This morning I joined Meg Castles and Jet Spicer to represent the College at this year's Vietnam Veterans Day Memorial Service in Devonport. 

We were able to hear from the nephew of Private David Banfield a 21-year-old conscript who was killed on 21 August 1969, just weeks before his tour of duty was due to end.

It was a personal and moving account of his early life and service that presented us with a poignant picture of the sacrifice and tragedy of war. 

Particularly moving was the reading from some of the personal letters between Private Banfield and his family.  We were transfixed. 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, following the laying of wreaths, both Chaplain Rv David Rogers-Smith, and Regional President of the Vietnam Veterans Association, Michael Coleman, made comments about how pleasing it was to see young people represented. (Several other local schools were also represented.). Mr Coleman implored them to live a life of purpose. 

It has been reported that some parents are using the George St Staff car park as an extended turning circle when dropping off their children.

This creates a traffic risk when members of staff are trying to enter and park their cars and also impacts pedestrian traffic.

Please exercise care if you are using George St for drop-off and pick-up and be conscious of the no-standing zones in George St.

A reminder that the College has a designated and signed pick-up and drop-off area located off the James Street entry that has been provided to assist with parents/guardians in safely dropping off and picking up children.

Our goal is the safety of all students and staff.

Thanks for your understanding and support.

Last Friday, Year 9 English students enjoyed a performance by actors from one of Australia's most renowned theatre production companies, Bell Shakespeare.

The performance of Shakespeare Is Dead was an ideal taster of Shakespeare for the students - a collection of his best bits, offering an array of Shakespeare, from romance to tragedies to histories and comedies. Students were introduced to several of Shakespeare's characters and explored some of his most iconic scenes.

Looking to get out of the house or enjoy a new environment? St Brendan-Shaw College Playgroup is open Wednesday and Thursday during this Term for children aged birth - 5 years!

The playgroup is hosted by Senior VET Childcare and Education students and College staff. No need to register; just turn up. Please bring a drink bottle and snacks if you wish, there will be some snacks provided.

On Friday last week, 15 of our grade 7/8 girls participated in the AFL Tasmania North West football championships. The weather overnight made for some exciting football throughout the day. The girls did a great job in their first games as a team.

Although they lost their first game, they bounced back narrowly with their second game by one point and backed that up with a stellar performance in their third game, winning by 50 points. The win put the girls into the grand final against Latrobe High School. Although they did not win the grand final, the girls played a great game and had a fantastic day.

The team would like to thank Mr Hubble for coaching and umpiring all their games and Miss Campbell for all her help as assistant coach and scoring.

Congratulations to Year 7 students, Maya Davies, Georgia Mee, Kirra Munns, Taryn Lowe, and Henry Summers who have been selected to represent the North West of Tasmania in the upcoming September National Basketball Club Championships held in Sydney for U/14 boys and girls team. Good luck!

Over the weekend, Year 8 student Matilda Baldock travelled to Darwin after being selected to compete in the National First Nations Tennis Championship.

Here's what Matilda had to say about her time away.

"Hello, my name is Matilda. I recently went to darwin to represent Tasmania in an International Indigenous Tennis Carnival. I was there from the 10th of August till the 14th of August. My time away was spectacular. I got the opportunity to meet Evonne Goolagong and get some photos and some autographs. It was an incredible experience, and I hope to do it again next year. I played 4 Doubles while I was up there because there were many other things to do besides tennis. I recommend it to indigenous people, first-time tennis players, or seasoned players - it's a great experience!"

The NSATIS Soccer team took on Scotch Oakburn last night in a tug-of-war game between the two teams. With the scores still 0-0 going into halftime the second half was definitely a show to watch. With both teams going back and forth it was the boot of Cody Jagar off an assist from Jack Reynier that put the Saints in front.

Scotch continued to apply pressure on the Saint's defence but Fletcher Cruden had some remarkable saves in goal keeping the Saints in front. With 5 minutes to go, Scotch was able to break the defence scoring the equaliser. 

With time running out the Saints made a number of attempts to bend the Scotch defence, and with no time left on the clock, Chi found himself one on one with the goalie but was unable to capitalise.

 The game finished 1-1. 

The Lady Saints had another challenging afternoon in the Nazareth centre. However, the girls continued to play hard and make plays putting the visitors under pressure early. Both 1st and 2nds played well and showed great sportsmanship. 

Our Trivia Night sponsoring Warrawee Women's Shelter is fast approaching. We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who have donated goods so far. These items will be used as prizes for the evening. If you or your business would like to donate toward the evening no matter how big or small, please get in touch with the College. 

Your generosity is always appreciated!

A reminder that the Year 10 Dinner is quickly approaching. Students have until Friday 19 August to RSVP.