This week, a number of families joined me for a Principal’s Tour, and I am delighted with the level of interest St Brendan-Shaw College is receiving, not just for Year 7, 2026, but across all year levels.

The College is nearing capacity for Year 7, 2026. This is a final reminder to families who have yet to enrol siblings to contact the Enrolment Registrar or head to our College website to commence their application.

Mid-Year Exams

Our senior school mid-year exams commenced on Tuesday and will continue until Tuesday 24 June. Our Year 10 students will begin their mid-year exams from Wednesday 25 June, to Friday 27 June. During this time, students may start showing signs of stress, with some becoming anxious about being prepared and doing their best.

This stress can also flow into the home environment. Students often think that everything hinges on the result of one exam. First, seeing the mid-year exams from a different perspective is essential. Teachers and students need to gauge how well students progress through the course. As such, exams often provide good insight into where both strengths and gaps lie, and the teacher invariably articulates this in the mid-year report. However, exams offer just one set of marks on several criteria. Teachers use many assessment tools throughout the year to arrive at the final end-of-year result.

For pre-tertiary subjects, mid-year exams can form only part of the internal component submitted to TASC at the end of the year. That being said, mid-year exams are an excellent learning experience for students in Years 11 and 12 to prepare for final exams, including preparing for the stress they inevitably bring.

Senior Retreats and Year 10 Reflection Day

Next week, our senior students will head away on Retreat, Wednesday-Thursday for our Year 11 students and Wednesday-Friday for Year 12 students. Our Retreats provide essential avenues for our students' formation and the opportunity to come together to reflect as a year level. This week, our Year 10 students attended their reflection day on Wednesday. Mrs Leanne Prichard worked with our students and commended their participation and application on the day.

Vale Mrs Andrea Pisano

Mrs Andrea Pisano's funeral was held today at Sacred Heart Church in Ulverstone. Several staff and students represented the college.

Many in our community will know of the Pisano family and their enduring connection to our College. Andrea’s husband, Mr Frank Pisano, served with great dedication as Principal of St Brendan-Shaw College for over 10 years, and their family has remained close to the hearts of our staff, students, and families over many years.

We offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Frank, their granddaughter Lilli, and the extended Pisano family. In our Catholic tradition, we take comfort in the hope of eternal life and the assurance that Andrea now rests in the loving embrace of our merciful God.

We pray that the peace of Christ surrounds Frank, Lilli, her friends and loved ones.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace. Amen.

Co-curricular Highlights

This week, our Year 8/9 Football team participated in the Devonport Gala Day and successfully progressed to the NWJFU semi-finals. They’ll take on Marist Regional College next Tuesday at 2:30 pm at MRC – best of luck to the team!

Our junior debaters are continuing their involvement in the Australian online debating competition, representing the College with great enthusiasm and growing confidence.

We also wish all our Netball teams the very best as they head into their finals at Maidstone Park this weekend:

• SBSC 1 – Semi-final vs Reece High School at 8:30 am
• SBSC Green – Final roster match vs Sheffield at 9:45 am (the winner advances to the grand final)
• SBSC Light Green – Semi-final vs Devonport High School at 8:30 am
• SBSC Yellow – Semi-final vs Latrobe High School at 9:45 am

Good luck to all teams – go Saints!

Legally Blonde

Our College Production is the culmination of months of preparation and hundreds of hours of dedication, which we’ll soon celebrate on stage. A production like Legally Blonde highlights what can be achieved in a Year 7-12 College, bringing together talent, teamwork, and creativity across the school. I’m especially delighted that our 2025 Production will feature students from every year level, making it a true celebration of our whole College community.

Producer Mr Daman Peters, Choreographer Mrs Marlii Forward, Musical Director Mr Paul Kenny, Vocal Coach Mrs Leonie Peters, and Director Mr Michael Allen are congratulated for bringing together a fantastic team.

Legally Blonde – The Musical will open at the Town Hall Theatre on 14 August and run through to 16 August.

Tickets are available online via the paranaple arts centre website.

If we lived in a just world, all nations would protect their citizens’ human rights. But that’s not our world. Refugees are just one result of injustice. Crucially, they didn’t cause their plight; rather, they are victims of profound injustice. Because their home nation cannot or will not protect even their basic human rights, they must migrate in search of protection. They are entitled to this protection, as all of us are, simply by virtue of being human.
- Patti Tamara Lenard

This week is Refugee Week and the theme for 2025 is Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community.

This theme acknowledges the difficult journeys many refugees have faced – escaping conflict, persecution or danger in search of safety and a life free from fear. It also reminds us of the importance of creating inclusive, welcoming communities where refugees can rebuild, find belonging and share the richness of cultural diversity.

Our Year 10s focused on the challenges faced by refugees as part of their Reflection Day.

Limited Hot Food Available on Friday 20

Due to the sausage sizzle celebrating Shorts Day occurring tomorrow, Friday 20, the Canteen will be serving limited hot food. 

Students wanting hot food will need to place orders through the Qkr app ahead of time. There will be limited savoury toast and toasties options available.

Remember to check at the Caritas office if you have lost any items. We still have lost property from the Swimming Carnival, Athletics Carnival and Year 7 and 8 Camps (including a straw hat and a 3-person tent).

There are also currently a huge array of drink bottles and lunch containers awaiting collection. Items not collected before the end of term will be disposed of during the term break.

Some students in our community show strong academic ability and a desire to challenge themselves further. This year, we are offering those students the chance to take part in the world-renowned ICAS competition.

ICAS is an online academic competition that assesses higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Writing
• Digital Technologies

Every student who enters receives a printed certificate and an online results report. High-achieving students may also be awarded an ICAS medal.

To find out more and register your child, please read the full letter: https://sbsc.me/3FLbmpp

Registrations close: Monday 28 July 2025.

Please contact Caritas Reception if you have any questions, or email community@sbsc.tas.edu.au

A reminder that the Devonport City Council’s 2025 school-based immunisation program for Year 10 students is taking place next week. Please see below for more information.

Our Year 10s recently had their Reflection Day, which focused on social justice issues. The day explored themes of privilege, inequality and responsibility through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching and the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Students were challenged to consider what it means to be a good neighbour in our world today, with a particular focus on refugees, modern slavery and the systems that impact those most in need.

We were fortunate to welcome Leanne Prichard (Education Officer for Catholic Education Tasmania), who led the sessions, Kasia & Felicity who represented Gran's Table and Al from Gran’s Van, who spoke to students about the realities of homelessness and the importance of compassionate, local action.

It was a thought-provoking day that encouraged students to think critically, act justly and reflect deeply on how they can make a difference.

Bend. Snap. Book your seat! 

Tickets are available for St Brendan-Shaw's 2025 production of Legally Blonde The Musical! 

Coming to the Paranaple Arts Centre this August, this fabulously fun, feel-good show celebrates self-discovery, sisterhood, and smashing expectations.

With only four fabulous shows, don't miss your chance – book now to avoid disappointment!

Book your tickets here: https://sbsc.me/4k7wNjd

Tomorrow, Friday 20 June the shortest day of the year, St Brendan-Shaw College will come together to support Shorts Day. 

Talking about mental health can be uncomfortable, and so can wearing shorts in winter, but both can make a real difference. This fundraiser by SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY raises awareness about mental health and the importance of open, honest conversations. 

Students are invited to wear shorts of any style (no tights or leggings) with their PE uniform and bring a gold coin donation to take part. There will also be a sausage sizzle raising funds for the charity at lunchtime, with sausages, drinks and chocolates available for $2.50 each. 

Brave the cold, brave the conversation, and show your support this Shorts Day.

By Mr Sam O'Keeffe, Sports Coordinator

Term 2 has been a busy and exciting time for our student athletes, with many proudly representing the College across a variety of sports. From the netball courts to the football fields and basketball courts, SBSC students have once again shown incredible commitment, sportsmanship, and team spirit.

Netball – Finals Fever!

The Devon Netball competition reaches its peak this weekend, with all SBSC teams qualifying for the finals—a fantastic achievement for our players and coaches.

Division 1 Girls finished 3rd on the ladder and will face Reece High School at 8:30am in the semi-final.

Division 2 SBSC Green have enjoyed a dominant season, sitting on top of the ladder with one round remaining. This weekend’s match at 9:45am will have a semi-final intensity as they look to lock in a grand final spot.

In Division 4, both SBSC Light Green and SBSC Yellow have secured semi-final berths. Light Green finished 1st and will play DHS 7/8 at 8:30am, while Yellow finished 3rd and will take on 2nd-placed LHS Llamas 7 at 9:45am.

Could we see an all-SBSC grand final in Division 4? Best of luck to all our teams and congratulations on a superb season.

A special thank you to the parents and family members who volunteer their time on Saturday mornings to coach, manage and support our teams. Your commitment makes this possible, and we are very grateful.

Senior Girls Football

Our senior girls football team had a fun and spirited season, with many players pulling on the boots for the first time. A young side—predominantly made up of junior students—grew in confidence and ability with every game. Their persistence, despite tough opposition each week, is a testament to their resilience, character, and leadership.
Thank you to Mrs Shania Brown (coach), Mrs Zoe French, and Miss Jess Campbell (managers) for their dedication and support throughout the season.

Senior Boys Football

The senior boys once again had a strong NSATIS football campaign, finishing as minor premiers after a successful regular season. Looking to go back-to-back following their 2024 NSATIS title, the team lost just one game before facing St Patrick’s College in the grand final.

After a fast start from the Saints, SPC took control in the second half, limiting scoring opportunities and eventually taking the win, 70–35. While it wasn’t the outcome the boys had hoped for, 2025 was still a hugely successful season.

Congratulations to the team and to Mr Braden Van Buuren and Mr Gavin Hicks for their leadership and coaching throughout the season.

9/10 Boys Football – NWJFU

The Year 9/10 boys secured a semi-final spot in the North West Junior Football Union after two impressive performances at the gala days. They now play Marist Regional College on Tuesday, 24th of June, kicking off at 3pm.

Year 7/8 Boys Football – NSATIS Debut

Our 7/8 boys kicked off their historic first NSATIS season in style with a commanding win over Scotch Oakburn College. After a nervy start, the team took control, holding SOC scoreless in the second half. Competing in the NSATIS roster has broadened their football experience, offering strong competition and valuable development opportunities.

Well done to the team and to coach Mr Cameron Brown.

Senior Girls Basketball – Making History

Our senior girls basketball team made history this term. After winning their third consecutive NSATIS title, the team earned their third straight SATIS final appearance—this time determined to reverse the heartbreak of two narrow losses in 2023 and 2024.

From the opening whistle, the Lady Saints were dominant, scoring 18 unanswered points and holding GYC to just 9 points in the first quarter. The final score: 68–48, delivering SBSC its first SATIS Basketball Championship since 2017.

Top scorers were:

• Lucy Aherne – 22 points
• Mia Aylett – 14 points
• Luca Martin – 13 points
• Gemma McCoy – 12 points

We especially acknowledge our graduating senior players: Lucy Aherne, Gemma McCoy, Jade McCoy, Luca Martin, Mia Aylett, Isabella Wells, and Lauren Angilley. Over their time at SBSC, this group has achieved:

• 4 BTAS Championships
• 3 NSATIS titles
• 1 SATIS title

Their leadership, dedication, and commitment to the College basketball program have been truly exceptional.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Mr Steve Ryan and Mrs Jo-Anne Aherne, whose long-standing service as coaches and managers of our senior basketball teams continues to be invaluable.

College Cross Country

On June 3rd, the College held its annual Cross Country event. Students set off from the Don Recreation Ground, running through the scenic Don Reserve and along the winding track back to the College. Despite the cold morning, the sun was shining and spirits were high as students and staff looked forward to a great day of sport and community.

Our Year 7 students tackled a longer and more challenging course, while our senior students took part in their final Cross Country of their school journey. Participation was strong across all year levels, with many staff joining in as well. Mr Ralph may have clocked a personal best—but even that wasn’t enough to keep pace with some of the blistering times posted by the senior boys!

A big thank you goes out to all staff who helped make the day a success. This whole-school event is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together, and it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and support of the staff at SBSC.

Congratulations to our 2025 Cross Country Champions:

• U13 Boys – Nate Costello
• U13 Girls – Veronica Kelly
• U14 Boys – Charlie Jones
• U14 Girls – Minnie-Rose Wilson
• U15 Boys – Jack Hamilton
• U15 Girls – Willow Farr
• U16 Boys – Will Potter
• U16 Girls – EJ Sullivan
• Senior Boys – Luke McCoy
• Senior Girls – Isabella Connelly

Tasmanian All Schools Cross Country

On Thursday, June 12, a team of 38 students braved the cold at Symmons Plains Raceway for the 2025 Tasmanian All Schools Cross Country. Known for its chilly conditions, this year was no exception—though the sun made a welcome appearance.

Our students did a fantastic job representing the College, showing grit and determination in what is always a tough event. Special mention goes to two standout performers: Will Potter, who finished 5th in the U17 Men’s race, and Isabella Connelly, who placed 3rd in the U18 Women’s event.

A sincere thank you to Mr Brady Butcher for his support and encouragement of all our runners throughout the day.

Slipstream Circus are excited to be presenting a family friendly cabaret – The Warmth Within – on the 28th and 29th June.

Tickets to The Warmth Within here.

The Slipstream Circus school holiday program will take place on Wednesday 16th July. Classes for all ages. $20 per class.

Enrolments are also now open for Term 3.

Hive's holiday program goes live next week! There is an exciting collection of workshops, activities and planetarium shows this July.

Check out What’s On at Hive!