The Elphin Green is back in full use this Term thanks to the work of our amazing Grounds team.  Principal Ross Patterson welcomes our community back on campus and reviews some highlights from Term 1.

This week, Year 1 were excited to spend a day at the Hagley Farm Agricultural Learning Centre as part of their ‘Past and Present’ inquiry.

The hands on experience included butter making, seeing what school was like a long time ago and visiting the museum giving an authentic understanding of schooling of the early 20th Century and how it has changed today.

We joined Year 1 Bunker/Williams and captured the day.

During the recent Term break, 29 students and staff travelled to Singapore for the College’s first dedicated Creative Design Industries International Experience, a trip designed to immerse students in art, design, architecture, food and fashion within one of Asia’s most culturally vibrant cities.

From the moment the group arrived, Singapore provided a rich learning environment where students could see creative industries in action. Visits to the Singapore Art Museum and City Gallery introduced students to the country’s evolving art scene and the remarkable development of Singapore’s cityscape over the past 40 years. These experiences encouraged students to consider how creativity, planning and innovation work together to shape the places where people live, work and gather.

Food was also an important part of the experience. Students explored hawker markets, Chinatown and local dining venues, gaining an appreciation for the cultural diversity that influences Singapore’s cuisine. A hands-on traditional coffee brewing session gave students further insight into local practices and the importance of food and drink in cultural identity.

The group visited a number of significant creative and cultural destinations, including the ArtScience Museum, Red Dot Design Museum, Gardens by the Bay, the Peranakan Museum, the National Gallery and the Asian Civilisations Museum. Each stop offered a different perspective on design, heritage, innovation and storytelling. Students experienced everything from traditional artefacts and contemporary artworks to light installations, architecture, public spaces and museum displays.

A Batik workshop was a particularly engaging practical experience, with students creating traditional wax and dye artworks on silk. This allowed them to connect directly with a cultural artform and better understand the skill, patience and design thinking involved.

Innovation was another major theme of the trip. At the Hyundai Centre, students explored future-focused design through robotic agriculture, electric vehicles and automated transport technologies. For many, the opportunity to take two hot laps on the rooftop test track in a new electric vehicle with a professional test driver was a memorable highlight.

The experience also included opportunities for fun and connection, including a day at Universal Studios, a bumboat river cruise, night shopping and a final visit to Jewel Changi Airport, with its indoor waterfall and lush garden spaces.

The Singapore Experience gave students a unique opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, deepening their understanding of creativity, culture, design and innovation in a global context. It was a rewarding and memorable first CDI International Experience for all involved.

Stephen Dobson
Head of Creative Design Industries

URSTRONG’s whole-school friendship strategy has improved the social climate in schools around the world, connecting over 1 million kids, parents, and teachers with a common language of friendship. We are proud to be a URSTRONG School, empowering your children with friendship skills through their award-winning Friendology friendship skills curriculum.

All Early Learning to Year 5 families are invited to attend ‘The Language of Friendship’, a parent-child workshop, on Monday 25 May, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm in the Horton Auditorium (Penquite Campus). Tyson Greenwood, Director of URSTRONG (named one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators!), is flying here from Adelaide to teach you and your children skills + language to foster healthy, feel-good friendships.

Please register your attendance with your child @ https://events.humanitix.com/elphin-friendology-parent-child-workshop

We believe that empowering our students with these skills will create a culture of kindness at our school and we hope you will be part of thisElphin initiative!

Renee Hodgetts
Director of Wellbeing – Elphin

It’s an exciting time for our Performing Arts community, with a full calendar of events showcasing the creativity, talent, and dedication of our students. Families and community members are warmly encouraged to attend and support these performances across dance, music, and drama.

Kicking things off is the Dance Showcase on Tuesday 2 June, featuring students from Years 6 to 12. This vibrant evening will highlight a wide range of styles, including contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and lyrical, celebrating both emerging and advanced dancers. The showcase reflects months of hard work and collaboration, offering an energetic and inspiring performance. This is a free event, with tickets available here: https://events.humanitix.com/socdanceshowcase

Just two days later, the Winter Concert on Thursday 4 June will bring together all school ensembles and musicians. Audiences can enjoy performances from bands, choirs, orchestras, and smaller groups, with a diverse program that celebrates musical excellence and collaboration. This is also a free event, with tickets available here: https://events.humanitix.com/winter-concert-soc

Midway through the month, our senior drama students take to the stage with the TCE Mid Year Play: Play On! by Rick Abbott, running 17–18 June. This hilarious comedy follows a theatre group attempting to stage a play while dealing with constant script changes from a difficult playwright, leading to increasingly chaotic rehearsals and a wildly unpredictable final performance. Full of humour and fast-paced action, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic showcase of our TCE drama students’ talent. This is a free event, with tickets available here: https://events.humanitix.com/tce-mid-year-play

Rounding out the month is the Middle School Play: Narnia on 24–25 June. Bringing a beloved story to life, this production will feature our younger performers in an imaginative and engaging theatrical experience. Audiences can expect creativity, enthusiasm, and a wonderful display of storytelling on stage. Tickets are available here: https://events.humanitix.com/narnia-soc

These events highlight the strength and vibrancy of our Performing Arts program across all year levels. We strongly encourage families, friends, and the wider community to attend, celebrate our students’ achievements, and support their ongoing artistic journeys.

Andy Prideaux
Head of Performing Arts

Our Scotch Oakburn dancers were very lucky to attend a viewing of Tasdance’s latest work, Double Slink recently. This professional duet, featuring Slinkys as tactile partners, explores analogue play and the human need for connection in an increasingly screen-driven world. The performance was immersive and interactive and was thoroughly enjoyed by all students.

Following the performance, senior school dancers participated in a workshop led by Tasdance Creative Director Adam Wheeler, alongside the professional dancers. Students learnt choreography from the live work and engaged in discussion about the rehearsal and creative process. Elements of this experience will be showcased in the upcoming Dance Showcase on Tuesday 2 June at 6.00pm and I invite you to come along and enjoy.

Kathryn Gray
Teacher 

Our TCE Economics class recently stepped beyond the classroom to attend an engaging session hosted by Newton and Henry. The Student Budget Breakdown brought the 2026 Federal Budget to life, giving students a clear and accessible insight into how it shapes the economy.

Chaired by Beth Makaryn, the session brought together a range of expert voices. Warren Hogan from Judo Bank shared thoughtful insights into the impact of inflation and the risk of crowding out the private sector, both of which are key ideas we have been examining in our studies. Kieran Walsh from Newton and Henry clearly explained important budget changes and what they may mean for young people. Michael Hine also provided excellent insights into taxation, with a particular focus on how fairness can be achieved within the tax system.

When we returned to class, we explored the winners and losers in more depth, and the budget came to life. Students were highly engaged in discussion, eager to connect what they had heard with their own ideas and experiences. Many were able to confidently explain the real world impact of the budget, demonstrating a strong and authentic understanding of the concepts.

Joy Russell
Teacher

Inclusion, character strengths, emotional regulation, effective communication and teamwork were at the heart of our inaugural Year 8 Wellbeing Day, held last Friday.

While Year 8 students from Fox and Briggs were engaged in their Packing Day in preparation for their upcoming Education Outdoors experience to Mt William National Park, students from Dean and Nance were immersed in a series of purposeful and engaging wellbeing activities designed to build both personal understanding and collective responsibility.

Throughout the day, students rotated through five interactive sessions, each offering a unique opportunity to reflect, learn and grow. A highlight was hearing from our Principal, Ross Patterson, who shared his own journey and spoke about the importance of inclusion. Students were challenged to step outside their own perspectives, engaging in experiential activities such as navigating playing tennis and AFL while blindfolded and/ or using simulation goggles, helping them to better understand the challenges and experiences of others and develop empathy.

Exploring character strengths formed another important aspect of the day. Our Director of Wellbeing – Penquite, Kylie Wolstencroft and our Middle School Social Emotional teacher, Pat Daly, encouraged students to reflect on their own strengths, using the VIA Character Strengths model and consider how these can be harnessed. Students considered how they can use their strengths in difficult situations to benefit others.

Katie Lester, our Person-in-Charge of Public Speaking, worked with students on their effective communication skills equipping them with practical strategies to further their public speaking. Our College value of Courage was explored, encouraging students to project their voices when presenting and to present with confidence even when they may not feel that way.

Another valuable leadership component was facilitated by our TCE Outdoor Education students, supported by our Head of Experiential Learning, Mark Hassell, who led a series of inclusive games and activities. Team building, and collaboration were key focuses of this Wellbeing activity. This modelled for our Year 8s the value of leadership and encouraged them to consider how they may include these skills in their upcoming Explore Year 8 (EY8) community service projects.

The day culminated with a visit to Beta Park Bouldering where students had the opportunity to put their learning into action. Whether navigating bouldering routes, communicating effectively under pressure, or supporting one another’s strengths and abilities, students demonstrated the key attributes explored throughout the day in a dynamic and authentic environment.

We are very grateful to the staff who supported this Wellbeing initiative and contributed to its success. It was a special day, and it was wonderful to see the engagement of our Year 8 Dean and Nance students. We look forward to building on this experience next week, when Fox and Nance students will also have the opportunity to participate in these valuable Wellbeing experiences.

Kiran Oates Pryor
Head of Penquite Campus – Middle 

Middle and Senior School students brought plenty of energy, skill and House spirit to the HPEC this week as they competed in the Inter-House Futsal Competition during lunchtimes.

The tournament began on Wednesday with a fierce contest between Dean and Nance. Both teams showed determination throughout the match, with strong play across the court. Dean’s goalie, Oliver Wooley, made several impressive saves, while Archie Woolcott was also a standout performer. For Nance, Clementine Gee worked hard to keep the ball in possession, while the Munoz Lagos brothers proved difficult to stop, scoring a number of goals and helping Nance secure the win.

On Thursday, Briggs and Fox battled for the chance to meet the high-scoring Nance team in the final. It was another competitive match, with Briggs coming away with the win. Ben Berlese, Preston Toh and Jack D’emden all delivered notable performances, with Jack’s fantastic penalty shot a highlight of the game.

Friday’s final between Nance and Briggs proved to be the most competitive match of the tournament. With both teams pushing hard, the game was closely contested and full of scrappy, determined play. A key call from referee Tariku Brammall saw Nance lose a goal, leaving Briggs in front. The final goal was scored in the last 15 seconds, sealing a 2-0 victory for Briggs.

Across all three games, students showed great effort, teamwork and courage in representing their Houses. The competition was also strongly supported by House members, creating a lively atmosphere and adding to the sense of community throughout the week.

Maddie Hassell
Media Captain

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to travel to South Africa and attend St Stithians Girls’ College for two and a half months. I truly enjoyed every moment of the experience.

The school’s culture was incredibly welcoming and respectful, and the traditional war cries were a memorable and unique part of school life. During my stay, I had the opportunity to explore different parts of South Africa, from the city to the bush, where I was lucky enough to see the Big Five and many other animals.

Another significant part of the experience was seeing the contrast in how different people live. The social and economic divide was very noticeable through the varying quality of homes and living conditions. This gave me a greater appreciation for the safety and opportunities we have at home.

One of the highlights of the exchange was the wonderful friendships I formed, along with experiencing the vibrant culture and atmosphere of South Africa. I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone who has the chance to travel to this part of the world.

Emma Barnett
Year 10

For the past eight days, Scotch Oakburn College has proudly welcomed a group of nine students and two teachers from our sister school in China, Beijing Jingshan School. The partnership between the two schools began in 2015, and over the years both schools have enjoyed several reciprocal visits, helping students build lasting friendships and intercultural understanding.

During their stay in Tasmania, the visiting students were immersed in many aspects of College and community life. Hosted by generous families, the students experienced Australian culture firsthand while also sharing their own language and traditions with our community.

The program included participation in classes alongside their host buddies, including Music, HPE, Art and mentor group activities, as well as collaborative learning sessions with Year 6, Year 10 and TCE students. Students also took part in a Welcome Assembly, where performances and presentations celebrated the friendship between the two schools.

Beyond the classroom, the group explored some of Tasmania’s unique natural and cultural experiences. Excursions included visits to Hollybank, Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, the University of Tasmania and QVMAG. Students also enjoyed traditional Australian activities such as fire and damper making, creating wooden keyring souvenirs and botanical art activities.

The visit has been a wonderful opportunity for students from both schools to strengthen connections, develop global perspectives and create meaningful memories together. We sincerely thank all host families, staff and students who helped make the exchange such a warm and successful experience.

We now look forward to continuing this partnership when our students visit Beijing later this year.

Ruby Lan
Teacher

As a parent, there comes a point when your child begins to spend more time in social settings that you can’t fully control – parties, gatherings, and time with peers. 

For many parents, this brings a mix of pride and anxiety. You want your child to enjoy their adolescence, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging – but most of all you want them to be safe. 

This is where parenting shifts. 

Your role moves from protecting your child from every risk to helping them navigate risk safely and responsibly. 

Teenage parties are a normal part of development, they support social connection, identity formation, and belonging. But they also bring risks, particularly around alcohol, peer influence, and decision-making. 

The aim isn’t to eliminate all risk, that’s unrealistic. The aim is to prepare young people, reduce harm, and maintain strong, protective relationships. 

Adolescents are still developing critical skills in impulse control and decision-making. Alcohol further reduces judgment, increasing the risk of injury, unsafe behaviour, and poor decisions.  

At the same time, we know that strong parental connection and clear expectations significantly reduce risk-taking behaviour.  

This is where parents remain incredibly influential. 

Understanding Tasmanian Law (What Parents Need to Know) 

Before discussing safety strategies, it’s essential to understand the legal responsibilities around alcohol in Tasmania – especially when hosting or allowing attendance at parties. 

Key Legal Principles (Tasmania) 

1. It is illegal to supply alcohol to under 18s without proper authority. Under the Police Offences Act 1935: 

• You must not supply alcohol to a person under 18 at a private residence unless you are a “responsible adult” (e.g. parent, guardian, or authorised adult). [www5.austlii.edu.au] 
• Significant penalties apply — including fines or up to 12 months imprisonment. [www5.austlii.edu.au] 

2. “Responsible supervision” is legally required
   

Even if you are the responsible adult, you must: 

• Actively supervise drinking 
• Ensure the young person does not become intoxicated 
• Consider age, quantity, type of alcohol and timing 
• Provide food and monitor safety  

Failure to meet these conditions can still result in penalties. 

3. You need parental permission for other teenagers.
   

If you are hosting a party where alcohol may be present:

• You must have permission from each young person’s parent/guardian before any alcohol is supplied to them [police.tas.gov.au] 

1. You have a duty of care as the host.
   

Tasmanian guidance is clear:

• You are responsible for supervising young people 
• You must ensure their safety and prevent intoxication 
• You can be held accountable for harm that occurs  

5. Strict laws apply everywhere else

• It is illegal to sell or supply alcohol to under 18s in licensed venues  
• It is illegal for under 18s to buy alcohol  

 Many parents assume that allowing alcohol at home is the “safer option.” Legally, and developmentally, this is not straightforward and carries responsibility and risk. 

 The Safe Party Protocol  

1. Start with connection, not control.
   

Teens are more likely to follow rules when they feel respected and understood.Have regular conversations about:

• Peer pressure 
• Alcohol expectations 
• What to do if things go wrong 

Teens who communicate openly with parents are less likely to engage in risky behaviours.  

2. Know the party environment

Before your child attends: 

• Who is hosting? 
• Will adults be present? 
• Will alcohol be allowed? 

Contacting another parent is not overprotective, it is smart safeguarding.  

3. Always have a plan

Ensure your teen has: 

• A safe way to get home 
• A clear finish time 
• A group of trusted friends 

Make it non-negotiable that they: 

• Never get into a car with someone who has been drinking 
• Contact you if they feel unsafe 

4. Use the “no-questions-asked pickup” rule

This is one of the most powerful protective strategies. If your child knows: “I can call home and I won’t get in trouble” , they are far more likely to remove themselves from unsafe situations. 

5. Encourage group responsibility

Teach your child to: 

• Stay with friends 
• Look out for others 
• Call for help if someone is unwell 

Peer protection is one of the strongest safety factors at parties. 

6. Set clear expectations about alcohol

Research consistently shows: 

• Early alcohol use increases long-term risks 
• Parental boundaries reduce consumption 

Teenagers actually expect and value clear limits, even if they don’t always show it. 

7. Prepare them for real-world scenarios (harm minimisation)

Even if your expectation is no alcohol, equip them with: 

• Refusal strategies 
• Awareness of drink safety 
• Confidence to leave situations 

Preparation is not permission,  it is protection. 

 The Bigger Picture: Relationships Keep Teens Safe 

What protects teenagers most is not rules alone. It is: 

• Feeling connected to their parents 
• Knowing the boundaries 
• Trusting they can ask for help 

When those foundations are strong, young people are more likely to make safe choices, even when you are not there. 

A final message to Parents – You don’t need to control every situation. You need to: 

• Stay connected 
• Set clear expectations 
• Understand the law 
• Equip your child with practical skills 

And most importantly: make sure they always know they can come home safely — no matter what. 

Kylie Wolstencroft
Director of Wellbeing – Penquite

Saturday 30 May looks like a great day out! We encourage our community to go along and support Old Scotch Collegians Football Club at their Past Payers and Supporters Day.

Another great way to help celebrate 140 years of our community.

Seventeen students have been accepted on to the 2026 Round Square exchange program for Year 8 students. There are more places available and we would like to hear from other Year 8 students who would like to take part in this transformative experience.

Students travel to another Round Square school in Australia for two weeks where they are hosted and then their host travels to Tasmania for two weeks at another time in the year for the same length of time. There are places still available, particularly for male students, at some excellent schools around the country.

If you are interested in being considered for this program or parents, if you are keen to find out more, I encourage students to come and talk to me.

Stuart Walls
Director of Round Square

More stock of our new House polos has now arrived at the College Shop. With Inter-House Cross Country next week, now is a great time to pop in and grab one. The shop is open Monday from 9:00am to 5:00 pm.

Deanne Dietrich
College Shop Manager

Join the Scotch Oakburn College team and enjoy a great day out!  The Launceston Running Festival on Sunday 31 May has something for everyone.  Choose from:

Peppers Silo Half Marathon (21.1km)  – 8:00 am
Liv Eat Mile (1609m) – 8:30 am
Tamar Chiro Launceston 10km – 10:00 am
The Athletes Foot 5km Run or Walk – 10:20 am

Take it slow or challenge yourself. Register using the team name ‘Scotch Oakburn College’ and join the fun.

Our College Fitness Centre provides a supportive and inclusive environment focused on improving health, wellbeing, and performance across the College community.

We offer a range of small group fitness classes, designed to build strength, fitness, and confidence in a motivating team setting. These sessions cater to varying abilities and encourage participation, consistency, and enjoyment of physical activity.

In addition, the Centre provides individual training programs, tailored to meet personal goals such as athletic development, injury rehabilitation, or general fitness improvement. Programs are customised to suit each individual’s needs and experience level.

The Fitness Centre is open to all staff, students and parents/carers of the College, creating opportunities for the whole community to engage in healthy, active lifestyles within a safe and professionally guided environment.

We are open every morning from 6:00 am until 8:15 am, and on Mondays from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. I invite you to come along and join us.

Tim Reese
Fitness Centre Instructor

Taekwondo

Year 5 student Roy Kidd has won four medals at the South Coast Open Taekwondo Championships in New South Wales, a bronze medal for Power Kicking, silver medals for Sparring and Traditional Poomsae and a gold medal for Freestyle Poomsae. Roy is a junior Black Belt. Well done Roy on a great performance.

Basketball

Congratulations to Bronte Krapf (Year 10) and Clementine Dell (Year 9) on their selection to the U16 Tasmania Basketball team to play in the National Championships in July.

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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:

Parent/Carer Workshops

• Free Autism workshop for parents and carers
• Wellio Parent webinar – Raising Confident and Resilient Kids

• Three Day sport camps – July holidays
• Auskick – all ages