Latest news
Students learn art of cooking a traditional hangi
Year 5 students received a taste of Polynesian culture on Wednesday 11 August when they were invited to share in a special feast cooked in a traditional Maori hangi (earth oven).
The College was delighted to have parent Jonathon 'Jono' Brimfield on board with the project.
Jono, who is one of our passionate Presentation Families representatives, willingly lent his knowledge and experience to ensuring the hangi was successful and authentic.
A hangi is a method of cooking, traditionally used to steam vegetables and meat by placing the food on top of hot rocks and covering it.
In the spirit of hospitality, students were invited into the Canteen kitchen to help prepare the food for the meal, which they then shared with their peers and class teachers at lunchtime.
On the morning of the hangi, Jono and the College Maintenance team put their backs into prepping the pit for the food. Students watching on soon learned that creating a hangi is hard physical work—and a team effort!
A hole was dug out for the fire, which was covered with stones and wood. Once the burning wood had heated the stones sufficiently, the basket of food was laid in the pit, covered with wet sacking and then by a mound of earth to trap the heat.
Fast forward three hours and a beautiful smokey lunch was served!
Thank you to all our handy helpers, including Jono and the Maintenance team, Year 5 Teachers—Nicky Holloway and Ben Shirley, and Murphy's Canteen Manager Phil Shanny, for giving our students the opportunity to participate in this unique cultural experience.
National Science Week inspiring young scientists to learn and explore
This week is National Science Week—Australia's biggest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
The College's involvement in all things Science Week kicked off last week, with a group of Year 10 and 11 students attending a women in STEM careers expo hosted by Elizabeth College.
The expo, which featured a series of presentations by female science professionals, highlighted to students the important role that STEM disciplines play in our everyday lives and the value of the sector in Tasmania.
On Monday 16 August, budding young scientists in Year 1 were spotted in action during a visit to the Senior School Science labs.
The hands-on experience called for some serious investigation and inquiry, with the Year 10 students enjoying the opportunity to take up the role of teacher as they mentored the Year 1s and fielded many curly questions.
The Year 1s were guided through a range of fun activities, including drawing fossils, checking objects under the microscope, experimenting with magnetic force and analysing different substances.
On Tuesday 17 August, Senior School students had the chance to test their 'flight skills' by making paper planes suited to a particular purpose.
Prizes were awarded to the students whose planes flew the longest distances, had the most air time and were able to 'hit' a certain target.
A highlight of our National Science Week celebrations is a visit to the Festival of Bright Ideas at Princes Wharf each year.
Our Year 4s and Year 10s will attend the festival on Friday 20 August, where they will participate in a range of activities and hear from scientists and STEM experts.
The event, which showcases the brightest innovation, research and technology happening in Tasmania, will be running through the weekend.
The program is jam-packed with workshops, activities and stage presentations for all the family to enjoy. Tickets to the Festival of Bright Ideas available to purchase online here.
In preparation for Science Week, Year 7-10 students were given the opportunity to undertake their own research investigations.
These projects display a high degree of innovative thinking, creative ability and scientific knowledge.
We look forward to seeing our students present their findings to science and industry judges at the upcoming UTAS Science and Engineering Investigation Awards Project Presentation Day on Wednesday 15 September.