We have had an amazing Term 3 at Don College.  Our students have led a variety of events, participated in competitions across our community, applied for university courses and jobs, completed projects and assignments and focussed on their learning. We have celebrated many of these events through our social media but this newsletter contains a snapshot of some activities.

 A personal highlight for me in Term 3 has been talking with students about their future plans and what motivates them to achieve their goals. These conversations have reinforced what an amazing group of young adults we have at our school. I feel privileged to work so closely with them and our truly dedicated teachers, every day.

During the break I encourage all students to stay connected with their learning. Reading, reviewing past learning, completing an assignment, exploring new ideas, or reflecting on your goals, every little bit helps. Just talking with friends and family about what you have learnt can help memory and clarify thinking.

Some students will spend most of their holiday break preparing for high stakes examinations. Other students will be focussed on work and saving for the future. Some will play sport every day. We all have different goals. I encourage students to take a step towards achieving personal goals each day. Some screen free time, physical activity, a balanced diet and regular sleep will help you be at your optimum.

During the break I challenge you all to make a point of doing one thing that is kind for another person each day. Wash up without being asked, pick some flowers from the garden, prepare some food for someone, any small act will be greatly appreciated and raise your spirits.

Enjoy the spring sunshine, recharge, and come back ready for the final four weeks of scheduled class time. 

John Thompson

A whopping $10,000 dollars were raised by Karen Slade's Community Services class to help combat homelessness in our community. 

The group worked tirelessly to organise a sleepout, as well as connecting with local businesses for donations to purchase swags for those experiencing homelessness. 

The aim was to raise $3,000 and clearly, our local businesses and donors were extremely generous as this amount was surpassed. 

Guest speakers attended the sleepout to help educate our students about what homelessness looks like and how we can help. 

Congratulations Karen, and all those who took part and raised funds. A fantastic effort!! 

Don College has the pleasure of welcoming Gui, Sara, Raquel and Kethely from Brazil for a whole year. 

All four students have had a great start to their learning here at Don, engaging with students and teachers to experience what life is like in Australia. 

They were lucky enough to take part in Jo Duggan's Tourism Cert II excursion to Hobart to visit some of our state's attractions and enjoyed visiting the state's capital. 

Chatting to the students, this is what they said they would like to achieve or experience while they are here: 

Sara: I would love to know and talk to a lot of people but sometimes I am a little shy. I love everything here at Don and with my host family. I love the places (and also want to hang out more), I love the subjects, I love the animals in Tasmania.

Gui: I want to make a lot of memories with different people and get to know lots of people and learn with them. I want to become fluent in English and I want to explore new places, and learn about the history of the place. I want to find the best version of myself here. Maybe in the future, I will study in Burnie and in Hobart. 

Raquel: I would like to experience explore more of Tasmania like we did in Hobart, and I would like go to see the forests here and the natural environments. 

Laura Wildsmith is training the gorgeous Ezra as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award.

How did you get involved with training guide dogs (how is this related to the Duke of Ed)?

My mum started volunteering for Guide Dogs Tasmania in around 2018. We started looking after dogs for varying periods of time. As volunteers, we mainly work on the puppy’s socialisation and general obedience, teaching them how to sit, stay, lie down etc.. Over the years I have become more involved in the process of training and caring for the puppies. As part of the Duke of Ed program I am required to do a certain number of hours of community service. I decided that training Ezra would be a good way to achieve this!

What are some of the challenges involved with training a puppy as a service dog?

One of the biggest challenges is when it comes time for the puppy to go into formal training and you have to say goodbye. However, it’s very rewarding to know that he is going to make such a big difference to someone’s life.

What do you want people to know about this project?

That even though Ezra must work very hard and be very focused at school, he doesn’t work that hard all the time. In fact, 70% of the time he just gets to hang out at home and play with his toys and our pet dog, Charli.

What other tasks have you completed or will you need to complete as part of the Duke of Ed?

I have had to spend a certain number of hours learning a new skill and doing a kind of physical recreation. For my skill I learnt how to crochet, and for my physical recreation I go running. We also go on an adventurous journey at the end of the year. For this we are planning a trip to Maria Island to go camping and hiking.

Earlier this term,  Don College Music students competed in the State Finals of the Rock Challenge, and they really did themselves proud.

 The NW Heats were held two weeks ago at the Forth Pub with Charlie Leary performing solo, and the band JunKit made up of Felix Jeffrey, Lucas Evans, Lilly Bannon, Alexa Saunders, and Ava Chamley.

As a result, JunKit went on to perform in the state finals at the Launceston Conference Centre to over 400 people!

 The Rock Challenge is an annual statewide music competition that gives students the opportunity to perform original music in a professional, industry-based setting with students from schools across the state. 

Don College Outdoor Ed welcomed local high school students to take part in our 20 (plus) year tradition of KAKKA.

This is an action packed day where local high school students are able to take part in friendly competition across a number of outdoor activities including running, kayaking, mountain bike riding and fun, and mud-filled obstacle course. 

We were lucky enough to have glorious weather, and it was so great to see Don students and staff supporting and cheering on all those who take part in the day. 

A massive thank you to the Outdoor Ed Team for organising and facilitating the day! 

A fantastic night was had at the 2025 Red Razz. Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2025! We hope you all enjoyed the celebrations! 

Many thanks to the Student Leadership Team steered by Jess Bayles to organise the night, along with the many staff who made it happen. 

This is just a small collection of photos from the evening, and more can be found in the 2025 Yearbook available for preorder now at the school office. 

For  all practicial exam timetables, please visit the TASC website to search under individual subjects: 

https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/2025-practical-exam-timetables/

Congratulations to Ella and Jasmine who were acknowledged by the Devonport Eisteddfod for their outstanding performances at this year’s event.

Jasmine was awarded the Under 18 Instrumental Championship Runner up and Most Promising Flautist Award.

Ella was named the prestigeous Under 18 Instrumental Championship Winner.

In addition, Ella was invited to perform her championship solo at the Eisteddfod Showcase Evening. 

Ski Trip 2025- Sun 24th August – Friday 29th 

Mt. Hotham welcomed us with blue bird skies, and a solid blanket of snow.  This was a welcome change from the previous two years.  We knew that we had to make the most of the sun as the forecast was for blizzards in the coming days.  We grabbed our gear, met the trendy instructors, then shredded the slopes.  For some, it was the first time, and it resembled a herd of disorientated baby giraffes learning to roller-skate, for others, it was back to business.  Kyron Dare, dare by name and nature, gave a standout performance of the world’s fastest snow plough (a ski position used to slow down). For those unfamiliar with the snow plough, its effectiveness is limited to speeds approx. 8km/h and below.  

By the second day, the general goal for many was to tackle a ‘black run’, the most difficult groomed trails.  Most made it down to the bottom, however, the level of grace, style, and dignity varied greatly.  Nonetheless, everyone was stoked to be in the snow, exploring the mountain and the orchard whilst under the gaze of Feathertop Ridge. 

Thick fog, freezing weather, and wind was met on the third day. However, with this came four days of snow.  White, light, fluffy snow. Yummy, and a once-in-a-season weather event!It was great that the students got to see it. We all became instantly appreciative of goggles and thermals.  At the top of the lifts, it was a real battle trying to stay in one spot, due to the gusts. The lack of visibility was made it more challenging still, until you lost some altitude and dropped into a chute or gully.  On our way to lunch, a student accidently found himself in a boxing match with a set of rental skis.  Despite his best efforts, and a display of admirable athleticism, he came out second best and needed his knuckle stitched up. This did not dampen any spirits and he soldiered on for the rest of the trip without complaint. What a trooper.     

On the Friday morning, it was with heavy hearts that we had to return our equipment, pack our bags, and leave this winter paradise and little community that we had created.  Despite students jumping on wrong busses, and leaving fellow staff members in Wangaratta, the trip back to our island home went smoothly.

A huge thank you to the students and the way that they conducted themselves, they really represented themselves and the college to the best of their ability. Katherine in the office, the organising of logistics was exceptional and seamless from our end.  Thommo for getting the wheels in motion and making these opportunities happen and being the cool trip dad. The fellow staff members, Jackie and Neelam; and of course, the volunteers Paul and Simeron, who are selfless with their time, care, enthusiasm and guidance.  This all helped us to ensure that the students were safe and having the best experience possible. 

The opening of the UTAS Object Design Exhibition of students’ work based on the theme of ‘Adaptation’ was celebrated by students in this class who have been working hard to produce a major design piece as part of the assessment.

CONGRATULATIONS to all students involved. All are welcome to view the projects from the 25 September – 10 October (weekdays only) at the University of Tasmania Cradle Coast campus, Field building.   

Thanks to teachers Jo Duggan, for organising this amazing immersive experience, and Matt Potter, for volunteering to chauffeur and entertain the students. 

This year's Book Week theme, Book an Adventure, brought stories, costumes, stories and plenty of fun across our Don College community. 

Some of the highlights included:

Storytime with Shane 

At lunchtime, legendary English teacher, Shane, took to the cosy reading chair and transported everyone into the world of Wind in the Willows.  Students and staff alike enjoyed his calm and engaging reading. 

Playgroup Storytime in the Library 

Our Little Links playgroup visitors arrived dressed in their favourite book-inspired costumes, ready for an adventure.  Dawn captivated the children with adventure stories while our Hospitality students prepared special dinosaur treats for families - a roaring success all round! 

Book Week Dress Up Day 

The library was buzzing when students and staff showcased an incredible range of costumes.  The creativity and effort on display was incredible! Prizes were well deserved with Mitzi and Jaxon now off on an Escape Room adventure thanks to The Alley. 

A huge thank you to everyone who joined in the fun! We warmly welcome you to continue your reading adventures in the library.

And thank you to our wonderful librbary team, Liz, Bec and Dawn, who made it a special week for everyone to take part in!