It has been wonderful to see so many students return from the holiday break with a positive mindset and a genuine sense of excitement about the year ahead. The energy across our campuses has been uplifting, with students reconnecting with friends, peers and staff, and settling back into the rhythms of school life with enthusiasm.

Over the holiday period, I had the opportunity to read ‘Stolen Focus’ by Johan Hari, a thought‑provoking book that explores the factors contributing to a decline in our ability to concentrate. Hari highlights a range of […]

Our Principal, Ross Patterson, welcomed our community back to school at the end of the first week. In case you missed it.

The Inaugural Penquite House Community Welcome, including the Athletics House 3,000 m Races

Monday 16 February | 3:30 pm –7:00 pm | Scotch Oakburn Park Grounds

Join us for a moment to come together, celebrate our House communities, and build new traditions. Whether you’re competing, cheering, playing games or dancing to live music, your presence will make it meaningful. All Penquite students and families are encouraged to attend.  Our Elphin community is also most welcome!

We are excited to kick off a new tradition together.

3000m Race Schedule:

4:30 pm – Middle School Boys  |  5:00 pm […]

I was recently offered a Round Square exchange opportunity with Hilton College, an independent, all-boys boarding school in the KwaZulu-Natal area of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

The College is located in the hills on an estate of around 4,350 acres; made up of the expansive school campus and proclaimed wildlife reserve. This makes the College one of the largest in the world. It has around 600 students spanning Years 8 to 12.

Throughout my three week stay, I experienced a range of emotions. From the moment I arrived I was welcomed as one of their […]

It is great to see students making use of our new Fitness Centre space before and after school. Now located underneath the Penquite gym, the Fitness Centre offers around 400 square metres of training space. A reminder that the Centre is open to all our College parents and carers, and staff at no cost Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 8:15 am and from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Come along and see Tim, our Fitness Instructor who will be happy to help with a program.

Building Positive Routines for a Great Start to the Year

As we conclude the second week of Term 1, many students (and families!) are still finding their rhythm. Transitions, whether into a new class, a new campus, or simply back into school routines can take time. The good news is that small, consistent habits built now can set students up for a calm, confident and connected year.

Research consistently shows that predictable routines reduce stress and anxiety, support executive functioning skills such as organisation, planning and time management, improve sleep quality and emotional regulation, […]

Our Year 6 cohort have enjoyed their Education Outdoor experience, staying at the Valley Campus and embracing different environments.

Students participated in a Coastal Day where they had fun learning to surf, went rock hopping and explored the features of the coastal landscape. At the Valley Campus students used navigation techniques to explore the area, connecting to and observing various natural elements. Canoeing on the dam encouraged collaboration as together students paddled and had fun playing different games whilst navigating through windy weather.

Throughout the program our Year 6 students demonstrated agility, curiosity and self-regulation […]

Last week, all Year 10 students took part in a Leadership Day designed to strengthen their leadership skills and attributes as they move into their senior years at the College. Many students in the cohort will soon be volunteering on Education Outdoors programs, supporting younger students on camps, and it is important that they continue to step up as positive role models around the College.

The day began with a presentation from the Head of Education Outdoors, Mr Jono Sullivan, who spoke about the key mindsets, skills, and behaviours expected of […]

Student Representative Council (SRC)

Together with the Penquite Campus, the Elphin Campus is committed to nurturing student voice, leadership and agency.

StudentVoice@Elphin, our new Student Representative Council (SRC), will be launched in the coming weeks. This student led group will provide meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to school life, lead initiatives, and represent their peers across the campus throughout the year. The SRC supports our College Values of Compassion, Commitment, Courage, Respect and Responsibility, and provides a meaningful forum for students to discuss ideas, share feedback and engage in service focused projects that […]

We have many volunteeers in our community and most require a a Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration. The Tasmanian Government has announced the removal of fees for volunteers applying for a Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration.  Commencing 1 January 2026, applications and renewals for the next two years will be fee free. For more information see Making it easier to volunteer: Fee relief for RWVP | Registration to work with vulnerable people.