By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

This week, I have been extremely fortunate to attend the International Confederation of Principals Convention in Auckland, New Zealand, with 1,500 principals from around the world.

Across the globe, education faces many of the same challenges, including equity, curriculum and assessment, staffing and resourcing, wellbeing and learning support, and, front and centre for many, the role of advancing technology.

Is AI something that we should fear? Perhaps not.

Should we think about how we refer to AI? I had the privilege of listening to Sir Ian Taylor, who is an extraordinary man doing extraordinary things with AI. He shared that ancestral knowledge, customs and practices and intergenerational wisdom should shape how we use and interact with AI.

He suggested that we should not discredit those who came before us and should embrace AI to ensure our students are equipped with the skills to meet the challenges of the future without losing connection with their past.

Ancestral intelligence contrasts with modern artificial intelligence by prioritising generational wisdom, cultural values, and ecological balance over raw computational power. Ancestral intelligence roots design in sustainability, balance, and responsibility to future generations.

As we all reflect on the changing world, could we ever have predicted 10 years ago how we would book a holiday, order our groceries, or what we could achieve from our phones in the palms of our hands?

So as we prepare our young people for the future, we must understand that education is not one of the most important priorities we must set for future generations; it is the most important.

And as we move toward a future where artificial intelligence will become an important tool, we must not fail our children; we must teach them, like never before, to ask better questions.

Appointment of Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Shelley Keightley to the position of Deputy Principal: Teaching and Learning. Shelley will commence in this role on 1 January 2027.

Shelley has held leadership positions at the College over the past fifteen years. Before this, she worked within the College in teaching positions and held teaching and leadership roles in Western Australia.

Shelley’s qualifications include a Master of Education (Leadership) and a Bachelor of Arts in Education, with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Social Science. Along with a passion for a faith-centred school culture, Shelley brings to the role a deep understanding of the College’s context, strengths and future direction.

I am sure you will join me in congratulating Shelley on this important appointment within our school community, and we look forward to the stability Shelley will provide.

Congratulations

We congratulate Mason Speight, Year 9, who is currently away after being selected for the Tasmanian Junior Road Cycling team to compete in the National Road Cycling Championships in Queensland from 17-20 September.

Congratulations to teacher Braden van Buuren, who claimed his fifth NWFL premiership with Devonport in the senior men’s grand final against Ulverstone, with Year 11 student Lucas Heazlewood lining up for Ulverstone. In the women’s competition, teacher Shania Brown represented Penguin in the women’s grand final, narrowly going down to Wynyard by just two points. Congratulations to all three!

Reminder - CSPA 2026 Parent Survey

Our school has been asked to circulate the information below regarding the Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) 2026 Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning, which CSPA and the University of New England are conducting. Those interested in participating can click the link in the notice below for more information and contact details for the research team should you have any questions.

National Parent Survey!

The CSPA 2026 Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning seeks the perspectives of parents/carers of one or more children who attend a Catholic School in Australia. Parents/carers who would like to share their views on existing and emerging concerns and interests they may have in relation to their child/children’s wellbeing and learning are invited to consider completing this anonymous, confidential, and completely voluntary online survey. More information about the study, how to have any questions answered, and how to participate can be found by clicking the link here. Thanks for your interest!

This project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of New England (Approval No. HE-2026-3196-6429, Valid to 18/12/2026).

Key information for parents:

Who can participate? Parents and carers aged 18 or over who have one or more children enrolled in a Catholic school or pre-school in Australia.

How long does it take? The survey takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete.

Is it confidential? Yes. Participation is voluntary, anonymous and confidential.

What will the information be used for? The findings will help identify current and emerging issues affecting children's wellbeing and learning. They will contribute to CSPA and TCSPC's advocacy and work with governments and Catholic Education authorities.

Survey link: CSPA 2026 Parent Survey – Student Wellbeing and Learning

College Trivia Night – Friday 18 September 2026

Our Senior Student Representative Council (SRC) is holding their annual fundraiser event, a College Trivia Night, in the Genesis Centre this Friday 18 September 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. All funds raised will go directly to the Warrawee Women’s Shelter, which supports women and children in our community. We thank our community for their enthusiastic support.

Good luck

We wish our SATIS Swim team every success as they head to Hobart to compete tomorrow, Friday 18 September.

Important Upcoming Dates

Week 8

Friday 18 September | SATIS Swimming Carnival and College Trivia Night

Week 9

Thursday 24 September | Footy Colours Day
Friday 25 September | Student Free Day and Year 10 Celebration Dinner

Week 10

Tuesday 29 September | Year 7-10 Parent-Student-Teacher Meetings
Friday 2 October | Term 3 Concludes

I thank all families for their ongoing support.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

The latest edition of the Catholic Standard has arrived, and copies will be making their way home with students over the coming week. We encourage all families to keep an eye out for theirs and take a few moments to explore what's inside this month.

This edition introduces Dr Debra Sayce, the new Executive Director of Catholic Education Tasmania, and includes a heartfelt piece timed for Father's Day, with Archbishop Tony Ireland reflecting on his own father, family, and the important place fathers hold in our lives.

Readers will also find a thoughtful exploration of what makes Catholic education distinctive and the role faith plays in our schools, along with an update on the journey towards the 2027 Archdiocesan Synod, including details of a Regional Listening Session coming to Devonport in October, which will give Tasmanians the opportunity to have their voices heard.

As always, the edition is rounded out with stories of safeguarding, service, vocation, and Catholic communities from right across Tasmania.

Look out for the Catholic Standard coming home with your child, or read the latest edition online.

Term 4 marks the changeover from winter to summer uniform. Families are encouraged to check that summer uniform garments still fit and are in good condition before classes resume.

We have noticed that more students are coming to school with nose piercings.

As per our Uniform Protocol, parents will be contacted and given the rest of this term to address the issue. All nose piercings must be removed or addressed according to the Uniform Protocol by Day One of Term Four.

Please see the Uniform Protocol for more information.

A reminder that the Midford Devonport Uniform Store is located off campus at 60A Stewart Street, Devonport. All St Brendan-Shaw College uniform items, including school shoes, are available from the store or can be ordered through the Midford online store.

Midford Devonport Uniform Store

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday – Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
• Saturday: 10:00am – 1:00pm
  

60A Stewart Street, Devonport

Phone: 0461 300 125

Email: devonport@midford.com.au

Website: https://www.midford.com.au

Our Outdoor Education and Outdoor Leadership students recently completed an overnight hiking expedition at Freycinet National Park, taking on one of Tasmania's most iconic landscapes while putting their skills into practice.

The adventure began with students independently planning, packing, and carrying all their own supplies along a 9km route to the campsite — including tents, food, water, sleeping and cooking equipment, and even toilet paper. Over the following three days, the group covered more than 40km of hiking, with a total elevation gain of over 1200m.

For students studying Outdoor Leadership, the hike also served as a major assessment piece, with several students planning and leading sections of the route for the wider group. This gave them valuable, real-world experience in navigation, decision-making, and group leadership under genuine conditions. With no power and limited access to water at the campsites, students also had to draw on their self-sufficiency and preparation skills throughout the trip.

Alongside the physical and academic challenge, there were plenty of memorable moments. Students were treated to spectacular views from the summit of Mount Freycinet, an unexpected visitor in the form of a wombat at the campsite, and a well-deserved coffee in Coles Bay to mark the end of the hike.

This experience is a wonderful example of the practical, hands-on learning our Outdoor Education and Outdoor Leadership students undertake — building not only their outdoor skills, but their confidence, resilience, and leadership along the way.

Well done to all students involved, and thank you to the staff who supported this fantastic trip.

RU OK Day is an annual national day of action in Australia dedicated to suicide prevention and promoting meaningful connections. Last week, our College extended it into a whole week of activities, giving students plenty of opportunities to get involved and check in with one another.

The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the sea of yellow donuts and fun that filled the undercover area, bringing students together in a light-hearted and welcoming way.

A big thank you to our Student Representative Council (SRC) for their support in making the week such a success, to our wonderful social worker Ms Charlesworth, and to the team at Headspace NW Tasmania, who joined us to speak with students and bring along some fantastic activities.

It was a timely reminder of just how important it is to check in with each other — today, and every day.

Next Thursday, 24 September, our College will be celebrating Footy Colours Day.

Students are welcome to wear their favourite footy colours, combined with their PE uniform. Please note this is not a casual clothes day. Students who present in casual clothing will be asked to change into their full school uniform. No gold coin donation is required for the day.

The canteen will be getting into the spirit too, with a footy-themed menu featuring hot dogs and meat pies, while our Junior SRC will be selling soft drinks and chocolates in the UC area.

Throughout the day, students can also get involved in the fun with a handball competition in the undercover area and a long kick competition out on the oval.

We look forward to a great day of school spirit and fun!

Young Women in Sport: Your Career Starts Here

Not sure what's next after school?

Whether you're finishing Year 12, taking a gap year or still figuring out what you want to do, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

AFL Tasmania is seeking a SportsReady Trainee to join our team on the North West Coast, and we're particularly encouraging young women to apply.

No football experience is needed.

We're looking for someone who enjoys working with people, is willing to learn, and wants to build skills and confidence while making a difference in their community.

What you'll get:

• Earn while you learn
• Nationally recognised qualification
• Opportunities to work alongside Tasmania Devils initiatives and major football events
• Connections across Tasmania and the Australian sporting industry
• Experience that can lead to careers in sport, events, recreation, community development, education and more
• Real responsibility, mentoring and professional development
  

Location:
Ulverstone-based, with travel across the North West Coast.

Requirements:

• Driver's licence and access to a vehicle
• Employee WWVP Card or the ability to obtain one
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn and strong communication skills

Apply now and start your career journey with AFL Tasmania

Application Link: https://aflsportsready.jobreadygateway.com.au/vacancies?search_term=&category_id=&state_name=Tasmania&time_basis_in=&first_nations=&subscribe=&object_id=79

For enquiries - payton.connell@afl.com.au OR 0488 993 123

By Mr Sam O'Keeffe, Sports Coordinator

Sports to sign up for this week:

Devonport Touch football High School roster - Students interested in playing in the Devonport Touch Football High School roster need to complete this form. This year teams can be entered as mixed teams of boys and girls. Touch football is played on Thursday afternoons with games times 4.10pm and 5pm. - Touch football sign up

Tasmania All Schools Triathlon Challenge - All students grades 7-12 who would like to participate in the Tasmanian All Schools Triathlon Challenge please complete this Google form to express your interest. The Triathlon is a great opportunity for students to try something new and if in the team event work together with other students to achieve a common goal. Triathlon is always a great day. - Tasmanian All Schools Triathlon

Basketball Tasmania NW High School Champs - Students interested in representing the College at the NW High Schools Basketball Tasmania High School champs please complete this form. BTAS champs will be help on the weekend of the 7th and 8th of November with games played in Devonport, Ulverstone and Penguin. The College enters teams where numbers permit into both the 1st and 2nd divisions. - BTAS champs registration

Don’t miss the opportunity to apply for the National Gallery Art Scholarship (NGAS), a unique program that has inspired young artists across Australia for more than 25 years.

Applications for the 2027 program are open to students in Year 10 or equivalent in 2026, and who live in Australia. 16 students will be selected, two from each state and territory.

Over 12 months, NGAS participants take part in online learning experiences and a week-long residency at the National Gallery in Kamberri/Canberra.

Info and applications

https://nga.gov.au/learn/national-gallery-art-scholarship/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19nCZU4kds/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We are a local family-owned AFL Business in Don Road, Devonport.

“AFL Footy Shop” specialises in AFL Merchandise.

We operate predominantly as an Online Business but offer walk–ins, click & collect, and obviously shipping options via Australia Post.

This year, we thought it might be a great idea to reach out to our local Schools & Community

Sporting Clubs to all kids, big and little, who are passionate about Footy and enjoy in particular

“Footy Colours Day” is coming up rather quickly.

For every child who visits or makes a purchase, mentions their School and leaves their name with us, they will go into a draw to win a Bobblehead of their Team Player of choice.

www.aflfootyshop.com.au