By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

In recent years, we have all become familiar with the Big Freeze. Communities around Australia pay tribute to the life of an extraordinary man, Neale Daniher. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to witness the Daniher family play. Neale's life was split into distinctive phases.

There was Neale Daniher, the footballer, the graceful, smooth-moving half-back who could anticipate where he needed to be that split second before everyone else.

There was Neale Daniher, the coach, the canny strategist who had a profound impact in his work as an assistant at both Essendon and Fremantle before taking on the senior job at Melbourne and giving the Demons some of their biggest highs since the glory days of the 1950s.

And then there was the man who set about changing the destiny of others, knowing he might never personally benefit, creating awareness of MND and the ambition to find a cure.

This week, our Rite Journey teachers will spend some time with our Year 9 students unpacking the story of the extraordinary man Neale Daniher was, particularly looking at his book The Power of Choice. This book is about the lessons he wishes to pass on to his grandchildren. Our staff have been encouraged to talk about Neale, his incredible life, and his lasting messages on responsibility, resilience, vulnerability, hope, gratitude, and actions over words.

The Rite Journey celebrated Neale Daniher's life this week; it is certainly a Facebook post worth reading.

Student ICT Policy | Agreement

A reminder to parents that Student ICT Agreements were due to be returned to the College by Tuesday, 26 May. Families are asked to please read through the Protocol carefully with their child(ren). Please note that a separate signed Agreement is required for each student.

Documents may be accessed using the links below:

• Student ICT Protocol
• Student ICT Agreement 2026

Enrolments for Year 7 2027 are Now Open

Round one enrolments for students commencing Year 7 in 2027 closed on Friday, 15 May. The College has received a significant number of applications, and we encourage current families with Grade 6 students to complete an enrolment application as soon as possible to secure their place at the College next year. First round enrolment interviews will commence on Wednesday, 10 June.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Monday 1 June – Sports Award Evening (Summer Sports)
• Tuesday 2 June – Year 11-12 Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews
• Friday 5 June – TASC Moderation Day – no classes for Years 10-12 students
• Wednesday 10 June – First round Year 7, 2027 enrolment interviews
• Thursday 18 June – First round Year 7, 2027 enrolment interviews

Parliamentary Shield - Senior Debating

We congratulate our Senior Debating Team, who made it into the final of the Parliamentary Shield on Saturday against Scotch Oakburn College in Launceston. I particularly thank Mrs Cheryl Gamble and Mrs Rachelle Littler for their support of the students. Well done to the following students: Srishti Lavania, Vishvi Gunarathna, Ella Holland and Sanjalee Ranawaka.

Rostrum Voice of Youth State Final

Congratulations to Vishvi Gunarathna, who has made the state final for Rostrum Voice of Youth 2026 on Saturday, 20 June at Scotch Oakburn College. Rostrum Voice of Youth is a national speaking competition that offers secondary school students an excellent opportunity to gain experience and confidence in expressing their views and conveying their messages. States run their own heats and finals, with the overall winners progressing to the National Final. We wish Vishvi every success.

Sporting Success!

Our senior College Futsal team travelled to Launceston today to compete in the College Championship, with students proudly representing St Brendan-Shaw College throughout the day.

In NWJFU football, both our Year 7/8 Boys and Year 9/10 Boys teams progressed through the semi-finals with strong wins over Reece High School. Our SATIS Senior Girls also competed strongly, going down to Launceston Church Grammar School in their semi-final.

On the netball court, our Year 9/10 team recorded a great win over Reece High on Saturday, while SBSC 2 (Year 9) defeated SBSC 4 (Year 7) 45–18 in an all-Saints matchup.

Congratulations to all students on their effort, teamwork and the way they continue to represent our College community. Catch the full sports reports from Mr Sam O’Keefe in this week’s edition of The Navigator.

I thank all families for their ongoing support.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

From Miss Sophie Lansley, Deputy Principal: Teaching and Learning and Ms Cheryl Gamble, Senior TASC Coordinator

Parent-teacher interviews for Year 11 and 12 students will take place on Tuesday 2 June from 4:00pm to 7:30pm. Information regarding interview bookings and senior reports was emailed to parents and guardians last Monday.

Families are also reminded that applications for 2026 Reasonable Adjustments close at the end of Week 7. To support students during the Mid-year Exam period, families are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.

Mid-year Exams will run from Tuesday 23 June to Tuesday 30 June. During this period, students are only required to attend school when they have scheduled exams.

Students should:

• arrive at school 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of each exam
• wear their academic uniform when attending exams or studying at school
• provide a medical certificate for any missed exams.

View the Mid-year Exam Timetable

Students and families may also find the following study and wellbeing resources helpful in the lead-up to exams:

• Study Tips for Exams
• SchoolTV Special Report: Healthy Study Habits

Looking ahead, families are reminded that the 2026 written external exam period will run from Monday 9 November to Thursday 19 November.

This week, we recognise National Reconciliation Week 2026 and reflect on this year’s theme, All In.

The theme encourages all Australians to play a part in reconciliation through listening, learning and taking action together. It is an opportunity to acknowledge our shared history and continue building respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We also recognise National Sorry Day and honour the strength, resilience and stories of the Stolen Generations and their families.

The purple hibiscus remains a powerful symbol of compassion, healing and hope. Found widely across Australia, it reflects the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and reminds us of the importance of truth-telling, understanding and connection.

Reconciliation is not only about recognising the past. It is about the future we create together – one where every person feels heard, valued and respected.

As part of National Reconciliation Week, we will be playing the Voices for Reconciliation 2026 song Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil as our morning bell throughout the week.

Students involved in The Rite Journey will spend time this week reflecting on the life and legacy of Neale Daniher after news of his passing.

The classroom discussions will focus on many of the themes Neale spoke about throughout his life and writing – responsibility, resilience, vulnerability, hope, gratitude and the importance of actions over words.

The conversations have been encouraged through The Rite Journey founder Andrew Lines, who shared with teachers that Neale’s messages “resonate so strongly with the key themes we endeavour to pass on to our TRJ students”.

Mr Lines encouraged teachers to spend time speaking with students about “the amazing man he was” and the lessons found throughout his writing, particularly in The Power of Choice, a book written for his six grandchildren.

Ross Hubble, Director of Pastoral Care and Rite Journey teacher, said Neale Daniher’s life provides students with an authentic example of courage, humility and leadership.

“In the TRJ classes, we are looking at inspirational leaders in our community and positive role models in our own lives and how they help shape us to become the best version of ourselves,” Mr Hubble said.

“Some qualities that Neale spoke about that have a close connection to TRJ themes are vulnerability, responsibility, resilience, hope and gratitude.”

Throughout the week, students will reflect on a number of Neale’s words and what they mean in their own lives.

Among the reflections being discussed are, “Life is part chance, part circumstance, part choice. You don’t get to choose everything that happens to you, but you always get to choose who you become in response.”

Teachers hope the conversations will encourage students to think deeply about character, relationships and how they respond to both challenges and opportunities in life.

Neale Daniher’s legacy continues to resonate across Australia because of the honesty, courage and hope he brought to others, even in the face of immense personal adversity.

As students engage in these discussions through The Rite Journey, they are being encouraged to reflect on the values that shape who they are becoming and the impact they can have on the people around them.

Vale Neale Daniher.

Read the full post shared by The Rite Journey with Andrew Lines.

This year’s Senior Ball transported our Year 11 and 12 students beneath the waves with an Under the Sea themed evening at the Devonport Country Club.

The night began with student arrivals, as friends gathered for photos and celebrations before enjoying dinner, dancing and a memorable evening together. Impeccably dressed and representing the College with pride, students embraced the opportunity to celebrate their senior years and create lasting memories with one another.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, and thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the evening.

A special thank you goes to the Ball Committee, whose creativity, planning and hard work helped bring the event to life.

Our Senior Debating Team competed in the 2026 Northern Schools Parliamentary Shield Competition last weekend, progressing through to the Grand Final against Scotch Oakburn College.

Debating the topic, “That social cohesion is more important than individual rights,” the team impressed adjudicators with their thoughtful arguments, collaboration and composure under pressure. The adjudication panel acknowledged the closeness of the debate and the difficulty in separating the teams, with the result ultimately awarded to Scotch Oakburn.

From rapid-fire rebuttals to handwritten strategy cards and moments of laughter between rounds, the day showcased the depth of thinking, teamwork and confidence our students bring to public speaking and academic competition.

A particularly thoughtful moment came at the end of the day, when the Scotch Oakburn team left behind a handwritten note featuring a hand-drawn flower and the words “Good job girls”. The simple gesture reflected the spirit of collegiality and respect that underpins competitions like these, and was greatly appreciated by our students and staff.

Congratulations to our Senior Debating Team on an outstanding achievement, and thank you to teachers Mrs Littler and Mrs Gamble for their support throughout the competition.

By Mrs Imelda Martinez, Teacher

The ASX School Sharemarket Game saw 18,506 syndicates from more than 800 schools across Australia and New Zealand compete across a 10-week trading period from 12 March to 21 May.

During the competition, 22 syndicates from St Brendan-Shaw College’s junior and senior Business Studies classes gained hands-on experience in stock trading, investing $50,000 in virtual cash across 300 ASX-listed companies using live prices and brokerage fees.

By participating in the ASX School Sharemarket Game, students strengthened their financial literacy while developing skills in analysing market trends, managing investment risk and making informed strategic decisions.

Well done to all students who participated, and congratulations to Stock Savvy (Year 9) for their outstanding performance. With an end portfolio value of $55,985, they won the SBSC title and also achieved a top-10 ranking in Tasmania.

Click the image below to go to the webinar registration page.

Work experience opportunities are now open again for Term 2.

An information session was held in Week 3 for students to learn about the work experience process and collect the required forms.

Students are responsible for arranging a workplace to attend during the term holidays. All forms must be completed by the student, parent/carer and employer, then returned to Mrs Banfield by Friday 19 June.

Late forms cannot be accepted due to insurance requirements.

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

Horizons Crux is a program/event where, after registering and completing 35 hours of coding, students are invited to a 48-hour hackathon in Sydney. All skill levels are welcome!

You’ll get:

• awesome swag
• free food and drinks
• accommodation for the weekend
• the chance to win from a $12,000 prize pool
• opportunities to build real industry skills and explore pathways into software development and engineering.

Not based in Sydney? We can help cover flights and transport for schools outside NSW.

Interested? Learn more at https://crux.hackclub.com

By Mr Sam O'Keeffe, Sports Coordinator

It has been a busy few weeks for College sport, with students representing St Brendan-Shaw College across football, soccer, netball and cross-country.

SATIS Girls Football

7-10 NWJFU Football

7/8 Soccer

Devon Netball

College Cross Country

SATIS Girls Football

The Lady Saints’ unbeaten run came to an end in Round 3 against a strong Scotch Oakburn College side. With several senior players unavailable, it provided an opportunity for some younger students to experience senior girls football. Playing at home, the Lady Saints started well but were unable to capitalise on their opportunities, going down 49–18.

In Round 4 against Launceston Church Grammar School (LCGS), the Lady Saints competed well in challenging wet conditions. The first half was tight, with both teams taking time to adapt, while the Saints applied consistent pressure. Despite their efforts in the rain, LCGS proved too strong, pulling away in the fourth quarter to secure a 40–10 victory.

The Lady Saints have a bye this week and will be eagerly awaiting next week’s results to see if they have secured a place in the finals.

7-10 NWJFU Football

Both Saints boys football teams travelled to Ulverstone High School for their Round 3 NWJFU matches.

The 9/10 team delivered a strong overall performance, securing their second win of the season with a convincing victory over USC Blue.

The 7/8 boys continued their impressive season with a dominant display, defeating USC Blue 146–11.

This week, the teams faced Reece High School. The 9/10s continued their strong form with a tough win in challenging conditions, defeating RHS 41–30, while the 7/8s were scheduled to play later in the afternoon.

Next week, both teams will take on USC Maroon at Ulverstone High School. The 9/10s will be looking to redeem their Round 1 loss, while the 7/8s aim to secure top spot on the ladder.

7/8 Soccer

The 7/8 soccer team made a great start to their season, travelling to Launceston to take on St Patrick’s College. In a tightly contested match, the scores were locked at 1–1 at halftime.

The Saints took control in the second half, moving the ball well and defending strongly. With excellent counterattacking play and teamwork, they scored twice more to secure a 3–2 victory over a strong St Patrick’s side.

Unfortunately, their match this week was forfeited. They will be back in action next Wednesday when they travel to face Launceston Christian School.

Devon Netball

SBSC 1 have produced another two excellent rounds, cementing themselves as the team to beat in the top division. They recorded convincing wins over LHS 9s, 63–8, and RHS 9/10, 75–3.

SBSC 2 also had a strong fortnight, defeating DCS 7s, 65–6, and SBSC 4, 45–18, in an all-SBSC matchup.

SBSC 3 had one game across the two weeks, along with a bye. In their match, they secured a solid win over USC 7s, 47–9.

SBSC 4 had a bye and faced a challenging match against SBSC 2.

This weekend’s fixtures:

• SBSC 1 – 8:30am vs DCS/RHS
• SBSC 2 – Bye
• SBSC 3 – 8:30am vs LHS 7/8
• SBSC 4 – 9:45am vs LCS 2

College Cross Country

On Friday, 15 May, the College held its annual Cross Country at Don Reserve. The course featured a true cross-country experience, including hard surfaces and bush terrain, complemented by excellent weather.

The event was a great success, with students putting in outstanding efforts. Events like this rely on the collective contribution of the entire College community, and we thank both students and staff for a fantastic day.

Congratulations to our Cross Country Champions:

• Year 7 Boys: Cooper Gould
• Year 7 Girls: Charlotte Turley
• Year 8 Boys: Patrick McLachlan
• Year 8 Girls: Veronica Kelly
• Year 9 Boys: Jovi Rand
• Year 9 Girls: Minnie Wilson
• Year 10 Boys: Jack Hamilton
• Year 10 Girls: Willow Farr
• Senior Boys: Reef Bowden
• Senior Girls: Isabella Connelly