By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

It was pleasing to see so many parents onsite for our parent-teacher interviews on Wednesday evening. I would like to thank our staff for their commitment to quality student outcomes in their learning. For our teaching staff, these can be long days after a full day of teaching, but they are significant opportunities for student growth.

This week, the College hosts the Man of the Shroud Exhibition. Families and parishioners are most welcome to visit our College Chapel to view the exhibition from Thursday 31 July to Sunday 3 August.

Shroud of Turin

The Shroud of Turin is a centuries-old linen cloth bearing the image of a crucified man, whom millions believe to be Jesus of Nazareth. Modern science has completed hundreds of thousands of hours of detailed study and intense research on the Shroud. It is, in fact, the single most studied artefact in human history, and we know more about it today than we ever have before.

Why is the exhibition important in the Holy Year 2025? The Shroud of Turin holds significant importance during the Holy Year 2025 due to its association with the themes of hope and the resurrection, which are central to the Jubilee. As a revered relic, the Shroud offers a powerful visual representation of Jesus' suffering and resurrection, providing a focus for prayer and reflection.

It is hoped that by providing our students, staff and families with the opportunity to learn more about the Shroud's significance, they will consider for themselves the evidence for the historical Jesus and the importance of his life, death and resurrection in their relationship with God in this life and eternity.

Catholic Education Week

Next week is Catholic Education Week, and the Catholic school community across the North West Coast will celebrate Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Tuesday 5 August. Our student leaders will represent St Brendan-Shaw College at the Mass.

On Tuesday afternoon, several of our staff will be recognised for contributing over 25 years of service to Catholic Education. Congratulations to Mrs Jo Aherne, Mr Steve Ryan, Mrs Rachelle Littler and Mr Michael Allen.

NAPLAN

This week, the College took possession of individual student reports for NAPLAN and will mail them to families.

I am extremely pleased with the College's results and am pleased to inform families that our Year 9 student gains are remarkable. Our Year 9 students have performed well above state and national mean data and similar schools from around Australia. As a community, we celebrate the achievements of our students as well as the commitment of our staff to the Insight into Learning program. The College now has 45 expert direct instruction teachers.

NSATIS Sport

Our NSATIS Netball season has commenced with the College fielding Senior First and Second teams. Our Year 7/8 NSATIS Football team remains undefeated. Yesterday, they travelled to Launceston to play SPC Green.

Legally Blonde

As a College, we are looking forward to the launch of Legally Blonde: The Musical. This is a reminder to secure your tickets. Our Year 7 students will attend the afternoon matinee on Thursday August 14. (Please note that this date has been corrected since publishing.)

Legally Blonde: The Musical will open at the Town Hall Theatre on Thursday 14 August and run through to Saturday 16 August. Tickets are available online via the paranaple arts centre website.

Japan Trip

Last Wednesday, the College held our information evening for those families attending our 2025 overseas Japan trip.

Seventeen students, accompanied by Mr Sam Gleeson, Miss Reese Malone and me, will leave for Japan on Monday 22 September and return on Saturday 4 October. We look forward to this culturally enriching experience, which will see students visit Tokyo, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, and Kyoto.

Installation of Archbishop Anthony Ireland

The new Archbishop of Hobart, Anthony Ireland, will be installed in Hobart on Tuesday 12 August. Our College Captains, Lachlan Nield and Lucah Conkie, will attend with Mrs Debra Bonde and me.

Subject Information Evening Years 8-12, 2026

Please note that our Subject Information Evening for Years 8-12 in 2026 will be held next Wednesday 6 August. We welcome all existing families to attend, including those considering enrolling at the College for 2026.

College Development

The refurbishment of the Shaw Block has commenced. Our new student Wellbeing Centre and staff facilities are due for handover in two weeks. The additions of the senior classroom and the undercover walkway between the Shaw and Tenison Woods buildings are also due for completion over the next few weeks.

Once again, I thank all families for their ongoing support.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

"You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself."
- Elle Woods

This iconic quote from Legally Blonde captures the heart of our upcoming musical. St Brendan-Shaw College’s production dives into themes of resilience, self-belief, unity and the importance of looking beyond appearances. 

Opening in two weeks at the paranaple arts centre, this is one feel-good show not to be missed. Thank you to all the the people who had faith in our show!

Today our Religious Education classes were the first to visit The Man of the Shroud exhibition in its St Brendan-Shaw College viewing. 

Held in the College Chapel from 31 July to 2 August, this compelling display features a 14-foot, life-size replica of the Shroud of Turin – believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ – alongside scientific and theological insights into its history and enduring mystery. We extend our thanks to Leanne Prichard from Catholic Education Tasmania, whose presentation was both informative and thought-provoking.

This event is open to staff, parishioners, and the public:
3:30pm – 6:30pm each day (outside school hours)

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore one of history’s most intriguing artefacts and examine the evidence for yourself.

There will be a short information session in the library at recess this Friday about the Australian Catholic Youth Festival. This is taking place at the end of November in Melbourne. The festival is open to students in Year 9 and above, and the organiser for the Tasmanian group will be here to share more details and gather expressions of interest. Come along if you’re keen to find out more!

Our students have been working incredibly hard in preparation for this year’s major production, Legally Blonde: The Musical and it’s all coming together brilliantly! The cast has been delivering fantastic vocals, sharp comedic timing and some seriously impressive dance moves, and wait until you hear the band!

This production promises to be a vibrant, feel-good show full of heart and humour, and our students are eager to hit the stage and share it with you.

A huge thank you to everyone involved – staff, students, families, and community members – who have poured time and energy into bringing this show to life. It’s already shaping up to be a highlight of the year and a lasting memory for everyone involved.

Tickets are selling quickly, so head to the paranaple arts centre website to book yours before they’re gone!

By Mrs Whitney Banfield, Teacher and Careers Advisor

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

Work experience is available during the Term 3 holidays for either one or two 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.

For any questions, please contact Mrs Banfield.

Monash University are holding Information Evenings in Tasmania next week. These sessions are a great opportunity for students and families to learn more about study options and general life at one of Australia’s leading universities.

Date: Tuesday 5 August
Time: 6:30 - 8:00pm
Location: Peppers Silo Hotel, 89-91 Lindsay St, Invermay, TAS 7248
Register here

By Mr Sam O'Keeffe, Sports Coordinator

Year 7/8 Football

The 7/8 Saints got off to a flying start this term with a dominant 152–7 win in their opening game. Jack Edmunds led from the front, proving dangerous both in open play and from set pieces, with the team kicking 23 goals in a commanding performance.

In Round 2, the team travelled to Launceston to face a strong St Pat’s Green side. After a slower start adjusting to the larger ground, the Saints' defence stepped up, with Toby Banks and Dempsey Cock pivotal in shutting down scoring opportunities. The Saints secured back-to-back wins with a solid 47–7 victory.

They now turn their attention to a home clash against St Pat’s White next Wednesday at 3pm.

NSATIS Netball

The NSATIS netball season began last week with our 1sts and 2nds girls teams hosting Marist Regional College. Despite tough losses—64–12 for the 1sts and 66–6 for the 2nds—both teams showed grit and determination across all four quarters.

This week, the 2nds were back in action against St Pat’s White. In an encouraging display, the Lady Saints kept pace in the opening quarter and applied consistent pressure throughout. Although they couldn’t sustain the scoring momentum in the second half, the team showed improvement, eventually going down 36–17.

Next up, both teams take on Launceston Grammar in what promises to be another competitive round.

NSATIS Soccer

The Saints men kicked off their soccer season with a thrilling 6–5 win over Leighland Christian School in Ulverstone. Luke Vaucher opened the scoring before Joss Littler found the back of the net three times in a standout performance. Lucas Heazlewood and Lewis Robertson added goals of their own to secure the win in a game that went goal for goal right until the final whistle.

The senior girls had a bye in Round 1. Both teams travel to Launceston on Monday to face LCGS.

Devon Netball

Students interested in playing in the Devon Netball Autumn Roster are reminded to complete the sign-up form, available via the daily notices.- Devon Netball EOI

If you are interested in participating in the Devonport Junior Soccer 6-a-side championships, please out the form below. This is open to all students Years 7-10.

Event date s
Years 7/8 - Tuesday 9th of September
Years 9/10 - Thursday 11th September

Expression of Interest Form

Mersey Rowing Club is holding a Come and Try Day that's open to students from all year levels. It's the perfect time to give rowing a go, with the regatta season kicking off in October.

Term 3 Tennis Registration now open for Tasmanian Tennis Academy at Devonport Tennis Club.

Latrobe will play host to a Chocolate Chess Festival in Latrobe on Sunday 10 August. The winner will receive a chocolate chess set!

What: Seen Parenting Documentary 
When: August 19th from 6pm
Where: Reading Cinema, Devonport.

Free Supper
Special Guest – Allison Davies

Spreyton Primary School Association are hosting a parenting documentary called Seen. The film features Maggie Dent, Dr Billy Garvey plus a whole host of psychologists and parenting experts, with a focus on self-reflection and understanding your parenting techniques to encourage forming stronger bonds with our children. Parents from all walks of life share their personal experiences of putting these practices into place and changing the dynamics of their home life.

Free supper will be supplied on the night from 6pm and the bar will be open at the cinema, we’d love to see you for a chat and socialise before the film. We hope to spread some hope and positivity through our wonderful community, into our homes and classrooms.

We’re also super excited to announce that Allison Davies will be a special guest on the night to speak before the film followed by a short Q and A at the conclusion. Allison has worked with Maggie Dent and other professionals featured in the film. She is a professional in her own right, touring nationally and internationally conducting workshops and sharing her knowledge of understanding neuro divergence and trauma informed approaches. We are really lucky to have her join us.

More information can be found at www.seenthefilm.com

Click here for the trailer https://youtu.be/bZPQXpw6kT0

Click here for tickets $10 +BF https://www.eventbrite.com.au/...

Spreyton Primary families have access to special pricing. Please see the office if you don’t have the link.

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

1 August - Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen
8 August - St Brendan-Shaw - Legally Blonde - The Musical
15 August - Dr Karl live in Devonport
17 August - JackJumpers Banjo's Devonport Family Day
19 August - Choose Your Own Musical Theatre Adventure
20 August - Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness
21 August - The Grandparents Club 2
22 August - ROAD WORKS - Red Sky Morning
23 August - St Lukes Light Night Glow Run & Walk
27 August - Much Ado About Not(h)ing
29 August - Your Heart Will Heal: Understanding Loss and Grief
29 August - 1984 by George Orwell