Passport to a life of learning

MARA Dewhurst is only 12, but she knows where she wants to be when she finishes Year 12 — enrolled at a university studying to become a marine biologist.

“You need to be determined to get where you want to go, but I am determined,’ she said as she and her 11 school friends from Burnie’s Montello Primary School lined up to be part of the Town and Gown parade, the University of Tasmania’s annual graduation street march and ceremony in Burnie.

Twenty-four students from East Devonport Primary and 12 from Montello Primary yesterday graduated from the Children’s University program.

The program aims to create opportunities that encourage and celebrate learning outside school hours. It is now being extended to 10 schools in the North-West following a $350,000 grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund.

Students are issued with a Passport to Learning, and when they achieve 30 hours of validated activity at learning destinations they graduate.

“We only started in early October and the students worked really hard, especially in the term three school holidays,” said Montello Primary assistant principal Dion McCall.

“There were visits to museums, outings with Friends of Fernglade, and lots of reading.

“I am very proud of their efforts and they should be too.”

North-West advocate for education Janelle Allison was bestowed the University of Tasmania’s highest honour at the Burnie ceremony.

Professor Allison, who is principal of the University College, has been admitted to the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.

The degree is conferred by the University Council on scholars, visitors or people who have provided outstanding service to the Commonwealth, the state or the university.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Calford congratulated Prof Allison.

“Her passion and determination have helped break down barriers, increase participation in education, and transform our curriculum in a way that reflects industry demand and the changing landscape of local workforces,” Prof Calford said.