By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

Good afternoon parents and guardians. Welcome to Week 4 of Term 3.

This week we have had much to look forward to, most notably our College production Pippin.  To our staff, students and families, I encourage you to try and get along and support the production team. Today we kicked off with a matinee for schools, and this evening I have the privilege of hosting the local Catholic Principals and our special guests at our opening night.

On Saturday evening, my wife Julia and our children Cohen, Harry, Lenny and Chloe will be in attendance. Please ensure you come and introduce yourselves. Our family is very much looking forward to this magnificent event.

Strategic Plan 2024-2028

In next week's newsletter, I will be asking parents to provide input into the three strategic priorities we have set in our strategic plan:

• Teaching and Learning
• Catholic Identity and Mission
• Student Wellbeing and Leadership

These strategic priorities have been formalised due to the validation process the College undertook in 2022. I encourage as many parents as possible to help us set the course for the next five years. I am extremely excited about what the future holds.

Uniform

A reminder to parents that school bags are compulsory in 2024 and that they are now half-price ($35)  in our Uniform Shop until the beginning of the school year 2024.  Please note that Midford and the College are subsidising the cost to help families in this transition.  Many students have already made the transition, and what an impact it has had on our student presentation.

Teaching and Learning - Insight 

As one of the first three Colleges in the State to be involved in Insight for Learning in 2023, we have now had 10 staff formally training in the explicit teaching and learning strategies, with a further five to be trained in the coming weeks.  Next week Dr Loraine Hammond will be coming to the College to work with our staff.

Fearless Festival 2023

Last Thursday, our Year 10 female students attended the Fearless Festival, where our young female leaders of tomorrow had the opportunity to engage with many industries and rub shoulders with many successful women in our community.  On Friday evening, 12 individuals represented our College community at the Fearless Festival Gala Dinner.

NSATIS Sport

On Wednesday evening, we hosted St Patrick’s College Launceston in both the First and Second Netball and First Boys Soccer.  While our Netball teams came up against a formidable opponent, they fought gallantly all night. The pride our students demonstrate in representing their College is exceptional.  Our Firsts Soccer team pushed SPC, only to go down 4-2, conceding the last goal in the final minutes.

Enrolments

Enrolments in our senior school will be up 30% in 2024, most notably a high number of students returning to the College for Year 12, validating what is on offer at St Brendan-Shaw in providing a holistic education for our students. Our students' placements for Year 7 are nearly full.  A reminder to parents that Scholarship applications for Years 10-12 close on Friday 25 August. Last Friday, I had the opportunity to interview a student currently in Texas who is looking to join our community.

I wish everyone a wonderful upcoming weekend and look forward to catching up at Pippin.

Yours sincerely,

Scholarship opportunities are now available for senior students in 2024. Applications close on Friday 25 August 2023.

As part of the Scholarship program, students will receive part remission (50%) of tuition fees.

If you are currently in Years 9-11, this presents an excellent opportunity for you to apply for scholarships in various study areas.

The available scholarship categories include Academic scholarships for Mathematics, French, and Japanese (Years 11-12), Academic General scholarships (Years 10-12), as well as Vocational Education and Training (Years 10-12).

These scholarships are open to both current students of the College and those considering joining us. To find detailed information about the application process, we invite you to visit our College website at https://www.sbsc.tas.edu.au/scholarships

"...Artists of the world, may your many different paths lead to that Ocean of beauty where wonder becomes awe, exhilaration, unspeakable joy". – Pope Saint John Paul II

Pope John Paul II was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was later canonised as Pope Saint John Paul II. He was a poet, playwright and actor.

🎶 🎸🎻 Join Us! There’s Magic to Do! 🎺🥁🎶

Pippin debuts in the Town Hall Theatre tonight and promises to be a whirlwind of emotions, dance, song, and even circus acts, ensuring a captivating experience for all who attend.

This timeless musical delves deep into the journey of a young prince named Pippin, as he searches for meaning and significance in his life. Throughout his quest, he encounters various compelling characters, each influencing his path in different ways. From his relationship with his authoritative father, King Charlemagne, to his interactions with the enigmatic Leading Player, Pippin's story is one of exploration, mistakes, and growth.

At the heart of this theatrical presentation lies a message: simplicity and authenticity matter. 

In the News

This week, The Advocate journalist Jess Flint spoke with Srishti, Jet and Lace about the journey of discovery and the on-stage magic of Pippin. 

Read the story online and to see The Advocate photographer Eve Woodhouse’s stellar image on the front page.

DATES

Thu 17 Aug, 7:30pm
Fri 18 Aug, 7:30pm
Sat 19 Aug, 1:00pm
Sat 19 Aug, 7:30pm

🎟️ TICKETS 🎟️

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. Tickets are available online or from the paranaple arts centre Box Office.

https://sbsc.me/Pippin23

Box Office opening hours (Mon - Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-2pm)

Adults -  $30 
Concession -  $22
Student  - $20

By Miss Sophie Lansley, Teaching and Learning Leader – Religious Education

The experience of pilgrimage is exhausting, physically demanding, emotionally challenging, but also enlightening, exciting and illuminates our faith. It pushes you into experiences that you never thought you’d undertake, but have also changed your approach to your beliefs. 

I have come away from my pilgrimage to Rome, Lisbon-WYD, and Fatima with a completely different perspective on my spiritual life. I have been able to witness the vibrancy and diversity of the Catholic community throughout the world. Learnt from diverse spiritual leaders, from the Pope to laity, and was able to reflect on their lessons in my own spiritual development and practice. Most importantly, I have learnt so much about the history and practise of the Catholic faith that I am able to share with others, particularly my students. 

The connections you make as a pilgrim are probably the most life-altering part. You learn from others, connect with them, cry with them, pray with them, worship with them and, particularly with my pilgrimage group, sing with them. Song as prayer/worship has been such a significant part of this experience for me. I will never forget singing ‘Ave Maria’ in Fatima for the evening Rosary; I will never forget singing ‘The Pilgrim Song’ in the Catacombs of St Cecilia; and I will never forget singing ‘How Great Thou Art’ next to the tomb of St Peter.

I have never felt closer to my Catholic faith, and it is something that will stay with me forever. As Pope Francis himself said at his opening address in Lisbon (which I was lucky enough to be in the audience for), “Friend, if God calls you by name, it means that. For Him none of us is a number; but a face and a heart.”

By Mrs Leanne Purton, Learning Enhancement Coordinator

Local Psychologist Kristine Bull presented at a recent staff meeting on Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Today, 1 in 15 people are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Kristine works closely with many students at the College and her expertise is sought and valued by the Learning Enhancement team. It was a very insightful meeting with teachers having the opportunity to learn more about how an ASD brain differs and how best to support students to maximise learning. Teachers had an opportunity to ask questions and were asked to reflect on the information provided and embed any new learning into practice. 

Anthea Denholm, TCEO Education Officer for North West Coast schools and Colleges, was also present. As Learning Enhancement Coordinator, an important takeaway from the presentation is ensuring students diagnosed with ASD are given a voice. A simple question of, ‘What works for you?’ can make the greatest impact by providing relevant support and empowerment to students.   The College can be very proud that teachers ‘know’ and ‘value’ students’ involvement in the learning process.

By Mrs Lynda Beavan, Lead Social Worker

St Brendan-Shaw is lucky to have on-site access to two wonderful health professionals, Clinical Nurse Consultants Kiona and Shonel.

They provide this as an outreach service, believing that seeing young people in an environment they are familiar with rather than a clinic setting can be helpful in building a therapeutic relationship and trust. The Youth Health Service is available for young people on the NW Coast aged 12 – 24. It is a free and confidential service.  Kiona and Shonel can offer information, support and referrals for all things related to health and wellbeing, including physical health, mental health, sexual health, eating disorders, alcohol and drugs, along with help navigating the healthcare system and support for those with chronic illness or disability. They can see people in many different places, including school, community health centres and hospital offices or homes.  

Referral can be via text, phone, email or online form and young people can self-refer, or parents can reach out to support the process. Students may also contact their House Coordinator, the College Social Worker to assist in facilitating an appointment or simply make a request for an appointment at the Caritas Office. 

You can contact them on 0400 333 608 or 0499 860 771, or email  on youthhealth.northwest@ths.tas.gov.au or contact them online  https://www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/child-and-youth-health/youth-health-services/contact-youth-health-services

Please note the Youth Health Service is not an emergency service.

Students interested in the Girls Engineering the Skies experience on Tuesday 5 September are encouraged to attend, but they must contact Ms Kim Walters or Mrs Natalie Healey by Friday 18 August.

From Vinnies

This week is the start of the Vinnies Winter Appeal – People Plus Paws!

We will be collecting donations of essential items for people (with a focus on mature females between the ages of 55 and 85, and their pets. 

Useful items can include sleeping bags, blankets, dried or canned food for pets, fingered gloves, beanies, and jumpers. 

Collection points at the College will be communicated in House meetings. For those in the community who want to support us in this work, please drop goods into Caritas Reception.

Attention trivia enthusiasts! 

Join us for an exciting night out with friends and test your knowledge, all while supporting a noble cause. Warrawee Women's Shelter provides a vital service to our community, and what better way to contribute than by indulging in some friendly competition? 

The trivia night fundraiser will be held on 8 September. Secure your spot now and book a table for up to 10 people at just $50. 

Don't miss out on an evening of fun and charity!

On Thursday and Friday last week, our Year 10 female students attended the Fearless Festival Expo at the Devonport Recreation Centre. 

During the event, they were exposed to a diverse array of professions, all presented by accomplished women. These professions ranged from traditional trades like building, joinery, and plumbing to specialised roles in the Police, Fire, Ambulance, and Defence sectors. A highlight was the Navy's presentation of its 3D virtual reality submarine program. Additionally, representatives from sectors like Parks and Wildlife, Horticulture, Nursing, Law, Real Estate, TasNetWorks, TasWater, Chocolatiers, and Aviation graced the event.

On Friday evening, the Fearless Festival Gala Dinner was held to mark the end of two days of information displays.  The six guest speakers and 70+ table hosts shared inspiring stories about breaking stereotypes and demonstrated the amazing career opportunities available to women.

The speakers were:

• Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania
• Commander Debbie Williams APM (who read a speech on behalf of Dame Jacinda Adern GNZM)
• LTGEN Natasha Fox, Chief of Personnel, CSC AM
• Caitlin Radford
• Hope Wooldridge
• Simone Haigh
• Captain Madeline Habib

One of these inspiring addresses was given by our College alumnus, Caitlin Radford (’16). She has a strong passion for promoting agriculture to others and is a fifth-generation farmer from Moriarty. 

The central message echoed throughout the festival, from every speech and across all industries, was clear: young women should embrace new experiences and ideas, as a wealth of exciting opportunities awaits them.

By Catholic Education Tasmania, Facebook, 10 August 2023

Our final 25 Years of Service profile for today is Mary Hansen from St Brendan-Shaw College.

Mary Hansen has been an important member of the St Brendan-Shaw College (SBSC) community for more than 25 years. After her youngest of five children attended Kindergarten in 1997, Mary decided she wanted to go back into the workforce and joined the Student Support staff at SBSC as a Teacher’s Aide. She intended to finish her teaching degree while working at the College but found a great work-life balance in her position at the College. The role was always centred around working with students one-on-one, and at the start of her career as a Teacher’s Aide, she worked heavily with a student with cerebral palsy and had great joy in watching the student grow as a person through their six years as part of the St Brendan-Shaw community. There was something about working with the children of St Brendan-Shaw that helped Mary stay at the College for 25 years until her retirement last year. The community that existed within the College embodies the care of the whole person, and Mary explained that there was always a level of support for the staff at the College and for her own family, who always felt cared for. “I really appreciated the overall care of everybody, not just the students but the staff and the parents. There was an inclusiveness that I found all around. People did really try to do their best.”

In her role as a Teacher’s Aide, Mary explained that she was often working with students who had the highest need in the classroom one on one. This allowed her to have a greater impact on the students she worked with, and she always felt like the staff at SBSC respected the hard work that Teacher’s Aides do every day. “I felt cared for as an individual. I felt respected for the work that I did. I never felt lesser, and I was always included. It was excellent.”

Frank Pisano was one of Mary’s biggest supporters while she was at the College, and he was always supportive, understanding, and appreciative. She also made many long-term friends with the staff at the College, who would go on to educate her own children. Mary loved the work that Father Richard Ross did with the community at SBSC and how supportive he was with all of the students and her own family. 

Mary was thankful to be able to continue to be there for her family while she was at work at SBSC, “It was the right place and the right thing to do, and the right balance between supporting a family in the way that I wanted to. I still managed to continue being the mother to the family that I was before I started to work.” Mary advocated following one’s instincts in life, and her 25 years of fulfilling service at SBSC shows that this approach has been successful. 

Congratulations on your 25 Years of Service, Mary!

Congratulations to Nona Roberts for her 25 years of dedication to Catholic Education. We are grateful for every moment you've spent shaping the lives of our students at St Brendan-Shaw College.

Thank you, Nona, for a quarter-century of commitment and passion.

Congratulations to Carla Casey (Year 7), who has been accepted into the Australian Ballet School’s interstate program. Carla has been invited to an intensive training session in Melbourne with teachers from the Australian Ballet School.

Congratulations to Rylan Eustace (Year 10) for his recent success with the Tasmanian Endurance Riders Club. Rylan is currently positioned 1st in the state for the Junior Enduro and 3rd in the Grass Track.

Good luck to Charlie Menzies (Year 10), who has been named in the Rugby Union Under 16 Barbarians side that will face Queensland in October.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day and the 50th Anniversary of Australia’s Cessation of its Involvement in the Vietnam War Commemorative Service

When: Friday 18 August 2023
Time: 11:00am
Where: Vietnam Memorial Park, Aikenhead Point, Devonport
Wet weather venue: Devonport RSL

Australia will mark the 50th anniversary of the end of its involvement in the Vietnam War on August 18, 2023. The announcement of the end of Australian combat operations in Vietnam was made on January 11, 1973, although some soldiers remained behind to guard the embassy in Saigon until the beginning of July. A total of 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, with 521 killed and 3,000 wounded.

Join us in Devonport as we mark this significant anniversary and pay special tribute to the 16 Tasmanians that were killed in action in the Vietnam War, and show your support to those who returned.

Organiser: Mersey-Leven Sub Branch Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Inc
Website: http://www.vvaa.org.au/tas.htm

NSATIS 1STS SOCCER

Round 5 – Wed 16-Aug-23
St Brendan-Shaw vs St Patrick's at Valley Road 
St Patrick's Won (2 to 4)

Round 4: Bye

Round 3: Wed 9-Aug-23
St Brendan-Shaw vs Marist at Valley Road Devonport
St Brendan-Shaw Won (5 to 1)

Round 2: N/A

Round 1: Mon 31-Jul-23
LCS vs St Brendan-Shaw at Windsor Precinct - LCS Campus Ground
St Brendan-Shaw Won (1 to 2)

NSATIS Netball Results to be published when results are updated at satis.com.au