Term 3 Week 1

It has been fantastic to see our young people back at school on both campuses and hear of their exciting holiday adventures. It feels like many families headed north, pursuing the warmth and sunshine, whilst others took the opportunity to hit the local slopes. Jane and I decided to head south and explore the wonders of this beautiful island, visiting the Huon region and Port Arthur Historic Site. We were pleased to be in Hobart on their warmest winter night on record and the accompanying beautiful days of sunshine. 

Now back in Launceston, tomorrow night, we will be tripping the lights fantastic, as we join the Grade 12’s, celebrating an important right of passage at the Grammar Ball. I look forward to joining parents as we welcome our students onto our red carpet for a fine evening of dining, dancing and creating final-year memories. 

Over the weekend I am looking forward to meeting with 20 of our current Gr 10 parents, in a workshop programme that is exploring the experience of our grade 10-12 students. This open consultation is helping us to better understand what it is that parents would like us to intentionally develop in our learning programmes and why they’re offering. Education is no longer siloed into specific grade levels, that meet specific age and stage outcomes. Rather, we view education in phases of learning. The Grade 10-12 phase of learning is not just about attaining a TCE and an ATAR as qualifications at the end of schooling. It is about intentionally working with students from adolescence to adulthood and in so doing, we have a responsibility to ensure that the experiences and ways of learning give students the opportunity to nurture their intrinsic love for whole-of-life learning. 

There have been many rich conversations around this concept on campus with students and staff. We will continue consultation over the course of this term to inform teacher practice and to value the immediate and longer-term needs of our learners. 

Next Thursday morning, we are hosting the Grade 7 2024 parent breakfast. This is an opportunity for us to work with our parents and share with them the experiences that their students and they will have as they join the senior campus. Transition is not just the business of students and teachers, it is ensuring that our parents also feel supported and informed about how they may best leverage their engagement with the school. A strong parent community at any grade level supports our children to thrive because not only should they be known in the classroom, but also in the broader community so that they are able to feel that rich connection that is at the heart of individual well-being in education.

I am looking forward to learning from and sharing with our parents the joys of the middle years of learning, which is another educational phase. In two weeks’ time, our Co-Director of Teaching and Learning, Sarah Shepherd, Head of Grade 7, Amanda Luttrell, Biology and HPE Teacher/Grade 7 Tutor, Jordan Travers and IBPYP Coordinator, Claire Calvert are presenting to colleagues across the state on what it means to deliver an engaging and challenging Grade 7 programme ‘In the middle of the middle’. Adolescence is a phase from Grade 5 – Grade 9 and the rapid changes and development that occur in this critical phase of education require a tailored response to meet the needs of learners.

This term, I’m visiting our Hawkes Boarding and prospective new families around the northeast region. We continue to enjoy increasing interest and uptake of our boarding offering with X new students joining us this semester. 

Term 3 in schools all over Australia is a highly productive term, where we witness significant growth in student ability and skill, in a range of areas. This culminates in performances and sporting finals and celebration of community events. I look forward to seeing many of you at these events. Please make yourself known to me as I’m still getting to know names and faces and appreciate being reminded of who’s who. 

Have a lovely weekend.

Dale Bennett

Principal

It was wonderful to welcome our students back to School after the break. One of the great things about term breaks is that each term brings an opportunity for a fresh start. A time to “reboot” if you will. To take stock of what has been and to set goals for the term ahead.

Our students in Grades 7-10 have now received their reports and our TCE students will receive them shortly. We will also be starting course selection for 2024. This will provide an opportunity to look at what comes next. What do I want to study? What do I want to learn? How can I challenge myself?

There are so many opportunities to learn through the journey that is life. Life is a learning experience; a learning journey and no two experiences will be alike. There is no “right” or “wrong” way. Every day is another chance to expand our knowledge. I was once told that knowledge isn’t a heavy burden to carry.

 Alexander Pope in An Essay on Criticism wrote;

A little learning is a dangerous thing;

Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.

In Greek Mythology, the Pierian Spring was the spring of knowledge. The Greeks believed that Pegasus, the famous winged horse, struck the ground with his hoof and a spring came forth that would inspire any who drank from it. Pope suggests that it is important not to be content with a small sip and believe oneself learned, but, to drink deep knowing that there is still much to learn. Embrace every opportunity to learn. Drink deep from that Pierian Spring that is all around us. Use your School reports to help set goals for the coming term.

It is a wonderful message that I hope you will share with your children. The challenge in schools is very individual. For some math comes with ease, for others, it’s like a foreign language. For some writing with the eloquence of Milton flows effortlessly, for others writing an essay is excruciatingly hard. For some the arduous outdoor ed trip is a wonder, yet for others it is almost an insurmountable hurdle. 

We all have our different strengths and need to embrace our differences as a gift. As Mark Twain told us, comparison is the thief of joy. 

We can all, however, challenge ourselves every day, to work to grow ourselves and others. 

I hope that our students can all look to the term ahead with some goals to achieve, to have the desire to stretch themselves and to drink, to drink deep from the Pierian Spring.

Enjoy the weekend with your Children.

God’s Blessings

Nick Foster

Head of Senior Campus

Dear Hawkes Boarding Families and Grammar Community,
The start of term 3 for our Hawkes Boarders started off on Monday afternoon as students returned to their home away from home. Mark and his team were great as always, preparing sliders, pizza, and chips to make for a social evening where parents, staff, and students enjoyed each other’s company. We also welcomed 5 new students this term – Sebastian (Grade 6) and Isabelle G. (Grade 5), Chloe R. (Grade 9), Tina L. (Grade 9), and Mali M. (Grade 9). Unfortunately, we also had to say goodbye to Tomokazu H., who returned to Japan after his term with us; and David C., whose family relocated to the mainland. Hamish M. also finished his time in the Boarding House, but we will still see him in the day school as his family relocates closer to Launceston.

As we start this new term, refreshed from the holiday break, our aim is to continue the culture growth within Hawkes Boarding. It was just wonderful to see the excitement on the student’s faces when they saw each other for the first time on Monday. Smiles, happy faces, laughter and cheers, interactions across both the Boys’ and Girls’ houses, and the warmth with which the students welcomed our new students define what boarding is about. It is that bond the students share, the understanding that this is their second home, that each student has 40 odd “siblings” to get along with and share this journey together, that makes me proud to be part of the Hawkes Boarding family and culture.

We have an exciting term ahead of us and will share our adventures with you along the way. Some of these include a trip to the movies; a night of watching the new series “Bay of Fires” to see our very own movie star, Boarding House Captain, Mackenzie G., as she plays a big role in this series; our Christmas in Winter ‘informal’ formal dinner; a trip to Ben Lomond; roller skating; visiting the Evandale Markets; boarders versus staff netball game; mini golf; and more fun activities along the way. Our Grade 10-12 students will also be joining the Scotch Boarders for our annual Boarders Ball on Friday the 18th of August.

Our Boarding Parents Support Group also met at the start of this term and more information will be shared with Boarding Families. This group will meet again virtually with myself and Mr Bennett on Wednesday the 30th of August. Renovations have also started on one of our dorms in the Boys’ House as we are needing more beds for students enrolled to start in Hawkes Boarding. Watch this space.

On the road, I will be heading up to Hamilton in Regional Victoria to attend the Sheepvention Rural Expo on the 6th and 7th of August and promote our Hawkes Boarding House. If you are in that area or know of anyone in that area that might like to know more about Grammar and the amazing opportunities, especially boarding, that we provide as a school, please come say hi to us. Mr Bennett will also be heading up the Northeast and East Coast visiting our families in the Bridport, Scottsdale, St Helens and St Marys areas from the 18th to the 20th of August. Please listen out for more information on this trip.

I wish you all the best for Term 3.

TJ Pieters

Head of Boarding

Who doesn’t want to do well at life? Very few. At the Senior Campus we have a focus on growing wellbeing among students in their development and staff in their work. 

The idea of living in ways that bring out the best of our human potential is not a new idea, but in the last 100 years psychological research has taught us a lot about how we respond emotionally to all kinds of inputs and challenges. There is a lot to learn and to be hopeful about, which is good news for a society like ours where despite the many breakthroughs, anxiety and loneliness are reported in frightening numbers. 

All of us will play a part in growing mutual wellbeing together, but the chaplaincy will make a unique contribution through our engagement with others. Specifically, what the Bible calls our ‘neighbours’ who we are to love as we love ourselves. A great part of being healthy is to engage with others in love.  

I will reach out to others because God tells me I should. I find that saying yes to Him results in satisfaction and a sense of being right with the world and people. Others may not believe in God, but the research is clear, people who show mercy and kindness to others experience the kick of dopamine and the satisfaction of a rewarding life strategy. Others can know wellbeing through forging generous relationships with others simply because they have worked philosophically that a life spent serving others is a life well spent.  

Whatever your reason, and I will keep explaining the Bible’s teaching, we can agree that one of the great marks of our school has been, and will continue to be, the service of others – loving our neighbour. Importantly – this will be one critical contributor to our individual wellbeing too. 

In other news, I am very excited to join you in welcoming Mrs Martha Parkinson to our community. Mrs Parkinson will be the Junior School chaplaincy representative. She is a highly qualified teacher with many years of experience in exploring best teaching practice. Mrs Parkinson is also a musician, a story-teller and a gentle hearted and wise Christian woman. Welcome her as she settles among us and make yourself known to her. 

Rev’d Matthew Pickering

School Chaplain

The subject selection process is upon us again! Over the coming weeks, our Grade 7 – 11 students will be learning about the subjects available to them in 2024 and speaking with teachers about these offerings. We will also be sending out the relevant subject handbooks in due course. There are two opportunities for parents to engage with these options on campus: 

Grade 10, 11 and 12 2024: Tuesday 1st August 6:30pm – 8:30pm 

Grade 8 and 9 2024: Tuesday 15th August 6:30pm – 8:00pm 

In making these decisions, we recommend students consider their learning experiences thus far and what may help with their future pathways. Grade 8 – 10 students may wish to build a sense of depth by pursuing one subject for the full year, or they may alternatively prefer to experience breadth by picking multiple different subjects. Grade 10 – 12 students should especially consider their post-schooling journey. 

One meaningful reflection for students is to consider how they can build a sense of flow into their day-to-day experiences. The idea of flow was first described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (2008) as a sense of connection between body and mind, where one is totally absorbed and deeply focused on something, usually to the point of losing track of time. It might feel as though one’s senses are heightened and that one is “in the zone”. Being in a flow state can provide a sense of clarity and, importantly, is associated with a wide range of wellbeing benefits including an increased capacity to manage attention, a greater sense of fulfilment and enjoyment, and ultimately an improved quality of life. According to Csikszentmihalyi, “the best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times…the best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.” What subjects provide you with a sense of flow and this feeling of accomplishing something challenging and worthwhile? 

We encourage students to take time over this weekend to pause and reflect on: 

• What they value in life 
• When they have felt a sense of flow
• What drives their passions 
• What they enjoy in life 
• Where their interests lie and 
• Their possible future pathways. 

We also encourage students to continue conversing with their tutors and teachers to gather as much material as possible to make an informed choice. 

Ultimately, we hope that our students choose their subjects with thought for their values, their interests, their future, and their enjoyment. 

Sarah Shepherd and Natalie Stewart 

Co-Directors of Teaching and Learning 

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2008). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper and Row.  

SUBJECT SELECTION 

As part of a program of activities to assist current students plan for next year and beyond, students are encouraged to visit the Careers Centre for help with selecting their subjects. The Careers Centre will be open during most recess times and by appointment to provide one-on-one subject selection support.   

I will also be in attendance at the Grade 10-12 Subject Selection Evening being held at the Senior campus on Tuesday 1 August.

CAREER EXPLORATION 

WORKING ON WATER (WoW) PROGRAM: GRADE 9 AND GRADE 10 STUDENTS 

The WoW program has the objective of introducing Grade 9 and Grade 10 students to a diverse range of career opportunities in the marine sector. This 3-day program is designed to provide students with a hands-on experience that showcases the variety of professions available on, in, and around the marine environment in Tasmania, such as in the seafood industry, marine sciences, and tourism.  

During the program, students will be taken on tours of several marine-related sites, including the Institute of Marine Studies, CSIRO, marine rescue sector, aquaculture farms and hatcheries, seafood processing plants, and they will also have the opportunity to engage with local fishermen and divers. In addition, they will be able to explore other marine sectors, such as marine police and tourism. 

Government and Science professionals will deliver talks that give students an understanding of how science is used to manage Tasmanian seafood, which is an essential part of the state’s economy and cultural heritage. The program will offer students an authentic, real-world, out-of-classroom experience that will expose them to various jobs and give them an understanding of the roles and responsibilities involved in each. 

To apply, interested students can submit a short video or cover letter through the WoW website: https://seafoodjobs.org/wow/ 

NEWTON & HENRY CAREER EVENING

UNIVERSITIES 

UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS 

Applications for most university courses, accommodation and scholarships open next week.  Grade 12 students will attend compulsory information sessions about these processes in Weeks 3 and 6.   

Application drop-in help sessions will be held in the Grade 11 Study Room every Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunchtime from Monday 31 July – Friday 29 September.  Students and parents are also very welcome to make appointments at other times. 

THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE’S “MEET MELBOURNE” EVENT

TRINITY COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSION 

MONASH UNIVERSITY INFORMATION EVENING – LAUNCESTON 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

LAW FIRM ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – CASUAL/PART-TIME POSITION 

Clarke & Gee Lawyers are seeking a Grade 10 or above student to assist with office administration and clerical duties including: 

• Filing, 
• Post, 
• Typing, and  
• Generally assisting with the smooth operation of the organisation. 

We recognise the need for some flexibility to allow for other extracurricular activities, and as such employment will be on either a casual or part-time basis, after school hours until 5:00pm Monday to Friday. 

Our preference is for someone with an interest in the law, who is looking to attain first-hand experience in the operations of a firm, as well as networking exposure to our practitioners. 

Interested students should forward their cover letter and resume by 11 July 2023 to: 

Michael Flint 
Clarke & Gee Law
mflint@clarkeandgee.com.au  

UPCOMING CAREERS CENTRE EVENTS 

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

Drama and Dance students have performed in their end of semester soirees. The Grade 8 soiree was held on June 1st in the Tom Room Centre, showcasing many of the highlights of Launceston Drama Competitions. As many parents and friends are unable to attend during Speech and Drama Week, this was a great opportunity to share work in a relaxed and happy school event.   

The Grades 9-12 soiree on June 5th saw students once again return to the Earl Arts Centre. Senior students assisted staff with the running of the evening, following usher and technical training with Theatre North staff. The evening was a fantastic celebration of their achievements as they presented a range of genres including creative individual programmes, expressive movement, monologues, recitals and scenes.  

Thank you to the many parents, friends and staff who supported these events. 

Joel King who has worked with Drama classes as a colleague teacher is currently in New York, indulging his passion for performance, even attending this year’s Tony Awards. We wish him all the best as he continues his theatre surfing.  

Congratulations to Savindi T. and Toby M. who performed in the Earl from Friday 9th to Sunday the 11th in an Alan Haenel production of Property Rites. Directed by Amanda Phillips. This horror/suspense genre made demands of Nina Spotswood as the makeup artist and designer.

On July 3rd, the Drama and Dance Centre underwent an exciting upgrade of the Wall of Fame. Located in the front foyer of the Tom Room Centre, this celebration of Performing Arts alumni features students who have used these skills to springboard them into a width of highly successful careers ranging from Baz Luhrmann’s executive producer to founder/owner of a multi-million-dollar online business. War-time Newsreel and Radio announcer, Cyril Frederick “Bob” Danvers-Walker is the 2023 inductee, his portrait unveiled and added to the gallery on Wednesday July 5th.

Louise Peters

Head of Drama

A word from Dance 

Thanks to our talented Dance students and the grade 8’s for your thoughtful work, ‘Home & Displacement’ performed to Sia. Also, a congratulations to our Grade 9/10 Dancers for performing their whole class work, ‘Stereotyped’ about gender inequality. The grade 9 work, ‘The Clinic’  based off a waiting room scenario was another thoughtful and well-executed piece. Thank you to the students for all their hard work in rehearsals and commitment to performing at the Princess Theatre, the Tom Room Centre and the Earl Arts Centre this semester. Some of our dance students will perform at the end of term assembly and again at The Wall of Fame evening.

Ingrid Reynolds-Larsen  

Senior Teaching Staff – Dance