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Term 1, Week 1

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Newsletter Archive

4

Calendar

February

Term 1, Week 1

Contents

Senior Executive
Headmaster - Mr Richard Ford Head of Senior Campus - Nicholas Foster
Senior Campus
Introducing Head of Roff House, Miss Rachel Pickering Introducing Savigny House Head, Mrs Susan Stokes The Northern Exposure Art Exhibition
Careers Office
Careers Advisor - Fiona Symons
Choral Programme
2022 Prep to Grade 12 Choral Programme
Chaplain's Message
Senior Campus Chaplain - Reverend Matthew Pickering Junior Campus Chaplain - Reverend Elizabeth Poland
Community Noticeboard
Active Transport Storytelling Competition
Senior Executive

Headmaster - Mr Richard Ford

It has been a delight to see students, new and returning, back on campus this week and I hope your child has enjoyed connecting with other students ...

It has been a delight to see students, new and returning, back on campus this week and I hope your child has enjoyed connecting with other students and with staff.

If your child needs any assistance settling into the new School year, do not hesitate to be in touch with staff who are keen to work with you to ensure all students quickly feel they belong and are able to make the most of the many opportunities available this term.

The commencement of a new term, particularly after summer holidays, often brings with it a need and an opportunity to get into new rhythms and routines. It is quite common during the holidays, especially for teenagers, to see mobile phone screen time balloon, poor sleep patterns develop and each day to become more about maximising joy for me rather than maximising joy for others.

As students get back into the swing of the School term, the partnership shared between School and home swings back into action and I would encourage all families to have another look together at the School Handbook so that we are all across and familiar with School expectations.

In relation to mobile phones, a few years ago we started asking:

  • Junior Campus students to keep their device at home or leave it at the Head of Junior Campus’ Office;
  • Grade 7-10 students to keep their device in their locker from the time of arriving on campus through to their departure; and
  • Grade 11-12 students to keep their device in their pocket while at school unless used under the direction of a teacher.

We introduced these expectations (See Page 27 of the School Handbook for more detailed information) to maximise learning time and face to face social interaction during the School day. Staff will be reminding students of these expectations as the year commences and reinforcement of this at home is incredibly helpful.

As we help students get back into good sleep patterns, it is worth remembering that getting mobile phone use at home in the evenings right often helps improve sleep at night which, in turn, sets students up for success the next day. Sadly, teenagers are the most sleep deprived people in society which comes at a cost to their physical health, mental health and learning. For parents struggling with issues relating to sleep or any other parenting challenge, I encourage you to check out the resources on Launceston Grammar’s subscription to School’s TV. The Healthy Body series section of the site contains some terrific resources on sleep, body image, eating disorders, physical activity and more.

This week our student prefects for 2022 were inducted and committed to serving our School community. Service of others is something we ask not just of our appointed leaders; it is something we ask of all students. The School’s Christian foundations shape our belief that students have been made not to serve themselves but to serve others. As a consequence, opportunities to help others in our School community and the wider community abound and any student looking to get involved serving this term are encouraged to connect with either Reverend Elizabeth Poland (Junior Campus Chaplain) or Reverend Matthew Pickering (Senior Campus Chaplain).

John Maxwell, the famed author once said, “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily.” Together, as parents and teachers, let’s be having conversations with our children and our students about the daily routines they wish to keep this year whether it be with technology, sleep, service or some other aspect of their life. Afterall, it will be their daily habits, their rituals and routines, which are instrumental in shaping this year and their future.

Richard Ford
Headmaster

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Head of Senior Campus - Nicholas Foster

It is hard to believe that we are already one week into the first term. It was great to see so many new and returning students arriving this week. I ...

It is hard to believe that we are already one week into the first term. It was great to see so many new and returning students arriving this week. I often reflect that this week will see the cleanest school shoes all year!

For many students they are wearing old faithfuls newly polished; for others a new pair they breaking in. It is a little like school in general. For some students they are returning to something comfortable, for others Grammar is a brand new experience. Just next week, our Grade 7 students will be heading off on the first camp of the year while this week our Grade 12 students started their last year of study at Launceston Grammar. I am sure that throughout the School year students will face challenges, experience success and also have some setbacks.  I encourage them all to work with their teachers to help set goals for the year to help focus on challenges and what they hope to achieve in 2022 and beyond.

I’m sure our Grade 7 students look at the Grade 12s and think that seems so far away, will that be me one day? They will find new challenges and have to work hard and have more homework than they may have previously.  But, as an African proverb suggests,  by crawling we learn to stand.   We are all here to help everyone stand, then walk, then run, whichever grade they are in. As another African proverb suggests, it takes a village to raise a child. We are all here as part of their village.

With COVID protocols in place some usual start of year opportunities will be a little different. Unfortunately, the House Induction Chapels and Grade 7 Service have been  postponed.  I encourage all parents to please reach out to us if you would like to discuss anything, we are always happy to help. We will certainly work to have some functions at a later stage in the year as COVID planning permits so you can meet your child’s teacher, tutor or Head of House in person.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your children.

God’s Blessings

Nicholas Foster
Head of Senior Campus

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Senior Campus

Introducing Head of Roff House, Miss Rachel Pickering

...

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Introducing Savigny House Head, Mrs Susan Stokes

...

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The Northern Exposure Art Exhibition

Poimena Art Gallery is hosting The Northern Exposure art exhibition, a showcase of northern Tasmanian artists and celebration of our local talent. ...

Poimena Art Gallery is hosting The Northern Exposure art exhibition, a showcase of northern Tasmanian artists and celebration of our local talent.

The show will be on from Thursday February 10 until Thursday March 4, 2022.

Note: Guests will need to be fully vaccinated, wear masks, adhere to social distancing and be checked in.

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Careers Office

Careers Advisor - Fiona Symons

Grade 12 Career CounsellingOne-on-one career counselling sessions for all Grade 12 students commenced this week.  Whilst the content of these ...

Grade 12 Career Counselling

One-on-one career counselling sessions for all Grade 12 students commenced this week.  Whilst the content of these sessions vary to suit the needs of each student, the focus is on discussing aspirations, researching post-Grade 12 options and understanding the processes for pursuing chosen pathways.

Sessions are held during a student’s study line (or at lunchtime for those without a study line) and all Grade 12 students will have their session in the first half of this term.

Students from all grades are encouraged to pop in or email at any stage throughout the school year to receive friendly, personalised careers support.

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a compulsory requirement for entrance into most medicine courses and some dentistry and clinical sciences courses taught in Australia and New Zealand.  The test helps universities to select applicants with the most appropriate abilities and professional behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers.  It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as interviews and academic qualifications.  The UCAT replaced the UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) in 2019.

Grade 12 students who are interested in studying medicine, dentistry or clinical sciences are encouraged to attend a UCAT information session at recess on Monday 7 February in the Careers Centre.

2023 Gap Year Programmes

Taking a gap year between completing senior secondary school and commencing work or further study is an increasingly popular option.  Students may choose to take a gap year because:

  • they want to take a break from studying,
  • they are unsure of what to do after school and want time to consider your options,
  • they want to gain skills and experience to help you get into a course or job, or
  • they want to make some money before going on to further study.

Many organisations provide structured gap year programs which may include volunteering, employment and travel. Grade 12 students who are interested in undertaking a gap year programme are encouraged to attend an information session at recess on Wednesday 9 February in the Careers Centre.

TasTAFE Short Courses

The Careers Centre is organising optional barista and RSA short courses through TasTAFE this year. These courses are a great way to build work readiness skills. The course costs will be $123 for the Espresso Essentials course and $77 for the Responsible Service of Alcohol course. Both courses will be held at TasTAFE (Paterson St, Launceston) over two consecutive evenings. Each course will be offered three times throughout the year to ensure as many students as possible can access this opportunity.

Grade 11 and Grade 12 students will receive an email on Monday 7 February inviting them to express interest in the courses. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

 The Australian National University Tuckwell Scholarship Programme

The Tuckwell Scholarship Program at the Australian National University (ANU) is the most transformational undergraduate scholarship program in Australia.

Every year, 25 Tuckwell Scholarships are awarded to highly talented and motivated school leavers planning to study at ANU, to help them fulfil their potential and reinvest their knowledge, skills and experience in ways that positively benefit others. The program has a focus on giving back to Australia and is the only one of its kind that nurtures Scholars to fulfil their broader community ambitions over and above the pursuit of an undergraduate degree.

The application process for the 2023 intake opens in March, so I would encourage all interested Grade 12 students to look into this opportunity now by visiting the Tuckwell Scholarship website.

Upcoming Careers Events – Term 1

Monday 7 February    UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) information session, recess, Careers Centre
Wednesday 9 February Gap Year information session, recess, Careers Centre
Monday 28 February – Friday 4 March Grade 10 Futures Enrichment Week 1
Monday 4 – Friday 8 April  Grade 10 Futures Enrichment Week 2

                                       

I welcome the opportunity to sit down with parents and students at any time throughout the year to discuss options; please contact me on phone: (03) 6336 6058 or email: careers@lcgs.tas.edu.au to arrange an appointment.

Fiona Symons
Careers Advisor

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Choral Programme

2022 Prep to Grade 12 Choral Programme

At Launceston Grammar we provide a comprehensive, cumulative Choral Programme from Prep to Grade 12. Junior CampusPrep – 2 Choir (all students from ...

At Launceston Grammar we provide a comprehensive, cumulative Choral Programme from Prep to Grade 12.

Junior Campus

  • Prep – 2 Choir (all students from Prep to Grade 2)
  • 3/4 Choir (all students from Grades 3 and 4)
  • 5/6 Choir (all students from Grades 5 and 6)
  • Choir Directors Mr Mark Saunders and Mrs Amelia Reynolds
  • Rehearsals are once a week, during school hours

Broadland Voices (boys and girls from Grades 5 and 6, auditioned)

  • Choir Director: Mrs Amelia Reynolds
  • Tuesday 8-8.45am

This small, auditioned choir, comprising Broadland Boys and Broadland Girls, provides an opportunity for students to learn challenging repertoire and to take part in numerous performances, excursions, and competitions. Members of the choir will be invited to attend the Junior Music Camp (date TBC). They will also take part in a workshop at the Senior Music Camp at Grindelwald (date TBC) where they will work with senior music staff and students from Grades 7-12.

Senior Campus

Senior choirs rehearse once a week.

Senior Vocal Ensemble

*Boys and girls from Grades 7-12, non-auditioned *plus all other members of all senior choirs)

  • Choir Director: Mrs Amelia Reynolds
  • Monday 8-8.30am

Senior Vocal Ensemble students (all senior choral members) learn a variety of repertoire ranging from 3-part popular music through to 6-part traditional and avant-garde classical repertoire with a focus on vocal technique and choral discipline. Members of the Senior Vocal Ensemble will also be invited to participate in the Music Camp at Grindelwald

(date TBC)

The Lads (boys from Grades 7-10, non-auditioned)

  • Choir Director: Mr William Robertson
  • Monday 8.30am – 9.00am

This choir provides an opportunity for boys to experience a wide variety of musical repertoire and to engage socially as a cohesive team. Members of the Lads will also be invited to participate in the Music Camp at Grindelwald (date TBC).

Intonata (girls from Grades 7-9 non-auditioned)

Choir Director: Mrs Amelia Reynolds

Monday 8.30am – 9.00am

This choir provides an opportunity for girls to experience a wide variety of musical repertoire and to engage socially as a cohesive team.  Members of Intonata will also be invited to participate in the Music Camp at Grindelwald (date TBC).

The Fellas (by audition 12-15 students)

  • Choir Director: Mr William Robertson
  • Tuesday lunchtime
  • Uniform: black trousers, black shirt, coloured tie and black school shoes

This small ensemble studies a large variety of repertoire from contemporary popular music to classical songs, with a focus on acapella/barbershop styles. It is an expectation that members of the Fellas also commit to Senior Vocal Ensemble. Members of the Fellas will be invited to participate in the Senior Music Camp at Grindelwald (date TBC). Longstanding, dedicated membership of this ensemble provides an opportunity to work towards Music Colours Awards and TCE points.

Ellavoce (by audition 12-15 students)

  • Choir Director: Mrs Amelia Reynolds
  • Thursday 8am-8.45am
  • Uniform: Black dress, coloured waist band and black character shoes

This small ensemble studies a wide range of repertoire from contemporary popular songs through to 4-part classical repertoire, with a focus on vocal and small ensemble technique. It is an expectation that members of Ellavoce commit to Senior Vocal Ensemble.  Members of Ellavoce will be invited to participate in the Senior Music Camp at Grindelwald (date TBC). Longstanding, dedicated membership of this ensemble provides an opportunity to work towards Music Colours Awards and TCE points.

SATB Chamber Group (by audition-TCE only)

  • Choir Directors: Liam Fassett and Anjana Kumar, 2022 Music Captains
  • Mentor: Dr Melissa Rogers
  • Time by arrangement

This 4-8 member ensemble provides senior students with the opportunity to plan their own choral repertoire, performance and learning opportunities. It provides students with the opportunity to hone their aural, listening, and vocal technical skills within a small ensemble.

Boys Quartet (by audition)

  • Choir Director: Mr William Robertson
  • Tuesday 4.45pm

This quartet provides boys with the opportunity to hone their aural, listening, and vocal technical skills within a small ensemble.

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Chaplain's Message

Senior Campus Chaplain - Reverend Matthew Pickering

My name is Matthew Pickering and I have the honour of being the Senior Campus Chaplain for Launceston Church Grammar School. I became a follower of ...

My name is Matthew Pickering and I have the honour of being the Senior Campus Chaplain for Launceston Church Grammar School.

I became a follower of Jesus on May 29, 1979 while in Grade 12. Soon after, I committed to becoming a preacher and Minister, eventually becoming an Anglican Priest. The rest is a long and mostly happy story of adventures serving God around Australia and overseas.

I have previously worked as a Chaplain at two Anglican Schools in NSW, been a uniformed Chaplain with the NSW Police Force, and worked as a coordinator of a partnership with the Church of Melanesia (Solomon Islands Anglican Church) Education Department. I have also been the Senior Minister in several multi-staff churches.

A year ago, I resigned my job to follow my wife, Anne to Tasmania so that she could take up a teaching and Head of House position at Launceston Grammar. After a year of semi-retirement, fishing, boating, four-wheel driving and exploring fabulous Tassie – all the time wondering what God might have in store for me – I have taken up the role of Chaplain again!

I feel deeply privileged to work in the most beautiful mission of educating young people in one of Australia’s oldest continually operating school and most storied Anglican schools. I have discovered more about Peter Sculthorpe, David Boon’s flight to England (top score, an amazing 52!), Broadland House and its heritage, and the most extraordinary story of Norman H. Roff. There is much more to learn.

Every school is unique, so I plan to listen and observe carefully to learn the culture, history and practice of Launceston Grammar. One of the things I am reintroducing to the life of the School is the weekly Staff Prayer meeting in the Chapel. However, mostly I will be working hard at continuing the work of Reverend Paul Grayston and walking alongside our wise and kind students.

I look forward to meeting parents and friends of the School.

Reverend Matthew Pickering
Senior Campus Chaplain

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Junior Campus Chaplain - Reverend Elizabeth Poland

PerspectiveAs I sat to write this short piece I received a call from a grandparent of the school. She had the sad news of a grand daughter (at ...

Perspective

As I sat to write this short piece I received a call from a grandparent of the school.

She had the sad news of a grand daughter (at another school) with serious health issues that would now cause a total upheaval for her family.

We prayed over the phone.

And then I sat quietly in my office- pondering how we navigate life when things go so seriously pear shaped.

Turning to my worn out Bible I looked up Psalm 103.

As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone and its place remembers it no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children.

with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

God’s love remains.

Turning to God in both the pain and joys of life- knowing that in Jesus there is comfort, forgiveness and peace- and the hope (read certainty- not wishful thinking) of eternity with him.

Navigating those hard situations brings us back to the core of what is important in our lives- the care and love of family and friends, and ultimately it brings us back to God.

As I prayed for this wonderful woman who is part of the extended Grammar community- I was reminded of the strength of our community. And prayed that God would give her the strength for each day- to live and love in the strength that comes from Him.

That really is my prayer for our school as we kick off the school year.

That we would look to God- for strength, comfort, direction.

That we would seek to know what it means to fear God- acknowledging that we are dust and that we need Jesus every day.

Take care as you navigate each day.

Reverend Elizabeth Poland
Junior Campus Chaplain

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Community Noticeboard

Active Transport Storytelling Competition

The Menzies Institute for Medical Research are seeking storytellers with a tale to tell about a regular walk, bike ride or public transport commute ...

The Menzies Institute for Medical Research are seeking storytellers with a tale to tell about a regular walk, bike ride or public transport commute for our ‘Active Transport Storytelling Competition’.

Shortlisted storytellers will be invited to a free storytelling masterclass with author, Sam George-Allen, and the chance to win some exciting prizes.

You can find all the details HERE

Submissions close 14 February 2022 (11.59pm AEST)

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We respectfully acknowledge, with deep respect, the Palawa/Pakana people as the traditional owners of the land, sea, and waterways of Lutruwita (Tasmania) on which we work, rest and play. We pay our respects to elders past, present, and emerging and recognise their continued care for land, waterways, and community. We also acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

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