At the conclusion of the longest term of the year, we have much to look back on and celebrate. A long, wet winter has brought much needed relief to our farming families, so much so, that occasionally I would hear the unthinkable “we’ve almost had too much!” Even Netball at Hobblers Bridge was cancelled on two occasions. However, inclement weather can lead to ‘classroom fever’ as play times are disrupted, and playgrounds closed. I commend our students and staff for persevering despite the constant wave of winter illness.
The Arts
Term 3 is a time when our co-curricular activities are in full swing. The Arts programs have provided an opportunity for many students to excel. Our students have created, attended and even curated exhibitions. When I see the creativity of our students, it has made me firm in resolve to be Tasmania’s leading STEAM school. The process of imagining, creating and evolving our thinking through the Visual Arts is palpable. In early Term 4 there will be student exhibitions on both campuses, and having had a sneak preview, I can assure you the quality of work is exceptional.
Our performing artists have excelled in their endeavours. The Spring Concert was a wonderful evening of cross campus performances masterminded by our Acting Head of Performing Arts, Dr Melissa Rogers and her dedicated staff. Our expressive string and concert bands, lyrical choirs, polished ensembles and passionate soloists delivered a dynamic range of music genres. The Grade 5 ‘The Lion King Kids’ was a roaring success! The costumes and makeup were amazing, and the students kept the audience enthralled (and toe tapping). It was fitting that at the final performance, Mrs Carter announced the retirement of our Junior Campus Music Teacher, Mr Mark Saunders. Mark’s contribution to the success of our Junior Campus music program has been outstanding – taking part in no less than 45 musicals since he commenced at Grammar in 1992. It is also important to remember he was Head of Junior Campus from May 2009 – Dec 2012. He has been a great servant of the school.
Sports
On the sporting fields and courts, our students have pushed themselves as individuals and successful teams. Our Head of Sporting Programs, Mr Craig Slavin has provided a comprehensive review of the winter sports program which can be found in the Senior Campus report below. We had numerous teams make northern finals. Our Open Girls Soccer play the state final Week 1 Term 4 and we wish them well as the third consecutive team to reach this stage of the competition in as many years.
I extend my thanks, on behalf of students and their families, to those staff who participate in the co-curricular activities program and enable us to achieve our provision of a quality well-rounded education. It is through their contribution that we can continue to provide a comprehensive educational offering, and opportunity remains the catch cry that distinguishes a Grammar education.
Term 3 in Review
Over the term, there have been many opportunities to celebrate our students and plan their next steps together, as we begin to prepare for 2025. Our students have continued to be a part of the wider community be it through service partnerships or activities such as the Red Meat Updates, Object Design Exhibition at UTAS, Art Start at QVMAG, the String Quartet visiting at the Launceston General Hospital and many more opportunities. It was wonderful to come together to celebrate the inaugural Grammar Graze – an opportunity for community to come together it was a Tasmanian epicurean delight! Thank you to our Director of Advancement, Kate Dean, and team for a brilliant event.
This term, we have also hosted the Registration Review by the Office of Education Registrar. A considerable amount of work and time goes into such processes, and I am indebted to members of the Senior Leadership and curriculum leaders for their expansive work. My EA, Elysa Oliver-Bennett has worked assiduously to keep track of the over 15,000 pages of documentation. We have received favourable feedback relating to our uplift in policy and process, our planning and cohesion as ‘One School’, and our commitment and demonstrable actions to promote the whole of school Wellbeing and Student Safety. We will have our final report by years end.
Term 3 is also a time when staff indicate their future intentions. Our community is aware of the decision by Reverend and Mrs Pickering to conclude their time at Grammar as they move to retirement on the South Coast of NSW. Their presence and contribution to the school, specifically the Chaplaincy and pastoral care program, has been significant and they will be missed. Mr Mark Cox, our highly regarded Head of Science and former Dean of Students, is also retiring at years’ end. Mark’s contribution to the academic, pastoral and spiritual life of the school has been exemplary and we thank him for his service.
Last week on the Junior Campus, we bid a fond farewell to Sheona Carter. She has led the campus with quite confidence over the last 3 years ensuring that the staff have been well supported in the provision of a first-rate learning program. The successful accreditation of the IB PYP and the subsequent evolution in its cohesion and effectiveness is testament to Sheona’s wise educational leadership. We wish her well as she returns to family and especially the role of grandmother, which she relishes. However, I know it won’t be long before Sheona commences another exciting undertaking in her highly successful career.
Staffing Updates
During the term I have made two senior leadership staffing appointments which will greatly assist the School to meet our strategic goals. The appointment of Mr Luke Padgett to the role of Head of a Junior Campus has been well received and we look forward to him commencing the role in 2025. His professionalism and commitment to excellence in education will see him lead our Junior Campus community with confidence. Mr Patrick Coleman will also be joining us in 2025 in the newly created role of Director of Learning (P -12). Patrick is known to many of our community as a former staff member, current parent and more broadly as an experienced leader in education having most recently been District Principal (TAS/VIC) for One School Global and more recently as Manager – Project, Policies and Communication with DECYP.
Looking Ahead
The term break is an opportunity to recharge before the final nine weeks of the year during which the whole school is a hive of learning activities and celebrations. For our Grade 12s, there remains three weeks before their time concludes. They have been impressive in their cohesion and initiative, leading the student body with enthusiasm, through the provision of both old and new activities, and inclusion. Grade 11 and 12 students have been well prepared for their examinations and will no doubt finish well.
Enrolments for 2025 are very positive, with enrolments growing particularly in ‘Little Grammar’ (Early Learning – Grade 2). Pleasingly, we will commence 2025 with two Preparatory classes and a near full Early Learning program, with six classes. Our other entry points at Grades 5, 7 and 10 are near capacity. Hawkes Boarding continues to grow steadily. It is heartening to see the return of international students from Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. The cultural diversity and inclusion in the student population contributes to the School’s success. We embrace difference and celebrate that we are a compassionate and strong community.
I look forward to seeing you in the final term. In the meantime, enjoy the opportunity to be with family over the break, stay safe and enjoy the beauty that is spring in Tasmania.
Dale Bennett
Principal
