By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

Much has been happening in our College community this week, and I am continually grateful for the contributions of all members, staff, students, and parents. Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining our Outdoor Leadership class on the hike to Forth Falls. I would like to thank the students for including me in their learning, which is always a highlight.

Today, as a College community, we celebrated R U OK Day. This is Australia's national day of action for mental health, occurring on Thursday, September 11, 2025. The day aims to inspire and empower everyone to connect meaningfully with others by asking "R U OK?" to spark conversations that can change lives. The initiative, founded on the principle that a conversation could save a life, encourages people to reach out to friends, family, and colleagues, listen with empathy, promote action, and follow up. The activities will continue tomorrow with a Mental Health Expo at lunchtime and a cyber safety program in Genesis.

Student wellbeing is front and centre here at St Brendan-Shaw College, and I would like to thank our wellbeing team for their daily support. On a really exciting note, our new student well-being centre will open early next term.

Devonport Eisteddfod

Several students participated in the Devonport Eisteddfod last week. Special congratulations go to our Year 8 students, who won their section, and our Year 9/10 students, who were awarded third place.

I also want to congratulate Year 9 student Sadie Peters, who won her first-ever dance solo.

NSATIS Sports and NWJFU

This week, our Year 7/8 Junior Boys' NSATIS Football team travelled to Launceston to play Scotch Oakburn in the grand final. Unfortunately, our boys did not win on this occasion, but we congratulate them on making the final and representing their college in the manner they did.

On Monday afternoon, our 9/10 Football team defeated Marist Regional College in the NWJFU final. Our girls will head to the Tassie Hawks Cup in Launceston on Tuesday. Taryn Lowe was awarded the best player in the final. We wish the girls and their coach, Mrs Shania Brown, success in the game.

Our SATIS swimming team will head to Hobart on Monday to compete in the SATIS Swimming Championship.

Tournament of Minds

We wish our students participating in Tournament of Minds every success in Hobart this Saturday.

Tournament of Minds (ToM) is an international, interdisciplinary problem-solving program for primary and secondary students that develops creative thinking, teamwork, and collaborative enterprise through open-ended challenges. Participants tackle challenges in STEM, The Arts, Language, Literature, and Social Sciences, presenting their solutions creatively.

This year, we have 28 students participating in 5 teams.

Enrolment at the College for 2026

I remind all families that the College requires a 10-school week notice period for students exiting the College (per the enrolment contract). If your child is not returning for 2026, please contact the Enrolment Registrar, Mrs Iola Turner, before Week 9 of this term to complete an exit form.

Congratulations Lucy Aherne

We congratulate Year 12 student Lucy Aherne on her commitment to Saint Mary’s College to play NCAA Division 1 Basketball in America next year. This is a remarkable achievement for Lucy, and we wish her every success. Lucy is an excellent role model to her peers and has been committed to representing St Brendan-Shaw College in sports throughout her time at the college.

Battle of the Bands

Best of luck to the students competing in the Tasmanian Rock Challenge finals in Launceston this Friday. We’re excited to see you take the stage.

• Copper Head - Nate Starkey, Charlie Wicks
• Crest - Max Wilson, Kyan Mayes and Lincoln Gough

I thank all families for your ongoing support.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

Friday morning Mass is held in the College Chapel, running fortnightly during term time.

Time: 8:20 am-8:40 am (in time for Homeroom)

Who can attend: All staff, students, and families are warmly invited.

You do not need to be a practising Catholic to attend – these Masses offer a peaceful and reflective start to the day and a moment to pause at the end of the week. If there is someone in your life you would like us to pray for, this is a meaningful time to do so.

One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.
– Shannon L Alder

Today is R U OK? Day 💛 It’s a powerful reminder to check in with the people around you. Start the conversation with “R U OK?” then listen, encourage action and check in again.

By Ms Cheryl Gamble, Senior TASC Coordinator

TASC has now released the Written Exam Timetable for 2025. 

You can view the full timetable on the TASC website, along with a wide range of helpful information to support students and families through the exam period.

We have also included the timetable below.

In today's world, where distractions are abundant and the pressure to excel is high, guiding children to develop

healthy study habits is more important than ever. As students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the study habits they cultivate.

It's essential for students to recognise that good study habits aren't merely about spending extra hours hitting the books. It's more about quality over quantity and having a more balanced approach. Emphasising the value of a routine is essential. Consistent study times establish a sense of structure and discipline, turning studying into a natural part of their daily routine rather than a burdensome task.

Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of this process in maintaining focus and preventing burnout.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity are indispensable elements that will significantly impact your child's ability to study effectively. Fostering these healthy habits is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer children, paving the way for a lifetime of learning and achievement.

This Special Report will help you support your young person as they embark on studying for exams.

Here is the link to your Special Report

REMINDER: Please check for any lost property at the Caritas Office.

We have a range of drink bottles, lunchboxes, blazers and jumpers awaiting collection, which will be removed during the Term 3 Break.

By Mrs Crista Christie, Teacher

On Thursday 4 of September, the Year 8 Global Cultures class dazzled staff and several classes of Year 7-9 students with their well-researched holiday-package pitches!

Eight weeks ago, students were tasked with a significant project involving six stages of work, requiring them to successfully pitch a holiday as a hypothetical travel agent. These stages were:

1. A brochure outlining the key customs of the culture (essential for safe and successful travel)
2. A map outlining the key cities the holiday would visit
3. A PowerPoint presentation/slides of the features, history and stand outs of each city
4. A poster of the events/activities undertaken in each city
5. A daily itinerary of events mapped out by the hour
6. A spreadsheet breakdown of the costs and final package price of the holiday

Students were able to work in pairs or individually to plan, research, publish and pitch a holiday package to a foreign country of their choice to their teachers and peers in a 40 minute expo. The holidays packages on offer ranged from Mexico, Greece to Korea! 

Students put on an exciting mini Travel Expo illustrating the excellent work they have put together over the unit. Visiting classes and teachers were able to vote on the pitches they felt deserved recognition. Several awards were up for grabs, and I’m pleased to announce the winners in the following categories:

• Best Brochure: Samriddhi Lavania
• Best business card: Toby Banks and Archie Allan
• Most well-research: Samriddhi Lavania
• Best overall pitch: Samriddhi Lavania
• Most persuasive/engaged with audience: Charlie Jones and Mav Collins

Winning students drew from a “lucky dip” of prizes: from a box of choccies to lunch with the Principal. Evidently, Samriddhi stole the show with her exceptional holiday package to Greece. Her work was beautifully set out and carefully researched. Hopefully Mr Ralph is also looking forward to his KFC family feast with recipient winners Archie Allan, Toby Banks, Mav Collins, and Charlie Jones. (The boys knew exactly the lunch they desired!)

It was a fantastic end to a terrific unit of study. I was very proud of all members of our class for showing enthusiasm and confidence in both their work and the expo event itself. Well done to my lovely Year 8 Global Cultures class, I’m so proud of you.

On Saturday 30 August, 25 students and four staff members boarded the Spirit of Tasmania for what turned out to be a bumpy crossing of Bass Strait. As soon as we left the river, the rollercoaster ride began. Some handled the conditions better than others!

We arrived on dry land early Sunday morning, boarded our bus, and made our way to Mt Hotham. After settling into our lodge that afternoon, we headed up to the Village to collect our skis and snowboards in preparation for the week ahead.

Monday greeted us with clear skies, and students began the first of four lessons scheduled throughout the week. By Monday afternoon, everyone had successfully ridden the chairlift. A fantastic achievement! The rest of the week was spent building on the skills learned in lessons, allowing students to explore more of the mountain and gain confidence on the slopes.

It was a wonderful week in the snow, with students showing great determination and commitment. A big thank you to the staff, Mrs Aherne, Mrs Bonde, Mr Hubble, and Mr Ryan, who supported students beyond the scheduled lesson times. It’s always rewarding to see our students thrive in a different environment where valuable learning continues to take place.

Special thanks also to Mr O’Keeffe for his outstanding organisation of the trip, which made it possible for everyone to enjoy their time in the mountains.

If you're interested in future snowsports trips, we encourage you to speak with students who attended to hear firsthand about the experience!

Recently, our senior Food and Hospitality Enterprise students hosted a pop-up shop filled with delicious goodies for staff and students to purchase.

As part of the project, they not only developed the food over the term, but also designed appealing packaging, created their own brand and marketed their products on the day. It was wonderful to see the students rise to the challenge, showing creativity, resourcefulness and even a little friendly competition along the way.

By Mrs Whitney Banfield, Teacher and Careers Advisor

Degree C

Degree C have opened their 2026 apprenticeship applications in the following trades:

• Electricians
• Refrigeration Mechanics
• HVAC Plumbers
• Boilermakers
• Sheet Metal Workers

If interested, please follow this information on how to apply. Please note applications close this Sunday 14 September at 5:00 pm.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Banfield on wbanfield@sbsc.tas.edu.au.

Platinum Pro Construction

Platinum Pro Construction are now taking Expressions of Interest for 2026 Carpentry Apprenticeships.

You will gain:

• Hands-on experience with the Purple Army,
• Learn from a team who values quality, culture, and growth, and
• Be part of building the homes (and the community) of the future.

Send your resume and a short cover letter to brooke@platinumproconstruction.com.au

Joinery Products

Joinery Products are hiring Cabinet Making apprentices for next year. They are requesting candidates complete some work experience if they are interested. Cabinet making is making and building kitchens, wardrobes etc.

If you are keen, please see Mrs Banfield to get the process started.

Open Day 2025 is coming to the Cradle Coast Campus on Sunday 19 October and this year, it’s going to be bigger and better with the MakerX Hub featured as part of the day’s celebrations!

Open Day – insightful, inspiring, and future-focused

MakerX Hub – playful, immersive, and STEM-focused

BreastScreen Tasmania is supporting your community by bringing their free Mobile Service to Devonport.

A mobile screening unit which will be visiting Devonport from 22 September-19 December.

Breast x-rays done every two years are the best way for women to find breast cancer early. If you know any women who are over 40 and are not having breast x-rays every two years, please urge them to make their appointment now by calling 13 20 50.

Munting Taekwondo Tasmania offers classes in Latrobe on Tuesday nights and in Sheffield on Friday nights. Students can build strength, confidence, and resilience in a trauma-informed and safe environment.

They offer classes for ages 4 and above where students learn traditional martial arts, competitive skills, self-defence and much more.

The 61 Army Cadet Unit is holding an Open Evening at Kokoda Barracks Devonport on 24 September 2025 at 6:00 pm-8:00 pm.

The evening will include information for enrolment, an interactive display of equipment commonly used on activities, and the opportunity to speak with senior cadets about their experiences within the organisation. 

The Australian Army Cadets is a renowned youth development program that has been instrumental in shaping the lives of countless young individuals across the country. The program focuses on fostering leadership skills, teamwork, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility among cadets. On offer is a structured and challenging environment that empowers young people to reach their full potential while instilling values of courage, integrity, resilience, excellence and service to the community.

Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) and 160 Transport Troop, 44th Transport Squadron, which is a sub-unit of the 8 Operational Support Unit, will also be there on the night. This will provide visitors with an opportunity to speak with members of the ADF and gain valuable insight in respect to pathways to careers in the Australian Defence Force, both Reservist and full-time.

Tasmanian Tennis Academy are hosting a Come N Try Tennis session for families on Saturday 27 September from 11:00 am-noon. The cost is $5 per family.

Tasmanian Tennis Academy facilitates, through personal empowerment, each person’s development of a lifelong love of tennis (and/or sport).

The City of Devonport Brass Inc is hosting a Holiday Band Day on Tuesday 7 October, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The Burnie Musical Society is proud to present the award-winning musical Come From Away at the Burnie Arts Theatre, with performances running from Thursday 16 October to Saturday 25 October.

Based on true events, Come From Away tells the inspiring story of how the small rural town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed over 7,000 stranded airline passengers in the wake of the September 11 attacks. It’s a heartfelt tale of kindness, connection, and humanity in the face of tragedy.

Gander’s strong community spirit resonates deeply with the North West Coast of Tasmania, making this production especially meaningful for local audiences. We are incredibly honoured to have been granted the rights to stage this extraordinary show. Directed by the talented Tash Turner, this local production features a passionate cast, live orchestra, and dedicated crew who bring this powerful story to life on stage. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical that has moved audiences around the world and now comes to Burnie with all the heart, humour, and hope that defines Come From Away.

The season includes evening performances and three matinees across two weekends.

Tickets are on sale now through the Burnie Arts website or box office.

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

17 September - Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) sessions
17 September - Australian Poetry Slam 2025 - Workshop
18 September - Australian Poetry Slam 2025 - Heat
20 September - Expo of Everything 2025
24 September - The Great Gershwins
28 September - Empower Golf Clinic