Term 2, Week 1

Seasons

It is wonderful to welcome back staff and students for the start of Term 2. As we start the term,

I congratulate Mr Adrian Finch who takes up the role as Acting Head of Senior Campus. We also welcome two new members of staff to our team, Mr James Sheffield to our English staff and Mr David Jones, who is working as an Aide in our Technology Centre.

Yesterday, as I was at the ANZAC Commemoration Service, several leaves from the oak tree above me fell to the ground. It made it very evident that the change of season is upon us as we move from summer to autumn.  The changing of the seasons brings new opportunities as we move from one thing to another.  As is written in Ecclesiastes, “to everything there is a season and a time to purpose”.

For our students, the term to come is filled with opportunities to learn and grow; to grow into the best version of themselves. As I have mentioned in previous newsletter articles, we are all continuous learners, and it was wonderful to have an opportunity for professional learning with our staff on both Monday and Tuesday this week. The key focus was on wellbeing and self-care. Staff across both campuses came together to spend time with Paul Taylor from the Mind, Body, Brain Institute.  HOME | Mind Body Brain Performance Institute

Paul shared with us some practical ways in which we can look after our wellbeing and which I know staff are looking forward to sharing through our Pastoral Care Programme with our students.  Paul gave some practical tips about the importance of sleep, the ability to use positive self-talk, as well as the importance of both exercise and nutrition.  Reflecting on his sessions, there were similar messages in a book I read over the holiday break, “Big Panda and Tiny Dragon” by James Norbury.

In it, the tiny dragon made the observation “it is hard being kind to everyone.” “True,” said big Panda “and hardest of all to be kind to ourselves, but we must try.” Some takeaway messages that I know I have discussed with our staff and I encourage you to discuss with your children, are the importance of taking time to reflect, to exercise, but also spend joyful time with others.  To be kind to ourselves. To switch off from the social media that invades our space, to sleep well and sometimes do little more than enjoy the sound of the falling rain.

As our winter sports season kicks off with football tomorrow, I am sure that our students, based on the weather conditions, will get to enjoy both the exercise and the falling rain all in one venue!

I look forward to catching up with you this term whether around a sports field, a stage, or gallery.

Enjoy the weekend with your children.

God’s Blessings.

Nicholas Foster
Acting Headmaster

It is with great sense of pride that I have an opportunity to serve our school in the role of Acting Head of Senior Campus.

Applying for this position required a great deal of thought and self-reflection when this important school function was advertised following Mr Foster’s appointment as Acting Headmaster.

Should I apply? Could I be effective in this role? How could the skills I’ve gained over many years enable me to execute this appointment effectively? Am I the right person for this job at this point in the School’s journey? How could I best serve the community?

Then, the next wave of questions came from the voices in my head, or the “gremlins”, as Paul Taylor referred to them when he addressed all staff on the first day of professional learning this term; why get out of my comfort zone? Why take on a challenge like this? Why take the risk?

We challenge our students everyday to get out of their comfort zone; to experience the unknown; to take calculated risks; or to apply themselves to learning something new.  I’m looking forward to learning, to being challenged, and to having a positive impact on others.

I have loved working as Director of Sport and as the Learning Area Leader for Health & Physical Education. It is through these roles and 12 years of teaching at The Hutchins School that I have gained a deep level of knowledge and understanding of how a leading school functions and how to build positive relationships with staff, students, and the community. As a passionate alumnus, the timing is right for me to make a further, meaningful contribution to the School.

The Senior Executive Team spent two days during the school holidays with leadership coach, Andy Goodacre from Life In Colour. We were able to examine and reflect on our leadership strengths using the Clifton Strengths Assessment tool, which provides a ranking of 34 Clifton Strengths themes. These themes are broken down into four domains. My dominant domain was relationship building, with 4 of my top 5 themes falling in this domain. People and relationships are a big part of who I am and what I find most valuable and rewarding in life. Working with students and staff to enhance learning and the positive interactions I have every day is what drives me.

It was great to stand with Mr Foster to welcome back our students for the start of Term 2. It was enjoyable for us to see so many happy faces back on campus and despite the sudden change in weather, there is an overwhelming sense of positivity and enthusiasm amongst the staff and students. The first week has been a huge eye opener in to how amazing our School is and how many opportunities and experiences are available to our students.

We are so fortunate to have a wonderful facility in Poimena, where Mr Paul Snell and the art team hosted an art exhibition opening with some outstanding local and interstate artists. On the same day, our music department showcased their talented students, in particular Hannah Mathers in Grade 7, who played the Last Post and The Rouse at the Anzac Service held at the flagpole.

One of my goals for the year is to improve the standard of uniform and appearance. I have a strong belief that presentation is one of the key ingredients to build a strong foundation for our School culture and School pride. To achieve any goal it is important to have consistency. I believe that with support from the home front and from staff, this goal is achievable and that the flow-on effects will be incredibly valuable on so many levels.

I am very much looking forward to working with our impressive team of staff in partnership with students and families to continue to build a strong, positive culture. A culture where people across all areas of the Launceston Grammar community are proud to be associated with our outstanding School.

Adrian Finch
Acting Head of Senior Campus

Welcome to Term 2!

It was wonderful to welcome our children back to School on Wednesday. Many had stories to share about family trips away, or ‘staycations’, with the common theme being that all had enjoyed the break.

We are very pleased to welcome new children and their families to the Junior Campus:

Staff Professional Learning Days

At the beginning of Term 2, staff came together for 2 days of professional learning, to further our progress with our Strategic Plan – to invest in our people, resources, and systems in order to continuously improve the School’s provision of excellent education and opportunities.

We began with clarifying our understanding of the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) Safeguarding Children standards. These sessions enabled staff to consolidate their knowledge of our individual and collective responsibility with regard to the safety of children and young people, in readiness for our visit by representatives from the ACF next week. Mandatory Reporting was also a topic for review and discussion.

Neuroscientist, Exercise Physiologist, Nutritionist, PhD Scholar and all-round ‘Pracademic’, Paul Taylor gave an interactive and engaging keynote address on Mental Vitality, reminding us all of the importance of prioritising our health and wellbeing. Such was the level of motivation after his presentation, staff have been exercising and having daily cold showers! If you are interested, you can find out more from Paul’s webpage: HOME | Mind Body Brain Performance Institute

On the second day, Junior Campus staff began the day with a coffee and a walk by the river before working with facilitators from Independent Schools Tasmania (IST) Ruth Croser and Mark Seagar. Continuing our focus on wellbeing, all staff reviewed our positive behaviour management strategies with Ruth Croser and the Early Learning staff collaborated to review and update our Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) with Mark Seagar.

The professional learning days gave us a great opportunity to come together and collaborate as a whole staff, Junior Campus team and year level groups. Collegiality was fostered and much was achieved.

Happy Mothers’ Day to all!

On Friday 6 May, we welcomed mothers, grandmothers and special guests to the Junior Campus to celebrate families and mothers. A coffee cart was there for that important early cup of coffee and muffins, pastries and bananas were available to eat. Visitors were welcome to visit classrooms where special handmade gifts were waiting. They also could see our learning spaces and find out more about what is happening at school.

Early Learning ‘Love Tree’
Gifts for Kinder mums
Happy Mother’s Day from Grade 4B
A lovely welcome for 1G mothers
Just in case you didn’t know, 5C had a book to remind you
5C artists pay tribute to their mothers

We were very pleased to support local charity, Tassie Mums. Parents are thanked for their generous donation of baby bottles and baby cream which will help provide Tasmanian babies and children with everyday essentials for a happy and healthy life.

Gifts for ‘Tassie Mums’ to distribute to mothers in need

Our Grade 2 Teachers, Martine Cook and Debbie Deans, were instrumental in driving the preparation and planning for this lovely community event. Sincere thanks to Martine and Debbie, and all the team, for ensuring that we had such a happy morning together. Thanks to all parents, children and staff for joining in the spirit of giving.

Junior Campus Staffing News

Next Wednesday, Felicity Hewitt will be returning as Deputy Head of Junior Campus after a period of leave.  Many of you will know Felicity as she has over 20 years’ service and experience at the Junior School. She is looking forward to reconnecting with staff, students and families and we are looking forward to welcoming her back.

We thank Christian Zantuck for his selfless contribution while he served as Acting Deputy Head of Junior Campus. He has fulfilled the role with integrity and heart, always making decisions in the best interests of children, colleagues and the School. Christian is highly regarded as a loyal friend and leader; his love of the School is evident.  Christian will return to his role as PE and Sport Teacher.

At the end of term, we will also farewell our Art Teacher, Laura Watts.  Laura has been with us since 2010 and is known for her dedication to developing and educating our students’ creative expression and nurturing their artistic abilities.  We thank Laura for her contribution to the Junior Campus.

We also welcome Pre-Service teacher, Chloe Krivan (Deakin University – Masters of Teaching), who began her teaching practicum with the 5B students this week. A very big thank you to Grade 5 teacher, Sophie Gunn, who will be Chloe’s mentor for the 20 days that she will be with us.

Welcome Noah William Brown!

We are delighted to share lovely news from Grade 5 Teacher, Timothy Brown and his wife Taryn.  They are very proud to announce the safe arrival of Noah William Brown, born Tuesday 3 May 2022 at the Royal Hobart Hospital. A brother for Tommy. Timothy, a very proud dad, reports that Taryn and baby Noah are doing well. It will be a special Mother’s Day for the Brown family!

Noah William Brown

ANZAC Appeal

Junior Campus students and families are to be thanked for the fabulous support of the ANZAC Appeal and the Launceston RSL Sub-Branch. Last term, students were very generous with their time, selling poppies, badges and wristbands before and after school. We are very pleased that we raised $339.20! The money will be used to provide support and assistance for current and former members of the Australian Defence Forces and their families.

The Launceston RSL Sub-Branch also invited our school to participate in the ANZAC Day Civic Service which was held at the Launceston Cenotaph. Our Junior Campus Captains, Elsie Miller and Ben Watson, joined our Senior Campus Captains and represented Grammar at the Service. An ANZAC Assembly was held on Wednesday to commemorate the day.

Launceston Grammar Leaders at the ANZAC Service
Grade 6 lead Junior Campus ANZAC Assembly

Little Extras

Parents will have received information about the Junior Campus ‘Little Extras’ programme, which commences in Week 2. If your child is interested in Dance or Taekwondo, please complete the enrolment forms so they can participate.

Healthy Communication Habits

Parents and carers can contact the School using electronic communications, by telephone and in person. We are keen to engage with you, especially during regular hours, and endeavour to respond within 24 hours. In the interest of keeping our on-line engagement at healthy levels, we hope that you understand if we do not respond to evening communications immediately. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Term 2 dates (as at Friday 6 May) are below.

Best wishes to all for a great weekend with family and a happy and productive term

Sheona Carter
Head of Junior Campus

TERTIARY INFORMATION SERVICE EXPO: 31 MAY

Every year, the Victorian Tertiary Information Service runs a series of expos, providing an opportunity for students and parents to learn more about their higher education and tertiary study options.

This event provides a fantastic opportunity for Grade 11 and Grade 12 students and their parents to investigate study options locally and interstate including: how to apply, scholarships, accommodation options and financial assistance.  The event is held as an expo where parents and students can talk one-on-one with representatives from a wide range of institutions including:

• Bond University
• Deakin University
• Monash University
• Swinburne University of Technology
• The University of Melbourne
• University of Tasmania

Event Details:

1. Date:      Tuesday 31 May
2. Time:     6.00pm – 7.30pm
3. Venue:  Inveresk Library, Level 1, University of Tasmania (Inveresk campus), 2 Invermay Road

More information: this 30 minute presentation provides complementary information about TIS and applying for university.

View the video Here.

There is no need to register for this event.

THE UNIVERSITY CLINICAL APTITUDE TEST (UCAT) – CLOSING SOON!

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.

Registrations for the 2022 UCAT close on 17 May. (Late registration is available but incurs a substantial fee.) For more information or to register, visit their website.

ANU DIRECT APPLICATION PROCESS – CLOSING SOON!

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

This early application process opens on Wednesday 2 March and closes Monday 23 May.

More information about the application process and timeframes can be found on the ANU website.

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

UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY (UTS) ENGINEERING & IT WEBINARS

Over the coming weeks, UTS will be running a series of webinars on Engineering and IT courses and discipline areas.

To register, visit the following websites:

Engineering Webinars 

IT Webinars

BOND UNIVERSITY – VIRTUAL OPEN DAY

Bond University will be holding at Virtual Open Day, streaming live on Saturday, 14 May from 2pm AEST.

Register your interest now to keep up to date ahead of the livestream, and to gain access to a suite of on-demand content, available to browse at any time throughout or after the live broadcast. Register via Bond University’s website.

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE GAP YEAR PROGRAM

The popular ADF Gap Year Program is now open.  This program gives students who have completed Grade 12 the chance to experience an exciting and rewarding paid 12-month role in the Navy, Army or Air Force.  For further information and to apply, visit the Defence Force website.

IGLU REGIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
IGLU, an independent student accommodation provider, is offering a regional scholarship providing subsidised accommodation for students wishing to study in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney in 2023. To find out more, visit the IGLU website.

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

Launceston Grammar’s Grade 7 student, Hannah Mathers played at the recent ANZAC Day service in St Mary’s.

This is the first time that Hannah has played at the service, with approximately 100 people in attendance.

We are back! There is enthusiasm among the staff that you can feel, and the students are looking sharp and full of promise. 

In term 1 I focused on watching and learning and doing the basics of Chapel and meeting people with careful preparation and targeted focus. I am enjoying working with staff and students and have valued getting to know as many parents as I can. 

Now that I have settled in, it is time to point out that Chaplaincy is for the whole Launceston Church Grammar community, not just the people who attend the senior campus each day. 

Last term I had the privilege of baptising two children and conducting a service for the Elizabeth Street Chapter (basically the more mature Old Boys). Both occasions have led to further opportunities to serve the broader community. 

“We were extremely grateful to have Reverend Matthew Pickering guide and support us through the baptism of our daughters Vivienne and Juliette. His compassionate, encouraging and engaging ministry made us feel extremely welcome and made the occasion very memorable.”

Claudia and Tom (Class of 2000) Diprose

Claudia and Tom with their children

“Since joining the Elizabeth Street Chapter in 2017 it has been my privilege to play the Chapel organ for their annual Easter Service. This outreach to the Old Boys is much appreciated, especially the service this year, about which I have heard numerous positive comments.”

Kerry Holloway (Class of 66)

I value the chance to conduct Baptisms and Weddings which are full of joy and promise, and to walk carefully with families through illness, death and funerals. These are responsibilities that I take very seriously, and promise will be done with gentleness and wisdom. 

Please contact me. 

mpickering@lcgs.tas.gov.au or 0431135223 

Reverend Matthew Pickering
Senior Campus Chaplain