FROM THE SENIOR SCHOOL

Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award Recipients

Students who have been participating in and completing various levels of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award during 2023 have faced several hurdles and challenges with many completing various levels of the award. Facing these challenges required persistence and determination, and along the way, they gained the satisfaction of knowing they met challenges and succeeded, learning about themselves, their hidden depths of character, and developing as human beings in the process.

I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate all current participants who have been presented with their Duke of Edinburgh Awards so far this year. In particular, I would like to mention two Year 12 students, Chloe Davis and Bobby Coskun, who have both completed their Gold Level of the award. This is an extremely prestigious achievement, and they will be presented with their certificate and award pin by the Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania, at Government House in Hobart on Friday 24 November. Their tenacity and dedication to their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award speaks to their strength of character and commitment to the values that this award looks to instil in its participants.

Congratulations to the following award participants on completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award Level:

Bronze

Isabella Muldoon (Year 10)
Audrey Deckart (Year 11)
Mikel Selby (Year 11)
Kulani Somarathna (Year 11)
Kate Atherton (Year 12)
Amelia Corrigan (Year 11)

Silver

Hamish Fyffe (Year 12)
Sara Tryambake (Year 11)

Gold

Chloe Davis (Year 12)
Bobby Coskun (Year 12)         

Simon Dray
Duke of Edinburgh International Award Leader

Be A Voice for Generations: Reconciliation

Our students are actively learning to raise their voices in support of reconciliation. During the recent Launceston National Reconciliation breakfast, eight Year 12 students, along with Leigh Cordell and myself, were inspired to contribute to the pursuit of a just, equitable, and reconciled nation.

One particularly compelling speaker was Ged Watts, a 19-year-old Tasmanian from George Town. Ged shared his personal experiences of growing up as an Indigenous citizen and facing prejudice and racism as a local boy. His insights shed light on the importance of speaking out and engaging in open conversations. Additionally, Ray Martin, a Kamilaroi man and a respected figure in the reconciliation movement, shared impactful stories that highlighted systemic racism.  He also emphasised his view of the necessity and decency of supporting a Yes Vote for the proposed change to the constitution.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week, “Be a Voice for Generations,” serves as a powerful reminder that everyone has a role to play in acting today to create a more reconciled country. It is truly inspiring to witness our students actively participating in this journey and using their voices to contribute to positive change.

Joy Russell
Year 11 and 12 Coordinator