Newstead College eNews - September 2025

From Archie and Charlie, Year 11

In Term 3 there has been a lot of exciting events, with a wide range of classes excursions and different experiences.

Some of these excursions include the VET Community Services (Health Focus) class visiting The Manor in Kings Meadows to explore the different range of jobs that are in the aged care sector.

The Outdoor Education group headed on a 22 km hike through the Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

The Legal Studies team headed to Hobart to attend LawFest and experience the different possibilities in Law around Tasmania.

Newstead College also held the annual Health Expo, with a range of experts hosting stalls and educating students on what they do, as well as the VET Health class providing free health checks. The School Health Nurses also had their very own stall, with a smoothie bike becoming the most popular part of the expo.

In Week 5, students in the VET Hair and Beauty classes showcased their talents at the annual Hair and Makeup competition. There were many Year 11 and 12 students competing to win awards.

This term, Prospect High School students visited to explore the wide range of Level 3 and 4 subjects, and experience what class is like for next year.

Recently, the annual Family Information Evening was held, with many families and students attending. A panel of students came and talked about the school, describing what they love and how Newstead College benefits them. Parents were then encouraged to ask the students questions, while also talking to the different teachers in their specialised areas.

The Newstead Ball is coming up very soon and everyone has bought their tickets! We can’t wait to see everyone dressed up and have a great time celebrating the past few terms. Also, the exam timetable is out for the 2025 end of year exams, so make sure to check that out and start studying!

Archie and Charlie
ex Queechy High School and Lilydale High School

From the Principal

Dear Families

As we approach Term 4, it’s important to note that there are only four weeks of learning before exams and final assessments begin. This makes every class count – strong attendance and consistent effort are essential. There is a lot of support available, including tutorials and individual assistance from teachers, so please make the most of these opportunities.

For Year 11 students, course selection for Year 12 is now underway. When choosing subjects, consider your interests, future goals and pathways – whether that’s university, VET, or employment. Talk to your teachers and other students to help make informed decisions.

Year 12 students, this is a critical time for university and scholarship applications. If you need help, please see Gemma. If you're pursuing an apprenticeship or employment, the Careers Hub is your go-to for guidance and support.

We’re also excited to see a growing number of Year 10 students enrolling through our Transition Program. If you or someone you know would like more information about enrolment, please contact Adrian or the College. Expressions of Interest are now open for VET programs, and we encourage all interested students to apply.

Now’s the time to stay committed and finish the year on a high note.

Dianne Freeman
Principal

Attendance Matters – Action Required

A reminder to our College community that Attendance Matters. With only a few weeks of learning left, every single class is critical. Missing even one lesson can impact progress, assessments, and future opportunities.

We are asking every student to aim to improve their attendance by at least 1% – a small but powerful goal that can make a real difference.

Parents and carers: It is essential that all absences are explained. If your student is away, please phone or email the College Office immediately. Unexplained absences affect student records and can limit access to support.

To help families stay informed, attendance summaries will be sent home at the end of Term 3. Please review them carefully and reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Let’s work together to ensure every student finishes the year with the best possible outcomes.

R U OK?Day

The College community gathered to mark R U OK?Day (11 September) with a vibrant and uplifting pop-up in the cafeteria. The space was brightened with balloons, bright decorations and feel-good music, thanks to our College Youth Worker, Melissa. Students and staff wore splashes of yellow, ate yellow-iced cupcakes and homemade RUOK cookies, and posted thoughtful messages to a communal board.

The day was a great reminder of the importance of checking in on one another. Thank you to Melissa, Fleur and everyone who got involved.

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NC Health Expo

Tuesday 2 September was all about Springing into Wellness as the NC community explored the Health Expo in the Caff. Students had fun discovering everything on offer as they connected with local service providers, staff and their peers. It was a great way to pick up handy tips for keeping well. A massive thank you to everyone involved, to our visiting vendors and to School Health Nurse Louise for organising the whole event!

Congratulations to the following students who won a $10 canteen voucher:

• Scarlett D
• Zoe A
• Mia P
• Hajar S
• Dakota B
• Mone S
• Sophie A
• Amir R
• Nicole O
• Jordyn B

Please collect your voucher from the School Health Nurse office. 

TA Appreciation Week

From 1-5 September, we celebrated the incredible work of our Teacher Assistants. Our TA's play a vital role in every aspect of school life by supporting learning, fostering friendships and wellbeing, and helping students navigate challenges.

More than just classroom support, TA's are essential members of the whole school community. Their dedication helps create inclusive, welcoming environments where all learners can thrive.

To recognise their amazing contributions, a morning tea was held in Cafe Cypress. Thank you to Bron and her Line 1 Food and Hospitality class for making this possible.

Music

Tasmanian Rock Challenge

On Friday August 29, one of our NC bands (The Broken Keys) competed in the band section of the Tasmanian Rock Challenge northern heat and absolutely smashed it. They made it through to the state Finals that are held this coming Friday evening, 12 September, at the Launceston Conference Centre (South Launceston). 

Last Friday (September 5), we had 4 students compete in the northern heat of the Acoustic section: Alex, Blake, Darcy and Shade. They performed amazingly and we again had someone make it through to the finals. Congrats to Darcy for being one of the three acoustic acts to play off at the finals on Friday.

#youngtion

On Sunday 14 September, The Broken Keys will be playing a 30 minute set as part of the Junction Arts Festival. The event is called #youngtion. It's free to attend. If you are after some live music this weekend, I highly suggest you head to Princes Square and check out the stage in the marquee. 

Vince, Teacher

Michael Dolce Masterclasses 

Guitarist Michael Dolce came to Newstead College to run a Q&A session as well as some guitar workshops with students from Newstead College and associate high schools. Michael is known for his work with the TV show, The Voice. Michael plays guitar in the live band during the blind auditions and is an incredible guitar player and role model. It was a fantastic day of music, stories, skill building, and inspiration. 

NC Library receives $10,000 grant to buy new books

Newstead College is excited to share that it has received a $10,000 grant from Dymocks Children’s Charities to buy new books for the College Library.

This grant is a wonderful opportunity to add nearly 500 great new titles to the library collection. The books are from a wide range of genres, including award-winning fiction and interesting non-fiction. Fresh copies of classic picture books have also landed on shelves.

This means students now have even to choose from, whether it's reading for study or just for fun. Newstead College is pleased to be able to offer students more ways to enjoy reading and build strong literacy skills.

The new books are now on the shelves, and students have been quick to start checking them out!

National Skills Week

NC students showcased their talent, creativity and passion for styling at the annual Makeup and Hair Competitions held last week during National Skills Week (25-31 August). The event highlighted the skills of students studying VET programs Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics and Certificate II in Salon Assistant.

The award recipients were:

MAKEUP

Fantasy
First place: Evie, Year 12, ex Cressy District High School  
Second place: Sarah, Year 12, ex Scottsdale High School 
Highly commended: Lily-May, ex Brooks High School

Evening
First place: Ella, Year 11, ex Riverside High School 
Second place: Jayla, Year 12, ex Deloraine High School  

HAIR

Fantasy 
First place: Shayla, Year 11, ex Queechy High School 
Second place: Sarah, Year 12, ex Scottsdale High School

Evening 
First place: Milly, Year 11, ex Queechy High School
Second place: Darcie, ex Queechy High School

The judges were impressed with the professional standard of creativity and technical skill demonstrated in both competitions. Congratulations to all participants!

This year, Newstead College is also running a state-wide student competition that will be judged online, with entries open until the end of September.  

Thank you to all who have made these events possible, including judges Deb Frost (Mooie Makeup) and Renee Van Den Bosch, the NC Foods department, and VET Teacher Sharon Turner. 

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Walls of Jerusalem Camp

A group of seven Outdoor Education students headed on a 22 km hike through the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. They were met with excellent scenery, a dusting of snow and cold conditions at night. It was an opportunity to practise self-sufficiency, and each student carried a 20 kg backpack. The students worked well as a group and problem-solved along the way.

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Chinese Sister School Visit

On the morning of Friday 1 August we extended a warm welcome to our Chinese Sister School, Jian’ou First High School, including:

• Deputy Secretary Mr Jinhua Wu and seven teachers from our sister school
• Three teachers from Hobart College’s sister school, Fuzhou No.8 Middle School
• Three students from the associated schools

They enjoyed a short tour of our College, which included some highlights of our Learning Areas and our environment. This included visits to a variety of areas, including a music performance and visits to different areas, including Children’s Services, Computing, and esports.

A highlight was Jespah’s presentation of his Student Directed Inquiry to our visitors.  

The visit concluded with our wonderful VET class, with Teacher Liz providing a highly delicious morning tea alongside an overview of the international student program at Newstead College. This was followed by a gift exchange and an address from Deputy Principal Mr Wu (Jian’ou First High School) and Dianne Freeman (Principal, Newstead College)

Dianne spoke about the importance of this partnership to the college and opportunities to continue to develop and strengthen the relationship into the future.

We look forward to welcoming them in 2026 on their annual visit.

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET)

Certificate II in Community Services (Health Focus) 

On 26 August, we had the pleasure of welcoming back some wonderful Newstead College alumni who are flourishing in their health career pathways!

Izzy and Addie, now studying the Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Tasmania, and Elham Osman, currently undertaking a course in Aged Care at TasTAFE with plans to begin her Diploma of Nursing later this year, returned to share their journeys with current students. They spoke about their experiences, what they’ve learnt, and offered valuable advice to those considering health courses after Year 12.

Their top tip?

“Make the most of the opportunities and support at Newstead College.”

They highlighted how VET Health gave them a strong foundation, helping them settle into their studies and even support their peers in practical classes.

It was such a delight to see how confidently they’re progressing in their chosen careers. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for their inspiring visit!

Maree, Teacher

Zoe's Apprenticeship

We are proud to share that Year 12 student Zoe, ex Scottsdale High School, has secured a cookery apprenticeship at Bridport restaurant and cocktail bar St Mark’s. Zoe received the apprenticeship offer after participating in work placement at St Mark’s through the Newstead College Pathways To Apprenticeship and Traineeship (PTAT) course. She says the all staff at St Mark’s are “really nice” to work with.

Deegan's Apprenticeship Offer

Deegan, ex Lilydale District High School, has been interested in a career as an electrician for a long time. He recently did a week of work experience at Timberlink, and ended up being offered an Electrical Apprenticeship. Nice one, Deegan! 

Sally, Careers Hub

Alumni Success: Brianah Stebbings

We are proud to share that Brianah Stebbings, NC Class of 2021, received the statewide Bakery and Butchery Apprentice/Trainee of the Year award at the TasTAFE Trade Excellence Awards held on 18 August.  

Brianah recently completed her apprenticeship and is now a fully qualified Pastry Chef at Le Petit Chou on George St. Prior to this she undertook an apprenticeship at Manu Bakery. While at Newstead College, she completed the Certificate II in Kitchen Operations under Newstead VET Teacher Liz Self. Brianah attended Kings Meadows High School prior to coming to us. 

Brianah is hardworking and self-motivated young person whose long-term goal is to open her own bakery and diversify the Launceston landscape. We congratulate her on her growth and success! 

VET Expressions of Interest now open

Expressions of Interest for Newstead College VET courses for 2026 are now open! View the available courses and express your interest on the College website: VET Programs

Once you’ve submitted your form, you will receive an email from us. We will then reach out with options for scheduling your suitability conversation. You will be notified of the outcome in November.

Academic Extension Group Hobart Visit

Our Annual Hobart trip for the Academic Extension Group exposes students to the Hobart UTAS Campuses and accommodation available in the city. It is designed to help our students on a university pathway to feel more confident about a move south for uni!

This year we were joined by six of our fabulous international students as we explored the Sandy Bay Campus, the UTAS Medical Research Precinct, The Hedberg Centre for Music, Hunter Street Precinct for Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Media and Design and our first look at the Domain Campus and the Outdoor and Environmental Education offerings. We also made sure we check out UTAS accommodation at Jane College (thank you for spoiling us, Jane) where we connected with our former students who live there – Daneika and Gigi – before catching other alumni Eason and Charlotte at Hytten Hall.

Gemma, UniHub Coordinator

Expressions of Interest for the Academic Extension Program in 2026 are now open! For more information, visit the College website: Academic Extension Program

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Physical Sciences

Tritations

Our chemists in training recently had a go at completing titrations. Titrations are super useful for determining how concentrated acids and bases are. This process is used in industries such as food and beverage manufacturing (including winemaking!), manufacturing pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, environmental monitoring, water treatment, and mining.

Conservation of Energy

This term, our physicists explored how energy can be transferred using gravity and where energy can be lost! This is the same principal that allows us to produce hydroelectricity in Tasmania. Water in a dam has energy that can be converted to spinning energy in a turbine and create electricity! 

Sam, Teacher 

LEGAL STUDIES

Police Visit

Legal Studies students were lucky to have Justine from Tasmania Police visit the class, to share her experiences and insights from life on the force.

Justine spoke openly and honestly about her journey into policing, the different roles she’s held, and what it’s really like working in law enforcement. She gave students practical advice on how to join the police and what to expect, creating plenty of questions.

The conversation touched on important legal topics such as youth justice, the age of criminal responsibility, and the impact of mental health and drug use on crime and policing. Students were especially interested in Reid’s Law, which allows police to use “wanding” to check for knives in certain public areas – a new measure aimed at keeping communities safe.

Justine helped students to connect their classroom learning with real-world issues. The class are very appreciative to Justine for giving up the time to chat with them, whilst appreciating her honesty in the conversations. 

UTAS Law Expert Visit

Students in the Legal Studies class recently welcomed Professor Tim McCormack from the University of Tasmania and Bianca Jones, a fourth-year law student who graduated from Newstead College.

Bianca spoke about her pathway into law, including her move to Hobart, adjusting to university life, and her involvement in moot courts. Her talk gave students a clear picture of what studying Law is like and how to prepare for it.

Professor McCormack gave a presentation on International Law, explaining how it works and why it matters. He focused on recent arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu, helping students understand how international justice is applied in real-world situations.

Newstead College has always appreciated the support and wealth of knowledge that Professor McCormack regularly shares with us. He is a Professor of International Law at UTAS and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law. Professor McCormack served as Special Adviser on War Crimes to the ICC Prosecutor in The Hague from 2010 to 2024. In Tasmania, he was appointed by the Premier in 2021 to support work on a Pathway to Truth-Telling and Treaty with Aboriginal People, and in 2020, he co-led an Independent Inquiry into the Department of Education’s handling of sexual abuse allegations in government schools.

The visit gave students valuable insights into legal careers and current global legal issues.

Helen, Teacher

Year 11 Subject Expo

Our Subject Expo took place on Tuesday in the Caff, giving Year 11 students the opportunity to chat with teachers and peers about course selection for 2025. For course details, check out the Course Guide on the NC Website. 

Family Information Evening

A fantastic turnout at our recent Information Evening! Families and young people heard about the exciting opportunities available in Year 11 – from subjects and pathways to support services and enrichment programs. Thanks to everyone who came along to discover what makes Newstead a great place to learn and grow!

Adrian, AST

Driving for Jobs

Congratulations to Year 11 student Charlotte (ex Scottsdale High School), who recently passed her P1 test. Charlotte has been accessing the Driving for Jobs Program regularly throughout the year and gained lots of valuable driving experience and mandatory driving hours.

She is joined by Jack, another Year 11 student (ex Scottsdale High School), who is also now independent on the road, having polished up his driving skills prior to his recent P1 test.

So far this year, 13 students gave gained their Provisional driving licence, and 3 their Learner licence, through the popular Driving for Jobs Program. The College is very proud of all these students.

Leanne, Driving for Jobs Project Officer

Schools Triathlon Challenge

Get ready for the Devonport Schools Triathlon Challenge 2025 at Devonport Bluff! This exciting event invites students from all schools to participate in individual and relay team categories, combining swimming, biking and running.

When:

• Grades 7-12: Thursday, 20 November 2025
• Grades 3-6: Friday, 21 November 2025

Events run from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm each day (please ensure all bikes are racked by 9:45 am).

Where:
Devonport Bluff

Cost:
$25 per student

Why participate:
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in a fun, healthy and competitive event while supporting a great cause. Fundraising is encouraged, with a chance to win $10,000 for your school through Diabetes Australia.

Travel:
Students will travel by either school bus or hired bus, depending on numbers.

Interested?
Students keen to participate should see Oli Cook in Room 18 or email oli.cook@decyp.tas.gov.au for more information and to register.

For further event details, visit schoolstriathlonchallenge.com or contact Tim Smith on 0417 552 181.

Student Wellbeing Survey

The time of year has arrived when we check in with our students through the annual wellbeing survey. At Newstead College, student wellbeing is a top priority, and we value hearing directly from our students about their experiences and perspectives.

Students in Years 11 and 12 will be participating in the survey from 25 August to 19 September.

For more information, get in touch with us at 63 323 232.

NC Student Events

College Yearbook Student Survey

2025 TASC Exam Timetable

Key Dates

Term 3: Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September

Term 4: Monday 13 October to Friday 7 November