The Peter Underwood Centre proudly celebrated the graduation of thirteen Zeehan Primary School students from Children’s University on Tuesday 17 December, with Principal Josh Dean noting in his speech that "we can achieve anything from anywhere, including the West Coast of Tasmania."
The event commenced with a town-and-gown walk from the West Coast Heritage Museum to Study Hub West Coast, where friends and family gathered to cheer on the graduates and academic stage party with handmade banners and signs.
University of Tasmania Regional Learning Officer and Children's University Lead Belinda Martin, who is located at Study Hub West Coast, led the procession through the main street of Zeehan.
"The dedication and hard work that we witness each day really highlight the resilience of the West Coast students to be part of learning and education opportunities whilst juggling the challenges of being in a remote community," she said.
In addition to this special ceremony, 2024 has been a year of achievements for Children's University Tasmania and Study Hub West Coast. The program collaborated with partners for a range of school holiday activities, including Libraries Tasmania, the West Coast Space Show, Bitlink, Young Tassie Scientists, Cradle Coast NRM and Hydro Tasmania, and with University academics, staff and PhD students. They held open days at Children’s University Learning Destinations such as the West Coast Heritage Museum, provided opportunities for school outreach with water quality testing, and opportunities for children to learn about the endangered Maugean skate.
The Deputy Director of the Peter Underwood Centre, Dr Becky Shelley, said Children's University Tasmania is observing the positive influence of experiences like these on children’s formal learning outcomes.
“Our research from the region shows that children have high aspirations for their future. Across Tasmania, our research also shows that children value learning new things and going to new places, and we are tracing the long-term impacts of the program on attendance and attainment. Some schools are also participating in our ‘Tassie Researchers’ initiative where young people conduct the research themselves - because they are experts on what it means to be a child.”
Principal of Zeehan Primary School, Josh Dean, ended his speech at the ceremony with the following words: "we can achieve great things in our own lives, here on the West Coast, which is a very special place, and I hope you get that message too. Aim high, set your goals and take small steps towards them. You've got this!"
Congratulations to all of our Children’s University members from 53 schools and hubs across Tasmania who graduated in nine ceremonies since the beginning of November, completing 87,788.85 collective hours of extracurricular learning.
Banner image credit: Richard Jupe