By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

Last week, our Year 12 students graduated, and we came together as a college community. This included our Valedictory Mass and Dinner on Thursday evening. I acknowledge and thank Mrs Sophie Lansley for organising the Mass.

Our senior students are now busy studying for their TASC exams. Seeing so many of our students on-site working with their teachers as they prepare has been pleasing.

Our Senior Art students completed their exhibits yesterday afternoon in preparation for marking.

Memorial Mass

On Friday afternoon, the College held its annual Memorial Mass in memory of St Brendan-Shaw College students who passed during their time here. As reflected in our memorial garden, these young men and women will forever be remembered. Families gathered and placed a candle on the wall of remembrance during this service.

We remember the following:

Amy Batt, Katie Becker, Dylan Burgess, Georgia Lewtas, Rhys Tobin, Robert Garland, Grant McConnon, David Campbell, Gerard Derlagen and Ethan Maine.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
~Amen~

Condolences

Over the weekend, our community was impacted by the news that Year 10 student Jayden Poke was seriously injured in an accident on the West Coast. Jayden, thankfully, is going to be okay. We keep Jayden and his parents, Nicole and Rowan, in our thoughts and prayers as he starts his journey of recovery. Jayden remains in the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Remembrance Day

This coming Monday is Remembrance Day, and our students will come together to pay their respects. On 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare. With their armies retreating and close to collapse, German leaders signed an Armistice, ending the First World War. As a mark of respect to those who have died and suffered, Australians are encouraged to pause at 11:00 am to observe one minute’s silence and remember those who died or suffered for Australia's cause in all wars and armed conflicts.

Red poppies are often worn on this day. The tradition originates in a poem written in 1915 by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a doctor in the Royal Canadian Medical Corps. Lieutenant Colonel McCrae noticed that, despite the devastation caused by the war to towns, farms and forests, thousands of tiny red poppies began growing everywhere in Spring. This inspired his poem, In Flanders Fields.

In Flanders fields, the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That marks our place and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce was heard amid the guns below.

The Ode, from For the Fallen, Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Orientation Day Year 7 2025

Orientation Day for Year 7 2025 will be held on Tuesday 3 December. The College has a limited number of spaces still available for Year 7. Please contact the Enrolment Registrar for further information.

Final Finishing Date Years 7-9

Please note that Monday 16 December, is the final day for students in Years 7-9. This change has been made to facilitate the College’s transition to our new learning management system after the students have finished.

Term 4 Camp Opportunities

This term, we will have many camp opportunities for our students. Our Year 10 students will head to the Tasman Peninsula for camp on 25-27 November. Our Year 9 students will complete their Solo Camp, a significant part of The Rite Journey program, during Week 6 of the term. Our Senior SRC Camp for 2025 will be held from 9-10 December. The College levies these camps as per the fee schedule to provide these opportunities. That said, finance should not be a barrier for our students attending. I understand the financial pressures many of us are under at this time. If the camp levies are a financial burden, please contact either a member of our finance team or me directly. I want all students to experience the many beautiful opportunities these camps bring.

I would like to thank all members of our community for your ongoing support.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m Possible’.”

― Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn rose to fame in the 1950s and 60s with beloved films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Roman Holiday, and My Fair Lady. Beyond her acting career, she devoted the later years of her life to humanitarian work, particularly as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, using her fame to advocate for children in impoverished and war-torn regions.

Her words reflected her belief in the potential for kindness and positive change. This quote is a beautiful example of her attitude: an invitation to reframe challenges, see potential where others see obstacles, and believe in one’s ability to make a difference.

Last week, our Year 12 Graduation Assembly marked a heartfelt farewell to the senior students of St Brendan-Shaw College. The assembly was a moving celebration of the achievements and growth of these young men and women as they prepare for their final exams and then focus on the next chapter of their lives.

Principal Ralph commended the graduating cohort, highlighting how they have consistently upheld and embodied the College’s core values of Justice, Hope, Truth, Service, Integrity, and Excellence. In a heartfelt address, our College Captains reflected on their time at College and their friendships and expressed gratitude to their teachers for their support. The assembly also featured the presentation of the Honorary Awards, with students recognised for their exceptional contributions. We extend a big congratulations to all award recipients.

As our Year 12 students transition from school life, we are immensely proud of the remarkable individuals they have become. We wish them every success in their upcoming exams and in all future endeavours.

The Class of 2024 also gathered with their families for a special Valedictory Mass on Thursday evening, held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church and led by Father Chathura Silva. This ceremony was followed by a celebratory dinner at the Country Club, where students and staff took a moment to reflect on the friendships and experiences that have shaped their journey. 

To the Class of 2024, you leave a lasting legacy at St Brendan-Shaw College, and we look forward to seeing all the ways you will make a difference in the world.

By Cheryl Gamble, Senior Coordinator (10-12)

Exams

The TASC Level 3 and 4 end-of-year written examinations commence on Monday 11 November and conclude on Thursday 21 November for Years 11-12 students.

Exam Timetable: Link

Morning exams commence at 9:00 am
Afternoon exams commence at 1:30 pm

Reminders for Students:

• Arrive at the Senior Study Area 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of their examination.
• Bring their ‘pink slip’ (TASC Notice of Enrolment) with them to every exam. If they forget this or misplace it, they must see Ms Gamble at least 20 minutes prior to their exam so it can be re-issued for them.
• Be prepared with pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, calculators, etc, that are placed in a clear plastic zip-lock bag.
• Place phones and smartwatches in the box provided in the Senior Study Area as they are not permitted.
• An unmarked bottle of water, such as a clear, plastic disposable bottle (without the label) is permitted.

Reasonable Adjustments
Students who are approved for the TASC reasonable adjustment of extra time need to know if this is applied at the start or the end of their exam. If applied at the start of their exam, students should arrive by 8:15am for a morning exam and 12:45pm for an afternoon exam. If you are unsure of your start time, please contact Ms Gamble or Ms Purton as soon as possible.

Illness/Emergency
If students are absent from their examination due to a significant illness, they are required to contact the College who will refer you to Ms Gamble or Mr Gerry Peters to discuss this process. Students must visit their doctor/treating medical professional on the day of the examination (or no more than seven days prior) and they will need to complete the TASC Secondary External Assessment Medical Certificate. This is located in the TASC-issued exam booklet or on the TASC website: TASC Medical Certificate. If students are unable to attend their exam for any other reason, such as an accident or emergency, please inform the College and consult Ms Gamble and the TASC website/examination booklet for further instructions.

Results

On 18 December TASC will send results email/s to the email address students provided when completing their Student Declaration. The Course Criterion Profile Statement that students receive in their email includes extra detail not provided in the posted results package, including the ratings the student achieved for each criterion (both internal and external).

➡️ If a student needs to update their preferred email address with TASC, they can do that using the Update your email address webform.

By Mr Steve Ryan, Teaching and Learning Leader - Health & PE

Jump Rope for Heart is the Heart Foundation’s school skipping challenge that helps kids move more, have fun, and raise funds for life-saving research and programs.

This year, we’ve got an audacious goal to see our student Heart Heroes at St. Brendan-Shaw College raise $1500 for the Heart Foundation.

Students in Year 7 will be participating in the program, so parents please register your child online, so they can receive the full benefits of the program and participate in online fundraising, simply follow the link below to get started. www.jumprope.org.au/parents

Students have been skipping as part of their HPE lessons preparing for this event.

We will hold our school Jump Off Day on Tuesday 12 November, during Periods 3 and 4. This will mark the end of the program and is a chance for everyone to come together to skip and show off their skills. Any student who has not participated in the online fundraising is asked to make a donation to go toward our college goal.

Thank you for supporting the Jump Rope for Heart program!

This week the Year 9 & 10 Sport for Boys and Sport for Girls classes took to the waves, learning to surf with 42 South Surf School.

It was a fabulous couple of days, with the sun shining and our determined students learning an enjoyable (and difficult!) new skill. A huge thanks to everyone involved in organising the excursion, it will be one to remember!

By Mr Ross Hubble, House Head – Dillon

Our Year 10 Adventure Recreation students took on an impressive 24km bike ride along the new Bicycle Network path from St Brendan-Shaw College to the beautiful Turners Beach Berry Patch! After all that hard work, they enjoyed a well-deserved pizza, a refreshing drink, and delicious ice cream.

We invite our college community—students, staff, and families—to gather for Mass with Fr Chathura Silva every Friday morning.

When: Fridays during the school term
Time: 8:15am start (concludes before homeroom)
Where: College Chapel

Start your Friday with reflection and connection. All are welcome!

The Catholic Standard is the central source of news and information for Tasmania’s Catholic community.

Published by the Archdiocese of Hobart, the Standard covers parish activities, diocesan events, and broader issues related to the Catholic community. Including profiles of individuals and groups within the Church, reports on religious celebrations, educational updates, and insights into social justice initiatives.

The newspaper is an important tool for staying connected with the life of the Church in Tasmania, offering a reliable and comprehensive perspective on the activities and teachings that shape our community.

To access the latest edition or to browse past issues, please visit the Archdiocese of Hobart’s website.