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We honour and acknowledge the moomaremener people of the Oyster Bay Nation. They are the original custodians of this land where we learn and live.
We pay respect to them, and the Elders past and present. We recognise the continuing connection of Palawa to Country and community.
We acknowledge the wrongs and injustices of the past and commit to honouring and celebrating Aboriginal histories and cultures in our learning every day.
This land is now the responsibility of us all. By continuing to care for Country and each other we uphold the timeless values of the moomaremener and the Palawa.
It was such a pleasure to attend the 50th Anniversary celebration event last week. Rosny College opened in 1973 and since then over 20,000 young people have come and gone through our doors. As was the vision of the inaugural Principal Mr Brian Hortle, Rosny is now a celebrated centre for excellence in public education for greater Hobart. We have a proud tradition and excellent reputation of academic, sporting, artistic and vocational excellence and are proud of the varied achievements of our students over the years. 1973 students and their families, as well as former and current staff toured the College, took a group photo and then enjoyed an evening at the cricket club. It was heartening to hear from our 1973 alumni the positive impact that their time at Rosny College had on their lives and the fondness with which they recounted their memories and experiences. The strength of the positive relationships built during students’ two years at the College was on display. My sincere thanks go to the organising committee of 1973 students and current and former staff for organising this wonderful event. There will be opportunities later in the year for alumni of all other years to be involved in Rosny’s 50th celebrations.
On Friday 8th September Rosny staff and students joined hundreds of other educators and students from around the state for the annual VET Training Awards. Pleasingly, Rosny was well represented by three finalists:
- Lily Stephens (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year)
- Indi Corbin (ASBA/trainee of the year)
- Tony Sayer (VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year)
We congratulate all finalists and acknowledge Indi Corbin for being recognised as the ASBA/trainee of the year for 2023. The VET program at Rosny College, under the leadership of Belinda Vallerine, is very extensive and a great source of pride in our College. Our offering is extensive and students are very well supported by our expert VET teachers/trainers. We currently have 58 students enrolled in an Australian School-Based Apprenticeship. Throughout 2023, over 130 students have completed a work placement, which no doubt contributes significantly to 48 students leaving the College to commence a full-time Apprenticeship during 2023. We are currently enrolling students into a new VET course in 2024 – Certificate II in Engineering.
I hope all students have a safe and restful term break, when we get there, and that they all return refreshed for the last few weeks or so of classes on Monday 16th October.
The last day of classes for 2023 is on Monday 6th November. Teachers will work closely with students when we return from the term break to support them to submit any outstanding pieces of assessment, so that they can achieve to their full potential. Students are asked to be mindful of the final due dates teachers set, as there cannot be an expectation that work submitted late (e.g. the day before our final results are due to TASC) will be marked and including in their final ratings.
We welcome Principal Andrew Woodham back from leave for the last week of term. It has been a pleasure to lead the College for this term and I appreciate families for your ongoing support of the College and for working with us so closely as partners in learning. I thank Darren Sangwell and Clare Latham for taking on extra responsibilities over Term 3.
David Bryant
Acting Principal
Outdoor leadership has a broad range of students participating in the course. From students who are looking for a more challenging or different version of outdoor education to students who are looking for skills that may help with military or police force careers along with the students looking to attain ATAR points. As a consequence, the mix of students each year means that delivering the course changes to meet the needs of the group. This year’s group showed great competence during our usual practical lessons and were asking for some more difficult outdoor lessons. After midyear exams, students had a discussion with me about the types of trips and decided on the level of difficulty that would be suitable. We decided on a trip Rafting on the Picton River, Caving at the lost world and an overnight hike to Mt Picton. I created a practical assessment task for the students to work collaboratively in a double lesson to plan the two trips to the standard of an experienced outdoor teacher. Students sorted themselves into groups to take responsibility for; compliant risk assessment documents, parent permission forms, mapping, and route planning, generating GPX files and uploading them to offline digital map services and making any calls to parks to discuss access issues and gain any permission to visit the sites. The students did this working in groups for 4 hrs and got all the dates for the trips locked in.
Trip to Mt Picton
Mt Picton mountain in the Sout west National Park and the summit is 1330m high. Mt Picton can be expose to the worst weather that the South West National Park receives. We were watching the forecast very closely to see if we could camp at the last Plateau before the summit (1100m) or if we would have to camp at the lower, more protected site at Glowworm Tarn. We nailed the weather and had possibly the only days where there was no wind at the site, however due to the clear sky, the weather was cold, reaching -4 overnight.
There was a road closure that meant we had to walk for an extra hour and a half to get to the trail head. Students decided that it would be better if we packed bikes to cover the easy fire trail faster to get to the difficult walking trail. The start of the trail is nondescript, with a bit of pink ribbon tied to a branch next to a huge blade grass bush. This was the theme for the whole walk. Mud, roots, and several steep inclines until we reached the first plateau where we emerged from the thick, dark, wet rain forest into more open alpine scrub.
After a snack here enjoying the view of the tarns and some sunshine, we moved on into dense scratching Scoparia bush and made our way to the campsite before the summit. After setting up camp and having something to eat, Toby, Hamish, Reuben and Henry wanted to go to the summit while the others were happy to wait till the morning. We were lucky enough to get some views of a setting sun in the West before we made our way back down before it started to get dark. In the Morning, Elina and Zahara were feeling warmer and well rested, and we all summited again to have amazing views in all directions. The trip down was just a challenging and was characterised by the dozens of slips onto bottoms as tired legs walked down the steep, slippery trail.
All students performed amazingly with the heavy packs and challenging conditions. With several students saying this was the hardest hike they have ever done, hopefully setting a precedent for future classes to attempt some challenging trips such as this. These efforts demonstrate the strong commitment to skill and outdoor knowledge and leadership ability by all students involved. Well done.
Rowan Crawford
HPOE Teacher
This term, our Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs have been busy as we approach the final stretch in our learning towards nationally accredited qualifications. Here’s a recap of just some of our programs:
Our VET Screen and media students recently visited the UTAS Media school. During their visit, they had the privilege of meeting both Marta Dusseldorp and Ben Winspear, who shared their experiences working in the local media industry. Alongside these celebrity’s was also one of our own Rosny Alumni, Jonathan auf der Heide, who shared invaluable career advice to our students.
In our Hospitality and Cookery VET programs students once again demonstrated their culinary prowess at the Break Restaurant located within the Clarence Cricket Club. Both the staff and the wider community experienced an amazing two course set lunch prepared by our own talented students. It was wonderful to witness our students, both in the front of house and back of house roles, applying their classroom learning in a real-life setting. Well done to both staff and students involved, and we look forward to the return of the Break Restaurant next year.
The Year 12 construction students are currently completing their major project: the creation of a mini studio. This project provides students the unique experiences of framing, cladding, roofing, plastering, electrical work and painting. The public response to this initiative has been overwhelming, with strong interest from potential buyers. We are thrilled to announce that another studio or two will be available next year.
Looking ahead to next year already we are excited to introduce a Certificate II in Engineering for next year. This program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to address the current skill shortage in the manufacturing industry. We are grateful to Incat for their generous commitment to engaging with our current students, shedding light on potential apprenticeship opportunities in the immediate and foreseeable future.
Lastly, we take immense pride in congratulating our finalists at the Tasmanian Training Awards. Tony Sayer for the Teacher Trainer of the year award, Lily Stephens for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander category, and Indi Corbin who won her category for Tasmanian School Based Apprentice of the year. Indi will now have the opportunity to demonstrate her skills at the national training awards in November - we wish her the best of luck. Indi is the second student from Rosny College to win the School Based apprenticeship award. Rosny looks forward to supporting any students interested in undertaking a school-based apprenticeship.
Belinda Vallerine
AST of VET/ASBA Co-ordinator
Term three has been a busy time for maths students (and staff). There have been a number of events and competitions running alongside our regular teaching programme.
Last Sunday 24th September saw year 12 Rosny College students Monique Pinkiewicz, James Batter, Samuel Isbister and Jack Kim represent the school in the Tasmanian Maths Relay competition. This is hosted every year by Rosny College and is always a fantastic day. Teams from throughout the southern region from grades 5 up participate, with over 400 students competing on the day. The questions are very challenging and test students’ ability to think creatively and quickly on unfamiliar problems. Our team represented us very well and we thank them for giving up their time to participate for the second year running.
As an example of the standard of problems faced, an “easier” one was “A rectangle whose length is three times its width has a diagonal x. What is the area of the rectangle in terms of x?” while a much harder one was “How many factors does 20232023 have?”
Earlier this term students Monique Schnitzer, Lydia Stainer, Jack Kim, Victoria Trinh, Nguyen Nguyen, Tim Cox and Xavier Bull participated in the Australian Maths Competition. This is an international competition which includes the best students from Australia and New Zealand and has run since 1978 in divisions from primary school through to year 12. Monique and Lydia both received a Distinction award for their outstanding performance.
And in the last week of term three the Urquhart Competition was held. This event is only for Tasmanian year 11 and 12 students and is the most mathematically demanding of the competitions held. Students has three hours in which to try and solve five problems, which gives you an idea of how high the standard is! Jack Kim and Monique Schnitzer were Rosny College’s entrants this year.
Congratulations and thank you to all the students involved in these opportunities.
Paul Barron
AST of Maths
What is Rosny Futures?
Rosny Futures welcomes our young people to a small and safe learning environment, which is located in Cambridge Road, a few minutes’ walk from the college’s main campus. Staff at Rosny Futures focus on establishing good relationships with our young people through offering a stable, structured, and integrated learning space.
We believe that positive relationships support wellbeing and that our integrated learning approach leads to bright futures for our young adults. Our young people work on hands-on projects where they make and create artifacts, whilst building social connections that improve wellbeing.
Core curriculum subjects including Maths and English are embedded into the program, and areas of personal interest are explored. In 2023, we have had many successful outcomes with some students excitedly taking part in the first over-night bike riding camp to Derby, some gaining full-time employment, and some applying for further study such as VET courses and TAFE beyond grade 12. In term 3, we introduced a new program called, ‘Reading for our Futures’, to support overall literacy outcomes. We intend on expanding on this initiative in 2024, and are eager to see our young people flourish as their knowledge through reading grows. Here our staff share some of the achievements, work and stories form Rosny Futures protects.
Artmaking
Throughout term 3, the Rosny College Futures Art program has been focussing on Art for Wellbeing, participating in small group and whole class discussions. Throughout this process, students were given the opportunity to choose the style of art making they would engage in. After initial discussions, the students chose digital art, mindfulness colouring, craft making, mural painting and a range of others. It has been exciting to see these projects come to life and discover the creative efforts of the students.
It did not take long for participating students to relax into varied conversations, both within and outside their friendship groups. The culminating efforts of the students are currently being prepared for display in the Rosny College Futures classroom, adding a wonderfully diverse display to our classroom.
Sport, Recreation and Outdoor Experiences
This year in Rosny Futures Outdoor Experiences, we have participated in a range of different outdoor education-based activities including surfing, coasteering, snorkelling, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Mountain biking has turned out to be a huge hit, and as a result our students and staff planned and carried out a 3-day camp to the mountain biking town of Derby in north-eastern Tasmania. These experiences have helped students build confidence, health and fitness, belonging and connection to our local community and environment. Many of these trips have been highly demanding of students to step-up and lead their lives with confidence and capability. We are proud to share some photos of those adventures.
Introduction to Workshop Techniques
2023 is the first year we have run Introduction to Workshop Techniques in the Rosny Futures Program, so far it has been a huge success. After some initial skill-developing tasks at the start of the year, students were able to branch out into different group and individual projects. We have seen a variety of projects completed this year mostly making use of recycled timber such as pallets and other resources found in skip bins or donated from local businesses. Some examples of completed projects include skate ramps, fishing rod stands, computer desks, side tables and planter boxes.
As a result of this course, we have had a number of students obtain apprenticeships and traineeships in the construction industry, and are happy to support Futures students to make strong, supported and clear transition into adult working life. Congratulations to those students who have succeeded in obtain such opportunities!
Projects in Personal Care
At Rosny Futures, students engage in various subjects, one of which is 'Personal Care.' As part of this course, students are tasked with initiating projects that promote their overall well-being. After discussions and negotiations, students collectively decided to embark on a series of garden projects within the Rosny Futures campus. Throughout the term, they've experienced the benefits of physical activity, the invigorating ocean breeze, warm sunshine, and the satisfaction of nurturing plant life as they actively participate in weekly garden projects.
Initially, students established a broad objective: "To be creative and beautify our school space." This guiding principle has fuelled their endeavours, resulting in the completion of numerous both small and large-scale projects. Today, we are excited to share some of these achievements with our broader community.
Our first project involved the transformation of a neglected garden bed. In a labour-intensive process that involved clearing out a dense thicket of stinging nettles, students planted a variety of crops, including onions, cabbage, beetroot, and spinach, all of which continue to grow now the warmer days have arrived. The garden bed's walls were freshly painted in a crisp white, and a protective fence was erected to deter local rabbits. With the nettles and rabbits managed, we welcomed three chickens into our garden. They have become invaluable contributors to our efforts, aiding in composting kitchen waste, enriching the soil with their droppings, and providing us with delicious eggs for cooking.
In another exciting project, students are currently crafting a captivating galaxy-themed mural on a different garden bed while simultaneously establishing a vibrant succulent garden. The succulent plants were generously donated by Cathy, our dedicated Aboriginal Education Worker. I have been deeply impressed by the students' boundless creativity, enthusiasm, and their unwavering commitment to effecting positive change in our immediate environment. Their remarkable efforts have significantly enhanced the overall school environment, leaving a legacy for future students to appreciate. Congratulations to all involved!
Kate O'Neill, Jayson Morrison, Dan Hassett, Alex Cole, Tristan Ferguson
Rosny Futures Staff
CBCA Book Week and morning tea
Thank you to everyone who came into the library and celebrated book week with us. It was wonderful seeing so many staff and students dress up as book characters and enjoy a yummy morning tea. A special thank you to Springboard for the heart biscuits, Bec for the delicious scones and quiches and Kim for the lovely delivery from Banjo’s.
Preparing for Exams
Are you starting to think about your exams? The library can help by providing a quiet study space. We also have a variety of resources available for you. Please have a look at the Library Intranet and Canvas pages/Exams, for help with:
- Organizing a study timetable
- How to study
- Exam tips
During exam time we will also run helpful PowerPoints on the big TV and display resources to assist with studying.
Past Exam Papers
The previous exam papers for all current TASC Courses have been collated on a single webpage to help support students with exam paper revision and practise ahead of the written exams. The library also has hard copies of past exam papers, in the pink filing cabinet, for you to borrow and use.
Weblink located here: Previous exam papers - TASC
Rosny College 50th Anniversary Celebration
The Library Archives assisted in the 50th Anniversary of Rosny College celebration by providing lists and photos of staff, students and subjects offered and photocopies of the 1973 Agora for those who attended the celebration. If you would like to look at past copies of Agora – these are available to borrow from the library.
Springboard Book Review
Blueback Tim Winton
Blueback is a novel written by Tim Winton in 1997. It is about a young boy called Abel and his mum Dora who live in Longboat Bay. Abel and his mum live off the land and the sea, providing for themselves. Abel begins a friendship with a Blue Groper fish which he calls Blueback. Abel and his mum work hard to protect their home from developers wanting Longboat Bay to become a tourist attraction. After High School Abel decided to attend university to study Marine Biology so he could help protect the ocean. He also found the love of his life Stella and over the years he had a child who he called Dora to remind him of his mum. They continued to live and protect Longboat Bay.
The movie has similarities and differences, the main difference is the character in the movie is a girl called Abby. The movie also moves between the past and present but has the same messages about protecting the environment and global warming.
By Keira and Izy
Staff Recommendations
Horse, Geraldine Brooks
Just newly arrived in our library and described on the back cover as “a sweeping story of spirit, obsession and injustice across American History” this novel about the famous race horse Lexington does not disappoint! While not being a horse fan of any sort (and certainly not of horse racing), I was never-the-less riveted to the story and could not put it down - such is the power and skill of Brooks’ writing combined with her meticulous historical research. Highly recommended, as are any of Geraldine Brooks’ previous five novels, all of which we have in our fiction collection. - Sharon
Jill Budge
Teacher Librarian
As we move into the final term break, it’s important to remain mindful of your wellbeing and health, especially as students return to a high-pressure environment for many with the final exams taking place, art exhibition set-up, final assessments and many other closing educational student responsibilities.
Here we have reproduced an earlier article about healthy tips for looking after yourself during the term break.
Sleep Tips
It literally recharges you! Duration of sleep should be sufficient - it’s the only way to feel rested and alert the following day. Aim for the same sleep time most days or approximately e.g., 10pm until 6amSleep should be deep enough to be restorative.
For more information:
www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au
www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/For-Clinicians/Sleep
Food, Increase Fiber and Decrease Refined Sugar
A lot of our immune cells live in our gut so let’s look after it!
Include vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, and legumes in your daily food intake. They all contain different FIBERS which help train our immune cells in our gut and increases our resilience to infections. The gut communicates with our brain and the healthier our gut is, the healthier our brain will be also. Therefore, the benefits are far reaching.
Water – it’s naturally the best way to stay hydrated. A lot of soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drink contain anywhere from 10 to 16 teaspoons of sugar! The recommended daily intake of additional refined sugar for adolescents and adults is 4 teaspoons.
For more information:
https://www.rethinksugarydrink.org.au/
https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/educational_resource/Numeracy_and_food_education/12927515
Stay Away from Vaping and e-Cigarettes
Not vaping/smoking will also help prevent colds. Exposure to nicotine and chemicals destroys tiny hairs that propel mucous from the lungs. This tips the balance in favour of viruses and bacteria, predisposing vapers/smokers to bronchial infections and colds.
For parents - Lung Foundation Australia provides lots of important facts and information about the impact of vaping, further information can be explored here: www.lungfoundation.com.au
Exercise
Although it can feel harder this time of year, it’s still very important. Exercise, stimulates various ‘feel good’ brain chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin. Improves your fitness which helps make you feel good about yourself. Reduces stress and boosts memory. It can help you connect with others and meet new people. Overall, exercise helps reduce your risk to illnesses and diseases – so many benefits.
All of the above will help manage stress and look after your physical and mental health, both of which are important.
Useful Links for Parents
Positive Choices: Drug and Alcohol Education - Get informed, stay smart, stay safe - Positive Choices
A Safe Place to Chat Anonymously, Get Support & Feel Better | ReachOut Australia
Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
Kylie Swain and Katherine Lee
Rosny School Health Nurses