Deeply ingrained in the College’s traditions lies the House system. More than an organisational structure, this system helps to give students a sense of identity, belonging, and community.

This article delves into this enduring legacy, uncovering the myriad ways it benefits and supports students.

The House system, encompassing Briggs, Dean, Fox, and Nance, serves as a cornerstone for student integration and development. From their first steps on campus, students find a welcoming community within their House, a place where they’re not just known, valued and cared for, but celebrated for their uniqueness.

It plays an […]

Scotch Oakburn College is a school where learning extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms, where each student’s personal growth is as valued as their academic achievements.

This has always been the vision our College embraces, a holistic approach to education, known as Experiential Learning. Let’s start with a story to illustrate what this means.

Picture a student, Emma, who not only excels in her science class but also shines in the drama club, plays soccer, and volunteers at a local charity. In each of these activities, Emma is not just participating; she’s learning vital […]

Volunteering and being part of a community can provide an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, make new friends and develop meaningful connections. It can also bring a sense of belonging and connectedness.

We are fortunate to have people like Carley and Luke who regularly volunteer at Coffee@Laneway and others who support College events and return to the College to speak with our students about business and experiences.

There are countless opportunities available, donating time or resources or speaking to our students. If you haven’t already, please consider volunteering your time to help your College […]

College Co-captain, Hamish Fyffe, was asked to speak to families thinking of enrolling their children at Scotch Oakburn College.

This is a condensed version of what he had to say:  

Arriving at Scotch Oakburn in Year 7 from West Launceston Primary, I remember walking in on my first day and thinking “everyone looks so smart!” I soon learned that the standards and expectations of learners at Scotch Oakburn were high but were also supported by an incredible group of teachers who would guide us in reaching our goals. Scotch Oakburn is for anyone with a passion for working hard, trying […]

The purpose of any technology is to meet the needs of humanity and solve problems or complete tasks in a more effective and efficient way; however, when applied to the educational sphere, technology’s purpose becomes more complicated. Not only is technology used with the purpose of enabling and improving learning, but Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills in
and of themselves, are required by students if they are to be prepared for the world in which they will live. The paradox continues when you consider that studies are now showing that technology is a two-edged sword: it is a necessity, yet it […]

He is known by many names – friend, mentor, colleague, coach, husband, father and grandfather. His love for the Essendon Football Club and cricket (well all sports really) is unsurpassed. For 40 years Lachie Wright has been the lifeblood of the Junior School – the legacy he leaves will be felt for years to come.

Lachie Wright has championed what it means to cultivate meaningful relationships, providing guidance and support to those who’ve crossed his path. He has a profound ability to know the name of every student that walks through the school gates. After 40 years at the helm of […]

Scotch Oakburn’s journey towards Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) accreditation as a child safe organisation has been a transformative and essential process. Recognising the paramount importance of Safeguarding our students and creating a nurturing environment, we embarked on this accreditation journey to ensure that every child in our care feels safe, supported, and protected.

The ACF accreditation is a rigorous and comprehensive process that evaluates an organisation’s policies, practices, and culture with a specific focus on child safety. It involves an in-depth examination of our safeguarding procedures, staff training, governance, and overall commitment to child protection, from the Board through to our […]

Community is something that Simon has come to appreciate

from his years as a student at the College…

Simon Dornauf (‘04) knows how much cultural diversity can enrich a community. As the Director and Farm Manager of Hillwood Berries, which he operates with parents Karen (nee Smith, MLC, ‘79) and Robin (Scotch, ‘79) and his brother Marcus (‘06), he is surrounded daily by the song, dance and humour of his migrant workers.

Hillwood Berries is a participant in the Australian Government’s Seasonal Worker Program, which recruits workers from Samoa, Tonga and Timor Leste and employs refugees from Nepal and Afghanistan.

An article from the Examiner Newspaper, Launceston, 9 July, 2023
Author: Declan Durrant