region.

Term 3 starts on Monday 19 July and we look forward to another fun and productive term working with your young person to achieve their goals for this year!

Tracy Siedler

Principal

Matilda - The Musical breaks all records!

Hobart College's musical season ended on a high note on Saturday 5 June after 3 school based performances and 5 public performances, plus a Gala Night performance to our community VIP and industry representatives.  Performing to an audience of just over 3800 patrons, Matilda - The Musical broke all previous box-office records with 3 of the 5 shows selling out completely.  Directed by Jeff Michel, the double-cast and ensemble, shone on stage as they brought the story of Matilda to life in the newly refurbished Mt Nelson Theatre.  Musical Director Simon Cawthorn and the high class band consisting of current students, students from the Hartz Collective and returning alumni, added a depth and richness to the overall sound of the show.  Ollie Gathercole, Anna Williamson, Rowan Harris and Lyndon Bounday were integral to the management and technical direction of the show, utilising current students and drawing on the experience of a number of alumni who worked tirelessly behind the scenes in an array of roles. 

The production team would like to publicly thank Hobart College staff and students for supporting the cast, band and crew and would especially like to pass on their gratitude to the students' family and friends - without whose support and encouragement the show would not have been as successful as it was.

Watch this space for the announcement of the 2022 Hobart College Musical.

Geography Competition – Patrick on top of the world!

Hobart College Geography student Patrick Holland has received first place for Tasmania in the 2021 Australian Geography Competition.  This is an amazing achievement and will mean Patrick will travel to Stradbroke Island in Queensland for the ‘Geography Big Week Out’ camp with winners and runners up from each of the state and territories.  From the participants, four will be selected to attend the International Geography Olympiad (iGeo).  Past iGeos have been held in cities such as Hong Kong, Quebec, Belgrade, Krakow, Seoul, Kyoto, Cologne and next year will be in Paris, France.    Geography teacher Rowan Harris said “We are fortunate to have such a strong Geography program at Hobart College and I am thrilled for Patrick and the rest of the Geography class for their strong results.  This is the third time in the past six years we have had a student finish in first place for the Australian Geography Competition.”  The Geography competition is completed by around seventy-five thousand students around Australia each year and tests students on their knowledge, application and reasoning of geographical concepts and information. 

Patrick came to Hobart College to study Geography, knowing it would help him to continue at university with the aim of working as an Urban Planner. 

Congratulations to Patrick and we wish him all the best later in the year when he heads to Stradbroke Island.

News from HPOE

SOUTHERN SCHOOLS/COLLEGES INTERHIGH CROSS COUNTRY

The Southern Schools/Colleges Interhigh Cross Country was held on Thursday 3 June at Bayview Secondary College. This is the first time Colleges have been invited due to the growth of 7-12 Schools. Hobart College entered two teams in the combined grades 10/11/12 race. We were the only College to field actual teams (needed 4 runners) and all 14 students represented the College and their sport beautifully.

Best performers were Beth Dobbie (2^nd overall) and we had 4 girls in the top 10 and Niko Stoner (4^th overall) and 2 boys in top the 10.

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS

- Congratulations to Ben Poortenaar who was selected to complete in the State Orienteering team.

- Isabelle Hippel, Zarian Simcox, Caleb Kirkpatrick and Jacob Sullivan were all nominated for the Athletic South Award with Isabelle, Caleb and Jacob winning overall.

- Anna Smee (HPOE Teacher) won the Over 35s Athletic South Award.

Music Department Term 2 Highlights

Songmakers

Hobart College hosted the SongMakers workshop run by APRA/AMCOS – Australia’s agency which facilitates copyright registration and royalties for artists.  During the two day workshop, our emerging songwriters and producers collaborated with two giants in the music industry Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe) and Anna Laverty (Producer of many artists including Courtney Barnet, G-Flip, Hannah Joy from Middle Kids).

On day one, our producer students received one on one mentorship with Anna, as she listened to their recordings and made suggestions on how to develop their tracks to be radio ready.  The bands worked with Joel, tasked with writing a song in a day. 

On day two, our producer students recorded the two bands, and sent these recordings to be professionally mixed by Anna and Joel.  The result was two hit songs ‘Purple Skates’ and ‘Funk is for the Weekends’! 

Our songwriters and producers showed an impressive amount of talent, creativity and determination to meet the tight deadlines which the workshop demanded giving them an authentic music industry experience.  The bands now have plans to refine these demos in preparation for Triple J Unearthed High, and some participants have been inspired to enrol in our new pre-tertiary Songwriting Course in 2022.

Thank you to APRA / AMCOS for your inspiration through this amazing opportunity!

Michael Dolce Workshop

Guitar students from Hobart College were given the opportunity to go to Claremont College for an inspiring guitar workshop with one of Australia’s leading guitarists, Michael Dolce.

Dolce brought us through his guitar journey and inspiration that has led him to his current role as the guitarist on the TV show ‘The Voice’.

Our students then participated in a workshop with students from Claremont College and New Norfolk High School where they perfected soloing and improvisation skills.

All students left feeling happy and inspired. Thank you to Damien Oliver-Black, Greg Souter and Claremont College for such an inspiring experience for our students.

Hartz Collective Festival of Voices Show Concert

This concert featured young emerging talent from the schools across the Hartz Collective as part of the Festival of Voices program.  For this show, soloists were able to choose their songs to sing.  These songs were then arranged for a 7 piece student band and vocal ensemble.  The audience were treated to amazing performances from a range of different vocalists.  Songs ranged from artists such as ABBA, Billy Joel and Etta James. 

Some special highlights of the night included a premiere performance of an original composition from Emma Rohrlach; the cast of Matilda joining with the Hartz Collective to perform a send-off to the musical production- ‘When I grow up’; and the night concluded with a fun vocal scat version of ‘Sir Duke’ by Stevie Wonder.  This event also included an all student tech crew on audio and lighting.  Thanks to all the performers, band and crew for putting on such a professional event and an entertaining night of music!

Vocal Concert Photo Gallery

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Japan's Children's Day Celebration

From 1 May  to 9 May, The Royal Botanical Gardens hosted the annual Japan’s Children’s Day Celebration (Kodomo no Hi). This event was organised by Hobart City Council to promote the sister-city relationship between Hobart and Yaizu, Japan, where Tricia de Jersey (Japanese Teacher) lived for over 15 years. Hobart College students made carp streamers to be hung in the Japanese Gardens. Many other schools from the Hobart area also participated, making a colourful display in the gardens which was enjoyed by thousands of visitors, with the Royal Botanical Gardens declaring it a “big weekend for the Gardens.” The carp streamers needed to be made from recycled material which could withstand being outdoors. HoCo students used a children’s doona cover and recycled plastic bottles. Students then wrote messages in English and/or Japanese under the theme of ‘nostalgia’, thinking of a childhood memory that made them feel nostalgic. The result was a meaningful and beautiful representation of our students’ childhood memories. You can see this wonderful installation on the Hobart City website: 

From the Science Area

COMING SOON - SCIENCE WEEK!

This year’s theme for Science Week is Food: Different by Design. We’re celebrating with a whole school focus on the supply and production of alternative and sustainable food products including meal worms, crickets, plant based “meats”, local bush foods and more. We also have a stall at the Festival of Bright Ideas this year. Keep an eye out for updates and contact Marjorie if you’d like to help out: marjorie.morgan@education.tas.gov.au

STEAM club – robot RVs

This term the STEAM club is focussing on modifying robotic RVs, but will also be dipping into a few other activities. Keep an eye out on the Information Sheets for upcoming sessions on soldering, food spherification and more. See Cass or Paul for more information. Everyone is welcome!

Enviromental Science Excursion Photo Gallery

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Dark HoCo

Wednesday 30 June saw the return of Dark HoCo with Hobart College staff hosting a big breakfast for students before class on a beautiful clear winter morning. With fire pots, hot drinks, beanies and egg and bacon rolls to keep us warm, it was a chance to regroup after MYAP and reflect on the achievements of the term.   

Dark HoCo Photo Gallery

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OHA Member - Geoff Haward Visit

Geoff Haward, OHA Member, recently spent some time in Hobart College's Heritage Room where he reminisced about Hobart High School and his time as Dean of Teacher Education in 1941-1946.  The Heritage Room is home to a wonderful array of memorabilia including photographs, school reports, uniforms and  artefacts. 

Heritage Room Photo Gallery

Nursing Pathway 2

The Nursing Pathway 2 team has had an exciting year so far. Students have covered many health topics and learned a variety of new skills including taking patient observations and how to assess a patient’s health status. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in a Dementia Australia training program which uses virtual reality to show participants what sensory alterations a person with Dementia may experience. Students reported back that they found the training enhanced their understanding of Dementia and discussed many strategies that could be put in place for patients with this condition.

Nursing 2 Photo Gallery

And the winner is....

The final Home Group for Term 2 saw heated competition between 56 HGs in the annual Virtual Quiz. With nine rounds of ten questions each, the quiz was a great success with students working collaboratively to answer such questions as what do you call the cross between a donkey and a zebra and how many Rhodes Scholars have attended Hobart College.  We also discovered that there is a pool underneath the floor in the gymnasium!  Congratulations to Kaye Peterson's HG31 who took out first prize with HG43 (Matt Wilson) coming in a close second.    Thanks to the many staff who worked behind the scenes to bring it all together. It was a great way to end the term.

Refurbished Surface 3 on sale Term 3

The Hobart College Student Help Desk (VET IT class) have been busy refurbishing and reimaging seventy Surface 3s ready to sell in Term 3.  A ballot will be opened on Monday 19 July (first day of Term 3) where students and parents/carers can put forward their interest in purchasing one for $100.   Please see the flyer below for more information. 

Debating Club news

The Debating Club have had an excellent and happily uninterrupted season in 2021. HC1 (Darcy Murphy, Mackenna Minstrell and Lucy Pratten) finished undefeated on top of the ladder and will contest the finals in July. HC2 (Fritha Day, Elijah Hughes, Ella Smith and Narryna Nicholas) were largely a beginner team and did an outstanding job to come away with two wins from the six-heat season against much more experienced opposition. The teams have debated topics as diverse as: ‘That we should send troops to Myanmar’ and ‘That we should not listen to music produced by immoral artists’. On May 25, we were excited to host four debates in the National Schools Debating Championships. Hobart College students were able to experience the top college debaters in the country in action and were also able to cheer on our own State representative, Mackenna Minstrell.

VET Tourism

Workplacement News

During Term 2 the VET Certificate II in Tourism students have been busy being the Front of House workers for the College Musical Matilda and the Taste of College Day. They have also been off on work placement to businesses such as the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Willie Smith’s Cider Shed and at the Saffire Hotel at Coles Bay, Tasmania’s most ‘premium’ and expensive hotel.

For a week in June, Asia Frantzis-Kantar and Venetia Paradisis worked at Saffire guiding visitors on walks and to oyster farms, serving food and beverages, working at the reception desk and in housekeeping. All whilst staying in Saffire’s staff accommodation, being fed and learning what is required to work in Tasmania’s foremost hotel.

Asia found Saffire guest relationship philosophy interesting. "All staff are tasked with finding out personal snippets of their guest, thus allowing Saffire to personalise each guest's experience, so that each guest's stay is unique to them, and rewarding for the staff", she said.

Below is some feedback the College received regarding these Tourism students' endeavour:

A visitor to Tasmania rang Assistant Principal Wendy Irvine after he had been staying at the Saffire Hotel at Coles Bay. He wanted to let Hobart College know what a fantastic job our two VET Certificate II in Tourism students were doing at Saffire whilst they were there on work placement.  An ex-teacher and Principal from West Australia, he also let the management at Saffire know that he thought it was wonderful that they were taking VET students, and what a high standard of students they were.  

The VET Tourism class will rap up the term with a guided tour through the Grand Chancellor with Human Resource Manager, Kate, followed by a tour of Drysdale House and lunch in their restaurant.

Photos provided by Venetia and Asia.

Saffire Hotel Photo Gallery

Drysdale and Grand Chancellor Visit

To celebrate the end of a busy and long 11 week Term 2, the VET Tourism class headed off to meet Kate Wittison, the Human Resources Manager at the Grand Chancellor Hotel. Kate gave us a personal tour of the whole hotel, including the restaurants, pool/gym, kitchens, bars, function centre, rooms and the Tasmanian Symphony Concert Hall.

Kate talked to us about what is required to work in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry and that there are rewarding jobs in this profession.  She is finding it hard to find staff to fill these positions. Her talk was inspirational as it was only 10 years ago she was studying VET Certificate II in Tourism at Elizabeth College.

Next we headed to TasTAFE Drysdale House for a tour of their facilities with Brooke Cupit. Brooke, who is the TasTAFE Certificate III in Toursim teacher, guided us through the Drysdale House showing us the restaurants, bars, kitchens, bakeries and classrooms. She finished off her tour with a presentation with Tom from the Guiding Course about what it takes to be successful at Drysdale TasTAFE and future career pathways.

Of course we could not leave Drysdale without sampling some food, so we sat in the restaurant for a 2 course meal served to us by the Hospitality students. Everyone enjoyed the main course offerings and the deserts were a real hit.....of sugar!!

Year 12 Hoodies

Orders for the 2021 Year 12 Hoodies can now be taken at the main office. For interested students, please fill out an order form with payment by FRIDAY 13 AUGUST.

You can choose between a hoodie or a windcheater and add your Nickname.

Payment must be made at the time of ordering.

Cost are as follows:

• Hoodie $40 (with nickname $44)
• Windcheater $35 (with nickname $39)

Book Face Competition

The College Library have been running a student-led initiative "Book Face" competition for all staff and students.  

How to enter

1. Find a book with a partial face on the cover
2. Take a photo – ask a friend to help! – so that it looks like you are part of the book
3. Attach the photo to an email with BOOKFACE in the subject line and your full name in the body of the email to library staff by 28 July 2021: College.Library.Extras@education.tas.gov.au

Check out the photo gallery of some entries so far!

Book Face Photo Gallery

Working with Children Play Sessions

Don't forget our Working with Children Play Sessions are now on!  See our flyer below for more details. 

For parents and carers

A common question from parents and carers to the Student Support and Wellbeing team is how do I encourage my young person to attend school more regularly, as well as concerns around the increasing levels of anxiety seen at this age. We encourage parents and carers to have conversations with their young person, their Home Group Teacher and College support staff.  As a starting point, the following articles could be useful.

Mental Health First Aid

Statistics show 1 in 5 Australians will suffer from a mental health illness at least once during their life. 

Mental Health First Aid teaches the practical skills needed to assist others who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

You will learn how to assist someone who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves, using a practical, evidence-based action plan.  Mental Health First Aid also aims to improve the literacy of the community around mental illness and what symptoms to look out for amongst the more common mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety disorders.

This course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.

Please see www.mhfa.com.au for courses and dates available.

Levies

Levies and additional fees are now overdue.

If you are experiencing difficulties with payment please contact the college office to confidentially discuss your individual situation. 

Payment Options: 

• BPay (School Invoices)
• Service Tasmania Shops (School Invoices)
• Credit Card over the phone (6220 3133)
• In person at the College – Eftpos, cash or cheque (made payable to Hobart College)
• Payment Plan by instalments – contact the college office.

Maths and Science Tutorials

Maths and Science tutorials are a fantastic place to do your homework. The upper level of E Block is available every day after school except Wednesday. Teachers and student leaders are available to ask questions if you get stuck. In the lead up to the Mid-Year Exam period, consider adding a tutorial or two into your schedule.

Keep up to date

To access all our Newsletters on your Android or IOS device, install the Schoolzine App click on the "how to" link below.  Please use this PIN number when prompted: 3185.

Getting Asthma Ready for Winter

Winter is almost upon us and we know this can be a difficult time for young people with respiratory conditions.

To help young people with asthma and their parents/carers – we’ve put together information to help avoid preventable flare-ups during winter and ways to breathe better in cold weather.  Access the latest information here: https://asthma.org.au/about-asthma/live-with-asthma/ including an excellent new video on how cold weather impacts asthma.

WHAT ROLE CAN YOU PLAY?

Download the Breathe better in cold weather guide, have an  Asthma Review  with your doctor and, update your young person's written Asthma Action Plan. 

Entertainment Book fundraising

Your purchase of an Entertainment Membership contributes to our school. Help us achieve our goal by sharing this link with your friends and family.  All proceeds go towards supporting our Breakfast Program.  Plus go into the draw for a chance to win a 5 night Port Douglas holiday package for two. Thank you for your support!

The Smith Family’s Saver Plus Program

Coronavirus has impacted on all of us in so many ways, including in our community. The financial stress and pressure that many parents/carers are faced with having to access funds for laptops and other resources has seen this program assist hundreds of families during this period. Saver Plus helps to build a nest egg for emergencies such as this event.

The program’s impact in our local community and across Australia has been significant. In Tasmania we have recruited more than 2000 families onto the program and provided more than $1 million to help with educational costs.

Saver Plus participants in Tasmania have been using their matched savings, each up to $500, to help pay for educational costs including school uniforms, textbooks, excursions, laptops, tuition costs and course equipment.

You may be eligible to join Saver Plus if you or your partner:

- have a Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card;

- are at least 18 years or over;

- have some regular income from work or Child Support payments;

- are in receipt of an eligible social security benefit

- are a parent or guardian of a child at school this year or next year, AND/OR are attending or returning to education or training themselves;

YouthARC Holiday Program

Lots of awesome free holiday program workshops happening in July at YouthARC.
Make your bookings via Eventbrite

 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/youth-arts-and-recreation-centre-19842762803

Free Glen Gerreyn Seminar