Dear Parents and Carers

Time flies when you are having fun, and this is certainly true of our vibrant community at St Brendan-Shaw College.  It is hard to believe that we have nearly completed Term 1 as week 7 of our shortened 9-week Term draws to a close.

Our Yr 7 and Yr 9 students have completed NAPLAN, although we do have catch up testing occurring Friday and Monday for those students who may have been away with illness. These national tests are an important mechanism for tracking students' literacy and numeracy. For many of our Yr 9 students, this is a reason to celebrate as they completed their last NAPLAN!!   With NAPLAN now online, an added layer of complexity exists, particularly with students using an array of devices. I need to thank the Deputy Principal: Teaching and Learning, Mr Gavin Hicks, and his Personal Assistant, Mrs Di Saltmarsh, for their overall organisation, Mrs Aileen Powell, our Daily Organiser for logistical support, and our IT team Mr Steve Wilson and Mr Ram Kanumarla for all their efforts over the last week.

During NAPLAN testing, students have completed 4 tests:

The conventions of language test: to assess spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Literacy knowledge and skills are essential to effective communication across all learning areas.

Numeracy tests: to measure the achievement of students in numeracy, including mathematical knowledge, skills, and understanding as outlined in the Australian Curriculum Mathematics. The numeracy tests assess the proficiency strands of understanding, fluency, problem-solving, and reasoning across the 3 content strands of mathematics: number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability.

Reading: The NAPLAN reading tests measure literacy proficiency across the English learning area in line with the Australian Curriculum: English.

Writing: Australian Curriculum English requires students to be taught a variety of forms of writing. The 3 main text types (previously called genres) taught are imaginative writing (including narrative writing), informative writing, and persuasive writing. In the writing test, all students receive the same text type or genre of writing task regardless of whether they are a Year 3 student doing the test on paper or a student in Years 5, 7, or 9 doing the test online.

In the writing test, students are provided with a ‘writing stimulus’ (also called a ‘prompt’ – an idea or topic) and asked to write a response in a particular text type. Different prompts are used depending on the testing day and student year level. These writing prompts target the full range of student capabilities expected of students from Years 3 to 9.

On the weekend, I had the privilege to attend the Head of the River Rowing Regatta at Lake Barrington. We had many highlights on the day, most notably Olivia Yeates taking out the School Girls Single by a long way. Yr 8 students Leeyah Clemens and Moleigh Clemens continued their good form from the State All Schools Regatta with a win in the Yr 8  Girls double event. The Highlight for me was seeing our Yr 7 girls' crews come together (Kate Fieldwick, Imogen Charlesworth, Addison Phipps, and Stella Vassiadis) for the quad and joined by Rowing captain Sarah Ellis as their coxswain.  To me, this was what 7-12 education offers our students, and it was inspiring to see Sarah’s leadership in action and also see the girls row so well with that support.

Our Team also won five bronze positions, including the school girls' coxed quad of Sarah Ellis, Olivia Yeates, Milly Phyland, Sarah Welch, and coxswain Matilda Spaulding.

We wish senior students Olivia Yeates, Sarah Ellis, and Year 9 student Matilda Spaulding well as they head to the Australian Rowing Championships in Perth.

Unfortunately, our NSATIS Girls Tennis team (Annabelle Radcliff, Chloe Pickering, Elizabeth Titlow, and Matilda Baldock) lost their preliminary final match to Scotch Oakburn, narrowly going down on aggregate yesterday in Launceston. Congratulations to Chloe Pickering and Annabel Radcliffe, who won their doubles, and Anabelle went on to win her singles match 9-1. Our Senior Seconds Boys basketball team lost their semi-final against St. Patrick’s College 62-38.

Last evening our senior debating team competed against St.Patrick’s College in Launceston, hosted by Launceston Church Grammar. Our team did an exceptional job, going down by one point, arguing the affirmative that “vaccinations should be compulsory”. Congratulations to Xander Langley, Harriet Mendham, and Yr 9 student Melanie Garrad who competed for the first time.

This week was National Harmony Week, and National Harmony Day was celebrated on Tuesday, 21 March.

Harmony Day celebrates Australia's Cultural Diversity.  It's about Inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.  To celebrate the day, we held a staff v students basketball game, where the staff wore orange in recognition of the Harmony Day message.  The staff with our gun recruit Fr Jaison Kuzhiyil were too strong on the day for the students made up of Student Representative Council Executive members. 

This week I introduced to the students the acknowledgment or greeting; Namaste. Namaste is a way of " the light in me acknowledging the light in you" or rather, "the god in me recognising the god in you".  "We are connected" we are "one".

This simple act allows us to be present and show gratitude to our fellow humans. Through this sacred salutation, we can acknowledge and pay respect to the divine souls around us, humbly remembering our place in the universe.

As we celebrate Harmony week, what better way to say, "we stand before each other as equals"?

Congratulations to our NSATIS Senior Girls basketball team on their win this afternoon against St Patricks College Launceston - 58-32.  The girls will now head to the State final.

A reminder to all parents that our Welcome BBQ for all new families is tonight from 5.30 - 6.30 pm! This is a great opportunity to meet the Leadership Team and your child's House Coordinator and Homeroom teacher. The Uniform Shop has kindly extended its trading hours until 5:30 pm this evening to allow families an extra opportunity to stock up on winter uniform requirements in readiness for Term 2. 

A reminder of our Enrolment Information Evening for Yr 7, 2024, next Thursday, 30 March. If you know of someone who may be interested, please bring this to their attention.

And for our students, I am excited to announce Mr Scott Roth, coach of the Tasmanian Jack Jumpers, will be visiting the College Monday week.

Yours sincerely,

On Tuesday, we celebrate Harmony Day. A day recognised for the importance of cultural respect, participation, and inclusiveness for everyone who calls Australia home. Here at St Brendan-Shaw College, we have families from over 20 cultural backgrounds; our cultural diversity is something to be celebrated!

Our SRC students organised a friendly game of basketball against the staff today. The students fought hard for two eight-minute halves but couldn't keep the staff side from sinking baskets and went down 21-8!

Year 7 students whose parents have opted for them to be vaccinated at school will receive these immunisations on Tuesday, 28 March. Parents are asked to ensure their child has a particularly good breakfast on this day, as it helps minimise any issues.

Students are asked to wear their PE uniforms to school as this makes the process easier for students and nurses alike.

Please contact Ms Walters if you anticipate your child may be anxious. It is helpful to know in advance so that they can be accommodated.

Year 7 students who are competing at NSATIS Athletics will be able to have their vaccinations on our catch-up day 24 October.

Parental Newsletter No 1 March 2023

Students travelling to school by car should be dropped off in a safe area. The following guidelines are for the use of the Drop-Off Zone at the James Street entrance and are aimed at improving safety. Parents/Guardians are asked to familiarise themselves with the following Drop-Off zone guidelines:

• The Drop-Off Zone starts at the pedestrian crossing and is marked as the lane to the left of the pedestrian buffer area.

• It is designed to operate as a quick-moving taxi rank.

• Please stay in the queue and move forward as space becomes available, moving towards the western exit side. This allows vehicles to move in at the back of the queue and reduces backup and congestion on James St.

• Please remain in the car while in the Zone and have students place school bags and other items in the car, not in the boot.

• If parents/carers choose to wait in the Zone prior to the end of classes at the end of the school day, it is essential that their child/ren arrive promptly otherwise, the Zone will not flow freely.

• There is a staff presence near the James Street Drop-Off Zone from 8:10 am and 3:00 pm.

• Please also note that the exit to James St is a left-hand turn only.

It has been reported that some parents are dropping their child/ren off on James St outside the College. This is potentially very dangerous, noting limited visibility due to the James St hill crest and busy traffic during peak periods. We request that you do not drop off/pick-up your child outside the College on James St, as your child will need to cross the busy College entry/exit to reach the footpath leading them into the grounds. Please note that James St is a No Standing zone.

Our goal is to keep everyone safe when using this area, so please be considerate of others and observe speed limits and pedestrian crossings.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Steve Powell
Health, Safety, and Culture Officer

#BODYTALK is a program about educating and assisting young women to explore the concept of body image based on the Embrace movement. It will aim to build their resilience and self-confidence by educating them on how we view ourselves and others and the external influences that can impact upon this. At the completion of the 6-week program, participants will have the knowledge to assist their decision making and problem solving skills when taking action to enhance their own and others health and wellbeing.

As part of the program, young women will be viewing the Embrace documentary film at www.bodyimagemovement.com. It is told from the view point of film maker Janice Atkin as she traverses the globe talking to experts, well known personalities and women in the street about the alarming rates of perceived body images that people have of themselves and others. There will be guest presenters providing both theoretically and practical knowledge on a range of topics. Themes that are explored throughout the course are:

 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

The program will run over six weeks in term two, and is open to girls in Years 8-12. Please contact Ms Walters if you would like your child to take part.

Over the weekend, 14 students competed in Lake Barrington's SATIS Head of the River event.

Backing up their success at the All Schools State Championships, Year 12 student Olivia Yeates won the School Girls Single event, and Year 8 students Moleigh and Leeyah Clemens won the Year 8 Girls Double event.

Our rowing team finished the weekend with five Bronze positions in the Firsts and Seconds divisions.

· The School Girls Coxed Quad (1sts): Sarah Ellis, Olivia Yeates, Milly Phyland, Sarah Welch, and Matilda Spaulding (cox)

· The School Girls Double (2nds): Sarah Welch and Sarah Ellis

· Year 9 Girls Double (1sts): Matilda Spaulding and Eloise Fieldwick

· Year 8 Girls Single (1sts): Moleigh Clemens

Year 9 Girls Single (1sts): Matilda Spaulding

Our Year 7 students, Kate Fieldwick, Addison Phipps, Imogen Charlesworth, Ivy Amos, Stella Vassiadis, and Year 8 student Lars Brown had a fantastic end first season (Lars' second season) as part of the College rowing team.

Next week, Year 12 students Olivia Yeates and Sarah Ellis and Year 9 student Matilda Spaulding, along with College alumni, compete in the Australian Rowing Championships in Perth, WA. We look forward to cheering you on and hearing about your success upon your return.

Over the weekend, Year 8 student Oakley Vernon competed in the 2023 Athletics Tasmania Track and Field Championships. Competing in the U15 100m, 200m, 400m, and Long Jump events, Oakley met the selection criteria in all four events and will compete in the 2023 National Track and Field Championships in Brisbane from 13-19 April. Well done, Oakley; we look forward to hearing about the competition upon your return! 

This afternoon, our Girls' Firsts Basketball team played off in the NSATIS Grand Final against St Patrick's College. The girls used the home game to their advantage and took an early lead, quickly pulling away from the opposition. St Patrick's wasn't giving up and fought hard throughout the whole game. Fortunately for St Brendan-Shaw, our girls proved too strong and secured the win 58 - 36 and became 2023 NSATIS Basketball Champions! 

Our SRC is hosting the first-ever walkathon to raise funds for the Tim Blair Foundation! 

We will walk around the oval on Wednesday, 5 April, from 6 am - 6 pm. Students are welcome to join staff for the before and after school sessions, with a class roster running for the walkers throughout the day.

For a gold coin donation, students can wear casual clothes to school. Families wishing to contribute to the foundation can find the details on the poster below.

Do you think St Brendan-Shaw College is the right option for your family but have yet to have the opportunity to visit? If you would like to learn more about our College programs and facilities, we invite you to join us at the College for this year's Information Evening on Thursday, 30 March, at 5:30 pm.

The evening will provide an opportunity to learn about all aspects of the College, including our pastoral care system, subjects and curriculum, extracurricular activities, and career advice.

We understand that finding the right school community is an important family decision, and we encourage parents to bring their children to the evening. Throughout the evening, staff and students will give an insight into College life and what we offer. The evening will include short presentations, and a guided tour of the College campus, with opportunities for answers to any questions you may have.

We can't wait to welcome you to our community.

2023 Secondary Roster