Term 1, Week 5

Dale Bennett

Principal

Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World 

As we are now well into the academic year it has been great to reflect on the start of the year to date. It has certainly been busy. As well as the many academic tasks, we have had an athletic carnival, art gallery openings, music camps, production camp and rehearsals, rowing regattas, cricket matches, basketball weekend tournaments and many tennis matches. The list is extensive. Schools can at times be a little daunting.   

Which brings me to the title of this article. In 1492 this was exactly what Christopher Columbus did. He followed the light of the sun for the New World. Every time I travel the globe I think of the voyage he made and the discoveries he made. In many ways, this paved the way for the exploration of the world as we know it. Columbus had no EPIRB to call for help, no GPS, no satellite phone, and no computer. He had a steadfast belief in himself, a sextant, the stars and a dream. I marvel at his bravery. Many years ago I went to Genoa so my then 12-year-old could stand where Columbus sailed from. So we could look out at the horizon together knowing, unlike what was the case in 1492, the world actually is round. You can’t sail over the edge. Because of Columbus we now don’t have to be so brave when we sail. 

So why my musings on Columbus? Because we live with little Columbus’s every day. We wake them in the morning and send them on their way with a packed lunch, a bag and a hope they will be brave and challenge the unknown. As a parent and an educator, my hope is that our children will venture outside of the box, outside of the predictable and find out something new just as Columbus did. While they might not be gone for years, as was Columbus, they often sail into uncharted territories. The game of cricket they know will probably be unwinnable, the production rehearsal they are worried about, the maths test that is difficult. In many ways, every day is a trailblazing day for them as they explore the great unknown – adolescence.  

We often talk about what we could achieve if we knew we couldn’t fail, but how often do we set goals that reflect that optimism? Often in my school career, I have seen students not attempt something rather than risk failure. They dare to dream, but only in their hearts, and never dare to throw caution to the wind and dare to be bold. John Maxwell in his book Failing Forward wrote:  

The more you do, the more you fail. The more you fail, the more you learn. The more you learn, the better you get. 

However, setting goals is only a part of this equation. Once goals are set, children need to work hard to achieve them. I once read the only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary. That may be working with staff in the after-school tutoring programme, doing extra fitness work or skill sessions, or practising a musical instrument more regularly. It may also mean going to bed earlier, eating better or turning off your phone when you study. It may mean being more focused in class and asking questions. What it does mean, however, is taking ownership of yourself and your actions. In his poem Invictus, Henly wrote; I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.  

We all need to look in the mirror at the person who has the biggest say in achieving our goals – ourselves. We all need to be the captain of our ship.  

I’ll leave you with some advice from that other great explorer James Cook;  

Do just once what others say you can’t do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again. 

Enjoy the weekend with your sailors 

God Speed, 

Nicholas Foster

Deputy Principal and Head of Senior Campus

Dear Boarding Families and wider Launceston Grammar Community, 

The start of 2023 has been hectic to put it lightly, but we have made it to the halfway point of the term and our Boarders have settled into their routines. Our Boarding Community has such a positive and energetic atmosphere that was recent;y displayed by our Boarders cooking up a feast for brunch over the weekend. I must thank everyone from the Boarding Staff, Catering Staff, Cleaners, Maintenance, Marketing team, HR, Day staff, parents, and our students for their combined input to create this environment. It has become clear to me that for us to be a successful and thriving  Boarding Community, we need the input of the WHOLE Grammar Community, where we have pride in who we are and what we represent. 

We have a few big weeks and events ahead of us with the first of those events happening this weekend. The Grammar Boarders are participating in the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life event to be held at the Silverdome. This was such a big hit with our students last year that we had to enter again this year. If you happen to have some spare time on Saturday or Sunday and feel like joining us for a few laps around the Silverdome track, please come along. Alternatively, if you would like to sponsor one of our Boarders by donating a certain amount for every lap they walk around the track, please get in touch with me for details on how you can do that. 

The first long weekend of the year is also upon us, and while I’m sure most are looking forward to spending some time away with loved ones, some of our Boarders will spend their first weekend at home since school started. The Grammar Boarding House will close at 6 pm on Friday 10th of May for all local Boarders. We will remain open for all of our overseas students and cater for them over the long weekend. The Boarding House will reopen at 4 pm on Tuesday 14th March. 

Lastly, I will be travelling to King Island with Mr Dale Bennett and his wife from Monday 6th to Wednesday 8th of March to attend the King Island Show. If you have any friends or family that live on King Island, please let them know to come and say hello to us at our site as I’m sure I’d enjoy the friendly distraction from my boss for a few minutes. 

If you have any questions or feedback regarding Hawkes Boarding House, please do not hesitate to reach out to me (tpieters@lcgs.tas.edu.au, 0447732241) or Mr Murphy (jmurphy@lcgs.tas.edu.au, 0497699758). 

Kind Regards, 

TJ Pieters 

Head of Hawkes House Boarding

Reverend Matthew Pickering received this moving message from Zana Bowen, Partnership Manager – School & Youth at World Vision Australia. He organised the fundraising that took place during the House Chapel events in February. Your generous donations led to $4335.60 being raised for the Türkiye Syria Earthquake Appeal.

“I am touching base to pass on our thanks to you and the Launceston Church Grammar School community for your generous support of our Earthquake appeal. With the funds raised we are aiding those most vulnerable in this crisis, the children with food, shelter and child-safe spaces. We are due to get an update in the coming days of our work and would love to share that with you and the school when it is available.

I am a fellow Tasmanian working remotely from our Head Office so was so touched to see a donation come from my home state.”

Matthew Pickering

School Chaplain

Grade 7 and 9 students will shortly be sitting their NAPLAN tests across the whole of Australia. There are four of these tests: reading, writing, conventions of language, and numeracy. The goals of the tests include capturing the current level of progress for students across these areas so that we can better teach to their level and measure their growth over time. Please read the following information carefully: 

• NAPLAN is conducted online through school laptops in class between the 15 – 27 March 
• Laptops will have a “locked down” browser installed which means nothing else on the computer will be accessible during the test. Students should note: 
• An icon should already have appeared on their desktop. 
• If the icon is not visible, students should please ensure that they turn on their laptops for a few hours at school when connected to the school network. 

• If it does not appear, the student should check in with IT as soon as possible. 
• Students will require headphones for the purpose of the test – they should please bring headphones to school on the days they have NAPLAN testing. 
• Catch-up sessions will be provided for those who are absent for one of the tests. 
• The state government recommends that the online public demonstration site is used to help students learn how the platform looks. There is no expectation of completing “practice tests” at this stage or visiting this website, but it is there if you would like to look at it. 
• Mrs Cassie Lobley will be in touch with those families who may be seeking adjustments such as extra time or a separate testing space. 

The dates for NAPLAN are:

Wednesday 15 March Week B

Grade 7 (Log Cabins) P1 and 2 

Grade 9 Writing (C2, C3, C4, C5, S1) P1 and 2 

Thursday 16 March Week B

Catch Up (C3) P4 and 5 

Friday 17 March Week B

Grade 7 (Log Cabins) P1 and 2 

Grade 9 Reading (C2, C3, C4, C5, S1) P1 and 2 

Monday 20 March Week A

Grade 7 (Log Cabins) P4 and 5 

Grade 9 Language Conventions (C2, C3, C4, C5, S1) P4 and 5 

Tuesday 21 March Week A

Grade 7 Numeracy (Log Cabins) P1 and 2 

Grade 9 Numeracy (C2, C3, C4, C5, S1) P4 and 5 

Wednesday 22 March Week A

Catch Up (H2) P1 and 2 

Further catch-ups as required. 

If you have any questions or concerns about any of this, including known absences in advance, please let me know. I am confident our students will all be wonderful – they should enjoy this chance to show their knowledge, skills, and learning!
 

Sarah Shepherd and Natalie Stewart 

Co-Directors of Teaching and Learning 

Study, Work, Grow

Click the link here to sign up for your study, work, grow account. 

CAREER EXPLORATION 

TASMANIA POLICE  

Career Expo 

Tasmania Police will be holding a career expo at Longford Police Station (443 Cressy Road, Longford) on Sunday March 5 2023 between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm. The expo will be showcasing a range of specialist and secondary roles currently undertaken by Tasmania Police including: 

• Road Policing Services  
• Remotely Piloted Aircraft Services (drones).  
• Marine Services 

• The Dog Handler Unit 
• The Bomb Response Group  
• Search and Rescue 

There will be specialist vehicles and equipment available such as police bikes, marine vessels, drones, and bomb squad equipment for people to see.  Also in attendance will be members from Recruiting Services and members of the Tasmania Police Band.  

The day is intended to be informative for people wishing to join who may have questions about our specialist roles, as well as for members of the public to come and see the new station, and to see what capabilities their police service offer. The day will be great for any students who are interested in a career with Tasmania Police, who are currently unsure which career path they may want to take or who are interested in completing our Career Development Program.  

Career Development Program 

The Tasmania Police Career Development Program is aimed at Grade 12 students from around Tasmania who have a keen interest in becoming a Police Officer.  It is a free, five-day program conducted during school holidays, during which students will live at the Tasmania Police Academy, Rokeby, and experience first-hand what police recruit training involves. 

As a part of this program students will undertake the Tasmania Police fitness testing and written examinations.  Those students who are successful in these will progress through to the next stage of the recruitment process and possible employment at the completion of their Grade 12 studies.  More information about the Program can be found at https://recruitment.police.tas.gov.au/career-development-programs/school-based-program/. 

Applications for the 2023 Career Development Program are now open to current Grade 12 students only.  The Programs will be held during the Term 2 and Term 3 holidays.  To apply, students should check their school email account for full details.  Applications are strictly due to the Careers Centre by Friday 24 March. 

AUSTRALIAN MARITIME COLLEGE (AMC) EXPO 

Students in Grade 11 and Grade 12 are invited to attend a careers expo at the Australian Maritime College (AMC), Newnham on Friday 31 May. Participants will: 

• Meet AMC’s extensive network of enthusiastic industry partners visiting from all corners of Australia to showcase impactful and fulfilling careers in Engineering, Business, Logistics, Transportation, Seafaring and Government 
• Meet passionate educators and seek advice on study options aligned with the student’s interests 
• Explore tertiary study options at AMC in Engineering, Business and Seafaring 
• Learn about the exciting projects AMC graduates have embarked on including in autonomous submarines, naval architecture, renewable energy projects, simulation technology and global distribution careers 

 For more information and to register, please contact me by Friday 24 March. 

GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITIES

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. Many of these structured programs are open now and some close at the end of Term 1. Grade 12 students who are interested in undertaking a gap year programme are encouraged to speak with the Careers Centre. 

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. 

More information about the UCAT is available at www.ucat.edu.au/ and by speaking with the Careers Centre. Registration for the test is now open, and closes on 17 May 2023. 

UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS & EVENTS 

THE HANSEN SCHOLARSHIP 

The Hansen Scholarship is the University of Melbourne’s most generous equity scholarship program. Valued at up to $108,000, this scholarship recognises students for their outstanding academic success, commitment to helping others and their communities, and resilience to adversity.

2024HansenScholarshipProgram

THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY  

Direct Applications 

Following the launch of ANU’s direct application process in 2019, ANU course applications have now opened for 2023.   

This early application process opened on 1 March and closes on 15 May. 

 More information about the application process and timeframes can be found at: https://www.anu.edu.au/study/apply/domestic-applications-anu-undergraduate  

Students who are interested in applying are encouraged to contact the Careers Centre for assistance with their application. 

Open Day 

ANU will be holding their annual Open Day on Saturday 18 March. For more information and to register, visit: https://openday.anu.edu.au/.  

Tuckwell Scholarship Program 

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 2024 intake opened in March. I would encourage all interested Grade 12 students to look into this opportunity now by visiting the Tuckwell Scholarship website: https://tuckwell.anu.edu.au/scholarship.   

UNIVERSITY OF THE SUNSHINE COAST (UniSC) COMPETITION 

UniSC is running a “Best Field Trip in the World” competition for Grade 11 and Grade 12 students. Winners of the competition will be provided with a four-day program of activities in the Sunshine Coast region. 

For more information and to apply visit: https://www.usc.edu.au/best-field-trip-in-the-world  

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

Fiona Symons 

Careers Advisor 

On Tuesday 21st February we were thrilled to once again have Clint Bolster conduct his annual whole-day workshop with Grades 8 and 9 Drama and Dance classes. 

Clint has been a regular visitor to Grammar for over 20 years, initially as both a performer in his own right with Homunculus Theatre Company. He now also offers student workshops in physical theatre and the use of masks. 

He currently juggles a busy performance schedule, as a stilt performer and trainer, teaching artist, clown, mask theatre specialist and working with Cirque du Soleil.  

Grammar students began the day with intensive group work in skill building in the areas of improvisation and physicalisation of role, leading to their original performance work in the afternoon.  

Clint commented on the enthusiasm and skill level of our students and was impressed with their willingness to throw themselves into rehearsal and challenge themselves in performance.  

Louise Peters 

Head of Drama 

Head of the River Cocktail Party 14th March 2023 6.00-8.00 pm – Café 1846, Senior Campus, Button Street, Mowbray

Launceston Grammar’s Rowing Support Group welcomes rowers, rowing parents and our supportive community to the Head of the River Cocktail Party.
Enjoy canapes as you mingle with friends ahead of the Head of the River rowing regatta. The Rowing Support Group will be running a bar at the event.

Book Now.

Head of the River High Tea Saturday 18th March 2023 – Lake Barrington International Rowing Course, 520 Staverton Road, Staverton TAS 7306

Launceston Grammar Rowing Support Group invite parents and supporters to the Head of the River High Tea to be held at Lake Barrington. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our rowers at the Head of the River rowing regatta.

Food and hot drinks will be organised by the Rowing Support Group.

Book Now

We welcome the Launceston Grammar community to join the rowing teams on Saturday 18th March at Lake Barrington to cheer on our amazing rowers and soak up the atmosphere of the Head of the River regatta. For more information, visit the Rowing Tasmania website.

Support our Grade 12 students and have your car washed whilst you enjoy the cricket at the Senior Campus. Saturday 4 March the students will be at the flagpole from 11 am until 2 pm ready to make your vehicle sparkle and gleam. $10 per car with all funds raised going to the Walkathon charity You Can Stay. Spread the word amongst friends and family to keep them all busy.

Our Grade 12 students are excited to share the donation page for this year’s Walkathon charity, You Can Stay. Donate Now

Their recent fundraising concert with alumnus Kartik Kuna raised over $1200 and the students will be out in full force on Saturday 4 March from 11-2 at the Senior Campus flagpole washing cars whilst you enjoy the cricket.

For the renowned Tasmanian composer and former Launceston Grammar student Don Kay OAM (1950), his bereavement after his beloved wife’s death was profound. From his loss this mini-opera was born – a series of vocal works evoking the ancient phrase memento mori (remember, you will die) with its inescapable, plain truth.

In collaboration with lyricist John Honey, Kay creates a rich musical and theatrical journey through the universal themes of fragility, vulnerability and the certainty of death.

These four works for soprano and baritone give voice to our demise yet also amplify the wondrous contradiction and complexity that, while we remain, life can and must go on. A reflection on ageing, illness, death and loss, Memento Mori reminds us also of the enduring triumph of love, catharsis, renewal, and optimism.

The performance runs from 9-13 March as part of Ten Days on the Island. Book your tickets here https://lnkd.in/guD9Ed56