By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

On Wednesday, we came together as a College community to celebrate the beginning of Lent with our Ash Wednesday Service led by Fr Ashan. I couldn't have been prouder of our school community. Our students and staff did not simply attend an event; they actively participated, and it was moving to witness their engagement. I thank Dr Wayne Roberts, Director of Catholic Identity & Mission, for organising activities on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lent is a significant period in the Catholic calendar, serving as a 40-day season of spiritual preparation for Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a day marked by the distribution of ashes as a symbol of penance and humility. This solemn occasion is a reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God. The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are made from the palm branches used on Palm Sunday last year, symbolising both the dust from which humans were created and the grief of sin.

Lent begins with Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday). This day is traditionally a time for feasting before Lent begins. It is an opportunity for Christians to use up rich foods and fats before embarking on a period of fasting and abstinence. As a college, we celebrated Shrove Tuesday, with students enjoying pancakes prepared by our Food Technology staff, Mr Nick Sallese, Ms Kerri Gelston and Mrs Nona Roberts. During Lent, Catholics are encouraged to engage in acts of penance, including fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Fasting involves abstaining from certain luxuries or foods, while almsgiving involves giving to people experiencing poverty and engaging in charitable acts. These practices foster self-discipline and a sense of solidarity with those in need.

This period of spiritual renewal culminates in Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday as we commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Holy Week unfolds with a series of significant observances:

• Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday: Days of preparation and reflection.
• Holy Thursday: Remembrance of the Last Supper.
• Good Friday: A solemn day of fasting and the veneration of the cross.
• Holy Saturday: A day of silence and contemplation.
• Easter Sunday: The joyous celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

Throughout Lent and Holy Week, Catholics engage in these practices to deepen their faith and understanding of Christ’s sacrifice. The journey from the penitential season of Lent to the triumphant celebration of Easter Sunday symbolises the Christian path from spiritual introspection to the ultimate rejoicing in life's victory over death.

College Board

I invite all parents to consider nominating to become a member of our College Board. Please contact Iola Turner, principalsea@sbsc.tas.edu.au, to receive a nomination form.

Members of the current St Brendan-Shaw College Board are:

• Mr Malcolm Nield (Chair)
• Mrs Gina Casey
• Mrs Emma Habermann
• Mrs Angela Phipps
• Mr Jamie Goodwin
• Mrs Eve Foster

Sporting Achievements

Our students continue to excel across a remarkable range of pursuits, both in and out of the classroom. I would like to extend a special congratulations to the students who represented Tasmania throughout January and February. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, and you can find many of these stories celebrated in this edition’s Sports Report.

Upcoming Events

The coming weeks are a hive of activity for our College community, starting with our Swimming Carnival tomorrow, Friday 20 February. Other key dates include:

Week 3

• Monday 23 to Wednesday 25 February – Year 7 Camps

Week 4

• Monday 2 March – Welcome BBQ. For all new families.
• Monday 2 March – Rite Journey Information Session. For all Year 9 families.
• Tuesday 3 to Wednesday 4 March – College Athletics Carnival

Week 5

• Tuesday 10 March – Commissioning Ceremony for our Student Executive and Student Leaders
• Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 March – Rite Journey Calling and Departure Ceremonies. Year 9 Girls.

Week 6

• Wednesday 18 March – Rite Journey Calling and Departure Ceremonies. Year 9 Boys.

Thank you to all families for your ongoing support.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

The Catholic Standard is the central source of news and information for Tasmania’s Catholic community.

Published by the Archdiocese of Hobart, the Standard covers parish activities, diocesan events, and broader issues related to the Catholic community. Including profiles of individuals and groups within the Church, reports on religious celebrations, educational updates, and insights into social justice initiatives.

The newspaper is an important tool for staying connected with the life of the Church in Tasmania, offering a reliable and comprehensive perspective on the activities and teachings that shape our community.

To access the latest edition or to browse past issues, please visit the Archdiocese of Hobart’s website.

The print edition is available at the College and will be distributed via Homeroom for families.

By Miss Sophie Lansley, Deputy Principal: Teaching & Learning

Connect

The College’s learning management system, Connect, is accessible to all parents/guardians. If you are a new family to the College, you will have received an email from CET with login details.

Through Connect, parents/guardians can view a student’s calendar (for assessment due dates), feedback on assessments and any newsfeed items posted by teachers for a class.

Reminder on What to Bring to Class

A reminder to all students regarding the importance of arriving to class prepared to learn. To ensure a productive lesson, please remember to bring:

• A fully charged device
• Your pencil case
• Relevant subject workbooks
• All necessary resources as per the booklist

I would also recommend that students bring their device charger to keep in their locker.

Options Classes Years 8–10

From Week 4, students wishing to change options classes will have two weeks to do so. Options changes will close at the end of Week 6. No further changes will be permitted with the exception of pastoral care reasons, which must be communicated through the students' House Head, and the process for core class changes will apply. Students will need to collect a Subject Change Form from the Personal Assistant to the Deputy Principals in the Wellbeing Centre.

NAPLAN: 11–23 March

An email will be sent to parents shortly with more information. Please keep an eye out for this communication.

Dux Ceremony

Congratulations to all the award recipients presented last week at our Dux Ceremony. A special congratulations to our College Dux 2025, Hannah Bell, Proxime Accessit, Briella Rootes and Best Year 11 Result, Kovidratna Aditya, as well as TASC Outstanding Achievement Award winners Ella Moore, Grace Hamilton and Taylor Baxter.

By Mrs Kylie Fenton, Learning Enhancement Coordinator (7-9) & Mrs Bridget Porter, Learning Enhancement Coordinator (10-12) 

Prior to the start of term, teachers at the College took part in a highly engaging and practical professional learning session on supporting students with ADHD, presented by Clinical Psychologist Rosie Maunder. The workshop explored current research and real classroom examples to build a deeper understanding of ADHD, including both primary and secondary symptoms, as well as the many strengths students with ADHD can bring to their learning.

Staff also worked through evidence-based management approaches and a wide range of classroom strategies designed to support student success. A strong focus was placed on strengths-based teaching practices and practical tools that can be implemented immediately in the classroom. It was an insightful and valuable session that has further strengthened our capacity to support all learners.

Lent is a time for sacrifice and reflection. This year, the library is inviting students and staff to try a simple swap: spend a little less time on screens and a little more time with a good book.

Five quiet minutes with a novel, a chapter before bed, or a book tucked into your bag for those in‑between moments can make a real difference.

Reading gives us space to slow down, imagine, and reset - something we all need during a busy school term.

If you’d like to join in, choose any book you like and make reading a small daily habit throughout Lent.

Let’s see what happens when we trade some phone or screen time for time with a story.

Happy reading,
Library team

What: UN Youth Tasmania State Conference
Who: Year 9-12 students
Where: Orana Girl Guides Hall
When: March 7th–9th
Cost: $215 (bursaries available for students facing financial difficulties)

Registrations close on the 21st February at 11:59pm.

UN Youth Australia is a volunteer organisation, engaging youth in global issues through workshops and Model United Nations debates. Their premier event, State Conference, is a three-day residential conference which brings together Year 9–12 students from around Tasmania to discuss and debate issues about the world they live in. It will take place in Hobart from March 7th–9th (no school missed due to the public holiday).

This year, the theme of State Conference is 'The Age of Energy'. This focuses on educating young people about what the energy transition means, how it affects them and wider society. State Conference offers invaluable opportunities for students to develop their public speaking, critical thinking and problem solving skills. 

Bursaries are available for students facing financial hardship who may not otherwise be able to attend. The event has a dedicated Welfare Team to support the physical, mental and emotional needs of the students, and provide assistance accessing transport to and from the Conference.

Students can register via the online registration form.

The Lions Youth of the Year  program fosters leadership skills in Australian students approaching the end of their high school years.

A Lions representative will be visiting the school next Wednesday 25 February during lunchtime to speak with interested students and hand out application packs.

Applications for this year's program close on Thursday 5 March.

In the meantime, if you would like to learn more, further information can be found on the Lions Australia website.

By Mrs Whitney Banfield, Teacher and Careers Advisor

Year 10, 11 and 12 students are invited to attend the work experience information session on Wednesday 25 February at recess in the TW room.

Work experience is available during the Term 1 holidays for either 1 or 2 weeks.

If there are students planning to obtain an apprenticeship at the end of this year, it is highly recommended they complete work experience throughout the year to create industry connections and obtain relevant work experience in their desired field.

Work Experience will be offered in all of the term holidays throughout the year.

For any questions, please contact Mrs Banfield.

The Rural Clinical School Tasmania is pleased to invite Years 10, 11 and 12 students, parents, guardians, teachers and interested members of the community to their annual health careers information evening.

Where: paranaple Convention Centre, 137 Rooke Street, Devonport
Date: Thursday 5 March 2026
Time: 6.00pm to 7.30pm
RSVP: By Monday 2 March via this Humanitix event link

The evening will consist of short 5-minute presentations from a range of University of Tasmania health subject areas, followed by an opportunity for one-on-one conversations about careers and study pathways with UTAS staff, students, graduates, and local healthcare workers.

Staff from the University of Tasmania Future Students Team will also be available to speak to about students’ goals and future study plans.

A health careers information evening for students based in the Burnie and surrounding areas will be held on Wednesday 4 March, at the University of Tasmania, Cradle Coast campus, Burnie. A link to register for the Burnie-based event is accessible via the Humanitix page above if Burnie is more convenient for any St Brendan-Shaw students.

Splash Devonport are looking to train swim teachers. If interested, please see information below.

Why Become a Swim Teacher?

Swim Teachers play an essential role in helping children develop water confidence, safety skills, and a love of swimming. For students, it’s a fantastic opportunity to:

• Gain real-world experience working with children.
• Build communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Establish a foundation for future careers (education, allied health, sport science, youth work, recreation and more).
• Earn flexible income around study and extracurricular commitments.
• Be part of a supportive and community‑focused team.

How Old Do You Need to Be?

In Australia, the minimum age to train as a swim teacher is:

• 16 years old to enrol and begin training with Royal Life Saving Australia
• 16 years old to enrol and begin training with AUSTSWIM

Certification is issued once all course components are completed and the student has turned 16+. This makes swim teaching a great early first job and skill-building opportunity for senior students.

Training Pathways Available

Students can train through either Royal Life Saving Tasmania or AUSTSWIM, both nationally recognised.

Royal Life Saving Tasmania – Swim Teacher Course
Course information & enrolment:
Courses – RLSSA Tasmania

AUSTSWIM – Teacher of Swimming & Water Safety
Course information & enrolment:
Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety

Both qualifications are accepted at Splash Devonport.

Start Gaining Experience Before Completing the Course

Students can complete their required shadow/placement hours at Splash Devonport.

To begin shadow hours, students will need:

• A current Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) card. Apply here.
• A current Police Check

Once these are completed, students can start observing and shadowing instructors even before attending the official course, giving them early skills, confidence and hands‑on experience.

Work at Splash Devonport

After completing their qualification, students are welcome to apply to join the Splash Devonport Swim School team.

Information about working with Splash Devonport can be found on their website:
Employment - Splash Devonport Aquatic and Leisure Centre

On offer:

• Flexible shifts that fit around school and study
• A positive and inclusive team environment
• Ongoing development and training
• Opportunities to grow into lifeguarding, coaching, and leadership roles

Splash Devonport are always excited to welcome passionate young people into the world of aquatics.

By Mr Sam O'Keeffe, Sports Coordinator

Hello and welcome to the 2026 school year. While the year is only a few weeks old, we have already had teams participating in basketball and tennis, with planning for various other sports underway. With this in mind, I would like to reinforce to all what being part of a St Brendan-Shaw College sporting team means.

Participating in sport is one of the most rewarding aspects of college life. It offers students the chance to build friendships, stay active, develop resilience and experience the satisfaction of working together toward a common goal. At the heart of this experience is one key value: commitment.

In recent years, our coaching staff and team organisers have been facing a growing challenge, that of students signing up for team sport, but then withdrawing at the last minute. While we understand that situations change and unexpected events can arise, late withdrawals have a significant impact on teams, rosters and the staff who support them.

When a student pulls out just before a game or an event, it can create several issues. On the surface, one student withdrawing is not a major problem. However, when more than one student does this, it creates issues with team balance, viability and equity with rostering, if replacements need to be found. Our last resort is to forfeit or withdraw a team from a competition, but this will only be done after all options are exhausted.

We want every student to feel welcome and encouraged to participate in sport, but we also want to ensure that teams are set up for success and that the experience is positive for everyone involved. For that reason, we kindly ask that students only sign up for a sporting team if they can genuinely commit to the season.

This does not mean students cannot ever miss a game. As a College, there are many things that occur and we fully understand that illness and unavoidable commitments happen. What we hope to avoid are repeated or last-minute changes when the season has already begun or teams have already been entered into an event and paid for.

Your consistency not only helps your coaches and teammates, but it also contributes to a strong sporting culture built on trust, respect and reliability.

We are proud of our students who represent the College with integrity, humility and respect and your dedication is noticed and appreciated. When we step onto the field, court or pitch, we do so not just as athletes, but as ambassadors of our community and its values.

Playing within the spirit of the game means:

• Showing respect to opponents, referees, coaches and teammates.
• Competing with honesty and fairness, even when the game becomes challenging.
• Demonstrating self-discipline, making positive choices under pressure.
• Supporting others, recognising good play and celebrating success with humility.
• Remembering that the way we play reflects who we are as a community.

These values align closely with the culture we strive to uphold at St Brendan‑Shaw College, a culture where character matters as much as skill. When students commit to their team and conduct themselves in the true spirit of sport, they help create an environment in which everyone can grow, learn and enjoy the experience.

I am looking forward to the year ahead and all the opportunities that will be offered to our students. Thank you for supporting our sports program and helping us provide the best possible experience for all involved.

By Mr Sam O'Keeffe, Sports Coordinator

Boys Basketball

The Saints’ 1st and 2nd boys’ basketball teams enjoyed an outstanding start to their NSATIS season, with both squads claiming opening‑round victories over North‑West rivals Marist Regional College.

Boys 1st – Saints 106 def. MRC 78

The Saints’ 1st team produced a dominant performance, securing a 28‑point win in an impressive 106–78 display. Led by Henry Summers (35 points) and Captain Luke McCoy (23 points), the Saints controlled the match from the opening whistle. They led at every break and continued to extend their advantage as the game progressed, showcasing excellent ball movement and relentless defensive pressure.

Boys 1st – Saints 65 tied LCS 65

In a thrilling Boys 1st Basketball game, the Saints and LCS finished 65 a piece in round 2 of the NSATIS Basketball roster. Trailing for most of the game, the Saints had a fantastic 4th quarter coming back from a 6 point deficit to tie the game at the final buzzer.

After 2 rounds of the roster, the Saints sit 2nd on the ladder as they look to a big Saturday of basketball, travelling to Launceston for the Lightning round.

Boys 2nd – Saints 57 def. MRC 56

The 2nd team match proved a nail‑biter, with both sides trading baskets throughout the contest. Noah Philpot (20 points) and Mason Butler (14 points) led the scoring for the Saints, but it was the collective team effort that proved decisive. In the final 18 seconds, holding a narrow one‑point lead, the Saints delivered a crucial defensive stand, forcing a turnover and maintaining possession to close out a thrilling 57–56 victory.

Boys 2nd – Saints 43 def. LCS Black 41

Following on from their strong round one win, the Saints Boys 2nds continued their strong form. In another close match, the Saints lead the end of each quarter, keeping LCS Black at arms length. LCS worked hard to steal the win from the Saints; however, the team finished the game well and secured their 2nd win from 2 games.

In a strong 2nds competition the Saints men sit 5th through percentage and will look to improve their ladder position this Saturday in Launceston.

Girls Basketball

NSATIS Girls 1st – MRC 55 def. Saints 40

The Lady Saints kicked off their season with a spirited performance against a strong Marist outfit. Although the hosts claimed the 55–40 win, the Saints competed fiercely across all four quarters and pushed the experienced MRC side to the end. Willow Farr (14 points) led the scoring, with Kirra Munns and Jasmine Minton‑Connell contributing 11 points each in an encouraging first outing for the team.

NSATIS Tennis

The Saints boys’ and girls’ tennis teams opened their NSATIS campaigns this week with their first fixture played away at Marist Regional College.

Both teams had a challenging start to their season against a strong MRC outfit, unable to find themselves in the winners circle. Led well by Captains Tom Williams and Elizabeth Titlow all the players showed great determination throughout their matches, making it tough for MRC. Moleigh Clemens was the only player to find herself in the winners circle in a thrilling singles match where she won in a tie break 8–3.

The Tennis team will be back on the road next Wednesday as they face St Pats.

By Mr Sam O'Keeffe, Sports Coordinator

Swimming Carnival

Tomorrow, the College will be running the school Swimming carnival at Splash. Consent2go emails went out in Week 1. Please also see this link with some brief information concerning the College Swimming Carnival. 

College Swimming Carnival Information

A reminder to students who are participating in the 100m Freestyle and the 50m Butterfly, these events begin at 8:50am, prior to the full school arriving. You will need to make your own way to the pool to compete in these events.

Athletics Carnival Preparation

In preparation for the College Athletics carnival, year groups will complete the 1500m event of the Athletics carnival during lunch time next week. Students who wish to participate will need to bring their PE uniform to school. They will have time during lunch to get changed before running their event.

• Monday 23 February – Year 8
• Wednesday 25 February – Year 9
• Thursday 26 February – Year 7
• Friday 27 February – Year 10

Sports Highlights – Individual achievements

Congratulations to Year 11 student Ollie Yaxley, who spent last week in Canberra as part of the Australian U23 wheelchair basketball team, the Rollers. Ollie and the team competed against Japan in a 5-game series at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Congratulations to Chloe Casey, who was named 12th man as part of the WNCL Tasmanian Tigers clash against the ACT just a few weeks ago.

Congratulations to the following students who represented Devonport in the State Cup: Touch Football Tasmania State Championships. Girls – Stella Dickson, Stevie Vassiadis, Freya McDonald, Lulu Meech, Luci Briceno Giordano and Amaja Scott. Boys – Porter Smith and Caleb Banks.

Congratulations to Estelle Jordan and Quinn Sullivan who represented Tasmania at the National Club Futsal Championships earlier this year.

If your child has a significant sports achievement that you wish to share in our newsletters each fortnight, you can email all the information for their achievement to the Newsletter email: newsletter@sbsc.tas.edu.au

Sports Sign-ups

In each newsletter, there may be sports for your child to sign up for. These include sports for rosters as well as gala days. Each week these sign ups go into the morning notices for your child to complete. Please check with your child before completing any of these forms to make sure they have not done so already.

Devon Netball

Students in Years 7–10 interested in playing in the Devon Netball roster, please complete the following form by Friday this week: 

Devon Netball Expression of Interest Form

Futsal

Students Years 7–10 interested in playing in the North West Futsal Championships in Term 2 please complete this form: 

Futsal Expression of Interest Form

Please note that teams will be put together once the EOI closes.

Over the school holidays, Year 10 student Flynn Mitchell reached a significant milestone, completing his first solo flight with the Devonport Aero Club.

Congratulations Flynn, your dedication and grit have allowed you to achieve something truly remarkable.

READY TO HIT THE COURT THIS SUMMER?

Whether you're into indoor or outdoor play, the Devonport Volleyball Association has you covered with FREE social games all month long in February! Now is your chance to get involved in a friendly and fun atmosphere suitable for players of all skill levels.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL (Free Social Play)
Every Saturday in Feb (Starts Feb 7th)
12:00–3:00pm @ Bluff Beach

INDOOR VOLLEYBALL (Free Social Games)
Every Mon (Social Level) & Tue (Competitive Level - New Players Welcome!) in Feb (Starts Feb 2nd & 3rd)

6:00–8:00pm @ East Devonport Rec Centre

Come along, bring some friends, give the game a go and hopefully join a team to play in the upcoming Autumn roster that begins 2nd & 3rd March.

RECLAIM is a series of free events held during Youth Week Tasmania that brings together art, music, workshops and social activities for young people of all ages and their families.

RECLAIM Art Exhibition Submissions Open

Submissions are now open for the RECLAIM Art Exhibition, a free youth art exhibition presented by RANT Arts as part of Youth Week Tasmania. The exhibition celebrates creative work by young artists aged 12 to 25 and provides an opportunity for students to professionally exhibit their work in a public gallery setting.

Submission deadline: 11:59pm, Friday 13 March 2026

More info!

RECLAIM Youth Photography Exhibition Submissions Open

As part of RECLAIM 2026, RANT Arts will present a Youth Photography Exhibition. This screen-based exhibition will showcase photographic work by young people aged 12 to 25 from the North West Coast of Tasmania, displayed digitally within the exhibition space.

Students with an interest in photography are encouraged to submit their work and be part of this exhibition.

Submission deadline: 11:59pm, Friday 13 March 2026

More info!

Ulverstone Judo Club is a not for profit sports club supporting our regional community and is a supporter of the Schools Try A Sport Program.

Pathfinders Orienteering Club in conjunction with Orienteering Tasmania is running a Learn to Orienteer Program in the Devonport Region. The program will be run by an international orienteer who is currently the Coach in Residence in Tasmania.

Check out upcoming Devonport events below! Anyone can subscribe by using the subscription button on the Council Website.

21 February - Of Ancient Origins, The Family Proteaceae
26 February - Empower Golf Clinic
1 March - Clean Up Australia Day
1 March - Save the date - Council's Clean Up Australia Day event