Issue 4 - Friday, 12th September 2025
- Principal's Report
- Hellyer College Library - Academic Integrity & External Assessment (folios)
- Paddington Playgroup Adventures
- 2025 Ski Trip
- Careers Corner
- 2025 Rock Challenge
- Congratulations to Ella Dummett
- Congratulations to Heidi Kable
- Book Week Fun & Adventure
- End of Year Drama Performances
- Winter Ball
- Congratulations to Bella Charles
- Cert II in Tourism
- Line 2 & Line 4 Outdoor Ed
- Wynfit Running Festival
- The Scarecrow Competition
- Breast Screen Tasmania - Burnie
- School Holiday Workshops - Burnie Arts
Principal's Report
Hellyer College Term 3 Update
Student Progress Reports & Interviews
Our latest reports reflect the progress students have made in each of their subjects. Thank you to all who attended our recent Parent-Teacher interviews — your involvement is invaluable. With changes to report comments across the state, it’s more important than ever that we continue working together to support strong academic outcomes.
Two Weeks to Go
With just two weeks remaining in the term, students’ commitment to their learning and completion of set tasks is crucial. We encourage families to support their children by maintaining regular attendance, reflecting on their progress and identifying areas for improvement. All staff are working alongside students to communicate important tasks to complete and opportunities to further improve their results in each subject.
Year 11 Course Counselling for 2026
Year 11 students have been considering their subject choices for Year 12 in 2026. We invite parents and guardians to be part of these conversations. The 2026 Student Information Guide has been distributed to students and is also available from the school office.
Winter Ball Celebration
Held on August 28, the Winter Ball was a fantastic evening for Year 11 and 12 students to relax and celebrate. Nearly 200 students attended, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We’re proud to continue subsidising this event to ensure it’s accessible to all.
Student Wellbeing Survey
Student wellbeing is central to learning. The Department of Education, Children and Young People recently conducted its annual statewide survey, which most of our students have completed. The insights will help us improve how we support wellbeing across the college.
Mainland Ski Trip & Upcoming Travel
Earlier this term, students and staff enjoyed a memorable ski trip to Mt Hotham. Plans are already underway for a similar trip in 2026, along with a Term 2 visit to Melbourne focused on academic, arts, and cultural experiences. Stay tuned for more details!
Rock Challenge – North
Our music students recently performed at the Rock Challenge – North. We wish them all the best for the State Final in Launceston on Friday, 12 September!
Parent Satisfaction Survey
We’ve invited parents to share feedback via the Parent Satisfaction Survey, sent by text message on Thursday, 11 September. Your input helps shape our school improvement efforts and affirms the strengths you see in our college. Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Warm regards,
Shane Cleaver
Principal
Hellyer College Library - Academic Integrity & External Assessment (folios)
As we move through term three and towards TASC *externally assessed folios, we need to encourage students to seek guidance on accurate referencing and academic integrity. It is in everybody’s interest to take advantage of the varied resources available - both printed and electronic – that assist in this process. When signing the TASC enrolment form for subject accreditation, students are agreeing to abide by TASC requirement as set out in their Academic Integrity Guide available at: https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Academic-Integrity-Guide.pdf
TASC imposes penalties for breaches of academic integrity within external folios. For example, students may be penalised one rating on a specific criterion. (A to a B or B to a C). This will depend on the subject and be managed by a discrepancy panel who will decide whether it was a deliberate breach or unintentional. It is better that neither occurs. Teachers and library staff are working with students to support them in adhering to the guidelines.
Five ways to protect your integrity:
- Make sure you have a reference list or bibliography. Subjects recommend different systems such as Harvard, MLA, APA, or Oxford. Use one and be consistent.
- The library offers strategies for better research skills, guides to referencing, and advice on using electronic databases. An array of electronic citation makers enables referencing these sources a lot easier. We also provide Turnitin for teachers to use with their students.
- English Studio students should clarify their literary influences in their statement.
- Be prepared and organised for your folio due date. It is possible that in the rush to meet the deadline, a lapse on plagiarism or poor referencing might occur.
- Above all, keep all drafts. Students should periodically use the ‘save as’ option to maintain a progress of drafting or utilise the intranet folio submission folders set up for some subjects. All paperwork, (especially with teacher/student annotation) and student journals are ‘proof of authenticity’ if required.
*External Folio assessment
See: https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/student-faqs-externally-assessed-folios/?highlight=folio%20dates
- Folio dates
- Extensions – request forms
The TASC website allows extensions for the following reasons:
- Sudden illness – accompanied by a medical certificate
- Death of a close relative
- Unexpected travel due to the death of a close relative
To request an extension, you must provide your TASC Liaison Officer with a completed Folio or project extension request form at least 48 hours before the due date. Folio extension approvals are made by TASC on a case-by-case basis. You will receive written notification from TASC about your extension request.
Paddington Playgroup Adventures
Students in Working with Children have been planning and delivering engaging activities for both the public and Milpara Early Learning Centre. Each week, students brave the frosty mornings to set up games and activities, check for hazards and create a welcoming space both inside and in our playground courtyard. It has been wonderful to see our students' confidence grow in their interactions with the children.
In our theory lessons this term, students are learning about child health and nutrition, promoting positive behaviour and careers in childcare and education.
2025 Ski Trip
In Week 2 of Term 3, nineteen students and three staff travelled to Mt Hotham in Victoria on the 2025 Hellyer College Ski Trip. It was an early start, flying out of Launceston at 6:20am, however excitement levels were high as we landed in Melbourne and boarded our private coach enroute to the slopes. When we arrived at Mt Hotham, we were greeted with more snow than any of us had ever seen. After getting our gear fitted, we headed back to our lodge. Due to the large amount of snow, some of us clipped in and learnt some basic snowboard skills before heading inside for dinner. There was only one lost snowboard this day.
Each morning from 8:30-10.00am, we had a ski/snowboard lesson with private instructors where we were able to develop our skills. For the rest of the day, we were able to practice what we had learnt and explore the mountain. For some, this involved hitting green and blue runs, for others, it meant going to the park and practicing jumps and rails. On Wednesday we all opted to go night skiing which was an unforgettable experience and something we will all cherish.
Throughout the week, students bonded over the new skills they were learning, how sore their bodies felt and how much fun they were all having. The staff felt extremely fortunate to be with such an amazing group of individuals and students should be congratulated on their fantastic efforts.
Careers Corner
One of the highlights this term from a career's perspective was our annual Career Expo and once again support from employers was fantastic. In previous years, the expo had been held in the cafeteria but this year we moved to the gym – a much more spacious venue.
From Hospitality to Auto and Finance to Health, over 35 local businesses and community organisations shared their knowledge and expertise. Students made valuable contacts, expanded their networks with potential employers, and found out more about pathways into different careers.
We extend a huge thanks to all who supported the event. We sincerely appreciate the time that you spent with our students.
Monash and Melbourne Universities Visit
In Term 3, over 50 students have had the opportunity to find out detailed information about both Monash and Melbourne Universities, with representatives visiting Hellyer to make sure that our students have up to date information about studying at university level. Topics covered included applying through admissions centres, accommodation, scholarships, and opportunities for overseas study.
Visiting students from Wynyard and Parklands High Schools had the opportunity to join in the sessions and left feeling enthusiastic about the opportunity to be part of the Monash Mentoring Program next year.
Student feedback was fantastic and included the following comments:
“I found the talk very informative especially about living on campus. They provided us with costs and information on how to apply for scholarships. I was also interested in learning about double degrees”
“They talked about the Monash Guarantee which helps you acquire extra ATAR points depending on your circumstances and the region you live in.”
“I especially liked the part about accommodation fees and what expenses you'll encounter when you go to university.”
“I was really interested in the first year for Engineering where you get to try all aspects of Engineering.”
“I found it really helpful in selecting courses for next year. The whole thing was very informative. One thing I liked about Monash University was international opportunities and their campuses all over the world. I sort of think the idea of travelling would be great.”
“I was stunned to learn how big the campuses were at Melbourne and Monash, especially the Clayton campus which they said 33,000 people attended.”
“I was impressed with the possible opportunities to study and travel overseas - it can give you a whole world view.”
“The presenters were excellent speakers and covered the information well.”
“Information about accommodation was awesome!”
If you would like more information about studying at university, please drop in and have a chat to Jane in the Careers Office at the front of the cafe.
2025 Career Expo
2025 Rock Challenge
Hellyer College music students recently participated in the 2025 Rock Challenge state band competition. The judges commended Hellyer students on their exceptional talent, skill, and energetic performances. The North-West results were as follows:
College Acoustic
1st: Dead Dove (Dieter Linden)
College Bands
3rd: Major Head Trauma (Jaic Edge, Jack Cullen, Lachlan O'Rourke, Kale Jordan)
2nd: Gaias Rove (Caitlin Crack, Gybson Kecely, Makai Petterwood, Billy Jenkins, Kale Jordan)
1st: Burn (Tyreece Smith)
Hellyer College took out all the places of their sections and all acts are off to compete in the state finals on Sept 12th - Best of luck to all!
Congratulations to Ella Dummett
Congratulations to Ella Dummett of Burnie Kyokushin who recently became an Australian Champion in the Colt's lightweight division!
Congratulations to Heidi Kable
Congratulations to Heidi Kable! In August Heidi was awarded Surf Lifesaving Tasmania ‘Tasmanian Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year’ and will now attend the Australian Surf Lifesaving Awards, representing Tasmania.
Book Week Fun & Adventure
Book Week was a hit in the library, with colourful displays and plenty of excitement around the theme “Book an Adventure.”
Wednesday, 20th August was our Dress-Up Day, and we were thrilled with the level of participation. The imagination that went into the costumes was amazing. We had the Lorax, the Phantom of the Opera, and his Christine Daaé, as well as a couple of Jesus’, a bad case of stripes and Spiderman swung in for a look. Shaggy hung out with some wizards, horror story characters chatted with rabbits and Frodo met some other bow and arrow carrying folk. Special mention to Marla Singer from Fight Club, who was very on point.
Thanks to everyone who joined in - your creativity made the day extra special. To celebrate participation, we held a raffle with fun prizes, and lucky winners walked away with either cinema tickets, book prizes or café vouchers!
A big thank you to everyone who helped make Book Week such a memorable celebration. Whether you dressed up, commented on the displays, or simply stopped by to enjoy the atmosphere, your involvement helped create a joyful and adventurous space for all.
End of Year Drama Performances
We are excited to present our 2025 Drama Showcase and Theatre Performance production in Term 4.
- On Wednesday, October 15 at 7.00pm, the Drama 3 students will present excerpts from A History of Breathing and The Drowning Girls.
- On Thursday, October 16 at 7.00pm, the Drama 2 students will present two short comedies; The Mouse and the Raven, and La Mouche.
- On Sunday, October 19 at 4.00pm, the Theatre Performance class will present Three Times the Trouble, a triple bill of one-act farces by John Maddison Morton.
Please come and support our hardworking and talented students. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning the office on 6435 5200. A gold coin donation on entry is appreciated.
Winter Ball
This term saw 188 students and staff members come together for the Hellyer College Winter Ball. Many took up the dare to re-wear and dress to impress dress code challenge, donning their Year 10 leaver's outfits.
The new larger venue of Burnie Arts provided plenty of space and was beautifully decorated as a winter wonderland. Live Music by Hump set the tone for a fun and memorable night.
Thank you to the Student Leadership Team for their planning of this event and for all who attended and made it a great evening.
Congratulations to Bella Charles
Congratulations to Bella Charles who won gold in the Junior Singles at the Australian Indoor Bias Bowls Championships in Warrnambool, (winning five out of six games).
Bella was also part of the team who secured The Bill Newman Trophy, (overall junior trophy), and Jack Gore Trophy, (overall team trophy - fourth year in a row).
Cert II in Tourism
Students studying their Certificate II in Tourism recently took up an opportunity to complete a work placement at Cradle Mountain Hotel. The experience was nothing short of fantastic - a valuable opportunity to build real-world skills and deepen their understanding of all things Tourism and Hospitality.
Line 2 & Line 4 Outdoor Ed
We have had an eventful Term 3 in Outdoor Education Line 2 and 4 so far!
Starting off with our fishing unit, both classes did not have much success in catching anything but seaweed. We then moved into a lot of rope and technical skills, making bridges over a creek with ropes, designing rope swings to complete challenges, and building shelters in Shorewell Reserve. We're now well into our rock-climbing unit, where students have been overcoming their fears and pushing themselves and peers to reach their rock-climbing goals.
Wynfit Running Festival
The Scarecrow Competition
Breast Screen Tasmania - Burnie
School Holiday Workshops - Burnie Arts
