NEWS EDITIONS
Select a newsletter below:
Term 1 Week 10 – Friday 11 April 2025
A SUCCESSFUL TERM
Term 1 has been a very successful term, with our focus on holistic education highlighted daily. At Scotch Oakburn College, we believe in educating the whole child by fostering emotional, social, ethical, and academic development. Holistic education is at the heart of our philosophy, and later in the year, we hope to provide greater clarity on what this means to us at the College and how we support students to be well-rounded members of our community.
Over the past month, our students have actively engaged in a variety of events and activities that showcase our commitment to holistic education. In sports, they delivered outstanding performances at the Head of the River/National Rowing Championships and the Primary Regional Basketball Tournament. Meanwhile, our Year 12 and Year 9 students demonstrated leadership through community service initiatives, and others excelled in student performances at the Harvest Harmony event and during Assemblies. Additionally, our Education Outdoors Camps, spanning both Junior and Senior Schools, along with participation in the Relay for Life, have provided students with enriching experiences beyond the classroom and opportunities to connect with one another and the outdoors.
These activities not only enhance academic learning but also build character. It is therefore important that we (the College staff and parents) continue to encourage all students to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new opportunities, and cultivate a passion for learning that extends far beyond the classroom walls.
After an eventful term, I wish everyone a safe and restful Easter period and look forward to seeing everyone back on-site in Term 2.
Ross Patterson
Principal
A TASTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
Students recently had the opportunity to attend the Health and Medical Sciences Taster Day at the University of Tasmania’s Launceston Campus. This engaging event offered students in Years 11 and 12 a unique chance to explore the world of health and medical science, exploring a range of disciplines while gaining hands-on experience in scientific and clinical settings.
Throughout the day, we had the opportunity to engage with lectures across a variety of health and medical science fields. The event provided a glimpse into several exciting disciplines that could shape future careers in the health sector, Biomedicine, Exercise and Sport Science, Pharmacy and Nursing.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Taster Day was the hands-on experience, including working on nursing manikins in the simulation lab, testing blood sugar levels in biomedicine, engaging in physical testing activities in exercise and sport science, or preparing tablet coatings in the pharmacy labs. Students had the chance to ask questions, observe real-world applications, and gain practical experience from university staff.
In addition to the practical activities, they heard from professionals about career pathways within health and medical sciences. The event offered a comprehensive overview of the diverse career opportunities in healthcare, with experts providing guidance on university courses, job prospects, and the essential skills needed to succeed in each discipline. This gave a solid understanding of both the academic and personal qualities required to pursue these careers.
Overall, the Health and Medical Sciences Taster Day was an enriching experience that deepened students’ appreciation of the wide-ranging opportunities in the healthcare field. We are grateful for the chance to explore the University of Tasmania’s Launceston Campus and interact with such knowledgeable and passionate staff. We extend our thanks to the University of Tasmania for hosting this informative event, and we look forward to seeing how these new interests and experiences will shape our students’ futures.
Nicole Withers-Howard
Careers Advisor
CHESS SEASON BEGINS
Chess season has started. The first tournaments of the season took place in the first week of April, the Secondary competition at Launceston Grammar and Primary at Riverside Primary School. Our players have started the season with great results.
Our Secondary team won the event with Himash Keerthiratne (Year 11) continuing his dominance in the North, even if he was seriously challenged by a student from Launceston College. He was down to six seconds on his clock to come back from the brink. He remained undefeated and won the tournament. Henry Chilcott (Year 8) finished third with 5 and 1/2. The rest of the team also had good results which allowed a comfortable team competition win.
At Riverside Primary School, with a small team of six Year 6 students, we also did very well, finishing fourth in a very tight competition. Facundo Munoz Lagos finished second with six wins and Angelo Arachchilage finished fifth with five wins. Zoe Diprose and Seren Peltzer finsihed with 3 ½ and were half a win from the best female player that day. The team is looking forward to the next tournament at Trevallyn Primary Monday 23 June.
Fabrice Dauchez
Person-in-Charge of Chess
BRIXHIBITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Fraser Corp – This is the Titanic Right Before It Sank
Our recent LEGO Brixhibition display at conneXions was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible creativity of our young builders. The Early Learning winner, Harvey Lloyd, impressed everyone with a sculpture titled ‘The Mud Truck’. Our Prep/1 winner, Julian McCready, created an exciting ‘Zipline City’, while Year 2/3 winner, Isabella Perraton, depicted a vibrant ‘City Life’ scene. Fraser Corp won the Year 4/5 section, captivating us with ‘This is the Titanic Right Before It Sank’, and our LEGO Masters competition winner Judah Connelley, built an impressive ‘Steam Ship’.
The children had a fantastic time voting for their favorite LEGO builds, adding to the excitement of the event. We are thrilled to announce that our overall winner, Fraser Corp’s sculpture, will be proudly displayed at the Launceston Brixhibition event, 26 and 27 April at the Launceston Conference Centre.
Congratulations to all our talented winners!
Laura Beaumont
Teacher
ON ROUND SQUARE EXCHANGE IN COLOMBIA
My time in Colombia so far has been such an amazing experience, from walking up Monserrate to spending time at the local country club with my exchange’s friends. I am currently on holidays over here and my host family has taken me to so many new places and are taking me to Anapoima later this week. Colegio Anglo is not too different from Scotch Oakburn College except for the 7am start and 2pm finish. The school also has a cafeteria in which lunch is provided. During my first week I have enjoyed a Colombian picnic, a party, a bakery pop-up at school, visiting a local market, and several restaurants with a variety of delicious foods. I am enjoying my time here thoroughly and look forward to my remaining weeks.
Harriet Woolley
Year 10
CONNEXIONS BOOK CLUB
Year 5 students Alice Westmore and Nola Chugg have started a book club in conneXions on Wednesdays and Thursdays. They have shown leadership by initiating this club, communicating with the community and committing to regular sessions. All students from Years 2-5 are welcome to attend.
“We have enjoyed working with all ages of students and discussing about what we have read during the past few days. We have been giving out stickers to people who are good listeners and hard working. At the end of most sessions we have little game.” (Alice and Nola)
Playtime clubs are a fantastic way to meet new friends and try something new!
ConneXions also offers building, chess, drawing and making with informal groups meeting on a regular basis.
Laura Beaumont
Teacher
YEAR 7 GRANDPARENTS’ AND FRIENDS’ DAY
Year 7 Grandparents’ and Friends’ Day event is a special day on the Scotch Oakburn calendar. It is an opportunity for our students to share their learning and the Penquite Campus with those who may not normally get to see it. The event starts with an assembly and followed by a student led tour of the campus, allowing guests to see classroom spaces and experience the learning of our students.
ANZAC DAY MARCH
All Scotch Oakburn College students are invited to participate in the ANZAC Day March of Remembrance departing from Princes Square, and the Civic Ceremony at the Launceston Cenotaph.
ANZAC Day this year falls on the second Friday of the term break. Those students who would like to participate are asked to wear full winter school uniform and meet in Princes Square at 9:30 am on the day. Please look for the Scotch Oakburn flag on arrival. The Scotch Oakburn delegation will be led by members of our Year 12 Student Executive and include staff and students from the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. Students are invited to wear medals or replicas of those who gave service in their family. Please note these must be worn on the right breast.
A wreath will be laid at the Cenotaph during the ceremony by students on behalf of the Scotch Oakburn College community.
The timings for the day are as follows:
9:30 am: Meet Student leaders and staff in Princes Square under the Scotch Oakburn flag.
9.45 am: March form up commences.
10.15 am: March commences to the Cenotaph via Charles Street and turns left into Paterson Street.
10:30 am – 10:45 am: Civic Service at Cenotaph commences (once march concludes).
11:30am: Service will be completed.
Students can be dropped at Princes Square where staff will be present to record their attendance. All students can be collected from the Cenotaph by 11:45 am. Parent/carers are most welcome to march with their children if they wish. We are grateful for parents/carers assistance with the transport to and from this event and appreciate all student’s willingness to offer their time in support of this important community service during the Term break.
If you have any inquiries about this event, please contact Ben Marsland (Penquite) or Ben Green (Elphin).
Stuart Walls
Head of Senior School
WINTER UNIFORMS
A reminder that Term 2 means winter uniforms. During Term time our College Uniform Shop is open:
Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Friday: 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
In addition, prior to the start of Term on Wednesday 30 April, the shop will be open:
Monday 28 April
– for appointments and general sales 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Tuesday 29 April
– for general sales 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Visit the College Shop page to view winter uniforma requirements for all year levels and to order online if you prefer.
Deanne Dietrich
College Shop Manager
SPORT
National Rowing Championships
Scotch Oakburn College had an outstanding week at the Australian Rowing Championships on its home course at Lake Barrington.
The squad started the week strongly with May Wain (Year 12) making the final of the U19 Single Scull, and the Year 11 team of Maddison Marshall and Cheali Barron making the final of the U19 Pair. Both these crews displayed strong performances in their respective finals, with both finishing fourth, agonisingly close to the podium. Ollie Dowing (Year 12) finished seventh in the U21 Lightweight Single.
The following day Year 10 students Ailish Barron and Harriet Woolley performed flawlessly to finish fourth in the U17 Double Scull. The U19 Coxless Four of Bella Wilson (Year 11), Emily Knaggs (Year 11), Maddison Marshal (Year 11) and May Wain (Year 12), had an incredible performance, claiming a silver medal. The U19 Coxed Four of Eloise Breden (Year 11), Saffron Dick (Year 11), Harriet Bingley (Year 12), Sophie Christie (Year 11) and Cheali Barron (Year 11) raced well to finish sixth.
On the final day of competition the College secured final berths for the U17 School Girl Eight, Open Schoolgirl Eight and the Open School Girl Single. A fantastic performance by May Wain saw her place second, winning a silver medal in the Single. Both the Eights raced strongly with the U17 crew finishing seventh and the Open Eight finishing sixth. This was the first time that Scotch Oakburn crew had progressed to the final of the prestigious Open School Girl Eight event.
We finished the week ranked ninth overall on the schoolgirls point score, the first time the College had finished in the top ten.
These incredible results are a testament to the dedication and commitment shown by our rowing students and coaching team. Congratulations to all that participated.
Brendon Long
Director of Rowing
Swimming
It was great to finish the Term with our Middle and Senior School Inter-House Swimming Carnival at the Launceston Aquatic Centre.
The Carnival was split into our 100m and 50m events in the morning and 25m events in the afternoon, in a great show of House spirit while showcasing our many talented swimmers at the College. It was great to see the outstanding performances as well as students displaying excellent sportsmanship and giving their best effort. Twelve records were broken this year, showcasing our swimming talent.
Congratulations to all students that competed across the Carnival showing agility, collaboration and courage. The day was won by Fox House, closely followed by Nance, Dean and Briggs.
My thanks go out to our volunteer parents who helped throughout the day, as well as all our staff for their support in running of the event.
The next meet for our swimmers is the NSATIS Swimming held in Term 3 on Thursday 21 August, with the SATIS Swimming held the following week on Tuesday 16 September.
The swimming team will be announced along with our captains for 2025 prior to the Carnivals and will be led by Mrs Jane Gregg, our Person-in-Charge of Swimming. Our swimmers will be excited to compete for the College off the back of the huge success in previous years.
Ali Foot
Head of Sport
Basketball
Congratulations to our Thirds Navy basketball team, winning their NSATIS premiership this week after progressing through the season undefeated.
At the Regional Primary Basketball Tournament, our Year 3/4 anf Year 5/6 teams all enjoyed a great competition. Our Year 5/6 girls team played Division 1, making it to the final. Closely beaten by Sacred Heart, they finished runners-up. A fantastic effort.
OLD SCOTCH – SUPPORTING COMMUNITY
Our community connections are important. We encourage our community to get behind Old Scotch Football Club this season and support our extended community.
There are no games over Easter. On 26 April teams are playing away at Bridgenorth and on 3 May will be playing at home against South Launceston. Fixtures can be found on these links:
Mens Fixtures | Womens Fixtures | Under 18s
We look forward to following the teams this season.
2026 TERM DATES RELEASED
To help our community plan for 2026, our Term dates have now been released. They are available on our website via this link and on The Dash via this link.
Stay Connected
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