Covid continues to present challenges, however, with the support of parents, living with it is manageable.  The number of students who have contracted the virus has been consistent across the first three weeks of the term, indicating that the spread has not increased with the resumption of school.  We continue to follow a Covid 19 Safety Plan and are discerning about undertaking events that may expose more students, while not negatively impacting their experiences.  The running of the Year 11/12 Ball is an example of achieving this balance.  It is important that parents keep students at home (and staff stay home) if they have any symptoms, regardless of what a RAT test may indicate.

Next week the Year 10s participate in the young drivers' awareness training, RYDA at Camp Clayton.  I am looking forward to spending time with them.

The Ball was a wonderful evening.  It highlights how mature and sophisticated your children become as they grow.  We see this year after year, and it makes me immensely proud of them, as I am sure you, the parents, must feel.  We have not seen any spike in Covid cases, either.

Each year, I am saddened by the number of Year 10s who choose to leave us.  We travel a journey with our students.  Year 7 sees us establishing a sense of unity with students drawn from as many as 20 Primary schools.  We walk them through the challenging middle years but sadly, often we do not have the opportunity to see some of them grow into fine young men and women in years 11 and 12.  We know that our seniors leave us with a social conscience that makes them good citizens and that those who choose to study at University are successful (with recent evidence presented to us that SBSC graduates have higher pass rates with higher GPAs compared with other Tasmanian, UTAS students.).  UTAS continues to emphasise that all they seek in an applicant is the skills to study persistently and consistently.  It seems we battle a perception held by Year 10s that is not supported by evidence.

Stay safe, keep happy, and I will keep us in my prayers.

Frank Pisano

Last Saturday night's Senior College Ball was a night to remember for all Year 11 and 12 students. A big thank you to all the Paranaple team, the DJs, Julie Swanson from Magical Faces and Magical Balloons, all our staff who helped, and our College Ball Committee. Everyone's input helped to create a beautiful evening. A link to photos will be provided in the coming days. 

For those who haven't yet had the opportunity to see our new advertisement on the side of a school bus, here it is! We could not be happier with the design outcome and know a few students who were very eager to see it come to life. A big thanks to Merseylink for allowing us to use one of their buses, to Impact Wrap Australia for the wrap's production, and to the installer, Bill, for a seamless finish.

This week is Gran's Van Awareness week, a week our SRC Students have implemented a Can Drive to collect non-perishable items for donation. With the intention of aiding those who may need a helping hand, each student is encouraged to bring in a non-perishable canned food item, ideally with a ring pull. The Can Drive will run for the remainder of this week with collection in Homeroom.

This week the VET Cert II in Animal Studies students attended a two-day workshop with their trainer from GoTafe in Victoria. The students participated in many activities including work, health and safety meetings, risk audits, checking vital signs of animals, animal handling, cleaning the housings and performing first aid on animals. The animals they worked with were cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens and miniature ponies.

We have been studying circular motion in Physics. In this experiment, a light gate is used to measure the period of the motion.

Friday, 13 May, the College held a Cultural Day specific for our Year 8 students. During the day, students engaged in practical activities with four visiting First Nation's 'Knowledge Sharers.' Moreover, students learned about their position/role in today's vibrant and living Tasmanian Aboriginal culture.

On the day, students were welcomed to Country by one of our Senior Secondary students and Uncle Hank Horton. Students participated in cultural dance, basket making, and spear throwing. They learned about the different environments of the now extinct 'Thylacine' inhabited and participated in a 'Yarning Circle.' The visiting 'Cultural Sharers' provided students with insight into traditional and contemporary; histories, community, and their own experiences, plus stories. 

We want to thank all those who contributed to making this day a wonderful and meaningful experience. It provided an authentic environment for learning and connection with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community. It has also fostered a genuine appreciation of First Nations culture. Furthermore, we would like to thank all Year 8 students for the respectful and meaningful way they engaged in this learning experience.

We Want Your Boots!

The Sunday Super Social League are seeking donations of boots and shin pads to help support the inclusion of international seasonal workers in our league. 

Donations can be made at the Devonport Strikers Club or by contacting Nick Sallese: nicksallese@hotmail.com