By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

This Thursday, we say farewell to our French exchange students and wish them au revoir, meaning ‘until we see each other again.’ We thank them for enriching our lives and hope that the cultural exchange that our students have benefited from over the last three months was reciprocated.

Thank you, Liv, Romy and Jules!

In perfect timing, Mr Sam Gleeson, our Languages Coordinator, has been speaking with our French classes this week and distributing expression-of-interest forms for our 2027 French trip.

Parliamentary Inquiry into Discrimination and Bullying in Tasmanian Schools

The Standing Committee on Government Administration has tabled its Final Report from its Inquiry into Discrimination and Bullying in Tasmanian Schools.

Catholic Education Tasmania and its Executive Director, Dr Terry McCarthy, have released the following statement in response:

Catholic Education Tasmania takes bullying and discrimination in schools extremely seriously, and all our schools have anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies and procedures in place.

We recognise the courage of the witnesses in sharing their experiences with the Committee. The experiences of children and young people can be difficult and complex, and we will continue to review and improve our educational environments and support systems for students, staff and families.

We are confident our employment practices are lawful, and we act at all times with the greatest respect and care for our staff, students, and their families.

Our hope is that we can continue to work with our colleagues across the education sector in Tasmania to ensure that students can learn in school environments that are free from bullying and discrimination.

We note and commend the Dissenting Statement from Government members of the Committee.

BACKGROUND:

Catholic Education Tasmania serves 39 schools and colleges with over 4,000 staff across Tasmania, and we are proud of the fact that the families of over 17,000 students have voluntarily chosen to entrust their education with us.

We offer a quality, values-based education in early learning, kindergarten, primary school, high school and senior secondary education for students of all backgrounds and abilities. All of our schools are accredited by the Tasmanian Government, and every single course they offer is accredited and assessed against the same standards as students in government schools.

Congratulations to Kurt Weaver, Year 11

We congratulate Year 11 Student, Kurt Weaver, who on Tuesday evening was awarded the Pre-Apprenticeship Learner of the Year Award at the TasTAFE Learner Excellence Awards.

Kurt has also secured an apprenticeship at Degree C as a Boilermaker Welder. I fondly remember Kurt as a Year 8 student when I started at the College, and I have enjoyed watching him grow into a young man of integrity who will make a positive impact in his local community for many years to come.

The Principal Study Awards and the House Values Awards

Last Friday, the College presented our Principal’s Study Awards for students in Years 7-10 at our College assembly. The top five male and female students in each year will receive these awards.

Additionally, students who display exemplary behaviour and model our College values daily will receive House Values Awards. If your child received one of these awards, please ensure you celebrate this achievement at home.

NAPLAN - Our Students are Thriving!

While NAPLAN is only one test and does not provide the overall picture of students' learning, it does give us some really important comparable data. National mean data is well above the Tasmanian mean, and once again, our students are performing above or close to the National mean, which is extremely pleasing. These results reinforce the explicit teaching that occurs as part of the Insight to Learning program being delivered by the College.

Electrotechnology

I would like to draw families' attention to our thriving Electrotechnology program and the wonderful work our Electrotechnology teacher, Mr Martin Webster, is doing in providing hands-on learning for our budding electricians. Please check out our recent Facebook post. I love seeing passionate educators making a difference for our young people.

I encourage all families to follow us on social media and keep up to date with the many opportunities and experiences our students experience here at the College.

NSATIS Sports

This week, Years 7/8 Girls Football, Boys and Girls Firsts and Seconds Soccer, and Senior Firsts and Seconds Netball have been in action representing the College. It's been impressive to see our new outdoor garments on display. So many young people not only enjoy the spirit of competition but also develop important connections while representing their College.

Important Upcoming Dates

Week 4
Friday 21 August | Year 8 Cultural Day
Week 5
Monday 24 August | Start of Book Week
Friday 28 August | Book Week Dress Up Day
Week 8
Friday 18 September | College Trivia Night
Week 9
Thursday 24 September | Footy Colours Day
Friday 25 September | Student Free Day and Year 10 Celebration Dinner
Week 10
Friday 2 October | Term 3 Concludes

I thank all families for their ongoing support.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

At St Brendan-Shaw College, we are committed to the safe, efficient movement of students, families, staff and visitors around the College. At busy times, especially before and after school, small choices make a big difference. Care, patience and cooperation all help keep our community safe.

Using the James Street Drop-Off Zone

To help traffic move safely and efficiently, families are asked to follow the flow of the standing zone carefully.

Please do:

[✓] enter the Zone carefully and follow the line of traffic
[✓] keep moving forward as space becomes available
[✓] move all the way to the end of the standing zone before stopping, where possible
[✓] use the area as a quick-moving drop-off and pick-up space
[✓] follow staff direction at all times

Please don’t:

[x] stop too early in the turning circle
[x] wait part-way through the standing zone when there is space further ahead
[x] pull out, overtake or reverse within the zone unless directed
[x] allow students to cross through this section of roadway
[x] leave your vehicle unattended in the zone

The traffic loading area immediately after entry, before the turn into the pedestrian crossing and car park area, is a No Stopping Zone.

Beyond this point, the remainder of the U-shaped loading zone is a Standing Zone designed to operate like a taxi rank. Cars should move to the end of the standing zone as space becomes available. This reduces congestion and helps avoid unnecessary pulling out or reversing.

Please note that the exit to James Street is a left turn only at busy times as signposted.

For student safety, students should never walk across this part of the roadway and should always use the designated pedestrian crossings and access ways.

Events and Daytime Meetings

For events held outside school hours, the College may provide specific parking advice for families and visitors.

For scheduled meetings during the day, parking is available in the spaces at the front of Caritas Office.

Staff and Student Car Park

The staff and student car park which is located via the entrance from Percy Street is reserved for that purpose unless otherwise notified.

To reduce congestion and improve safety, families are asked not to use the staff and student car park for student drop-off or pick-up at peak times.

These areas have high levels of vehicle and pedestrian movement, and parking is reserved for staff and students. Keeping these spaces available helps the College function safely and efficiently.

If you are using surrounding streets, please observe all parking and standing restrictions. Extra care is needed near the crest of James Street, where visibility can be limited and the northern side of the street is a No Standing zone.

When stopping on nearby streets, please choose safe locations that do not place students in a position where they need to unload or cross the road in an unsafe way.

Pedestrians

Students are reminded to use pedestrian crossings where available and to stay alert near roads, car parks, entry points and access ways.

Pedestrian safety matters at every age. We ask students to: Stop. Look. Listen. Think.

- stop before the kerb
- look both ways before crossing
- stay aware and listen for traffic and other road users
- avoid distractions near roads and crossings

As outlined in the Student Mobile Phone Protocol, phones may only be used for approved purposes after 3.00 pm and should never be used while crossing a roadway or moving through pedestrian access areas.

Safety comes first.

Bus Zones

Bus areas can be busy spaces at the start and end of the school day. Students should take care when entering and leaving bus zones and always remain aware of moving vehicles.

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians all share responsibility for moving safely around buses.

Families can support this by reminding students to slow down, stay alert and wait for a safe moment to move around or across bus areas.

Cyclists and Scooters

Students travelling to and from the College by bicycle or scooter are expected to follow road rules and use paths and roads safely and responsibly.

For safety reasons, bicycles and scooters must be dismounted on school grounds. They are not to be ridden on campus unless a student is under the supervision of Mountain Bike or HPE staff and participating in a school-run activity.

Bicycle lock-up is available behind Caritas, near the Senior School Courtyard.

All members of the College community are asked to be aware of cyclists and scooter riders near crossings, entry points and surrounding streets.

Love 40: A Helpful Road Safety Resource

Families may also find the Love 40 road safety campaign a useful resource, particularly for parents and novice drivers supporting young people to build safe habits around school zones.

The campaign includes reminders about school zone awareness, safe driving around buses, and the importance of slowing down and staying alert in areas where children and teenagers are moving between roads, crossings and footpaths.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone moving around the College.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact:

Ruth Gibbons
Health & Safety Culture Officer

or

Karen Chugg
Business & Operations Manager

Email: admin@sbsc.tas.edu.au
Phone: 6424 7622

Congratulations to Kurt Weaver, who tonight was named Pre-Apprenticeship Learner of the Year at the TasTAFE Trade Excellence Awards 2026.

Kurt undertook his pre-apprenticeship training at TasTAFE this year through the St Brendan-Shaw College VET program, attending TasTAFE alongside his regular subjects at College.

His hard work has led to two fantastic outcomes. As well as receiving tonight’s award, sponsored by the Devonport Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Kurt has secured an apprenticeship with Degree C as an apprentice boilermaker welder.

Congratulations, Kurt, on an outstanding achievement and an exciting start to your career!

Building Skills for a Future in Electrotechnology

For students considering a future in the electrical industry, getting hands-on experience while still at school can help turn an interest into a potential career pathway.

Our Year 10 Introduction to Electrotechnology students are developing practical skills and an understanding of the trade while completing units from the UEE22025 Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start).

Working with our students is Mr Martin Webster, an electrician who has brought his industry experience and passion for the trade into the classroom. For Martin, teaching provides an opportunity to give back to the industry and help prepare future trades professionals.

Central to his approach is making sure students build a strong foundation before moving on. Martin said it was important to offer training that supports students to learn the trade in a way that leaves no one behind.

This means stepping students carefully through concepts and theory, demonstrating skills and then providing closely supported opportunities to put their learning into practice. Students can develop their skills progressively while also learning the safe work practices and attention to detail expected in the industry.

Students are putting this approach into practice as they develop foundational trade skills. Recent activities have included installing fittings, fixing and fastening, accurate measurement, and developing an understanding of building structures, timber frameworks and structural installation methods.

The College’s new Electrotechnology facilities provide a simulated trade environment where students can develop these skills safely and progressively. With access to the tools and testing equipment used in the trade, students can practise techniques such as preparing and stripping electrical conductors, assembling components and working with circuits, while building the accuracy and safe work habits expected in industry.

For Year 10 students, Introduction to Electrotechnology can also be the first step in a longer pathway. The units they complete provide a head start towards the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start), which students can continue in Years 11 and 12.

Just as importantly, the experience gives students an opportunity to understand what working in the trade involves, discover where their interests and abilities might take them, and begin developing skills that could eventually carry into an apprenticeship and career.

The courses are delivered in partnership with Guilford Young College RTO 1129.

By Mrs Kylie Reid, Librarian

Staff and students are invited to take part in Book Week Dress Up Day on Friday 28 August, celebrating this year’s CBCA theme, Symphony of Stories. Costumes can be inspired by a favourite character, author, book or genre, with plenty of room for imagination and low‑cost options. Please ensure costumes are appropriate and comfortable for a normal school day.

Image credit: © Children’s Book Council of Australia. Artwork by Briony Stewart. Used with permission for non‑commercial, educational purposes.

Staff and students are invited to take part in Book Week Dress Up Day on Friday 28 August, celebrating this year’s CBCA theme, Symphony of Stories. Costumes can be inspired by a favourite character, author, book or genre, with plenty of room for imagination and low‑cost options. Please ensure costumes are appropriate and comfortable for a normal school day.

To keep the day inclusive, the library will host a lunchtime photobooth, including a ‘Book Face’ station for students who prefer to participate in school uniform. This ensures everyone can join in, regardless of costume.

As part of our Book Week celebrations, the library is pleased to host a live music performance at lunchtime on Monday 24 August. This event connects with the Symphony of Stories theme, highlighting how music and literature both shape emotion, imagination and shared experience. Throughout Book Week, students can also take part in daily emoji challenges, with house points up for grabs.

This year’s Book Week has a meaningful local connection. Dame Enid Lyons, Australia’s first woman elected to the House of Representatives and the first woman to serve in Federal Cabinet, spent much of her life in North‑West Tasmania at Home Hill, Devonport. She and her husband, Joseph Lyons – former Premier of Tasmania and Prime Minister of Australia – share a direct historical link with our region and with St Brendan‑Shaw College, which honours the Lyons legacy as part of its local heritage.

One of this year’s celebrated titles, A Loo of One’s Own by Eleri Harris, brings this history to life. Shortlisted for the CBCA Eve Pownall Award, the book tells the story of 1943, when Enid Lyons and Dorothy Tangney became the first women elected to Federal Parliament - only to discover there were no women’s toilets in Parliament House. Through humour and narrative non‑fiction, the book introduces readers to Australian politics, gender equality and representation, offering a powerful link between national storytelling and our local Tasmanian history.

A selection of 2026 CBCA shortlisted books are available to borrow, giving students the chance to explore the stories being celebrated nationally.

We look forward to celebrating the connection that reading brings to our College community.

The annual SBSC Trivia Night will be held on Friday 18 September from 6:00pm until 9:00pm. 

The SRC are currently seeking prizes that we can use for our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners and our raffle. If you run a local business or know someone who does and would like to donate a prize, please contact me at the email address below. 

Daman Peters (SRC Coordinator) - email: dpeters@sbsc.tas.edu.au

We promote any business that provides a prize on the night. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

We are pleased to invite you to Part III of our webinar series.

This webinar is suitable for parents, carers, grandparents, school leaders and staff, offering practical insights and guidance to help support the wellbeing of both primary and secondary students.

WEBINAR: Understanding Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience (Part III)

DATE: Wednesday, 2 September 2026

TIME: 7:30 pm

This presentation forms part of a broader webinar series designed to strengthen mental health literacy across school communities.

Join international experts Dr Emma Woodward and Dr Joe Stammeijer as they share valuable insights into recognising early signs of concern and practical approaches to supporting the wellbeing of young people.

Topics in this session will include:

• Building Resilience Foundations
• Everyday Habits for Wellbeing
• Strength-Based Resilience for Neurodivergent Children

Participants can register by scanning the QR code featured on the promotional material or REGISTER HERE.

Devonport City Council reminds parents and guardians about the meningococcal ACWY vaccination clinic to be held at the College on Thursday 17 September 2026. 

All parents and guardians of Year 10 students are requested to complete the online consent form, regardless of whether they choose to consent to vaccination or not. Parents of Year 11 students requiring a catch-up immunisation may also complete the form.

The School Immunisation Program uses the Vitavo online portal. This system replaces paper consent cards and allows parents and guardians to complete consent forms electronically.

To get started, please click the link below and select the relevant year level:
https://devonport.book.vitavo.com.au/school/StBrendan-ShawCollege-PaAOfJ

If you have any questions about the School Immunisation Program, please contact Devonport City Council's immunisation team at (03) 6424 0511.

Student Job Opportunity – Splash Devonport Pool Lifeguards

Looking for a rewarding job with flexible hours?

Splash Devonport is currently seeking Pool Lifeguards to join our team for the upcoming summer season, with ongoing employment opportunities available for successful applicants.

No experience is required to apply.

Successful applicants will be required to obtain:

• Pool Lifeguard Qualification (includes CPR and First Aid)
• Working with Children Check
• National Police Check
  

Please note that these requirements are not required when applying, but will need to be obtained before commencing employment.

If you are interested in joining our team, please email your resume and cover letter to: mdonnelly@splashdevonport.com.au

We encourage motivated and enthusiastic students to apply.

Verona is committed to building a team where the right people thrive. We are a family-owned business, and we value creating a hospitality workplace that supports your growth while offering a warm atmosphere. We believe in nurturing talent and ensuring every team member feels valued.

We seek mature-minded staff with a strong work ethic who will treat our guests with warmth and sincerity.

The Details:

Verona is open 8am - 10pm Tuesday - Friday, and 12noon - 10pm Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday. Shifts are predominately for evening service, but there is an opportunity for day shifts.

Casual shifts can be rostered around other work/school commitments, or a permanent part-time arrangement could be available for the right applicant.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum 6 months experience in a similar role within hospitality or customer service
• Genuine interest in good food (Italian a bonus!), Tasmanian wines or classic cocktails
• Experience in using POS ordering or booking systems
• Strong work ethic and a positive attitude
• Excellent communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Valid Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate
• Full working rights in Australia

Key Accountabilities:

• Greet and serve guests in main restaurant and private dining rooms
• Take accurate orders, including dietary requirements
• Deliver food and beverages in a timely manner
• Prepare coffees and cold beverages
• Follow sequence of service steps
• Follow restaurant procedures to maintain cleanliness and presentation standards

Please email your resume and cover letter to bookings@veronadevonport.com.au or drop them into the restaurant.

By Mr Sam O'Keeffe, Sports Coordinator

Sports to sign up for this week:

BTAS Championships – This week is the last week for students interested in playing in the Basketball Tasmania High School Championships. Each year, the College enters teams in both the 1st and 2nd divisions. 

Please complete the following form if you are interested in playing in the Championships:  ➔ BTAS Championships Registration

NSATIS Netball

The Lady Saints have hosted the last two rounds of NSATIS Netball after spending the previous two weeks on the road.

In their Round 3 matchup against St Patrick's College (SPC), the Lady Saints put in a spirited effort against a traditionally strong opponent. While the Girls 1sts and 2nds were unable to secure a win, both teams remained competitive throughout all four quarters and challenged SPC at every opportunity.

In Round 4, the Lady Saints hosted Scotch Oakburn College (SOC) in another tough contest. Showing clear improvement from the previous week, the Saints worked tirelessly against a strong opposition, applying excellent defensive pressure and creating plenty of opportunities to remain in the game. Despite their efforts, SOC proved too strong, claiming victory in both matches.

Northwest Netball Championships

On Tuesday 11 and Thursday 12 August, three SBSC netball teams competed in the Netball Tasmania North West High School Championships. The carnival provided a fantastic opportunity for our players to compete against schools outside the Devon Netball roster.

All teams represented the College exceptionally well, working together, challenging themselves against strong opposition, and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship throughout the competition. A highlight was the Year 8 Girls team, who finished an impressive third overall in their division.

The teams would like to thank Mrs Fenton, Miss Garner and Mrs French for their support, coaching and encouragement throughout the championships.

The Young Lady Saints have faced a challenging fortnight of football.

Travelling to Launceston to take on Launceston Church Grammar School (LCGS), the Saints were excited for the road trip, with a McDonald's stop on the way home providing some extra motivation. Building on the positive performances shown throughout the season, the Lady Saints were physical around the contest, applied strong pressure, and created multiple scoring opportunities. However, LCGS proved too strong and claimed victory in a hard-fought contest.

This week, the Young Lady Saints hosted SOC in wet and challenging conditions. Keen to embrace the wet-weather football, the Saints battled hard as both sides adjusted to the difficult conditions. In another closely contested match, the Lady Saints were ultimately defeated by a strong SOC outfit.

Next week, the girls will host North West rivals Marist Regional College (MRC), with the match kicking off at 2:30pm.

The 7/8 Boys were looking to bounce back after a tough loss to MRC in their North West Junior Football Union Grand Final rematch as they travelled to St Patrick's College.

In a thrilling contest that could have gone either way, the Saints controlled large portions of the game. Holding a narrow lead at each break, they were excellent in defence and moved the ball efficiently, creating space and allowing for some impressive passages of football.

With less than two minutes remaining and scores level, both teams were desperately searching for the point that would secure victory. The Saints had an opportunity to take control of the game but turned the ball over in midfield. SPC quickly counterattacked, moving the ball forward and taking a crucial mark in front of goal with little time left on the clock.

In a heartbreaking finish, despite giving everything they had, the Saints went down 61-55.

The Saints were back at home this week, taking on SOC.

Both the Boys 1st and Girls 1st teams kicked off their NSATIS soccer seasons with a road trip to Launceston Christian School (LCS).

The Lady Saints were eager to begin what they hope will be another strong season and did so in style with a convincing 3-1 victory over LCS. SBSC opened the scoring before LCS responded with an equaliser, putting the Saints under pressure. The game developed into a tough contest, with both teams creating opportunities but struggling to convert. The Lady Saints continued to apply pressure to the LCS defence and were rewarded with two more goals, securing an impressive opening-round win.

This week, the Lady Saints travelled to Scotch Oakburn College (SOC) looking to build on their strong start. In wet and challenging conditions, both teams traded goals throughout the match, with the scores remaining level for much of the game. Despite the Saints' efforts, SOC managed to find another gear late in the contest, scoring two goals in the closing stages to claim a 5-3 victory in a hard-fought encounter.

The Saints boys faced a difficult challenge in their season opener against a strong LCS side. After opening the scoring and controlling much of the early play, the Saints applied plenty of pressure and created several scoring opportunities. LCS levelled the scores late in the first half before capitalising on a number of second-half lapses in concentration. Despite the Saints' hard work and determination, LCS finished strongly to record a 7-2 victory.

In their second game of the season, the Saints travelled to Launceston to take on another strong SOC outfit. Once again, the Saints started brightly, taking an early lead courtesy of a superb strike from Hamish Rootes. An unfortunate handball decision inside the penalty area gifted SOC an equalising penalty, and from there the home side seized momentum. SOC added four more goals before half-time to take a 5-1 lead into the break.

Determined to respond, the Saints began the second half with renewed energy and intensity, creating several positive passages of play. However, they were unable to sustain that momentum for the entire half, eventually going down 10-4.

Both the Boys and Girls Saints will host their first home matches of the season next week when they take on Launceston Church Grammar School (LCGS) at Valley Road. With both teams eager to return to the winners' list, the matches promise to be exciting contests. Kick-off is at 2:30pm.

YFCC's Inspiring Youth Awards are now open for nominations, recognising young people aged 13–18 who make a positive difference in their communities through kindness, leadership, resilience and supporting others. There are three award categories, with $300 awarded to each category winner. Nominations are open until 26 August.

Nominate Here