Fahan School eNewsletter

Principal's Report

I attended the AHISA (Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia) Biennial Conference earlier in the week. Of the many excellent speakers, one who was particularly interesting was Dr Catherine Ball, who spoke of the way technology has evolved and the direction it is taking into the future. Her insights were both exciting and concerning, but overwhelmingly positive. She spoke of the promise of some technologies to treat and potentially cure previously incurable diseases but also the way our privacy continues to be at risk.

Our job as an educational institution is to lean into the technological changes we are presented with, rather than fearing them, and use them to enhance learning. With AI in particular, students need to learn how to use it in an appropriate way and see it as a tool for learning. AI can help us to learn and work in different ways than we had previously.

However, we are still learning about what this will look like. As a nation, we are developing a responsible and ethical framework for the use of AI in education. This document will be developed by the Education Ministers Artificial Intellience in Schools Taskforce (AI Taskforce) and once completed, we should have a practical guide for schools on the safe and ethical use of generative AI. We can look forward to a future where AI has the potential to improve teaching and learning in a way that was not possible before.

For our Years 11 and 12 students, their academic year is swiftly drawing to a close. I spoke with students last week about the power of good preparation, and I hope that they wisely use their time prior to exams to not only study, but also to have some time to rest and do something they enjoy. We will all be here to support them in the weeks ahead.

I wish you all a wonderful term break.

Best wishes
Meg Lawson

Student Absence

You are reminded that if foreseen absences are unavoidable, such as holidays during term time, a Request for Absence form should be completed and returned to the School.

Notification of student absence as a result of illness should be emailed to absence@fahan.tas.edu.au, advised by telephone on 6225 1064 or submitted through the Fahan App.

Learning about the Marine Discovery Centre in Pre-Kinder

To further extend on our children’s learning and support our commitment to environmental education, we recently took the children on an adventure to the Marine and Discovery Centre at Woodbridge.

We are lucky to be able to hire the Fahan School bus to safely commute to these locations.

Our children enjoyed a range of activities that included patting and feeding a shark and a skate! Touching sea anemones, hermit crabs and other creatures, making their own aquarium, and a range of interactive art experiences extending on the marine theme learning.

Enquiry based learning opportunities. coupled with interactive experiences. saw many of the children extend themselves out of their comfort zone, putting their hands into the tanks to touch prickly and reclusive creatures.

This type of active learning environment encourages the children to explore and interact to construct meaning and gain knowledge through their own experiences, social interactions, and negotiations with others and to discover deeper meanings and make connections and form ideas between concepts, processes, and representations.

Lisa, Kelly, Vivienne Moya and Hattie
Lady Gowrie Fahan Education and Care Team

Learning about Flowers

Kindergarten children have had an ongoing interest and delight in flowers. This week, Kindergarten and Prep students wandered the Fahan gardens with Mrs Browning, who has an extensive knowledge of the Fahan gardens. She helped us to select flowers suitable for pressing. We identified and collected cherry blossoms, wind anemones, lupins, daisies and hebes. Afterwards, we were treated to a wonderful story, The Tiny Tailors, read by Mrs Wiggins in the Secret Garden behind the Hedge.

We look forward to opening our flower presses next term.

Mrs Meg Denman

On Monday this week, Years 1 and 2 went on the bus to the Botanical Gardens. When we got there, we played in an area where the teachers could see us and ate our morning tea. We saw some ducks and did roly poly’s on the grass.

Mrs Baxter and Mrs Parsons put us into small groups with a parent helper as our leader. Each group got to explore the gardens on their own. We had a scavenger hunt to complete and also used a colour wheel to find matches with the different colours of flowers and plants.

We really enjoyed going to the Japanese Gardens, The Veggie Patch and the Sub-Antarctic Plant House. Unfortunately, there was lots of rain, so we had to find shelter several times (big trees were really helpful)! The rain eventually cleared, but by then it was time to go back to School.

Thank you to all the parent and grandparent helpers for coming to share time with us.

By Evelyn, Frankie, Zara and Lily S

Students in Year 3 have been enjoying writing in different genres. One of our favourite writing tasks is to write about a given topic, using our imagination!

Last week, the students were asked what it would be like if they owned their own chocolate factory. They brainstormed ideas with a partner, wrote a description of their factory, shared these descriptions with each other, and then used black fineliner pens and watercolours to show what their factory would look like. The resulting designs were amazing and the girls enjoyed unleashing their creativity on a subject they were very interested in!

Mrs Nicole Bury

Learning about Science

On Friday 29 September, Year 4 students ran their own Science Festival of Bright Ideas for their Year 1 buddies in the Science Lab.

The budding scientists researched an experiment suitable for their buddies and then wrote a procedure for it. When they presented the experiments, they needed to explain the science behind it and how it was conducted. Experiments included oxidising apples, lava lamps, slime, Oobleck invisible ink, walking water and rainbow in a glass.

It was so much fun to see our buddies, squirt shaving cream into a bowl and mixing the slime. Nina Viviers

I loved my experiment and was proud of our set up and procedure. It was wonderful to see our buddies smile. Ella O’Connor

Something I loved about the Festival of Bright Ideas was seeing all the kids smiles when they saw the dye mix. It was also fun preparing our stand and making the posters. It was also cool seeing what colour they thought it would end up, but I wish that I wore gloves. Charlotte Crowell

With my experiment I think I should have left some eggs in the vinegar for a bit longer. It was really fun. I loved setting everything up and showing everything. Violet Geappen

Mr David Hodgman

In Health in Year 8, students have been undertaking a unit called Getting Gritty. We have explored resilience, grit, the grit formula, normalised struggle and learnt about healthy mindsets for striving, such as having a 'growth mindset'.

Students applied their knowledge by creating board games in small groups to demonstrate their understanding. During the process, students reflected that they needed to apply their learning of resilience and grit while grappling with making a board game about resilience and grit (that also met the standards on the rubric). This was intentional, and required students to think deeply and dialling up the strengths of creativity and cooperation. The outcome showed all groups had successfully applied their learning and came up with some excellent results.

Ms Allison Williamson

As part of the Lumina 9 program, all students undertake learning about self-defence. Students learn about how to carry themselves in the world in ways that make them less likely to become a target while potentially walking alone at night, or travelling abroad in a place they may be less familiar. The program teaches awareness and basic strategies to deescalate or remove themselves from danger, if they find themselves in a space where they feel threatened, and helps to build confidence for students to use their voice and their bodies in protective ways, if ever required.

Ms Allison Williamson

On Wednesday in Years 9/10 Drama, we filmed segments for our play using a green screen, lighting and wigs. To assemble the wigs there were many specific steps, but it was a lot of fun to learn and work it all out. In the end, once the wigs were on and secure, a few of the students had photos and videos taken which will later be edited and put into the production. Each student being photographed had to portray their character.

This whole process was great fun, and we are excited to see how it will look up on the stage.

By Beth and Georgette

Spirit of Year 4 Camp

From 13– 15 September, Year 4 students headed off to  camp  at  Southport.  

For many girls, this was their long camp.  The girls supported each other beautifully throughout the challenges of being away from home. We were spoilt with three glorious days of sunshine.  The happy campers did a wonderful job participating fully and  wholeheartedly in all the activities.  These activities included a walk to Duckhole Lake through a rainforest, navigating Hastings Cave tour, bushcraft, beach games and fossicking for gemstones at Lune River.    

I was in team All Blacks and we had an amazing experience.  We went for a bushwalk.  I loved Hastings Caves and really liked touching the huge crystal. Mia Karacic  

Camp was great - I really enjoyed hanging out with friends, especially cabin time. I loved eating popcorn watching the movie. Sienna Marino

I loved cooking marshmallows and hunting for gemstones. I found lots of gemstones and three leeches underneath my sock. Mischa Modrovich

Our thanks to Fahan Outdoor Education Staff, Andy Moylan, Daisy Maning and Abigail Woolley. 

Mr David Hodgman 

On Sunday 24 September, eight students from Years 5 and 6 competed in the annual Relay Competition hosted by the Mathematical Association of Tasmania.

Fahan entered two teams and joined a division of 38 teams from other schools. Each team had to work through 20 mathematical problems that increased in difficulty – as the questions became harder, there were more points to be won. Teams had 45 minutes to complete as many questions as possible. There were some very tough questions this year, but both Fahan teams worked well with their team mates to solve them.

It was an exciting atmosphere at the event, especially as the time counted down. Everyone was eager to earn the highest score overall!

Congratulations to Freya, Madison, Caroline, Audrey, Deeksha, Hannah, Skye and Chloe for their amazing efforts leading up to the event and during the relay!

Mrs Kathryn Lumsden-Steel

Spirit of Lumina 9 Outdoor Education Camps

In Week 9, the entire Year 9 cohort embarked on a thrilling adventure that will be etched in their memories for years to come – the Annual Outdoor Education Camp. This week-long journey was designed to be an enriching experience, challenging students in new ways and fostering personal growth in the heart of Tasmania's natural beauty.

The Year 9 students had a range of exciting options to choose from, ensuring there was something for everyone. Whether they were hiking around the picturesque Freycinet circuit, navigating the scenic mountain biking trails in St Helens and Derby, paddling their way through the pristine waters of the Gordon River in canoes, or participating in a multi-activity camp at Southport, each trip offered unique opportunities for learning and growth.

One of the primary goals of this outdoor education program was to empower our students. Activities were carefully curated to help them develop vital life skills. Throughout the week, students were challenged to step out of their comfort zones, fostering self-confidence and the ability to tackle challenges head-on. They encountered various problem-solving scenarios that required teamwork and creativity, allowing them to enhance their critical thinking skills. Leadership skills were honed as students took charge of tasks and decisions, teaching them valuable lessons in responsibility.

The outdoor camp also presented a remarkable opportunity for our students to build and strengthen their relationships with their peers. As they worked together to overcome obstacles, they formed lasting bonds built on trust and cooperation. Friendships deepened, and new connections were forged, creating a more cohesive and supportive School community.

Amidst all the adventure and personal development, our students had the privilege of immersing themselves in the natural wonders of Tasmania. From breathtaking vistas to serene waters, they had the chance to appreciate the remarkable beauty that lies right on our doorstep. This connection with nature is invaluable, instilling a sense of stewardship and respect for the environment that will stay with them throughout their lives.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the committed staff and guides who worked tirelessly to make these camps a memorable experience for our students. Your passion for education and the outdoors has had a profound impact on our young learners.

Below are some student recounts of their week:

Derby

On Monday 18 September, we set off on our mountain biking camp to St Helens and Derby. We were all very excited for this camp, and it didn’t disappoint. We developed our mountain biking skills on the awesome trails at St Helens and Derby, especially enjoying the downhill berms on the Hazy Days track. We took turns cooking dinner for the group, with bolognese on Monday, stir-fry on Tuesday, pizza on Wednesday and chicken curry on Thursday.

Our highlight from camp was swimming at Swimcart Beach in St Helens, the rock pools at Derby and the Derby Lake after a hot trip to the sauna. A huge thank you to all the teachers for organising this incredible trip.

By Tara Sciberras

Gordon River Camp Highlights and Overview
Our adventure began bright and early at 6:45am on Monday morning, where we set off for a six-hour bus ride to Strahan. From there, we sailed on the yacht ‘StormBreaker’ for a further six hours until we arrived at St John Falls. We then hiked in the dark with all of our gear along the riverbank to get to our campsite. The next morning, we set out for a trial canoe while heading upwind, which we soon found to be increasingly challenging! Afterwards it was back to our campsite for lots of Uno as the bad weather had set in. On Wednesday the river had flooded - so much so that the jetty the boat dropped us off at was now entirely under water! So, we decided to go for a hike in our canoeing gear through the water, and adventure into the forest in search of the ruins of a house a family had once lived in. Some fondly named these ruins ‘mossy rocks’. It was a very steep hike to the top of Sir John Falls, where some of us encountered leeches. We canoed over a stretch of water, and stopped at the flooded jetty. We waded through the water, and some brave souls went for a proper swim! On Thursday, the water and wind had dropped quite significantly, so we were able to canoe. We ended up canoeing 20km (the distance we were meant to canoe in a week) to the next jetty, where the boat picked us up. We intended to camp at the campsite near the jetty, but the boat kindly picked us up and sailed us to Strahan before nightfall. On Friday morning we departed the boat, and set off on our six hour bus ride home.

Overall, we had a fabulous time, and would love to say a massive thank you to Mrs Maley and Mr Firth who made the trip possible, Mr Coulson, Jade and Elias for accompanying us on our journey, and the amazing crew of ‘StormBreaker’ who went above and beyond to make our lives easier, and ensured we had a great time.

Some highlights of our journey include;

Sailing on the yacht ‘StormBreaker’ across Macquarie Harbour, and down the Gordon River to Sir John Falls
Experiencing the wonderous views of the Gordon River from a canoe on our 20km journey
Hiking to the Sir John Falls Cabin in the dark with our gear after departing from the boat on the first night
Sleeping on the boat
Playing Uno for four hours straight in the cabin while drinking hot chocolate as the stormy weather closed in
Seeing whole trees pass us by along the river
Wading through the flood water on our journey towards the ruins
Watching the height of the river drastically increase throughout our stay
Hiking in our wetsuits, life jackets and wetsuit boots

By Tiger Somerville

Southport

The Southport Camp was amazing. We had a week full of fun activities and amazing views. We went for a bush walk which we all enjoyed. We went kayaking, which was an awesome opportunity for us to take in the amazing scenery. We did pottery with Mr Summers, which was a wonderful way to show our creativity by making little pinch pots and sculptures. We also went gem fossicking and found loads of agates and citrullines. On the last day we got to go into Hastings Caves. This was our highlight, there were so many crystals to admire and we were able to learn all about the history. Overall, Southport was a great opportunity filled with amazing activities, people and beach walks.

By Maisy Baker

Mrs Stacey Maley

On Thursday, the Fahan School Alumni Association hosted the Year 12 Thank You Breakfast, which provided each Year 12 girl the opportunity to invite a special person who has supported them throughout their School journey.

Even though we left the School some time ago (some longer ago than others!!) the feeling entering the final term of your Fahan education is the same as this year’s leavers – exciting and terrifying.

As the journey through their Fahan education comes to an end, they will have mixed emotions about leaving this beautiful School of ours.

However, with every ending, there is a new beginning. Instead of being students, they will be Alumni.

We welcome the girls to engage with the Alumni community and we wish them all the very best with their final term and beyond.

Mrs Fiona Pringle-Jones
Co-President
Fahan School Alumni Association

Junior House Athletics

Last week the Junior School conducted its House Athletics Carnival. Whilst the days leading in were windy and wild, thankfully by Thursday conditions had settled down and although there were moments of cold, there were also welcome moments of warmth!

The girls competed strongly, with great numbers in the optional 800m and 400m events. The level of fashion in the Late for School race seemed to have risen and, as usual, there were some outstanding performances on the track, in the pit, and at the vortex.

Congratulations to Matt and Ruby Pilkington for their victory in the Parent/Daughter Race and going 'back to back'. The racing was highly competitive, with more than a few tight hamstrings post-race!

A big thank you goes to our officials and helpers on the day; Hobart Districts Athletics Club for use of their timing gates, Ben Essex, Lauren Jauncey, Lewis Utting and all the staff who supported the event on the day.

A JSSATIS squad has been named. This presently remains a squad, as there are still many conversations to be had. A training schedule will be available on the first day of Term 4.

House points have been calculated and congratulations goes to Franklin once again. This makes it 5 in a row, but the other Houses are closing the gap, and quickly!

Franklin: 724
Freycinet: 651
Fenton: 594

2023 Tasmanian All Schools Track and Field Championships

The 2023 Tasmanian All Schools Track and Field Championships will be held at St Leonard's Athletics Centre on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October 2023.

This competition is open to all school students in the U14, U16 and U18 age groups (as at 31 December 2023) and in 10yrs (born in 2013), 11yrs (born in 2012) and 12yrs (born in 2011) age groups.

For more information visit https://www.tasathletics.org.au/events/200562/

JSSATIS Athletics

When: Thursday 9 November
Time: 10:00am to 2:30pm
Where: Domain

Back up day (Monday 13 Nov)

Basketball

The Basketball season concluded last week. The girls' enjoyment of this sport only seems to grow and it seems a long time since this roster first commenced and Fahan only had 1 or 2 teams across Years 3-6. Many thanks to our coaches and team managers; Mark McConnon, Mrs Bury, Mrs Marino, Mrs Parsons, Mrs Baxter, Mrs Denman, Pete Leary, Mrs Dalton and Djirilina Burton.

Term 4 Sports

Training for Term 4 sports will get underway in the first week of Term 4. Fahan will field three Touch Football teams and one Years 5/6 Cricket team.

Unfortunately, there were not enough numbers for Years 3/4 Teeball, so we will run a lunchtime Teeball game for any Years 3/4 students who wish to participate. All they need to do is bring a mouthguard and meet Mrs Baxter outside the staffroom on Tuesday at 12:45pm.

Mr Tim Dale
Junior Sport Coordinator
dalet@fahan.tas.edu.au

Thank you to everyone for a fantastic term in Sport. I look forward to an exciting Term 4 and hope everyone keeps active during the school holidays!

Basketball

Congratulation to the Year 8 Basketball team who won the SSATIS Div 2 Grand Final on Monday 25 September. The team consisted of Sophie Bradfield, Sarah Berner, Evelyn Bullard, Mia Ciscon, Aliera Woodford, Chloe Colquhoun, Bridget Hesford, Sasha Keogh, Ula Lagden, Zoe Mansfield, Emily Zhang and Imogen Milford. They played against St Mary’s in a close game. The improvement in this team throughout the term is to be commended and they always played with plenty of determination and sprit! Thank you to Tom Mansfield, Emma Thompson and Sienna Woodford for coaching, and to Richard Colquhoun for being team manager.

Year 9 Fahan and St Patrick’s College Sports Day

On Tuesday 26 September, our Lumina 9 students hosted Year 9 Students from St Patrick’s College, Launceston. Students participated in Australian Rules Football, netball and chess.

Fahan won the Football in a close game and St Patrick’s College were victorious in the netball and chess.

At the end of the competitions, all students were treated to a bbq lunch at the Barn. It was wonderful to see our Lumina 9 students outside in the Spring weather enjoying the events.

Sailing

Congratulations to the Fahan Sailing team who travelled to Sydney this week to compete in the Inter Dominion Teams Sailing Championships where Australia competes against New Zealand. The team consisted of Abbey Willcox, Grace Hooper, Evie Gray, Isabel Willcox, Sarah Reynolds, Aviya Lincolne-Lomax and Islay Smith. Our Fahan team was invited to compete, and they should be extremely proud of their efforts. Fahan came 4^th and were part of the Australian Team that triumphed over New Zealand. Thank you to Fahan Alumna, Amy Potter (who has trained the team this year), Jodi Willcox and Emma Hooper who were the team managers for this trip, and Mr Chris Wood for organising the team and supporting them.

Term 4 sailing information will be put on the Tree once we receive it. Thank you to all the students who have signed up, it is exciting to see strong numbers. We have entered two teams in the competition.

Touch Football

Touch Football games will begin in week 2 of Term 4, with training commencing in week 1. Team lists and information will be put on the Tree during the school holidays. Students who have signed up to play are expected to wear Fahan sports shorts and Fahan t-shirt (not House t-shirts) and football boots for all games. All games will be played at Wentworth Park with Years 7/8 games on a Monday afternoon and Years 9/10 games on a Wednesday afternoon. Rosters will be put on the Tree on the Senior Sport page once they are finalised.

Tennis

Tennis games will begin in week 2 of Term 4, with training commencing in week 1. Team lists and information will be put on the Tree during the school holidays. Students must wear Fahan t-shirt and Fahan sports skirts. Years 7/8 games are on a Tuesday afternoon and Years 9/10 games on a Monday afternoon. Rosters will be put on the Tree on the Senior Sport page once they are finalised.

Australian Rules Football

Australian Rules Football games will begin in week 1 of Term 4, with training commencing in week 1. Games are on Thursday afternoons. Team lists and information will be put on the Tree during the school holidays. Students must wear Fahan sports shorts and Fahan football socks and should also wear Fahan t-shirt and rugby jumper to games. Football jumpers will be given to students at the game and students are required to wear football boots and mouthguards when playing. Rosters will be put on the Tree on the Senior Sport page once they are finalised.

2023 Tasmanian All Schools Track and Field Championships

The Tasmanian All Schools Track and Field Championships is on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October at the St Leonard’s Athletics Centre, Launceston. Fahan will not be attending this event as a formal team, but individual athletes may enter and entries are now open. All information regarding entry can be found through the following link: https://www.tasathletics.org.au/events/200562/

Please note, this registration is completed on an individual basis without the School entering or supervising a team.

From this event, athletes are selected to represent Tasmania in the 2023 Australian All Schools Track & Field Championships, which will be held in Perth from Friday 8 until Sunday 10 December 2023.

Mrs Jo Banks-Smith
Senior Sport Co-ordinator
bankssmithj@fahan.tas.edu.au
0428 031 012

A student survey revealed it is parents who children will most likely ask for book recommendations.

In Term 3, parents of Years 3 and 4 students were invited to join Library sessions to share a favourite picture book and explain how they use reading every day. This is a powerful way to make reading more visible and to celebrate the role parents and grandparents play in their children's reading journey.

Thank you for supporting our Living Libraries program. The students enjoyed the visits!

Mrs Meg Denman and Mrs Sue Cole

Community - Fundraising for Ukraine

After lots of searching in pockets and behind couch cushions, the moneyboxes were tallied this week with a huge effort from a some groups in the Senior School in particular. The total amount of money raised from this exercise was $1150 which, when added to our total from an earlier bake sale of $202, made a grand total of $1302!

Shout out to the winning groups: Year 11 - their money tin was almost too heavy to lift - and 7 Freycinet. Other groups with significant amounts of money raised were: 7 Fenton, 7 Franklin, 8 Freycinet, 10 Freycinet and the Year 12s. We are still a little short of our goal of $2,300 to buy a generator for a Ukrainian school. We have a couple more fundraisers we are running:

Dress as a teacher for a day – the two teachers who receive the most money added to their jars will be dressed up by the Year 12s for a day early in Term 4
Guess the number of lollies in the jar (will be run throughout Term 4)

Thank you.

Aria Ritz
Community Chair

Important Notes

Second Hand Uniform

The Uniform Shop is no longer accepting second hand uniform items for sale.

School Canteen Contact

As previously advised, Amelia Edwards has taken over from Birgitta Browning as the Food Services Manager and can be contacted at edwardsa2@fahan.tas.edu.au for any Canteen-related queries.

Community - Lady Gowrie Vacation Care

Lady_Gowrie_Tasmania_Fahan_Spring_Vacation_Care_Program.pdf

2024 Term Dates

2024 Term Dates have been finalised and are available through the link on the left panel of the newsletters, the School website, Fahan App (under links on the bottom right hand corner) and below.

2024_Term_Dates.pdf

Community Notices

The Uniform Shop is open for appointments during the following times:

Tuesdays: 8:30am - 4:00pm
Thursdays: 11:30am -4:00pm

Parents are able to make an appointment via email for a fitting uniformshop@fahan.tas.edu.au. Students may visit the Uniform Shop during recess, at lunch time, or after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Fahan School uniform items can be ordered through the Flexischools website or App (Apple of Google). All uniform orders placed via the Flexischools App will be delivered to Reception for Senior School orders and to the classrooms for Junior School orders on Tuesdays and Thursdays during term time. Please allow two days notice for delivery of orders placed before 4:00pm (three days for orders placed after 4:00pm).

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.

Flexischools Website

Fahan School Bus Service

For more information on the Fahan Bus Service, please click here.

A Fortnight at Fahan - Term 3, 29 September 2023

Principal's Report

Student Absence

Learning about the Marine Discovery Centre in Pre-Kinder

Learning about Flowers

Learning in the Botanical Gardens

Learning about Writing

Learning about Science

Learning about Resilience and Grit

Learning about Self-Defence in Lumina 9

Learning in Drama

Spirit of Year 4 Camp

Spirit of Maths Relay

Spirit of Lumina 9 Outdoor Education Camps

Spirit of Year 12 Thank You Breakfast

Spirit - Junior School Sport

Spirit - Senior School Sport

Community - Living Libraries