Fahan School eNewsletter

Principal's Report

As we draw the curtain on another academic year, our School Community has much to celebrate and reflect upon. The past few weeks have been filled with milestone moments and achievements across all year levels, marking a fitting conclusion to 2024.

Our Years 11 and 12 students have finally breathed a well-deserved sigh of relief as their TCE examinations concluded last week. The dedication and resilience they have shown throughout this challenging period has been truly inspiring, and we could not be prouder of their efforts.

The TCE Art Exhibition, which I had the pleasure of attending last Thursday, was nothing short of extraordinary. Under the expert guidance of Ms Alex Pitt and Dr Helen Wright, our students showcased incredible artistic talent and creativity. The exhibition was a stunning celebration of our students' artistic journey and achievements throughout the year. We will farewell Helen Wright at the end of the year as she retires after a wonderful 20 years of sharing her expertise with our students. Helen is an outstanding artist herself, and we are so fortunate to have had her teaching at Fahan.

On Tuesday, the Kinder-Year 2 Infant Sports Day brought pure joy to our youngest community members, with beaming smiles and enthusiastic participation, making it a truly heartwarming event. Meanwhile, the recent Orientation Morning for Prep to Year 7 buzzed with excitement as we welcomed future students and their families to our School Community, and current students moved to their new classes for the first time.

As we look ahead to our final assemblies and Speech Night, there is a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. These events will provide fitting opportunities to recognise and celebrate the numerous achievements of our students throughout 2024.

With the long summer holidays approaching, it is time for the Fahan Community to take a well-earned break. We hope all our families will have the opportunity to spend quality time together.

On behalf of all staff, I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. To our students, families, and staff - thank you for your contributions to making 2024 such a memorable year.

Enjoy your imminent break, stay safe, and make the most of this special family time!

Best wishes,

Meg Lawson

2025 Back to School Information

Back to School information for 2025 is available on the Fahan School website using this link: https://www.fahan.tas.edu.au/back-to-school.

Information includes:

Booklists and purchasing details for Years 3-12 in 2025
Device requirements
2025 Term Dates
Uniform Shop bookings
Updated School Bus information

Booklist Ordering

For Years 7–12 in 2025, Fahan School has appointed Box of Books as the supplier of textbooks. Please note Box of Books has advised that texts must be ordered by Sunday 8 December 2024 to guarantee delivery in time for Term 1. Requirements for Kinder to Year 2 in 2025 will be provided by the School.

Back to School Uniform Appointments in 2025

The Uniform Shop will be open by appointment before School resumes so that you can ensure your daughter has the complete and correct uniform. Appointments are available from 28-31 January 2025 through this link. Students in Years 1 to 12 are required to wear brown school shoes.

For current students, if a fitting is not required, we encourage you to make purchases online through the FlexiSchools App.

Office Hours

The School Office hours during the holidays are 9:00am – 3:30pm. Please also note the following:

Friday 13 December 2024: CLOSED from 11:00am
Monday 16 December 2024 to Friday 3 January 2025: CLOSED
Monday 6 January 2025: Office reopens 9:00am–3:30pm

Please contact the School on (03) 6225 1064 or fahanschool@fahan.tas.edu.au if you have any queries.

Uniform Shop Closed for Stock Take

The Uniform Shop will be closed on Tuesday 3 December for stock take.

Learning in Pre-Kinder

Art Exploration

Our Pre-Kindergarten children have been diving into creativity in art class! They practiced tearing paper—a task designed to build dexterity and control—and used the pieces to carefully decorate a large, vibrant caterpillar. This activity not only supports their artistic growth but also enhances attention to detail and encourages individual expression.

We are thrilled to see their skills and creativity blossom!

Heena, Tiffany, Sean and Lee

Learning about Fishing in Year 4

On Wednesday 27 November, Year 4 had planned to go fishing at Marieville Esplanade but unfortunately there was a huge thunderstorm. Instead of fishing there, Mr Hodgman came up with plan B which was to go down to the creek at Fahan.

We made our own fishing rods out of sticks from the Willows, string and a paper clip. We also sailed our replica First Fleet boats that we made at the start of the year in History.

When we returned to the classroom because of the rain, everyone made a fish out of paper and a paper clip, then we went around the classroom catching everyone else's fish. It was so much fun!

By Eve Wallace, Anna Doust and Lucy Jones

On 8 and 15 November, Year 5 classes visited the State Library.

Our guide, Julia, told us about all the different book sections and how all the State Libraries are connected. We also found out that you can put a book on hold and that you have 10 days to pick it up.

Some people without a library card got their first one at the State Library so we all had a chance to read and borrow books. We were amazed at how many books and categories there were at the Library. Ultimately, we were all satisfied with our books and can’t wait to return.

By Emmaline, Amélie, Carla, Claire and Claudia

Last week, four Year 9 students had the opportunity to attend the Science Experience, which is a 2-day series of fun workshops for Years 9 and 10 students hosted by UTAS. The students thoroughly enjoyed their time at the experience and made the most of the opportunity – learning new skills, meeting new people, talking to experts and discovering potential careers. Thanks to UTAS for offering this amazing experience.

The Science Experience was something new and I learnt so much about how universities operate. I met many people who worked in all areas of science and even got a chance to experience what the students go through and do experiments myself. I really liked how much variety we had, we visited to a marine centre, a chemistry and biology centre and even checked out the medicine building. I even found a career I might want to pursue in the future which made me really happy. Overall, I would definitely recommend this experience to students who are still figuring out what they want to do. Aime Hsu

Learning about the Universe

This week, both Year 10 Science classes visited the Mt Pleasant Radio Telescope and Grote Reber Museum at Cambridge. Students were split into two groups and were given a tour of the Museum where they were able to try different interactives, and a tour of the control room for the giant telescope. Finally, they were shown three short 3D films in the Museum’s cinema.

The students found the excursion interesting and a nice way to finish off their studies of the universe this year. Here are some comments from the students:

I really geeked out during this excursion; talking through the dishes and seeing the room filled with old technology was really awesome. Shavenya

I loved talking to my friend through the dishes! Sofia

I really enjoyed learning about radio waves and what they use the satellite for. Eleanor

I really enjoyed learning about how the telescopes work as well as how they pick up and use the radio waves to model our observable universe. It was really interesting learning about how and why the site began, as well as how UTAS is utilising it now. Olivia F

I enjoyed talking through the telescope, because it felt like you could hear the other person in your head. Millie

I found the control room totally mind boggling. Tiger

I enjoyed the 3D movie at the end. I liked looking at the big telescope and learning about the history. Maisy

I found the museum very interesting, especially seeing the telescope control room and learning how it works. I also enjoyed watching the videos and learning more about space. Alice

I enjoyed learning about the big telescope and how big it is and watching the movie. Hannah

My favourite part about today was when we were in the control room learning about how they program the telescope and other cool things. Kate

I found learning about Grote Reber's legacy fascinating and I enjoyed being able to see inside the control room. Chloe

Bella and I both enjoyed talking to each other through the satellites as we thought it was very interesting, and we liked learning about how it worked! Emily

I enjoyed watching the 3D videos as it was engaging and a fun way to learn information! Bella

I enjoyed seeing the telescope in person and the insights behind how it all worked. Amelia

My favourite part of the excursion was looking at all the computers in the big room. Harriet

And finally, from Mr Wood: I learnt that Harriet had a lot of great questions about radio astronomy.

In Year 3, we have enjoyed a variety of special Christmas activities, including making clay tree decorations, designing a new ‘Rudolph’, making 3D object paper decorations and, perhaps our favourite of all, making our own Christmas houses using biscuits, royal icing and sweet decorations. We learnt that the tradition of making gingerbread houses at Christmas time originated in Germany between the 16^th and 18^th centuries.

Don’t they look gorgeous!

A big thank you goes to Sophie, Zara and Tess for coming in to do this with us – so generous of you!

Mrs Nicole Bury

On Thursday 21 November, Year 6 students hosted a French high tea themed lunch to thank teachers who have been involved with us throughout our years in the Junior School. This lunch took weeks of preparation to come to completion and we were all extremely happy to witness the final product.

After three weeks of planning in our groups, the day of the event was busy and full of nerves and excitement as we struggled to quickly set up what was a very successful event. We hung fairy lights, set up trestle tables and finalised our design just as teachers began to arrive.

Firstly, members of our entertainment group gave speeches whilst members of our cooking group delivered the beautiful food they had worked so hard to make, which included generous platters of filled baguettes, blinis, mini quiches, meringues, madeleines and mini eclairs. The first raffle was soon drawn and Mrs Gath was happy to claim her box of chocolates and a 3D-printed keychain as her prize. Guests soon were enjoying their food and the two games, ‘Pin the Beret on the French Teacher’ and ‘Limbo Under the Baguette’, as lunchtime progressed. A second raffle was drawn as teachers swapped over duties and this time Mrs Denman was very happy to receive her prize.

As the event drew to a close, more speeches were given and we all began busily cleaning up and putting our classrooms back in order.

Overall, we all enjoyed the event and it was an incredibly fun way to test and strengthen our preparation and hospitality skills. Our five groups: Logistics, Marketing, Design, Entertainment, and Cooking would all like to give a massive thanks to Mrs Heather and Mrs Steel for making this event possible; it could not have been done without you.

Year 6 Lunch Marketing Team - Madison, Freya, Tully, Scarlett, Chloe

Last week we celebrated the culmination of a year of exploration, experimentation, effort and enthusiasm with the final exhibition of artwork from Visual Art and Art Studio Practice students. The students, family and friends enjoyed seeing the work exhibited and the opportunity to showcase their creativity. It was really exciting to have the work together in the TM Hall and is a testament to the effort and energy they invested throughout the year. The students have all worked so hard this year, coming in on weekends and days in the holidays to complete their folio of work. The highlight for me is seeing the huge variety in the work and the way everyone has followed their own path and created such a strong body of work reflecting their personal expression. We are really proud of every student this year and congratulate them on the outstanding exhibition.

Ms Alex Pitt

Congratulations to Year 11 student, Nina McLean, whose entire body of artwork was selected by the TASC Assessment panel as the "Examiners Choice" for Visual Art 3 this year.

The work will tour the state along with the ArtRage Exhibition and it is a wonderful achievement for Nina and the School to have been selected.

ArtRage is Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery's annual exhibition showcasing the work of Tasmanian secondary students. The selected works are produced by Years 11 and 12 students studying Visual Art or Art Studio Practice as part of their Tasmanian Certificate of Education. The students’ work explores themes that have inspired them throughout the year and are an invitation to reflect on how it feels to be a young person living in the world today. There is a vast array of subjects, media and artistic styles on display. ArtRage is a celebration of the art makers of the future, and an acknowledgement of the schools and teaching community who have helped shape and guide them.

Ms Alex Pitt

Spirit of Ignite!

Earlier this week, the Ignite! class celebrated the culmination of their work at the Ignite! Showcase.

Families and friends came to experience the fantastic range of projects that students have worked on over this half of the year. This subject offers the opportunity for students to follow their passion and develop skills in an area of learning not otherwise able to be experienced in the standard curriculum.

There was a tremendous range of projects undertaken including: a collection of edgy short story fiction, a large scale artwork, an Etsy store selling a range of handcrafted goods such as bracelets, scrunchies, and masks, a research project into crop production of animal feed, a cookbook plus food blog, a marketing and development plan for a range of bespoke jewellery, a video clip for a song, and a book on Collingwood and its players' profiles in the 2023 final.

Besides supporting students in following an area of passion, the program fosters skill development in time management, organisation, community engagement, and responding to feedback. It was inspiring to see the level of creativity and innovation demonstrated by these students, and the event was enjoyed by all present.

Ms Stephanie Hogan

Japanese Teachers' Network Tasmania (JATNET) offers the opportunity for learners of Japanese from around the State to take part in the annual Tasmanian Japanese Speech Contest.

Year 10 students have to respond in detail to 14 questions and speak for up to 5 minutes in category 10B, and respond to 12 questions and speak for up to 4 minutes in category 10A.

Year 7 students prepare and recite from memory a self-introduction speech of 22 sentences.

Congratulations to the following students:

Year 10 B: Alice Bergman – 3rd place
Year 10 A: Chloe Groom – 2nd place
Year 7: Caroline Senkbeil – Honourable Mention
Year 6: Gertrude Bradford - 2nd place
Year 5: Mahveen Mudasir - 3rd place

In 2024 there were 50 schools teaching Japanese across the state and 25 schools were represented at the Speech Contest presentation ceremony hosted by the Governor and Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers. Alice and Chloe, along with Gertrude in Year 6 and Mahveen in Year 5, received their prize certificates for placing in the competition at this ceremony on Friday 22 November.

I would also like to thank all students who worked hard and participated in the try outs and encourage everyone to keep striving in their Japanese language learning.

Ms Kate Saliba

Spirit of Year 10 Camp

I thoroughly enjoyed the hiking. Bella

I loved abseiling at night. Tiger

The view of Wineglass Bay from Mt Amos was well worth the early wake up. Tara

I was very grateful to have had the opportunity to walk up Mt Amos and enjoy the stunning view. Chloe G

The rock climbing was by far the standout of camp. White Water Wall was stunning, and the visit from the whales and seal added to the adventure. Ella

I found the rock climbing really enjoyable and rewarding. Aspen

I enjoyed seeing the whale and seal when rock climbing and playing beach games. Amelia

All the activities were so good as well as the games on the beach in the afternoons. Zara

I loved seeing the baby whale up close, great views on mountains and just being with my friends while enjoying the amazing nature. Emma

I really enjoyed having the opportunity to abseil at White Water Wall and had a great experience rock climbing and whale-watching there too. Ruby

The most memorable activity for me was stand up paddle boarding for the first time on Richardsons Beach. Sofia

I thoroughly enjoyed the School camp, particularly snorkelling and the beautiful views! Shavenya

I loved stand-up paddle boarding and snorkelling, where we saw a sting ray. Eleanor

I really enjoyed cooking up a storm making bacon and egg muffins for breakfast on the Trangia with ruby. Emily

I enjoyed my jar of Nutella! Harriet

I loved that our last camp was all together as a grade, but i especially enjoyed the afternoon swims. Chloe A

I loved swimming almost every day with my activity group, as well as seeing whales and seals when rock climbing. Liv

I enjoyed watching the whales while we were rock climbing and making jokes with Mr Coulson's bear, Nathaniel. Sarah

On 27 November, the Years 9/10 Outdoor Adventure Skills classes went riding along the Pipeline Track and then walked into Wellington Falls. We were fortunate enough to have a view of Cathedral Rock as the cloud cover cleared and had lunch shortly after at the Falls.

The ride back down was enjoyable as we just glided down with the slope.

Zara Bury and Sarah Reynolds

Term 4 Sport

This term, students participated in cricket, touch football, and tee ball. All teams showed significant improvement throughout the season, developing their skills and teamwork. Thank you to all the coaches and managers who volunteered their time to help with these teams.

Infant Sports Day

Earlier this week, our Kindergarten to Year 2 students took part in the annual Infant Sports Day, a fun-filled event with perfect weather conditions.

The students had the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities, including running, throwing, catching, jumping, and balancing, through a range of exciting activities such as sack relays, obstacle courses, 70m sprints, and hurdles.

The day highlighted the skills students have been developing throughout the year. A big thank you to all the parents who came to cheer on the children and make the day even more special.

Gymnastics

Over the past three weeks students from Years 1-6 have been travelling to Kingborough Gymnastics Centre once a week to participate in a gymnastics program. This program offered students the chance to improve their balance, strength, and coordination through various activities. It was a fantastic experience for all involved, and we are excited to continue incorporating such programs into our School’s sporting curriculum.

Term 1 Sporting Sign-Ups

Early next year, students will have the opportunity to sign up to Term 1 sporting options. You will receive an EdSmart early next year about the sign-up process.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday and I look forward to an exciting sport-filled 2025.

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

Tennis

Congratulations to all the tennis teams for a fantastic term of Tennis. A special mention to the Year 8 Orange team who won the SSATIS Grand Final against Friends’ on Tuesday 26 November – Sophie Unwin, Phoebe Dilger, Sigrid Zeeman and Molly Smith. We had seven teams in total from Years 7 to 9 compete in the SSATIS roster this term. All teams finished in the top 3 teams in their competitions – am amazing effort! A huge thank you to Mrs Buchanan and Mr Ken Allanby for coaching all the teams and to all the team managers.

Touch Football

Touch Football rosters have all finished. Congratulations to the Year 8 team who played in the Grand Final against MacKillop College on Monday 25 November. Unfortunately, they were defeated but they worked hard throughout the game and had an excellent second half. Thank you to Andrew Grigor for coaching the team. Congratulations also to the Year 7 team and the Years 9/10 team who played for 3^rd place in their competition. Both teams were defeated but played competitive games with excellent sportsmanship. Thanks to Mrs Lambert, Mrs Buchanan and Mrs Maley for coaching and managing these teams.

Sailing

This term Fahan had two teams entered in the after-school racing program, run on Wednesday afternoons. The teams had a mixture of wins and losses with some exciting racing. Thank you to Mr Wood for coordinating the sailing and supporting the teams.

An EdSmart about Sailing Camp for 2025 will be sent shortly so please ensure you have submitted your response if you wish to attend. Sailing Camp will be on Thursday 30 January at SBSC.

Athletics

Best wishes to Year 10 student, Amelia Steedman, who will represent Tasmania in the National All Schools Track and Field Championships in Brisbane from Friday 6 December to Sunday 8 December. Amelia will compete in the 100m, 200m, Long Jump and Triple Jump in the U17 Womens age group. We look forward to hearing the results and hope that she enjoys the experience.

Triathlon

On Thursday 28 November, 56 Senior School students competed in the All Schools Triathlon held at Bellerive Beach. All Fahan competitors did very well and competed with true Fahan spirit. Congratulations to everyone for their efforts. The conditions were not ideal, however they all got out there and did your best!

Rowing

Best wishes to the U13, U14 and U15 rowers who will compete in the Junior Quad Scull Sprint Regatta on Saturday 7 December at New Norfolk. The Open and U16 rowers will also compete at New Norfolk. They will row in the Ally Cashion Long Distance race on Sunday 8 December. The Opens and U16 will also compete at Lake Barrington in State Pennant 4 on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December.

Term 1 2025 Sports

Sport sign ups will be done in January 2025, with Term 1 sports as follows:

Year 7 and Year 8:

Volleyball – Games on Tuesday afternoon
Soccer - Games on Wednesday afternoon
Cricket - Games on Thursday afternoon
Sailing – Wednesday afternoon
Rowing – continues from Term 4 2024

Year 9 and Year 10:

Volleyball – Games on Monday afternoon
Soccer - Games on Tuesday afternoon
Cricket - Games on Thursday afternoon
Sailing – Wednesday afternoon
Rowing – continue from Term 4 2024

1^st and 2^nd Grade:

Basketball - Games on Wednesday afternoon
Tennis - Games on Thursday afternoon
Volleyball - Games on Monday afternoon

The House Athletics Carnival will be held in Term 1 on Friday 14 February.

I am always inspired and proud of the enthusiasm and dedication our students bring to sport at Fahan. I deeply appreciate their vibrant Fahan spirit, their readiness to step up when teams need support, and their determination to give their best effort. As we approach 2025, I look forward to seeing the same commitment, pride, and teamwork that defines Fahan students’ approach to sport.

A huge thank you to everyone who has coached or managed a sports team this year. Your expertise, help and support are always appreciated. If any parents are able to help manage or coach a team in Term 1, please contact me at bankssmithj@fahan.tas.edu.au

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

Spirit of Olympic Change-Maker

Congratulations to Hannah Sheen, who was one of only 28 students from around Australia to be selected to attend the 2024 National Olympic Change-Maker Summit in Canberra this week. The Australian Olympic Change-Maker program, run annually by the Australian Olympic Committee, celebrates students who embody the Olympic spirit by demonstrating leadership and creating positive change in their schools or communities.

Hannah stayed at the Australian Institute of Sport and, together with her peers, presented ideas on the opportunities of the Brisbane 2032 Summer Olympics to maximise sustainability, benefits of sport, social inclusion and regional and remote areas.

To recognise their contribution to their local communities and to the Olympic movement, the Change-Makers were also awarded a commemorative medal. Well done, Hannah!

Mrs Jo Banks-Smith

This week I had the privilege of attending the Australian Olympic Change-Makers National Summit in Canberra. Alongside 27 other students from across Australia, we came together to come up with various initiatives that could be implemented leading up to, during, and beyond the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Additionally, we participated in a variety of collaborative games and leadership workshops where we all shared our stories. Throughout the summit, we worked with all the change-makers and a range of Olympians including Zac Stubblety-Cook, Chloe Dalton, Sam Fricker, Keesja Gofers, Milly Tapper and Elka Whalan, to share our ideas and further create positive change in our communities through sport.

In smaller groups we focused on a pivotal idea that is extremely relevant leading up to Brisbane 2032, with mine being sustainability. We came up with various innovative ideas including a return and earn initiative at the Olympics, harnessing the kinetic energy of the Games to be converted into electricity, and a range of sustainable public transport solutions. We then proposed these notions at Parliament House to Olympic leaders including AOC President Ian Chesterman, CEO Matt Carroll and Chef de Mission Anna Meares, Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells and various other Olympians. We also sat in on Question Time for the House of Representatives, and were able to meet the Speaker, The Hon. Milton Dick, in his personal chambers.

Overall, it was such an incredible experience where I was able to deeply connect with new people, grow as a person, and form lifelong friendships, with it being truly life-changing. Hannah Sheen

Fahan - Lady Gowrie Vacation Care Program

Fahan_Summer_Vacation_Care.pdf

Community - Information for School Leavers

The Services Australia website has some great information to support students finishing secondary school, whether they are interested in working, doing an apprenticeship or traineeship, or doing further study.

Youth Allowance for students and apprentices and ABSTUDY are the main payments students may get. There are also other payments for students who need to move away from a regional or remote area to study. Students can find out more at servicesaustralia.gov.au/leavingschool. In particular, the interactive school leavers video that can be found on this web page is a fun way to find out about student payments, Medicare and more.

Medicare benefits
If Year 12s haven’t already, they need to add a bank account to their Medicare account to get Medicare benefits. They need to do this whether they have their own Medicare card or choose to stay on their parents’ card. They can find out more at getting Medicare benefits.

Resources
The School Leavers Resource eKit on the Services Australia website has been updated for this year.
It contains many different resources that explain Centrelink payments and how to get started with myGov. Download the eKit at servicesaustralia.gov.au/schoolleaversekit