Term 3, Week 9

Holistic Education.

I remember, when I first started on my journey as an educator, a mentor spoke to me about what makes a complete education. At a school such as Grammar, students get to experience a range of activities both inside and outside the classroom.  He spoke about the importance of the arts and sport.  Sport he suggested, gave the school its spirit and the arts gave it its soul. As I sat watching the Spring Concert last week I realised 30 years later that he was wrong.  Seeing students from Grades 3 to 12 perform made me realise that not only does the arts provide the School a soul, but I also saw great spirit. I saw great comradery and I saw a commitment to work hard to achieve a common goal. I also saw courage. The courage to stand up in front of a room full of people as students sang, danced, and played musical instruments. 

In so many aspects of society the arts are the first thing cut when budgetary constraints are felt. The first America president George Washington wrote so many years ago “to encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to this country”. I feel very fortunate to go and see our students perform in so many different venues. This week I attended the Grade 5 performance of Oliver! Jr.. As I sat watching I reflected just how incredible it was to see young students performing a musical at that age. Like so many of our performances they are the culmination of a great deal of hard work.  I once read that the only place you will find success before work is in the dictionary. Over the last few weeks I have seen a culmination of a great deal of hard work manifesting in incredible performances. Such opportunities truly make for a rounded education which in turn helps produce both rounded and grounded students. Thank you to Dr Melissa Rogers and Mrs Amelia Reynolds, and their team on the Senior Campus and Mr Mark Saunders and his team on the Junior Campus for the work that they have put in to help make the magic on stage a reality. Also thankyou to Ross Marsden and Jacqueline France who shared a snippet with audiences of the upcoming Senior Campus Musical, Cats.   

Finally, as we approach the weekend I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your families and for the football fans out there, enjoy the Grand Final. 

Gods Blessings

Nick Foster

When I was in Primary School we began each day with an assembly where the Australian Flag was raised and we sang ‘God save the Queen’ before marching off to class.

I didn’t give the Queen too much thought at that time. She was just part of my childhood like bare feet, sunburn in summer and the warmish milk that was given to us at recess courtesy of the government.

However, I had been told stories of how the ancient family of Pickering had taken part in the revolt against the King, the ensuing war against the Royalists, and the ultimate execution of King Charles I in 1649. I was no natural Monarchist!

Later in Australia we had a referendum on the question of becoming a Republic and I spent more time considering all things Monarchy and Royalty. Whatever else I came to think, I realised that Queen Elizabeth II was an extraordinary woman.

It is hard to credit just what a daunting and powerful thing it was for her at the age of 21 to become Queen and vow to dedicate her life to the service of the Commonwealth. She went on to keep her promise through vast changes, occasional difficulties and some significant disappointments.

In a 1980 Christmas message, she said, ‘In difficult times we may be tempted to find excuses for self-indulgence and to wash our hands of responsibility. Christmas stands for the opposite… we need to go out and look for opportunities to help those less fortunate than ourselves, even if that service demands sacrifice.’

At Grammar this week, through flying the Australian flag at half-mast each day and holding a Service in the Chapel, we have remembered a woman who gave service even when it demanded sacrifice. May God continue to raise up such people in our world, community and especially our School.

Reverend Matthew Pickering

UNIVERSITY COURSE APPLICATIONS: CLOSING NEXT WEEK!

On-time course applications for most Australian universities will close during Week 10 of this term. Although students can apply late for some courses, application fees increase and in many cases students will only be considered for a second round offer.

Students planning to take a gap year are encouraged to apply now and then request a deferral once offers are released.

Application drop-in help sessions are being held in Room C3 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunchtime from Monday 8 August – Friday 30 September to assist students with course, accommodation and scholarship applications.  Students and parents are also very welcome to make appointments at other times.

TASMANIA POLICE CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2023

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 here.

Applications for the April 2023 Career Development Program are now open to current Grade 11 students only.  The Program will be held during the Term 1 holidays.  To apply, Grade 11 students should check their school email account for full details.  Applications are strictly via the Careers Centre by Friday 28 October.

SCHOLARSHIPS

AVCAT SCHOLARSHIPS

AVCAT scholarships, including the Long Tan Bursary, are tertiary scholarships for the children and grandchildren of Australian ex-serving veterans. Scholarships are $4000–$6000 per year for three years.

Applications are currently open and close at midnight AEDT on 31 October 2022.

Apply online at www.avcat.org.au.

JANE FRANKLIN HALL SCHOLARSHIPS – OPEN NOW

Jane Franklin Hall (a residential college in Hobart) are offering two Jane Community Scholarships for 2023. Open to all Tasmanian students currently in Grade 12, these scholarships are valued at $27, 000, offering a reduction of $9, 000 per year of residency at Jane for up to three years. To apply, students are advised to visit the Jane Franklin Hall website and complete this application form.

Applications for these scholarships close at 9.00am on Tuesday 27 September.

Jane is also offering other scholarships – details are available here

Students requiring any help including proofreading of their applications are encouraged to contact me.

GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

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2023 NUTRIEN AG SOLUTIONS LIVESTOCK TRAINEE PROGRAM

Nutrien Ag Solutions is offering a Livestock Trainee Program in 2023. This is an entry level start int the business and offers successful candidates the chance to gain valuable experience in all aspects of the livestock industry, whilst completing a Certificate in Livestock Marketing.

Applications are open now and can be made at: here.

POSITIONS VACANT

Trainee – Findex (Crowe) Launceston – for more information and to apply, download this document.

APPRENTICE MECHANIC – for more information and to apply, download this document.

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

Launceston Grammar Rowing Support Group invite the school community for a fun evening, including a live auction and silent auction with some fantastic prizes. To reserve your ticket, click here.

From Friday 21 October to 15 December, Grade 1 students are invited to Futsal Team training on Wednesday mornings 8-8.30 am in either the Hall or Top Court. The games are held at St Patricks College 4-5 pm, cost to participate in Term 4 futsal is $75 per child.

For more information or to register, please contact Parent Grade Representative Verity Quill on 0409 817 70 or verityquill@gmail.com.