Term 4, Week 10

Grade 12 Achievements

The Launceston Church Grammar School community congratulate the Class of 2021 for all that they have achieved individually and collectively.

Academic goals set by students have been achieved thanks to their focused efforts and the support staff have provided throughout students’ time at Launceston Grammar.

Five students found out this week that they have placed in the State’s Top 100: Emily Fryett; Stuart Stenton; Thirisha Radhakrishnan; Lakshana Sankaramoorhy; and Emma Smallwood.

Furthermore, 21% of students received an ATAR of 95+ and 49% of students received an ATAR of 85+.

On the sporting field this year, Grade 12 students were part of the 1st Girls’ Soccer team, who won their third State Premiership this year. On the stage, students transported us to the 1940s for the musical production of Carry On. In Poimena Art Centre, six students produced work that has been selected for Art Rage.

Together, Grade 12 completed the Walkathon over the course of 24 hours and 80 km, students raised over $70 000 which Cancer Council Tasmania has described as its largest-ever community fundraising donation.

The contribution of the Class of 2021 to our School and local community has been outstanding and gives us all great hope for the future. In the years ahead, we look forward to seeing how Grade 12 go on to serve and shape our community and our world.

Holidays

The School Holidays commenced with our 17^th annual Sony Holiday Camp, a successful rowing regatta at Lake Barrington and the commencement of some significant maintenance projects.

New equipment has already been installed in the Boarding House kitchen, the Learning Hub refurbishment is almost complete and preparation is underway for the replacement of the hall roof in early January.

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by yesterday’s tragedy at Hillcrest Primary School. The loss families and the community have experienced is incomprehensible and if you or anyone in your family needs support, please reach out to me or Heads of Campus.

From mid-way through next week, all staff will be taking a well-earned rest until 10 January. I also hope that over the coming weeks you and your whole family will be able to enjoy a refreshing and peaceful Christmas.

Richard Ford
Headmaster

Gratitude

As I write this article, I am still processing the news from the tragedy in Devonport yesterday. It really puts in perspective what is important and what is not. We often talk about being grateful for what we have in life and the events of yesterday truly demonstrate this. I know all our thoughts and prayers are with the families, staff, first responders and the community.

I also have been reflecting on the recent Sony Christmas Camp which saw students from the School along with staff, parents and careers and alumni help provide a three-day camp for students with disability. It was an intensive three days, and I must confess to being humbled and in awe of our current students, staff, alumni, parents, and friends that helped provide the experience for these wonderful children. We talk about compassion; for three days I saw that in action. The care and compassion from all involved demonstrated the very essence of what I believe is the bedrock of our community. To give with no expectation of something in return, to show care for those that you have just met. As Plato wrote:

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”

It was also wonderful to share brunch with students on Thursday as their results for the TCE exams were released. Congratulations to the class of 2021 who collectively have left such a mark. From their efforts in the walkathon, cultural and sporting success, and the many community service areas they have supported they have been outstanding. We wish them well as they depart the School and look forward to seeing what they do next.

Finally, to all our families I wish you a Merry Christmas and safe holiday with your families.

God’s Blessings

Nick Foster
Head of Senior Campus

Thanks to all children, parents and staff for your contributions and commitment to the Junior Campus. At the end of this, our 175th year, we are left in no doubt that the Grammar Junior Campus community is extraordinary! One of the nicest things about coming to the end of the school year is the end of year celebrations! We have enjoyed watching the children from our Early Learning Centre perform at the Christmas Concerts. Then, the children in Grades 3-6 had their turn to shine at the Graduation Assembly. All the Junior Campus children have had their achievements recognised in some way during the year.

The Christmas Service for the Junior Campus community gave us an opportunity to join in the spirit of giving. The donations to the Launceston City Mission were gratefully received. Our Prep children helped tell the story of the first Christmas. Thank you to our Chaplain, Elizabeth Poland, for her leadership of the service. 8th December, as the term and year concluded, we came together to applaud and farewell our graduating Grade 6 class of 2021; another milestone for our Junior Campus leaders and their parents. Special thanks to our Junior Campus Captains, Shaneli Vithanarachchi and Xavier Case, for their outstanding leadership, and good humour, as they willingly fulfilled their leadership duties. They are fine role models to all!

As the year ends, the gratitude expressed by the children and parents is greatly appreciated. Staff have been very spoiled with gift and cards. Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge the commitment of our staff, which is above and beyond expectations! I too, would like to thank the staff for their commitment and service to the Grammar community. Acing Deputy Head of the Junior Campus, Christian Zantuck, has been an outstanding servant of the School. He always puts the children first and his administrative support has been appreciated by all. His daily attention to detail has ensured that everything goes to plan. Our PYP Coordinator, Claire Clavert, has expertly guided the staff in the planning and implementation of the curriculum. The recent Semester Reports were overseen by Claire; I hope that you have a good understanding of your child’s progress and
achievement as a result.

All the support team members are greatly appreciated; Colin, Jim and Dylan in Facilities, Alex and Jess in Administration, Kim in Outside School Hours Care and Hubworks, and Leonie, Wayne and Breanna in cleaning. Thanks to each and everyone for ensuring that everything behind the scenes is in order, ensuring our School runs smoothly.

Chaplain Elizabeth finished the year with a lovely Final Prayer and Blessing for the community;

Lord God
Thank you for the year of learning
For friendships made
For teachers who have nurtured wonder and a desire to know more.
We pray for the holidays – for rest, refreshment, and time with our families.
Bless our Grade 6 students as they head into High School.
And we pray for a safe and happy holiday over the summer break.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Below is an overview of Term 1, 2022 dates as it stands 17 December 2021 for your reference. Please be aware that this is subject to change. A letter will be sent to parents and carers with Term 1 information prior to the start of the year. Class list information will be sent to you by Friday 28 January.

Sheona Carter
Head of Junior Campus

Launceston Grammar is excited to announce the cast of the 2022 Senior Campus production of CATS!

The show will feature students from Grades 7 to 12, to be held at the Princess Theatre. This is the first time the School will perform our production at the Princess.

Tickets for the strictly limited season are on sale now via Theatre North: Book Now

Meet your 2022 CATS: 

Grizabella: Nina Spotswood (2 performances)

Grizabella: Sahara Rumble (2 performances)

Munkustrap: Cody Sparkes

Rumpleteazer: Lydia Hayes

Mungojerrie: Gabriel Murphy

Rum Tum Tugger: Ava Schiliro

Jemima: Hannah Woollams

Jellylorum: Serena Gray

Demeter: Ashlyn Mayes

Bombalurina: Anjana Kumar

Jennyanydots: Isabel Brown

Asparagus: Jack Gannon

Bustopher Jones: Edie Carter Burns

Skimbleshanks: William King

Victoria: Jade Freeman

Mr Mistoffelees: Mia Ainslie

Macavity: Laura Scott

Cassandra: Grace Robertson

Tantomile: Nina Gibson

Coricopat: Lola Eastaugh

Etcetera: Kayla Sparkes

Carbuckety: Hervee Sullivan-Arkless

Everlasting Cat: Grace Fieldwick

Growl Tiger: Toby McGee

Alonzo and Mouse: Noah Jackson

Quaxo and Mouse: Piers Nicholls

Victor and Mouse: Rory Douglas

Featured Dancers:

• Lily Dunn
• Lilian Foster
• Roisin Goodsall
• Tilly Johnston
• Eliza Kitto
• Gracie Macleod
• Asha Pohan
• Millie Snell
• Emily Thomson-Chia
• Shaneli Vithanarachchi

Pit Singers:

• Sophie Breward
• Grace Ellis
• Sophie Fassett
• Sakura Fisher
• Alice Gannon
• Taylah Goss
• Sophie Lamb
• Jessica McCallumSmith
• Sienna Mullenger
• Savindi Tillekeratne

Are you interested in being on the costume team for Launceston Grammar’s ‘Cats’ Senior Campus production?

Launceston Grammar students will be performing the musical at the Princess Theatre, Launceston in May 2022.

If you would like to join the costume team to help with managing costumes; styling wigs; sewing fur; or adding artistic touches to the costumes, please contact Mrs Janelle Scott, Costume Coordinator via email JfScott@lcgs.tas.edu.au

Our Grade 8 students have been enjoyed their fantastic Challenge Week on the week of 29 November. This year’s subject is Australia’s engagement with Asia. This Challenge aims to develop their ability to cooperate, communicate, and learn about Asian countries’ cultures by engaging in an enjoyable experience. Eight group teams had various activities for each day of the week, such as Scavenger Photo Hunt Game, Two Truth & a Lie Game, Articulate Game, Volleyball Tournament, etc. On the last day, they had terrific presentations for their represented country on the Tourism and Trade Fair Stalls and also had great dance performances on the stage.

On 30 November, amongst all the end of year and Christmas celebrations- one of our Grade 6 students was baptised.

Baptism is a significant part of a faith journey.

It isn’t magical, somehow making you a Christian.

Instead, it is a deep connection to Christ- symbolic of how Jesus has washed or removed our sin through his death and resurrection, welcoming those who are baptised into the Church universal, and a powerful reminder that we die to self and are raised to life- symbolised in the going down in the water and coming back up.

What a privilege to journey with one of our students in seeking to know more of Jesus and in her decision to follow Jesus.

In the midst of a very busy week with extra activities and services to celebrate Christmas, it was a helpful reminder that Jesus didn’t simply come as a baby- but he came to save, and calls on us to follow him.

Elizabeth Poland
Junior Campus Chaplain

The Boarding Family made me feel instantly at home

The Sheila Atkins Boarding Scholarship Recipient for 2017 was Liam McLaren, alumni 2017. Hailing from the North-West coast, the Shelia Atkins Boarding scholarship provided him with financial support that allowed his family to send him to Launceston Church Grammar School and an opportunity to experience the boarding lifestyle, a community that would become his second family and a location that soon became a second home.

Attending Launceston Grammar was something that he had wanted to do since he was young, and the School provided him with opportunities and a learning environment that he would not have received anywhere else.

Moving into the boarding house and being welcomed into the boarding family made Liam feel instantly at home and provided him with a sense of place, giving him time to settle into the school itself. “I found the school an amazing experience that has prepared me for later life and the education itself provided me with opportunities I would have otherwise not discovered. Grammar helped me build confidence and belief in myself as an individual whilst fostering my leadership skills and educational progress. It provided me with a foundational base from which I could move successfully in the next stages of life”.

When talking about the valuable skills and knowledge that Liam learned throughout the years in Launceston Grammar, he said “I found a place where I belonged in Launceston Grammar. This sense of belonging allowed me to progress significantly not just academically, yet also as a leader, a communicator, and as a young man. This was done through extracurricular activities such as hockey, cricket, debating, football, and the boarding house. The boarding aspect placed me far in front of others in terms of building that independence that comes with living away from home.”

McLaren also encouraged  those who are thinking about applying for this scholarship “As they say, you have to be in it to win it and you have nothing to lose. Attending Launceston Grammar will be one of the best decisions you ever make!”

Liam McLaren recently completed his Bachelor of Science at the University of Tasmania; we wish him hearty congratulations and look forward to where life takes him.

Apply for Boarding Scholarship Here

This scholarship helped me to pursue my music dream. 

The 2011 and 2012 recipient for the Andrew Gordon Music Scholarship Recipient was Kartik Kunasegaran, alumni 2012.

With a passion for music, this scholarship gave him a chance to attend Launceston Church Grammar School to better pursue his music dream. He applied for this scholarship because he wanted to help his parents out financially if possible, and with two sisters also attending Launceston Grammar, they needed as much help as they could get.

“I am so glad and grateful that I went to Grammar because it has such a strong music programme, and all the music teachers (and my other teachers) were so supportive of helping me pursue my dreams! Growing up as a kid, it is vital to have an amazing support system and I am so blessed that so many people truly believed in me”.

Kartik now is a full-time professional musician, performing every weekend at weddings, private functions, and other gigs all over NSW and Australia. When talking about how Launceston Grammar prepared him for his career development, he said, “Grammar gave me so many opportunities to further enhance my career, learning how to quickly sight-read music during Chapel services, regular performance opportunities like Soirees in the Brock Room where we performed in small ensembles and bigger seasonal performances to perform in front of bigger audiences. A cumulation of these experiences taught me how to perform under pressure, be a reliable musician and how to behave professionally in the real world.”

“I had such a well-rounded education during my time at Grammar, with a good balance of music, sport, academia and outdoor activities, which I still adore and miss! There was always importance placed on social events and I value that so much because part of being in the music industry is being able to relate and connect with people from all walks of life, and having a diverse education is key to that. This is especially a tribute to Grammar as there was always a celebration of many ethnicities and backgrounds, which educates us about the world and helps us to understand and appreciate diverse cultures and traditions.”

Kartik strongly encourages others to apply for the Andrew Gordon scholarship. “Due to the generosity of Andrew Gordon and his family, we are able to experience amazing opportunities and achieve great things because of someone’s kindness. It is so important to spread kindness in this world as it really does create a domino effect. Anyone who is in power to ease the financial burden of people who are less fortunate and do everything in their power to help is a true legend.”

Kunasegaran also suggested being 150% prepared with the musical audition when applying for the scholarship. “Do a few practice performances in front of your friends and family before to get used to the pieces and lessen the nerves. Try and memorise your performance, if possible, as that will make you stand out to the panel. Be confident when announcing your pieces and NEVER be apologetic or give excuses on stage before playing as that will make you look unprofessional. Most of all, make sure you actually enjoy the music that you’re performing because if you’re enjoying it, your audience will too”.

Apply for a Music Scholarship Here