By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

This Week, St Brendan-Shaw College joined the Catholic community across Tasmania in mourning the passing of Reverend Professor Michael Tate AO.

Father Michael's life of service spanned law, politics, diplomacy and the priesthood. Many of our former Year 12 students would remember Fr Michael from his visits to speak with our senior students following their Year 12 Retreat. He challenged our students to think deeply about the lives they wished to lead, encouraging them to embrace their gifts, act with courage and respond generously to the opportunities before them. His message was simple and profound- they were the writers of their own story.

We are grateful for the time Fr Michael shared with our community, for the encouragement he offered our young people and for the lasting impression he left on us all.

May he rest in peace. Fr Michael has been afforded a state funeral, and the College will be represented at the celebration of this wonderful man's life.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Chloe Casey, Jade Doherty, Chanudha Nandasiri and Vidhu Muthumala on their selection in Cricket Tasmania’s 2026-27 representative programs. Chloe and Jade have been named in the Emerging Raiders Program, while Chanudha and Vidhu join the Raiders Rookie Program. We are very proud of all four students and wish them every success in the season ahead.

Year 9 student Hayley Woods entered the Tasmanian Mushroom Festival art competition and was selected to have her photography displayed in the festival’s Art Exhibition at the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery. A wonderful recognition of her talent – congratulations, Hayley.

Congratulations to Eva Wescombe (Year 8) on being named Level 7 State Champion at the 2026 Gymnastics Tasmania Senior State Championships. What a fantastic result.

Rostrum Voice of Youth State Final

Congratulations to Vishvi Gunarathna, who has made the state final for Rostrum Voice of Youth 2026, to be held next Saturday, 20 June, at Scotch Oakburn College.

Enrolments

On Wednesday evening, we commenced our enrolment interviews for Year 7 2027. I am delighted with the level of interest we are receiving for Year 7 and 11. I 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.

Sports

Our 7/8 and 9/10 Football teams had strong wins against Ulverstone Secondary College this week, while our 7/8 Soccer team drew 1:1 with Scotch Oakburn College at home yesterday afternoon.

Our netball teams performed strongly on the weekend: SBSC 9/10 defeated Reece High 65-22, SBSC 3 defeated Latrobe High 44-12, and SBSC 4 defeated Leighland Christian School 30-10. SBSC 2 had the bye.

Today, several students attended the All-Schools Cross-Country Carnival at Symmons Plains; we congratulate Yr 12 Students and the College Captain, Isabella Connelly, for coming 3rd in the Open girls. At the same time, the College hosted St Aloysius College in a friendly senior football game this afternoon before they catch the Spirit of Tasmania for their inaugural College Football trip. We wish them well on this wonderful opportunity.

I thank all members of our College community for their ongoing support.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

Students in Years 7 to 12 are invited to submit an Expression of Interest for the St Brendan-Shaw College Co-curricular Instrumental Music Program, commencing in Term 3.

The program provides opportunities for students to learn and develop their musical skills through individual or shared tuition with experienced tutors. Tuition is available across a range of instruments and voice, with opportunities for students to participate in ensembles, performances, liturgies and College events throughout the year.

Whether students are beginning their musical journey or continuing existing studies, the program aims to support confidence, creativity, collaboration and personal growth through music.

Families are encouraged to review the 2026 Co-curricular Instrumental Music Program Information Booklet before submitting an Expression of Interest.

Expressions of Interest assist the College in determining student demand, scheduling lessons, allocating tutors and planning instrument hire requirements. Submission of an Expression of Interest does not guarantee placement within the program.

For further information and to submit an Expression of Interest, please access the links below.

Information Booklet: https://sbsc.me/4ebpZj8

Expression of Interest Form: https://sbsc.me/4fUsRUf

As assessment and exam periods approach, many students can begin to feel the pressure of balancing study, school commitments and wellbeing. The good news is that effective study habits are about much more than spending long hours at a desk. Building healthy routines, managing stress and creating positive study environments can make a significant difference to both learning and confidence.

The Library has curated a collection of trusted resources to support students and families during exam season.

For Parents and Guardians

Parents play an important role in helping young people navigate busy assessment periods. These resources provide practical advice on creating supportive routines, encouraging healthy habits and helping students manage stress.

ReachOut – Practical strategies for managing exam stress

This helpful article from the ReachOut Content Team offers clear, compassionate guidance for parents who want to support their teen’s wellbeing without adding to the stress. It breaks exam season into three manageable stages – before exams, during exams and after exams – and provides practical strategies for each.

View the resource at ReachOut

Prosper Health Collective – Surviving Year 12: A Parent’s Guide to Self-Care

Written by psychologist Jessica Burns, this article provides evidence‑based guidance to help parents create calm, supportive routines at home during exam season. The article breaks support into four practical areas – creating a calm environment, encouraging healthy balance, focusing on effort, and keeping communication open – giving families simple strategies that genuinely make a difference to a teen’s wellbeing and confidence.

View the resource at Prosper Health Collective

For Students

Exam stress is a normal part of learning, but there are strategies that can help students feel more prepared and in control.

Kids Helpline – Exam Stress

A student-friendly guide covering study techniques, managing procrastination, coping with stress and preparing for exam day. The resource also includes practical advice for neurodivergent learners.

Library Study and Research Resources

Students also have access to the Library’s curated collection of study skills and research resources, including ebooks covering effective study techniques, organisation, note-taking, memory strategies and exam preparation.

Visit the Library’s Study and Research Skills collection.

If you have questions about accessing Library resources, please contact the Library team.

In today's world, where distractions are abundant and the pressure to excel is high, guiding children to develop healthy study habits is more important than ever. As students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the study habits they cultivate.

It's essential for students to recognise that good study habits aren't merely about spending extra hours hitting the books. It's more about quality over quantity and having a more balanced approach. Emphasising the value of a routine is essential. Consistent study times establish a sense of structure and discipline, turning studying into a natural part of their daily routine rather than a burdensome task.

Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of this process in maintaining focus and preventing burnout.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity are indispensable elements that will significantly impact your child's ability to study effectively. Fostering these healthy habits is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer children, paving the way for a lifetime of learning and achievement.

This Special Report will help you support your young person as they embark on studying for exams.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:https://sbsc.tas.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-healthy-study-habits-au

The 7/8 Soccer team has secured the minor premiership in their NSATIS roster after two outstanding wins over the past week.

On Tuesday, the Saints travelled to Launceston to take on Launceston Christian School. The Saints started quickly, scoring in the opening minute and never looking back. While LCS stayed in the contest during the first half, with the Saints taking just a 2-1 lead into the break, the second half belonged entirely to the visitors. With some excellent team football, the Saints found the back of the net on four more occasions to claim a dominant 6-1 victory.

On Wednesday, the Saints hosted a strong Scotch Oakburn side with top spot on the line. In windy and wet conditions, the Saints took some time to adapt and found themselves trailing 1-0 at half-time. A determined second-half performance proved the difference as the Saints controlled possession and created multiple scoring opportunities. They eventually equalised through a terrific individual effort from Connor Bray. With only minutes remaining, the Saints struck again to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory.

This was the final game of the regular season, with the Saints finishing undefeated in their first year competing in the full NSATIS roster.

The 9/10 Saints have had another mixed fortnight of NWJFU football.

Taking on ladder leaders USC Maroon in Round 4, the Saints were determined to redeem themselves after their Round 1 loss to the same side. Despite a strong effort, they were unable to match the pace of USC Maroon and went down 88-39.

In their Round 5 match against USC Blue, it was a completely different story. Never allowing USC Blue into the contest, the Saints’ attack on the football and accuracy in front of goal were outstanding. In wet and windy conditions, the Saints powered away to a commanding 118-7 victory.

With one round remaining, the Saints are set to finish in second place and secure their position in the finals.

The 7/8 Saints faced a challenging match-up against USC Maroon, finding themselves three goals down at one stage. Sitting on top of the ladder, the young Saints knew they needed to respond, and they did exactly that.

After a slow opening quarter, the Saints took control of the game for the remaining three quarters, eventually defeating USC Maroon 61-42.

In their Round 5 clash against USC Blue, the Saints continued their unbeaten season with another strong team performance. Despite difficult, windy conditions, the Saints adapted brilliantly and showed why they are the benchmark side in the NWJFU Eastern roster. A dominant 101-7 win over USC Blue secured the minor premiership with one round still to play.

The result also guarantees the Saints a home semi-final in a few weeks against the second-placed team from the NWJFU Western roster.

SBSC 1 continued their unbeaten run in the Devon Netball High School roster with another strong performance, defeating DCS/Reece 65-22. SBSC 1 remains on top of the ladder with two rounds remaining before finals.

This week, SBSC 1 will take on 2nd place USC 8/9/10 in a top-of-the-table clash at 8:30am.

SBSC 3 also enjoyed a strong performance in their Round 10 match against Latrobe 7/8s. Showing why they are genuine contenders for top spot, SBSC 3 claimed a convincing 44-12 victory.

This week, SBSC 3 will play DHS 7/8s at 8:30am.

SBSC 2 had the bye last round and will return this week to face LCS 2 at 8:30am.

SBSC 4 bounced back strongly after a tough loss the previous week, keeping themselves in the top four with a convincing 30-10 win over LCS 2.

This week, SBSC 4 will take on DCS 8s in an important 3rd vs 4th match-up starting at 9:45am.

18 June – 2 July

Devonport and Ulverstone libraries are both hosting Byte Wise, a travelling exhibition developed by Questacon – the national science and technology centre behind some of Australia’s most engaging hands-on science experiences.

The exhibition features interactive challenges designed to make you think differently: logic puzzles, code-breaking activities and geometry challenges that reward curiosity and persistence. 

While particularly well-suited to students aged 10–15, it’s genuinely engaging for all ages.

Drop in any time during the exhibition period – there's no booking required. 

Entry is free.

Devonport Library | 18 June – 2 JulyMon-Thu: 8:45 am - 5:30 pm | Fri: 8:45 am - 6:00 pm | Sat: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm | Sun: Closed

Ulverstone Library | 18 June – 2 JulyMon-Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Sat: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm | Sun: Closed

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