A Fortnight at Fahan - Term 2, 24 June 2022
- Principal's Report
- Learning about Nature Play
- Learning about Dance
- Learning about Science
- Learning about Snug Falls
- Learning about the CBCA Sun Project
- Learning about Wonder
- Learning about Freycinet
- Learning about Cells and Microscopes
- Learning about Mount Wellington
- Spirit of Winter Solstice
- Spirit of Lumina 9
- Spirit of House Music
- Spirit - Junior School Sport
- Spirit - Senior School Sport
- Community - Lady Gowrie Fahan Pre-Kinder and After School Care
- Community - P&F Fair Friday 30 September
- Community - Uniform Reminder
- Community - Lady Gowrie Term 2 Vacation Care Program
- Community Notices
Principal's Report
Deciding on a future career path can be a complex decision and the reality is that for this generation, they may have several different occupations within their lifetime. Some of these careers have not even been thought of yet, but what is certain is that the future of work is dynamic and exciting. In response to feedback from our leavers, we recognised that we needed to make the career guidance we were giving more explicit and targeted.
Next Monday 27 June we are holding the first Careers Expo at Fahan in many years. Students from Years 9-12 and their parents are invited to attend, and we will have around 19 stall holders, including Alumni and several industry representatives who will be available for attendees to talk to. For the next two weeks following this, Mr. John Williamson will be available for students to be able to book career counselling sessions. John will be present for the last two weeks of this term and then for two weeks in Terms 3 and 4.
As you will read in the Junior School Sport report later in the newsletter, we fielded a large team of students in the Primary All School Cross Country event at Symmons Plains this week. Whilst the results from the group were fantastic, I did enjoy hearing from Year 4 teacher, David Hodgman, who accompanied the team on the day and had a lovely conversation with a teacher from another school. Unprompted, this teacher complimented David on the behaviour of our Fahan girls, having noticed the way that they provided support to each other without being told to. We often take such actions from the girls for granted and it is often nice to be reminded that this behaviour is noticed by others.
In staffing news, you will be aware that Mr Chris Summers has been appointed as Deputy Principal. I am also pleased to inform you that Stacey Maley has been appointed as Coordinator of Outdoor Education. Stacey has extensive experience in this area and a deep passion for Tasmania and the outdoors. Stacey moved from Sydney to Tasmania with her family to be able to better facilitate their love of many different outdoor pursuits. Stacey is currently working at Mt Carmel, but previously worked for many years at Pittwater House School in Sydney as their Outdoor Education Coordinator and Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator. Stacey has coordinated World Challenge trips and has been responsible for the design, development, and implementation of educational programs outside the classroom. Stacey will commence with us in Term 3.
I would also like to let you know that Andy Conlan has been appointed as Systems and Network Administrator. Andy is coming from Southern Cross Aged Care where he has worked as desktop and infrastructure support for several years. He will be bringing to Fahan School many years' experience in the IT industry, and he is very excited to be part of the IT team here at Fahan.
Best wishes
Meg Lawson
Learning about Nature Play
Children in our Pre-Kinder program, aged from three to five, embrace the opportunity to engage with nature play scenarios. These are opportunities to develop strategic thinking skills, learn to problem solve, grow self-esteem and, above all, have fun!
Our unique program at Fahan Pre-Kinder offers countless opportunities for children to challenge themselves within a safe and natural environment and experience that wonderful feeling of exhilaration as they learn just what they are capable of!
Who can remember that feeling of awe that we have all achieved when we were children swinging "as high as the sky, reaching for the clouds", using only the power of our bodies?
How did we feel? Strong, capable and empowered! Giving your child the opportunity to feel like this is something we work hard at achieving.
The greater Fahan School grounds that we explore on a daily basis allow for many of these opportunities.
Learning about Dance
This term, the Prep and Year 1 classes have been enjoying a series of dance lessons with talented instructor, Felicity Bott. Each session has incorporated a variety of movement techniques, both with and without music. The girls have been encouraged to express emotion, communicate ideas and embody characters as they improvise and explore the different elements of dance. It has been an inspiring and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Mrs Sarah Parsons and Ms Kim Menadue
Learning about Science
In Year 2 we have been learning about Forces. This week we have been experimenting with buoyancy. We have tried floating balls and fruit and making different shapes to see which ones float the best.
We have had lots of fun and have only got a little bit wet!
Mrs Sophie Baxter
Learning about Snug Falls
Last week Year 3 enjoyed a beautiful excursion to Snug Falls, as part of their Outdoor Education Program. The sun was shining and the track was not as muddy as we were expecting it to be! We enjoyed using Jayde’s flip charts to identify lots of beautiful fungi and plants along the way.
When we reached the waterfall, we were amazed at how much water there was! Some of us enjoyed drinking the beautiful fresh water. We found a gorgeous spot to enjoy our lunch and take in the breathtaking scenery.
What a fabulous time we had!
Mrs Nicole Bury
Learning about the CBCA Sun Project
Year 6 students have been invited to participate in the Children's Book Council of Australia's first-ever Shadow Judging competition.
There are eight students participating. Shadow Judging is an opportunity for students like us to share their opinions on recently-published titles for younger readers.
Shadow Judging is very interesting because it gives us a chance to be like the CBCA judges and reflect on books we enjoyed or did not enjoy.
I think it is great that authors get to hear from children who are reading their books.
Evie Imberger and Sophie Scott
Learning about Wonder
In Year 7 O English, we are about to read a novel called Wonder.
As an introduction to the text, the students undertook an activity called ‘Paper Sculptures’. They were asked to create a paper sculpture demonstrating what the concept of ‘wonder’ means to them.
The students received one piece of A4 paper each, along with access to scissors, glue and sticky tape. They were asked to explain what they created and why. This task strongly linked our English curriculum with the General Capability of ‘Critical and Creative Thinking’, which is part of the Australian Curriculum.
Mieke: I have made a thinking bubble, because wondering is thinking!
Sarah: I made my French booklet because it makes me wonder why it was published.
Margot: I made a party hat because parties are wonderful!
Scarlett: I made a stick because when I’m on walks and I see a cool stick, I pick it up. You can always wonder how long it’s been there, whether it just naturally fell off or if it was the wind. Also sticks were my childhood. A stick could be a wand or a broom.
Evie: I made a book that has got all the information sprouting out of it. When I think of the word ‘wonder’, I think of books and information.
Sasha: When I heard the word ‘wonder’, I thought of questions coming out of a box!
Ula: I made a snail because they are really small and insignificant, but they are still part of our world. I wonder why they’re there…
Ruby: I made a book because I wonder about information and I wonder about what else I can find out.
Verity: I made a book, the reason being because when you read a book it’s like a wonderland.
Aviya: When I think of ‘wonder’ I think of people looking up at the stars.
Zoe: I made a paper plane because your thoughts can travel through the air like a plane.
Alice: I made stars because I wonder how long they’ve been there…
Eliza: I made a flower because it connects to nature and I wonder when flowers first existed?
Lola: I made an eye with a person in a boat in it. I made this because it sort of makes you wonder where you can go, and how far you can go…
Charlotte: I made a tree. When I’m on a bushwalk, my mind is not as busy so I have more time for wondering.
Aliera: The word ‘wonder’ reminds me of a picture book. I used to read a lot of picture books when I was younger. I would often wonder why something happened, or what might happen next in the book.
Ms Fiona Short
Learning about Freycinet
This week both the Outdoor Adventure Skills classes went on a four day camp to Freycinet based at Richardsons Beach.
The camp was the culminating experience of the semester-long course. Students had the opportunity to sea kayak, rock climb and walk.
Wednesday was a stunning day. One group were fortunate enough to kayak down to Hazards Beach seeing seals and dolphins along the way, while the other group climbed at Lassies Wall in perfect conditions.
On Thursday, the groups swapped over with the kayaking group heading across to Muirs Beach for the day and the climbing group competing with the wind on Lassies Wall. The weather wasn’t ideal but all girls made the most of the challenging conditions.
On Friday everyone was up early to walk into Sleepy Bay to catch the sun rise. This was also an opportunity for the girls to have some some quiet time to take in the sites and sounds and reflect on their experiences over the week.
Dr Alison Manson
Learning about Cells and Microscopes
For the past two weeks, we have been studying the microscopic world in Year 8 Science. We have learnt about the parts of the microscope and have used our brand-new microscopes to zoom in on cells. We have learnt how to measure microscopic objects using micrometres, which are thousandths of a millimetre. We have also learnt how to make our own slides to view under the microscope, and have seen onion, banana and cheek cells up close. We have been careful to make our cell drawings according to the strict conventions.
Another fun activity we have done is make a model of a cell using pikelets and lollies in the Food Hub. This helped us to learn about the organelles that are found in plant and animal cells and was a delicious way to learn!
We enjoyed connecting the class work to practical work using food! Tara S and Pia A
I enjoyed using the microscopes to look at the cells within onion and banana. Jaden G
Ms Felicity Jacobs
Learning about Mount Wellington
Both Outdoor Adventure Skills classes have enjoyed several trips to Mount Wellington recently. We have been very fortunate over the past few weeks, with lots of snow falling, to have access to the mountain.
On Monday this week, one class made the most of the opportunity to reach the summit with the road clear. The group were challenged with the extreme temperatures and students learnt about the importance of layering and clothing.
We are so fortunate that we are able to see this much snow so close to home!
Dr Alison Manson
Spirit of Winter Solstice
On Wednesday 22 June the Kindergarten and Prep children, families and staff gathered together to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
We had the most wonderful turn out with giggles and squeals of laughter heard as we gathered in the twilight to being our walk around the Fahan Gardens.
Upon arrival our lanterns, made in our Art Studio Hedgelands with Mr Goodwolf, were collected from Nateby and then we stood together in a welcoming circle to say our acknowledgement to country and to sing our Lantern Song, originally written by the late Mrs Helen Stephen.
Head of the Junior School, Mrs Tania Gath, welcomed the families and to the beat of the drum our community of Fahan learners began the journey around the gardens.
Light instillations at the Octagon and the audio of our little learners was heard on our journey.
Mrs Rebecca Wiggins
Spirit of Lumina 9
It has been a busy time for the Lumina 9 students over Semester One. With an initial focus on connecting with their own individual and collective strengths, students have been exploring ways to activate their strengths to be of service to others. After pitching their fundraising and service ideas “Shark Tank” style, we are pleased to say we are down to a short list of three ideas that will come to fruition over Semester Two to support the community. Watch this space!
From here we have built on our own entrepreneurial ideas and started to move outside the warm walls of Fahan to spend time supporting the well-established charity, Variety. Each student in Year 9 has the opportunity to build hours towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award by volunteering. One way students can do this is by supporting the Monster Book Fair. The Fenton students were the first to donate their time and coordinators were impressed that they worked so efficiently packing boxes of books that they ran out of tape!
In addition to all of the above, over the past two weeks during Fahan for Life lessons we have been lucky to be joined by two very successful local entrepreneurs. Bronwyn Kidd of Sustomi shared with us her experience as a pioneer in the sustainability space and spoke about the importance of using values to drive her business and support her decision making. Bronwyn started her bees wax wrap business on her kitchen table pitching to businesses who, at the time, had not even heard of an alternate to cling wrap. Bron was followed by Rose Flynn (Fahan Alumni) who ran an enjoyable interactive session sharing with us her experience with her successful business, Snugglebuds.
The staff and students found both sessions very inspiring and we thank Bronwyn and Rose for donating their time to share with us. A link to both Sustomi and Snugglebuds can be found below:
https://www.snugglebuds.com.au/
Ms Allison Williamson and Mrs Peta-Jane Buchanan
Spirit of House Music
Next week sees the start of rehearsals for House Music 2022. This is always a fiercely contested competition between Fahan’s three Houses - Fenton, Franklin and Freycinet.
This year we have decided to choose three songs from the Australian singers songwriter Sia (Sia Kate Isobelle Furler). Originally from Adelaide, Sia has gone on to international success writing hits for the likes of Adele, Pink, Rihanna and Katy Perry. Sia writes songs that feature a spectrum of emotions and experiences. Her life, according to the artist, is about resilience and surviving in the music industry. Her songs touch on themes like strength (Titanium) empowerment (Courage to Change) and freedom to be yourself (Bird Set Free). These are powerful ballads that have great messages for everyone.
Under the guidance of Arts Chair, Meg Viljoen, Freycinet Chair, Stella Bale, Franklin Chair, Lily Bushby and Fenton Chair, Grace Smyth, we will rehearse the girls and come up with an arrangement or cover of Sia’s three power ballads, Titanium, Courage to Change and Bird Set Free.
As has been the tradition, an ensemble of eager singers is also chosen to perform a song of their choice in the competition.
House Music will be held on Tuesday 16 August at 1:00pm. Our adjudicator will be John Xintavelonas, who I’m sure needs no introduction to the musical theatre-goers in Hobart.
I am always amazed at what the girls achieve musically in this competition.
Mrs Annie Tremayne
Spirit - Junior School Sport
Primary All Schools Cross Country
The forecast for Tuesday looked terrible in the lead up to this event but the rain held off and the Fahan Junior team produced some outstanding results at the Primary All Schools Cross Country.
Taking our largest team up north, the girls gave their all in the mud and, most importantly, supported each other through a long, tough event.
A big thank you goes to Mr Hodgman, Mrs Heather, Mrs Banks-Smith and Bindi and Ben Essex for their support of the girls on the day.
Below are the results as they stand thus far, which can also be accessed here:
9 years (231 competitors):
Violet Geappen - 9th
Klara Koch - 53rd
Frankie Gorringe - 95th
Nina Viviers - 97th
Claire Costelloe - 203rd
10 years (249 competitors):
Bianca Lampkin-Smith - 9th
Maggie Davies - 10th
Olive Smith - 34th
Lottie Kingston - 37th
Madison Horne - 56th
Rose Page - 81st
Scarlett Doherty - 191st
11 years (246 competitors):
Milla Gorringe - 10th
Evie Essex - 19th
Anna McCallum - 20th
Poppy Davis - 37th
Skye Hansen - 45th
Poppy Davies - 60th
Poppy Tomlin - 62nd
Ruby Pilkington - 75th
Hannah Abbott - 119th
Charlotte Kratz - 141st
Alexandra Smith - 159th
Allegra Yuile - 210th
12 years (210 competitors):
Jemima Geappen - 9th
Grace Costelloe - 41st
Felicity Morgan - 51st
Essie Burke - 84th
Rosie Nation - 108th
Mathilda Brown - 147th
Rose Pullinger - 150th
Maisey Smith - 154th
Maya Cubit - 198th
Florence Blackwood - 199th
JSSATIS Cross Country
We now move forward to the JSSATIS Cross Country. The Fahan buses will depart Fahan at 10:30am on Wednesday 29 June and return to School by approximately 2:30pm.
A map, including times of events, will be distributed over the coming days.
Girls should bring their recess and lunch and be prepared for inclement weather. Those girls named as reserves will be notified on the morning of any absentees or illness and then can choose whether or not they attend the Carnival.
Junior Netball
The final games of the Junior Netball season have been run and won. The girls made significant progress during the course of this season. This year also stood out for the number of volunteers who were willing to assist during the roster. A big thank you goes to our coaches Denise Costelloe, Mel Hinkley, Mrs Gath and Mrs Williamson. Our thanks also goes to our team managers, Pete Leary, Chris Page, Mary Marino and Carla East, and our student coaches, Penny Geappen, Isabel Willcox, Zara Marino, Felicity Barling and Betsy Ryan. Lastly, and certainly not least, many thanks goes to those who have helped umpire, Simone Scott and Tammy McMahon. We are always extremely thankful to those willing to umpire our games. Apologies if I have forgotten anyone, there genuinely were so many willing to help out!
Junior Basketball
The JSSATIS Basketball season will commence in Term 3, with games beginning on Thursday 4 August (Years 3 to 6). The roster will run until 22 September. Please note, given the number of teams involved, there are often a number of fixtures at any venue e.g. 3:30pm, 4:15pm or 5:00pm. Trainings will be conducted during school lunchtimes. Please contact me if you wish to be involved in coaching or managing a team.
Mr Tim Dale
Junior Sport Co-ordinator
dalet@fahan.tas.edu.au
Spirit - Senior School Sport
Cross Country
Best wishes to all athletes representing Fahan in the Tasmanian All Schools Cross Country at Symmons Plains on Tuesday 28 June. The Fahan team will leave from the Fahan carpark early on Tuesday morning to travel to Symmons Plains. This is a familiar course to many runners but for others it will be their first time. We know that all our representatives will do their very best and we look forward to sharing the results.
Australian Rules Football
The First Grade Australian Rules Football team played in the SSATIS Grand Final on Wednesday 15 June against Guilford Young College (GYC). It was fantastic to see our senior team make it to the final but unfortunately they were defeated by GYC. Throughout the First Grade roster, our Fahan team played great football. They were determined, strong and spirited. They were focused and always gave their best effort. It was these characteristics that got them to the final and they should be very proud. A huge thank you goes to Leigh Crosby who has coached the team, always encouraging and pushing them to give their best. We now look forward to the Years 9/10 AFL roster in Term 3.
Winter Sports Day
A reminder that Winter Sports Day will take place on Wednesday 6 July. This is always an exciting day with lots of House spirit and plenty of House competition! Students will participate for their House in chosen sports, which include:
- AFL
- Netball
- Dodgeball
- Diamond Cricket
- Flags
- Run the Gauntlet
- Volleyball
It is always wonderful to see all students participate. A highlight is always the Students v Teachers soccer game at lunchtime. This year the students will be trying to win back the trophy from the teachers who were too strong in 2021! The tug of war is the final event for the day and is another exciting and competitive event.
Inter House Swimming Carnival
The Inter House Swimming Carnival will take place in week 1 of Term 3 on Thursday 28 July. It will be held at The Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre from 9:30am – 3:00pm. All students from Year 7 to Year 12 are to attend the Carnival.
All students are expected to swim in an event and anyone unable to swim on the day, due to injury or sickness, is to email or send a letter from their parents to their Pastoral Care Teacher.
Parents wishing to attend the Carnival are most welcome. If you would like to spend some time helping out, please email me.
Mrs Jo Banks-Smith
Senior Sport Co-ordinator
bankssmithj@fahan.tas.edu.au
0428 031 012
Community - Lady Gowrie Fahan Pre-Kinder and After School Care
At our Pre-Kinder and After School Care Program we have been working on a collaborative project to produce a ‘Spring’ themed banner to be displayed at Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) in July.
Our younger children excitedly completed much of the background with sponges diluted with water to create a washed effect. Our older children have been communicating and working together on the foreground. Each child has been encouraged to add their own ideas and designs to reflect their own voice. During their daily discussions, the children work collaboratively to ensure all their ideas are reflected in the project.
How lovely it is to see the children embrace this project and it has given us some ideas to build on this theme for the children’s future learning and experiences.
Amy Kelp
Lady Gowrie Fahan Education and Care Manager
Community - P&F Fair Friday 30 September
Planning of the 2022 Fahan Fair is now well under way, and I extend my thanks to all of the committee members who have generously committed their time to ensure that this year’s Fair will be a successful and memorable event.
Between now and the day of the Fair, you will be kept up to date about how our plans are unfolding. You will also be invited to contribute in some way – by providing sponsorship or donations, by running a stall, or by volunteering time on the day. Regarding the latter, one key area of assistance required will be setting up and packing up. We ask you all to please consider the value of a few hours of your time, as it will go a long way to making sure the Fahan Fair will be the best experience for everyone involved. We also ask you to lock in the date – yes, it’s the last day of Term 3, but we’ll make sure it is worth staying around for!
John Padas
Fair Coordinator
Community - Uniform Reminder
Clothing Pool
Fahan is now accepting clean, current uniform items in good condition for sale in the Clothing Pool. Items can be left at the School Office and must be accompanied by a completed Clothing Pool form, available from the School Office or on the website.
Community - Lady Gowrie Term 2 Vacation Care Program
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.