Good afternoon parents/carers, 

Welcome back to Term 2, and I hope everyone had a restful Easter period and our students enjoyed their holiday break.

Monday, 24 April, was a student-free day. Our College staff engaged in a Staff Spirituality Day that focused on unpacking our College history with the theme of "Know the story, tell the story, become the Storyteller." One thing I hope our community has begun to understand from me is the deep respect I have for history and traditions. We all have a part to play in knowing the story, telling the story, and becoming the storyteller. The second part of the day saw us explore the College Values as we move to reestablish the College Mission Statement 2001 and expand on explicit values that much work has already gone into. Again an important realignment and recalibration of us as a community.

Later this Term, our students will have the opportunity also to have input into these values and explore how they link to the important document for Catholic Education; The Archbishops Charter.

On Tuesday, we were represented across the region as a College and paid our respects at the ANZAC Day services at several locations.

• Ulverstone 11:30am - Karen,Peter and Mackenzie Chugg laid a wreath on behalf of the College
• Latrobe 9:45am - Felicity Purton laid a wreath on behalf of the College
• Sheffield 10:30am - Luka Mansell laid wreath on behalf of the College
• Devonport - Dawn Service and 11:00am Service

James Watson and Mitchell Nield spoke at the Dawn service and were accompanied by Ms Leah Sussman.

The Student Executive marched with me to the 11:00am service. Hunter Cross delivered the Anzac Day Prayer, and Jet Spicer delivered the scripture reading.

ANZAC Day remembers the Gallipoli campaign, where on 25 April 1915, thousands of brave young men went ashore on a foreign beach in a far and distant land. This was far from the last Australian involvement; three years later, on 24 April 1918, Australian soldiers played a pivotal role at Villers-Bretonneux in the Allied victory.

Shortly after nightfall, the ANZACS launched their assault- a ferocious house-to-house battle that went through the night. By dawn on the 25 April, Villers-Bretonneux was in Australian hands. They were lauded for their bravery, but it came at a cost, with some 2400 killed, missing, or wounded. 

While the battle of Villers-Bretonneux and Gallipoli stand in folk law, this ANZAC Day, we remember all service men and women;

• World War 1 - 1914-1918
• World War 2 - 1939-48
• Korean War - 1950-53
• Malayan Emergency - 1950-60
• Vietnam War - 1962-75
• Indonesian Confrontation - 1963-66
• Gulf War - 1990-91
• Afghanistan - 2001-2021
• Iraq - 2003-09
• Peacekeeping - 1947 - present

My Great-grandfather, Driver James Reverton Ralph, joined the Australian Army on 16 February 1916 - assigned through the Australian Imperial Force to the 3rd Australian Divisional Ammunition Column. The 3rd Division was an infantry division of the Australian Imperial Force and saw service on the Western Front in France and Belgium. 

He left Westbury as a father of two. He returned home from the war never the same, having contracted tuberculosis, being hospitalised in both the UK and France on several occasions, and being sent back to the battlefield on the western front. Military records have allowed me to understand the angst suffered by loved ones at home who had very little information about the status of those at war. While in a hospital on the other side of the world, all the information that my Great-grandmother had was he was seriously ill; she didn't even know what hospital he was in.

Attending the dawn service with my sons, where they can pay their respect and wear their Great-great-grandfather's medals, is an integral part of our family history and, for me, an opportunity to instill in them the sacrifice many men and women made for this great nation.

From the shores of Gallipoli to the Valleys of Afghanistan - in theatres of war and peace - we remember the incredible sacrifice and service of the Australian Defence Force.

"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."

The College would like to call for expressions of interest from parents to join the College Board. Please contact the Executive Assistant to Principal Mrs Iola Turner, PrincipalsEA@sbsc.tas.edu.au, if you are interested.

A reminder that enrolments for Year 7 2024 close on 12 May.  

Over the Holiday break Lucy Aherne (Year 10), Gemma McCoy (Year 10), and Claire Martin (Year 11) represented Tasmania at the U/18 National Basketball Championships. Claire was selected as State Captain, and Lucy was selected as Vice-captain, a testament to the outstanding leadership of our two girls. Our Basketball girls will now turn their attention to that SATIS State Basketball final, where we play Guilford Young in a few weeks.

In the last week of Term 1, Mrs Robyn Arthur's mother and Mr Paul Hayes' father passed away, and we continue to keep Robyn and Paul and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

We welcome Ms Rebecca Fraser (front Reception) returning from leave, and we have three new staff starting at the College;

Mrs Susan Moodie, a permanent cleaning staff member, joins us from Our Lady of Lourdes.

Mrs Lucy Lenton joins our Arts faculty, taking up the position vacated by Mrs Kelly Lehman.

Mrs Kate Milford has been appointed HR Coordinator and joins us on the 1 May. Kate is currently HR Manager at Latrobe/Kentish Council and has previously worked in HR at Bonney Energy and Oakwood School.

We welcome them all into our St Brendan-Shaw College community.

Each student has been sent home with three RAT tests today. With us heading into the cold season, it is essential in the interests of public safety that students remain home if they have cold and flu symptoms and complete a RAT test. Students should stay at home while symptomatic.

I wish everyone a successful Term 2 and wish to highlight to our students the level of expectation in relation to application in class, uniform, and respect for self, others, and our environment. I was disappointed that on the last day of Term 1, many students let themselves and the College down by not wearing the correct socks. On Wednesday, I expressed to the students, "Please don't be offended when you are either challenged or receive a consequence for being in the wrong uniform, as our expectation is very clear."  

Let's have a great Term.

God Bless

Year 12 students James and Mitchell filled our College community with pride yesterday as they delivered a poignant speech at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. The address was filled with emotion and reverence as they reflected on their personal stories and the importance of remembrance and gratitude.

"Good Morning.

Standing here this morning, having this opportunity to speak to you all, makes me reflect on what the Dawn Service has looked like over my life.  Granted, I am only 18 years old, but I still remember Dad waking us up on a chilly Echuca morning, being rugged up, dreary-eyed, and just trying our best not to fall asleep on the way to the Cenotaph.  

Although I didn’t fully comprehend the magnitude and importance this day has in the hearts of so many, I have grown up listening to stories of my grandfather and great-grandfather and the sacrifices they made in a time when courage and mateship were paramount.  

These strong generations of men and women showed a capacity to do extraordinary things in extreme circumstances.  They continued to fight harder, dig deeper, and care for their wounded mates - no matter the risk. 

War is something only a few here will or have experienced, but is a living burden carried by our survivors. The sufferings, memories, stories, and mateship of these men and women for whom we gather here today and those who have gone before us will forever be acknowledged with our respect and remembrance on ANZAC Day.  These are the people who gave their youth or their lives for the sake of our beloved country’s freedom, security, and posterity.

This incredible human spirit, the fighting spirit, is the ANZAC spirit.  

This is a spirit that spans generations and drives us to be more than we ever imagined we could be now more than ever. Being a part of this generation that has grown up in a relatively peaceful and secure country, it can be difficult for us to fully comprehend the horrors, devastation, and atrocities of war. However, it is important for us as young people to strive to understand the sacrifices that were made by those who have fought in wars past and present. It is important for us to acknowledge the bravery and selflessness of all of our ANZACs, who put their lives on the line to defend our country and way of life.

The lessons that we have learned today, in the 21st century, from the courageous actions of the ANZACs are just as relevant now as they were 108 years ago. The values of courage, mateship, and sacrifice are timeless and will always be essential to the fabric of our society. As young people, we have the opportunity to use the actions of the ANZACs to inspire and guide our own lives. We can learn from them and strive to embody the qualities they demonstrated on the battlefield as well as their ANZAC spirit. Whether we show this through volunteering in our communities, standing up for what we believe is right, or simply by being there for our friends and family, we can all make a difference in our own way.

To the younger generation, I offer some suggestions as to how to keep the ANZAC spirit alive in our community. Firstly, take the time to learn about our history and the sacrifices made by our ANZACs. Visit museums, read books and attend ANZAC Day commemorations to gain a greater understanding of what it means to be an Australian. We should be grateful for the freedoms and opportunities that we have and never take them for granted. 

Today, as we pay our respects to our ANZACs, let us remember their bravery and selflessness as we strive to live by their example in our own lives. Let us be grateful for the freedoms we enjoy today and never forget the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

Lest we forget."

While most of us were on term break for two weeks, our school-based apprentices worked hard. On the job below are Joel Porteous, Aaron Jones, and Darcy Beavan-Duncan, Josh Lundstedt. Charlotte Holland, Harry Chisholm, Caleb Dennis, and Chelsea Atkins

Did you know that students at St Brendan-Shaw College in years 10, 11, and 12 can undertake a school-based apprenticeship while still attending school? Our school-based apprentices attend work up to two days a week and complete their regular studies on the other days, giving the students a head start in their trade. They earn while they learn and gain valuable experience in the real world—many thanks to the following employers providing this opportunity for our students.

• Treloar Civil & Quarries
• Mick King Contracting
• Westpac 
• Top Notch Tradies 
• Belly's Bar and Grill
• Tyreright Latrobe
• Dalton Cafe
• Charlesworth Mechanical 
• Degree C 
• Allure Hair & Beauty 
• Fairbrother
• Brad Casey Plumbing 
• North West Animal Hospital
• Grant Barnes Building

Year 10 automotive student Justine has chosen to section a 2-stroke outboard. Below is a picture of Justine starting the process late last Term. We can't wait to see her progress this Term. 

Our College ties are currently out of stock; we apologise for the inconvenience. We will let families know when ties become available in our Uniform Shop. Until then, students without ties may wear their winter uniform without one.

Congratulations to Year 10 student Jasmine Walker, who competes from today to next Wednesday at the Junior Ten Pin Bowling Cup in Queensland. We wish you all the best, Jasmine, and look forward to hearing about your success upon your return next week. 

Congratulations to Annabelle Radcliff on her succession of being selected for the State Tennis Pizzey Cup team. The team will travel to Canberra this month to complete across seven days. Wishing you all the best, Annabelle, and look forward to hearing your results upon your return later this month.

Congratulations to Year 10 student Rylan Eustace on his achievement of being selected to represent Tasmania at the Australian Off-Road Championships. Rylan will compete across Queensland and South Australia on various dates from July through to October. This has been a long-standing goal for Rylan, and we wish him nothing but the best of luck for each race! 

Reclaim is a series of free events in Devonport during Youth Week Tasmania and features: art, music and social activities for young people of all ages and their families.  Reclaim is delivered by RANT Arts, Devonport City Council, YFCC and the ADF and supported by the State Government.

This event gives young people the chance to experience new things, to be involved in their community, to have fun and to use their voice. 

For your information here is the link to the reclaim website and key activities your students may be interested in.

https://www.rantarts.com/reclaim-the-lane

Reclaim the Stage! Theatre workshop with Ali Rose

Learn about the basics of acting and live theatre in a fun free workshop with local actor Ali Rose. RSVP HERE.

Big Screen Gaming at Market Square

It’s a session of outdoor family friendly gaming on the big LED screen at the heart of the paranaple precinct. MORE INFO.

Reclaim 2023 Launch Event

Official opening of youth exhibition and photography competition winners. RSVP HERE.

Reclaim the Lane: Street Art Workshops

Help create a new piece of street art for Reclaim 2023 in Rooke Lane. RSVP HERE.

LIVE@RANT

A free youth concert featuring talented local musicians. RSVP HERE.

Youth Gamers’ Day 

An afternoon event of card games, tabletop games and video games. RSVP HERE.

Ninja FreeG Classes are now open and commencing in May,  at Devonport Gymnastics Club.  Designed to capture the excitement and fast pace of Ninja Warrior. FreeG Ninja is a term used to describe rapidly developing activity which encourages participants to use new and traditional gymnastics equipment in exciting ways. It draws on influences from martial arts, free-running, parkour, tricking and even breakdance.

With a focus on coordination, agility, spatial awareness and strength, each session sets the foundations for an active future (developing essential skills for activities including boarding, biking, skiing, climbing, and surfing).  The classes use a wider variety of ‘Warrior Circuit’ activities to keep children active and engaged.  Don't take our word for it, 'release your freedom' today.  Head on over to our website www.devonportgymnastics.org.au/registration to secure a space in a class today!  If the class is full, join our waitlist, as new classes will be made available as demand increases.  See you there!