Recently, the staff at Scotch Oakburn College came together for an inspiring few days of professional learning under the theme of ‘Creating the Future’. This theme aligns seamlessly with the College’s Vision, reinforcing our shared commitment to continuous growth, innovation, and excellence in education.

Throughout the sessions, it became clear that regardless of the topic—whether exploring AI, entrepreneurism, coaching, generational change, or professional boundaries—there was a strong and natural connection to the power of living our organisational values. The discussions underscored that when our actions and decisions are guided by our core values, we create a culture that fosters meaningful learning, leadership, and community engagement.

This vital message has also been shared with our students over the past fortnight, ensuring that our entire College community is aligned in embracing these principles. With the support of the newly introduced Student Behaviour Support Framework, we are actively working toward a collective goal where all students, staff, and families embody our core Values of Commitment, Compassion, Courage, Respect, and Responsibility.

By reinforcing these values in every aspect of College life, we strengthen our shared purpose and commitment to a thriving, forward-focused community, but most importantly a community where everyone interacts in a manner that is built on kindness and respect and has the appropriate balance of care and expectation.

2025 is an exciting year for the College with many new projects and initiatives taking place and I wish our entire community all the best for the year ahead.

Ross Patterson
Principal

Last week on our social channels, Principal Ross Patterson welcomed us back to the new school year.  If you missed it, we encourage you to watch now.

Welcome back to another exciting school year at Penquite campus! The first two weeks have been filled with high temperatures and even higher energy levels as students and staff dive into the new year with enthusiasm.

Our Year 6 students had an unforgettable experience at the Valley Campus this week, where they enjoyed surfing and other outdoor activities around the themes of Collaboration and being Courageous. This camp not only provided a great opportunity for physical activity but also helped in building strong bonds among the students and staff.

Ahead of students returning we welcomed new families to our community with a special gathering in the Helix and Penquite Green. It was heartwarming to see new connections being made and the sense of belonging growing stronger within our College community.

The Year 10 Leadership Day was a highlight, as our Year 10 students took on the role of mentors for the Year 6s. This day was filled with team-building exercises and leadership activities, fostering a sense of responsibility and camaraderie among the students. Additionally, our Year 10 leaders demonstrated their outstanding leadership skills during throughout the day.

Our Year 8 Peer Leaders played a significant role during the Scholarship Information Evening, acting as tour guides and ambassadors for the College throughout the event.

Our student leaders, from the Student Executive through all leadership committees and groups, have been outstanding. Their efforts and contributions have set a positive tone for the school year.
Our music ensembles have commenced rehearsals and are always on the lookout for new members; see Mr Andy Prideaux if you’d like to get involved. Excitement is in the air as auditions for our Penquite Campus Harry Potter and the Cursed Child production get underway.

Summer sport has commenced with many Firsts Teams and Crews building to the season pinnacle; we wish them every success in the weeks ahead.

Classes have settled in well, with students adapting to new routines and challenges, all whilst building new social connections. The first two weeks have been a period of adjustment, but the resilience and determination of our students are commendable.

As we move forward, we are excited about the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with learning, growth, and memorable moments at Penquite campus!

Reminder: Catch-up ID and sibling photos will be taken next Wednesday from 8:30 am in s.p.a.c.e. Gallery. Further details will be sent in a separate communication.

Ben Marsland
Deputy Principal – Penquite

At Scotch Oakburn College, the wellbeing of our students and wider community is at the heart of everything we do. As we embark on 2025, we are excited to share our key wellbeing priorities, which are designed to support and nurture every student in our community.

Engagement and Flow: This refers to the extent to which students identify with and value their schooling outcomes, and actively participate in academic and non-academic school activities. This includes affective dimensions such as enjoyment of school and relationships with teachers and peers.

Emotional Regulation: This refers to the ability of students to manage and respond to their emotional experiences in a healthy and constructive manner. This involves  strategies that students use to influence their emotions, how they experience them, and how they express them.

School Culture: This refers to the shared beliefs, values, and attitudes that shape interactions and behaviors within our school community. It encompasses the norms and expectations that guide how students, teachers, parents and staff interact with one another. A positive school culture promotes respect, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging, which are essential for fostering a supportive learning environment.

Building Stronger School Communities Together

In today’s educational landscape, the partnership between schools and parents is more crucial in safeguarding our student’s wellbeing than ever before. Research consistently shows that when parents and schools work together, students benefit academically, socially and emotionally.

Parents are their children’s first teachers and play a vital role in their education. When schools and parents for strong partnerships it leads to improved academic performance, better mental health and increased student engagement.

While the focus is often on how parents can support their children’s education, its equally important to recognise that parents need support too. Parenting can be challenging and having access to resources and programs can make a significant difference.

The Positive Parenting Program (otherwise known as Triple P) has recently been made available free of charge to parents and carers of children in Australia. This program is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Program. It was developed here in Australia and is now the worlds most widely researched parenting program with hundreds of clinical rails and studies to back it up. Triple P can assist with many issues from with toddler meltdowns to teenage anger management and  is available here online free! 

Also keep an eye out for inhouse parenting courses coming soon.

Kylie Wolstencroft
Director of Wellbeing – Penquite

As we reflect on the first two weeks of 2025, it is fitting to highlight the importance of inclusivity education, particularly in light of the global challenges we witness daily. Hate and intolerance of difference remain pressing issues, making it more crucial than ever to foster a culture of acceptance, understanding, and respect.

At Scotch Oakburn College, we are privileged to be part of a growing multicultural community where differences are not just acknowledged but celebrated. Our students have exceptional opportunities to engage in formative experiences that shape them into well-rounded, contributing global citizens.

Being a member of the Round Square network of schools provides every Scotch Oakburn student with a foundation built on the six IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. These principles guide their personal development through the socio-emotional skills that we, at the College, refer to as Learner Attributes.

This week, our Year 5 and 6 students embark on an international Round Square conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Throughout 2025, Year 10 students will be experiencing transformative exchange programs in the USA, South Africa, England, and Colombia. In September, a delegation of students will represent the College at the international Round Square Conference (RSIC2025) in Dubai, UAE. Additionally, over 30 Year 8 students will have the opportunity to participate in two-week regional exchanges within the Round Square network, further broadening their perspectives and fostering cultural appreciation.

Having worked on the Penquite Campus for the past 16 years, it has been remarkable to witness the transformation in attitudes and opinions about difference—whether in terms of nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, or ability. In a world where the news frequently highlights division and conflict, our community stands as a beacon of hope and progress. The young people we educate today will shape a future defined by compassion, inclusivity, and global cooperation.

Congratulations to all our students for embracing these opportunities and for being positive forces for change in an ever-evolving world. What a fantastic start to 2025!

Stuart Walls
Head of Senior School | Director of Round Square

Thank you to all Prep to Year 5 parents and carers who were able to attend our Parent Information Sessions this week. It was a wonderful evening to connect and build relationships for learning. We hope that you have walked away feeling more informed and connected

The slides that were shared in the Mary Fox Hall are available on The Dash. Click on the ‘Student Expectations & Policies’ button on your home page, then go to  > Student Learning > Junior School > Prep to Year 2 Parent Evening Presentation Term 1 2025.

We thank you for your ongoing support.

The Elphin Leadership Team

Our Year 6 students and staff have enjoyed their ‘Coastal Explorers’ Program based at the Valley Campus. A highlight included spending a day at Bicheno where they had lots of fun surfing and rock hopping their way around the coastline. Courage was demonstrated by many as they attempted surfing for the first time, many students had success to stand and catch a wave. Upon reflection, for some students this was their favourite part of the program.

Canoeing at the Valley Campus and navigating through the nearby tracks were other popular experiences at camp. Students embraced the Learner Attributes of being effective communicators as they partnered up to use maps and compasses and find various locations along the walk. Collaboration was the key to success when canoeing, as students paddled their way around the lake working together to turn their boat, whilst attempting to keep it upright. Canoeing was a highlight for many students during the camp.

This program has provided a range of experiences for Year 6 students to embrace the outdoor environment while building deeper connections to one another and developing a greater understanding of themselves.

The Year 6 staff, along with the Education Outdoors team and Year 10 Leaders would like to thank all students for embracing camp with enthusiasm, courage and resilience. It was a great experience all round and a wonderful way to begin Year 6 in 2025.

Esther Croft-Elliott
Head of Year 6

Easter this year falls during our College Term break.  We would like to make our community aware that the College is closed from Friday 18 April (Good Friday) to Tuesday 22 April inclusive.  Further to this our College Reception and Vacation Care program will also be closed Wednesday 23 April and Thursday 24 April.  Friday 25 April is a public holiday for ANZAC Day.

Thank you

To make reporting absences quicker and more convenient, we encourage you to use the College App.
Simply click on ‘Report an Absence,’ select your child, and enter the reason for their absence. No need to call or email—our system will automatically update, ensuring your child’s teachers are informed.

If you require additional support in relation to your child’s absence, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your respective Class Teacher or Mentor. Who to contact can be found here.

If you have not already done so, you can download the College app using the appropriate link below:

Thank you for your support.

Joel Brewer
Director of Marketing, Communications and Community

Host of visiting Japanese student

We are excited to be welcoming students from our Sister School, Osaka International Junior High School, back to Tasmania in March 2025 and we are looking for interested families who may like to host them during their stay. A fantastic way to learn about another culture and support a young person’s experience in Australia.

When: 12–20 March, 2025
Who: 15 students (Year 9: aged 14 – 15)
Host families do not need to have similarly aged children
From: Osaka International Junior High School (our Japanese Sister School)

What happens during the visit:
The visiting students will follow the Penquite Campus timetable for the week and so will need to be dropped off and picked up from Penquite each school day (~8:30am – 3:25pm). They will have a special program throughout the week designed for them and some classes with a SOC buddy.

Host Families:
Any Scotch Oakburn College family willing to open their home to a Japanese student for the week. We welcome families with children of all ages from Junior, Middle or Senior Schools. If your child studies Japanese or has studied Japanese that is a bonus, but it is not a compulsory requirement to be a host family. If your child is going on the Japan Trip in 2025 it might also be a great way to pay-it-forward and create a friendship before the trip! Alternatively, if your child came on the 2023 Japan Trip, it might be a wonderful way to re-connect with our Sister School.

Expressions of interest can be made by filing out the form on this link OR email me directly at hayley.mcleod@soc.tas.edu.au.

Important requirement: 
Before you may host a student, the College must receive a copy of your Working with Vulnerable People – Child Related Activity registration card. All host parents / primary carers (and siblings over 16 years of age) hosting a student must be registered. The process can take up to six weeks, so we highly recommend that you apply for these checks as soon as possible (approx. cost $20 Volunteer). Details can be found here.

Thank you

Hayley McLead
Head of Languages

Equestrian Team enjoys Victory with Team Spirit and Enthusiasm

Our school’s equestrian team showcased their exceptional skills and teamwork at a thrilling competition hosted by Equestrian Australia at Quercus Park earlier in January. The event was filled with excitement, camaraderie, and outstanding performances, as our riders demonstrated their dedication and passion for the sport.

Eight talented riders from Scotch Oakburn College attended the competition with eleven horses, making their presence felt in both eventing and combined training categories. The team included Aggie Lyne (Year 9), Marnie Lyne (Year 6), Meg Kilby (Year 11), Lucy Johnston (Year 11), Abbi Lloyd-Bostock (Year 11), Zoe Nichols (Year 8), Ashlea Rees (Year 12), and Isla Willows (Year 9),

Scotch Oakburn won the Overall Interschools Eventing Senior School Team Shield, where the best three rider’s scores out of the four heights (from 2* – 80cm) were counted. Scotch Oakburn College’s team, consisting of Aggie Lyne (Year 9), Meg Kilby (Year 11) , and Lucy Johnston (Year 11) , emerged victorious.

The individual results were exceptional for both primary and secondary schools:
• Interschools Combined Training – Primary:
65cm: Marnie Lyne (Year 6) – 1st place

• Interschools Eventing (2* – 80cm) Senior:
1 star: Aggie Lyne (Year 9) – 2nd place
95cm: Meg Kilby (Year 11) – 2nd place, Ashlea Rees (Year 12) – 5th place
80cm: Lucy Johnston (Year 11) – 11th place

• Interschools Combined Training – Senior:
1 star: Aggie Lyne (Year 9) – 1st place
95cm: Abbi Lloyd-Bostock (Year 11) – 1st place
80cm: Zoe Nichols (Year 8) – 2nd & 15th , Lucy Johnston (Year 11) – 11th & 13th place, Isla Willows (Year 9) – 16th place

• Open Eventing Results:
1 star: Aggie Lyne – 5th place
95cm: Meg Kilby – 7th place and Ashlea Rees – 12th place
80cm: Lucy Johnston – 11th place and Ashlea Rees – 15th place
65cm: Marnie Lyne – 12th place

The team’s spirit of fun and energy was evident both days of the rigorous competition. Beyond the ribbons and trophies, the true success of the weekend lay in the bonds strengthened and the memories created.

Congratulations to our equestrian team for their fantastic achievements and for embodying the attributes of collaboration, agility and courage.

In more equestrian news Year 2 student Darcy Watkins competed at the Ea Tas Horse Of The Year on the Australia Day long weekend winning the Open Leading Rein on Brayside Showman, First Ridden Show Hunter Pony and her rider class 5 -9 years on Bearsrail Smokey. As the three classes are National qualifiers, Darcy will now represent Tasmania in December at Werribee in the National Show Horse Championships.  Well done Darcy!

Joy Russell
Person-in-Charge of Equestrian

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:

• Try Tennis – ages 6-16 years
• Rhythmic Gymnastics
• Junior Soccer – come and try day