Fahan School eNewsletter

Principal's Report

This week has been one of mixed emotions. It has been the last week of lessons for our Year 11 and 12 classes before swot vac next week, followed by exams. This morning, our Year 12s conducted their Farewell Assembly with fellow students, staff, and their families present. This was both a time of sadness and reflection as their last school days were brought sharply into focus.

It is the task of the Year 12s to decide on the recipient of the Helen Stephen Award, which is given out at this Assembly in memory of our esteemed Junior School teacher who passed away in 2019. This was established by the Year 12 Class of 2019, and the citation of the award is as follows:

Mrs Stephen was such a kind, generous, nurturing and joyful teacher. The award will go to a staff member who displays some of the qualities that Mrs Stephen had, such as the ability to listen deeply and without judgement, connect with students’ interests and passions, instil a love of learning, has a collaborative relationship with parents and is nurturing, gentle and compassionate. The award will be a perpetual shield as well as a copy of Winnie the Pooh, which is a story that Mrs Stephen treasured deeply.

This year, the worthy recipient was Ms Holly Lutzow, French Teacher and Head of Fenton House.

While there were tears early in the day, this was followed by the happy and exciting occasion of the first Kindergarten Orientation session, where we welcomed our Kinder class of 2025 for the first time.

Of course, this edition of Fortnight at Fahan cannot go by without mentioning that today is also the highly anticipated Fahan Fair, run by the Parents and Friends' Association. The organisation of this happy Fahan Community event has been capably led by P&F Chair, Michael O’Connor. There are so many who have contributed to this event, and I would like to thank them all for their time and effort in putting together what I know will be a wonderful evening.

I hope to see you all there!

Best wishes,

Meg Lawson

Fahan Twilight Fair Starts at 4:00pm Today!

We can't wait to see you at the Fair. Check out the program of events so you can plan your visit. Don't miss out on this fantastic community celebration! See you from 4:00pm.

Fahan School Twilight Fair Program

Learning in Vacation Care and Pre-Kinder

Our vacation care children enjoyed a busy and fun-filled program.

This allowed for a wonderful extension for our Pre-Kinder children as they all benefited from a range of planned experiences.

Sewing and cooking with Fahan Educational Assistant, Kate Bowler, was a highlight of our program this Spring with all the children making a soft toy of their choosing. Extending on our wonderful connection with the School by having Kate join us for the holidays was of such benefit to all our children.

Excursions to see the Richmond Bridge and Earthenry Flower Farm extended on our local engagement with the broader community.

As always, play at the Rivulet and Sandy Bay Beach encouraged the children to engage in nature-based play experiences.

In the last few weeks, the Pre-Kinder children have been having a wonderful time playing in the mud at the Rivulet! The recent rain has turned our outdoor space into a fantastic exploration zone. This experience ties into our lessons on nature and the importance of caring for our environment. What a joyful way to learn and connect!

We look forward to a fun and busy final term of the year.

Lisa, Heena, Hattie and Kate

The Year 1 students were absolutely delighted to have Ms Fiona Short’s Year 7 English class visit them recently. The older girls have been very busy creating and publishing their own original children’s picture books and they could not have had a better audience than the Year 1 class. The room was buzzing with energy and stories were read with wonderful enthusiasm and expression. There were some interesting conversations taking place about illustrations, storylines and publishing techniques, which offered a brilliant learning experience for both age groups.

Mrs Sarah Parsons

In Year 4, students have been learning about forces in Science. They identified the types of forces acting on objects and investigated, through experiments, the effect of frictional, gravitational and magnetic forces on the motion of objects. In one experiment, they learnt about gravity by dropping from the same height, different sized and weighted balls to see which one landed first. In another experiment, learning about magnetic forces, they made a compass using a needle, leaf and a magnet. The students magnetised the compass to point north. Both magnetism and gravity are non-contact forces. Though we cannot see the contact force, we can see the effect it has on objects.

Mr David Hodgman

Every year, the Hobart City Council invites students from schools within the Hobart Municipality to brainstorm ideas for improving the local community.

This year, Abbey Lodge and Lucy Taylor were chosen by their peers for their innovative ideas. Abbey proposed repairing a local jetty, while Lucy suggested a community cooking initiative.

Mrs Gath attended the Children’s Mayor Morning Tea with Freya Boost, who represented Abbey in her absence, and Lucy.

The Honorable Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds opened the event with a speech highlighting the importance of listening to young voices, as they represent the future of Hobart. Numerous excellent ideas will be showcased in the Hobart Town Hall foyer for viewing. Lucy received a Highly Commended certificate for her contribution.

Mrs Ingrid Heather

Learning about Ancient Egypt

In Term 3, Year 7 students took a deep dive back in time to explore all different aspects of Ancient Egypt. After being inspired by our trip to the Classics Museum at UTAS, we were asked to begin a research task and create an artefact to display with it, like a real museum. You could choose between taking a thorough look into a specific topic that you had a passion for, or you could do three small tasks based on your interests and skill set. Something that many of us had never encountered before was the use of 3D printers in our learning, which we found to be an incredible way to display our work.

After working hard to research our chosen topics, we finally displayed them in a museum-like way. We were really glad that the Years 3 – 6 students were able to come and experience our learning too.

By Allegra Yuile

This week we were lucky enough to spend some time with Tanya Pitt, mother of Zoe Pitt, who is also a Donation Specialist Nurse Coordinator with DonateLife Tasmania. She spoke to us about her role as a nurse and how she helps families facing the decision to donate their loved one’s organs. We also heard about the legalities and processes involved in preparing for organ donation, and why the donor always remains anonymous. It was a fascinating talk about a sensitive issue. We also enjoyed the Q&A session afterwards. Tanya's talk was extremely informative!

It was very informative and eye-opening to hear all the behind-the-scenes processes and details that need to happen before organ donation can occur. Did you know that one person can save 7 people through organ donation? Issy Willcox

The talk was really inspiring and I really liked learning about how Tasmania has the highest rate of organ donation of all the states. It made me think more about my own decision of whether to donate my organs. Evie Gray

I was interested to learn that kidneys were by far the most donated organ and stomach and intestines the least – only one has been donated this year. Also, that you are 100 times more likely to require a transplant than you are to donate. Emily Jones

Thanks to Tanya for her amazing talk. I learnt lots that inspired me for my future hopefully in the medical field. Lucy Groom

Spirit of Performance

Junior School students Eleanor Segal, Mila Schramm and Rose Page, recently participated in the children’s chorus of La Boheme with Opera Australia. This was both a wonderful opportunity and an amazing achievement for our talented students.

The students auditioned for the opportunity by submitting a video of themselves singing and were successful. They performed in two shows at the Theatre Royal in August. The girls said it was fun both on stage and backstage and they enjoyed meeting the cast and making new friends. Another highlight was getting to wear pyjamas and crazy hats!

Spirit of Camp in Year 5

Last week, the Year 5 students enjoyed an overnight excursion at Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula. The Port Arthur Historic site is Australia’s most significant historic site associated with male convicts. The focus of the overnight excursion was to immerse the students in colonial history which complements our inquiry-based work on the impact of British colonies in Australia. This week, Year 5 will continue with their studies by visiting the Cascades Female Factory.

Mrs Susan Wright

Ava Mignanelli (Year 9) is to be congratulated for coming runner up in her entry to the Young Tasmanian Writers’ Prize 2024. This is a highly competitive competition and this year's judges were greatly impressed by the high standard of writing in all the entries they received. Ava’s story can be read on the Forty South website: https://www.fortysouth.com.au/young-tasmanian-writers-prize.

Spirit of Exchange

My name is Apolline Dorrière and I have been staying in Hobart as a French exchange student for the past three months. I am from Hermanville-sur-mer, Normandy, France - a very cold place on the channel coast. I have been living with Pia and going to Fahan School. I have had a great time exploring Tasmania and experiencing school in Australia. I have enjoyed having short days at school and meeting all the nice people. I also love the school beanbags!

My school in France is also a small school, but unlike Fahan, it is coeducational and no schools in France have uniforms, however I have found the school uniform at Fahan easy. We have long days and lots of schoolwork, and for that reason Australian school is way better. We also do not have the fun subjects that are available here. For instance, we have no Outdoor Ed in France. The winter in France is much colder unfortunately, and I wish we had a school swimming carnival in France!

While staying with Pia we have stayed at Bruny Island, Maria Island, Freycinet, we hiked Frenchman's Cap, and we spent eight days in Cairns. We have also done heaps of baking, and I joined Pia at her running trainings. I really loved the hot weather of Cairns, and I had lots of fun with Pia and her friends; at school; and in hiking Frenchman's Cap.

I am sad to say goodbye to Tasmania, but I must return to my intense last year of school in France. I will definitely come back to Tasmania!

Spirit of Giving - Lumina 9 Halloween Bake Sale

On Monday 28 October, as part of Lumina 9, the Year 9 cohort organized an exciting Halloween Bake Sale to raise funds for our chosen charity, Variety Bike 4 Kids. The event was a delightful success, featuring an array of homemade treats that included cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and colourful jelly.

Thanks to the hard work and creativity of our students, as well as the generous support from the School Community, we raised just over $800. This impressive amount will significantly contribute to helping children in need across Tasmania.

We are incredibly grateful for your donations and support, which have made a real difference in the lives of many kids. Your participation in our Bake Sale not only made it a fun and festive event but also helped us to spread joy and provide much-needed resources to those who need it most. Thank you for being part of this meaningful initiative!

By Holly Durovic and Camilla Cox

Spirit of Year 9 Outdoor Education Camps

This year, our Year 9 students had the opportunity to choose between two exciting Outdoor Education experiences: a multi-activity camp at Southport and a Bushwalking and Kayaking expedition at Fortescue Bay.

The camp experiences were intentionally structured to offer a dynamic environment for students to develop skills that are essential in both personal and academic life. Leadership was fostered as students took on roles that required them to guide their peers, make decisions, and take responsibility for group outcomes. Teamwork became a natural part of daily activities, as students had to work together to achieve shared goals, whether it was setting up camp, navigating a challenging hike, or coordinating in kayaking sessions.

Problem-solving and critical thinking were embedded in many of the camp’s challenges. Students were often faced with situations requiring quick decision-making and the ability to think outside the box. These moments tested their ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, which in turn strengthened their resilience.

Communication was key to success in all tasks, as clear and effective interaction among students was necessary for coordinating activities and ensuring safety. The need to communicate openly and listen actively promoted mutual respect and understanding within the group.

Additionally, the camp provided a unique opportunity for students to cultivate independence. Away from the comforts of home, they were responsible for their own well-being—managing their time, belongings, and personal needs. This built their self-confidence, as they learned to rely on their own judgment and abilities.

Resilience was a core takeaway from the experience. Whether overcoming physical challenges, adapting to new environments, or pushing through moments of fatigue, students learned the value of perseverance.

Lastly, environmental stewardship was a significant focus, encouraging students to connect with nature, understand their role in protecting it, and practice sustainable behaviours. These experiences not only deepened their appreciation for the environment but also instilled a sense of responsibility toward preserving it for future generations.

Here are reflections from each group, sharing the highlights of their time on camp and the personal growth they achieved.

Southport:

A portion of the Year 9 cohort attended an enjoyable and adventurous camp at Southport, staying in cabins that added to the adventurous spirit of the trip. The days were packed with activities that were testing the girls in their skills and spirit. Students enjoyed fossicking, exploring the wonders of Hastings Cave, and relaxing in the hot springs. A creative pottery session added a hands-on experience, but the highlight for many was surfing.

Evenings were filled with fun as students took part in various night-time games organised by their peers. The camp also featured a MasterChef-inspired competition, where students collaborated to create delicious desserts. The trip was a great opportunity for students to bond, learn new skills, and make enduring memories.

The MasterChef was a great way to spend time and bond over funny moments.

The surfing was really fun, and I love playing ping pong. Holly Durovic

By Lola Wills

Fortescue Bay:

Group 1

On 23 September, a group of Year 9 students embarked on an action-filled, challenging adventure down at Fortescue Bay. Half of the week was spent engaging in kayaking whilst the other half was spent walking a part of the Three Capes hike. Each day brought new challenges and memories as we navigated through the Tasman Peninsula. Each day, we set up camp in tents and cooked our meals, allowing us to establish a sense of independence among us.

Over this exhilarating week, we made countless memories with each other and took advantage of every opportunity that arose in front of us, making the week even more fun. Some of the most enjoyable highlights of this camp included;

I enjoyed connecting with my peers and becoming closer to them. Hermione House

I enjoyed getting hot chips at the end of the fun week. Zoe Mansfield

I really enjoyed creating a close bond with the girls in my group over this week. Camilla Cox

Overall, our camp down at Fortescue Bay was a delightful experience for everyone. We all had a blast.

By Bridget Hesford

Fortescue Bay Group 2:

On the first day, both groups drove up to Port Arthur to temporarily stay the night at a campsite due to bad weather before we could attack a thrilling and courageous week. On the second day, both groups dispersed their separate ways, the first group drove over to Fortescue Bay and embarked on a fun opportunity to sea kayak around several bays near Fortescue. As the second group, we woke up bright and early, starting the fun week with walking to Bare Knoll from Fortescue Bay. With our big backpacks on, we begun trekking up and down hills until we reached the campsite. Here, we stopped to have a quick lunch, set up our tents, and finally take our heavy backpacks off. Furthermore, we kept walking to Cape Pillar and up The Blade later that afternoon. Though, there were a few frightful faces as we walked the steep and narrow incline, we witnessed spectacular views from the top and across the Peninsula.

Wednesday, we packed up at Bare Knoll and ventured on another long and exciting day of walking to Cape Hauy. At this point, there were lots of blisters and sore feet, but the breaching whales, sunny weather, and great views made it all worth it. Later in the day, we trekked further back to Fortescue Bay to swap campsites with the first group and have some well-deserved dinner.

Thankfully Thursday came around and we could all give our feet a rest as we tackled on a day on the water sea kayaking. We kayaked around the water on Fortescue Bay, Canoe Bay- where we saw a shipwreck from the 1900s, and almost around to Bivouac Bay. This day was very much enjoyed by all, and we finished with several of us going for a cold swim on Fortescue Beach.

It was Friday, and unfortunately, it was our last day on camp. We had two decisions: we could hop back on the water and try and get around to Bivouac Bay, or we could take on the third and final Cape Raoul. Ultimately, we decided to complete the third cape to tick off the box. We were all so glad that we made it to the lookout, we even got to see a group of almost half a dozen whales breach atop of the water, as well as a pod of dolphins trying to surf some waves. To finish off such a physically enduring, but very fortunate venture, we grabbed some fish and chips on the way home. It is safe to say, everyone was very pleased with the camp and took on so many opportunities and challenges with such a positive and encouraging attitude. We would all like to thank all the staff that took part in making this exploration possible for us, and hope to experience more challenges like this in the future.

By Camilla Cox

Term 4 Sports Update

Teeball
Our Years 3/4 Teeball Team is actively participating in the JSSATIS roster this term. They enjoyed a fantastic first game last week, learning the rules and having fun on the field. Just a reminder, Teeball training takes place on Tuesdays during lunchtime on the oval.

Touch Football
We are thrilled to have two Years 5/6 Touch Football Teams in action this term. Both teams played their first matches this week, displaying impressive enthusiasm and teamwork. Well done girls! Training for Touch Football is also held on Tuesdays at lunchtime on the oval.

Cricket
This year, we have entered both Years 3/4 and Years 5/6 Cricket Teams. Both teams played their first matches on Monday and reports indicate they had a great time. Training sessions for the Years 3/4 team are on Mondays at lunchtime, while the Years 5/6 team trains on Wednesdays in the gym.

A big thank you to our dedicated volunteers who are coaching and managing these teams. Good luck to all our players!

Athletics Training Reminder
Athletics training for the JSSATIS Athletics Team takes place on Mondays and Fridays at lunchtime on the oval. Students are reminded to bring their running shoes to participate in trainings. A big thank you goes to Rob Masey who has been coming along to these trainings and coaching the girls. We really appreciate him volunteering his time to do this.

JSSATIS Athletics Carnival
On 7 November, we will have a team of 40 students competing at the JSSATIS Athletics at the Domain Athletics Centre. The event will be a day filled with running, jumping, and throwing, starting at 10:00am and finishing around 2:30pm. Best of luck to all our athletes who are competing!

Years 5/6 Soccer Clinic
Over the past two weeks, our Year 5 and Years 6 students had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a soccer clinic hosted by Hobart City FC. Students learnt to control the ball using different parts of their feet and practiced exciting new tricks. The clinic concluded with small team games, allowing them to showcase their new skills. Thank you to Hobart City Technical Director, Alby Hooper for making this experience possible!

Let’s keep the momentum going this term as we celebrate teamwork, skill development, and sportsmanship!

Mrs Katy Stewart
Junior Sport Coordinator
stewartk@fahan.tas.edu.au

Spirit - Senior School Sport

Term 4 sport began last week and it is great to see Fahan enter a large number of teams across the sports.

Tennis

Fahan has 5 teams in the Years 7/8 roster and 1 team in the Years 9/10 roster. It is fantastic to see such strength in the number of students playing tennis. It has also been wonderful to see students from all year levels have a hit at lunchtimes and enjoying the game! These students include ones who have signed up in a team this term as well as those who have not signed up to play tennis but who are just having a hit for fun.

Touch Football

The Year 7 and Year 8 Touch Football Teams began their roster last week and are already looking like very strong teams. The Years 9/10 team played their first game last week as well and are looking forward to the upcoming games this term.

Sailing

In Term 4, Fahan has two teams entered in the Teams Racing Competition. Both teams sailed in their first races this week. All races are on a Wednesday afternoon at the Sandy Bay Sailing Club.

Athletics

Best wishes to all athletes who will represent Fahan in the Tasmanian All Schools Track and Field Championships at the Domain Athletics Centre on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November.

These students are – Tené Terblanche, Milla Gorringe, Evie Essex, Amelia Steedman, Hannah Sheen, Pia Abberton and Charlotte Cutrale.

Golf

This term students have been given the opportunity to learn to play golf. Golf is a growing sport amongst young people, and it is great to see the interest from our students. There are 18 students from Year 7 to Year 11 participating and we hope they continue to enjoy the game. Christian Rainy, from the Kingston Beach Golf Club, has been coming to Fahan and we hope to visit the Kingston Golf Course for our final session.

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

Community - Win a Rowing Ergo at the Fair!

A new fundraising raffle has been launched to support Fahan Rowing with the chance to win a brand-new rowing ergometer. All proceeds will go toward supporting Fahan Rowing.

The ergo will be a great addition to your home gym! Tickets will be available at the School Fair at the Fahan Rowing Stall.

With ergo competitions, raffle tickets, SHE Foundation ribbons and manure bags to be sold, you won’t want to miss out! Come in appropriate attire (for the ergo competitions) and let’s have some fun!

Don’t miss this chance to support the rowing community and win an incredible prize!

Community - Seeking Donations for a Sustainability Stall

The Sustainability Committee in the Senior School is aiming to hold a Christmas stall at the end of the year. We will be selling handmade, upcycled crafts.

We need your help!

Do you have any of the following items that you could give to us?

Bottle caps
Corks
Plastic bags
Old CDs or DVD discs

Please drop these into the School Office or send with your child to give to Miss Jacobs.

Thank you for your help!

Years 7-12 Sustainability Committee

Community - Helen Wright Exhibition

Fahan Artist in Residence, Helen Wright, has an upcoming exhibition at Bett Gallery, Some stories are worth telling, running from 22 November through to 14 December.

There’s a thread running through Helen Wright’s artwork that ties together her concerns over environmental, social and political issues. Breathtaking and alluring, her latest works continue to offer a deep connection to these themes.

Community - NAPLAN 2025

Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in 2025 will be sitting NAPLAN between 12 and 24 March 2025

The National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning at school. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for, and students are not expected to do so.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process – it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance; however, students and parents may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.

NAPLAN has been held in March since 2023, having previously taken place in May. This change was made so school systems would have access to results earlier in the school year. These results can then be used to inform teaching and learning plans for the remainder of the year.

Why NAPLAN is conducted online

NAPLAN online provides a better assessment and more precise results.

One of the main benefits of NAPLAN online is that it uses tailored (or adaptive) testing. This means that students receive questions better suited to their abilities, so they can show what they know and can do.

Online testing also allows us to provide a wide range of accessibility options to support students with disability to access NAPLAN.

Feedback from students is that they find the online test more engaging.

Please note that students in Year 3 complete the Writing Test on paper.

Parent information brochures and other resources

Your questions answered on NAPLAN and what it means for your child:

NAPLAN information brochure for parents and carers

The link will take you to the official National Assessment Program (NAP) website.

Please contact the School if you have any further queries.

Community - Commissioner for Children and Young People

The Tasmanian Government is creating a team of people called a “Commission” to stand up for the rights and wellbeing of all children and young people to make sure they have a good life.

They want to hear from you about your views and ideas for how this new team should work and will make sure the Government knows what you have to say.

You can have your say through the following link -New Commission Postcard Activity - CCYP

Have your say by 15 November.

Uniform Shop Reminder

Uniform items can be ordered online through the Flexischools website. You can also download the Flexischools App for Apple or Android.

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).

Appointments can be made during term time by emailing Birgitta at uniformshop@fahan.tas.edu.au.

Student Absence, Late Arrival or Early Departure

Notification of student absence for any reason, including illness, late arrival or early departure, should be submitted through the Fahan App, emailed to absence@fahan.tas.edu.au or advised by telephone on 6225 1064 or. Requests for planned absence (eg sporting events, family events, etc) are now also advised through the App and are no longer required to be submitted on the Request for Absence form.

Please do not email notifications of absence directly to teachers.

Community Notices

Fahan School Bus Service

For more information on the Fahan Bus Service, please click here or email buses@fahan.tas.edu.au

A Fortnight at Fahan - Term 4, 1 November 2024