A Fortnight at Fahan - Term 1, 4 March 2022
- Principal's Report
- Learning in Prep
- Learning about decimals
- Learning about the Outdoors
- Learning about Outdoor Education
- Learning about Outdoor Adventure Skills
- Learning about Chemistry
- Learning about Academic Excellence
- Spirit of Year 3
- Spirit - Junior School Sport
- Spirit - Senior School Sport
- Community Update from the P&F
- Community - Fahan's New Pets
- Community - Year 7 Pastoral Care
- Community - Year 10 Students Help with Grassroots Recycling Effort
- Community - Student Absence
- Community - Orienteering Tasmania
- Community Notices
Principal's Report
With four weeks of term behind us under the current COVID-19 guidelines in place, it is timely for me to thank you all for your vigilance in following our procedures and adherence to our COVID-safe protocols. As we look towards the end of our first five-week plan, we will be carefully reviewing the way ahead so that we remain as safe as possible, whilst trying not to compromise the experiences available to our students.
This week I had the privilege of listening to our four highest achieving students of 2021 at our Academic Honours Assembly. The Senior School enjoyed hearing from these students who achieved ATARs of 95 or higher; Hannah Cuthbert, Migali Ennis-Short, Bella Nettlefold and Olivia Wilkins. All four are now studying on the mainland and whilst this meant they couldn’t attend our assembly in person, we were able to gain a snapshot of where they are now as each provided a short video message. Olivia and Migali provided younger students with some excellent advice about how to make the most of every one of the experiences available to them at Fahan. All these girls are outstanding ambassadors for our School and our values of Learning, Spirit and Community are abundantly evident in each of them.
As our highest achieving student, Migali also delivered an inspiring speech which focused on the importance of fostering and investing in strong relationships with the cohort and with School staff. You can view Migali's video below.
We also had the opportunity to congratulate six Year 12 students on their outstanding Year 11 results, as they achieved their Pockets of Excellence. You can read more about them in Mr Machin's report.
Finally, in other news, it was wonderful to hear of the successful running of the Junior School House Swimming Carnival this week. From all reports, there were many smiling faces and a healthy competitive spirit from all the students in Years 3-6 as they took to the pool for a modified version of their first carnival of the year. I am grateful for the work of Mr Tim Dale and all the other teachers and staff who assisted in making this a wonderful event for the students. Congratulations also to our senior swim team who competed at the SSATIS Swimming Carnival this week with some fantastic results that you can read about in the Senior Sport report.
Best wishes
Meg Lawson
Learning in Prep
This fortnight in Prep, students were visited by a very energetic frog puppet who hopped in all sorts of directions around the classroom. ‘Frog’ landed inside, outside, between objects, above, below and to the left and the right. Students used directional language to send Frog on a journey around classroom objects. Students also created treasure maps and sketches of the classroom learning to position objects in relation to each other. Singing and dancing often complements learning in Prep and “The Hokey Pokey” has been a fun way to learn left and right!
Almost every day we complete a ‘Sounds-Write’ lesson which teaches students the phonic skills and strategies needed for successful, confident reading and spelling. The buzz of excitement and pride on student faces when taking home a first reader has been palpable.
Enjoy the reading journey, Prep students!
Ms Kim Menadue
Learning about decimals
In Mathematics, Year 4 is learning about decimals including tenths and hundredths. We headed outside and used chalk to draw a line on the footpath. We then divided the line into tenths and then each tenth into hundredths. We could see what decimals looked like.
Mr David Hodgman
Learning about the Outdoors
On Wednesday 16 February, the two Year 5 classes went to the Waterworks Reserve and spent the whole day exploring nature, going on bushwalks, orienteering, setting up tents and going on a scavenger hunt.
Waterworks Reserve is a beautiful bushland area full of wildlife and only a short drive from the Hobart CBD.
We departed School at 8:30am and took a 15-minute bus drive to the Waterworks Reserve.
We first went on a bushwalk past Gentle Annie Falls, a beautiful scenic walk that joins to the pipeline track, the upper reservoir and to the carpark where the bus was parked.
We then set up tents to practice for our camp later in the term at Kelvedon. Afterwards, we were split into four groups with our instructors, Mrs Wright, Mrs Steel, Jayde and Hannah and were put to the task of setting up tents. The team that had the most teamwork would win.
My favourite thing about setting up the tents was learning how to put in pegs and work as a team. - Harper Imberger
After lunch the girls went orienteering in the bush by themselves. This was a big step for many as most girls had never done that before. There were nine checkpoints and everyone who participated did extremely well with each team managing to get at least one checkpoint, though many teams got more!
Orienteering was brilliant as I loved reading maps, finding checkpoints and getting to know new people. - Eliza Brown
The last activity that we did was a bush scavenger hunt that included things like finding different bird species and footprints.
By Caroline Senkbeil
Learning about Outdoor Education
To ensure the safety of staff and students with the return to School, we decided to postpone the Year 7 camps normally scheduled for early in Term 1. These camps are a very important introduction to the Senior School, particularly for students new to Fahan, so we wanted to provide the classes with a day trip with activities like those they will experience on camp.
Over the past two Thursdays, the Year 7s have spent the day at the Waterworks Reserve participating in a bushwalk, orienteering, team and group cooperation games, and putting up a tent. The groups each had a great day and are all looking forward to their camp in Term 2.
I really enjoyed exploring the Waterworks and getting to play the 'man, fire, flood' game and running away from all the carnivores. I am also really excited to be with all my friends on camp- Mieke Atkinson
Thank you to Jayde, Hannah, Mrs Williamson, Ms Warwarek, Mr Machin, and Ms Sloan for assisting with these days.
Dr Alison Manson
Outdoor Education Coordinator
Learning about Outdoor Adventure Skills
Over the past two weeks the Years 9/10 Outdoor Adventure Skills classes have participated in snorkelling and rock climbing. In theoretical lessons the students have been learning about trip planning and goal setting, with each student setting a learning, doing and feeling goal for the practical activities. We were extremely lucky to have favourable conditions at Kingston Beach for snorkelling and had good visibility. The rock climbing took place at Fruehauf Crag at South Hobart and certainly challenged the students' trust in themselves, each other and the equipment. Over the next few weeks, the classes will continue water-based activities and learning about personal skills, clothing and weather forecasting.
Dr Alison Manson
Outdoor Education Coordinator
Learning about Chemistry
Our Year 12 Chemistry class has started the year well, enthusiastically taking on the challenging content and really enjoying the practical work. In Term 1, we focus on REDOX and Electrochemistry, concentrating on chemistry of batteries, electrolysis, corrosion and the analytical uses of these reactions. The students have been excited to be able to relate the theory of Chemistry to the world around them. For example, students can now explain what an antioxidant is, why their bicycle rusts when left outside and why they can recharge their computer battery.
Dr Melanie East
Learning about Academic Excellence
On Wednesday 2 March, the Senior School celebrated the academic high achievers for 2021. This included a presentation of the Pockets of Excellence for students in the current Year 12 cohort and also the students who finished their studies last year and who achieved an ATAR of 95 or higher.
To achieve a Pocket of Excellence, students must perform at a high level four, TASC 3 or 4 level subjects. All the students who were presented this year have demonstrated a positive attitude to their studies and have embraced all the opportunities to learn from feedback. The students recognised at our assembly were:
Lily Bushby who demonstrated academic excellence in Computer Graphics and Design, English, Mathematics Methods and Physical Sciences.
Minqi Deng who demonstrated academic excellence in Art Production, Mathematics Methods, Music and Physical Sciences.
Matilda Huys who demonstrated academic excellence in Art Production, Japanese, Mathematics Methods and Physical Sciences.
Edie Jordan who demonstrated academic excellence in English, Mathematics Methods, Modern History and Physical Sciences.
Jana Lashin who demonstrated academic excellence in English, Mathematics Methods, Modern History and Physical Sciences.
Amelie Lumsden-Steel who demonstrated academic excellence in English, Mathematics Methods, Modern History and Physical Sciences.
Mr Jack Machin
Deputy Principal
Spirit of Year 3
The Year 3 students thoroughly enjoyed their first inter-House Swimming Carnival on Wednesday. They all participated enthusiastically, tried their hardest in all their events, and supported and encouraged their friends beautifully. Fabulous job, girls!
Mrs Nicole Bury
Spirit - Junior School Sport
Junior House Swimming
Fahan Junior House Swimming Carnival was held at the Clarence Pool on Wednesday 2 March for girls in Years 3-6. Whilst this was an abbreviated carnival, the girls more than made up for it with their enthusiastic support of their peers and willingness to have a go in as many events as they could. A big thank you goes to the staff who were present on the day. A change of model meant that we were all pretty busy across the day but the extra effort was worth it, in order to give the girls an event that resembled the real thing as closely as possible.
From this event an Interschool Squad will be selected and a House trophy presented.
JSSATIS Swimming
Where: Aquatic Centre
Date: Thursday 17 March
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Junior Soccer
The soccer roster is now underway. It was fantastic to see so many girls down on the oval last week enjoying the game.
Mr Tim Dale
Junior Sport Co-ordinator
dalet@fahan.tas.edu.au
Spirit - Senior School Sport
Rowing
Congratulations to all Under 16 and Open rowers who competed in Tasmanian State Club Championships at Lake Barrington on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 February.
Congratulations to the following students for winning Championship events and receiving trophies:
1st Under 19 Women’s Coxed Four Jack Elling Shield - Laura Cooper, Hannah Riches, Molly Crosby, Annabelle Fry and Sophie Rolls (cox)
1st Under 19 Women’s Pair Viv Roger Trophy – Laura Cooper and Hannah Riches
Swimming
The Southern SATIS Swimming Carnival was held on Tuesday 1 March.
There were many impressive individual and relay swims and the Fahan team finished 4th in the Girls Aggregate Shield. Fahan also finished 4th in the Girls Senior Shield and 4th in the Girls Junior Shield.
Some individual achievements were:
Open Medley Relay – 3rd place – Charlotte McNeill, Laura Cooper, Hannah Riches and Amelie Lumsden-Steel
Ava Mignanelli – 3rd Under 13 50m Freestyle, 2nd Under 14 50m Butterfly
Eliza Stoksik – 1st Under 15 50m Freestyle
Ashleigh Kim – 2nd Under 16 50m Breaststroke
Laura Cooper – 3rd Open 50m Butterfly
Under 15 4x50m Freestyle Relay – 3rd place – Eliza Stoksik, Natalie Hodge, Isabel Willcox and Penelope Geappen
Under 16 4x50m Freestyle Relay – 3rd place – Ashleigh Kim, Charlotte Crawford, Georgie Hansen and Claudia Sampson
Open 4x50m Freestyle – 2ndplace – Laura Cooper, Hannah Riches, Charlotte McNeill and Amelie Lumsden-Steel
The SATIS Swimming Carnival will be held on Tuesday 22 March at the Hobart Aquatic Centre. The team is now on the Tree on the Sport Online page in the Swimming section and an EdSmart notice will be sent to all team members.
Mrs Jo Banks-Smith
Senior Sport Co-ordinator
bankssmithj@fahan.tas.edu.au
0428 031 012
Community Update from the P&F
Good afternoon everyone.
Thank you to all the new faces who showed up at our Zoom P&F meeting last month.
We approved the provision of $15,000 to the School to help them secure a new projector for the TM Hall to be used for assemblies and theatre productions. This projector will be a significant upgrade from the past product that was used for many years by the School and will be a valuable asset for all year groups.
A reminder that our AGM will be on Tuesday 15 March at Nateby at 7:00pm. This is where we elect then swear in the team for 2022. We are actively seeking new recruits and would love to see some new parents and carers. Please reach out if you have any questions about these roles. We have four executive positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary plus nine (9) general committee members. Nomination Forms have been sent out via EdSmart. Our meetings are held in the evening once a month on a Tuesday and while we hold one to two larger events during year, the time commitment is low, but the involvement is fun and a great way to meet other parents.
Wishing you all a dry weekend.
Catherine Matterson
President, P&F Association
Community - Fahan's New Pets
This week we have welcomed two new additions to the Fahan community - two baby guinea pigs. ‘Toffee’ and ‘Latte’ would love any donations of good quality hay. Please email Felicity Jacobs if you are able to help at jacobsf@fahan.tas.edu.au
Community - Year 7 Pastoral Care
Our Year 7 students are embracing the experience and opportunities presented to them as members of the Senior School.
The Year 7 Pastoral Care groups have spent time participating in team activities. We recently gathered on the Boarders’ Flat to play a few different versions of Tunnel Ball. They competed in House groups (Fenton, Franklin and Freycinet) and had heaps of fun!
Year 7 is a wonderful opportunity to welcome new friends. Aliera Woodford (who started at Fahan in Pre-Kinder) has struck up a new friendship with Scarlett Goldspink, who has just started her first year at Fahan. Aliera interviewed Scarlett about how she is enjoying her time as a new student at Fahan.
Aliera: How is Fahan different to your last school?
Scarlett: There are less people in my class and there are more subjects to do here.
Aliera: What subjects are you enjoying?
Scarlett: I’m really enjoying History, Geography and English.
Aliera: Have you made friends with anyone?
Scarlett: Yes! I’ve made heaps of new friends.
Aliera: What extra-curricular activities do you do?
Scarlett: I do rowing for Fahan which is great fun.
Aliera: How do you get to school?
Scarlett: I take the Metro bus to school which is strange to me because I used to be able to walk to school.
Ms Fiona Short
Community - Year 10 Students Help with Grassroots Recycling Effort
Tired of seeing rubbish in their neighbourhood, Year 10 students have continued the excellent efforts of teacher Felicity Jacobs; changing their community for the better.
Twice a week these teens collect the three colourful corflute boxes that are placed throughout the School and dispose of them thoughtfully and appropriately. Due to student efforts an enormous amount of rubbish is being saved from generalised landfill and diverted into far more sustainable initiatives and there are several other positive results that have come about through the efforts of these students.
It is wonderful to see students taking responsibility and leading the way in an action they care about. They are setting an example and doing something for society in a wider sense . Because of this, students say that they are far more aware of how they dispose of litter on a daily basis.
Ms Anna Forward
Community - Student Absence
Parents are asked to notify the School of student absence by 9:00am by email to absence@fahan.tas.edu.au, or by phone on 6225 1064. Once maintenance on the Fahan School App has been completed, this is also another option for informing the School of a student absence.
Students taking holidays during term time can impact on the ability of teachers, and more importantly other students, to complete programs of work effectively. If foreseen absences are unavoidable, permission should be sought from the Principal by downloading and completing the Request for Absence form available here.
Community - Orienteering Tasmania
Orienteering Tasmania is once again conducting the Autumn Twilight Series and invite students and families of all ages and skill levels to join the Wednesday twilight fun. The first event of the series was held on 16 February. Four different-length courses ranging from 1.5km to 4km are available each week at a variety of venues.
For details visit the Orienteering Tasmania website.
Community Notices
Fahan School Uniform Purchases
Fahan School uniform items can be ordered through the Flexischools website or App (Apple of Google). If a uniform fitting is required, please email Mrs Birgitta Browning at uniformshop@fahan.tas.edu.au
Canteen online orders are taken before school through the Flexischools website or App. A variety of foods are offered and healthy, nutritional choices are encouraged. Parents can also load money onto a student's ID card through the Flexischools App so that students from Year 3 may use their student card to purchase items from the canteen.
Fahan School Bus Service
For more information on the Fahan Bus Service, please click here.