In alignment with one of Scotch Oakburn College’s strategic priorities, we’re proud to unveil new visual markers installed across our campuses to highlight and celebrate our core Values: Respect, Compassion, Courage, Commitment, and Responsibility.

This initiative is about more than signage—it’s about fostering a shared culture where our Values are not only understood, but actively lived. We invite all members of the College community to engage with these touchpoints and consider how each Value shapes our actions, decisions, and relationships.

Joel Brewer
Director of Marketing, Communications & Community

The “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition is the largest international Chinese language contest in the world — a prestigious platform that brings together students from across the globe to celebrate language learning and cultural exchange.

On Sunday 18 May, two of our students, Eva Shaw (Year 10) and Jack Duncan (Year 12), proudly represented Scotch Oakburn in the 2025 Tasmanian regional final of the competition. Their hard work and passion shone through, with Eva taking out second place and Jack placing third: an incredible accomplishment that reflects their dedication and love for the Chinese language.

Through speeches, cultural insights, and language skills, […]

In Amharic, Tariku means “I have a story to tell.” And hopefully that’s fitting, because today I want to tell you why Reconciliation Week matters to someone like me.

I’m Ethiopian, Indian, English, and Australian. Not in parts, not switching between them depending on who’s asking, but all at once. I was born here, my dad was born here, and in every way I am Australian. But I’m also in every way every part of my other heritage too. That’s not a contradiction, that’s just who I am.

When we talk about reconciliation, we’re […]

At Scotch Oakburn College, small group sessions focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) are helping students develop essential life skills in a fun and engaging way. These groups bring together students to explore important topics like empathy, communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.

One of the most effective and enjoyable tools we use is games. Whether it’s a team challenge, role-play scenario, or a simple card game, these activities create safe spaces for students to practise turn-taking, managing frustration, reading social cues, and supporting peers.

Through laughter, teamwork, and structured reflection, students build confidence […]

Over the past four weeks, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to take part in a Round Square exchange at St Stithians Boys’ College in Johannesburg, South Africa. Although I’m only halfway through my time here, I’ve already made unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships.

From the very beginning, I was exposed to so many new and different experiences that pushed me out of my comfort zone. One of the highlights so far has been the electric atmosphere at the First Team rugby game. The war cries and school spirit were like nothing I’ve ever seen before – it was a truly unforgettable […]

On Wednesday 21 May, the senior debating roster had supper prepared and served by the Year 10 Food Truck under the capable guidance of teacher, Bec Rockcliffe. We were treated to minestrone, Tuscan lamb soup, bread rolls, hummus, tzatziki, bacon and corn dip, homemade crackers and Mars Bar slice. It was wonderful to have such a nutritious and delicious supper prepared for us on site by our own students.

Thank you from the debaters as we hosted St Patrick’s College and Launceston College for the final round of the 2025 season.

Sharon Beattie
Person-in-Charge Debating

On Friday 23 May and Saturday 24 May, the annual Parliamentary Shield Debating weekend was contested at St Patrick’s College. This marks the culmination of our 2025 senior debating roster and for Year 12 students, Harriet Lynch (C), Blaise Fitzallen and Eliza Duigan it was their final time debating together after six years in the program.

The Year 11 Parliamentary Plate team of Meg Kilby, Georgette Wilks, Makaela Fulton and Calan Young won the Parliamentary Plate this year with a victory on the topic, “that popular culture is a better reflection of society […]

Over the past week, our 7V mentor class has been immersed in the rich and complex world of the World Peace Game, and what an incredible journey it has been!

From the outset, students demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the challenge. When faced with uncertainty, difficult negotiations, and competing national interests, they rose above the chaos, showed unity, and triumphed through adversity. The presence of the Saboteur and the elusive Secret Empire added an extra layer of intrigue. Though they operated quietly in the background, their influence was certainly felt.

Throughout the game, our students have shown what it means to be […]

Last week, students from Years 7 to 12 explored the customs of the Dragon Boat Festival in their Chinese classes and enjoyed freshly steamed zòngzi (sticky rice dumplings).

Students learned about the origins of the festival, including the story of Qu Yuan, and explored some of the fascinating customs associated with this special day. These include dragon boat racing, hanging aromatic herbs, and making and eating zòngzi — glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.

As part of the cultural experience, students had the opportunity to taste freshly steamed zòngzi filled with sweet red bean paste. It was a delicious and memorable treat! Many […]

This week the TCE Outdoor Leadership class headed to Freycinet for a three day bushwalk around the peninsula. The students completed all the planning for the trip, including logistics, budget, menus, risk management, and equipment. Once on the trip the students took turns in leading different sections of the three day adventure, doing all the navigation and ensuring they managed the group well. We had cool weather but very little rain, and several students braved the cold ocean for a swim!

It was a fantastic trip in a beautiful part of the world, and all students thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

[…]