By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

Good afternoon,

Welcome to Week 5 of Term 3.

Pippin

I would like to start by saying how extremely proud of the staff, students and friends involved with Pippin our community should be. Many hours of rehearsals, no doubt self-doubt and an enormous amount of hard work all came to fruition in our performances. 

My message for all those involved is we have seen how dedicated you were, we have recognised the enormous sacrifice you have made, and as a community, we are all extremely proud of you and thank you for sharing your talent. Over 20 staff gave up their time to help in some way. I would especially like to thank Mr Daman Peters, Mr Michael Allen, Mr Gerry Peters and Ms Marlii Forward for their leadership with the production.

Having the opportunity to watch both opening and closing nights, the cast and crew should all be extremely proud. Not only did they produce one of the most exceptional productions the north west coast has seen this year, but the sense of achievement and success they have shared with our College community.  A number of dignitaries expressed to me the joy of having a live band, exceptionally talented singers, dancers and actors, all from the one year 7-12 College producing an amazing performance. 

Strategic Plan

This week, I am sharing with families the opportunity to help prioritise our Strategic Plan 2024-2028.

St Brendan-Shaw College has three Strategic Priorities set in our Strategic Plan:

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

As I reported last week, these priorities were formalised through the validation process the College undertook in November 2022. I encourage as many parents as possible to help us set the course for the next five years. Under each Strategic Priority, parents are asked to select the three (3) most immediate objectives for the College from their perspective.

This feedback will help provide pivotal prioritisation of our operational plans over the next five years.

Vietnam War Memorial Service

Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending a service at the Veterans Memorial Service, marking 50 years since the end of Australia’s role in the war. No doubt, many in our College community have some connection to someone who has served our country.

In acknowledging this year’s anniversary, communities throughout Australia remember the service made by the 60,000 men and women, of whom more than 500 died, in a conflict that spanned 12 years – making it the longest war in which Australians have participated. This included 1800 Tasmanians who served and 17 who lost their lives serving our country.

For the Fallen is a poem by Laurence Binyon. I share with you the 4th stanza.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

Uniform

A reminder to all students that school bags are compulsory in 2024 for Years 7-11 (please note our current Year 10 will be allocated a bag on their last day of school as part of a fee adjustment) 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.

Expectations

On Tuesday at our College assembly, I reminded students that earlier this year, I talked about a school community where each and every student is encouraged to:

• Participate in our community;
• Value learning; and
• Show respect.

Respect for self, others, and our environment.  These are quite simple but important expectations. I would like to commend the 99% of students who are buying into this vision.

During my address, I let students know that they are valued and will be supported. Unfortunately, some students have challenged these values in recent times and found themselves placed outside our community. As a College, we set high standards for learning, uniform and behaviour. As principal, I appreciate the support of our parent community as we continue to work towards not only being the most desired educational organisation but, most importantly, the most improved educational facility on the northwest coast.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

– Dr Seuss

By Mr Ross Hubble, Teacher & House Coordinator – Dillon

On the 22nd of August, Mr Paul Pitchard visited our College to share his inspiring story of determination, resilience and the discrimination he faced after his rock climbing accident that left the right side of his body partially paralysed. However, he didn’t let this stop him. In fact, many years later, he ventured back to where he had his accident to conquer the ‘Totem Pole’ at Fortescue Bay in the Tasman National Park. 

"On Friday the 13th of February 1998, a TV-sized boulder falling from 25 meters inflicted such a terrible brain injury that doctors thought he might never walk or even speak again. Pitchard spent the next year fighting the hemiplegia, which paralysed his right side and played tricks with his speech and memory. However, being in hospital for that time gave him the impetus to write The Totem Pole with one finger. In his fight for recovery, the reader triumphs with him when his brain remembers how to use each forgotten muscle." – An insert from Paul Pritchard's book The Totem Pole.

Paul's story fits in nicely with the unit that is being taught in Outdoor Leadership and Outdoor Education classes this term, which is 'Connection to Nature'. Paul shared what his life was like before and after the accident, his journeys and challenges in nature, like the hike through the Kilimanjaro ranges with a group of physically impaired people to challenge societal norms that are put on the abilities of disabled people. 

Paul taught us to be resilient and to keep going when times get tough. He also encouraged us to challenge norms and step outside our comfort zones. 

We would like to thank Paul for his presentation.

Paul’s life journey, The Longest Expedition, has been aired on ABC's Australian Story.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-11/the-longest-expedition/7584762

Every year, the lively spirit of Book Week fills the air in schools around Australia. Walking through our school during Book Week, you'll spot familiar characters. By dressing up, our students and staff don't just show off their favourite characters; they celebrate the stories that shaped them. 

Our Theme: Read, Inspire, Grow

"Read, Inspire, Grow" isn't just a catchy phrase. It's a roadmap to personal growth. The stories and ideas we read inspire us. With inspiration comes growth – in knowledge, understanding, and character. Our goal is for every student to experience this journey during their time at the College. As part of the activities arranged by Ms Gamble, staff and students at the College have been sharing books that inspire them, and we've been enjoying quizzes and activities. 

Our Library: The Heart of Book Week

The Library is buzzing during Book Week. With a treasure trove of books on display, there's something for everyone, whether you're into mysteries, sci-fi, romance, or non-fiction. 

In this year's display, they have some of the books that are finalists in the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Awards.

These awards play a significant role in promoting Australian authors and illustrators. For more on this year’s finalists, see the poster below the SBSC Book Week gallery!

We extend heartfelt thanks to our wonderful Library staff, who work hard to share these gems with us. 

Book Week is more than an event. It's a reflection of our love for stories and our belief in their power to shape minds. So, next time you see a student or teacher dressed as their favourite character, remember: we're not just celebrating books; we're celebrating the journey of reading, inspiration, and growth they offer.

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!

This week, our Year 9 Agricultural Science class introduced two female Friesian x Jersey calves into our community.

A big thank you to Lesley Irvine and Nathan from Elliot Research Station, TIA, for working with our students and providing a detailed care plan for the calves over the coming weeks.

Our students will be working in groups on a roster to monitor and care for the calves. It’s estimated that the calves will be gaining 400 grams each day. 

Calf champions checklist:

• Make gentle approaches.
• Measure calf.
• Sanitise and prepare milk.
• Feed with correct feeding posture.
• Cleanup post-feed.
• Refresh pellet feed and water.

Here's to making every day count with our furry friends!

Congratulations to Year 9 student Matilda Baldock, who has just returned from the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin. Matilda played in three doubles and three singles matches while she was away. Matilda said the highlight of her trip was meeting Evonne Goolagong Cawley for the second time and playing against other states. Well done, Matilda!

This opportunity would be suited to those students with a keen interest in either mechanical/engineering/automotive or metalwork studies.

Four-year apprenticeship with the result being a Cert III Engineering – Mechanical

Based between our Devonport and Ulverstone sites on a 6-month rotation, with the 4th year of the apprenticeship also having a rota at our Wesley Vale-based harvesting operations.

Mechanical role including nuts and bolts type work, welding/fabrication, machining, lathe work

Cert II Engineering Pathways is a good lead into this apprenticeship.

This opportunity would be suited towards those students who’ve undertaken Cert II Electrotechnology / Electronics type courses or those with a strong interest in any robotics/automation.

• Four-year apprenticeship with the result being  Cert III – Electrotechnology.
• Based at our Devonport and Ulverstone sites on a six-month rotation.
• Opportunity to work on world-leading food processing technology.
• Varied role which includes unique learning opportunities that aren’t too common around this part of Tasmania (e.g. automation/process logic control/programming etc.)

As our Front of House team, you'll be the first smile our customers encounter when they come through our doors.  If you thrive on creating connections through drinks, food and curating warm welcomes, we invite you to join our team and be the ambassador of the Verona experience.

No Experience Required

Key Responsibilities: 

• Being confident in running the POS and taking payments
• Taking customer orders
• Delivering orders to tables
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the team

To apply, contact management with your CV by emailing admin@veronadevonport.com.au.

As an Apprentice Chef on our kitchen staff team, you'll embark on a diverse culinary adventure, from crafting woodfired pizzas that warm the soul to crafting exquisite pastries, desserts, and signature mains that tantalise the taste buds. You will trained under the expertise of Giuseppe Di Bella, who has gained his experience working in 5 Star Hotels, like Hilton, and Michelin Star Restaurants under guidance of Marco Pierre White.

Your creativity and dedication will be the key that transforms ingredients into experiences that delight and inspire our guests. If you're driven by a passion for culinary excellence and seek to elevate your craft within a dynamic and collaborative environment, we invite you to apply for an apprenticeship with us.

Some desirable qualities in the applicant would consist of:

• Enthusiasm for the culinary arts and a genuine passion for creating exceptional dishes. 
• Willingness to learn and take on new challenges, demonstrating adaptability. 
• Strong work ethic and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment. 
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the team. 
• Commitment to maintaining kitchen hygiene and safety.

To apply, contact management with your CV by emailing admin@veronadevonport.com.au.

As a member of our team, you'll be an essential part of crafting experiences that make our guests feel truly at home. Your genuine warmth and attention to detail will transform dining into an intimate journey where every guest is welcomed as a friend and leaves with cherished memories, all under the watchful eye of our amazing Dorothy Olivieri. Dorothy spent many years in 5-star hotels throughout Europe. She will teach you all you need to know and more.

 While there are no qualifications for this position, these are some desirable attributes: 

• A passion for delivering exceptional customer service. 
• Enthusiastic and approachable, with excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to multitask and remain composed during busy periods. 
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive attitude.
• Flexibility to adapt to various tasks and roles within the restaurant.

To apply, contact management with your CV by emailing admin@veronadevonport.com.au.