Last week we farewelled our students in years 11/12/13. 2023 has been jam packed year with activities to support student learnings. Alongside our traditional classroom activities, students have had the opportunity to participate in;

• The Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze)
• Ready for the Road
• The Fearless Festival
• Provide First Aid
• The Boots On Program
• Jobs + Careers Expo
• Visit to Government House
• Visit to Dress for Success
• Virtual Learning classes
• Provide responsible service of alcohol
• Provide responsible gambling services
• Putters Adventure Golf
• Visit to MONA
• Numerous games of UNO, Cluedo, Monopoly, Skip-Bo, Anomia

Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications were introduced this year and have proven to be very successful with students gaining statements of attainment in both Certificate II in Hospitality and in the Road Safety Skill Set. The Road Safety Skill Set is specifically for individuals who are new to driving on roads. The skill set is a basic introduction to road safety for those interacting with other road users. Certificate II in Hospitality provides a pathway to work in various hospitality settings, such as restaurants, hotels, motels, catering operations, clubs, pubs, cafés, and coffee shops. Students have learned valuable skills and knowledge and have gained valuable points towards their Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE). Students were also given the opportunity to gain qualifications in first aid, and in providing responsible service of alcohol and gambling.

 As a reward for the hard work and commitment students displayed towards their studies, we celebrated with an excursion to Putters Adventure Golf and MONA. Students also worked as a team to buy a shared lunch which we enjoyed as a picnic on the grounds of MONA. Congratulations to Jayden and Baiden who ended up with the lowest golf scores, and to Deb and Jayden who both scored a hole in one.

Aislin and Abbey were both successful in gaining the bronze award in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. They developed their leadership skills and independence during this time. The highlight of the award was the adventurous journey to Devonport where they participated in the Fearless Festival and industry visits to Anvers Confectionery, Ashgrove Cheese, and Elphinstone. Prior to this, they attended a styling session with the team at Dress for Success in Hobart. This excursion introduced students to the world of styling for job interviews and life events. It provided an opportunity for students to be styled in clothing types of their choice and offered the chance to explore relationships with trust, self-confidence, and teamwork. The students received clothing suitable to wear to the Fearless Festival Gala Dinner. Abbey and Aislin were presented with their awards in assembly by the State Manager of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Steve Halloran.

The year 11 students visited the Jobs + Careers Expo at the Derwent Valley Community House, hosted by Maxima. It was an opportunity for our students to find out what job opportunities and career pathways are in our local area. Students enjoyed chatting with stall holders, filling their show bags and a sausage sizzle.

Our years 11-13 students were given an awesome opportunity to visit Government House. Students participated in the kitchen garden program where they worked with two of the chefs from Government House to prepare Okonomiyaki and Lemon Cordial. They visited the gardens of Government House where they grow flowers, vegetables, fruit, and microgreens for use in their kitchen and to supply the school lunch program. We toured sections of Government House including the kitchen, pantry, dining room, dry moat, and were privileged to see the silver room. Students thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience and were great ambassadors for the school.

An RACT initiative, “Ready for the Road” was presented to our year 11 and 12 students. The aim of the program is to help prepare our students for their driving journey. They discussed topics such as getting their license and the graduating licensing scheme, safe driving tips, vehicle safety and maintenance, insurance, liability. The students also experienced the use of vision impaired goggles with the intention of trying to walk a straight line.

Jacob and Jordynn were fortunate to participate in the Boots On – Building Work Experience program. They spent the first week of the three-week program at the Southern Central Trade Training Centre at Bridgewater. During this week, they were delivered accredited training on general units within the construction industry. Through sponsorship, they were provided with workwear and personal protective equipment which they wore throughout the program. During weeks two and three of the program, Jacob and Jordynn were work experience with Fairbrother.

Games became a prominent part of our “free” time. Numerous games of UNO, Cluedo, Monopoly, Skip-Bo, Anomia were played inside, and Frisbee and basketball outside. Jade was our star Frisbee thrower and Jane ended on top of the leader board in UNO. Baiden proved too good for us at Cluedo and Monopoly and Jacob’s memory in card games was extraordinary.

Our celebration dinner for our 11/12/13 students was held at the York Hotel and students thoroughly enjoyed themselves with many staff attending to help congratulate our students. 2023 has proven attending students can achieve outstanding results. Abbey, Aislin, Baiden, and Jacob have all achieved above the recommended requirements for year 11 students by gaining additional TCE point allocation towards the participation and achievement standard and the everyday adult standard of the TCE. Congratulations!

Jane Allwright