Opportunity, Responsibility and the Future

Recently, Scotch Oakburn College had the pleasure of hosting Professor Toby Walsh, one of Australia’s leading Artificial Intelligence researchers, for a thought-provoking community presentation in the Horton Auditorium. Presented in partnership with the Royal Society of Tasmania, the event attracted more than 250 members of the College and broader Tasmanian community, including Her Excellency the Honourable Caroline Wells, Governor of Tasmania.

Professor Walsh provided a balanced and accessible overview of the current state of Artificial Intelligence. While much of the public discussion around AI focuses on either excitement or concern, he encouraged a more measured perspective. He spoke positively about advances in science and technology that have the potential to improve lives, solve complex problems and create significant efficiencies across organisations and industries. At the same time, he highlighted a range of challenges that require careful consideration, including environmental impacts, the reliability of chatbots, changing workforce demands and the potential impact on learning when AI is used as a substitute for thinking rather than a tool to support it.

These themes closely align with the work already underway at Scotch Oakburn College through our AI Guidelines, which focus on the responsible, ethical and purposeful use of AI in teaching and learning. As technology continues to evolve, our challenge is not simply teaching students how to use AI, but helping them understand when, why and whether it should be used.

The audience was highly engaged throughout the afternoon, with many thoughtful questions raised during an extensive Q&A session. I was particularly interested in Professor Walsh’s perspective on future career pathways, a topic especially relevant as our senior students select TCE courses and consider life beyond Scotch Oakburn.

While he acknowledged that some graduate-level roles may become increasingly AI-dependent, he emphasised that careers built around distinctly human qualities such as care, creativity, judgement, empathy and connection will remain highly valued.

It was an insightful afternoon that reinforced the importance of preparing young people not only for a future shaped by technology, but for one in which human capability remains our greatest strength. The strong attendance at the event further highlighted the significance of the conversation and the importance of engaging thoughtfully with the opportunities and responsibilities that accompany emerging technologies.

A sincere thank you to Mr David Morris, and to the staff and students who supported the event behind the scenes. Together, they helped deliver a highly engaging community event that reinforced the responsible, ethical and purposeful use of technology that sits at the heart of the College’s AI Guidelines.

Ross Patterson
Principal

An update on a vibrant week of student achievement, from the energy of the Inter‑House Singing Carnival, to Year 8 EY8 Service Projects, and the upcoming civics learning experiences for Year 6. Across these events, students demonstrated connection, commitment and community spirit as they grow, serve and prepare for the next steps in their learning journey.

An update from our Community Arts Coordinator on our 140-Year Community Quilt project, being led by this year’s Artist in Residence, Mae Finlayson. The project invites students, families, Collegians and staff to contribute memories and quilt patches celebrating the College’s history and community.

Our Year 2 community had the wonderful opportunity to visit Clarendon House as part of their HASS inquiry learning. This rich heritage experience allowed students to explore a significant local historical site and develop their understanding of how daily life, transport, and work have changed over time.

A highlight of the excursion was the guided tour of Clarendon House, where students stepped back into the 1800s and compared home life, chores, and family roles with those of today. The children also visited the shearing shed, carriage collection, and nearby railway track, discovering historical transport methods and agricultural tools while reflecting on how these have evolved over time.

Students explored the beautiful Walled Garden, participating in a Symbol Hunt that encouraged them to investigate how the design and features of Clarendon House reflected the values and lifestyles of the past.

This engaging excursion enriched students’ understanding of our inquiry unit, The Beauty of Old Things, and provided meaningful connections between classroom learning and the local community.

Jennifer Diepeveen, Sarah Shaw and Louise Viney
Teachers

Last Sunday, Julian Munos Lagos, Ishaan Vinothan, Jason Wu and Zachary Lim from Year 5 proudly represented Scotch Oakburn College in the Year 5/6 Maths Relay Competition, organised by the Mathematical Association of Tasmania held at St Patrick’s College.

Competing against 31 teams from across Northern Tasmania, the boys demonstrated outstanding mathematical thinking, teamwork and perseverance throughout the event. The relay format required students to work collaboratively while solving a series of increasingly complex problems, with each team member contributing to the overall success of the group. Julian, Ishaan, Jason and Zachary approached every question with confidence and determination, carefully applying their mathematical knowledge and problem-solving strategies under pressure.

I am extremely proud of the way they represented our school. Congratulations to Julian, Ishaan, Jason and Zachary on an outstanding effort and a highly successful day of competition.

Rebecca Ballard
Year 5 Teacher

During Terms 2 and 3, 20 Year 5 students committed to taking part in Readers’ Cup.

In teams of five, they studied five books in preparation for an extensive quiz  and selected one of these books on which to base a short creative presentation. They collaborating at break times, supported by Mrs Naomie O’Loughlin, Dr Marissa Saville, Mrs Georgia Gee and Mrs Natalie Reeves to work on their presentations.

At our intra-school event, students began by sharing their creative presentations. Thank you to our judges Mrs Pip Robinson, Mrs Rachel Buck and Mrs Simone Ralph for their time and expertise. With only half-a-point separating the creative performances, the pressure was on for the quiz. It was extremely close, with the winning team announced as The Chapter Champions, comprising of Qiuya Zhao, Sarah de Souza, Zachary Lim, Joey da Rocha Batalha and Akira Narayan.

This team continued to study and polish their performance ready to represent the College at the inaugural Independent Schools Primary Readers’ Cup Final, held on the evening of Wednesday 26 August at the Penquite Campus. Scotch Oakburn had a Year 6 and a Year 5 team competing against Launceston Church Grammar School. In addition, the team was required to study an extra book in just 10 days, as the regional final included an extra unknown creative challenge based on this book. A huge thank you to Ms Becca Biggs for stepping in to be a judge at the last minute for this final.

After an enjoyable evening of watching the competing school teams perform their creative presentations and answering an entirely new set of even harder quiz questions,  it was a very tight finish with only one point separating each of the top three teams. Chapter Champions was delighted to learn they placed third overall. Congratulations to all the students who took this this opportunity to challenge themselves.

Naomie O’Loughlin
Head of Extension & Enrichment – Elphin

The Northern High Schools debate final delivered a thrilling contest between two Scotch Oakburn teams. SOC7, an undefeated Year 10 team, spoke in the order of Florence Rogers, Pallavi Haribhakth and Olive Kwan, with Max Wilson (Year 9) advising. They faced SOC6, a Year 9 team comprising Sophia Vincour, Zara Omogbai-Musa and Peggy Handbury, with Maddi Gofton advising. Cassie Richman, who played an instrumental part in SOC7’s success, was on a Round Square exchange and unable to participate.

Debating the topic “that the time for Australia to become a republic is now”, the negative team, SOC6, just pipped SOC7. Adjudicators Elizabeth Moore (Year 11), Calan Young (Year 12) and Debate Captain Makaela Fulton (Year 12) reached a unanimous decision that it was a win by the smallest of margins.

Well done to both teams on an amazingly successful roster, continuing the achievements of the Senior debaters, who won their roster along with the Parliamentary Shield and Parliament Plate.

Helen Dosser
Coordinator of Junior Debating

Our Legal Studies class headed to Hobart for Lawfest 2026.

Students were immersed in all things legal and political, spending Thursday morning at the Supreme Court observing criminal trials and Thursday afternoon at Parliament involved in the passage of an AI Bill through the Lower House. Friday was spent at the Law School, UTAS Hobart, listening to His Honour, Justice Robert Beech-Jones, the first Tasmanian High Court Judge and Professor Tim McCormack talking about the International law and order in response to Donald Trump’s actions, as well as observing a moot provided by current law students. A feast of legalease and political innuendo enjoyed by all.

Jane Gregg
Teacher

We invite you to fall down the rabbit hole with Alice for this year’s much anticipated Year 5 Junior School Production of Alice in Wonderland Jr.

This 60-minute stage adaptation of the classic Disney animated film and the Lewis Carroll stories makes a triumphant return to the stage, with an updated script and score made specifically for young performers.

When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home…and find herself along the way. As she travels through Wonderland, she encounters all of the iconic characters that audiences have come to love: including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter, and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts.

Alice in Wonderland JR. features Disney favourites such as “The Golden Afternoon,” “The Unbirthday Song,” and “Painting the Roses Red” along with brand-new songs, including music from the 2010 live-action film. This is a Whether this is your first experience with Alice or your hundredth, this is a show for all ages to enjoy.

Book you tickets now 

Image source: Inland Fisheries news

Year 8 student Archie Croon has been recognised by Inland Fisheries for his friendly fishing competition, a part of his EY8 Project.

Archie’s event attracted around 70 anglers.  The event provided an opportunity to educate participants about the impacts of redfin on Tasmania’s waterways, including their role in preying on and competing with native fish and trout. The Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) supported the event with prizes and guidance on the day.

Read the full story here.

Congratulations Archie on a great initiative.

Eulaly Allen
Teacher

Our Year 10s recently explored the STEAM+ challenge in a one-week program.

They used Science, Technology Engineering, Art, Mathematics and more to develop a solution to a big problem in our world. A design thinking framework was used, to guide students through a collaborative process to find a new solution or innovation to a problem in our world.

At the end of the week they presented their findings to Year 7s.

Fiona Taylor
Teacher

As another season of hockey comes to an end, we celebrate far more than results on the scoreboard. This season has seen our players represent the College with enthusiasm, determination and sportsmanship, creating memories that will last well beyond the final whistle.

A special acknowledgement goes to our Year 12 players, many of whom have dedicated six years of commitment to College hockey. Their leadership, encouragement and passion for the game have helped shape the culture of our teams and provided a wonderful example for younger players to follow. We are incredibly proud of all you have achieved and wish you every success in the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Thank you to all our players, coaches, families and supporters who have contributed to another successful season. We are proud of what has been achieved both on and off the field.

Scotch Oakburn College swimmers delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 NSATIS Swimming Carnival held at the Launceston Aquatic Centre, securing the coveted Co-Ed Aggregate Shield and claiming five out of the seven shields and four pennant flags across the day.

The College finished as overall champions. A remarkable result built on success across all age groups and genders.

Scotch Oakburn’s girls were particularly impressive, winning the Girls Junior Shield, Girls Senior Shield, and Girls Aggregate Shield. The boys also enjoyed a strong carnival, taking out the Boys Senior Shield and finishing second overall in the Boys Aggregate competition by a narrow margin.

It is important to note that we had a number of injuries and illnesses on the day. I would like to highlight the courage and commitment of the following students that allowed our team to fill every event. Some of these students were called upon during the morning of the event, with others competing in age group well above their own: Billy McFadzean, Edwina Thirkell-Johnson, James van der Aa, Michaela Kriz, Charlie McLeod, Ellie Wilson and Clementine Gee. Congratulations to these students.

In age group pennant flags, Scotch Oakburn claimed first place in the Girls Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 and the Boys Open, while also recording several second-place finishes across other age groups.

Several swimmers produced exceptional individual performances. Among the highlights were Steve Hanson who set a new NSATIS record in the Boys Open 50m Freestyle 23.91 seconds, 50m Butterfly 27.02 seconds and 100m Freestyle 53.45 seconds. Doug Hyde dominated the Boys Under 16 age group, winning the 50m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle and 50m Breaststroke events. Sophia Vincour was outstanding in the Girls Under 15 division, winning the 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly and 50m Backstroke, while helping her relay team to victory. Mila Huegill produced a sensational swim to win the Girls Under 14 50m Freestyle in a time faster than the existing NSATIS record, posting 28.17 seconds against the listed record of 28.96 seconds, and Xavier Wang enjoyed an exceptional carnival, winning the Boys Under 14 50m Breaststroke in an NSATIS record of 34.03 seconds and recording multiple podium finishes across freestyle, butterfly and backstroke events.

Our relay teams were a major contributor to the overall victory, winning the Girls Under 14 and Under 16 Medley Relays, Girls Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 Freestyle Relays, and Boys Open Freestyle and Medley Relays.  The Boys Open Freestyle Relay team of Steve Hanson, Samuel Fischer, Jed Routley and Brock Seton delivered one of the performances of the day, stopping the clock at 1:43.68, comfortably ahead of the field in a new record. The Girls Under 15 Relay team of Sophie Vincour, Sienna Nesbit, Jorja Geale and Chloe Hassell also broke the NSATIS record convincingly in a time of 2:01.66. Beating the previous record by over 5 seconds.

Congratulations to all swimmers and Mrs Jane Gregg whose commitment and preparation contributed to this outstanding team success. The results reflect the depth of talent, teamwork and school spirit within the College.  Our next event is the SATIS swimming held in Hobart on Friday 18 September. The team for SATIS swimming will be announced in the coming weeks. We wish our swimmers all the best of luck in this event.

Ali Foot
Head of Sport

Congratulations to Darcy Watkins (Year 3), who achieved outstanding results at the Pakenham Horse Show in Victoria recently while competing in the interschool section with her pony, Westlake Merry Man.

Darcy and Westlake Merry Man won Smartest on Parade (Primary School to Grade 3) and took first place in the Rider Class (Grade 3). Their impressive performances throughout the day also earned Darcy the prestigious title of Champion Primary School Rider.

This is a fantastic achievement and reflects Darcy’s dedication, skill and sportsmanship. We extend our warmest congratulations to Darcy and Westlake Merry Man on their wonderful success and wish them all the best for future competitions.

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:

• Launceston Swim School Holiday program
• Just Swim School Holiday program
• Cricket – Come and Try Day