On 2 September, the College hosts the It Takes a Spark STEM Conference 2022. The Conference format runs across Australia and is targeted at Year 4 to Year 10 students and teachers, connecting them to industries and opportunities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The planning is seeking to emphasise the breadth of possibilities available in the region, with STEM careers connected to agriculture, renewable energies, and mining, to name a few. With the Conference hoping to attract upwards of 400 delegates from schools across the region, we have chosen the Year 11&12 Moderation day as one where we can open the College to visitors from Primary and Secondary schools across the North, North-West, and West coast. As this was a planned student-free day, our Year 7 to 10 students are encouraged to participate. There is also a role for some of our students to act as guides and MCs on the Day. It is an exciting and valuable experience, and we are thrilled to play host.

Our Year 10 students have had a varied week. Their Reflection days have been well received, with the organisers and facilitators impressed with the participation and maturity on display. The week culminates with the RYDA training, which I am hoping to find time to spend with them. It is important to acknowledge the presenters, many of them volunteers who give their time and expertise to raise youth driver awareness to help develop safe habits to keep them safe in the early years of driving.

We welcomed Ella Hempel to our school for a foreign education experience. On arrival, she presented us with a model of the "United Buddy Bear" from her home country of Germany.

Inspired by a German couple, Eva and Klaus Herlitz, the United Buddy Bears project continues to spread the idea that peace and tolerance go hand-in-hand. In 2002, the first exhibition of life-size Buddy Bears from 125 Countries in the United Nations was displayed in Berlin, with several others held since. (Australia's contribution, "Hugo," was an Arnott's Teddy Bear biscuit-inspired, sand-coloured design.) 

I have been using our gift from Ella as a prop when visiting the various House Chapel gatherings, encouraging tolerance and kindness as 'default settings' in our interactions with each other at school.

Stay safe, keep happy, be kind, and I will keep us in my prayers.

Frank Pisano

Our Outdoor Education students recently headed to Fortescue Bay, located in the Tasman National Park, for a 3-day camp. 

Students were out exploring for all three days. Day one was a hike from Fortescue Bay to Cape Hauy, providing outstanding scenery. Day two and day three consisted of kayaking. To start with, the students kayaked from Fortescue Bay to Bivouac Bay. They floated through both the Candle Stick and Totem Pole, getting one of the best looks at the formations that you can get. On the final day, students kayaked Bivouac Bay to Fortescue Bay via Canoe Bay, discovering William Pitt on their way back. 

10 out of 10-star rating, the kayaking experience is once in a lifetime opportunity. The guide, Reg, was very nice and highly knowledgeable about kayaking and the surrounding area. The venue, Tasman National park is beautiful and has so much wildlife, the conditions during our stay were perfect although it was cold, the waters were flat and the sky was clear which is all you need for an enjoyable kayaking experience.

On Monday, the Intro to Nursing students travelled to the Westbury Community Health Centre.

They had the opportunity to participate in group activities with clients at the Adult Day Centre and work 1:1 with several of them recording "life stories''. They increased their interpersonal and communication skills while gaining the confidence to interact with clients and staff.

Ayla Sharp met with a regular client, a 104-year-old local lady who spoke about her career as a nurse after initially training at the Launceston General Hospital over 85 years ago.

The College has received correspondence from Gary Georges, Director of Midford in regards to stock levels of some key items in the uniform shop.

LETTER:

It is the intention of this letter to provide information to the school community regarding current difficulties in manufacturing and transport of uniforms, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since late March 2022, Shanghai and Ningbo have been in total lockdown, including strict restrictions to freight in these areas. Two of Midford’s major factories have been significantly affected, with workers not being able to return to work or ship orders out.

Despite additional planning with our forecasting teams and factories throughout last year, Midford now has many completed orders that we cannot establish a shipping date for because of the current lockdowns in China.

Unfortunately, this has affected the delivery of many items throughout Academic and Sportswear ranges. Parents and students may find certain items or sizes out of stock. Midford will work with the School to provide solutions where possible to ensure no student is without a uniform.

As soon as the lockdown is lifted Midford will work to ensure that the completed order arrives as soon as possible in the shop. We are hearing and hoping, that the Shanghai lockdowns might end in early June. Midford will air freight in any late items to remedy the situation as quickly as possible

We are disappointed in the delayed arrival of some winter stock items and we thank you for your understanding and patience.

Kind regards

Gary Georges

Director

On Wednesday Day and Thursday of this week, the Year 10 students went on the annual Reflection Days. 

There was exceptional participation from students who remained very respectful and responded well to the program and the Presenter over both days. Our day focuses on the theme "who is my Neighbour?' and looks at poverty, oppression, the refugee challenges, slavery, and human trafficking, from a global perspective in the morning session.

The afternoon session focused on 'Who is my neighbour' at a local level and how we can help those in need in our community through Charity work. The afternoon's focus was charities like St Vincent De Paul society and Gan's Van. 

During Mental Health Awareness Week this year, the College will be focusing on the stress and anxiety brought on by school-related stresses and how to cope with these feelings.

On Monday, 30 May, Dillon and Griffin will participate in a mindfulness walk during homeroom. The main benefit hoped for during the walk will allow students to clear their minds before the school day begins and promote overall well-being to kickstart the day. Mackillop and Lyons will do the same on Tuesday.  

Wednesday, 1 June,  will be 'Hoodie Humpday.' Students can wear a hoodie to school and the rest of their winter uniform. The idea is that the hoodie represents the physical things that can provide comfort when you might feel stressed or anxious—a reminder to take a second and allow yourself to relax. There will be NO gold coin donation as we are not trying to raise money. 

During homeroom, there will be house gatherings to discuss the meaning behind mental health awareness week and promote the cross country/colour run on Thursday.

Friday is Do-Nut stress day. On this day, we are selling donuts provided by Beadough's at lunchtime for $3.50 each. 

The College will hold its whole school Cross Country Carnival next Thursday, 2 June. The below map outlines the course for each age group. 

Year 8 students, Sienna Skipworth and Oliver Howden recently participated in the recent Questacon Invention Convention.

"We were buzzing with excitement during our latest Invention Convention in Ulverstone, Tasmania Over 3 days, participants learnt new skills and built prototypes to solve real-world problems. From a ‘drive-through’ turtle scratcher to clotheslines designed to assist people with cerebral palsy.

Congratulations to our fantastic participants! We can’t wait to see where your new skills take you in the future Want to get involved? Visit our website to see where we're heading next  https://bit.ly/3ebhIOL"