By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

Welcome to Week 2 of Term 3.

Our students and staff have settled back into teaching and learning, and Term 3 provides the opportunity for students to consolidate their knowledge and understanding and particularly focus on areas of growth in learning.

Teaching and Learning

Subject selection for 2024 closed last Friday, and as a College, we now begin to timetable and staff our classes for next year.  I am pleased with our enrolment numbers for 2024.  I would like to encourage students in Years 9-11 to ensure they are applying for our Years 10-12 scholarships that close on Friday 25 August.

A number of our students this week have competed in the Australian Mathematics Competition. Well done to those students. The problem-solving skills developed by participating in the competition will serve them well in any future endeavour.

Mr Gerry Peters will finish his term as Acting Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning, with Mr Gavin Hicks returning from long service leave next week.  I would like to thank Gerry for his exceptional leadership while in the role. Gerry’s depth of curriculum knowledge and ability to manage and support staff and students during this period has been appreciated by those working closely with him.

I would like to congratulate Year 12 student Darcy Beavan-Duncan who has been nominated as a finalist in the Skills Tasmania 2023 School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award.  He will be attending a gala presentation Dinner on Friday 8 September.

Sporting Success

Last Friday, our Year 9/10 Football team defeated Penguin District High in the NWJFU.  An exciting game where Penguin led most of the day, with our boys hitting the lead with 3 minutes to play, before securing the win with a goal in the final 30 seconds.  I would like to congratulate the students along with Mr Kurt Byard, who coached the team on their success this season.

2024 was particularly successful on the football field for St Brendan-Shaw College, securing premierships in all three divisions, 7/8 Boys, 7-10 Girls and 9/10 Boys.

Uniform 2024

The College has now provided opportunity and input to parents, staff and students with regard to changes to our sports uniform.  This includes the design of our new hoodie, the new sports jacket and a review of the College green that has changed many times in our history.  Our Uniform Committee will meet during Week 4 and work with our uniform company Midford now that we have this data.

Catholic Education Week

In celebration of Catholic Education Week next Tuesday the College Captains will accompany me along with Mr Gerry Peters and two of our Year 7 classes to the Catholic Education Mass at Marist Regional College.

On Tuesday afternoon Mrs Nona Roberts and Mrs Mary Hansen will be acknowledged for 25 Years of Service to Catholic Education at the 2023 Catholic Education Commission Awards presentation at Our Lady of Lourdes.

Enrolments 2024

Please be aware that our non-feeder school Taster Day for Year 7, 2024 will be held on Tuesday 26 September. Please share this with anyone you know who may be interested, we still have limited spaces for Year 7, 2024.  

Bon Voyage 

Finally, our Year 10 French exchange student, Louise Lascar, will finish at the College this Friday 4 August.  

We thank Louise for contributing to our community and wish her well in the future. Who knows, we may well catch up if our overseas trip to France goes ahead!

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

"Hear blessings dropping their blossoms around you.” ― Rumi

From Ms Kim Walters, Deputy Principal – Pastoral Care

A frequent issue that we assist our students to overcome is friendship issues. The following is a useful resource for parents on that topic.

By Lynda Beavan, Lead Social Worker

Bodytalk is a program about educating and assisting young women from ages 12-18 to explore the concept of body image based on the Embrace movement. As part of the program, young women view the Embrace documentary film at www.bodyimagemovement.com.  The documentary was created by Australian of the Year 2023, Taryn Brumfitt.  

Through educational resources, events and a whole lotta inspiration from founder Taryn Brumfitt, this movement is teaching the world to love the skin you’re in. It aims to build resilience and self-confidence by educating us about how we view ourselves and others and the external influences that can impact this.  The College has recently run a 6-week program, which aims to give participants the knowledge to assist their decision-making and problem-solving when taking action to enhance their own and others' health and wellbeing.

The program was facilitated by Katie Fielding from Wellways Australia and supported by our Social Worker, Lynda Beaven.

Themes that were explored throughout the course include:

• Factors that shape identities`
• Behaviours and responses to external influences
• Exploration and analysing health information
• Roles of the media and role models
• Social and political factors that influence and impact health and wellbeing in young women/community 
• Strategies and actions that can improve the health and wellbeing of young women/community

This week, our senior students had the privilege of from Rebecca Wells (’16), the Community Awareness Officer at Headspace. Wells shared her academic journey, invaluable experiences, and how her choices led to her current role, offering invaluable insights into the interconnected world of education, mental health, and personal growth.

Rebecca spoke about her involvement in the Headspace Youth Reference Group, which provides experience and a voice to people under 25 for decisions and the development of key Headspace activities and initiatives. The reference group provides public speaking and research skills, along with opportunities to build lifelong friendships. 

She shared valuable advice on subject selection, tertiary studies and how her Psychology and Health Sciences background prepared her for work at Headspace. These disciplines prepared her for her current role at Headspace and proved instrumental in understanding the context in which mental health services are delivered.

One aspect of Rebecca's academic journey was her subject selection during her senior years at College. These choices, particularly in Psychology, English and History, provided a strong foundation for the skills she would need at university. These subjects enhanced her academic work and paved the way for her personal and professional growth.

Volunteering also played a crucial role in Rebecca's development, particularly in mental health and psychology. She shared how getting such experience can be challenging due to the sensitive nature of the work but extremely rewarding. Volunteering provided her with the practical knowledge and skills that helped her stand out in her field, and she emphasised how this experience can lead to acceptance into honours programs.

When it came to taking a gap year, Rebecca made her decision based on wanting to take time to think about the right pathway. The opportunity to work in the hospitality industry allowed her to develop valuable skills and discover other avenues of work she enjoys. It also provided her with time to reflect after College and gain clarity on her academic and career goals, along with the financial foundation to start saving.

Choosing a university was a significant decision, and Rebecca considered various factors. Her chosen option allowed her to work and live at home to save on living expenses.

Another interesting aspect of Rebecca's story was her decision to pursue Psychology over Nutrition. She acknowledged that the field of nutrition felt saturated at the time but emphasised that it wasn't a closed door, given the direct link between physical and mental health. Rebecca encouraged students to take their time and explore different possibilities and remain open to options and career directions that may add value to their career path.

We are grateful for Rebecca's visit and the valuable insights she shared with our senior students. Her journey highlights the benefits of making thoughtful subject choices, gaining practical experience, considering various pathways, and being open to future learning opportunities.

Become the future of the Williams Adams Cat team as a Apprentice Fabricator / Boilermaker based in our Burnie branch.

You will be signing up to a four-year apprenticeship, where you will receive first class training in heavy fabrication and welding work on a massive range of Cat equipment and components. You will become a part of our Operations team and learn from some of the best in the industry.

You will work with state-of-the-art technology support services and be part of a global dealer network that is one of the world’s top 100 recognised brands.

You will receive:

• A nationally accredited training qualification, paid for by William Adams Cat
• A subsidised toolkit worth over $6,000
• A Caterpillar passport enabling you to work for any Caterpillar dealer in the world
• A full uniform including personal protective equipment (PPE) 
• Above award wages and opportunities to earn more with reasonable overtime

Where it can take you: 

• Our apprentice rotation program allows you the opportunity to travel and work in our branches within Victoria and Tasmania
• You could represent William Adams in the Caterpillar Dealer Top Apprentice Program and visit Caterpillar nationally and overseas
• Upon completion of your apprenticeship, you could follow any of these career paths:

• Field Service Trades Person
• Service Supervisor
• Sales or Product Support Representative
• Technical Trainer
• Branch Manager

The opportunities are endless. It's up to you!

About You

You will have a positive, customer-focused attitude and a desire to learn, grow and be at the top of your game. You will be able to demonstrate your genuine interest and passion for your chosen trade and how it contributes to the heavy machinery industry.

Your positive attitude towards safety, excellent listening and communication skills and your commitment to the structured training will not only see you succeed but thrive in our business.

As part of your application, you will be required to:

• Upload a cover letter, resume and your most recent school reports (if you are a secondary school student, or you have completed secondary school in the last 2 years) *IMPORTANT* You must combine and upload all documents as one complete file.
• Answer two short video questions

** Please note we can only accept applicants that have a year 10 pass (or equivalent) or higher. We welcome mature-age applicants.

The most impressive and enthusiastic applicants will be given the opportunity to join our team. You will start in February 2024 and begin a 4-year journey to becoming the best in the business!

Don't settle for any apprenticeship. THINK BIG with an Apprenticeship with William Adams CAT. 

Want to know more? Call our Talent Acquisition Team on 03 9566 0700* Applications close on the 20th August 2023 *

Become the future of the Williams Adams Cat team as a Dual Trade Apprentice - Diesel Technician & Auto Electrician based in our Burnie branch.

Machine Electrification is the future. By taking on a Dual-Trade opportunity, you will invest in your future.

You will be supported with a five-year apprenticeship, receiving first-class training in the diagnosis, servicing, and maintenance of a massive range of Caterpillar equipment and components. You will become part of our Operations team, learning from some of the best in the industry.

You will work with state-of-the-art technology support services and be part of a global dealer network that is one of the world’s top 100 recognised brands.

You will receive:

• TWO nationally accredited training qualifications, paid for by William Adams Cat
• A subsidised toolkit worth over $6,000
• A Caterpillar passport enabling you to work for any Caterpillar dealer in the world
• A full uniform including personal protective equipment (PPE) 
• Above award wages and opportunities to earn more with reasonable overtime
• To top it off, you’ll earn a fully qualified trade wage after only 3 years

Where it can take you: 

• Our apprentice rotation program allows you the opportunity to travel and work in our branches within Victoria and Tasmania
• You could represent William Adams in the Caterpillar Dealer Top Apprentice Program and visit Caterpillar nationally and overseas
• Upon completion of your apprenticeship, you could follow any of these career paths:
  • Field Service Trades Person
  • Service Supervisor
  • Sales or Product Support Representative
  • Technical Trainer
  • Branch Manager

The opportunities are endless. It's up to you!

About You

You will have a positive, customer-focused attitude and a desire to learn, grow and be at the top of your game. You will demonstrate a genuine interest and passion for your chosen trade and how it contributes to the heavy machinery industry.

Your positive attitude towards safety, excellent listening and communication skills and your commitment to the structured training will not only see you succeed but thrive in our business.

As part of your application, you will be required to:

• Upload a cover letter, resume and your most recent school reports (if you are a secondary school student or you have completed secondary school in the last two years) *IMPORTANT* You must combine and upload all documents as one complete file.
• Answer two short video questions

** Please note we can only accept applicants that have a year 10 pass (or equivalent) or higher. We welcome mature-age applicants.

The most impressive and enthusiastic applicants will be given the opportunity to join our team. You will start in February 2024 and begin a 5-year journey to becoming the best in the business!

Don't settle for any apprenticeship. THINK BIGGER with a Dual Trade Apprenticeship with William Adams CAT. 

Want to know more? Call our Talent Acquisition Team on 03 9566 0700* 

Applications close on the 20th August 2023*

Treasury is currently recruiting for the Cadetship Program. This Program provides you with the opportunity to study part-time while gaining valuable work experience in a central government agency and establish your career.

Find out more about the Program and how to apply via this link https://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/about-us/careers/cadet-program

Students can subscribe to alerts for Cadetship vacancies on the Tasmanian Government Job Alerts page,  https://careers.pageuppeople.com/759/cw/en/subscribe.

If you would like to speak to someone about the Cadetship Program, don't hesitate to get in touch with Toni Heffernan, Principal Human Resources Officer, on 03 6145 5711 or email toni.heffernan@treasury.tas.gov.au.

Learn your trade from a nationally recognised leader while working on iconic, award-winning projects.

The industry is changing, it’s getting bigger and busier, and we need capable, hardworking, and passionate people to be part of our growth.

A construction industry apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn, offers opportunities to progress and opens the door to a rewarding career.

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in their chosen trade and the motivation to succeed
• A good understanding of what your chosen career path involves
• The ability to work as part of an effective team
• Well-developed literacy and numeracy
• A strong work ethic - hard-working, reliable, fit and healthy

Work experience and/or a pre-vocational qualification would be an advantage.

North West Tasmania Apprenticeships:

• Carpentry x 4
• Cabinet Making x 2
• CNC Machinist x 1

These roles are based out of our Devonport Construction and Joinery divisions.

Send your application to:

12 Stony Rise Road
DEVONPORT TAS 7310

Devonport’s Youth Advisory Group (DEVYAG) is hosting their second Music in the Square (MISQ) event from 5:00-8:00pm on Friday 11 August.

Anyone who loves to sing, dance, is a poet (spoken word), or plays an instrument and aged between 16-45 is invited to participate.

Please register your interest with the QR code, and if you would like to provide a sample of your work, then email devyag@devonport.tas.gov.au. 

The 2023 YFCC Inspiring Youth Awards are open for nominations! This is a simple yet meaningful way to recognise anyone who is 13 – 20 years old and help make North-West Tasmania a better place to live – it does not matter how small or large a contribution.

There are three categories, the winner of each receiving a $300 prize. All nominees (and their supporters) are invited to an awards presentation luncheon at the paranaple Centre in Devonport on Wednesday 4 October 2023.

The three categories are:

• The Great Mate Award
• The High Five Award
• The Quiet Achiever

Anyone can nominate a young person and help them feel seen and appreciated by their community.

Congratulations to the 2023 NWJFU Grade 9/10 Premiers! What a final. It was a tight 4th quarter that saw SBSC dig deep to take the lead in the final minutes. Penguin were strong from the 1st quarter and maintained pressure throughout the game.

The final score:
SBSC 9.11.65
PHS 8.10.58

Congratulations to both teams for a great game and a great season!

#GoSaints #StBrendanShawCollege #gosbsc

By Devonport Basketball Council Inc.

The Devonport Basketball Council Inc. (DBC) will run a spring high school roster over 10 weeks and will be open to girls and boys in grades 7 through to 10. 

Ideally, we would like to again run a Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 roster in school teams but this will depend on numbers. If we were to get enough girls, we would also run with a separate girls' roster. However, if numbers are low, we will again run a mixed roster as we did in the winter roster but trying to keep as school-based teams. 

The roster will commence on Wednesday 6th September until 22nd November (10 weeks). There will be no games played during the school holidays on the 4th and 11th October.  

It is a requirement of Basketball Tasmania that all players register online through PlayHQ. 

2023 Spring Registration Fees 

Basketball Tasmania and NWBU registration fees will only be shown if you are not already registered for the spring roster. If you are not registered, fees will automatically be displayed. For new registrations, you have the option of registering with Basketball Tasmania for 12 months or 3 months to cover this roster only and NWBU fees can be paid for 6 or 12 months. All players will be required to pay the DBC fee of $40.00. 

For children that qualify for TICKET TO PLAY you will register and click on I have a Government Voucher (in payment/summary page) then add your TTP voucher details.

If you are placed in a team that will be using DBC singlets you will be required to pay a singlet bond of $10.00 and will receive $5.00 refund at the end of the season providing the singlet is returned in good condition. This is to be paid on the first roster night. 

Should you have any queries please contact the DBC Office by phone on 6424 2440.