At the heart of a thriving learning community is the genuine inclusion of student voice. In 2026, our College is taking an important step forward by strengthening how students contribute to decision making, leadership and community life across our campuses.

Central to this work is the establishment of a multi campus Student Representative Council, bringing together student leaders from across the College to collaborate, share perspectives and advocate for their peers. This shared structure strengthens connection between campuses and ensures that student voice reflects the diversity of experiences across our community.

We are also excited to introduce a new Year 5 student leader portfolio structure, designed to provide clarity, purpose and agency at a pivotal stage of development. This approach intentionally mirrors our highly effective Year 12 Student Executive portfolio system, a model that continues to have a profound impact on the College. At the senior level, clearly defined portfolios have strengthened accountability, sharpened purpose and enabled students to lead collaboratively with confidence. By adapting this proven framework for younger students, Year 5 leaders are supported to experience leadership through responsibility and service, building agency, communication skills and a strong sense of belonging as they prepare for secondary schooling.

At Penquite, student voice is being further amplified through the creation of new student groups focused on Media and Technology and importantly chaired by students with the support of staff. These groups provide opportunities for students to engage creatively, develop future focused skills and contribute meaningfully to areas they are passionate about, while supporting innovation and communication across the campus.

Capturing student voice benefits the College by informing decisions, strengthening culture and ensuring initiatives remain relevant and responsive. Equally importantly, it supports student wellbeing and development, helping young people feel heard, valued and empowered. When students are trusted to contribute, they develop confidence, resilience and a deeper connection to their community, shaping both their own growth and the future of our College.

Ross Patterson
Principal

HELP CREATE OUR 140 YEAR CELEBRATION ART QUILT

To help mark 140 years of our community, we are delighted to be collaborating with our 2026 Artist in Residence, Mae Finlayson, on a special Community Art Quilt project.

Inspired by the history, memories and connections shared across Methodist Ladies College, Oakburn College, Scotch College and Scotch Oakburn College, this collaborative artwork will bring together contributions from across our community to create a meaningful legacy piece for this milestone year.

The project invites students, families, Collegians and staff to take part in one or both of two simple but significant ways.

The first is to share a memory or experience by responding to the prompt:

“Even after all this time I remember…”

Participants are invited to write one sentence in their own handwriting, capturing a memory, moment or reflection connected to their time at the College. These contributions will help build a collective story, shaped by the voices and experiences of our community. Memory submissions will remain anonymous.

The second way to participate is to create a quilt patch that records family connections to the College. Participants will be able to stitch the names of family members who attended, along with their years of attendance. Materials will be supplied, and contributors will have the option to complete their patch at home or join a hands-on workshop with Mae Finlayson; further details will be shared in due course.

Together, these contributions will form a richly layered artwork that reflects the people, stories and shared sense of belonging that have shaped the College across generations.

This project is a wonderful opportunity for our community to be part of something both creative and lasting.

We warmly invite all members of our community to be involved.

To participate, please complete the form on this link and indicate how you would like to contribute.

Carmel Dilger
Community Arts Coordinator

Our Elphin Houses came together last week for their first House Together@Elphin sessions with their House Heads,  Milly Clark (Dean), Sarah Shaw (Nance), Rebecca Ballard (Briggs), and Louise Ockerby (Fox).

The morning was filled with energy as students from Prep to Year 5 gathered in their Houses to connect with others, strengthen their sense of belonging, and celebrate their House identities. Many Year 12 student executive members supported the event, alongside our dedicated Year 5 House Captains.

Students enjoyed learning and performing a range of House chants and engaging in moments of shared expression. It was wonderful to witness such strong House spirit and enthusiastic collaboration across year levels at the Elphin Campus.

We look forward to holding a House Together@Elphin each Term as we continue to nurture these relationships and build vibrant House pride throughout the year!

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

Pip Robinson
Deputy Head of Junior School (Years 3-5)

On Thursday our College community saw a wonderful example of cross campus connection when two of our Year 12 Wellbeing Captains, Reinard Fourie and Herleen Thompson, visited the Early Learning Centre to run a special session with our four-year-old learners. The focus of the morning was emotional regulation, taught through Tedology — a playful, evidence informed framework developed to help young children understand and manage their feelings.

Tedology uses simple language, storytelling, and age appropriate activities to help children recognise emotions, name what they are experiencing, and learn strategies to calm their bodies and minds. The Year 12 students skilfully adapted these concepts for our youngest learners, guiding them through two activities that were both fun and developmentally meaningful.

The children listened with wide-eyed engagement as the Wellbeing Captains spoke about feelings and practised techniques such as “belly breathing” and “treasure hunt “inspired by Tedology’s core messages.

A highlight of the visit was the presence of Jimmy, the Penquite Campus therapy dog, who joined the session as a calm and very cute presence. Jimmy modelled the idea of emotional co‑regulation beautifully — showing the children how slowing down, breathing steadily, and feeling safe can help our bodies return to a settled state. The smiles, gentle pats, and questions that followed made it clear just how much the children valued his visit.

For our Year 12 students, this was more than a leadership activity — it was a chance to contribute to the wellbeing journey of the next generation of Scotch Oakburn learners. They demonstrated compassion, confidence, and a deep understanding of the importance of emotional literacy in early childhood.

For our Early Learners, the session created an engaging foundation for recognising and managing emotions, while also building a sense of belonging within the broader College community.

This initiative is a wonderful example of how our wellbeing framework is strengthened when students across all ages come together, learn from one another, and live out our College values in meaningful ways. We look forward to more opportunities like this throughout the year.

Kylie Wolstencroft
Director of Wellbeing – Penquite

JOURNEY TO NARNIA!

We are excited to announce that the 2026 Middle School Play will be The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, based on the beloved novel by C. S. Lewis – and will be directed by Renee Bakker.

Step through the wardrobe and into the magical world of Narnia, where four ordinary siblings – Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy – discover a land frozen in an endless winter under the rule of the White Witch. Along the way, they meet unforgettable characters including the noble lion Aslan, loyal Mr Tumnus, and a host of magical creatures, as they join the fight to bring hope and freedom back to Narnia.

Renee Bakker is thrilled to bring this timeless tale to life with our talented Middle School students. “Narnia is a story about courage, loyalty and stepping into the unknown,” she says. “I can’t wait to see our students create this magical world together.”

Adventure awaits in Narnia!

Andy Prideaux
Head of Performing Arts

Kicking off the Inter-House Carnivals at Elphin, students in Years 3–5 enjoyed a great day at the Aquatics Centre at the ELphin Inter-House Swimming. The day was filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and an incredible display of school spirit.

One of the highlights of the carnival was seeing our College Value of Courage on full display. Many students bravely stepped out of their comfort zones to compete in events, try new races, or get involved for the first time.

The atmosphere throughout the venue was electric. Our Year 12 students led the way, proudly chanting and cheering for their Houses, creating a strong sense of unity and friendly competition. Their leadership and enthusiasm lifted the spirits of everyone in attendance and contributed to the vibrant carnival atmosphere.

Thank you to the staff who worked hard to create an environment where everyone was encouraged to join in, have fun, and celebrate their achievements.

Final results for the day saw Fox take first place, followed by Dean, Nance and Briggs.

Congratulations to Jagger Liu (Year 4, Fox) who broke two College records, 50m Freestyle – old record: 35.92 (2014), new record: 34.92 (2026), and 25m Backstroke – old record: 20.03 (2016), new record: 18.88 (2026).

Nicky Reid
Head of Sport – Elphin

Last week marked the beginning of this year’s Year 5/6 Summer sports roster.

Students were able to choose from a variety of options, including tennis, cricket, speedball, ultimate frisbee, water polo and touch football. Following a training session, the roster has now commenced, with teams competing at a variety of venues across Launceston.

With a focus on respect, sportsmanship, and trying their best, students have embraced the challenge of working with new coaches, playing alongside different classmates, and competing against students from a range of schools.

While some students have chosen to refine their skills and deepen their understanding in a familiar sport, many have taken on the challenge of learning a new sport and developing new skills.

We look forward to seeing the students continue to progress and develop throughout the season.

Nicky Reid
Head of Sport – Elphin

House chants echoed around the Elphin Campus on Tuesday as students participated in the Year 2 Aquatic Showcase. With a focus on fun and participation, students proudly showcased their HPE learning to family and friends.

The event provides a stepping stone to the Inter-House Swimming Carnival next year, giving students the opportunity to sit in House areas, marshal for events, and swim in front of a crowd.

A special thank you to the Year 5 House Captains, who organised and supported students throughout the afternoon.

Peter Williams
Head of Elphin Campus

Over the past week our senior students have been auditioning for this year’s production: Hadestown – Teen Edition and we are delighted to share the cast with you. Our Senior students will bring the award-winning musical to the stage this August.

Featuring a cast of 30 talented students, the production will run from Wednesday 12 August to Friday 15 August and promises a powerful theatrical experience combining contemporary folk, jazz and blues-inspired music with a timeless myth.

Hadestown retells the ancient Greek story of Orpheus and Eurydice. When Eurydice is drawn into the industrial underworld ruled by the powerful Hades, the young musician Orpheus embarks on a courageous journey to bring her back. Along the way, audiences encounter the complex relationship between Hades and Persephone, as the story explores themes of love, hope, trust and the courage to challenge fate.

First created by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, Hadestown has become one of the most celebrated musicals of recent years, winning multiple Tony Awards and captivating audiences around the world. The musical recently enjoyed a hugely successful season in Melbourne, further cementing its popularity with Australian audiences.

The Teen Edition adaptation allows young performers to take on the musical’s rich characters and challenging score while preserving the heart and energy that have made the show such a global success. It provides students with an opportunity to tackle sophisticated storytelling and music while collaborating as an ensemble.

Audiences can expect striking music, atmospheric storytelling and an engaging interpretation of a classic myth performed by the next generation of young performers.

Tickets for Hadestown: Teen Edition will be available soon – watch this space.

Andy Prideaux
Head of Performing Arts

At Scotch Oakburn College, our values are far more than words displayed on walls or printed in handbooks , they are the foundation of who we are as a learning community. Each day, our students bring these values to life through their interactions, choices, and contributions. Their actions reflect the character we aim to nurture: young people who are compassionate, courageous, respectful, and committed to making a positive difference.

As a College, we are proud to acknowledge and celebrate the many moments ,big and small, when students demonstrate what it truly means to live our values.

Living Our Values

Our values guide how we learn, how we treat one another, and how we create a culture that supports every student to flourish. These include:

• Respect – for oneself, others, and our environment
• Courage – to take risks, try new things, and stand up for what is right
• Commitment – to learning, personal growth, and contributing to our community
• Compassion – showing kindness, empathy, and support
• Responsibility – taking ownership of our actions and choices

These values underpin our approach to wellbeing, learning, leadership, and community engagement.

Recognising Excellence in Character

Throughout the year, our staff regularly identify students who exemplify our values in their daily life at the College. As part of our commitment to recognising and celebrating positive character, we have now introduced Values Badges, awarded to students who demonstrate these attributes in authentic and consistent ways. These badges serve as a visible acknowledgment of the student’s contribution to our culture and act as a meaningful reminder of the importance of living our values eve e given for a variety of reasons, including:

• Acts of kindness or compassion toward peers
• Demonstrating resilience and courage in challenging situations
• Showing leadership within the classroom, House, or cocurricular activities
• Making responsible choices and supporting a positive culture
• Showing respect for others during moments of disagreement or difficulty
• Consistently striving for personal best in learning or behaviour

These recognitions serve not only to affirm the student involved but also to reinforce the behaviours and attitudes we value as a community. When students see that character matters , and that it is noticed , it strengthens a culture where positive behaviour is both modelled and rewarded.

A Community Effort

We know that the development of strong values does not happen in isolation. It is the result of partnership between home and school, consistent modelling by adults, and the daily lived experience of being part of a supportive community.

We are deeply grateful for the ongoing encouragement and reinforcement provided by families. Your conversations at home, your expectations, and the way you model these values in everyday life all play a significant role in shaping the character of our young people.

Looking Ahead

As we continue through the year, we will keep highlighting and celebrating students who demonstrate the College Values in meaningful ways. These acknowledgements remind us all that learning at Scotch Oakburn is not only about academic growth but also about who we are becoming.

Thank you for your partnership in nurturing students who are not only capable learners, but also compassionate, responsible, and courageous young people, ready to contribute positively to the world beyond our gates.

Kylie Wolstencroft
Director of Wellbeing -Penquite

Year 1–4 Class Representatives have been busy as part of their involvement in StudentVoice@Elphin, designing personalised suggestion boxes for their classrooms. Working collaboratively, representatives from each class have considered how to create an inviting and accessible way for all students to share ideas and offer feedback—helping to continue shaping a positive and inclusive school environment.

During recent sessions, Class Representatives have also worked together to establish group norms that will guide all StudentVoice meetings moving forward. Through discussion and reflection, students explored what respectful listening, fair participation, and constructive communication look like, forming shared expectations that will support productive and thoughtful dialogue throughout the year.

This week, our Year 5 Round Square Captains—Joey da Rocha Batalha, Sophie Reid, Grayson Burfield, Molly Kershaw and Henry Weekly—introduced themselves to the Class Representatives. These student leaders will guide StudentVoice meetings and help to coordinate service initiatives across the campus. They will play a key role in supporting Class Representatives as they gather feedback and ensure student ideas are heard and acted upon, and have already demonstrated a strong willingness to assist and mentor our younger students.

StudentVoice@Elphin continues to strengthen student agency, leadership, and collaboration across the campus—we look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in 2026!

Renee Hodgetts
Director of Wellbeing – Elphin

Hockey

Six of our senior girls hockey players represented Northern Tasmania in the U18 Northern Tasmanian team, making up almost half the team at the State Hockey Championships. Well done to Allegra Quilliam, Annabel Crisp, Lucy Johnston, Gwen McLoughlin, Tully Russell and Zoe Hingston on a great achievement.

Ali Foot
Head of Sport

We are pleased to provide a community news section in our news highlighting events in the wider Launceston community that may be of interest to families. Included this week:

• Tennis Fun Day – all ages and levels, 29 March
• Hockey Come and Try Day – all ages and levels
• NETSETGO – netball for 7-10 years