Principal Ross Patterson with 2026 College Captains, Isabella Wilson and Calan Young, and Deputy Captains, Tariku Brammall and Meg Kilby.

At the heart of our College’s vibrant culture lies a deep commitment to student voice and leadership. In my role as Principal, I am privileged to work closely with key student leaders across the College, particularly at the Student Executive level. It is a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the passion, creativity, and dedication our students bring to their roles.

Throughout 2025, our student leaders have not only upheld the proud tradition of service and representation but have also reimagined what it means to lead. They have demonstrated how collaboration across leadership teams can unlock new levels of impact, getting the best out of one another through shared purpose and mutual support.

This year’s leaders have excelled in raising awareness of important causes, launching community initiatives, and strengthening the sense of connection across all campuses. Their success has been driven by a clear understanding of their roles, a strong culture of accountability, and a commitment to regular communication. Most importantly, they have supported one another with generosity and recognition, creating a positive and empowering environment for all.

Last week, we proudly announced our 2026 student leadership team to the College community. By bringing this announcement forward, we are enabling a valuable period of transition, where outgoing and incoming leaders can connect, share experiences, and pass on insights. This handover is more than symbolic; it is a practical and powerful way to ensure continuity and growth.

Student leadership plays a vital role in shaping the future of our College. It supports younger students, drives meaningful change, and reflects the values we hold dear. I am deeply grateful to all those who have stepped forward to lead, and I look forward to seeing how our new leaders will continue to make a positive difference.

Ross Patterson
Principal

Our College Captains, Harry and Sophie, wrap up a busy Term 3 with highlights including the Inter-House Volleyball and Singing Carnival, the Big Freeze raising over $3,000 for FightMND, Junior School connections, the Inter-House Talent Show, and Footy Colours Day.

As we finish the Term, we invite you to look back at a summary of performance week of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (High School Edition), showcasing the amazing work and commitment of our students and staff.

Year 6 Students have spent four days on an exciting educational journey to Canberra, immersing themselves in Australia’s rich political and cultural heritage for the Civics and Citizenship trip.

Closely linked to the Civics and Citizenship curriculum, it offered students firsthand experiences of the institutions and values that shape our democracy. Highlights included a guided tour of Parliament House, where students witnessed the workings of federal government, and an interactive visit to Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre.

They also explored the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), several national museums, and paid their respects at the Australian War Memorial, deepening their understanding of Australia’s history and national identity.

The Canberra experience not only brought classroom learning to life but also created lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for civic responsibility among the Year 6 cohort.

Esther Croft-Elliott
Head of Year 6

This term the TCE Outdoor Leadership class has been focusing on human-nature relationships, and how different people will view nature differently, depending on their culture, upbringing and worldview.

The town of Derby in Tasmania’s north-east provides an excellent example of this, and was the venue for a two-day field trip last week. Throughout history the area around Derby has seen the comings and goings of Aboriginal clans, tin miners from around the globe, loggers, farmers, and now mountain bikers. Each group perceived and valued the land differently, and each group has left a legacy of their time spent in the Derby area. The focus of the field trip was to experience the area through the eyes of the different groups to better understand the different perceptions and values and to link it to the theory we have been learning in class.

Mark Hassell
Head of Experiential Learning

Our Year 4 students had a fantastic time celebrating the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival!

In our beautiful new learning space in the Lachie Wright Centre, they rolled, stamped, and shaped their very own mooncakes, learning about the cultural significance of this sweet tradition along the way.

Everyone agreed the highlight was absolutely tasting their creations!

Elaine Hu
Teacher

Six Scotch Oakburn College senior students are in Dubai, UAE, for the 2025 Round Square International Conference. The week has been filled with opportunities to engage with students from across the globe, to learn from one another, and to reflect on the richness of cultural diversity.

Olivia Stevens spoke of discovering that “diversity doesn’t separate us but deepens our understanding of different cultures,” after connecting with students whose lives at first seemed so different but proved to be deeply familiar.

Samuel Fischer found that being surrounded by so many new faces pushed him out of his comfort zone but ultimately gave him greater confidence, adaptability, and patience.

Fraser Russell, from St Phillips College in Alice Springs reflected on the openness of the global community, noting how welcomed he felt, even being “adopted” by Scotch Oakburn. He described the experience as both grounding and enriching.

For Gomanth Anand Lokesh, the most powerful moments came from hearing perspectives from people of differentiation, so often underrepresented, and from confronting cultural contrasts and inequalities that challenged his thinking.

Oliver Atkins was struck by the cultural celebrations and how deeply people in Dubai value their natural environment, while Elizabeth Moore gained new appreciation for both home and the cultures of others through experiencing the UAE’s unique way of life.

Harriet McQuestin found joy in the unexpected—turning bus rides into cherished times of singing, laughter, and new friendships.

Together, these students have represented Scotch Oakburn College with curiosity, openness, and empathy, and will be returning with, not only new friendships, but also an expanded world view that will benefit our College community. But first, an exciting five days lie ahead as we change pace for a five-day experience in Oman, learning about another ancient culture.

Stuart Walls
Director of Round Square

During their Visual Art inquiry, Year 4 explored design principles through Drawing and cold wax Batik.  Students considered a range of Batik art works from African and Indonesian cultures.  Inspired by shapes and patterns in nature, they developed their favourite designs onto a calico bag.  This process involved initial experimentation with cold wax and dye to learn about resist techniques.  Students explored how to achieve contrast in a design by using opposites such as large shapes against small, pattern against solid areas, fine lines against thicker lines.  They applied their discoveries and newly acquired skills to their final art piece.

Jude Coombe
Teacher

Last weekend, 20 students participated in the annual Maths Relay – Northern Tasmania heat. It is a high energy event in with teams of four answering questions against the clock. Students only get to see one question at a time, getting progressively more difficult and worth more points if solved correctly. A runner (alternating member of the team) runs their answer to a judge to check if it is correct. It is a game of strategy.

Congratulations to all teams; it was great to see you all there and the way you worked together as teams.  In the Junior Division we finishwd first and third, an Intermediate Division team also took first place and in the Senior Division our team placed second.

Anna Reimer Waites
Head of Mathematics

We are delighted to announce that Year 9 student, Miheli Somarathna, has been selected as a finalist in the highly competitive Plan Your Own Enterprise competition. As one of the youngest entrants in a field open to students up to Year 12, Miheli has demonstrated remarkable initiative, creativity, and determination, working independently to develop a business idea that is both innovative and well thought out.

Her business idea, Aurevia, stands out because it addresses a real and relevant need for young people today. Many students struggle to find accessible academic support, and Aurevia offers a practical solution by connecting students so they can help each other succeed.  The name Aurevia combines the Latin words for “light” and “path”, which reflects the vision: to create a “golden lit pathway” for students who need support in their studies.

Aurevia is a concept for an online platform designed to empower students across Australia through the power of knowledge exchange. Instead of traditional payments, students “trade” their expertise, offering help in a subject they excel at, in return for support in an area where they need a boost. For example, a student strong in Maths but needing help in English could be paired with someone who excels in English and is looking for Maths support. This peer-to-peer model makes knowledge the only currency, fostering a culture of collaboration, generosity, and mutual growth.

As her teacher, I could not be prouder of Miheli’s achievement. She has shown extraordinary initiative and resilience, developing her idea independently and demonstrating the kind of entrepreneurial thinking that will shape the future. Being invited to the awards ceremony on Thursday, 25 September is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work and vision.

Congratulations, Miheli! We are all cheering you on, and we can’t wait to see where Aurevia and your entrepreneurial journey take you next.

Joy Russell
Teacher

If you didn’t catch our Inter-House Singing Carnival performances on Facebook, you can watch them on the link above.  Enjoy!

On Thursday 11 September, the Horton Auditorium came alive with passion and powerful storytelling as students gathered for the annual Senior Foundation Oratory.

The event showcased not only the eloquence of our senior speakers in Years 10, 11 and 12 but also their courage to speak on topics they are passionate about. Special congratulations to Clancy Lillywhite, Lizzie Moore, Meg Kilby and Calan Young for their outstanding speeches but ultimately, Gomanth Anand Lokesh was awarded the top honour for his deeply personal speech titled Sometimes, Love Is Survival. His ability to weave personal experience into a broader social message left a lasting impression, urging the audience to embrace empathy and healing.

A special acknowledgement to Ingrid Mills (Year 8) who stepped up as MC at last minute’s notice as did Grayson Edwards (Year 9), our timekeeper.  And our thanks to our adjudicators for their thoughtful consideration: Mrs Jenny Fraser, Mrs Sharon Beattie and Mr David Morris – and Mrs Aditi Kataria for her wonderful support. The Senior Foundation Oratory is always a wonderful competition; a celebration of voice, vulnerability, and vision. Congratulations to all participants for their courage and conviction.

Katie Lester
Person-in-Charge of Public Speaking

The College rowing community invites you to join a sparkling community evening to celebrate and support Scotch Oakburn College Rowing.

Organised by our rowing community, Glitter by the Lake brings our rowers, families, Collegians, and friends together for a night of connection, live music, drinks, and canapés all in the name of helping our students train, compete, and thrive on the water. Every dollar raised goes directly to our rowing program.

When: Saturday 18 October 2025, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Vallon Farm, 103 New Ecclestone Road, Riverside
Dress: Sparkle, plus sensible shoes for the farm setting
Tickets: $95 per person (includes drinks, canapés, and one Lucky Ball ticket valued at $10)

Tickets can be purchased via this link.

Bookings for College bus services in Term 4 will open on Wednesday 1 October via the RollCall parent app and web portal.

A reminder that all travel must be booked in advance to guarantee a seat and ensure student safety.

Support resources to use the app and web portal are available on The Dash Bus Routes page using this link or you are welcome to contac me at buses@soc.tas.edu.au or 6336 3455 for assistance.

Amanda Hardwicke
Bus Coordinator

Swimming

Another fantastic achievement in the pool! Our SATIS Swimming team showed amazing commitment and teamwork to take out seven of the available nine Shields at the SATIS Carnvial in Hobart. They also collected five Age Pennants and broke eight records. Thank you to all the staff and parents who supported the team in Hobart for what was a great day of swimming.

Ali Foot
Head of Sport

Equestrian

We are proud to recognise two exceptional members of our equestrian team, Lucy Johnston (Year 11) and Evie Young (Year 7), who have been named finalists in the highly competitive 2025 Pony Club Australia Annual Awards—a national honour that celebrates outstanding riders from across the country.

Lucy is a finalist in the Best Achievement by a Rider Aged 13–17 category. A dedicated member of Midlands Pony Club, Lucy has demonstrated exceptional leadership as Co-Club Captain and Trainee Coach, while maintaining 100% attendance. She is known for mentoring younger riders, supporting club events, and representing her club at state-level competitions. Her commitment to horse welfare and community spirit makes her a valued role model.

Evie is a finalist in the Best Achievement by a Rider 12 Years and Under category. Since joining the club in 2023, Evie has shown remarkable resilience and maturity, participating in a wide range of disciplines and stepping up to support her team. She has earned recognition for her care of her ponies, including managing one through surgery and retraining another. Her dedication, sportsmanship, and love of learning are evident in all she does.

The winners will be announced at the Pony Club Australia National Championships Annual Awards & Presentation Dinner, to be held on the evening of Saturday, 4 October at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.

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:

• Swimming – school holiday program for ages 4-12
• Netball – Net Set Go for ages 5-10
• Girl Guides School Holiday Program – ages 7-12