By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

As Term 3 concludes, I take time to reflect on the many opportunities we have to celebrate as a school community. Last Friday evening, I was delighted to see so many parents gathered at the arrivals area for our Year 10 Celebration Dinner.

Our students looked eloquent, and their interactions on the night were commended. I walked away from the night extremely proud of our students and of being part of such a vibrant school community.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all new families to our College. We have had a large number of students who have joined us, particularly in Year 7. We look forward to this partnership in educating your child.

Hawks Cup and SATIS Soccer State Final

For the second year in a row, our Years 9/10 Girls Team made it through to the Hawks Cup and progressed on the day to play in the Grand Final. Unfortunately, Sacred Heart College was too strong on the day, but I am incredibly proud of the pressure and fight our girls delivered in the Grand Final. I'm sure those who watched the live stream would agree.

Yesterday, our Senior Girls First Soccer Team took on St Mary’s College in the SATIS State Final in Hobart. St Mary’s secured the title with a 2–0 win, bringing to a close an outstanding finals campaign for our Saints.

Congratulations to both teams on representing St Brendan-Shaw College with such commitment, and to the coaches and staff who supported them.

Congratulations

We congratulate Claire Farr, who has been selected for the 2026 U14 Girls Northwest Devils Team for the U14 Foot Locker National Club Championships. Claire is currently away in WA competing, and we wish her the best of luck.

Congratulations to Atticus Pacey, who has recently been selected to speak at the International Association for Youth Mental Health Conference in Dublin, Ireland, this November. Atticus will contribute to an international panel during the Youth Summit, sharing perspectives on mental health literacy, stigma and the experiences of young people in rural and regional communities. This is an outstanding opportunity for Atticus to bring a regional Tasmanian youth voice to an important global conversation.

Enrolments

The College has had a large number of enrolment applications for students currently in Years 7 -11, either starting at the College in 2026 or 2027. We are expecting significant enrolment growth. This growth makes early and accurate confirmation of enrolment intentions particularly important, as it allows the College to plan staffing, class structures, facilities and resources to ensure we can continue to provide the best possible learning environment for all students.

Notification of Not Returning in 2027

I remind all families that the College requires 10 school weeks’ notice for students exiting the College, in accordance with the terms set out in each child’s enrolment agreement. If your child is not returning in 2027, we ask that you contact the Enrolment Registrar, Miss Monica Burgess, via email at principalsea@sbsc.tas.edu.au to complete an exit form.

Orientation Day Year 7 2027

Orientation Day for Year 7 2027 will be held on Monday 30 November 2026. The College has a limited number of spaces still available for Year 7. Please contact the Enrolment Registrar, Miss Monica Burgess, for further information.

Term 4 Commencement and Summer Uniform Changeover

I look forward to welcoming students back for the commencement of Term 4 on Monday 19 October 2026. A reminder that students are required to transition to the full summer uniform from the beginning of Term 4.

I thank all families for their ongoing support and wish our students a restful and well-deserved break.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

Week 10, Term 3

Friday 2 October | Term 3 Concludes

Week 1, Term 4

Monday 19 October | Term 4 Commences

Week 2, Term 4

Thursday 29 October | Year 12 Breakfast
Friday 30 October | Year 12 Graduation Ceremony | Valedictory Mass | Valedictory Dinner

By Mr Gerry Peters – Deputy Principal: Teaching and Learning

From the beginning of Term 4, there will be an increased focus on students wearing the correct College uniform each day.

We thank the many students and families who consistently support the College’s uniform expectations. The care students take in wearing their uniform correctly reflects pride in themselves, their College and the community they represent.

Maintaining a consistent approach helps provide clear expectations for all students and ensures that uniform requirements are applied fairly.

What Families Can Expect

From Term 4, staff will be taking a more consistent approach to checking and reinforcing uniform expectations. Students will be reminded when a uniform item needs to be addressed, and where concerns persist, there will be appropriate follow-up with the student and communication with their family.

We would like to take this opportunity to raise concerns with students wearing the PE uniform in place of their academic uniform.

Our aim is to work in partnership with families so that expectations are clear and students are supported to meet them.

We recognise that individual circumstances and specific needs can affect a student’s ability to meet uniform requirements. Families are encouraged to contact the College if they need to discuss their child’s circumstances or an appropriate adjustment. Existing approved adjustments will continue to be supported.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students wear their College uniform correctly and with pride.

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

This week, our Year 8 students took part in their Reflection Day, facilitated by Marty Ogle from the 'Making Jesus Real' program.

Throughout the day, Marty guided students through a range of thought-provoking topics, including the influence of social media influencers and the dangers of vaping. The main focus of the day, however, was on dreams: encouraging students to reflect on what their own dreams for the future might be, and how they can work towards reaching them.

Alongside the more reflective discussions, the day was also full of fun, with students taking part in Marty's BOB game, also known as the 'unselfish' game, which brought plenty of laughter and engagement to the group.

Thank you to Marty for facilitating such an inspiring and meaningful day for our Year 8 students.

What does it take to turn a bright idea into a business people might actually support?

Year 9/10 Business Enterprise and Technology students put that question to the test this term, developing original product and service ideas before pitching their proposals to a panel of St Brendan-Shaw College staff this week.

Led by teacher Ms Imelda Martinez, students have spent Term 3 exploring marketing through the lens of ethics and social responsibility. Working in small groups, their challenge was to identify a problem or opportunity and develop an innovative business idea that could make a positive difference.

Importantly, a good idea alone was not enough.

Students considered their target market, production and material costs, pricing, promotion and competitors. They also conducted market research, surveying at least 50 fellow students to test whether there was genuine demand for their proposed product or service.

Throughout the project, they were challenged to consider how a business can balance profit with purpose. Their concepts needed to be innovative while considering ethical production, environmental impact and benefits for consumers or the wider community.

The project unfolded across three stages: a preliminary business plan, a detailed marketing plan and, finally, a five-minute Shark Tank or Dragon's Den-style pitch.

Seven groups took their ideas to the panel, with concepts ranging from solutions to everyday frustrations to proposals addressing much larger social challenges.

TeachLink explored the potential for AI-supported teaching to improve access to education in developing countries. Another group designed a TV remote-control finder using radio-frequency technology, without requiring an app.

Other concepts included an adaptive makeup product designed with accessibility in mind, a hydration supplement business, and Subscription Sniper, an app designed to help users keep track of subscriptions and upcoming payments. Further ideas included a technologically advanced toothbrush that tracks and provides an oral health report and reminder, hydration tablets designed for sportspeople on the go, and a stackable earring storage solution to prevent earrings from becoming tangled.

“Today's pitches called on students to draw together weeks of research and planning, communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively, and respond to questions from their audience.”

Students rose to the challenge as they faced many difficult questions from the panel to assess the ethical and social responsibility considerations of their proposed business ideas, spanning from manufacturing to distribution.

"I am very proud in the way that they responded to every challenging question from the panel. They all demonstrated a great deal of confidence, expertise, and persuasiveness. They showed a strong understanding of their business ideas and the ability to think critically and respond thoughtfully under pressure," Ms Martinez said.

Dr Wayne Roberts, Miss Crista Christie, Ms Kaoru Sherriff, Mr Cameron Brown and Mr Pete Viney were among the staff invited to hear the pitches and question students about their proposals.

Ms Martinez said "they all did really well and they really persuaded the teachers that their business ideas were great ones".

From identifying a need and researching a market to calculating costs and facing questions from a live audience, the project gave students an opportunity to experience the many decisions involved in taking a business idea from concept to pitch.

Tas Building Group is looking for candidates who have a passion for Building & Construction and are committed to commencing an apprenticeship in Plastering. Plasterers apply plaster to walls and ceilings to create smooth, durable, and decorative surfaces, often preparing, repairing, and finishing surfaces in residential, commercial, or historical buildings.

More information can be found here. 

Applications are now open for students who will be in Years 10, 11 & 12 in 2027 for the Cadet Forester Program Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) 2027. This round of the Program will commence in January 2027 and finish in December 2027 with applications closing on 1st November 2026.

Positions are available in the North/North East, North West and South of Tasmania with Sustainable Timber Tasmania, Reliance Forest Fibre and Forico Pty Ltd.

Please read the attached program and please have students complete the EOI on the brochure and attach their full resume.

Students will work 1 day a week with their Employer and attend school the other 4 days. There are 3 block training sessions with the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) of 4 days, during each school holiday period. Under the Australian School-based Apprenticeship model the student is paid for the time they are training both with the employer and the RTO.

The Cadet Forester Program (ASbA) is a Certificate II in Forest Operations and is the first step on the pathway to a diverse career in Forest Management in an industry which will play an important role in climate change, now and into the future.

This Certificate II in Forest Operations includes the following training units:

• Work effectively in the forest and wood products industry
  
• Communicate and interact effectively in the forest and wood products industry
  
• Follow environmental protection procedures in forest and wood products operations
  
• Follow workplace health and safety policies and procedures in forest and wood products operations
  
• Develop knowledge of the forest and wood products industry
  
• Follow fire prevention procedures
  
• Provide first aid
  
• Operate communications systems and equipment
  
• Work in a team
  
• Trim and cut felled trees
  
• Navigate in forest areas
  
• Collect forest data or samples for assessment and analysis
  
• Measure trees
  

For further details please share the Cadet Forester Program video with your students at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAnwa6DagxM

For an application form see the attached or go to our website: www.arbre.net.au

If you or your students have any questions or require any further information contact Jacq at Arbre on: hub@arbre.net.au or call 0418 131 928

Join the Australian Air Force Cadets (507 Squadron – City of Devonport)

Are you looking for adventure, leadership skills, and an exciting challenge? The Australian Air Force Cadets (507 Squadron - City of Devonport) is hosting a Recruit Information Night for interested youth and their families. Come along to meet our staff and cadets, see our equipment, and find out what we do!

When: Thursday 12 November 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Kokoda Barracks, 106 Gunn Street, Devonport, TAS 7310
Who: Open to youth aged 12.5 to 16 years and their parents/guardians.

Contact: For more information, please email admino.507sqn@airforcecadets.gov.au or call SQNLDR(AAFC) Melina Skidmore on 0401 422 245.

The Senior Boys Soccer team qualified for the finals after a fantastic final-round win over Launceston Church Grammar School. In a tough semi-final matchup, the boys travelled to St Patrick's College to take on the top-of-the-table side and competition favourites, SPC.

The boys certainly saved their best for last in a thrilling contest where SBSC controlled large periods of play. The Saints opened the scoring to take an early lead; however, SPC equalised shortly after. The teams went into halftime level, setting up an exciting final 40 minutes.

Both sides created plenty of opportunities in the second half, but it was SBSC who again took the lead and held it for almost 20 minutes as the game swung from end to end. Eventually, SPC found another equaliser and then capitalised on their momentum, scoring two more goals to secure a 5-3 victory and bring an end to a fantastic semi-final.

The Boys Soccer team would like to thank Mr Daniel Hicks for his coaching throughout the year and Mr Stocks for his support and management of the team.

The Senior Girls Soccer team are once again NSATIS Senior Girls Firsts Champions, following an impressive 4-1 victory over St Patrick's College in the Grand Final.

The match was nothing short of thrilling. The Lady Saints opened the scoring early and appeared to be in control; however, SPC responded with an equaliser shortly after. True to the form they have shown over the past few years, the Lady Saints refused to relent and continued to apply pressure to the SPC defence, creating numerous scoring opportunities.

Their hard work paid off with three second-half goals, securing a convincing 4-1 victory, back-to-back NSATIS Championships, and a place in the SATIS Senior Girls Firsts Grand Final in Hobart.

In the SATIS Final, the girls travelled to Hobart to take on a strong St Mary's College side. With an early 7:00am start, the Lady Saints journeyed down the Midlands Highway determined to make amends for their SATIS Grand Final loss the previous year.

St Mary's were relentless in attack, placing significant pressure on the Saints' defence and making it difficult for SBSC to find their rhythm. An early goal to St Mary's served as a wake-up call, and the Saints gradually worked their way into the contest, creating several scoring opportunities.

Late in the first half, St Mary's struck again on the counterattack to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. The Lady Saints had plenty of work to do in the second half and responded admirably, tightening their defence and limiting further opportunities. While St Mary's continued to attack, the Saints held firm and remained competitive throughout.

Late in the game, SBSC had several chances to get back into the match, including a free kick that narrowly missed and a number of excellent long-range efforts. However, with time running out, the Lady Saints were unable to find the breakthrough they needed and finished as runners-up in a high-quality Grand Final.

While the result was not what they had hoped for, the Lady Saints have firmly etched their names into SBSC sporting history with back-to-back NSATIS Championships, an outstanding achievement that reflects their commitment, teamwork, and resilience.

The team would like to thank Mr Allen for his coaching and support throughout the year, guiding the team to another SATIS Final. They would also like to thank Mr Stocks, Mrs Greenhill, Mrs Banfield, and Miss Malone for managing and supporting the team throughout the season.

The Girls 9/10 Football team competed in the Regional AFL Girls Gala Day on 1 September. Facing off against schools from across the region, the winners would earn a place in the NWJFU Grand Final. After an outstanding day of football, the Lady Saints emerged victorious and progressed to the Grand Final against Marist Regional College.

In a thrilling contest that could have gone either way, the Lady Saints defeated MRC 34-32, with Brydee McPherson named Best on Ground. The victory also secured the team a place in the Hawks Cup, a statewide championship featuring the best three teams from the South, North, and North West.

In their opening Hawks Cup match, the Lady Saints took on St Patrick's College and controlled the game from the opening bounce. Dominating across the ground and never allowing SPC into the contest, SBSC secured an emphatic 59-8 victory.

In their second match, they faced previous champions Sacred Heart College. Playing back-to-back games appeared to suit the Saints early, as they jumped out to an early lead. However, Sacred Heart quickly responded and took control of the match, eventually claiming a 62-7 win.

Despite the loss, SBSC secured their place in the Grand Final, once again taking on Sacred Heart College. The break between games appeared to benefit the Lady Saints as they got off to another strong start and again took an early lead.

While the final score may appear one-sided, it did not reflect the competitiveness of the contest. Both teams were physical and fiercely contested every ball. SBSC enjoyed close to 60% of possession throughout the match, but Sacred Heart's defence was resolute and prevented the Saints from capitalising on their opportunities. Sacred Heart again demonstrated their quality, securing the title with a 40-13 victory.

Brydee McPherson was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the Saints across the day.

This week, the College hosted the Sports Awards Evening for Term 2 and Term 3 sporting teams. The evening provided an opportunity for students, parents, coaches, and staff to reflect on a successful season and celebrate the achievements of students across a range of sports.

Congratulations to the following award recipients:

NSATIS Girls Netball

MVP: Ella Holland
Coach's Award: Anna Wylie

Devon Netball

SBSC 1
MVP: Braydee DiNunzio
Coach's Award: Mia Fieldwick

SBSC 2
MVP: Vidhu Muthumalla
Coach's Award: Lexi Rattray

SBSC 3
MVP: Sophia Ray

SBSC 4
MVP: Josie Shadbolt
Coach's Award: Lacey Fenton

Soccer

Junior Soccer
MVP: Connor Bray
Coach's Award: Estelle Jordan

Senior Boys Soccer
MVP: Tyson Crawford
Coach's Award: Mason Speight

Senior Girls Soccer
MVP: Felicity Downward
Coach's Award: Ej Sullivan

Football

7/8 Boys Football
MVP: Jimi Partridge
Coach's Award: Archer Brett

9/10 Boys Football
MVP: Jaxon Hope
Coach's Award: Mason Brooke

7/8/9 Girls Football
MVP: Kailyn Jones
Coach's Award: Hayley Woods

Senior Girls Football
MVP: Tahlia Crawford
Coach's Award: Eve McConnon

The College would like to thank all coaches, volunteers, staff, parents, and supporters who have contributed to SBSC sport throughout Terms 2 and 3. Your commitment and dedication continue to provide outstanding opportunities for our students to participate, compete, and succeed both on and off the field.

Wheelchair Basketball Session
Devonport Recreation Centre
Saturday 10 October, 10am to 1pm
Registration: Her Path to Play - Wheelchair Basketball Devonport

This session is designed for women and girls of all abilities to come and try wheelchair basketball in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. No experience is needed and we supply the specialist equipment needed for the program.

Her Path to Play is about experiencing wheelchair basketball. It is a chance to connect with other women and girls, build confidence together, and be part of a supportive community on and off the court.

The session includes:
* Expert coaching drawing on lived experience and coaching in adaptive sport
* Specialist equipment supplied
* Introductions to other women and girls with physical disability in your local community

Who can play:
Wheelchair basketball is suitable for people with a wide range of physical disability, including spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, limb difference, amputation, leg length difference, MUSCLE WEAKNESS/IMPAIRED MUSCLE POWER AND RESTRICTED JOINT MOVEMENT/IMPAIRED PASSIVE JOINT RANGE.

Girls aged 12 – 18 must have a parent or caregiver in attendance.

To register, please visit Her Path to Play - Wheelchair Basketball Devonport

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch at northtas@paraquadtas.org.au

Her Path to Play is funded through the Community Support Fund (CSF), Tasmanian Government.

Thursday 15 October
Workshop: Fabulous Fungi with artist Christina Graham
10.30am or 1pm

Come along for a fun-filled school holiday workshop with artist Christina Graham and discover the colourful, curious world of fungi!

10.30am session suitable for participants under 8

1pm session suitable for participants aged 8 – 15

Reserve Tickets

Friday 16 October
Workshop: Fascinating Fungi with artist Christina Graham
10.30am

Join artist Christina Graham for an arts workshop inspired by the fascinating and often overlooked world of fungi.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply curious to try something new, this relaxed, hands-on workshop is an opportunity to slow down, get creative and see the natural world from a different perspective.

Reserve Tickets

Monday - Saturday during the school holidays our Planetarium schedule has extra shows!
11.00am (all ages)
2.00pm (ages 5+)

Take a seat beneath Tasmania’s largest projection dome and journey into the universe at the Ulverstone Planetarium at Hive.

This season, discover 'Tilt', a new show from Melbourne Planetarium exploring the science behind our changing seasons and the important role Earth’s tilt plays as we travel around the Sun.

Then, stay under the dome as our astronomer takes you on a live tour of the current night sky, pointing out the stars, planets and celestial sights you can look for above Tasmania right now.

Check session times and book your planetarium experience via the Hive website - please note Tilt is only showing on select days, which can be found in the calendar via the link below.

Reserve Tickets

Faith + Fitness is here and we are so excited to launch this for the first time in Devonport.

If you’ve been craving a midweek reset that fills your cup as much as it challenges your body, come join us. These sessions are all about moving together, connecting with community, and putting Jesus front and centre in a fun, welcoming Boot Camp environment. Whether you’re new to faith, new to fitness, or coming back after a break, you’re so welcome here.

Faith + Fitness is run by Boot Camps Tasmania (Luke and Cherise). We’re a local Christian family of 7, and hosting something like this has been on our hearts for a long time. We’d love to create a space where you can train, be encouraged, and leave feeling lighter and stronger.

What to expect each week is a short talk and session theme during the warm-up, uplifting Christian tunes while we train, and optional group prayer at the end. Sessions are $20 and $10 from every booking will be donated to the Devonport Christian School Community Pantry Meals Program.

Devonport Christian School, Tuesdays 5:45pm on October 7, 14, 21, and 28. Book your spot here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/85ae08be/?categories[]=Faith%20and%20Fitness

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

Passionate about animation, games, digital art or visual effects?

CG Spectrum Institute’s 2027 Next Generation Scholarships offer 12 full and half tuition scholarships, valued at over $580,000, for students commencing a Bachelor Degree in February 2027.

No ATAR requirement. Year 12 students with creative potential are encouraged to explore the scholarships and apply.

Applications close Friday 18 December 2026.

Click here to Explore the Scholarships & Apply.