Good afternoon parents and carers

This Saturday, 27 May - 3 June, marks the start of Reconciliation Week. 

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023, "Be a Voice for Generations," encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work, and socialise.

For the work of generations past and the benefit of generations future, let's choose to create a more just, equitable, and reconciled country for all.

These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, respectively.

Reconciliation must live in all Australians' hearts, minds, and actions as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part, we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

As a College, we will acknowledge and celebrate reconciliation in many ways. I thank our First Nations team Ms Hoare, Ms Imelda Martinez, and Mr Wayne Roberts, for facilitating these opportunities for us as a College. Next Tuesday morning, I have the privilege of joining our indigenous students at the Reconciliation Week Breakfast at the Paranaple Centre in Devonport.

On Wednesday, our College cross country was another opportunity to unite as a College community. I commend all students for their efforts, particularly those who pushed themselves to achieve a personal goal. On Tuesday, I spoke with the students at our assembly about the importance of setting personal goals that are challenging and realistic to where we may be at any point in our journey. I would particularly like to acknowledge the leadership of Mr Steve Ryan, who ran the event in the absence of Mr Sam O'Keefe.

Last Saturday evening, our College Ball was a wonderful celebration for our senior students at the College, particularly our Year 12 students. I could not have been prouder of a group of young men and women as I was on Saturday evening. The opportunity to share a meal, dance the night away, and, more importantly, create many special memories. I was pleased to have parents again be part of the evening at the student arrivals. I would particularly like to acknowledge the leadership and organisation of Ms Leah Sussman on organising an excellent night for the students.

While we near the halfway mark of this Term, we have much to look forward to as a College community:

• Yr 10 Reflection Days
• Yr 11/12 Retreats
• Senior Exams
• Mid-year reports
• Parent Teacher evenings
• Senior ski trip to Mt Hotham
• Sporting opportunities continue in Netball, Football, and Futsal
• Preparation for our College Musical Pippin

My message to the students at our assembly on Tuesday was to keep up the excellent work, participate in our community, be a learner and show respect.

On Sunday evening, Channel 7 will air a documentary on vaping on their new program Spotlight. I urge all parents to watch this documentary on a very relevant subject to our young people.

The College has secured the services of Tanya Cavanagh of 'notevenonce' (www.notevenonce.org.au) to come to the College and present to students and parents on the topic of vaping on 4 July 2023. Information on how parents can sign up for this opportunity will appear in next week's newsletter. We want to acknowledge the Tasmanian Catholic Parents and Friends Association, who have provided the College with a grant for this event.

Yours sincerely

Earlier this week, an exciting and awe-inspiring adventure unfolded as Outdoor Leadership, Outdoor Education, Geography, and Environmental Science students came together for an unforgettable expedition around Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain National Park. Incredibly, they were blessed with stunning snowfall, adding a touch of magic to the already chilly -7 degree conditions. Led by a remarkable senior secondary Outdoor Leadership student as part of their individual project, this thrilling excursion showcased their skills and commitment. Well done to all involved! What a truly fantastic experience.

Debating last night was hosted by St Brendan-Shaw College, and we welcomed all staff and parents to come and watch the final debates for the year. Mrs. Weslake cooked us fabulous food, including sushi, soup, and savoury toast! Both SBSC teams had complicated and fun topics to debate on. 

SBSC1, represented by Felicity Purton, Isabella Tilt, Melanie Garrad, and Saidee-May Wilson, discussed 'That it's better to be kind than truthful' as negative. They came up with some fantastic points and ended up winning their debate against Launceston Church Grammar. I wish to say the same about SBSC2, represented by Xander Langley, Jackson Hayes, and Harriet Mendham. 

SBSC2 debated that 'Extracurricular activities should be compulsory' as affirmative. This was a very challenging topic. We came up with some fantastic examples and points for the subject, but unfortunately, they didn't quite pull us through against Launceston College.

- Harriet Mendham

During lunchtime today, the Vinnie's Club had our Commissioning Ceremony, where we officially welcomed new members and received our badges. We are pleased to welcome the new Vinnies office bearers, Felicity Purton, Cassandra Withers, Harriet Mendham, Jackson Hayes, Tom Sharman, and Srishti Namoa. 

The 2023 Vinnies team and I promise to work together to ensure the needs of each other, the school, and the wider community and carry the Spirit of the St Vincent de Paul Society. 

We thank Fr Steven for celebrating our commissioning ceremony and Noel, Mikkayla, and Leah for joining us from St Vincent De Paul Society. As we received our candles, I'm sure all of us at Vinnies could agree there is no more excellent example of the charism of St Brendan Shaw College than building a community through lending a hand to others. We at Vinnies hope to be that community here at St Brendan-Shaw, and you could be a part of it too. 

PR officers Tom & Srishti

Office Bearers 

• President: Felicity Purton
• Vice President: Cassandra Withers
• Secretary: Harriet Mendham
• Treasurer: Jackson Hayes
• Public Relations: Srishti Namoa & Tom Sharman 

Last Friday during lunch, our House's gathered together for a House BBQ facilitated by our SRC students. Many smiling faces were about the College as students enjoyed each other's company over a sausage and a Zooper Dooper, with some friendly games played amongst peers. What a lovely way to end our week!

Our College Uniform Shop now has stretchy ties in stock. Uniform Shop trading hours are Tuesday and Thursday 8:00am - 4:00pm.

 I am a mad sports fanatic. It doesn't matter if it is basketball, AFL, golf, darts, etc., you get the picture. However, this passion can get on the nerves of my wife of 4 years with my obsession to have sports on TV at any opportunity. She is a strong independent woman who provides much laughter in my personal life. I support St Kilda in the AFL, so please don't hold that against me. It was encouraged by my late grandparents and an old memory of watching a practice match at the North Hobart Oval. In my spare time, I am the Senior Men's coach at Devonport Football Club and enjoy playing golf with my mates. 

I am a previous student of St Brendan-Shaw College, graduating in 2009 from Dillon House. My next goal was to complete a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education at UTAS, which I graduated at the end of 2014. During my studies, I completed work experience at Nixon Street Primary, Sheffield District School, Latrobe High, and St Brendan Shaw College. In 2015, I undertook relief teaching along the North West Coast, which was an excellent experience for me to learn numerous schools' daily routines and practices. In 2016, I completed a full circle returning to St Brendan-Shaw College as a Health and Physical Education teacher before adding a shared House Coordinator Role for the Dillon House in 2019. This year marks my eighth year teaching at the College and my fourth year as caretaker of the MacKillop house. 

The MacKillop house, named after Saint Mary MacKillop, lives by the values of Equity and Action. All MacKillop students try to emulate these values as a house through our daily interactions and participation in school activities. Like these values, I live by the motto of treating others as you would like. This motto stems from the strong values I experienced growing up and the awareness of how words and behaviours can affect the people around me. This awareness is something I pass on to students to give them perspective when dealing with Pastoral Care issues. It is a role that comes with challenges but has many successful outcomes too. Every member of the student body is essential to the environment that is created and experienced daily. As a member of the Pastoral Care Team, we strive to provide a safe and positive environment where all students can strive for excellence. 

I am signing off with our loud and proud house chant. Macca, Macca, Macca. Oi. Oi. Oi. 

Kurt Byard
MacKillop House Coordinator

AFL season is back on at the College, kicking off last week.

On Thursday, our Year 7/8 team versed Reece High School. The team played well and ended with an impressive win, defeating Reece 162 - 35. The Year 7/8 team will host Ulverstone High School for this afternoon's clash.

Our Year 9/10 team hit the road to play Penguin High School at Dial Oval on Friday afternoon. The teams were even throughout the first half, but unfortunately, the Penguin team pulled forward and secured the win 85 - 68. Tomorrow afternoon the team is off to Ulverstone Secondary College for their second game of the season. 

NSATIS Soccer and netball sign-ups for students Year 10-12 will begin next week. A Google form will be placed in the school notices. 

UP AND-COMING EVENTS

Sleepout:
The sleepout happens annually. Hosted by Vinnies, we raise awareness and experience the struggle felt by homeless people. For this, we sleep out in the gym! It will occur in Term 3.

Breakfast Club:
Breakfast Club is an upcoming subgroup from Vinnies that will provide free breakfast for all students. It will include free breakfast foods like toast, cereals, and juices. It is there for all the students who haven’t had the opportunity to eat food in the morning. 

Giving Tree:
The Giving Tree is an activity the Vinnies group does at K-Mart during the holiday season to give to children who are less fortunate in Devonport. This will be commencing later in the year, and we are hoping to connect 

Enhance the work Vinnies does within the community- 

‘The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation that aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.’- https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/About/Mission__Vision/

We aspire to help the less fortunate and give to the community as much as possible. We also have fun too! This club is a good opportunity for people to build a stronger sense of community and make friends at the same time!

The 2023 Senior Ball is fast approaching. Parents are welcome to attend the arrivals.
Details below!

Date: Saturday, 20 May
Time: Arrivals from 5:45pm
Where: Devonport Country Club
Theme: Masquerade 

A massive congratulations to BTAS High-Performance athlete and Year 10 student Lucy Aherne, who has been selected in the Australian Sapphires squad for the 2023 U16 Asia Cup!

Lucy will travel to Canberra to participate in a camp from May 22-25, where she will vie for selection into the team.

Congratulations and all the best, Lucy!

Mersey Leven Parish Newsletter