Over the past term, it has been a pleasure to engage in several conversations with senior students involved in our Rowing program, many of whom have spoken thoughtfully and confidently about their goals for the term and the year ahead. These discussions have served as a timely reminder of the power of aspirational goal setting and the important role it plays in both personal growth and collective success.

Goal setting is a valuable life skill. At its best, it provides clarity, direction and motivation, helping young people to look beyond the immediate and work purposefully towards something meaningful. Importantly, one of the most powerful aspects of effective goal setting is the willingness to share goals with others. When goals are made visible, they invite support, encouragement and guidance from peers, coaches and teachers. They also introduce a healthy layer of accountability that helps transform intention into action. Without this crucial step, even the most well-considered goals, supported by detailed planning, can remain little more than wishes. Sharing goals helps to complete the process, reinforcing commitment and increasing the likelihood of sustained effort over time.

Our Rowing program provides a strong example of this in action. The team has enjoyed a tremendous season across all year levels, culminating in outstanding performances at the Head of the River. Beyond results, it has been particularly rewarding to witness the supportive, safe and aspirational culture that has been developed, where students challenge themselves, support one another and take pride in collective achievement.

This culture of shared aspiration is one we value deeply across the College, as it prepares students not only for success in sport, but for life beyond school.

Ross Patterson
Principal

It’s been a busy Term for sport. Our Head of Sport, Ali Foot, provides an update as we approach the end of the summer sport for Term 1.

Our Year 6 students have recently begun voluntary visits to a local Aged Care facility, engaging with residents and developing a community connection. Those students who have visited Respect (Fred French) Care Home say each trip is both rewarding and eye‑opening, offering a unique chance to connect with residents whose life experiences enrich their understanding of community. Students are forming meaningful bonds – whether through shared stories, collaborative activities, or simple conversations that bridge generations.

Many students encounter moments of genuine inspiration during their visits, as the residents’ humour, resilience, and warmth play a substantive role in shaping student’s perceptions and fostering deeper empathy. These visits often become a valuable learning experience, helping our Year 6 students recognise the importance of kindness and respect. For many students, spending time at Respect allows them to feel like they are making meaningful contribution, one that strengthens ties across the broader community and encourages them to continue giving back in thoughtful ways.

Clyde Goosen
Teacher

On Thursday 19 March the Elphin Campus was alive with colour, culture, and connection as students came together to celebrate Harmony Day, a special time dedicated to inclusivity, respect, and the message that everyone belongs.

To commemorate Harmony Day, buddy classes joined together for lunch eating time to appreciate the traditions and cultures that make up our community and also proudly wore traditional cultural dress or a cheerful splash of orange. The day highlighted the rich diversity within our College and the pride students take in their heritage.

Early Learning Erina students have also been exploring their Belonging Inquiry Unit, which focused on understanding identity, family, and cultural connection. As part of this learning, children and staff shared a cultural lunch. This shared meal between students created an opportunity for students to taste new flavours, celebrate what makes them unique, and recognise the many ways people express their identity.

Harmony Day enabled students of all ages to deepen their understanding of each other, to celebrate the strength that comes from diversity and to build a sense of belonging for all.

Renee Hodgetts
Director of Wellbeing – Elphin

Seven students participated in the club heats of the Lions Youth of the Year Award, a public speaking competition designed to develop and recognise leadership, citizenship, and public speaking skills in young Australians aged 15 to 18.

Competing over three club finals, our students placed first at each, coming together for an all Scotch Oakburn regional final this week. Congratulations to all our participants.

Lions Club Riverside
Participant – Calan Young (Year 12)
Public Speaking award – Shiv Kataria (Year 10)
Club heat winner – Meghan Kilby (Year 12)

Lions Club Windmill Hill
Participant – Maddi Gofton (Year 9)
Club heat winner and Public Speaking award – Elizabeth Moore (Year 11)

Lions Club Kings Meadows
Public Speaking award – Delilah Barrett (Lions Club, Kings Meadows)
Club heat winner – Clancy Lillywhite (Lions Club, Kings Meadows)

In a wonderful regional final, Clancy was awarded the Public Speaking Award, Elizabeth Moore was Runner-Up and Meghan Kilby was announced the Regional winner. Meghan and Elizabeth will now compete in the State final in April.  We wish them the very best.

Katie Lester
Person-in-Charge of Public Speaking

Aditi Katari
Teacher

A reminder to our community that Terms 2 and 3 mean winter uniforms. The first two weeks of Term 2 will be a transition period where students are able to wear either summer or winter uniform (but not a combination of the two).

Should you need to purchase items before the start of Term 2 please make sure you do so before the end of Term as the shop will be closed from 5:00 pm Friday 17 April, re-opening Monday 4 May.  Please check the College Shop web page for extended opening hour times for the first week of Term 2. Our Uniform Guide can also be found on that page.

Deanne Dietrich
College Shop Manager

Our TCE Housing and Design students were given the very special opportunity to visit a beautiful and unique home in Central Tasmania.

One and half hours drive out of Launceston in the little lake area known as Interlaken is one of Tasmania’s most recent additions to bespoke Architecture, Interlaken Lodge.

The property was a feature home on the 2025 Grand Designs Australia, and a perfect example Architecture meets location and an excellent learning opportunity for our students. Students were given an in-depth tour of the site and home and were amazed with all the elements and design features that can be produced when architect, builder and home owner all come together to achieve a common goal of excellence. An amazing and inspirational learning opportunity for our students.

We would very much like to thank owners and current parents at our College, Erin and Richard Sims for their hospitality and very generous and informative tour through their stunning lakeside property.

Stephen Dobson
Teacher

Rowing

It was a fantastic day on and off the water recently at Lake Barrington at the SATIS Head of the River.

Our rowers had amazing success. Our girls dominated the senior eight for a second year, coming home in a time of 6.30.19! We claimed three shields, the Co-Ed Junior Shield, Co-Ed Senior Shield and Girls Senior Shield and placed second in the Boys Junior Shield!

But results like this don’t happen in isolation. From our dedicated coaches and staff, to the families and supporters on the shore making sure everyone was fed, organised and cheered on, it truly takes a community.

Swimming

40-Year Record Broken – Twice!

Year 7 student Maia Barritt produced an outstanding performance at the NSATIS Athletics Carnival in the Under 13 Girls Discus. Maia broke the 40 year record (25.94m) twice, the first with her second throw (26.44m) and again with her third throw, creating a new record of 27.58. Well done Maia!

Golf

Kirri Piper (Year 11) was a member of Launceston Golf Club’s Women’s Claremont Shield team who won the state championship for 2026. Congratuations to Kirri who had another strong performance demonstrating her dedication and skill.

Kirri has also been selected to represent Tasmania in the Australian Golf Junior Amateurs in April at the Melbourne Ballarat Golf Club and as a member of the Australian Junior Interstate Team at the Melbourne Moonah Links.

Kumite

Inari Williams (Year 5) and Eliza Minster (Year 7) have competed at the New South Wales Kumite State Champonships. Kumite is pne of the three main pillars of Karate.

In great performances, Inari won Bronze on the U11 tournamnet and Eliza, Silver in her division.  Both will represent their local Karate club again this weekend in Hobart at the Tasmanian state titles.

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:

• Tasmanian Institute of Sport Talent Identification program – ages 14-20
• Just Swim Holiday Intensive Prgram – ages 4 – 12
• Tennis Fun Day – all ages and levels, 29 March
• Hockey Come and Try Day – all ages and levels
• NETSETGO – netball for 7-10 years