Students of 2024 are to be congratulated for their smooth start to the year. A school year in Grade 11 and 12 is only 34 weeks of classes. Every lesson counts and attendance is the first step towards success. The next step is engaging in all learning activities.

 In February we celebrated the success of our 2023 graduates and prize winners. The achievements of our students should foster confidence in our current students that they can succeed at Don College. This takes commitment on behalf of the students. Our staff are committed to providing quality learning experiences and fostering growth of individuals in their classes.

Highlights of 2023 achievements include

• 3 students in Tasmania’s Top 101 ATAR
• 17 students achieved an ATAR greater than 95
• 35 students achieved an ATAR greater than 90
• Median ATAR 85.8 – Half of our students with an ATAR are ranked in the top 14% in the nation
• Over 120 students transitioned to Apprenticeships during the 2023
• VET students completed 710 days of Work Placement - 2 years of full-time
• Don College students were selected as the Statewide Examiner’s Choice Award for Art General 3C and Art Studio Practice 3C – 2 awards state-wide were both awarded to Don Students
• Students raised and donated Thousands of Dollars to various charities including Beyond Blue, One Girl – Sierra Leone, Salvation Army and Dementia Research
• 52 Students combined School Based Apprenticeships with their studies at Don College

As a school we have a set of values that guide what we do and how we do it.  As an organisation within the newly formed Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP), Don College will revisit our values and how these guide our work. The key values that will be adopted across DECYP are Connectedness, Growth, Respect, Courage and Responsibility.

We thank all of our community members for trusting us with the responsibility of creating an environment where our young people can be known, safe, well and learn. We look forward to working with students, parents and carers to support our community members to create opportunities for their personal futures.

Wishing all students success in 2024, 

John Thompson

Don College students were extremely lucky to have Tasmanian Commissioner for Children and Young People Leanne McLean visit the college this week where students were able to raise issues that are important to them in their everyday lives.

After beginning a career in science with the view to become a botanist, Leanne realised that her passion was in helping people, through social work. She became a government adviser before taking on the role of commissioner.

She described her position as advocating for the rights of young people. She said she is most passionate about the right for young people to have a say and described it as the gateway to all the other rights young people have.

“Lots of people think that the best way to measure our success in the community is through (with an election coming up) economic growth and jobs, but the real measure is how well we look after the next generation.”

Leanne said that without being heard and without having the forum to express issues relevant to young people, the adults in society that have the responsibility for making decisions for young people are unable to plan around those issues that are important.

In the session, students raised concerns about:

• Access to mental health services and the current wait times (6-24 months to access services)
• The gap in services for young people aged 16-18 years of age.
• Lack of emergency youth housing.
• Lack of affordable housing.
• Insufficient public transport on the North-West Coast.
• The need for more programs that support young people getting their hours up for the P-plates and more affordable tests.
• Access to better support and learning around life skills such as rental applications, work rights and pay grades, and superannuation. This was raised as suggestion to incorporate into CLP classes at Don.
• Cost of living such as rent and food.
• Domestic violence and lack of support services.

Leanne assured the group she would take these suggestions with her and work on them.

The commissioner's role is also to advocate for youth justice and to represent each person currently in detention at the Ashley Youth facility. She has advocated for the criminal age of responsibility to be raised from the age of 10 years to 14 years, which will come into effect in 2029.

A concern that was raised was that often, young people don’t know who to ask for help or who to ask to advocate for change. Leanne is currently working on the development of the YEP (Your Engagement Place) app which notifies young people of upcoming forums and feedback opportunities to service providers about issues concerning their age group. This will be released later this year.

Don College celebrated International Condom Day on February 14 to spread awareness and to remove the taboo status of young people’s contraceptive health. To break stigma around the subject of contraceptive health, both the Don College leadership group and the Community Service Cert 3 class ran activities such as how many oranges can fit in a condom (the record was broken by 29 oranges) to guess the amount of condoms in the jar.

Karen Slade stated, “it’s about awareness and it’s about stopping this taboo idea, so it was just a little bit of fun and a little bit of celebration.”

This year’s international condom day was a major success, many students and staff from around the college came together to spread awareness of the importance of not just contraceptive health but health in general.

Pretertiary English courses offered at Don College inlcude Studio 3, English Literature and English 3. These courses all have a different focus and allow students to develop analytical or creative writing skills.

Teacher Leanne Stones, described Lit as a pre-tertiary English course with a focus on contemporary and classic texts.   Divided into four core modules, students meet a range of texts throughout the year, including novels, films, plays and poems.  The course commonly has a high enrolment of year 11 students, with year 12 students choosing to undertake Literature as their only English at college or after the study of another English course in year 11.

"We commenced the year with a focus on the historical fiction novel, The Lieutenant, by the Australian writer Kate Grenville, the third novel in her loosely connected trilogy about first contact between indigenous people and colonisers.  We’ve been examining key events in the novel and looking at how these are presented, with class and individual reading enabling valuable follow-up of important ideas.  The Lieutenant will be paired with the modern sci-fi Arrival (dir Dennis Villeneuve) to explore common ideas in each text. During this study students will complete a creative response to show their understanding of key ideas and a major analytical essay." -Leanne Stones.

Some comments from students undertaking the English Lit course in 2024:

English Literature 3C helps me to understand the ideas and themes in texts, like the novel we're currently studying, The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville. The story delves deeply into the emotion and self-realisation of the main character, Daniel Rooke, while telling a thrilling story of settlement in NSW in the 1700s, which helps me to stay engaged and eager to read.   

-Jayden, Year 11.

Going into year 12, I want to broaden my experiences in my education. English Literature is an excellent avenue for extending my creative and analytical skills gained in English Writing and Modern History in Year 11. The course helps students find the areas in English that are appealing, preparing us for tertiary education.  

-Ruby, Year 12.

I came into English Lit as someone who has always achieved high marks in English throughout primary and high school. I realise the approach is different from my previous courses, but I think that's a good thing. I want to learn how to write a good essay and I think I'm in the right place! It’s only week 4 and we have already read and discussed a whole novel. I can't wait to see where this subject takes me.  

-Tess, Year 11.

English lit is helping me become more confident in analysing texts and sharing my thoughts with the class.  

-Cody, Year 11.

In English Literature I am learning how to effectively analyse and critically compare texts which will allow me to view future literary works through a deeper lens. In this class we openly brainstorm together with the guidance of our teacher, to reach the deeper meanings and values behind the wonderful world of literature.  

-William, Year 11.

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In English 3, students have had an introduction to the analysis of texts by looking at the adaptation process from written short story or novella to film. Not only do students have to analyse the changes that have eventuated in the adaptation process, but look at why the authors and directors gave composed their texts in the way they have and consider the impact this has on the audience. This is an important foundation unit for the students as they must reproduce this essay in their final exam at the end of the year. 

Students are doing well to tackle the rigorous introduction to this course! 

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English Studio 3 is a new course replacing English Writing. Students have begun the term examining short stories by various authors. Their first task was to write a scene which will be developed into a short story. 

This is Studio 3 student, Annabelle Halley's scene. Annabelle has used an adapted writing prompt from short story, The Berry Patch by Wallace Stegner to begin her story. 

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Studio 2 is also a new addition to the Level 2 offerings in English this year. Shane Wolfe's class has been working on poetry and exploring the adolescent experience through young adult writing. 

Here are poem from Studio 2 students Charlie Williams, Mackenzy Phillips and Jessi Ollington. 

Backyard by Charlie Williams

The umbrella in the glass table,

wrapped in a cocoon,

closed for years.

The yard light clocks in for the night;

startled, it wonders who I am.

I rest in an empty chair,

once free from webs.

The seat droops, arms withering.

Sausages, blackened by carelessness.

A smell drifts.

Laughter collides, dimples fold.

The sun bleeds through rips in the umbrella.

The glass table supports plates and elbows.

Light invites mosquitoes; a whizz past like a distant motorbike.

The soft surrounding glow catches my eye.

I brush my leg; later, I scratch.

A slender breeze caresses my cheek.

Mum’s fingertips touch my chin; they remain like a band aid.

The clicking of claws on the deck

as the Shar Pei trots to the water bowl.

Twisted Sister plays from the shed.

In my backyard you can fall between the cracks in broken memories,

and trip over time.

The door slides open behind me.

Dance Studio: 8pm by Jessi Ollington

Dim studio lights glint off a mirrored performer,

the room filled with concentration.

Thoughts flowing from step to step like a body of water,

I feel a rhythm, once danced.

Silk leotards, shoes in careful piles,

movements as soft as a flame.

Through windows come orange glows of streetlamps.

With the scrape of gravel

tires slide to a halt.

People pass, their voices like whispers.

A crescent moon.

The drop of a deodorant can,

the smell of sugary roses.

Through an open door, heels click.

Around the walls smooth wooden bars stretch,

laughs as delicate as butterflies.

Watching My Mum Draw by Mackenzy Phillips

The kitchen table lies bare,

ready to start.

A slump of laundry,

stiff in the background.

Her retired artist hands welcome the pen,

forgetting nothing.

Dancing as though no time has passed,

ink sprouts and blooms on the torn off page.

Her eyes so void of meaning,

so confident,

I muse over each completed stroke.

The fishtank gurgles.

Comfortable silence returns sleepy, aged memories.

The wrinkles on her forehead,

like silky waves of stress,

are eased by the pen.

The air is thick,

soggy.

Dishes swim in their filthy bubble bath.

Taking a breath,

ink colours the last standing sketch.

The dryer sings its muggy chime,

reminding the once-schoolgirl before me,

her chores await.

“I haven’t drawn in ages.”

An uncertain smile slinks on my mum’s lips

as the wooden chair pulls away.

Her lonesome, signed art

waits on the table

for no one.

Crisp folds in the loungeroom

echo in my ear.

I take the lined page of drawings.

She doesn’t notice.

We are really fortunate to have our school culture enriched by culturally diverse students. In February we had some more students arrive from Brazil, Italy and Argentina. They have all settled in and are enjoying their time at Don College.

Imagine landing in a foreign land where everything is different. One of our students had to catch Bus 40. They diligently searched for the Bus 40 and jumped in. Unfortunately it was not Bus 40. It was a random bus that, just like every school bus in Tasmania, it displays the “40” kilometre school zone sign.

We welcome all of our students on exchange and here is an impression from a few of them.

Felix – There are so many subjects to choose from and you can focus on the subjects you like.

Lisa – When it feels like everything for me is getting out of control the teachers are so helpful.

Mario – I have had great experiences. In Outdoor Education we learn surfing and Mountain Biking.

Giulia – Don is beautiful in its diversity.

Fran – I am really happy at Don. It is so different to my school in Brazil. Don is big and fun.

Maria – It is cool! It is so different to my school in Brazil.

Rachele – It is so different to my school. At Don we have computers and great materials for Art and everything you could want.

Maria:

My name is Maria Eduarda, I live In Cascavel Paraná, in the south of Brazil. I am doing an exchange of approximately five months. This exchange was given by the government of the state of Paraná, where they chose a thousand students from all over Paraná to enjoy such an experience. Five destination countries were chosen where they were divided for these students to stay. Australia was one of my first choices to do my exchange, because the culture and new landscapes are what catch my attention here. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of the city and its most beautiful features. I’m loving the beaches here, for sure one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve seen.

Estefany:

My name is Estefany, I'm 16 years old. I was born in Curitiba but I currently live in Laranjeiras do Sul, Paraná Brazil, and I really like living there. I'm doing a five-month exchange program and it's been one month since I've been here and I'm loving being here, although I can't communicate much with English but little by little I'm going. I want to visit several places, make friends, get to know the culture of Tasmania. It's been a good experience.

Mayara:

Hello, my name is Mayara de Sousa Caszewski but you can call me May. I'm from Brazil and this year I'm going to spend five months in Tasmania to improve my English and get to know a little more about the culture, different foods, music... I'm really looking forward to getting to know the wonderful places that are here and the different animals that they don't have in Brazil. My best experiences were learning to surf, showing a little of Brazilian cuisine, and having the opportunity to study in a school with great teachers and much better teaching.

Fran:

My name is Francielly Karolliny Silva de Paula, I'm 16 years old, I was born in São Paulo, the largest metropolis in Brazil, I currently live in Quatigua Parana. I'm going to stay in Tasmania (Australia) for five months. I'm really looking forward to improving my English and therefore talking a lot with my host family, my teachers and new friends, and it will make my life/studies a lot easier. So far I've been through a lot of good times. Missing my family and friends is something that accompanies me every day, but thanks to the people who are around me, caring and helping me, I'm sure that my exchange will only get better, I've already participated in a picnic, learned to surf, I taught Brazilian dances to my host family. The exchange of culture will never be lacking!

As a high achieving graduate of 2023 Jared has just started a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie, hoping to specialise in diagnostic radiography. Jared was very strategic in his approach to study and planning his transition to 2024. He knew his target ATAR and worked to the target…This he says, relieved some pressure and probably helped him achieve his goals more easily. Jared also spent time travelling to Port Macquarie and sorting out his living arrangements as part of his whole plan. We congratulate Jaren on his achievements so far and we look forward to hearing of his future success.

What is one highlight from your 2 years at Don?

Ski Trip was such a unique experience and honestly one of the most fun weeks of my life, and I would go back again in a heartbeat.

How has your time at Don assisted you to embark on this pathway?

The combination of having the freedom to enrol in classes that interested me, and the helpful & friendly nature of staff/peers allowed me to excel in the areas that I enjoyed and could benefit my future.

What is some advice you would offer to current students?

Figure out what you enjoy the most (a school subject, a sport, a hobby, etc.) and see what career path it may/could take you down, embrace your worries of the future as opportunities to grow, and try to step out of your comfort zone every once in a while.

In 2022 Don College was successful in receiving funding of $78,000 from the Australian Government as part of the Schools Upgrade Fund – Targeted Round. The Schools Upgrade Fund provides funding to improve and upgrade school facilities – to help keep students safe and get their education back on track after the COVID-19 disruptions of the last couple of years. This will be achieved by providing funding for schools to invest in small-scale capital projects.

In addition to the Australian Government Funding, Don College was also successful in $82,500 from a grant application through The Department for Education, Children and Young People’s Outdoor Learning Project in 2022.

We have utilised this funding towards building a multi-use outdoor undercover area outside our Art and Animal Care classrooms. Progress to date has been the extension to the existing concrete to create a larger outdoor stage area. 

The next stage of the project, to be completed over the April school holidays, will be a new roof over this area. Once completed the area will be able to be utilised by students throughout the year by allowing an undercover extension to their classrooms.

Upgrade of Outdoor Volleyball Courts

Don College Volleyball/Pickleball/Futsal courts have now been completed and they look amazing!

We were able to complete this upgrade due to a successful application for $25,000 as part of the Australian Government Schools Upgrade Fund – Open Round. This funding was intended for improving student learning outcomes by upgrading or improving outdoor learning spaces which has certainly been achieved.

We look forward to many of our student getting out and enjoying what this space has to offer.

Dear Parent/Guardian

Our School will be switching over to a new messaging platform for communicating with you. This will occur after 25 March 2024 and will replace our current system OutReach+.

The new platform, called EdSmart is an Australian platform which is designed to improve communication in school communities by allowing electronic messaging i.e. SMS and emails. For now, it will be used to manage absences messages i.e. you will receive a SMS or email alert if your child is absent from school requesting a response.  It will also allow us to send a communication message to all parent/guardians.

The platform will, over time, be rolled out across all Tasmanian Government Schools and new features will be added. 

You will receive a text message and/or an email with further details.  Note, the text message sender will be a shortened version of our school’s name - Please keep an eye out for it!

Further information is available on the Department’s website

Communicating with your child's school - Department for Education, Children and Young People (decyp.tas.gov.au)

Electronic cigarettes, or vapes, are similar to smoking cigarettes, but don’t use tobacco.

Instead, vapes are a battery-operated device which heats a liquid. This liquid turns into an aerosol and is inhaled.  Like smoking cigarettes, vaping is highly addictive. Research shows that young people are three times as likely to start smoking if they vape.

While Tasmanian law says that a person under 18 can’t use, possess or buy vapes, we know that some young people are doing it because they believe it’s a safer option than smoking cigarettes.

It’s important to work together to educate them about the health impacts of vaping and the harm it can cause on their short- and long-term physical health.

The Department for Education, Children and Young People has a dedicated webpage with information and resources for teachers, parents/carers and young people.  This includes tips for talking to your children about vaping and how you can support them in quitting.  The attached fact sheet also has some useful information to help support you in with these conversations.

At a school level, we are approaching vaping as a health issue. We use a range of educational resources to help students make healthy choices and informed decisions.

It’s important that we all work together to nurture the wellbeing of students so they can continue to grow, thrive and succeed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch one of our Support Team members or John Thompson.