This flag, created by students and staff, shows that we understand that we learn and work on land that was never ceded by the first peoples of this land, the moomaremener people of the Oyster Bay nation.  By placing handprints representative of all our college community on this flag, we also demonstrate our commitment to understanding our shared history, to honouring those who cared for and loved this Country, and our determination to move forward together.

Dear Rosny Community,

It is with pleasure that we present the fifth edition of the Rosny College Newsletter. This edition stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements, academic rigor, cultural awareness, and wellbeing ethos that define Rosny College.

We begin this edition with a reflection from our Acting Principal, David Bryant. His words encapsulate the dynamic undertakings our students have engaged in and outline important forthcoming enrolment dates.

Our Acting Assistant Principal, Darren Sangwell, extends a warm introduction to his new role. He outlines his priorities and focus on fostering robust relationships with our stakeholders – students, parents, and the school community.

Matt Eyles, our Assistant Principal of Transition, provides vital insights into upcoming enrolment procedures and pre-enrolment discussions for this term. Prospective students and parents will find this a valuable read.

Noteworthy is our guest author, Ed Glover, an esteemed alumnus from 1973. Ed's article celebrates our 50th anniversary as he delves into the genesis of Rosny College, his personal student journey, and details about the upcoming 50th celebration. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ed for this valuable contribution.

Kate O’Neill shares a recent scientific experiment into the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, which has unveiled significant insights into antibody and pathogen behaviour in mammals. This scholarly work underscores the excellence of scientific inquiry at Rosny.

Evelyn Murray and Adam Scott-McGuinness provide an account of the collaboration between Rosny College's art and music students and the North Melbourne AFL Football Club. This collaboration resulted in new public artworks and performances, embodying our students' creativity and skill.

Lastly, Cathy Ransom, our dedicated Aboriginal Education Worker, provides insights into the impactful moomaremener milaythina celebration in Week Three. The rich tapestry of cultural activities offered during this event reflects Rosny College's commitment to reconciliation efforts and cultural exchange.

As we enter the middle stage of this term, we commend our students on their dedication, intellectual prowess, creative endeavors, and commitment to cultural enrichment.

When this newsletter lands with you, we will already be approaching the mid-way point of Term 3! Students are encouraged to redouble their efforts to finish the year well and to ensure they are well-organised and know what commitments they have coming up. Students only return in Term 4 for a few weeks of classes, with the final day being on Monday 6th of November. Exams will be held over the subsequent few weeks for many students.

One of my highlights of the year has been to observe the respectful and enthusiastic embrace of moomaremener milaythina in the second week of term. The week was an opportunity to celebrate the first people of the land Rosny College sits on (the moomaremener). You will see elsewhere in this newsletter a more comprehensive report of the week. I thank staff for providing rich learning opportunities to students, and Cathy Ransom (Aboriginal Education Worker) for her leadership of the celebration week. nayri nina-tu (thank you) Cathy.

After a short hiatus, the annual Rosny ski-trip returned in the first week of this term. I was pleased and a little envious to receive daily updates of the perfect alpine weather at Mt Hotham and that students and staff had a fabulous time. One of the highlights is reported to be a dinner with Oskar Steven. Oskar is Rosny alumni and during his time with us attended a ski trip. Since leaving Rosny, he has worked in the ski-fields in Canada for a number of seasons. Staff reported that students were very interested to learn about Oskar’s adventures and the doors that his experience at Rosny College opened to him. My thanks to staff and families for their support of this activity.

As is the nature of our young-adult learning environment, many students achieve their provisional license during their time at Rosny. As a result of this, some of our effort each year goes into promoting safe and respectful driving from students in our carparks and on the roads surrounding Rosny. I am pleased to be able to report that students overwhelmingly approach this maturely and safely and want to reassure parents and carers that the conversations you have with your young person are reenforced at the College.

Over coming weeks our Year 11 students will be supported through a process to select their courses for 2024. I ask for your support to ensure students engage meaningfully in this process. Our 2024 course offering needs to be locked in much earlier than many expect, so it is important that we understand our students’ intentions and preferences as early as possible.

I hope you enjoy this edition of our College newsletter. It provides but a snapshot of the incredible efforts our staff go to every day to provide students with personalised and engaging learning opportunities. If you could walk the halls of this College every day, as I do, and visit classrooms I am sure you would feel incredibly confident that your young person is known, safe, well and learning.

I look forward to meeting more of you at our Learning Conversations evening, between 3:30pm-6:30pm on Tuesday 29th August

David Bryant

Acting Principal

Throughout this term, I have been honoured to occupy the Assistant Principal role, overseeing Teaching, Learning, Reporting, and Attainment. I have greatly enjoyed the privilege of working, learning and inquiring into the large range of policies and strategic directions that are in place to ensure that your young person fulfils their potential. I have a long association with Rosny College, both as an alumni and then as a teacher before taking on leadership opportunities including the formation of The teggana Collective, Transition, BoostEd and of course, Performing Arts.

Parents can expect to receive their young person's written report for Term 3 today. This report represents the final written assessment for the term and serves as a valuable platform to assess and discuss student progress in their subject areas. Subsequently, parents and caregivers are invited to attend in our Learning Conversations, scheduled for Tuesday 29th August. These conversations can take place either in-person at Rosny or through pre-booked phone interviews. Information regarding booking details is available alongside your young person's reports or by contacting the office. We believe that the most meaningful conversations unfold when students are present alongside parents and caregivers.

We are approaching a crucial time of our academic year and it is important that we monitor student attainment to ensure we’ve made every step to reach their TCE or TCEA.  Year 12 students have the opportunity next week to sit an Everyday Adult Standard test for ICT.  Information has also been sent out for Everyday Adult Standard test for Reading and Writing and/or Numeracy which are taking place on the 4th, 5th and 6th September.

My primary objective during my time in this role is to provide unwavering support to students, staff, and families in fostering their academic potential within a secure and nurturing environment. It has been uplifting to observe our passionate and enthused teachers instil deep subject knowledge to our next generation.

Darren Sangwell

Acting Assistant Principal

Rosny College 2024 Enrolments are in full swing!

You are all invited to ‘Check Out Your Opportunities’ at our 2023 Preliminary Enrolments Evening on Tuesday 22nd August from 4pm-7pm. No booking required. Join us to explore your options at Rosny College and complete your enrolment for 2024.

• Enrolling parent ID
• Student ID
• Proof of address
• Immunisation record

For more information please see our website (Rosny College (education.tas.edu.au).

Other key events:

College tours or enrolment meetings

– College tours and meetings with our course counselling team are still continuing, they will be 45min meetings and are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between 1pm-4pm. Bookings can be made by contacting the office (rosny.college@decyp.tas.gov.au or by phoning 6244 9200).

Rosny College School Course Guide – Electronic copy now available on our website (2024_rosny_college_course_guide_030723.pdf (schoolzineplus.com). Hard copies can be picked up when you attend a school tour or enrolment meeting or contact our office.

If you would like further information, please contact us via email: rosny.college@decyp.tas.gov.au or phone 6244 9200.

Matt Eyles

Assistant Principal

On Thursday 14th September 2023 a celebration of 50 years of Rosny College is taking place. It will be an opportunity for inaugural Rosny College students and staff to gather and reminisce about their time at Rosny College and what it was like to be a part of what was then a new, exciting and innovative educational opportunity. Tours of the college and a group photo will be followed by a social gathering at the Clarence Cricket Club.

The genesis of Rosny College was a meeting held in July of 1968 after it was recognized that a third matriculation (secondary) college would be necessary in Hobart by 1973 and after many meetings, conversations and opposition a decision was made to build the College in the fast-growing Clarence municipality. Educational visionary Dwight Brown was the driving force behind the establishment of the college, its architecture and educational philosophy at the time.

Rosny College was the first purpose-built matriculation college in Tasmania and there were 300 students and 40 staff in its first year. Back then, it offered open plan / open space learning opportunities and an innovative timetable with three 2.5hr blocks in the day. The morning and afternoon were the more academic blocks and the “Midzone” was an opportunity for extra learning opportunities in small groups but also saw the emergence of activities like driver education; jewelry making; photography and film making; yoga; fly fishing; surfing and even wine tasting!

As a member of the 1973 cohort, I have many fond recollections of my time at Rosny during the inaugural year. Our first term spent on the Domain at the old University site; the carpet; the unofficial casino in the student common room; students emerging from the “computer room” with metres and metres of paper tape and not sure what they did; the very different and positive relationships with teaching staff than what I had been used to; 3 hour exams; “West with Doe” Geology excursions; the mighty Bananas football team and the list could go on.

“Staff and students of Rosny College are pioneers. They are participating in something , the precise nature of which has never been attempted anywhere else in the world. The burden of responsibility which lies on the shoulders of both groups is considerable.” Agora” Rosny College Year Book 1973

I do look back on my time at Rosny College with “nostalgia, affection and pride” and look forward to catching up with many of the 1973 Alumni in September.

Ed Clover 

1973 Alumni

The Biology 3 cohort has been deeply engaged in an exploration of the intricate world of the specific immune system and its remarkable capacity in mammals to recognise and eliminate foreign pathogens. These pathogens are discerned through non-self markers or antigens found on their surfaces. Once the presence of a foreign antigen is detected, specific white blood cells produce antibodies, which serve as distinctive identifiers for the pathogens, marking them for elimination.

A pivotal technique employed in the realm of science laboratories for identifying soluble particles, including antibodies, is the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Through this method, the presence of primary antibodies within a sample indicates the mammal's memory of a particular antigen. Consequently, the mammal exhibits heightened resilience against the pathogen, reducing the likelihood of falling ill and negating the necessity for an additional vaccination.

In our recent ELISA practical session, students acquired hands-on experience in discerning samples containing primary antibodies from those that did not. This exercise empowered them to deduce whether the mammal had retained memory of the antigen. Furthermore, this practical session enabled students to refine their pipetting techniques, a crucial skill in scientific endeavors. Notably, the results obtained from the session showcased that samples B and C held the primary antibodies, while samples A, D, and E did not.

It is with utmost commendation that I acknowledge the stellar performance of all students in mastering this intricate technique. Your dedication to learning and your adeptness in executing complex procedures are truly commendable.

Kate O'Neill

AST of Rosny Futures

Throughout this academic year, Rosny College's Performing Arts and Visual Arts departments have embarked on a remarkable partnership with the North Melbourne AFL Football Club. This innovative collaboration has enriched the atmosphere of AFL games hosted at the iconic Blundstone Arena with captivating arts and entertainment.

This partnership provided an exceptional platform for our Performing Arts students, spanning across disciplines such as Contemporary Music and Song Writing, UCP Song Writing, Music Studies, VET Live Production, and Experimental Music Club. Demonstrating their multifaceted talents, these students have embraced this opportunity to showcase their prowess across diverse domains. The scope of their engagement encompasses not only riveting music performances but also the setup and operation of intricate lighting and sound equipment, thereby contributing to the immersive experience of the audience.

A pinnacle of this collaborative venture unfolded on a vibrant Sunday, the 6th of August. On this day, a group of highly skilled and committed art students embarked on a creative journey to craft a series of captivating large-scale murals. These artistic masterpieces came to life right amidst the pulsating energy of an AFL game. The dedication and artistic finesse demonstrated by these students is impressive!

Notably, we extend our congratulations to Tanika and Sophie, whose creative minds conceived the two central murals that served as the visual focal points. Their leadership, coupled with the talents of their adept team of assistants - Elena, Nina, Elise, as well as the invaluable contributions of Gemma and Jessie - culminated in the creation of a captivating series of 'pop art' style vinyl sticker artworks.

This collaborative project not only underscores the artistic prowess of our students but also accentuates the college's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary engagement and creative expression. We are proud of the dedication and creativity exhibited by our students, and we thank the North Melbourne AFL Football Club for providing this platform.

Evelyn Murray / Adam Scott McGuinnesss

AST of Visual Arts / Music Teacher

Our inaugural Moomaremener milaythina celebration of culture, held in Week 2 of this term, was designed to be a College-wide acknowledgement of culture and achievement.  The moomaremener people were the custodians of the land our college is built on, and milaythina means Country in palawa kani, the language of Tasmanian Aboriginal people. 

Based on including Aboriginal histories and cultures in everyday learning, rather than being taught as stand-alone learnings, staff were asked to incorporate cultural learnings or ways of learning into classes across the week. Lunchtime activities were also provided where everyone could join in.

There was a palpable ‘buzz’ across the college for the whole week with many different events taking place. Here we share some of the stories and events that took place throughout the week:

The Break Café Menu

The Break Café embraced moomaremener milaythina celebration week and staff and students were treated to menu items that incorporated local cultural ingredients and the weekly menu shared the following menu:

• Lemon myrtle melting moments
• Wattleseed biscuits with coffee cream filling
• Saltbush sweet potato wedges with sriracha & kunnikung yoghurt
• Roasted pumpkin arrancini with sriracha & kunnikung mayonnaise
• Cauliflower, parsnip & lemon myrtle soup served with saltbush & garlic focaccia
• Sous vide red wine & rosemary marinated wallaby steak sandwiches with lemon myrtle & pale ale caramelised onions & seeded mustard and saltbush mayo.
• Pepperberry meat pies
• Lemon myrtle churros with a lemon myrtle and white chocolate dipping sauce

Due to their popularity many of these dishes will become regular menu items.

Tasmanian Birds Exhibit

In the lead up to the week, Springboard students studied Tasmanian birds, using Tasmanian Aboriginal stories and information to help understand the connection that the first people of this island have with birds and animals. Students researched a bird of their choosing. To finish the unit and to tie in with moomaremener milaythina celebration of culture, the students created their bird using found objects, and the result was stunning. The works were exhibited in the foyer for the celebration.

Traditional Basket Weaving in Textiles

Our Textiles class had a great visit from Cathy during the week of celebrations. Students focussed on learning traditional basket weaving techniques and had a lovely time making little baskets and coasters from raffia, flax, and river grass, and sharing stories of Aboriginal culture, history and traditional craft.

In upcoming classes students are going to use those same skills and apply them to using textile waste to save it from going to landfill. Recycling and exploring ethical practices are a big focus for students in Design and Production Textiles, and Workshop Techniques class, and are excited to integrate traditional skills and knowledge around sustainability.

Springboard & VET Cookery Classes Learn about Bushfoods

On Thursday, two of our classes explored a local Indigenous area where they learnt about the historical aspect to the site and the bushfoods available to them. Wattleseed to be used for syrups (similar to coffee), kunnikung (Pigface) used in our fermented rocotto and kunnikung sriracha, and saltbush to be dehydrated and used as a salt replacement to name but a few.

Afterwards the classes came back to the kitchen where the VET students demonstrated to the Springboard class the recipe that students were making for lunch: Wallaby meatballs with saltbush and native  pepper berry and spaghetti. After recess students paired off, with one from each class in the pair, and prepared lunch together. It was a great couple of lessons with lots of talk about bush foods and the overall cultural experience. It was great to see the VET Cookery class working inclusively alongside the Springboard class and incorporating local bushfoods into contemporary cooking practice.

Aboriginal Chalk Art at the College Entrance

The whole College was invited to work with a group of students to create chalk artworks out the front of the college. Students and teachers drew trees, flags, nature symbols, and representations of Aboriginal history and culture. Those involved in the activity reflected on and considered the profound relationship First Nations people have to Country, and how this nature-relationship offers important wisdom for our connection to earth and actions as modern people. All are grateful to have space in school to consider these kinds of topics alongside the Aboriginal community.