Newstead College eNews - February 2025 (Awards Edition)

From the Principal

We are excited to welcome our new students and families to the Newstead College community for 2025.

In this newsletter we recognise and congratulate our 2024 award recipients. Their accomplishments are a testament to their commitment to excellence and determination to succeed. These students have made the Newstead College community incredibly proud!

I acknowledge the invaluable support of our teachers and staff to our students’ success. I would like to thank them for creating an environment where our students can excel and for instilling in them the confidence to keep trying. Their dedication to students’ wellbeing and growth has been instrumental in their success.

Also, the encouragement and support of parents and carers have been crucial in helping our students reach their goals. Your involvement in students’ education makes a significant difference, and we are grateful for your partnership.

I extend a very special congratulations to our Dux, Eason Liu, and Runner-Up Dux, Ella Williams, for their outstanding academic achievements. I also congratulate Olivia Holt, Elham Osman and Izabella Wicks for their exceptional accomplishments in Vocational Education and Training.

Our Awards Evening celebrated the achievements of students who not only excelled academically but those who also excelled in sports, arts, leadership, and community service. Each recipient demonstrated remarkable talent and commitment.

To all our students who have worked hard and achieved their personal best, we applaud you. Your efforts and accomplishments are equally important and valued.

On behalf of all the staff at Newstead College, we want you to know how proud we are of each and every one of you. Your hard work and dedication inspire us every day, and we are committed to supporting all our students on a pathway to success.

I hope you enjoy reading about our 2024 award recipients.

Dianne Freeman
Principal

TASC Outstanding Achievement Awards

We are thrilled to announce that 4 Newstead College students have received Outstanding Achievement Awards from the Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC). These prestigious awards were presented last month at a ceremony held at Government House in Hobart, with Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker, AC, Governor of Tasmania presiding. 

Outstanding Academic Achievement Award

Eason, our 2024 Dux, earned an incredible ATAR of 99.8 and a TE score of 120.6, placing him among Tasmania’s Top 99 students. Eason’s commitment to academic excellence, particularly in mathematics, is truly inspiring. He plans to become a medical specialist or medical researcher.  

Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Education and Training (VET) Award

• Izabella, who came to Newstead College after relocating from South Australia, excelled in the Certificate II in Community Services (Health Focus) and earned a place in the Bachelor of Nursing program at the University of Tasmania to pursue midwifery.
• Elham completed the Certificate II in Community Services (Health Focus). Her aspiration is to become a pharmacist and make a significant impact in the healthcare sector.
• Olivia, ex Campbell Town District School, performed to a high standard in all aspects of the Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics. She is now undertaking an apprenticeship at Prospect Hair and Beauty.

We couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and dedication of each recipient. 

2024 Awards for Excellence

On Wednesday 29 January, Newstead College held an Awards Evening to celebrate our 2024 Awards for Excellence. Congratulations to all award recipients on your amazing achievements. 

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Address by Will Cassidy

We were delighted to have esteemed alumnus Will Cassidy as our guest speaker for the Awards Evening. Here is an excerpt from his inspiring introductory speech:

To the students who are graduating tonight, I offer these words of advice.

As you step out of these doors tonight, you’re about to embark on the next phase or chapter of your life. It’s going to be exciting and new, but please be prepared for the plot twists and challenges you may encounter along the way.

Hold on to what you’ve learnt here at Newstead College. Your education has prepared you well for the journey ahead.

And never stop learning. Whether your next chapter is a university degree, vocational education and training, an apprenticeship or employment, try to find time to add on additional skills that might benefit you in the future, like I did with public speaking.

I’d like to leave you this evening with the words of another William, William Butler Yeats, an Irish poet, dramatist and writer. He is credited with saying Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire… I hope your fire continues to burn brightly now and in the future.

Dux of College

Eason (Yixuan) Liu

Newstead College is proud to announce that its 2024 College Dux is Eason (Yixuan) Liu. With a Tertiary Entrance score of 120.6 and an exceptional ATAR of 99.8, Eason placed in the Top 99 students statewide. 

Academically, Eason (ex Kings Meadows High School) is an exceptional student who has achieved the highest accomplishments in the some of the most demanding courses. He consistently displays a maturity of response, a depth of understanding and an eagerness to deepen and extend his knowledge.

In 2023, Eason studied 4 pre-tertiary subjects:

• Maths Methods 4
• Maths Specialised 4
• Physical Sciences 3
• English 3

He received three Subject Awards in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and was recognised for achieving Outstanding Results in Year 11.

In 2024, Eason received Exceptional Achievements in three subjects and a Subject Award for each:

• Physics 4
• Chemistry 4
• Biology 3

He extended himself by enrolling in the High Achiever Program at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), studying University Maths 1A and University Maths 1B. 

Additionally, he received the prestigious 2024 ADF Future Innovators Award and a TASC Outstanding Achievement Award. 

A considerate and inclusive student, Eason has earned the respect of all who have had the privilege to work with him. He has exceptional manners and is very personable, friendly and kind, always checking in to see how people are going.

Maths Teacher Charlie Jeong said:

"Eason always wants to know more than just the solution or the end point. He has a genuine curiosity and a deep level of thinking that set him apart from other learners. He wasn’t just chasing an ATAR score, but interested in learning and developing in so many ways beyond the curriculum."

Eason will be studying medicine at Monash University or the University of Tasmania, while working casually at a local pharmacy. His goal is to specialise in medical research to invent or help develop cures and treatments for current incurable diseases.

Special Awards

Runner-up Dux: Ella Williams

Ella received exceptionally high awards in an unusual combination of subjects across arts, maths and science. In her studies, Ella (ex Queechy High School) challenges herself, regularly seeks out feedback and acts upon it in a timely manner, and continually displays high expectations of herself as a learner to achieve her best outcomes. Her teachers say she is a respectful, collaborative and committed student.  

Ella gained an Academic Excellence Award for Outstanding Results in Year 11 and was awarded subject prizes for Exceptional Achievements in English Literature, Maths Methods 3 and Physical Sciences 3. In 2024, Ella excelled in Chemistry 4, English 3 and Maths Methods 4. 

Additionally, Ella participated in college productions Heathers: the Musical and Cinderella, and was very involved in the Student Leadership Council across both years. 

With a TE score of 110.21 and an overall ATAR of 98.6, Ella is among the Top 99 students in the state.

This year, Ella will pursue a university degree in both English and Maths. 

Ampol All-Rounder Award: Danielle Smith

Danielle's journey at Newstead College has been marked by her outstanding leadership, commitment to service, community, and achievements in sport and academics.  

A natural leader, Danielle (ex Campbell Town District School) empowers those around her with encouragement and a strong sense of social equity. She balances her sporting, academic and community responsibilities with exceptional dedication. As Captain of her club netball team and Vice-Captain of the Newstead College netball team, she motivates her peers and actively fosters team spirit.

Danielle has been an outstanding ambassador for Newstead College, engaging with students through the Liaison Program and representing the college at events. Initially she was accepted into the Tasmanian Police Career Development Program, but date changes helped Danielle focus on a teaching pathway. Danielle has been awarded a prestigious three-year Tertiary Teaching Scholarship, which will support her studies at the University of Tasmania. 

Principal's Award: Marcus Kelly

A high achiever with a strong work ethic, mature personality and positive mindset, Marcus (ex Kings Meadows High School) excelled across a wide variety of subjects, from humanities to science. His exceptional literacy skills earned him the top result in pre-tertiary English Literature and high praise from his teachers. 

Marcus is an incredibly dedicated and respectful student. He wrote the foreword for the College Yearbook and participated in the Project Global Citizen virtual bootcamp, which he confidently chatted with TV news crews about. His quiet wisdom, interpersonal abilities, and supportive nature make him a standout student.

Marcus's relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering dedication to his studies are truly inspiring. He embodies the qualities of a responsible and engaged citizen, ready to take on the challenges of the future with confidence and his own personal flair. 

Dame Marjorie Parker Award: Layla Seen

Layla has been an outstanding student, excelling in a variety of subjects  including Technical Theatre 2, Theatre Performance 3, Media, Photography, English Foundations, Bar Operations and Maths. More commonly known on campus as "Pookie", Layla (ex Exeter High School) actively participated in two college productions, serving as Assistant Stage Manager in 2023 and Stage Manager in 2024. A dedicated leader, Layla was always willing to assist staff and students to achieve their goals.

Outside of college, Layla is active in community theatre and events, advocates for women's rights and the LGBTQIA+ community, and is passionate about social justice. A skilled problem solver and seamstress, she often upcycles clothing and can be relied on to fix a costume under time pressure. 

Her impact extends statewide – after writing to then-Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff in 2021, she helped secure free sanitary products in all Tasmanian schools. 

Layla's strength and independence will serve her well as she embarks on a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Theatre and Performance. 

Outstanding Results in Year 11

We are delighted to present our 2024 Year 11 High Achievers. Congratulations on your outstanding efforts and results. We can't wait to witness your growth and achievements this year and into the future. 

Academic Excellence ATARS

ATAR 80 - 89

ATAR over 90

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Subject Awards

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Students' First Day

Students stepped into Term 1 last week with sunshine on their backs and big things ahead. Day 1 was full of positives as students explored the campus, got to know their classmates and teachers, and started settling into their subjects. Excitement was in the air, with students looking forward to a year full of learning, skill building, friendships, and new experiences. Thank you to everyone who contributed to a positive start to the year, particularly our amazing barbecue volunteers. 

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New Staff Members

Mark

I am new to Newstead this year in the Design & Technologies area. I have been teaching at Cressy over the last nine years. Before that, I was teaching at Kings Meadows High School and Prospect High School, as well as overseas in London.

My wife, Nicole, is also a teacher, and we have a son and daughter who are 7 and 4. We enjoy traveling and exploring new places and going to restaurants as a family. We also like being active by playing sport, mountain biking, camping and bush walking.

I am keen to make a difference at Newstead and work with a new team.

Sam

Hi! I’m Sam and I’m super excited to join the Newstead team, teaching maths and science this year. I grew up in Queensland and taught maths and physics there for ten years before moving here with my family. I’ve been teaching at Queechy for the last seven years, so have only moved about five minutes down the road!

In my spare time I love getting outdoors, bushwalking and gardening. Looking forward to an awesome year!

Chris

It’s “Back to the future” for me!

After three years at Launceston College as a Quality Teaching Coach, I’ve returned to Newstead College to teach English 3 and Literature. I have a passion for old books and the texts that have shaped us as a nation and the culture we all live in.

Previously at Newstead I taught English, Media Studies and Performing Arts for many years. I enjoy helping students to improve their reading, writing and speaking skills, especially for the career and life goals they aspire to.

Coby

I am thrilled to be teaching English and Behavioural Studies at Newstead College. I have worked in education for 23 years and during this time had a variety of roles (including teacher, careers advisor, literacy support and more).

My career began on the North-West Coast of Tasmania, teaching at Hellyer College. In 2010, I took 12 months off to travel, visiting America, Canada, China and the Northern Territory. I relocated to the south of the state in 2012 and worked in a childcare centre before resuming my teaching at Rosny College.

My family settled in Launceston in 2023. For the past 12 months I have been employed as a relief teacher across numerous schools, including Indie School, Launceston Big Picture School and Newstead College.

Outside of school, I am completing house renovations and backyard projects. I enjoy watching sport (particularly netball, basketball and tennis) and reading a good crime novel.

Richard

My name is Richard, and I am the new School Psychologist at Newstead College. I have worked in all the other colleges in northern Tasmania and am excited to finally get to work here!

My work focuses on encouraging student attendance and engagement through mental health support and assessment of any underlying learning or behavioural factors that could be impacting. I work one-on-one with students and liaise with families and external organisations where necessary to help make college life a bit easier to manage. Where I can, I also try to help college staff to develop appropriate adjustments that will help with exams and other class work.

I provide a confidential space and therapeutic interventions for students who are suffering from poor mental health so they can better cope with the demands of school, home and the community.

Katia

My name is Katia and I’ve joined the English teaching team at Newstead College. I did my Years 11 and 12 at Newstead College (or, as it was known then, Alanvale College) and am delighted to be teaching here this year.

I have taught in a few schools in the Launceston region, such as Prospect High, Launceston College, St Patrick’s College, Scotch Oakburn College and UTAS in the School of Education. I have been on a few educational committees in the Northern Tas region and extended my own skill-based knowledge in this area through post-grad work and published research. 

I can truly say that I enjoy teaching young adults and helping them pursue their dreams through education. I look forward to working with you and/or your children this year.

Amy

Hi, my name is Amy and I’m the new Library Technician. For the past few years I have been working at with Libraries Tasmania at Launceston Library, so I arrive with library experience but am new to the school setting. I’m really excited to be here, and am looking forward to getting to know you all and learning about how the library can support you and your students.

I have a PhD in medical history, and recently completed my Grad Dip in library studies. I live in Legana with my husband and two sons (aged 17 and 19), two cats and four chickens. I love sewing, gardening and different types of craft, and of course reading!

Nigel

I’m Nurse Nige, one of the School Health Nurses at Newstead College. As with all School Health Nurses, our focus is on creating a physical and social environment that promotes health and wellbeing, and that assists to improve the health and education outcomes for children and young people in Tasmania. I’m always happy for a chat to see how I can help. 

Personally, I like to potter around; you know, old cars and things, taking things apart, hence lies a problem in that I do struggle to put things back together again (with nothing left over)! 

Look forward to seeing you around the school and cheers for now. 

SEAMS Camp

Last month, Year 12 students Akia and Zahra had the incredible opportunity to attend the Strengthening Engagement and Achievement in Mathematics and Science (SEAMS) camp at Monash University. Selected through a competitive application process, they took part in academic sessions and hands-on workshops to prepare them for Maths Methods, Chemistry and Physics subjects. They were also able to experience university life firsthand.

Akia:

“What started as a short trip quickly became a defining moment of 2025. I’m beyond grateful for the chance to learn from brilliant professors and student mentors from Australia’s top-ranked universities – Monash University and The University of Melbourne. From engaging discussions about university pathways to tackling complex Maths Methods problems and conducting an electrochemistry practical on galvanic cells, every moment was eye-opening.

“Beyond academics, SEAMS provided a glimpse into university life – staying in on-campus accommodation, exploring Monash’s world-class facilities, and meeting like-minded students from Victoria and Tasmania. The supportive environment made learning exciting, and I left feeling more confident and motivated for Year 12.”

Zahra:

“Participating in the SEAMS program after my first chemistry and maths classes at Monash University was an exciting experience. The hands-on chemistry class focused on redox reactions through experiments with galvanic cells, while the math classes encouraged analytical thinking. A standout moment was our math teacher's unexpected one-person Star Wars show, which brilliantly explained mathematical concepts in a fun way. His creativity made maths seem less intimidating and sparked my interest in science and maths, leaving me eager to explore these fields further.

“I was accepted into the program after being part of Monash's mentorship program.”

Be Part of SIX: Teen Edition!

Looking for a fun class to meet new people and build confidence? Musical Theatre does not require any performance experience, but does require a high level of commitment, energy and willingness to learn, as we spend time rehearsing after school and on Saturdays during Term 2. We then perform the production seven times at the beginning of Term 3 in front of paying audiences, in our very own auditorium.

We are thrilled to announce that our 2025 college musical production will be SIX: Teen Edition. The show retells the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives in a modern, high-energy pop concert format, blending history with contemporary music and empowering themes.

SIX: Teen Edition showcases the resilience, strength and individuality of these six women, allowing students to rewrite “her-story” through powerful performances that highlight women’s voices and stories.

If this entices you, enrol in Musical Theatre on Line 1 with Alarna and Gemma.

More interested in the behind-the-scenes elements of lighting, sound, costume and set design? Then enrol into Technical Theatre Production with Vince.

College Futsal Team – Express your interest

Attention Newstead students – are you interested in playing futsal for the college? We’re looking for players to join our team!

• Improve your skills and fitness
• Play in a fun, competitive team
• Represent the college in matches and tournaments

All skill levels welcome! 

To express interest, see Jon (Room 18) or Charlie (Room 104). Don’t miss out! 

Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club runs every morning in the Caff from 8.30 am to 9.00 am.

Toast, fruit and a selection of hot drinks are available. Breakfast Club is FREE for all students, so please help yourself. Please remember to clean up afterwards. 

The Student Wellbeing Team

The Student Wellbeing Team at Newstead College is made up of a Social Worker, Psychologist, and Health Nurses. The team is located next to the College Caff. 

To contact Student Wellbeing Team, students can: 

• Email nec.studentsupport@decyp.tas.gov.au 
• Visit the Student Resources page on the Newstead College website
  

Driving for Jobs

The Driving for Jobs (DfJ) Program at Newstead College is a free service for eligible students who want to gain their learner ‘L’ or provisional ‘P’ driver licence.

DfJ can help students to: 

• successfully complete the learner driver knowledge test to gain an ‘L’ licence
• build up the required hours to take your provisional (‘P’) driving assessment if you have difficulty finding someone to be a supervisory driver or don’t have access to a suitable vehicle

Enrolment is easy: Visit Leanne in the DfJ office (in the Library) on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays, or pick up an expression of interest form from the Library at any time.

We encourage all students to participate in the DfJ Program, and if you are unsure about your eligibility, please ask. This is a valuable student resource that encourages and assists students through the new graduated licensing system. It also has a strong road safety focus, which produces more skilled, knowledgeable and respectful drivers who are prepared to handle all situations encountered on the roads. 

Leanne 
Newstead College Program Officer – Driving for Jobs 
Email: leanne.morrison@decyp.tas.gov.au
Phone: (03) 6332 3290

A note from Kaija

Dear students and families,

My name is Kaija (pronounced kai-ya). I am a Biology and Maths teacher here at Newstead College. You might see me around college wearing a mask. Due to my asthma, my doctor has advised me to take precautions to avoid illness whenever possible. Wearing a mask is one of the measures I take to protect my health. Please understand that my intention is not to cause discomfort to anyone; I am simply prioritising my wellbeing.

Thank you for your understanding.

Tutorial Program

Newstead College is committed to ensuring all students have the opportunity to gain the best possible results and the best chance of success. The College has an extensive Tutorial Program which covers every Level 3 and 4 subject, as well as some VET Programs.

In these weekly tutorials, students can receive extra assistance for an assignment, individual explanations of the class work, further practice of exam papers and homework support.

Tutorials are necessary for students who have missed classes or who might not be achieving as well as required. Teachers will send reminders to parents if students should be attending tutorials. We urge parents to promote attendance at tutorials with their student as a proven way of improving their results. The Tutorial Program for this year is up and running and a copy of it will be posted home.

Attendance is Compulsory

Every lesson a student misses impacts their learning and their chance of gaining a Satisfactory Achievement award in their subjects and attaining the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE).

Newstead College is an adult learning environment and in preparing students for work, where they need to explain absences generally with a medical certificate, we emphasise that students have valid explanations for their absences. We value parents’ and carers’ assistance in helping students to maintain a 100% attendance record and explain any absences.

We realise there are times when students are ill or have other authorised reasons for being absent. If students are absent due to illness and attend a doctor, it is preferable that a medical certificate is obtained and forwarded to the College Office. Some absences, including absences of 5 consecutive days or more, require a medical certificate before they can be authorised.

How to explain student absences

We would like explanations for student absences on the day the student is absent. Please provide us with the name of student, times or lines absent and a full explanation. You will receive an SMS or email alert if your child is absent from school requesting a response.

Ways to explain absences include:

• Respond to the text message or email you receive by completing the form
• Email NewsteadCollegeAttendance@decyp.tas.gov.au
• Phone the College Office on 6332 3232
• Student provides a note signed by their parent/guardian to the College Office when they return

If there are unexplained absences or errors on the printout you receive each term, please write on the printout, sign and date it, and return it to our College Office.

If you change your mobile number, please let the College Office know. This is important to ensure you receive text messages and also for emergencies.

If you would like to discuss attendance concerns, please phone your student’s Support Group Teacher or Assistant Principal.

Event: Meet the Teacher Evening

Newstead College invites all parents/guardians to meet their student's teachers. This is an informal evening, so appointments are not needed. 

When: Wednesday 26 March, 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
Where: Newstead College Caff

Event: Newstead College Association AGM

The Newstead College Association Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 26 March 2025 in the College Boardroom at 6.00 pm. All positions are vacant and everyone is welcome.

Please contact the College with any questions. 

'Bones' Pre-Tertiary Art Exhibition

The Newstead College Pre-Tertiary Art Exhibition, Bones, showcases and celebrates the hard work and artistic journeys of talented Art Studio Practice and Visual Art Level 3 students. The 2024 cohort demonstrated an outstanding level of skill, commitment and creativity, producing a collection of diverse and dynamic visual outcomes.

Bones is on show in the front building. Community members are welcome to visit campus to view the exhibition during school hours. 

Works by Luke, Elloise, Addison, Bayli and Vincent can be viewed in ArtRage 2024 at the Art Gallery at Royal Park.

Key Dates

Mark your calendars with these important College dates. 

Term 1: Thursday 6 February to Friday 11 April

Term 2: Monday 28 April to Friday 4 July

Term 3: Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September

Term 4: Monday 13 October to Thursday 11 December