This week’s Ash Wednesday was one of the more moving, open and honest that I have experienced.

Mr Gerry Peters, together with members of the SRC executive, led us with sincerity, and the students conducted themselves beautifully throughout.  Mr Peters reminded us that Easter is the most important time of the Christian calendar and that Lent is a season to commit to renewed life and the desire all humans feel to live a better life.  He unpacked the symbolism of the marking with ash, as well as that of not eating meat as being derived from a time when it was a luxury that Christians gave up as, among other things, a symbol of solidarity with the poor.

Receiving the ashes is not restricted to Christians, and Mr Peters emphasised that the word catholic derives from the Greek adjective for  ‘universal’, with our Church being open to everyone.

Following the liturgy, we were introduced to the 2021 Project Compassion theme - to not want more, but to Be more.  Project Compassion is the major fundraiser for Caritas Australia who does amazing work as part of the Catholic Church’s social justice outreach.  Each week a face of Project Compassion is presented to us.  I will share these via the newsletter, and this week’s face is Jamila.  Her story can be viewed here.

Again referring to the Church’s universality, Mr Peters emphasised that this Catholic agency was supporting Muslim minorities in foreign lands, providing much-needed aid and contributing to global peace and harmony.

Finally, students were asked to contribute, not as a consequence of competition between College Houses, but simply because it is the right thing to do.  Project Compassion Boxes will not be emphasised as much this year (as a Covid safety measure to minimise the exchange of coins.  The SRC is looking to provide points for students to ‘tap’ a card to donate). 

The Project Compassion website (a link to which appears above) might be worth visiting as a family throughout Lent to provide balance to the bad-news stories that seem to prevail.

The Board meets next Tuesday to consider nominations for membership.  I encourage anyone who is interested in contributing to the strong governance that we have at the College to contact my EA, Mrs Turner, for more information and a nomination form.  An example of how strong our processes are is evidenced by an email we received from the TCEO this week:  “I just wanted to let you know that out of all of the College data submitted - your College data was nearly absolutely perfect!”  This does not happen by chance, but by a diligent attitude to ensuring that we deliver across all areas.

My blog in last week’s newsletter provides more information on Board membership and I encourage parents to consider this very important role for me and the College.

Stay safe, keep happy and I will keep you in my prayers,

Frank Pisano

Last year in September, student Anneka Wells spoke at a statewide event for the Commissioner for Children and Young People (CCYP), of which she is an ambassador. It was a well attended event, with the Deputy Premier of Tasmania and Minister of Education Jeremy Rockliff in attendance (along with many others!).  Anneka and the other youth speakers were honoured then to be invited by the Governor of Tasmania, Professor the Honourable Kate Warner to lunch at Government House in December.  

We congratulate Anneka on her efforts - what a wonderful opportunity and experience she must have had!

Basketball

This week in NSATIS Sports we saw the Boy's Basketball Team play their second-round game against Launceston Church Grammar. The team was looking to build on their strong performance in round 1, however, they would have a tough task ahead of them. The team played really well working hard on both sides of the ball, however, they were not strong enough this week going down in a hard-fought game 49-24.

The Girl's Basketball Team played their first game of the season and the ladies went off like a frog in a sock. With a convincing win 78-14, the ladies never looked troubled in their 40 minutes. Working well as a team, the ladies moved the ball well and found themselves consistently in positions to score and made the most of every opportunity.

Tennis

The NSATIS Boys Tennis Team played their first games of the season taking on North West rivals Marist Regional College, the boys started very strong winning all their singles matches convincingly. This would be the trend for their doubles matches as well with the boys taking the day 6-0. The boys will be back on the court on Monday 22nd of February with their first home game of the season against Scotch Oakburn College starting at 3.30pm.

The Ladies Tennis Team also opened their 2021 season yesterday with their game against Launceston Church Grammar. Looking to go for their 3rd straight NSATIS title and welcoming some new players to the team, the girls did a fantastic job in their first games. With Zoe Last and Eliabether Titlow representing the College for the first time in Tennis, they were very impressive in their games. Annabell Radcliff and Asha Ianuli had a big game of doubles which went to a tiebreaker and the game lasting almost 90 minutes. In the end, the Girl's Tennis Team finished with a hard-earned draw 3-3. 

Games Coming Up

All NSATIS teams will be back on the court on Monday 22nd of February with their first home games of the season. All basketball games will be played at the Youth Centre at the Devonport Recreation Centre. The girl's tip-off at 3.30pm and the boys at 4.30pm. Boys and girls tennis will take on Scotch Oakburn and St Patrick's College at the Devonport Tennis Centre, first serve will be at 3.30pm.

SATIS Football

There will be a SATIS football meeting for all Grade 10/11/12 boys and girls interested in representing the College in football in 2021.

• Girls meet at Recess Tuesday 23rd of February
• Boys meet at Lunch Tuesday 23rd of February

Sam O'Keeffe
Sports Administrator

Umpire Recruitment on the North-West Coast - please click here for further information: https://umpire.afl/

New members are welcome! Contact Cheryl on 0437 944 905 or email devonportbrass@gmail.com