A short sample of some of the footage to be found on our new website page – coming soon

We are excited to share that over the coming weeks, we will be launching our brand new Education Outdoors page on our website, a vibrant and engaging showcase of what makes our program so special. From our passionate and caring staff to our adventurous and motivated students, and the breathtaking camp locations they explore, the page offers an insight into the heart of Education Outdoors.

This launch comes at a perfect time, as our Education Outdoors Program has been named a finalist in the Best Co-Curricular Program category at the 2025 Australian Education Awards, with the winner to be announced next Friday. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and the transformative experiences our students enjoy, from Early Learning through to the senior years.

Whether it is rugged mountain hikes or unforgettable coastal adventures, our camps challenge students to build resilience, strengthen friendships and connect meaningfully with nature. The new landing page captures these moments beautifully, offering a glimpse into the experiences that shape our students far beyond the classroom.

We invite you to explore the page once it goes live, celebrate this achievement with us, and discover why Education Outdoors remains such a vital part of life at our College. In a time dominated by screens, we are committed to evolving our program to help students reconnect—with nature, with each other, and with themselves, through exciting adventures and lasting memories.

Ross Patterson
Principal

Thirteen students from Years 9 through to Year 11 participated in this year’s Japan Trip during the Term break.  Students had the opportunity to utilise their spoken Japanese skills and hone their listening skills as they navigated their way around Japan.  Many iconic places were visited: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima and Osaka. In Osaka we visited our sister city, Ikeda, where we introduced ourselves to the Mayor.  We finished our two weeks with a four-night homestay with families from our sister school in Osaka, Osaka International High School, making new friends and many memories as well as re-connecting with some of the students who visited us at school in March!

A special thank you to Mr Stephen Dobson and Ms Kate Stokes for all their assistance both before and during the trip.  And to all the students – it was a pleasure to travel with you all.

Arigatoo gozaimashita!

Hayley McLeod
Head of Languages

There is nothing quite like the energy of a new Term!  Across classrooms and playgrounds, Elphin students have been re-connecting with friends and engaging in learning with much enthusiasm.

The Lachie Wright Centre represents our enhanced commitment to learner centred education and our Year 5 students are thriving in this environment where collaboration, connection and curiosity in learning are front and centre.  Year 2 students have also transitioned smoothly into their new learning spaces and have quickly established a sense of ownership and confidence in their new environment.  From our youngest learners in Early Learning to our upper primary leaders, the spirit of community is strong as we begin Term 3 together.

We are looking forward to a rich and varied term ahead, with a calendar full of meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and celebration. Some highlights on the horizon include:

• Prep Bush Learning and Student Led Bush Conferences
• National Science Week
• Prep – Dress Like You are 100 Day
• Early Learning Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Children’s Book Week & Come as Your Favorite Book Character Day

As always, we are grateful for the support of our families and look forward to sharing many special moments with you across the term.

Renee Hodgetts
Head of Elphin Campus – Wellbeing

At just six years old, Prep student Arthur has shown that age is no barrier when it comes to making a meaningful difference in the community.

Learning about the College Value of Compassion, Arthur took his learning home and after a conversation with his family about people experiencing crisis, both globally and locally, he wondered how he might help people in his own community who were doing it tough this winter.

Arthur’s idea was to collect winter items for people in need. With the College community behind him, donations started to flood in. With a goal to fill two cardboard boxes this soon overflowed, and by the end of the four-week drive, an entire van was filled.

Thanks to Arthur’s compassion and the generosity of the community, many Tasmanians facing hardship this winter will feel a little warmer, and a lot more supported.

Becca Biggs
Deputy Head of Junior School (Years Prep-2)

Collegian Dean Power (’21) visited the College this week and spoke at assembly, sharing his journey and experiences with our students.  He also met with Year 7 students Sophie Anthony and Alexandra Wild.  Dean had this to stay after his visit:

As a Collegian, it inspires me how students have continued to be actively involved in the skills of environmental action and activism. During my time at the College, it took a deep well of passion and commitment to build up and sustain the College’s recycling and FOGO capabilities. Environmentalism, a Round Square IDEAL, necessitates a groundswell of support and student leadership in order to positively implement pro-environmental behaviours amongst the student cohort.

It was therefore deeply rewarding to connect with two Middle School eco-warriors, Sophie Anthony and Alexandra Wild (Year 7), who shared their passion for biodiversity preservation, sustainability and addressing climate change.

The new Earth Club is fundamentally student-run but enjoys the ongoing backing from Middle School leadership. At a meeting at the Middle School last Friday, we discussed the various ways to effect change at the College, how students should be at the forefront of driving change, and how to garner the support of staff and students.

By acknowledging Earth Club’s passion for environmentalism and equipping them with the tools for advocacy, I have no doubt that they will continue to be positive influences for all students as they model and lead the next generation of environmental action at the College.

Dean Power (’21)
Collegian

Over the Term break, eight intrepid students undertook a two-week expedition to Sulawesi, Indonesia. The expedition was run in partnership with the scientific research organisation Operation Wallacea (or Opwall), and the aim, among other things, was to collect field data that contributes to biodiversity research and conservation efforts.

After 61 hours of travel by plane, car, ferry, truck and foot, students arrived at Camp Anoa (north of Buton Island) for a week of jungle surveys. Along the way, we met up with students from the other schools that would be joining us on expedition: St Philips College (Alice Springs) and Notre Dame College (Leeds, UK).

The five days that followed were long and busy, filled with lectures, field studies and training in both ecological and survival skills. Field data was collected on birds, bats, herps (i.e. reptiles and amphibians), butterflies, megafauna and habitat- all in the dense and uniquely beautiful tropical rainforest. Conditions were potentially challenging, with frequent rain and constant humidity and mud; however, students embraced the challenges as part of the adventure and approached all aspects of the week with enthusiasm. We worked with research scientists from all over the world, as well as from Indonesian universities, but our guides and cooks were local; their skills and knowledge of the jungle environment had us in awe, and they were only too willing to share with us their love of line dancing and volleyball.

At the conclusion of our time on Buton Island, we made the overnight journey to Hoga Island and swapped the rainforest for sandy beaches and coral reefs. Here we were immersed in reef ecology, and lectures and training alternated with snorkelling or scuba diving. Tiny shops, run by locals from neighbouring Kadelupa Island, were a novelty after the isolation of Camp Anoa and provided us with coveted items such as “Hoga pants”, Beng Beng bars, fresh coconuts and the most delicious donuts.  Highlights of our week on the island was a visit to Sampela, a fishing village built on stilts above the clear waters of the reefs, and afternoons spent watching spectacular sunsets from the beach.

Throughout the fortnight, students truly lived the Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Environmentalism, Adventure and Leadership, and were able to see first-hand how partnering with Opwall benefits local communities through generating income and building capacity. The students were exceptional in the way they conducted themselves and embraced the experience, with all ten Learner Attributes evident across the expedition. This was an unforgettable experience for the students and for the staff who were lucky enough to share it with them.

Kate Gard
Head of Science

Pathways, Partnerships and Possibilities

With Term 3 firmly underway, I extend a warm welcome back to all families. This term is a pivotal time in the academic year—a period where students begin to solidify their learning pathways and make important decisions about their future.

To support this, Scotch Oakburn College is offering a range of key events designed to strengthen the partnership between students, families, and staff. These include information sessions and opportunities for parents and carers to connect directly with teachers and Heads of Department.

Already this term, we’ve seen strong attendance at the TCE Information Night and the Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences. These events have provided valuable opportunities for families to engage in meaningful conversations about student progress, subject choices, and future aspirations. Similar events are scheduled for other year levels in the coming weeks, ensuring that every student has the support they need to thrive.

Term 3 is also about rich cocurricular experiences. As the academic requirements intensify, it is important that students maintain balance in their lives. A special highlight this term will be the College production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (High School Edition) at the Princess Theatre. Have you secured your tickets?

We encourage all families to take full advantage of the academic and co-curricular opportunities available this term. Your involvement plays a vital role in helping students feel confident, connected, and ready to take the next steps in their learning journey.

We look forward to a term filled with growth, collaboration, and celebration.

Ben Marsland
Deputy Principal – Penquite

TCE Agricultural Systems students were recently invited to tour UTAS’ newest facility, The Shed – home to the University’s health and science disciplines, including Agricultural Science.

Dr Stephen Ives, Agricultural education advocate and past parent, showed students around the building before taking thems to his state-of-the-art laboratory. Here, he led students through an activity that illustrated the importance of relationships and negotiating in agribusiness, allowed them to get their hands dirty through some soil testing and, with the help of entomologist Dr Justin Cappadonna, illustrated the significance of insects in Agriculture.

Through sharing the story of his own journey into Agriculture and showing students some of the opportunities available to young people wanting to study Agriculture in Launceston, Stephen provided the Agricultural Systems class with some food for thought about their own futures. We are very grateful to him and to Justin for giving up their time for us.

Kate Gard
Agricultural Systems Teacher

A Community Education event

At Penquite, we understand that adolescence is a time of rapid change – not just for our students, but for their families too. That is why we are proud to offer Tuning into Teens, a research-backed parenting program designed to strengthen relationships and support emotional development during the teenage years.

What is Tuning into Teens?

Tuning into Teens is an evidence-based program that helps parents and carers learn how to better understand and respond to their teen’s emotional needs. Developed by the University of Melbourne, the program focuses on building emotional intelligence—a key factor in improving mental health, academic performance, and social skills.

Through a series of engaging sessions, families learn practical strategies to:

• Recognise and manage their own emotions
• Support their teen in navigating emotional challenges
• Communicate more effectively
• Build stronger, more empathetic relationships

Why It Matters

Adolescence can be a challenging time, and emotional intelligence plays a vital role in helping young people thrive. Research shows that teens who develop emotional awareness and regulation are more resilient, have better relationships, and are less likely to experience anxiety and depression.

Join Us

We invite Penquite families to take part in this transformative program. Whether you’re navigating the early teen years or preparing for the transition to adulthood, Tuning into Teens offers valuable tools to support your journey.

When: Thursdays, 4th – 25th September 2025
 Time: 9:00am – 11:00am (arrive from 8:45am for tea & coffee)
 Where: Briggs House Dining Room, Senior School Campus
 Cost: $20 total for all four sessions
 Facilitators: Kylie Wolstencroft & Pat Daly

Spaces are limited, so we encourage interested families to register early.

Let’s work together to build a community where every teen feels understood, supported, and empowered.

Trivia Night, Raffle and Community Effort

TRIVIA NIGHT

Calling All Wizards, Witches, and Muggles!

Think you know your Horcruxes from your Hallows? Can you tell a Hippogriff from a Thestral in your sleep? Then grab your friends and join us for a magical Harry Potter Trivia Night in support of Scotch Oakburn College’s spellbinding production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (High School Edition) – the Tasmanian premiere! 🎭⚡

Friday 8 August, 7:00 pm
Scotch Oakburn College
$200 per table of eight
Prizes galore + a silent auction full of magical goodies!

Dress in your house colours, bring your best team of Potterheads, and prepare for a night of enchantment, laughter, and friendly competition — all while supporting our talented students bringing the wizarding world to life on stage.

Limited tables available – BOOK NOW before they disapparate!

RAFFLE

Win Big & Support the Magic!

The cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are heading to Hogwarts (well… the stage version!) and we need your help to make this spellbinding journey unforgettable!

We’re hosting a Harry Potter Raffle filled with enchanted prizes that even a Triwizard Champion would envy. All funds raised go straight into our magical production — helping bring the wizarding world to life right here at Scotch Oakburn College.

Tickets are just $7.50 each — and with only 1,500 tickets available, your chances are magically high!

For a list of prizes, for more information and to purchase raffle tickets CLICK HERE.

COMMUNITY EFFORT

While most students were off on other adventures or relaxing over the term break, our incredible Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (High School Edition) cast members, along with staff and parents have been hard at work behind the scenes, building sets and crafting props to bring the Wizarding World to life!

The Princess Theatre will be transformed, and we can’t wait for you to see the spellbinding results!

Tickets are still selling fast — don’t miss your chance to witness the Tasmanian premiere of this epic production. Get your performance tickets via this link before they sell out.

Magical artwork created by the talented Erin!

Andy Prideaux
Head of Performing Arts (Headmaster of Hogwarts)

It’s hard to summarise my time in South Africa in just a short article. Exchange has been more than an adventurous and eye-opening experience… it’s been a complete refresh, I’ve returned with a newfound mindset, stronger values, and a deeper understanding of the world and the society that shapes it.

When I first signed up for exchange, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was open to anything. What I experienced went far beyond my imagination. From my beautiful and welcoming host family, who feel like lifelong friends, to the vibrant, close-knit community at St Cyprian’s School. I’ve been given the trip of a lifetime and not for a second have I regretted coming.

School life at St Cyprian’s, compared to Scotch Oakburn, has its similarities and differences. Being an all-girls school, the communication between students and staff has a different tone, one shaped by a strong sense of sisterhood. At first, I was a bit unsure about attending a same-gender school, having come from a co-ed background, but I’ve found that it creates an incredibly supportive environment. There’s a strong bond across the grade, and a powerful ‘St Cyprian’s spirit’ that flows through everything. It’s something I want to bring back to my relationships at home — kindness, support, and inclusivity.

One thing I really admired was the student voice system, where each grade has a representative to share concerns or celebrations directly with staff. It creates a sense of empowerment and open dialogue — a concept I’d love to see introduced at Scotch Oakburn. I also enjoyed the interhouse competitions, especially dance and drama, where anyone can participate to earn house points — it brought energy, creativity, and fun to the school community.

Academically, there were some big differences. At St Cyprian’s, students study maths, English, a language (Afrikaans or Xhosa), and then choose three subjects from options like food studies, art, biology, accounting, business, and drama. That makes a total of six subjects. In contrast, at Scotch Oakburn, I take six electives in addition to core subjects like maths, English, HPE, humanities, and a general science curriculum that includes biology, chemistry, and physics. It has made me appreciate the many options we have at Scotch Oakburn which allow students to foster all interests.

A defining part of my experience has been witnessing the contrast in living conditions. Around 20% of Cape Town’s population (about 572,000 people, the size of Tasmania) live in informal housing structures known as “shacks.” Seeing this firsthand made me deeply grateful for the security and comfort of home. It also made me more aware of the need to conserve resources like water and electricity. While Cape Town faces challenges like overpopulation and crime, the large population creates a vibrant, energetic city full of colour, culture, and opportunity. I’ve loved the fast pace, the buzzing streets, the diversity of food, and the endless list of things to do — things that a small town like Launceston simply can’t provide. Still, I’ve come to appreciate the peace and simplicity of our home more but wish we could balance the opportunities a bigger city brings.

Cape Town’s natural beauty absolutely blew me away. Table Mountain is breathtaking and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Even after three months, I never got tired of the view. The beaches are some of the most stunning I’ve ever seen, and the streets are full of life with running groups, markets, and incredible restaurants. I didn’t expect to be so mesmerised by the scenery. There’s greenery everywhere and driving around feels like you’re in a beach movie. One downside, however, is the lack of safety in some areas. I have missed being able to walk around! I wish we could combine the freedom we have in Australia with the beauty of Cape Town.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to experience so much — from going to a Springbok rugby match, to shark cage diving, three safaris, bungee jumping, surfing, and lots of hiking. But above all, it’s the genuine friendships and unforgettable memories that I will cherish most. I found my people and got blessed with an exchange family I get along perfectly with. These bonds I know will last a lifetime and I am certain I will be back.

This experience has taught me independence, patience, the value of communication, and a deep appreciation for the privileges I often take for granted at home. Leaving won’t be easy, but I’m so thankful to have had an experience that makes saying goodbye so hard. I look forward to returning to Scotch Oakburn with a renewed spirit, inspiration, and energy — and a part of Cape Town I will carry with me always.

Lila Sims
Year 10

Front and back cover

I found an interesting article from the past this week in the back of a drawer in my office.

A newspaper insert dated March 29, 2009, celebrating the opening of the then newly constructed Middle School building. The insert focused on the pride of our new learning spaces and facilities, our connection to Round Square, and modern wireless technology. It is interesting to reflect on the changes in just over a decade and a half. For example, we now have unparalleled access to devices for learning, employ our breakout and shared spaces in new ways, and Mr O’Keefe’s leadership role has evolved from the Director of Boys’ Sport to the current Head of Year 8. While our contemporary education tools have evolved over the years, our commitment to the holistic future of our Year 6, 7 and 8 students remains integral.

Cale O’Keefe, bottom right

In the coming Term, Middle School students have the opportunity to engage in several exciting experiential learning journeys. The Year 6s head to Canberra on Monday 15 September for our annual Civics and Citizenship trip. The Year 7s have SOC2City Language experiences in Launceston and 7X and 7Y undertake the World Peace Game during the term. Year 8s have Round Square exchanges commencing next week with four students incoming from Scotch College, WA and Newcastle Grammar School, NSW in addition to the EY8 Presentation evening on Wednesday 3 September from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This evening will be another opportunity for our families and friends to learn about the amazing community service projects our Year 8 students have been undertaking.

Although 16 years have passed since the Middle School buildings as we know them were opened, the holistic learning opportunities continue to grow and be reshaped by our passionate staff and the curiosity of our students. The innovative and strategic vision behind Middle School remains clear: to create spaces where learning is lived, shared, and celebrated every day.

Kiran Oates Pryor
Head of Middle School

Experiencing life in both Tasmania and Johannesburg has taught me just how different these two places are but also how much each one has to offer.

Tasmania is calm, quiet, and filled with much natural beauty. Johannesburg is lively and filled with cultural energy. If I could combine the best aspects of both, I believe I would create the perfect life.

In Tasmania, I enjoy the clean air and the freedom throughout, the wide-open spaces, and the sense of safety it offers. You are able to walk down the street and smile and have people greet you. Tasmania is a very calm location and living in Johannesburg made me realise how beautiful Tasmania really is and how lucky I am to live in the place I do. Tasmania offers a range of scenic adventures including beaches, mountains, and forests.

In Johannesburg, I experienced a level of energy that I’ve never felt anywhere else. I was lucky enough to experience the traditional culture and the schoolboy culture – the latter included war cries and even participating in one of the under 16 rugby teams.

On weekends I always found myself doing some sort of activity, whether it was hanging out with my mates, exploring local markets, or going to a restaurant to watch the Springboks play rugby. The city buzzes with energy. I met people from all over the world and made lifelong friends that I intend to keep in touch with forever. My friends helped me experience the true South African life and made me not want to come home when my exchange trip had come to an end.

I would combine Tasmania’s peaceful and beautiful surroundings with the lively energy and variety found in Johannesburg. I want a place where I can appreciate nature while being part of an active and creative community, but also a community where I meet new people every day.

I would hold on to the safety and calm way of life that Tasmania offers. I would take with me the incredible culture from Johannesburg.

Exchange is an amazing opportunity that offers uncountable opportunities. This Round Square opportunity had me outside of my comfort zone and had me learning new things all the time. I truly miss Johannesburg and my friends back there, and the culture they exposed me to.

Lachlan Mayes
Year 10

Earlier in the year, Tasmania joined other states around Australia, offering 10c refund for returning eligible drink containers to designated refund points around Tasmania.

This Term, Scotch Oakburn College has partnered with City Mission to launch the Recycle Rewards Campus Challenge. All proceeds (10c per container) received from eligible drink containers recycled on campus at the Junior School, Middle School and Senior School will go to the City Mission.

What can Families do? Collect and return containers to the College

We invite you to collect and return eligible drink containers to collections bins at either campus at the College. Collections will be collated for each campus and a running tally updated each fortnight in the College News. The race is on to see which campus will be crowned Recycle Rewards Champion 2025, presentation of a perpetual trophy and bragging rights.

If members of the College Community would like empty containers collected from home or work sites, please contact me at jamie.breden@soc.tas.edu.au to I will be happy to organise.

All donations will go directly to City Mission funded community programs. For further details click here – Recycle Rewards — City Mission

Jamie Breden
Community Service Coordinator (Year 9) 

In response to their excursion to see The Gentle Protagonist in late Term 2, Year 3 students created mixed media works on paper.  They researched and created drawings of Tasmanian wildlife that is either endangered, extinct or thriving.

Congratulations to the following students whose artwork is currently on show in the latest ArtStart exhibition at QVMAG in Wellington St, Launceston.

Elka Crack-Peters
Matilda Hill
Saira Rajak
Nethuka Suraweera Arachchige
Charlie Tan
Axel Waters

Suzanne Creese
Visual Art Teacher – Elphin

A Community Education event

Early Learning Parent and carers are invited to register for an insightful and supportive parent session facilitated by Belamie Flint (Emerge Allied Health) – Specialist Early Childhood Teacher, Behaviour Consultant, and Accredited CPS Practitioner (Ross Greene Method).

With over 20 years experience working with children from birth to 16, Bel will share practical, empowering strategies to help you navigate the emotional world of young children.

In this session, Bel will explore:

• How to scaffold emotional and behavioural skills at home through modelling, routines, and calming strategies
• Approaches to setting boundaries, supporting regulation, and confidently saying “no”
• Practical guidance for raising confident, curious, and emotionally aware children

This session will be framed through a lens of support, helping parents feel equipped and empowered to guide their child’s development with confidence. If there a specific topic or challenge, you would like Bel to explore during the session, please note this on when you register.

We warmly invite all Early Learning families to attend.

For more information, please contact Casey Reid on 6336 3641 or casey.reid@soc.tas.edu.au.

Basketball

Over the first weekend of the term break our Boys Basketballers took part in the BTAS College Championships at Elphin Sports Centre in Launceston. With unavailability, injury and illness we were on the back foot but represented the College with great spirit and fight despite the tough opposition.

On the Saturday we were drawn in a pool with Launceston & Don Colleges. In the morning match against Launceston College, we lost 86-41 and unfortunately lost our captain Brody Wallace (Year 12) to a knee injury for the rest of the weekend. Brody along with Jack d’Emden (Year 11) were our top scorers for the match with 10 points apiece.
In the Saturday afternoon game despite a competitive first half and Angus Scott (Year 12) hitting five 3 pointers we went down to Don College 87-42, Angus the leading scorer with 15 while Oliver Atkins (Year 12) impressed in his late call up with 6 points.

We finished the pool stage in third and were drawn to play Elizabeth and Marist Regional College on the Sunday in positional playoff matches. The morning match against Elizabeth College saw Faysal Shafee (Year 11), Isaac You (Year 10) & Angus Scott post double figure points but unfortunately it wasn’t enough in a 23-point loss 71-48.
Our final match on Sunday afternoon we took on Marist and although it was close at half time we ended up 70-41 down by the end of the match, Jack d’Emden our top scorer with 15 points.

Despite the results of the games the team grew throughout the weekend and toughed it out while being down on troops! A big thank you to coach Brett Smith and team manager Naomi Wallace for their assistance in the lead up to and during the weekend as well as those who helped with bench/scoring duties.

Also, a special thanks to Oliver Atkins, Charlie d’Emden (Year 8) and Tristan Nel (Year 9) who stepped in to ensure we had a team plus some bench cover across the weekend’s games.

Andrew Nichols
Person-in-Charge Basketball

Swimming

Image: Swimming Tasmania

Congratulations to Steve Hanson (Year 10), Chloe Hassell (Year 8), Sienna Nesbit (Year 8), Madeleine Perraton (Year 7), Eva Shaw (Year 10), Sophia Vincour (Year 8) and Xavier Wang (Year 7). These students have just competed at the at the School Games, representing Tasmania in swimming. A special mention to Steve Hanson, winning gold in the boys 15/16 200m freestyle. Results and information on the School Games can be found HERE.

Rowing

Image: Rowing Tasmania

Recently May Wain (Year 12) and Oliver Dowling (Year 12) competed at the Oceania Teams Rowing Championships (OTRC) in Adelaide. The OTRC brings together top U22 and para rowers from across Australia and New Zealand. Competing over three days in July both May and Ollie produced some great results. You can see their results and more information HERE.

Equestrian

The Tasmanian equestrian teams for the Australian Interschool Championships and the Pony Club Australia National Championships have been announced with five Scotch Oakburn riders named. Ashlea Rees (Year 12), Lucy Johnston (Year 11) and Meg Kilby (Year 11) have been selected for both teams, and Zoe Nichols (Year 8) will join them in the Pony Club Nationals team. Aggie Lyne (Year 9) was also selected for both teams but unfortunately had to retire her horse and so has had to withdraw. Congratulations to all riders!

Soccer

Over the Term break, three students represented Tasmania at the Emerging Socceroos National Youth Championships in Melbourne. Year 9 students Solly Boyle and Diego Munoz Lagos (pictured) were selected in the U15 team and Matias Munoz Lagos (Year 11) in the U16 team.

Rugby

Representing Tasmania in the U18 Rugby Championship on the Sunshine Coast, marked more than just a competition for me. It reignited a deep passion and sense of purpose in my rugby journey, at a time when both had been clouded by injury and doubt.

Our performance in the competition may not have always shown on the scoreboard, although our determination and tenacity were poured into every moment on the field embodying the grit and heart of the Tasmanian underdog spirit. Although a battle reigned on the field, I encountered a personal battle, one that was between fear and perseverance. In the season prior, I suffered a spinal fracture during a high-stakes finals qualifier, an injury that not only halted my momentum on the field but cast uncertainty over whether I would ever return to the game I loved.

Although my body had healed, I found myself facing a far more difficult opponent, the mental barrier of fear, doubt, and hesitation that stood between me and the player I once was. My return to the sport was defined not by the fear that once held me back, but by the joy that pulled me forward, the camaraderie of my teammates, the fulfilment of playing for my club and state, and the quiet, personal drive to honour both my grandfather and my late uncle with every game I played. My advice for someone who ever walks in my footsteps is to remember that setbacks do not define you, your strength lies in how you rise. As Nelson Mandela once said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Nate Henrys
Year 11

Our community connections are important. We encourage our community to get behind Old Scotch Collegian Football Club this season and support our extended community.

On Saturday teams are playing are play at their home, NTCA Ground.

All fixtures can be found here:

Mens Fixtures |  Womens Fixtures | Under 18s

We look forward to following the teams this season.