By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

Saturday evening was a wonderful celebration for our students at the Senior College Ball. This is an excellent opportunity for our Year 11 and 12 students to come together and formally celebrate their time at the College and their final years. This was the largest group we have had in my time.

It was wonderful to share a meal and watch the students interact with each other throughout the night, including the progressive dancing.

Feast Day of St Brendan

On Friday, 16 May, we celebrated the Feast Day of St Brendan. Our staff and students celebrated Mass before enjoying a music concert. Students played games of House-based soccer during lunch, and several food vans were on-site for our celebration. I am incredibly pleased with how we have built this culture for our College. Our students did a magnificent job; I was extremely proud of them. I would also like to thank Father Ashan for leading our service.

Enrolments for Year 7 2026

I encourage all families with children at the College who intend to enrol siblings to complete their enrolment application by Round 2, which closes on 11 June. Enrolment interviews for Round 1 were concluded on Monday, and we have already accepted well over 100 students, with limited places available.

Monday 26 May – National Sorry Day

Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.

We cannot begin to fix the problems of the present without accepting the truth of our history. Sorry Day asks us to acknowledge the Stolen Generations, and in doing so, reminds us that historical injustice is still an ongoing source of intergenerational trauma for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities, and peoples.

Catholic Principals Association of Tasmania – CPAT

Next Wednesday, the College will host the Catholic Principals Association of Tasmania for their meeting this term. Please note that there may be some extra traffic at the College throughout the day.

Co-Curricular Activities

It is extremely pleasing to see so many students representing the College in soccer, netball, football and debating this term. Through participation, so many connections are formed. We know that students who have connections with school and peers have far greater outcomes in their learning. I commend our wonderfully dedicated staff for their commitment to these programs and their support of our students.

Event Reminders

Our College Cross Country is coming up in Week 6, on Tuesday, 3 June. Moderation Day for Senior students will occur on Friday, 6 June. Students in Years 10-12 will have a student-free day. Regular classes for Years 7-9 will occur.

Once again, I thank all families for their ongoing support.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

We know we cannot live in the past, but the past lives in us.
- Dr Charles Nelson Perkins

Charlie Perkins was an Aboriginal Australian activist who played a key role in advocating for a "Yes" vote in the 1967 Australian referendum and in organising the Freedom Ride, an important event in the civil rights movement for First Nations people. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1987 in recognition of his service to the community.

The purple hibiscus is more than just a beautiful flower—it carries deep meaning, particularly in Australia’s journey toward reconciliation. It stands as a symbol of compassion, healing, and resilience, reflecting the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, especially those affected by the Stolen Generation policy.

Each year, National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week remind Australians of the importance of acknowledging past injustices and working towards a future of unity and respect. The purple hibiscus, which grows widely across the country, represents the ability to endure challenges and thrive despite adversity—a powerful message of hope.

By recognising the significance of this flower, we honour the stories of our First Nations peoples and commit to creating a more inclusive and understanding society. Reconciliation is not just about history; it's about building a future where every Australian is heard, valued, and respected.

Friday morning Mass will begin this week in the College Chapel, running fortnightly during term time.

Time: 8:20am-8:40am (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.

This week’s Mass will be extra special as we welcome a beautiful new print of St Brendan, which will soon be housed in our Chapel. Father Ashan will bless the image as part of the celebration.

By Mrs Josephine Lutwyche, Teacher – Director of Pastoral Care

Uniform – Term 2 Winter Academic

The St Brendan-Shaw College uniform is integral to our tradition and identity. As a College community, we expect our students to wear their uniform with pride, which in turn fosters a sense of belonging. In wearing the uniform correctly, students show respect for themselves and each other while ensuring they wear clothing appropriate for their learning experiences. On the whole, students are to be commended on their wearing of the Winter Academic uniform, however a few reminders for families are given below:

• Ties are required to be worn with the Winter Academic uniform.
• Blazers are required be worn to and from school.
• Shirts must be tucked in at the waist.
• Shoes must be black leather/polishable and enclosed.
• Skirts and dresses should be no shorter than 10 cm above the knee as per our Uniform Protocol.

Our Uniform Protocol offers clear guidelines for families ensuring there are no uncertainties about what is required. If you require assistance to support your young person to be in the required uniform for Term 2, please contact me at the College.

Positive Behaviour Support at St Brendan-Shaw College

What is Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a proactive, person-centered approach that focuses on teaching and reinforcing appropriate behavior, preventing challenging behaviors, and creating a positive and supportive learning environment for all students and staff alike.

At St Brendan-Shaw College, our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approach aims to foster a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where students can thrive and find success. We take pride in teaching and reinforcing positive behaviours, recognising and celebrating moments, both in and beyond the classroom where students embody our PBS values.

Our PBS has three focus values:

At St Brendan-Shaw College, we are excited to share our ongoing commitment to Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), a framework designed to foster a safe, respectful and engaged learning environment for every student and member of our College community. As part of this, we are working closely with students to unpack each of our PBS values through explicit, clear and consistent teaching of the positive behaviours we aim to see both in the classroom and across the school grounds. By developing a shared understanding of these expectations, students will be better equipped to make positive choices in different settings and situations.

Our three core PBS values will become part of our everyday language and culture at St Brendan-Shaw College, consistently taught, modelled and reinforced to support student success. As we continue this journey, we look forward to partnering with parents to strengthen this approach together and will continue to share ways you can be involved and informed along the way.

Six year 9 students are selected from around Tasmania to take part in a 10-day study tour in April each year. Entry formats include an essay (1,500 words), digital, video or audio presentation (10 minutes max).

Frank MacDonald MM – born in Ulverstone in 1896 – was Tasmania’s last World War I veteran and the last of the 40th Infantry Battalion raised in WWI. He was responsible for repairing signal lines between battalion headquarters and trenches and received the Military medal for working courageously under heavy fire. He also served in World War II and received the Legion of Honour in 1998. Frank MacDonald passed away on 23 August 2003 at the age of 107.

The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize aims to commemorate and preserve the meaning of the ANZAC spirit in the Tasmanian community. The competition is open to all Tasmanian Year 9 students, as well as students who are undertaking home education at the same year level.

For a range of great resources to assist you, please visit the Library, or view our Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize dashboard.

For full details about the essay-based competition, please visit the official website.

The Hilarie Lindsay Young Writers Competition is a short story competition for Australian school students.

Students from years 7-12 are invited to enter their best short stories of up to 2,500 words to be in the running to win a cash prize. A $5 entry fee applies to each submission. For competition details and the entry form, please visit the Fellowship of Australian Writers Website.

Closing date for the competition is 6 pm Sunday, 31st August 2025.

SECTION 1: Years 10, 11 & 12 up to 2500 words. Prize $150
SECTION 2: Years 7, 8 & 9 up to 2500 words. Prize $125
SECTION 3: Years 5 & 6 up to 1500 words. Prize $100
SECTION 4: Year 4 & under up to 1500 words. Prize $50

For a range of useful resources, please visit the library or view our Hilarie Lindsay Short Story Competition dashboard.

By Mr Paul Kenny, Teacher

It is your last chance to enter this year’s Devonport Eisteddfod. If you’d like to be involved, please email me at pkenny@sbsc.tas.edu.au by Friday lunch time.

If you have already sent in your details please call in and see me at Friday lunch to confirm your entry and the section you are entering.

By Jade McCoy

On the 25th of April this year, students from St Brendan-Shaw College gathered as a community to acknowledge and honour the men and women who served our country 110 years ago at Gallipoli. The Anzac service served as a powerful reminder to students from Years 7 to 12 of the importance of remembering these significant and impactful events every year. Beyond the school campus, many students actively participated in community services across Latrobe, Devonport, Deloraine, Port Sorell, and Ulverstone, demonstrating their respect and gratitude. 

Throughout the first two weeks of Term 2, students deepened their understanding of ANZAC day in various ways. The senior English Studio class explored its significance by designing and distributing a survey to families enrolled in at the College. They additionally conducted research on the Anzacs and proposed an idea for a future memorial on school grounds. Years 9 and 10 studied the poem Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen, deepening their knowledge of the soldiers' experiences of the chemical warfare threats, enhancing the sense of empathy. In Years 7 and 8, students engaged with credible primary and secondary sources in their HASS lessons to identify the historical significance of Anzac Day. These sources included the Anzac Portal and Australian War Memorial archives. 

As a school, the commitment of the students to engage with the stories of Gallipoli through primary and secondary sources, the services in local communities, and the actions on school grounds throughout all year levels has undoubtedly evolved the students’ understanding and empathy for veterans' experience in conflicts, including our Australian soldiers who served 110 years ago in Gallipoli.

It was a fantastic day last Friday celebrating the Feast Day of St Brendan! We kicked things off with a beautiful Mass led by Fr Ashan, before launching into a full day of fun and celebration. There was something for everyone – food vans, BBQs, live music, games and activities all around the school.

A highlight of the day was the spirited inter-house soccer competition, where students from all year levels teamed up with staff. For the first time, the Feast Day of St Brendan Perpetual Shield was awarded to the winning house – a new tradition we hope to continue.

A big thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day so special. Events like these showcase the strong sense of community we’re so proud of at St Brendan-Shaw College.

This year’s Senior Ball was a magical evening for our Year 11 and 12 students. As the sun set, students arrived at the beautifully decorated Spreyton Country Club, transformed into an Enchanted Garden filled with flowers, vines and fairy lights.

Impeccably dressed and representing the College with pride, the students enjoyed a night celebrating how far they had come at the school. It was a fantastic opportunity to make memories with friends and enjoy a well-earned night of fun.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make the evening so special – especially the students who stepped up to help plan and organise this unforgettable night for their peers.

If you're currently in year 11 or 12, or recently finished school, the University of Tasmania School Leaver Expo can help you find your path to uni. Join friendly staff and students who are happy to answer all your questions about courses, scholarships, accommodation and applying.

And even if you’re not sure what you want to study, you just might discover your passion on the day.

By Mrs Whitney Banfield, Teacher and Careers Advisor

Students in Years 10-12 wishing to attend work experience during the Term 2 holidays are reminded that forms are due to Mrs Banfield by Friday, 13 June. Late forms cannot be accepted. 

Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at wbanfield@sbsc.tas.edu.au

As our rowing community continues to grow, we are looking to expand our coaching team for the 2025/26 season. Whether you're an experienced coach or someone interested in starting a coaching journey, we’d love to hear from you!

We welcome expressions of interest from:

• Qualified or aspiring rowing coaches
• People with a passion for athlete development, strength and conditioning
• People with an interest in supporting a diverse range of age groups and abilities
• Allied Health Professional willing to support our teams with good advice

If you, or someone you know, would like to be part of a dynamic and supportive team, please get in touch and express your interest in a variety of volunteer positions.

Help us spread the word! We're aiming to attract a broad mix of people who are passionate about coaching, rowing, and making a positive impact in our community.

AFL Tasmania is holding a Come & Try Umpiring Session at the Penguin Athletics' Track on Thursday the 29 May 2025 at 6 pm. This is in conjunction with the North West Umpires Association training session.

This opportunity gives young people a chance to sample each discipline of umpiring in a relaxed environment whilst being surrounded by years of practical experience.

Football is growing each year and AFL Tasmania is attempting to recruit new umpires to facilitate this rapid growth. Umpiring is a great way to keep fit, socialise and earn some money.