As we move into the holiday break, it is timely to pause and recognise just how full this Term has been for our students across the College. At Scotch Oakburn, learning rarely occurs in isolation, it is layered, dynamic and demanding, and our students are immersed in it each day.

Throughout the Term, students have engaged deeply with classroom learning while also participating in a wide range of co‑curricular, cultural, sporting and service opportunities. They have performed, competed, collaborated, created and challenged themselves in many different ways. Together, these experiences enrich school life, but they also generate a sustained pace and intensity.

Learning itself places significant demands on young people. Grappling with new concepts, refining skills, meeting expectations, preparing for assessments and navigating friendships all require sustained concentration and emotional effort. While students may appear energetic and resilient, the cognitive load involved in learning is considerable.

Learning can be enjoyable and rewarding, but it is also taxing. The brain works hardest when acquiring new knowledge or mastering unfamiliar skills. As a result, even when students seem physically ready to keep going, their minds benefit greatly from genuine rest. The holiday break provides an important opportunity for students to slow down, recharge and restore their energy. Time away from usual routines supports wellbeing and prepares students to return refreshed, focused and ready to engage once again with learning.

At our recent Easter Service our Head of Faith & Community highlighted that periods of downtime also create space to reconnect with family, friends and the simple pleasures of being together without urgency or agenda. Nurturing these connections is an important part of rest and renewal.

I wish all students a well‑earned break, and every member of our community a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday period.

Ross Patterson
Principal

Prep enjoyed a wonderful day recently with the staff from the Education Outdoors team!

Students enjoyed in a range of hands‑on activities, including making and eating damper, exploring the wetlands, safely navigating a rope spider web, and taking on an obstacle course.

Everyone showed a positive attitude throughout the day. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm, teamwork, and resilience as the students embraced the outdoors.

Anne Green
Teacher

Class representatives have been actively gathering ideas and feedback from their peers to share during our Student Voice meetings, which have focused on identifying ways we can continue to enhance student experiences at Elphin.

Student voice plays an important role in wellbeing by fostering a sense of belonging, autonomy, and emotional safety which aligns with our College Wellbeing Priorities. When students feel heard and see their perspectives influence decisions, they develop greater confidence, self‑worth, and trust in relationships with both adults and peers. Ultimately, wellbeing is strengthened when students feel valued, respected, and able to meaningfully contribute to their school community.

During our meeting this week, class representatives worked collaboratively to group suggestions and identify which ideas could realistically be actioned in Term 2. This process prompted rich discussion about how decisions are made, what priorities matter most, how achievable ideas are, and who would need to be involved to bring them to life. These conversations will continue to support the development of students’ reasoning, leadership, and decision‑making skills as we move forward.

Renee Hodgetts
Director of Wellbeing – Elphin

This year, we are offering a wide selection of engaging lunchtime activities for our Middle School students. In addition, many students are now using our new Fitness Centre under the watchful eye of Tim Reese. A sample of what is on offer:

• Mondays Sewsociety (Textiles) and Public Speaking
• Tuesdays Art Club and Middle School Chess
• Wednesdays Earth Club and Middle School Dance
• Thursdays Middle School Choir
• Fridays Debating and Production Rehearsals

Offering lunchtime activities for Middle Schoolers boosts wellbeing and engagement by providing positive social connection, structure, and a safe outlet for energy during an otherwise unstructured time. We look forward to developing more opportunities to come.

Round Square in Action

From Junior School delegates to Senior conference participants, Term 1 has been a busy and rewarding season for Round Square at Scotch Oakburn, with students across campuses and year levels stepping up, travelling beyond their comfort zones, and returning with something more than memories.

Round Square is a living commitment to developing young people of character, curiosity, and courage, connected to a global network of over 280 schools across 70 countries.

Woodleigh Mini Cluster Conference

Earlier this Term, a group of our Years 5 and 6 students represented Scotch Oakburn at the Woodleigh School Round Square Mini Cluster Conference. For many of these students, it was their first taste of a Round Square gathering, and by all accounts, it left a strong impression.

Cluster conferences are designed to bring together younger students from nearby Round Square member schools to connect, collaborate, and begin exploring the six IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service that sit at the heart of the Round Square philosophy. Our delegates engaged with peers from other schools, participated in discussion and activities, and returned to campus with a broader sense of what it means to belong to a global community of learners.

Ballarat Grammar Regional Conference

Also this Term, nine of our Years 8 and 9 students travelled to Ballarat Grammar to take part in the Round Square Regional Conference, a gathering of delegates from member schools across the region, united by a shared focus on deepening their understanding of Australian democracy.

The IDEAL of Democracy was brought it to life in a meaningful and practical way. Through forums, discussions, and collaborative activities, our student delegates explored what democracy means not just as a system of government, but as a set of values – civic participation, respectful debate, accountability, and voice – that each participant can embody right now, in their own school and community. Our delegates came home with a richer appreciation not only of how Australian democracy works, but of their own roles within it.

Connection, Character, and a Global Mindset

Beyond the conferences, Term 1 has seen ongoing participation in Round Square’s broader global programs, including Year 10 international exchanges. Additionally, through the Postcards program, Language Labs (particpants pictured above) and global Baraza discussions, students have had the chance to engage with peers from around the world on the issues that matter, in real conversations, with real people.

These experiences fantastic opportunities to practise what Scotch Oakburn’s Learner Attributes describe: being collaborative, courageous, curious, and ethical.

As the Term ends, we are looking forward to the 2026 Round Square International Conference hosted by Barker College in Sydney, facilitating even more Year 10 exchanges, and supporting 17 Middle School students on their first exchange adventure. The Round Square Year 8 Exchange Program remains one of the most transformative opportunities on offer at Scotch Oakburn. Students who have taken part consistently describe coming back changed, not just more worldly, but more themselves.

Round Square is an integral part of Scotch Oakburn. In a world that is fast-moving, interconnected, and full of problems without easy answers, the students who will truly thrive won’t simply be the best-informed, they will be the ones who are brave enough to take on hard things, humble enough to learn from people very different from themselves, and grounded enough to know what they actually stand for. Whether it’s a Year 5 student finding their voice at a cluster conference, or a Year 9 delegate wrestling with what democracy really demands of a citizen, Round Square provides moments of genuine formation.

Helen Dosser
Acting Director of Round Square

Throughout the Term, our senior students have been busy auditioning and rehearsing for this year’s production, Hadestown – Teen Edition, and tickets are now on sale for a limited four-day season at Horton Auditorium.

Featuring a cast of 30 talented students, the production will run from Wednesday 12 to Saturday 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.

The Year 10 Passion Project class visited the Elphin Campus to share their Passion Project ideas with a Year 5 class, creating a valuable learning experience for everyone involved.

During the visit, students explained what their projects were about, why they had chosen their topics, and what they hoped to achieve. The Year 5 students listened closely, asked thoughtful questions, and offered honest feedback. For the older students, it was a chance to practise speaking clearly, present their ideas with confidence, and test how well their projects connected with an audience.

Just as importantly, the visit helped students learn the value of feedback. Many reflected on how encouraging and engaged the Year 5s were, with several saying the younger students understood their ideas even better than expected. For some, it was especially meaningful to return to the Junior School and see what had changed over time while reconnecting with a familiar place.

Across the group, one theme came through strongly: fun. Students described the experience as fun, exciting and interesting, but it was also much more than that. It built confidence, strengthened communication skills, encouraged reflection, and showed how sharing ideas with others can lead to growth. It was real-life learning in action.

Joy Russell
Teacher

As Term 1 ends, there is much to celebrate across our College community, with students demonstrating commitment, compassion, and engagement in learning beyond the classroom.

A standout experience this term was the Year 9 Community Service Program, involving 62 students across five days (see the article below for details of the program).

Across the Term, House Chapel gatherings and Easter Services at both Penquite and Elphin campuses provided meaningful moments for reflection and connection. As the College community journeyed toward Easter, students were invited to consider themes of commitment, service, hope, and renewal—values that continue to shape our shared life.

Students also demonstrated outstanding commitment in co‑curricular activities. In sport, students represented the College with pride across basketball, rowing, swimming, and athletics, showing perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. In the Performing Arts, participation in public speaking and Ethics Olympiad provided opportunities for students to develop confidence, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue.

As we head into the end of Term 1 break, we give thanks for the energy and effort shown by our students across service, faith, sport, and the arts. We wish all students, and those staff and families who are able, a peaceful and refreshing April/May Term break, and look forward to another Term of learning and growth together.

Jamie Breden
Head of Faith & Community

This term, our Year 9 students stepped beyond the classroom and into the heart of our local community.

Across five days, 62 students took part in our Year 9 Community Service Program, a formative experience designed to build character, compassion, and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve others.

The week began with a leadership seminar facilitated by JCP Youth, helping students explore what leadership really looks like. They learned that everyone has the capacity to be a leader, and that great leadership is built on being humble, hungry, and smart.

From there, students took part in our Community Agency Expo Day, where organisations shared the vital roles they play in our community and how young people can get involved. These included the State Emergency Service, Ambulance Tasmania, Tasmania Fire Service, St Vincent de Paul Society, The Salvation Army, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The heart of the program came during three days of hands-on service across 16 different locations in Launceston. Students volunteered with organisations including The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society, Strike It Out Inc., Launceston Benevolent Society, City Mission, and the Northern Suburbs Community Centre.

Together, our students contributed an incredible 930 hours of service. Student feedback provided a common theme, gratitude, empathy, and a growing desire to keep serving.

Jamie Breden
Head of Faith and Community

STATE FINAL

Meg Kilby (Year 12) and Elizabeth Moore (Year 11) participated in the State finals of the Lions Youth of the Year (YoTY) Award hosted by the Lions Club of Kings Meadows on Sunday, 12 April.

As state finalists, both students were presented with prizes, courtesy of the Reg W Whitmore “Youth of the Year” Memorial Trust. This was the first time that two students from the College have represented Northern Tasmania as State Finalists.

Aditi Kataria
Person-in-Charge Public Speaking

We talk a lot about supporting children’s mental health through relationships, routines and emotional skills, and rightly so. What we are increasingly learning, however, is that what we eat also plays a powerful role in how we feel, think and cope.

Over the past decade, world‑leading Australian research from Deakin University’s Food & Mood Centre has shown that good nutrition is not just important for physical health, it is one of the most effective and accessible tools we have to support mood, wellbeing and resilience across all ages.  Food and Mood Centre

Why Nutrition Matters So Much at This Age

Most mental health conditions do not begin in adulthood. Three‑quarters of all mental health conditions begin before the age of 24, and around half begin before the age of 14. 1.1 Why this Strategy is so important | National Mental Health Commission

This clearly is at a time when the brain is undergoing rapid growth and development. This period is therefore a crucial window where environmental factors, including sleep, stress, relationships and diet, have a lasting impact on brain structure and emotional regulation.

This means that focusing on nutrition during these years is not about preventing problems “someday in the future.” It is about supporting mental health right now, during the most influential stage of development. Establishing good food habits early helps build strong foundations for emotional wellbeing, learning, concentration and long‑term mental health.

How Food Affects Mood

Our brains are highly active organs that rely on a steady supply of nutrients. Research in the field of nutritional psychiatry shows that diet quality influences mood through several pathways including inflammation, the immune system and the gut–brain connection. Diet interventions for depression: Review and recommendations for practice

Diets high in vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, legumes, healthy fats and lean protein are consistently linked with better mental health and lower rates of depression and anxiety compared with highly processed, high‑sugar diets. Association Between Dietary Habits and Depression: A Systematic Review – PMC

Importantly, this relationship works both ways: improving diet quality can actively improve mood, even for people already experiencing low mood or depression.

Strong Evidence: Food as a Mood Treatment

One of the most exciting pieces of research in this area is the SMILES Trial, led by Professor Felice Jacka at the Food & Mood Centre. This world‑first randomised controlled trial showed that adults with depression who improved their diet experienced significantly greater mood improvement than those who received social support alone. The SMILEs Trial | Food and Mood Centre

Even more encouraging, many participants achieved full remission of depressive symptoms and the healthier diet actually cost less than their previous eating habits. This research sends an empowering message: small, practical changes to food choices can make a real difference to mental wellbeing. Eat your way to better mental health, says new Australian study | YourLifeChoices

Learning More: Free, Accessible Courses

The Food & Mood Centre has made this research accessible to the wider community through their free online course, Food and Mood: Improving Mental Health Through Diet and Nutrition, available via FutureLearn.

The course is open to parents, educators and students alike, and translates complex science into clear, practical strategies for everyday life. It is a wonderful way to build shared understanding across a school community. Resources | Food and Mood Centre

Easy Changes That Make a Difference

The good news is that supporting mood through nutrition does not require perfection. Small, consistent changes can have meaningful effects. Here are some realistic ideas that schools and families can introduce:

Increase Plant Variety

Aim to include a wide range of colourful vegetables, fruit and legumes across the week. Variety feeds the gut microbiome, which plays a key role in mood regulation. Diet interventions for depression: Review and recommendations for practice

 Upgrade, Don’t Overhaul

Simple swaps, wholegrain bread instead of white, yoghurt with fruit instead of packaged snacks, water instead of sugary drinks, are powerful starting points. Association Between Dietary Habits and Depression: A Systematic Review – PMC

Support the Brain with Healthy Fats

Foods like olive oil, nuts, seeds and oily fish provide fats essential for brain health and emotional regulation. Diet interventions for depression: Review and recommendations for practice

Prioritise Regular Meals

Skipping meals can affect concentration, energy and mood. Encouraging regular breakfast and balanced snacks helps stabilise blood sugar and emotions.

Make Food Social and Positive

Shared meals, cooking together and positive conversations about food support both emotional wellbeing and healthy habits, especially for children.

A Simple, Hopeful Message

Nutrition is not a replacement for psychological care but it is a powerful partner. The evidence is clear: when we nourish the body well, we also support the mind.

By making nutrition visible, positive and achievable within our school community, we help give children and families tools that support wellbeing now, and for life.

For those interested, I strongly recommend exploring the Food & Mood Centre’s free resources and online course. It is one of the most practical, hopeful and evidence‑based wellbeing tools available to us today.

Kylie Wolstencroft
Director of Wellbeing – Penquite

Our Brixhibition event at Elphin is always popular and this year has been no exception.  With 75 entries there were plenty of amazing designs to view. Student voting saw 233 students provide their thoughts with 932 votes cast. Congratulations to our 2026 winners:

Year 4-5 – Otto Maxwell McGinn (Zelda – The Master Sword)

Year 2-3 – Isabella Perraton (Fun day at the beach fair)

Prep-1 – Margot Streefland (Hair salon and movie night in the pool)

Early Learning – Mason Sawyer (Pirate Dragon Fort)

The entry with the overall number of votes was Otto’s ‘Zelda – Master Sword’ and his entry will be representing the College at the Tasmanian Brixhibiton event. Well done to all our participants on their designs.

Marissa Saville 
Teacher

Join the Scotch Oakburn College team and enjoy a great day out!  The Lauceston 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.

An opportunity for students in Years 7 to 12 and parents to meet with a range of careeer exhibitors to ask questions and find out more about study pathways an career opportunities.

Athletics

NSATIS Athletics Carnival – Penguin | 24 March 2026

In a highly competitive environment, with challenging conditions throughout the day, Scotch Oakburn athletes responded with determination and purpose across all age groups. Students demonstrated courage by stepping into unfamiliar events at short notice, backing themselves in key moments and competing strongly against quality opposition. This willingness to challenge themselves for the benefit of the team was evident across both track and field events.

A major highlight of the carnival was a record breaking performance by Maia Barritt (Girls Under 13), who set a new NSATIS record in the Under 13 Girls Discus. Maia’s achievement was a testament to her technical execution, preparation and composure under pressure. The support and celebration shown by teammates reflected the strong collaborative culture within the Scotch Oakburn team, and her performance served as an inspiration across all age groups.

In the age group pennants, Scotch Oakburn recorded many outstanding results, placing first in the Girls Open, Girls Under 15, Girls Under 16 and Boys Under 16. Our Shiled results were also outstanding, placing first in the Girls Aggregate Shield, Girls Senior Shield and Co Educational Senior Shield, and second in the Girls Junior Shield, Boys Aggregate Shield, Co Educational Junior Shield and the Co Educational Aggregate Shield.

Relays were a standout feature of the carnival, with strong baton changes, clear communication and positive support between teammates reinforcing the importance of collective execution.

SATIS Athletics Carnival – St Leonards | 31 March 2026

The SATIS event brought together the strongest athletics programs from across the state, and Scotch Oakburn College again delivered a performance defined by unity, resilience and shared responsibility.

Across the Pennant competitions we placed second in the Girls Under 14, third in the Girls Under 16 and fourth in the Boys Under 16.  Shield placings were also strong placing second in the Girls Aggregate Shield, Girls Senior Shield, Co Educational Aggregate Shield and Co Educational Junior Shield, third in the Co Educational Senior Shield and Girls Junior Shield  and fifth in the Boys Aggregate Shield.

The outcomes from both events reflected the breadth and depth of the Scotch Oakburn athletics program, with results built on participation and contribution across junior and senior age groups rather than individual performances alone. Equally important was the high standard of respect displayed throughout the events, with Scotch Oakburn athletes earning positive recognition for their sportsmanship and the pride with which they represented the College.

I would like to thank our volunteers, Zoe Jarvis (Year 10) and parent Nic d’Emden for assisting on events along with the College staff that supported at the SATIS carnival. Thank you to our team reserves that came along and filled in where necessary. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Congratulations to all athletes, coaching staff and supporters on two highly successful athletics carnivals.

Ali Foot
Head of Sport

Primary Basketball

Recently, a number of our Year 5 and 6 students proudly represented Scotch Oakburn at the Primary Schools Basketball Tournament, held at the Elphin Sports Centre. It was a fantastic display of teamwork, skill, and sportsmanship, with five teams competing across Division 1 and Division 2.

Our Girls Division 1 team delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, winning all of their games to earn a place in the grand final. The final against Punchbowl was tightly contested in the opening quarter; however, the girls worked brilliantly as a team and went on to secure a convincing victory, finishing with an impressive score of 34–10.

Our boys teams also showed great determination and resilience across their matches. A highlight was the Boys Division 1 team, who finished an admirable third overall. In the placing final, they faced Norwood and claimed a well-deserved win with a final score of 42–34.

Congratulations to all students who participated and represented the College with pride. We would like to extend our thanks to Mr Andrew Nicholls for coordinating the teams, as well as to the coaches and parents whose support made the weekend such a success. Well done to everyone involved.

Gus Ford and Valentine de Deuge
Year 6

Rowing

Karate Championships

Netball

Cycling

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:

• Hockey – Power up your umpiring skills
• Brixhibition – 2 & 3 May
• Tasmanian Institute of Sport Talent Identification program – ages 14-20
• Just Swim Holiday Intensive Prgram – ages 4 – 12