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- Principal Message
- Introducing Ogilvie Staff
- Late arrivals or Early departures
- School Levies 2021
- School Nurse
- Middle School
- Senior School
- Hobart Big Picture Academy
- School Association
- Extra Curricular Music Program
- Pride/Diversity Group Meeting
- Upcoming Competitions
- Canteen
- Uniform
- Sustainable Garden
- Additional Items
Dear Families,
Welcome to our new school year and all the exciting possibilities that a new school year brings.
We welcome a number of staff this year with twelve new faces and two returning. We have Luke Webster, Job Carr-Turbitt, Alan Poole, Jane Neasey, Sophie Gibson, Janelle Stowe, Stephen Bray, Rowan Tilley, and Sonia Cowle joining our teaching team for the first time.
We welcome back Courtney Plapp and Graham Mitchell to our teaching team and we also have Matt Rice onboard as Advanced Skills Teacher co-ordinating our Grade Eight students with Lucy Angus and Mandy Maree in the same role co-ordinating our Grade Seven students with Camellia Cseko.
We also welcome Steph Johnson into the role of Assistant Principal of our Middle School, Tim Hortle into the role of Assistant Principal Senior School and Erika Boas into a new Assistant Principal role of Teaching and Learning.
We also farewelled two much loved staff members who retired this year in both Paul O’Rourke and Kath McGrath-Kerr. Both Kath and Paul were very passionate educators and specialists in the respective subject areas. This year Paul’s role in the workshop will be untaken by Dave Edwards and Graham Mitchell. Kath’s role will be undertaken this year by Billie Rankin.
Our student support structures this year look a little different with addition of two staff co-ordinating each grade. After your child’s homegroup teacher it is these two staff members that are your first port of call to contact when you need to touch base.
Grade 7 AST – Mandy Maree, Grade Support – Camellia Cseko
Grade 8 AST – Matt Rice, Grade Support – Lucy Angus
Grade 9 AST – Bree Everett, Grade Support – Adrian Smith
Grade 10 AST – Jill Alexander, Grade Support – Jess McDonald
Assistant Principal Middle School – Steph Johnson
Assistant Principal Senior School – Tim Hortle
Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning – Erika Boas
We also have several support staff who are here to aid our students including:
Samantha Crust – AST, Inclusive Education, Support Teacher
Naomi Grist – School Chaplain
Jess Dawes – Social Worker (Monday to Thursdays)
Niki Hussein – Senior Social Worker (Friday)
Renee Valentino – Psychologist
Karen Spanjer – Psychologist (Wednesday)
Hobart City School Project
As part of the work moving forward to amalgamate Ogilvie and New Town High Schools starting in 2022 the Department of Education have provided one day a week of extra Principal loading to each school so that the principals of both schools and Elizabeth College can meet and plan on Mondays. As such Erika Boas our Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning will be Co-Principal all of this year and lead the school on Mondays.
As part of this work consultation begins again next week with our school association on Tuesday evening between 6 and 7pm. Straight after that meeting at 7.30pm we will also meet with the joint consultation group from our school, New Town and Elizabeth College. At this session we will revisit the models that the group worked on last year and see what refinements and adaptations need to be made before these models go to the minister at the end of March.
If you would like to check in to see where the conversation is up to with this very significant project, then please come along to our general meeting here at school at 6pm.
Unbelievably it is nearly March and things are in full swing here at school. Our school enrolments have increased again this year growing from 624 in 2019, 640 in 2020 and now sitting at 660 in 2021. There is an exciting energy in our school that is being reflected in our classes and in the smiles of the students that I have the pleasure of catching up with every day.
As always keep in touch with us via our social media, newsletter, school app product, newsletter, school association or feel free to reach out to your child’s home group teacher, grade supervisor or myself.
Duncan.
My name is Mrs Mandy Maree. I was born in Zimbabwe and spent most of my childhood and early teaching career in South Africa. My husband and I immigrated to Tasmania in 2007 with our three young children.
I am passionate about quality education and believe in the ability of education to empower our youth. I feel privileged to work with young people and I value kindness and diversity.
Receiving a very warm welcome here at Ogilvie High School has made settling in easy and I am thoroughly enjoying my role as Year 7 Coordinator and teacher of Year 7 History/Geography and English to two classes.
Mandy Maree
My name is Matt Rice and I am the Grade Eight Coordinator here this year. I have joined the team at Ogilvie after spending nine of the last ten years as a member of the Windermere Primary School community with a brief stint at East Derwent Primary in 2016.
I am Tasmanian born and bred and live on the Eastern Shore with my gorgeous partner and two sons aged 12 and almost 11. In my spare time I enjoy watching and playing sports, particularly cricket, spending time with my family, movies, TV and reading. I also have a passion for art and am a stencil artist when I have the time.
I am passionate about quality, inclusive education and believe that the most important part of this is the relationships we build with not only the students but also their families. With that in mind I extend the invitation to all families that if you have any issues or concerns about your child’s education please contact me and I will do the best I can to help.
I consider it a privilege to work with your child each day and look forward to helping them achieve their very best while at Ogilvie High School.
Matt Rice
Hi my name is Stephanie Johnson and I am the new Assistant Principal of The Middle School. I also have the pleasure of teaching Grade 8 English and HASS. After 10 years of working within a primary school setting, I feel very happy and excited to be part of the Ogilvie High School Community.
Here is a little bit about me. I have lived in Hobart my whole life, although escaping to Orford whenever I get the chance. I have a wonderful husband named Sam, we live on the Eastern Shore. Some of my favourite things to do are cooking, going for a walk or to Pilates and spending time with friends and family.
It has been lovely getting to know the students, staff and families at Ogilvie. If you see me around the school, please come up and say hello!
Stephanie Johnson
I'm Luke Webster.
I've come over from Montrose Bay High where I've been teaching Digital Technologies for the past seven years. In my spare time, I write computer software and work for a game developer company.
When I'm not teaching or working on the computer, I have a small farm in Lachlan that keeps me busy. It's my aim to buy a new tractor by the end of the year.
Luke Webster
Hi everyone! This is Mr Tilley. I’ve been at Montrose Bay High School for five years, teaching Maths, Science and Video Making.
Last year I completed a Cert III in Adventure Guiding at TAFE. I enjoy camping, circus and making things. I’m looking forward to an awesome year teaching at Ogilvie High School.
Late arrivals or Early departures
Arriving late
Please advise the school as early as possible if your child is arriving late. They will need to collect a late pass from Tina in our medical room on arrival.
This can be via a note, email: Ogilvie.high@education.tas.gov.au or phone call to the office on 6228 8800. Alternatively you can send a text message via our absence mobile 0417 968 541, or via Schoolzine app - Szapp is now avaliable.
Leaving early
If your child needs to leave during the day it is advised to contact the school as early as possible to allow time to organise an out of class pass to allow them to leave when required. These passes are also available from Tina in our Medical room.
This can be via a note, email: Ogilvie.high@education.tas.gov.au or phone call to the office on 6228 8800. Alternatively you can send a text message via our absence mobile 0417 968 541 or via Schoolzine app - Szapp in now avaliable.
Student is unwell
If you child is unwell and unable to come to school please inform the office as early as possible by phoning 6228 8800, answering machine 6228 8890, via text message on 0417 968 541 or Schoolzine app - Szapp. You can also email: Ogilvie.high@education.tas.gov.au
Student is unwell at school
Students who are feeling unwell during the day are to visit Tina in the medical room who will then inform the parents/guardians to arrange collection of students or make alternative arrangements home.
Students should not contact parents directly. This allows the school to follow Duty of Care procedures.
- Services Australia - Centrelink Health Care Card
- Services Australia - Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card
- Services Australia - Pensioner Concession Card or
- Department of Veteran Affairs - Pensioner Concession Card
Welcome Year 7s of 2021
Our 156 Year 7 students have had an excellent start to their high school journey. At our Year 7 Welcome Assembly we had three key messages for our students:
- to make the most of opportunities on offer, both in and beyond the classroom
- to face challenges, knowing they are supported and
- to be kind.
The students have taken these messages to heart and have also demonstrated pride in their school uniform.








In home group recently, students were asked to reflect on their first week of high school and here are a few thoughts:
- Excited for so many new opportunities.
- I am excited to meet new friends.
- I have challenged myself to try new things, push myself harder.
- There are lots of stairs and hills.
- I was worried I wouldn’t make new friends.
- I was scared to come but I’m not anymore.
It was lovely to meet some of our families at the School Association Welcome Barbeque on Tuesday evening. At Ogilvie, we greatly value a positive and strong home-school partnership knowing that this benefits student learning, achievement, and wellbeing. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s home group teacher or myself, Mrs Mandy Maree, as Year 7 Coordinator.
Mrs Mandy Maree Ms Camellia Cseko
Year 7 Coordinator Year 7 Assistant Coordinator








Back to School in 2021
Welcome back to all Grade 10 students and teaching staff. This year our Grade 10 Home Group teaching team has welcomed new members, Ms S Stockwin and Mr R Tilley and has farewelled Ms Clare Henry who has taken up position at the University of Tasmania. Ms J McDonald has the new role of Grade Coordinator Support (GC2) and works alongside Ms J Alexander, Grade 10 Coordinator (GC).
Important Upcoming Dates for Grade 10:
Date |
Event |
Students Involved |
Reminder: 12 March |
Validation Forms are due |
There must be signed and returned to the front office |
22-26 February |
Questacon Workshops |
ALL Grade 9 Science classes |
1 March |
GRIP: Leadership Conference |
ALL Prefects, Grade 10 SRC and House Captains |
1-4 March |
Outdoor Ed Camp |
Line 7 Class (J McDonald) |
5 March |
House Picnic |
Whole School Event |
8 March |
International Women’s Day |
Led by Prefects, Grade 10 SRC and House Captains |
10-12 March |
Outdoor Ed Camp |
Line 3 Class (D Martin) |
18 March & 19 March |
Athletics Carnival |
Whole School Event |
Uniform Issues, Hoodies and Polo Shirts
The Grade 10 girls are now wearing their 2021 Leader Hoodies and or polo shirts. These are official parts of the school uniform. All girls have been informed that black, grey or any other coloured leggings are not part of the school uniform and should not be worn to and from school at any stage of the day. The school track pants are the official sports uniform
Similarly, all girls have been told that black shorts or other coloured shorts are not part of the school uniform. There are school shorts available from the uniform shop.
International Women’s’ Day Events:
To follow ASAP - Communications Prefects and Initiative Prefect are writing this ASAP]
Surfing (Outdoor Education):
Ms McDonald’s Grade 10 Outdoor Education class has been participating in surfing lesson for the past two weeks. The instructors from Coast Riders Surf Academy have been instructing and supporting the girls during the lessons at Clifton Beach. A number of the girls have been very excited achieving some moments of standing up on the board and making some cutbacks in the waves.
[ J McDonald will send surfing photos to M Page in the office]
The Prefect Board and House Captains for 2021 are:
Head Prefects
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Mackenzie Stone | Zoe Griffin |
SRC President
Prefects for
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9
Well being
Inclusion
Prefect to Dando
![]() |
Emily Clingan |
Eco/Environment
Communications
Initiatives
House Captains
Dando
Williams
Steane
Miller
Venn

















There are twelve design elements that, in combination, distinguish Big Picture Education from other designs of schooling. The eighth one is...




Welcome back and welcome to Ogilvie High 2021! We hope you got to enjoy the summer and are easing back into the swing of all things school.
For the start of the school year the Ogilvie High School Association would love to meet and welcome OHS families to the school community.
The goal of the Ogilvie High School Association is to support Ogilvie High in providing its students with the best possible education experience.
We are a group of parents /carers, staff and community members who have taken the opportunity of monthly term time meetings to get to know the school a little better, to be involved in some of the decisions being made and to support the flow of communication between our community and school staff.
We have a big year ahead, as we continue our involvement in contributing to and approving the plans for the joining together of Ogilvie and New Town high.
We hope to build our lovely team and we invite new members to join us. If you are a parent or guardian of a current Ogilvie High School student you are welcome to attend any of our regular meetings; they are such a great way to be more connected to our children's education.
You can either attend casually or get involved further by becoming a committee member.
Nominations for the committee will take place at our Annual General Meeting Tuesday, 2nd March, 5-6pm
- At this meeting we conduct the confirmation and nomination of committee members.
- We will also receive Annual School and Association reports.
followed by our General Meeting 6pm-7pm.
- Election/ confirmation of office bearers
- We will receive the Principals report
- Begin of General business for 2021
Our meetings are held in the boardroom. (Come in through the main doors and it is the room directly to the right of the foyer).
If you are interested in becoming a member please be at this meeting.
We'd love to see some new faces.
If you have any questions at all, please contact ohs.association@gmail.com
Warmest Regards,
Miranda Shepheard (OHSA Chair)
Extra Curricular Music Program
2021 has started well with sign-ups occurring for various bands, ensembles and choir at Ogilvie for years 7-10, and it’s still not too late to join!! Please see below for the times currently allocated for ensembles and the directors of each. For further enquiries about the program please contact Mrs Janelle Stowe via email janelle.stowe@education.tas.gov.au
Show Choir
This year we have a new (auditioned) choir being introduced called the ‘show choir’ and so we are on the hunt for talented singers to join! Audition times will be announced when we start to get the numbers in. So don’t delay girls we want to hear from you! Come and see Mrs Stowe in H Block on a Tuesday, Thursday or Friday if keen.
Tuesday
Ogilvie Concert Band 8am - 8:50am. H25 (Ms Sara Mason)
Percussion Ensemble @ lunchtime. H25 (Ms Tracey Patten)
Combined Ogilvie and New Town Concert Band after school at New Town High 3:15pm - 4:30pm
(Mr Alex Brown and Mr Simon Reade)
Thursday
Stage Band lunch time. H25 (Mr Simon Reade)
Show Choir 8.15 -9am (alternate weeks) (Mrs Janelle Stowe)
Ogilvie Choir 8.15 -9am (alternate weeks) (Mrs Janelle Stowe)
Friday
Grade 7 Choir 8.15-9am (Mrs Janelle Stowe)
Guitar Ensemble (TBA) (Mr David Edwards)
PRIDE/DIVERSITY GROUP
We are a student led group for LGBTQIA+ and Allies aimed at providing a safe, supportive, and action-based space for all young people.
For those in need of support or information, or those who are wanting to advocate for social justice, or even for those just searching for a place to be or something to do, come along!
Every Wednesday at lunchtime in S5 & a Half (The room between S5 and S6).
Thank you!
Warmth
Billie Rankin
[they/them]
HASS Competitions
The following competitions are open to all students. Please give your name and payment to the main school office by the registration dates detailed below:
Australian Geography Competition taking place P1 Thu 25 March
Register BY 28 February $4.00 per student
Australian History Competition taking place P2 Wed 9 June
Register BY 31 March $7.00 per student
See your HASS teacher for further information.
Reminder to update your profile in the Qkr app when purchasing uniform or canteen items. E.g: If your child was previously in 9F Home group they would have a new HG this year.
You can now add your child's Home Group to your profile instead of signing in as a guest if they are now in a Grade 7 HG this year.

Reminder to update your profile in the Qkr app when purchasing uniform or canteen items. E.g: If your child was previously in 9F Home group they would have a new HG this year.
You can now add your child's Home Group to your profile instead of signing in as a guest if they are now in a Grade 7 HG this year.
It is wonderful to continue to see the vast majority of our students wearing the Ogilvie uniform. A reminder that black leggings and shorts are not a part of the uniform. Students in Big Picture have specific uniform requirements but for all other students there is a uniform item for every activity.
Our Year 10 Leaders are looking wonderful in their grey Leaders hoodies or white and maroon tops. The spate of hot weather has led to some sales of the Ogilvie shorts. Shorts are in stock and can be purchased from the Qkr app.
We appreciate and thank our parents and carers in ensuring that the students come to school in uniform. If you require any support around uniform items for your child, please contact the office and a member of staff will return your call. Thank you.
The trees grown by the Sustainableity class are doing well. They are going to the Midlands resstoration project, part of the UN's Decade of Ecosystems Restoration.
Students from one of our Foods classes gathering produce from the sustainable garden. Nice to see the broad-rimmed hats and students being sun smart. A reminder that sunscreen can be found at a number of places around the school and students are encouraged to bring their broad rimmed hats from home to wear outdoors.
If you have any spare veggies or fruits from your gardens, or any jars with lids, feel free to drop them to the office so we can use them in our classes.
If you have spare time and would like to volunteer in the garden, you could send an email to Billie @ william.rankin@education.tas.gov.au , and we can try to work something out. Just make sure you have a working with vulnerable people card first ?