Issue 5 - August 2021

From the Principal

As you will see in this edition of the Newsletter, winter is a very busy time of year on campus and there has been much to celebrate over the last few weeks!   

Students are now well on their way to attaining qualifications for their future careers. VET students have been gaining valuable experience through industry and simulated work placements and excursions.   The Mid-Year Assessment Period (MYAP) provided pre-tertiary 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.

Our main focus in Home Group from now on is assisting students with their pathway plans for next year.  Teachers are working with Year 11 students to help them make informed decisions about course selections for 2022 and students will be enrolling in subjects in the next few weeks.   I encourage you to talk to your young person about their plans for next year and you are also welcome to speak to our Student Services counsellors at any time. 

Year 12 students are preparing for their transition to either further study or employment.   We are committed to ensuring that all students complete Year 12 with their TCE (or TCEA) and an ATAR or VET Certificate qualification.  We know that attendance is crucial to achieving that goal and ask for your support in encouraging your young person to attend every lesson so that they have the best chance of success in achieving those qualifications.

Round 2 of the UTAS Schools Recommendation Program closed on July 30 and many of our Year 12 students have already received offers.  Applications can be submitted up until October 31 and students can book 1:1 appointments with UTAS staff in the library if they need further advice around any aspect of this program.

We were inspired by the Science Week celebrations with an interesting theme of Food: Different by Design and I enjoyed speaking with parents/carers at our Parent Teacher Evening on Thursday August 19.

Regards

Tracy Siedler

Principal

News from HPOE

BENCH PRESS COMPETITION

On Wednesday August 11, Hobart College held its first Bench Press Competition with help from Matthew McKay from Raw Strength who adjudicated and coached students through the event. Congratulations to the following winners which is based on the highest power to weight ratio across all weight classes and genders for their best out of three lifts.

• 1st place Shah Marquis
• 2nd place Sam Butler
• 3rd place Hugo Souris

https://hobartcollege.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/553/wl_video.mp4

WATER POLO SUCCESS

It was a fabulous Tasmanian School’s Water Polo season, with both the Hobart College Girls Team and the Hobart/Rosny Combined College Boys making their respective Grand Finals!

Fighting hard through the ten round season and after defeating Friends Red Boys team by 12 to 4 goals in their semi final, the boys faced the formidable 13-man GYC team and were runners up in their competition, 4 to 12 goals.

The HoCo girls played an extremely competitive match and were victorious over Collegiate, 8 goals to 7. With some timing difficulties the girls played an extra three minutes – which may not seem long but when sprinting up and down the 30-metre pool whilst tussling for the ball with some of the Collegiate girls - this did tire us a little. Every player scored a goal throughout the season and we played wonderfully as a team, sharing the ball quickly and accurately. Whilst being livestreamed to some friends and family at home the grand finals were cheered on by Hobart College HPOE staff and lots of loud supporters at the Aquatic Centre. Thanks guys – both our cheer squads were certainly louder than our opponents!

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the College Girls for both the whole competition and grand final was awarded to Elma Brica. Kate Poynter received 2nd place MVP for the season.

A special thanks to coaches, Grainne and Alisha Brockelsby, for committing their Friday nights to the team, and for their encouragement and enthusiasm. Congratulations to all Hobart College water polo players this school season; Kate Reardon, Amy Gooley, Chloe Harrington, Kate Poynter, Elma Brica, Georgina Brocklesby, Indiana Dalton, Laura Knight, Alice Beeson and Chloe Leith; Ben Hawkes, Liam Bosworth and Josh Clement.

STATE COLLEGE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Congratulations to the Hobart College Basketball teams who represented the College at the State College Basketball Championships in Launceston the weekend of July 24 and 25. The Boys Division 1 team had a tough draw while the Girls Division 2 team were Grand Final runners up, winning all their games leading to the final but Rosny were too strong in the end.

Media Production - Screen

FILM SHOOT EXCURSION 

On Tuesday July 27, Media Prodution Level 3 students packed up cameras, tripods, boom poles, mics and audio recorders and headed off on a bus trip to town. They were armed with script extracts from the The Big Lebowski, 21 Jump Street, Being John Malkovich and Jasper Jones and supported by some uncharacteristically perfect Tassie winter weather, cool, still and bright. Perfect for a morning’s location shooting.

Their task was to shoot a dialogue scene on location outdoors. Students worked in small crews and were innovative in their location selection, spreading themselves from the top of St David’s Park through Salamanca and down to Princess Park near the CSIRO, which was excellent for helping the sometimes sedentary media teacher get his steps up trying to keep track of everyone.  A great exercise in preparation for the major production students take on this term for their external folio.

CONGRATULATIONS BEN!

Ben Nelan, Media Teacher Assistant, has been named a finalist in the Department of Education's Together We Inspire awards for his work during 2021.  Ben demonstrated outstanding excellence, innovation and talent throughout 2020 and more particularly was integral in the development of online content, which ensured the college was able to stay connected with its community in an online environment during the pandemic. We wish Ben the best of luck in the Awards Presentation Night on October 20.

Skills Tasmania Finalists Announced

Hobart College congratulates the five students and staff who have been announced as finalists in the Skills Tasmania, Tasmanian Training Awards for 2021. A wonderful testament to the high quality VET programs we offer.  We wish all finalists the best of luck at the final on September 10.

Training Awards Finalist Photo Gallery

From the Science Area

WOMEN'S VOICES IN SCIENCE

Eleven Science students from Hobart College went along to our neighbour, Elizabeth College, for an inspiring Q & A style discussion panel with 7 inspirational leading Tasmanian Women in Science from varied ages, backgrounds and areas of expertise.

The women all had a passion for their career which did not come from knowing about their career in Year 12. They chose a science because it was an interest and accepted every opportunity to find out about careers, talks, summer schools, work experience and opportunities which led to other jobs and opened doors. Being open to new challenges and seeing where life took them was a resounding theme. Not all started in science and many had directional changes.

When asked what they had wished they had learnt at school or Uni to prepare them for the workplace, it was interesting to note that instead of talking about courses or qualifications, most talked about how important it was to have healthy relationships in the workplace. 
‘I wish I knew how to have honest, tough conversations respectfully, because conflict resolution and working in a team is needed in all jobs.’

In addition, they talked about the social dilemma – the radical shift in society with regards to our understanding of fact and fiction, and the challenges of assessing sources which haven’t been verified, and the fast-moving radical ideas represented as the majority. They were passionate about young people having a voice and being heard and being able to be part of decisions for the future.

Our young people were inspired and took home the message it is okay to not know what the next step is.  It’s just important to be open to doing a next step. If they are not sure, look at applying for the shorter courses on offer at Uni or TAFE, or start a general degree of interest: it’s one next step.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE RECEPTION

On Monday August 9, science students Shay-Lee and Joel were nominated by their teachers to attend the annual reception at Government House to open National Science Week. It was an amazing opportunity as the event was attended by a range of local professional scientists, professors, post-graduate students, school students and teachers. Hobart College congratulates Shay-Lee and Joel on being wonderful advocates for science in education and ambassadors for our College.

SCIENCE WEEK A HUGE SUCCESS!

What a massive Science Week it's been at HoCo this year! So many interesting activities including guest speakers, Dr Dorothy Steane and Dr Craig Sanderson, liquid nitrogen ice-cream, marshmallow slime, burritos with meal worms, bees with Keith, dehydrated food with Cam, Scinema Films, Attenborough extravaganza, insect pizzas, plant based smoothies and bush food with Georgia.

Science Week Photo Gallery

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FESTIVAL OF BRIGHT IDEAS

The Festival of Bright Ideas (FOBI) was a festival with a difference.  Located in Princes Wharf 1 in Hobart, FOBI was host to 50+ local science, technology, engineering, and maths affiliated organisations and catered to thousands of curious Tasmanians.  Hobart College was lucky to be a part of this year's event with a stall focussed on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) activities.  The interactive booth was host to chromatography, robotic lego cranes, electric cars and computer games, all built and created by students and teachers at Hobart College.

FoBI Photo Gallery

TUUMS VISIT FOR SCIENCE WEEK

Halima and Ashwag from the Tasmanian University Union Muslim Society (TUUMS) came along to visit the Studies of Religion class this week to share their stories and experiences of wearing hijab. We even had a chance to try on some scarves in a variety of styles, which Halima and Ashwag kindly gifted us along with their valuable time.

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News from the Visual Art area

SKYE MESCALL EXHIBITION OPENING

Current student teacher, Skye Mescall, curated a self portrait show that opened on Friday August 13 at the Salamanca Side Space Gallery.  Skye's work explores the concept of Has the selfie changed how we see the self-portrait, how an artist can work with their own image?  You can read Skye's artist statement below.  The exhibition also included works by Hobart College students Nina Polly, Audrey Carter, and Visual Arts AST, Romany Best.  The Art Studio Practice class visited the exhibtion as a part of their course. 

Skye Mescall Exhibition Gallery

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PHOTOGRAPHY EXCURSION TO KUNANYI

Recently the Level 2 Photography classes explored a sense of place in a joint programme with Georgia Stone, our Aboriginal Education Worker. Students travelled up kunanyi to Sphinx rock and Geilston Bay to explore areas of significance to Tasmanians First Nations people. Students participated in deep listening while hearing about Georgia’s personal connection to place as a Tasmanian Aboriginal. Students were urged to reflect on their personal connection to these places and the importance of grounding themselves every day, wherever they are, to help find their own connection to the world around them.

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HADLEY'S STUDENT ART PRIZE - HOBART COLLEGE FINALISTS

The Hadley’s Student Art Prize, sponsored by the University of Tasmania, is an annual event which showcases young artists. Two Hobart College students were shortlisted for the prize – Sam Johnson and Elsa Beinssen-Henry.  While they didn't win the major prize, we are very proud of them and the artwork they submitted.  

JULIE GOUGH PRESENTATION

On August 4, Hobart College was proud to host eminent Australian artist Julie Gough, who spoke about her art practice.  Julie was inspirational in her address to our students, sharing her story to a captive audience.

Julie's bio:

Julie is an artist, writer and curator whose practice represents conflicting and hidden histories, many referring to her family's experiences as Tasmanian Aboriginal people.  Working predominantly with film, installation and archives, Julie revisits the past by visiting places where particular events occurred.  Her works uncovers unresolved stories and conflates past and present through reconfigured narratives of memory, time, location and representation.  Julie's work is held in many private and public collections including the The National Gallery of Australia, The National Galleries of Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania, the National Museum of Australia and Queen Victoria Museum. 

HoCo Poetry Competition

The annual Hobart College Poetry Competition once again received some amazing entries with 15 students submitting poems.  The adjudicators found it very difficult to select a winner due to the high quality of poems entered.  Congratulations to the following award recipients and to all who entered.  

Winner: Isabella Cane for The Fox.

Runners-up: Isobel Murphy for The Butterfly Effect and Helena Whitworth for Lemon Weather.

Music News

TERM 3 CONCERTS - MT NELSON THEATRE

We have some fantastic concerts coming up showcasing our wonderfully talented music students.  

End of Year Music Concert: Wednesday 8 September 6:00pm-9pm

Hobart College Performing Arts will soon be presenting the final music showcase concert before students' end of year recitals in fourth term.  This will be a great night of music featuring a range of genres, as our pre-tertiary performers present pieces that inspire and challenge them. The concert will also feature performances from the Vocal Ensemble, Hobart College House Band and Combined schools Concert Band. Come along to see our performers strive for excellence in what promises to be an entertaining evening.

Olinda Groove: Thursday 9 September 6:00-9:00pm

It is the goal of Olinda Groove Records to showcase new emerging talent. It will be a great night full of great tunes across many contemporary genres (rock, indie, pop, metal and funk).

CASEY KOSTIUK DRUM WORKSHOP

One of our honoured alumni, Casey Kostiuk, inspired our Contemporary and VET Music students on Thursday August 12. He performed songs from his latest projects and talked about life in the local and national music industry, in particular his journey with The Wolfe Brothers who are currently number one on the national country ARIA charts. Our take home messages from Casey were: music is communication, now is the time to work hard and practice and always stay true to your musical passion and identity

When Science meets Art

Congratulations to Hobart College student Bruno Bell whose photo of the very rare black-tipped spider orchid (Caladenia anthracina) was awarded the judge's chioce in the Australian Wildlife Society's Threatened Wildlife Photographic Competition - a national competition that awards and promotes threatened Australian wildlife through the medium of photography. Bruno is an avid conservationist and spends his weekends with his brother, Otto, photographing rare and endangered flora and fauna throughout Tasmania.

On Monday August 16, invited guests took part in the offical opening of Bruno's photography exhibition in the Little Space Gallery at Hobart College. The exhibition is a wonderful showcase of a range of endangered species captured by Bruno after months of research and location scouting and the bringing together of Art and Science.  It was offically opened by Dr Simon Grove, Senior Curator, Invertebrate Zoology, Collections and Research Facility from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and Assistant Principal, Rod Collins.

Bruno Bell Gallery Opening Photos

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Alliance Française 2021 Results

The annual statewide Alliance Française competition for students of French sees students from both public and private schools compete to find the top candidates across a number of different language skills. In Years 11 and 12 candidates are examined in 3 sections: conversation, listening comprehension and poetry recital. The competition has two sections: the main section is for first time Year 11 and 12 students whereas the Hors Concours section is for students who have either spent a prolonged period of time in France or who may speak French at home or who have already achieved an EA award in Level 3 French. Our Hobart College students once again achieved outstanding results.

Their results are as follows:

Level 2C Conversation

• 1st prize: Zoe Levett

Level 2C Aural Comprehension

• 1st prize: Zoe Levett

Level 3C Poetry

• 2nd Prize: Kirra Watkins

Mentions Honorables; Imogen White

Level 3C Conversation

Mentions Honorables: Kirra Watkins

Level 3C Aural Comprehension

Mentions Honorables:

• Kirra Watkins
• Lucy Pratten
• Allora Bostock

Theatre students visit to Hedberg

The Technical Theatre Production class were treated to a tour of the Theatre Royal and Hedberg production spaces.   Theatre Operations Manager, Nick Toll, took students through the spaces as staff were installing touring sets and lighting rigs, giving students an insight into the operations of professional touring theatre productions.  One of the shows being ‘bumped in’ was Animal Farm by Shake and Stir Theatre Company, which students returned to watch a few days later.  It was excellent to hear about the career pathways of the different theatre staff and their work in the performing arts and creative industries.  Some past Hobart College Technical Theatre Production students were crewing the shows in the theatre, so it was great for students to see the pathways available to work and employment in the industry.

Youth Parliament

During the holidays, five Hobart College students; Darcy Murphy, EJ Gatehouse, Ella Smith, Ali Barry, and myself participated in the Tasmanian Youth Parliament. We wrote, proposed and debated bills, essentially acting like politicians for a whole week. The bills that we introduced focused on combatting fast fashion, enhancing mental health care, LGBTQIA+ education and rights, improving public transport, and giving fathers and other non-birth giving parents more parental leave and responsibilities. We even got the opportunity to do this while sitting in the House of Assembly, inside Parliament House. The week-long event had many other interesting and fun activities, including a cocktail party with politicians, a tour of Parliament House, and tons of workshops. The opportunity of having our voices heard and connecting with many other motivated young people was incredibly valuable. We look forward to next year's Youth Parliament and encourage others to join!

Written by Narryna Nicholas

VET Tourism

Huon Valley Tour

On Thursday July 29 the VET Tourism class set off on their first student-led guided and planned tour for 2021.  Zayne Clark and Max Lovell were tasked with organising and leading a tour of the Huon area. What the class did not know this day was how good a tour these young men had organised.

First they took us to the Rivers Edge camp ground which offers camping sites in an extraordinary wilderness setting close to a World Heritage Area on the banks of the Russell River at Lonnavale.  From there we were taken to Franklin to see the Cartela – Australia oldest continuous used ferry which started work on the Derwent in 1913.

The Wooden Boat Centre tour with Doug and Will, a former Hobart College student who is now the Front of House Manager, was next, followed by a hot drink and a discussion with Naomi, the granddaughter of Frank and owner of Frank's Cider Shed. 

After a quick stop at the Huonville Bakery the boys guided us to Home Hill Winery where they had organised for us to meet one of the owners, Kelly, with our final stop meeting Kate the manager at Willie Smiths Cider Shed.

Well done Max and Zayne, who set a very high benchmark for the rest of the class to reach with their five stop Huon Area Tour.

Learning Support

Sport and Recreation Line 4 started Term 3 with a swing for our class as we visited Eastside Squash Centre. The students were coached by Jack Hudson who is currently the number 1 squash player in Tasmania. Student Lauren Hull came out on top in our round robin tournament, crowning her Squash Queen of the day. 

In Preliminary Technologies this term we have started our unit on Physical Movement. We are lucky enough to be included in a TADTAS program where a golf coach comes to campus to run sessions each Friday for four weeks. We are enjoying the physical activity and the new skills they are picking up along the way. 

Book Face Competition - winners

The College Library and student-led initiative "Book Face" competition has announced the winners! Congratulations to all entries.  

Staff Winner– Tracy Siedler

Student Winner – Ali Barry

People’s Choice Winners (equal) – Ben Boyce and Rhys Carver

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/carers and guardians

STUDENT WELLBEING AND ENGAGEMENT SURVEY

The wellbeing of our students is important to us.

To get an understanding of how students across Tasmania feel about their own wellbeing, students in Year/s 11–12 at Hobart College will be taking part in a wellbeing survey during Week 7 and 8 in Home Group.

The Student Wellbeing and Engagement Survey is part of the Department of Education’s Child and Student Wellbeing Strategy.

You and your young person don’t need to do anything. The survey will be done in class time and will not require any preparation.

If you would like further information, please contact Trish Rowley.

Thank you for supporting us to ensure that all our learners are safe, feel supported and are able to flourish, so they can engage in learning

MINDFULNESS MONDAYS

We have just introduced a Monday Mindfulness and Meditation lunch time activity for students. There will be a particular focus on managing thoughts and a balanced approach to workload and life’s stresses so we can be in the moment and appreciate the now. 

PROVISION OF SANITARY PRODUCTS IN SCHOOLS

Lack of access to sanitary products can affect student wellbeing and also be a barrier to learning. Due to this, the Tasmanian Government has committed to providing sanitary items in all Government schools from Term 3, 2021.

At Hobart College, sanitary products for students are available in an emergency or as an ongoing supportive provision for students who may require assistance.

We are currently in consultation with our students to develop the most suitable locations within the College.

For further support and information about this please contact Student Services.

YOGA

In addition to our Home Group programs, Library lunch activities, Gym and other Student led supports, we have added Yoga to our weekly lunch time activities with Lisa O’Neil from Embody yoga on a Friday.  Students have embraced this activity.  Here's what they've said:

‘I loved the feeling of leaving all my worries on the mat.’

‘I loved it so much being calm and being present is so important.'

TASC STUDENT DECLARATION FORMS

All students are required to fill in an online form for entry to exams and to get emailed results at the end of the year. Students were sent an email recently to their education email address (they should check their junk email if they can’t find it). The email will contain their TASC ID number and the link to the form. Students should use a personal email address on the form.

By completing the online form, students agree to comply with the TASC academic integrity requirements when completing the student declaration.

Access the online form from the TASC website - Student Declaration.  

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.

General Information

Kingston library is now offering homework support for those with maths, science or writing homework, on Thursday afternoons from 3.45 – 5.45pm. There is a dedicated room with hot drinks available, and a volunteer currently working in the engineering field who is willing to provide support and assistance.

The 2022 Young Carer Bursary is now open!

Are you a young carer or do you know a young carer? They may be eligible to apply for a Young Carer Bursary.

The Young Carer Bursary helps young carers under the age of 25 who are currently studying or training or will be in 2022. The program offers 1,000 bursaries to the value of $3,000 each year.

Applications are now open.

Learn more at youngcarersnetwork.com.au