Seahorse World Excursion

We had an excellent time on our excursion to Seahorse World on Wednesday 28th August. Viktor organised this as part of his project research into marine life.

Students from 9A attended along with others that shared this interest. We had the opportunity to learn about sea creatures such as seahorses, fish, sharks, crabs, weedy sea dragons and octopi. A highlight for many students was being able to hold crabs.

Over 50% of our students obtained 80% and above for their attendance this term. They were treated to a luncheon and an afternoon of activities at Riverbend Park on the last day of term. 

Student Narratives

LTI: For my Learning Through Internship, I have been working at Tio Rico. For the first three weeks I worked there from 9 till 2 on a Tuesday and for two weeks 11 till 2 on Wednesday. I loved cooking whilst I was there, I made burritos, enchiladas, churros, muffins and nachos. I have learnt so much that I can’t put it all into words, everything from cooking to service to cleaning. It’s been the experience of a lifetime and I’ve enjoyed it so much. I have no clue what my next LTI is going to be, but I’m so excited for it.

Flex Learning: For Flex Learning I’ve been in Damo‘s metalwork class, Adrian’s woodwork class, Jacqui’s cooking group and Josh’s health and well-being class. In Damo’s metalwork class, I’ve been making my archery target. In Adrian’s woodwork class I have been making a knife. In Jacqui’s cooking group, I have made hedgehog slice, caramel slice, peppermint slice, rice paper rolls and blondies. Finally in Josh’s health and well-being class, we’ve been working on positive body image, eating healthy and having a balanced diet.

Advisory:  Our advisory is nice and quiet and chill, otherwise I probably wouldn’t be able to handle it. I have quite recently learnt that I am terrible being around people and am becoming increasingly uncomfortable in large groups. Brock’s a really good teacher and he works with us, so we work with him. Yeah, there’s no other teacher I’d want at this school. I’ve learnt a lot this term education-wise and about myself.

Fiona, Grade 9

Hi, my name is Alissia,

My current interests now are sport and forestry. There are a lot of different strengths and weakness about myself that I have learnt through both interests. The main strength I have learnt in forestry is just to listen, I’m there to learn and not go off track so just listening.

This term I’m proud of messaging Bob Brown about forestry, logging and protesting in a responsible manner. Even though he didn’t get back to me I’m still glad of how I handled the situation, even regarding what my beliefs are.

My important moment was challenging too, I was trying to balance school – work - sport.  It was very hard because this is my busiest time of the year, but overall it’s been a big learning curve for me dealing with these issues, but my knowledge has grown further and I have better understanding in the industry. My plans for next term I’m pretty sure it’s all about the senior project and planning for 2025. 

Alissia, Grade 11

My name is Harley, I am currently a Grade 11 student at Launceston Big Picture School. This term my interest has still been in butchery. However, this term I have done something a little different to what I normally do because this term I was mentoring a fellow student in the kitchen as my project.

I would say that this term has been my best. 

Harley, Grade 11

Although I did not have an LTI this term, I will be working with Joe and others in the Big Picture office in NSW during the upcoming school holidays. I’m excited to contribute to real-world projects and meet Levi, a like-minded student. After that, I’ll have a week at TasRail, which I’m also looking forward to.

I’ve been thinking about possible LTI opportunities for next term, and next year, including revisiting past experiences like Definium where, although I was not fond of 8 hours of screens, I learned a lot and enjoyed my time. I have recently approached some of the marketing and design agencies again. Especially those in the web space, a technology I have not worked with for a while. Web technologies are quite creative with fast-paced development and rapid iteration.

I’m also considering exploring electrical or architecture, as Rob has suggested engineering, and I also think LTIs are meant to be about exploring other and new fields. A recent opportunity with TasWater, working with data, has piqued my interest and I’m eager to investigate it further. Another big goal for me, on this note, would be to update my resume and LinkedIn, and build my portfolio. There was a restaurant Rob suggested I might apply for a job at, which I probably should have done.

Armon, Grade 11

My last exhibition for Big Picture had the biggest turnout yet in terms of audience, success and satisfaction. I had the honour of having the Co-Founder of Big Picture John Hogan turn up to my exhibition as a panel member and give me feedback on my senior thesis which I am eternally grateful for, as having an opinion from someone so knowledgeable and known in the Big Picture community deeply expanded my self-confidence. I am very proud of myself furthermore as I also had a university representative from UTAS appear at my exhibition as well; she was so impressed that she requested to take a copy of my senior thesis back to the university so she could promote my knowledge and academic skills. 

Although I have achieved many other successes during my time in Big Picture, I am certainly proud of myself for what I have accomplished as of now, and I aim to become even more known in the academic community.  

Connor, Grade 12

My end of year exhibition was my best one yet! I am really proud of all the work I have done this year and my ability to regulate myself more effectively has been one of the highlights of my year.

I was prepared for my exhibition and spent a lot of time working on how it would be presented. I got really positive feedback from my panel and very little cool feedback. It was an emotional end to my Big Picture journey, but I am excited to find out what my future holds. 

Charlie, Grade 12

11A at Careers Expo!

With five different businesses to explore, we had a great time listening to speakers from Ag Logic, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Fair Brothers, Tasmanian Hospitability Services and Civil Construction.   Some of these speakers helped students to think about other career opportunities and paths they may not have considered.

Here is part of Ruby’s reflection on the day: 

“Last Thursday the Royal Flying Doctor Service came to school to talk with the students about their organisation. Unfortunately the RFDS was only able to send one person in, the educational officer Meg. Along with herself, Meg brought a RFDS plane/simulator that the students were able to go in and have a look around. Most of the students were disappointed that they weren’t able to talk to a nurse or pilot but Meg had a lot of information, and I learnt lots about what the RFDS do.

Unfortunately as I didn’t previously know anything about the Royal Flying Doctor Service only one of my questions were directed towards the RFDS. My question was: what are the different elements of the Royal Flying Doctor Service? As there was a lack of time I wasn’t able to actually ask my question. All my other questions were directed for the organisation that didn’t show up so I wasn’t able to ask those questions either.

As I wasn’t able to ask my question I didn’t receive an answer, however Meg went into detail about all the aspects while she was talking. Meg was able to list in detail all the different elements of the RFDS and what they do. Some of the main things the RFDS do are general medical assistance, emergency assistance, dentistry, mental health services and education.”

Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) 2024

Parents/guardians who are applying for STAS for the first time are encouraged to apply online at www.onlinesubmission.education.tas.gov.au. Alternatively, applicants can search STAS in Google and be taken directly to the online application site.

Applications can be completed on any electronic device including mobile phones. Parents/guardians must hold a current Centrelink concession card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs concession card to be eligible.

STAS 2024 assessment letters have been posted to all families.

If a parent/guardian wishes to add a newly enrolling or additional student to their existing STAS file they need to email their full name, the student’s full name, date of birth and school attending in 2024 to stas@decyp.tas.gov.au, and the file will be updated. Financial Assistance Services will also accept details of newly enrolled children of families who are approved for STAS directly from schools via email to stas@decyp.tas.gov.au.

For queries, please contact stas@decyp.tas.gov.au

Safeguarding Children and Young People 

All children in Tasmania have a right to be known, safe, well and learning. We are highly committed to the safety of all students at our school.

Earlier this month, DECYP launched the Tell Someone initiative, to raise awareness in the community about child sexual abuse and grooming.

The Tell Someone website gives children and young people clear advice on what to do in situations where they feel worried, unsafe or unsure. It also gives adults advice and support on how to respond if they suspect or know a child is being groomed or sexually abused or is at risk of harm.

Please visit the website, read the information, and try to find a suitable time to talk with your child/children about this issue and the resources available.  It’s important that everyone understands the possible signs of sexual abuse or grooming behaviour, and how to stay safe online and offline.

If reading this information has caused you distress, please visit DECYP’s website for a list of support services.

Please contact the school if you have any questions about this information.