Good afternoon Parents and Carers

Over the course of the week, I have had the privilege to interview our Grade 7 scholarship applicants for 2024.  I am both inspired and excited about the number of talented young men and women who will enrich our community in 2024.  On the 21st June, we will begin our enrolment interviews for Yr 7.  We have advertised our second round enrolments this week, with a limited number of places available for Yr 7 2024 still available.

On Tuesday morning I had the privilege of attending the National Reconciliation Week Breakfast at the Paranaple Centre with a number of staff and students.  This year the guest speakers were Dave Mangenner Gough and Ray Martin.  Both men spoke eloquently about their own experiences and shared an important message about the experiences many indigenous Australians have been subjected to throughout history.  

I regularly report to parents the quality teaching and learning that is happening in our College, and I base this through my own experiences as I walk around and visit classrooms.  This year St Brendan-Shaw College has embraced the Insight to Learning program, and specifically our staff are being trained in Shaping Minds High Impact Instruction.

On the 4th July a further 5 staff at the College will undertake this training which is scientifically based on the principles of cognitive load theory, which is a theory of how human brains learn and store knowledge.  If parents would like to find out more about Insight to Learning please head to https://insight.catholic.tas.edu.au/faqs/

Our uniform committee met last fortnight and much work has been going on behind the scenes to enable us to be ready for community consultation.  Moving forward our goal is to have a strategic approach not just for the now but for St Brendan-Shaw College many years into the future.  Over the years the green in the sports uniform has changed many times, and we need to be clear moving forward.  The College will be looking at the introduction of a hoodie, polo top and sports jacket that match.

This week we include an opportunity for the community to have input around the colour of the green, the teal green from many years ago, a deeper green that has featured on the Yr 12 leavers tops and past football jumpers, and the current green.  We are also seeking feedback on the imagery that should appear on the hoodie and provide several options for people to consider. 

Parents please note that we have set no time frame on this process, however we would be looking at the hoodie to be introduced in 2024.  Any changes would be phased in through Yr 7 as students arrive at the College.

Our students are going to have the ability to provide input through a separate mechanism.

Please click here to view and provide feedback. 

This week a number of our senior students (Harriet Mendham, Piper Reeves, Meg Rose, Lily Rumney and Cara Stocks), accompanied by Mrs Natalie Healey, have been in Wangaratta at GoTafe as part of their VET Animal Care workshop. 

Also, this week Mr Roger Lane and Mr Bevan Schramm attended St Patrick's Latrobe and conducted a woodwork class with the Grade 6’s.  The students had the opportunity to construct a wooden boat.  

With Winter now upon us, illness will affect our community.  If unwell students should stay at home and test for Covid.  If students have tested positive for Covid they should remain at home while they have symptoms. 

Finally I wish to congratulate Mr Gerry Peters for his appointment as Acting Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning at St Brendan-Shaw College. Gerry will take up this appointment from 7th June 2023 to 8th August 2023, as Mr Gavin Hicks takes a period of well deserved long service leave.

Gerry is currently Coordinator of Ministry and a member of the Leadership team at St Brendan-Shaw College. Prior to this position Gerry has been Head of House, Head of Music and Acting Head of Arts at St Brendan -Shaw College. In addition, Gerry has gained a wealth of experience in his roles as a Team Leader for Giant Steps School for Autism, ICT Coordinator at St Brigid’s Catholic School and Head of Department at Yolla High School.  Gerry also chairs the Parish Pastoral Council and the Liturgy Committee and is an active member of the Mersey Leven Catholic Parish.   Gerry’s qualifications include Bachelor of Education (University of Tasmania), a Masters in Educational Leadership (Australian Catholic University) and a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (Australian Catholic University).  With a wealth of experience and expertise we know Gerry will perform this role to a high degree and we wish him well on this appointment.

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

Today at Vinnies, we were blessed with the presence of  Leanne Prichard and Father Steven attending our meeting. Together we finalised our Winter Appeal, be prepared for an upcoming meowncment. 

- Vinnies Media officers

Concerns have been raised by the local bus company that some parents are parking over the public bus stops on James St. This delays the town buses getting on and off the stops, and it is particularly dangerous, especially at peak times in the morning and afternoon. There are two public bus stops on either side of James St (in front of the school), and it is illegal to park in these areas. 

Please do not park over or on the designated public bus stops for your safety.  

Thank you in anticipation for your support and cooperation with this matter. 

The Cert II in Animal Care students travelled to Wangaratta, Victoria, this week to attend their hands-on residential workshop. The hands-on workshop allowed the students to complete their assessments for their 2-year qualification.

 Students participated in caring for cats and dogs, distance and physical examinations, general healthcare, grooming and bathing, feeding animals, and enrichment of chickens and dogs.

The students also experienced working in a veterinary clinic concentrating on WHS, communicating and delivering customer services, and sustainable work practices. 

It was a successful trip with a wonderful, respectful group of students. Congratulations to you all. 

Our senior hospitality students hosted their Long Table Lunch today. Students served a beautiful lunch consisting of cantalini, passionfruit cheesecake, and a mocktail tequila sunrise to some of our staff members. 

Yesterday and today, Year 10 students participated in their Reflection Days hosted by Leanne Prichard, focusing on social justice. 

As we are now in full swing of winter, as a reminder, we suggest anyone who is feeling unwell with any cold/flu symptoms remain at home and return to school when symptom-free. 

Winter Wellness Fact Sheet For Parents

The College sent 2 senior boys teams to the Futsal Tasmania College Championships last Tuesday, 23rd of May. Both teams did a fantastic job, with SBSC 2 making it to the finals knockout stages before losing by a golden goal. Both teams represented the College well, and they would like to thank Mr Allen for supporting and coaching both teams for the day.

NSATIS Soccer and Netball - An EOI has gone out to grade 10-12 students interested in being a part of the NSATIS Soccer and Netball teams. If your child is in grades 10-12 and would like to play in these teams, please encourage them to fill out this EOI.

NSATIS Netball - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScl2dCMSFmsOQRvO5YBtO0x_rPDuJGtEYdjsH4GMtGtvo738g/viewform?usp=sf_link

NSATIS Soccer - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuSceqgqOEUM2l1EVvMYBkEpQlC3f1Qpc8XsJ4IzTx4gfP5Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

9/10 Boys - SBSC 167 def Devonport High School 1

Girls football - SBSC 87 def Devonport High School 34

Fantastic wins for both our teams this week! 

Mersey Leven Parish Newsletter