2012 Issue 3 - Tasmanian Academy

2012 Issue 3

Janet Sims
Newstead College Principal
We are now beginning one of the busiest times of the year for College students. Major
pieces of assessments are due in many subject areas. Some students will be preparing
for examinations while others ensuring they complete all the competencies required in
vocational courses. In addition students need to be planning for 2013. Enrolments for
year 11 students will begin in the first week of term three, following a course information
forum at the end of term two. Parents are very welcome to be involved in the enrolment
process. Students who wish to be considered for a year 13 need to write a letter to me
outlining their reasons. In addition, many year 12 students will be completing applications
for further education and getting their resumes tidied up. Our careers room is open every
day to assist students.
This year has been a productive one in the area of Performing
Arts. The decision to not do a major musical production allowed
us to focus on smaller ‘in house’ creative events giving students
the opportunity to develop their skills in many different areas. The
year began with the successful presentation of Shakespeare’s A
Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Kelly Wilson, performed at
the Earl Arts Centre and the Newstead College Auditorium.
Midsummers Night Dream
Throughout term 1 students from the Production class presented
dance, drama and musical items at assemblies and at The
Launceston Competitions in the lead up to the Sustainability
Dinner in mid-June. This event provided further opportunities for
our singers, musicians and technical theatre students, as well as
students studying catering, hospitality and computer graphics. The
dinner was a great success and Danette Haas, Chris Cabalzar and
Roger Francis, along with our students and local businesses, helped
raise money for the Cambodian trip headed up by Jeff O’Brien in
late November along with 13 year 12 students.
Sustainable Living Dinner
Last week the Production class presented an hour long show, Sustainable Living, featuring original music, dance
and drama. The three performances were well received and audience members were impressed by the
standard of the students’ original works and the depth of talent, particularly in the music area. Songs written and
performed by Heloise, Mia, Dana and Alex were outstanding. Our students have learned much about using their
own resources and creating a creative program with minimal cost. Many of our cast were also part of National
Tree Planting Day, which fitted in beautifully with our sustainable living theme.
Term 2 concluded with a performance of Alice in Wonderland presented by the Drama 2 class, again performed
in the auditorium, directed by Simon Rigby. It was a fun show, with music and dancing and an incredibly
dedicated cast of young performers.
Other events this term have included the Rock Series Challenge and the Launceston Competitions:
Contemporary Music Sections which again provided our technical theatre students, under the expert guidance
of Nic Parker, with authentic learning opportunities.

On Wednesday 11th July this year, we had about 30
representatives from a wide variety of future providers came
to visit our students, to share information and answer questions.
They included many different UTAS faculties and schools,
including law, psychology, arts, government, sciences, as well
as accommodation services and scholarships, Polytechnic
representatives, global and local volunteering programs,
Centrelink, employment and recruitment agencies, and
Pathway Planners. It was wonderful to welcome back one of
our ex-students, Melissa Groom, representing the UTAS faculty
of Health Science. Melissa is in her second year at UTAS,
studying Pharmacy. Many students found the information they
collected useful for their future planning, while others were
surprised to discover some options they had not previously
considered. The VET Business class provided invaluable
assistance with the event, including the production of signs,
and publicity materials, meeting, greeting, and helping the
visitors. We would like to thank all those who gave of their
time to participate in this Career planning event.
Speak for the Trees, this year’s National Tree Day
theme was actively celebrated on Friday 27 of July.
Students from the current production, Sustainable
Living, On Stage!, planted native trees and shrubs on
campus to mark the occasion and celebrate this
worthy programme.

Lots happening for outdoor students since the last newsletter.
Geocaching: finding containers placed around the campus
grounds using a GPS unit.
Mountain Biking: Lots of trips to develop skills
and riding capacity. Students were involved in
activities on campus, at Youngtown, Heritage
Forest and Kate Reid Reserve.
Bushwalking: Classes have completed a number
of day walks including Lobster Falls, Mt Arthur and
Copper Cove.
Two three day trips to complete the Freycinet Circuit have also
just been undertaken.
Outdoor Cooking:
The Pancake Cookoff
(Outdoor Master Chef)

The Newstead Netball team has just completed their 2012 season. The
girls finished 4th on the ladder after some extremely tough competition
from the three private schools in Launceston. The early mornings proved
difficult for some of the players as they braved temperatures only just
creeping past freezing most mornings.
We improved steadily over the course of the season and put in some of
our best performances towards the end of the roster. Hopefully all the
Year 11 girls will continue on next year and be the leaders of the team as
we aim at finals in 2013.
The 2012 team was Kirsty, Taylor, Danni, Simone, Simone, Katelyn,
Courtney, Ashlee, Ayesha and Marley. Thanks to Sallee Whitehead
for helping out and Jasmine for filling in when we were short of
players.
&
Sunday the 12th of August was the last game in Tasmania
for 2012 and this concludes our game day program for 2012.
The Hawthorn Football Club and Newstead College would
like to thank the students, Maddie, Maddie, Lauren, Emily-
Rose, Caitlin, Lucy and Shannon who have given up their
weekends to engage with the HFC staff, players, members
and the community. It has been an enriching experience
for all involved and Newstead College would like to thank
Shayne Stevenson, Emma Davis and Brayley Coombes for their
commitment and ongoing development of the partnership.

College
Music
Another busy time since the last newsletter has seen our contemporary
groups all play at our annual Rock Challenge Play-off on Thursday Aug 9 in the
auditorium. The night is designed as a showcase of our talented musicians and
an opportunity for our sound and lighting students to practice their art.
The stage setup, sound and lights were very professional and looked and
sounded great all night. The acoustic section was very tight with some
exceptional performances from the 12 acts. The judges for the night (exstudents
Sara Neep and Summer Edmunds) chose Mia to represent us at the
northern heat of the Rock Challenge after a very emotional performance.
The six bands were again very close in the judging with new bands Treehouse
of Wrestlers and Shwinigan chosen to represent the college.
Thanks to Nic, his audio and lighting crew and to our judges Sara Neep and
Summer Edmunds for their work.
The actual Rock Challenge on Monday night August 13 at the Boathouse saw
our acts perform very well, but all were unfortunately not chosen to represent
the north at the state final, making it the first time in 9 years we were not
represented in the final.
Our success at the Rock Challenge has been unparalleled in recent years with
4 rock section and 3 of the rock state wins and 5 second places in 8 years, an
enviable record in the 22 year history of the rock challenge.
Two of our acts, Treehouse of Wrestlers and Mia will be eligible to represent us
again next year so we hope this experience spurs them on to greater things.
On Friday night, August 17, three of our students, Evangeline, Gabrielle and
George performed for a function at the Royal Park Queen Victoria Museum
on a beautiful Collard and Collard grand piano built in 1897. This piano had
only recently been donated to and restored by the museum.
Our production sees many original songs written and performed by our students
in what has been a very busy time in completing, arranging, rehearsing and
performing these songs. Well done to Mia, Alex, Dana and Eloise for their
fantastic pieces.
The Rock Series Tour happens in the last week of term where the high school
rock bands and our own acts visit, Kings Meadows High School and the City
Campus to conclude the Rock Series program.
Last but by no means least- The Rock Music Summer School for 2013 is already
being organised with some fantastic tutors and performances planned to
celebrate our 21st year- Australia’s oldest and best Rock Summer School!
To be held on the week of Jan 7-13 it promises to be a week not to miss for all
contemporary musicians and audio engineers. Forms and special prices for
Newstead students will be available soon.

Newstead College would like to thank the Russell family on their generous donation of the drum kit
and guitar rig in memory of their son, Mitch Russell. Mitch Russell was a well-respected and highly
valued Newstead College student. Our present music students have respected and appreciated the
opportunity to play and to record on a quality electronic kit with its many and varied special effects
and sounds. The guitar rig has already been used in one concert and is situated in our top band
room. It is used every lesson and is a cherished acquisition to the college.

This year’s whole college production has taken on a life all
its own with lots of curriculum areas becoming involved in
our theme, Our Year of Sustainable Living.
The dinner, held on June 29th in our Student Common Room,
was part of this whole school enterprise which both staff and
students embraced enthusiastically. Our catering, hospitality,
music students and staff made food for this event, such as
the cheese, smoked meats and utilised produce grown and
harvested right here on campus.
We would like to gratefully acknowledge the staff, students and generous suppliers for their support
of the dinner. All profits and proceeds went to sustainable projects such as, National Tree Day, Global
Communities Cambodia Home Building Project and the College Kitchen Garden.
A successful evening enjoyed by eighty guests in all!
The Newstead College community would like to
thank Senator, Helen Polley, for the kind donation
of the Australian flag. Our SRC president, Kyle and
Principal, Janet Sims was on hand to receive the
donation in a tradition hand over presentation.
The old tattered flag had done us a great service
and we look forward to raising the new one for
many years to come.

On the 23rd of August the Newstead
College SRC held a trivia night to raise
fund for the ball, we had approximately 7
tables booked and 70 people attended.
Throughout the night we had 8 rounds of
questions and 3 lucky door prizes sponsored
by lots of local business which we greatly
appreciate. The night was full of fun and
frivolity and as always the students won
against the teachers.
Words by Emma
Newstead College would like to thank all of the
students involved for their commitment and
dedication towards the ‘give me 5 for kids’
fundraiser. The college community would also like to
thank the Catering Department, as they were at the
forefront of this special day, with student’s Caitlin,
Tegan, Mitchell, Cassie, Matthew, Alex, Stephanie
and Kimberlee doing an excellent job setting
up and serving breakfast at the
Launceston General Hospital.

In its inaugural year, five Newstead College students
spent a week on Flinders Island in Term 1, completing
Work Placements whilst befriending the current
Grade 10 students at the school and sharing their
College experiences. In August, the Flinders Island
students visited Launceston, staying at the Newstead
College residence and had opportunity to catch
up with their Newstead College friends socially and
experience a Transition Day at Newstead College.
The prize money ensures that the partnership, and the
opportunities for students, will continue in the future.
Flinders Island District High School has won the NAB’s
Tasmanian State Impact award for its outstanding school
and community partnership. The school partnered
with Newstead College, the Flinders Island council and
Tasmanian Life Long Learning to support students in their
transition from high school on Flinders Island to college in
Launceston.
The $60 000 prize is sponsored by the NAB and the judging
was done by the Australian Council for Educational
Research. NAB’s Rebecca Sherwill said that the school’s
entry, “really stood out. There is a close connection to
Newstead College and Flinders students visit and participate
in programs that assist in their transition – Newstead students
also visit the island. The transition program is a great
example of how schools and community groups can work
together to improve overall student outcomes.”
(The Examiner, Tuesday August 28th, page 17)
Nomination/Category name: VET in Schools Student of the Year
Venue: Wrest Point Casino Hobart
Name of Student: Jonathon
Date: Friday 24th August 2012
Jonathon is currently studying VET Information Technology Certificate
III at Newstead College. Jonathon was nominated for the VET in
Schools Student of the Year. He prepared a written application
and participated in an interview in order to be chosen as a finalist
in this year’s Vocational Awards. Being the only male finalist in this
year’s awards was a great honour. We would like to celebrate and
acknowledge Jonathon’s outstanding achievement.

The Theatre Performance class has had a busy
term 2. On Thursday June 29th 16 students flew
to Sydney for four days, to attend workshops at
NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art). Rebecca
Johnston was the NIDA lecturer and she herself was
a NIDA graduate of the acting class of 2009. She
took the students on an intensive but inspiring 3
hour workshop on Voice and Acting. The students
enjoyed a tour of NIDA facilities and caught up
with Brooke Cooper Smith, an ex Newstead College
student, who is now in 2nd year costume design
course.
“An Evening with Neil Simon” was Theatre
Performance’s mid year production presented on
July 17th and 19th. Three of Simon’s comic plays
were presented in the auditorium with students
taking on Californian accents and costumes and
hair styles from the 60’s,70’s 80’s.
Restoration monologues were great fun for mid
year exams as students stepped back into the 17th
century and donned wigs, makeup, costumes and
props to suit the fops and ladies of the era. Thank
you to the Launceston Players for allowing us to
borrow their beautiful costumes and wigs from their
recent production of Amadeus.
Friday August 10th, Bell Shakespeare Theatre
Company visited Newstead College Theatre and
Drama students to run workshop on their upcoming
production of The School for Wives. Student, Tim
Grant, also auditioned for the Bell Shakespeare
Scholarship, the award which was won by
Newstead College student Ava Campbell in 2012.
Good luck Tim!
In Term 3 the Theatre performance class will be
presenting two plays by famous British playwright,
Alan Ayckbourn for their external exam. Everyone
is invited to attend one of the performances on
Friday 19th October or Saturday 20th October, both
nights starting at 7pm and support our talented
young actors in their final Newstead College
performances.

Following the tradition of previous years Newstead’s International Students
celebrated Christmas in Winter again this year. Around twenty of our
International Students were able to attend the function, along with staff and
the guest of honour, Santa.
The students were catered for by our talented Hospitality students who
not only prepared the food and waited on tables, but also formed a last
minute choir to sing a Christmas carol.
Carolling was a feature of the night. Small choirs were formed from each
of the students home countries. We were entertained in German, French,
Italian and Korean. Perhaps the feature of this was the Italian duet from
Gaetano and Gabriele. There was also a special guest appearance
from the staff choir. Santa appeared late in the evening and was soon
able to identify those who had been naughty or nice. All students went
home with a special Christmas gift.
Thanks must go to Danette and Kaye for their wonderful work with the
hospitality students.

On Thursday 19th July 2012, an International Day was held at Newstead College. The event, which
was organised by the SRC, took place at lunch time in the Student Common Room. The aim of
the day was to celebrate different types of culture, because at Newstead College we have many
students who come from different backgrounds and we also have students who are studying a
language such as French, German, Japanese and Italian. Here are some of the highlights as seen by
Helen Brown’s ESL class:
Bedi/Puspa: My favourite was Phul Maya dancing to
our culture’s song.
Beda D: I did a snake drawing and wrote the word
snake in Nepali.
Ashok/Beda A: The most interesting was the Arabic
dancing.
Sanjeeta: We organised Nepali tea (Chiya).
Subash: We helped to write other people’s names in
Nepali.
Jiseop: I helped to translate names into Korean.
Kamala: It was a beautiful programme. In
particular, the dancers were very entertaining.
Nirmala: The eating competition and food tasting of
French crepes were both popular.
Phul Maya: I felt nervous doing my dance, but I was
pleased because everyone said I was very graceful.
Tek/Dhan: It was a great opportunity for teachers
and students to get together and share different
cultural things.
Shamir: I liked the singing by the French students.
Karuna/Shajana: I liked the belly dancing by Kirrily.
Lacchi/Gayatri: I liked that people wore saris.
Hema/Ganga: All the people enjoying Culture Day.
Shyam: Thank you to the SRC for all their work
organising this day.

A two hour delay at Launceston airport
didn’t take the shine off the excitement
and energy of heading to Melbourne last
Thursday for the combined subjects annual
excursion. Twenty students with Russell
Cooper, Janet Sims and myself lined up for
two nights away and a range of cultural
experiences that support their areas of
study. Russell organises this trip every year
and incorporates a range of fabulous
visits, talks, and social experiences that
pleased everybody. My personal favourite
was the trip to the Brunswick Buddhist
Centre where the students all meditated
and were able to discuss the particular
beliefs of Buddhism. After a fun night at
Dracula’s, we headed off to the Coburg
Islamic Centre on Friday for a fascinating
overview of what it means to be a part
of the Muslim faith and the associated
stereotypes. On Friday we also visited the
Ancient Mesopotamia exhibition at the
museum followed by a visit to the National
Gallery. As if we weren’t tired enough,
Friday night we were lucky enough to
be part of an RMIT production, “Live on
Bowen”, a live chat show. On Saturday we
visited St Patrick’s Cathedral and were left
in awe of the amazing architecture and
beautiful stained glass. A little shopping
here and there gave everyone a novelty
to take home and remind themselves of a
wonderful few days away. All the students
were terrific company and it is a credit to
Russell, Janet and Newstead College to
have this two night/three days excursion in
Melbourne. I hope it continues in 2013.
Words by Amanda

++
This year’s major art excursion saw the art and photography students visit the Museum
of Old and New Art (MONA). After a late start we made steady pace to Hobart, with
a Subway stop at Campbell Town. Arriving in Hobart, anticipation filled the bus as we
travelled up the driveway to MONA. MONA’s site is situated on the scenic waterfront of
the Derwent River in Hobart. As you approach, the giganticness of the building is what
stands out most; Iron, wood and waffle shapes are the closest thing to describe the
front. Upon entry we were all blinded by reflectiveness of the entrance wall. After we’re
equipped with ‘The O’ (a modified iPod touch), we all set off to explore all three levels.
As we made our way down the abyss, we noticed an awful lot of people were visiting for
a Friday afternoon. Most decided to line up and wait to go in “The Mummy Room (Death
Gallery),” on Level One, after reading numerous online reviews. With only two people
allowed inside at a time, impatience got the best of most of us.
Most of us walked back out with disappointment on our faces.
Other ‘must-see’ exhibits we visited were bit.fall. and Artifact.
As we moved down to Level Two and looked at Snake closeup
we could all see why it had taken two years to complete.
There are so many miniature paintings to make up the
gigantic piece of work on the wall today. Kryptos managed
to scare quite a few by its eerie secret at its core.
The third and final floor, housed more of the larger exhibits
including Cloaca – New and Improved, some of Wim
Delvoye’s work and my favourite pieces
Untitled (Sound Installation) and Plastikcity (BATIMENT 10). As we began to ascend to
the surface we visited various pieces missed, including Untitled (White Library) and My
Beautiful Chair, the chair being a tribute to the owner David Walsh’s recently passed
Brother.
We all boarded back on the bus to travel back to Launceston with a quick stop to buy
out Bridgewater Maccas on the way. The bus trip back was a blur of iPod music, talk and
sleep for some. We arrived back at Newstead unscathed and happy that we got out of
class for the day.
Dec
ImportantDates
Sep Oct Nov Dec
• 24 th Year 11
re-enrolments begin
• 28 th UTAS enrolments
• 1 st Written exam
timetable published (TQA)
• 3 rd Expressions of
interest (Polytechic)
• 10 th Newstead Ball
• 16 th Suitability Day (VET)
• 31 st Scholarship
applications (UTAS)
• 9 th Last Day for students
• 12 th - 23 rd Exams
• 12 th High school
enrolments begin
• 26 th Xanadu workshop
• 27 th - 29 th Out of area
enrolments
• 17 th TQA results emailed
& posted to students
• 21 st Newstead College
office closes

Newstead College
30 Cypress St
Launceston TAS 7250
Phone: 6332 3232
Fax: 6332 3200
Newstead
College
Congratulations to French Students – Madeleine and Jessie –who gained Honorable Mentions in
the recent Alliance Francaise poetry recital. This competition is open to students from all over the
state and they were up against stiff competition from the other colleges.
Congratulations to Christabel, Newstead College 2010 – 2011, who was a National recipient of the
2011 “Australian Vocational Student Prize”.
Congratulations to former Newstead and current Griffith University Masters in Physiotherapy
student, Kirby who was awarded dux of Health Sciences at Griffith University and is looking to do
Post Grad work in Paediatrics.
Congratulations to Toby for his outstanding games for the Tassie Mariners in the National Football
Championships. His great form was not missed by the talent scouts and Toby will now attend the
AFL’s National Draft camp in October.
Danette, our canteen manager and VET Hospitality teacher was recently presented with a
“Women in Business” award by the Westpac Bank. Danette’s award included the ‘sustainability
kitchen garden concept’ that she is very passionate about. It was also mentioned that the
business, based out of the Newstead College Cafeteria, is having a significant impact by
preparing and selling healthy food options to both students and staff.
Newstead College student, Greta, has won a three week all expenses paid scholarship to
Germany. This generous award is offered by the Goethe Institute’s PASCH (partnership school)
program. This is Greta’s first attempt at studying German and we wish he all the best and hope this
cultural experience enriches her knowledge of the German language.
Newstead College Department of Education
www.academy.tas.edu.au