This Saturday we are thrilled to be able to provide one of the rites of passage our Year 12s traditionally are able to celebrate... the Annual Senior Secondary Ball. It does have some variations from previous years in its location and that crowds are not able to gather to view their arrival, but we will live stream this for parents. Once this is over, we will turn our attention to the Year 10 Formal.  With Border restrictions remaining in place until the end of August (at least), we have a little breathing space. We hope to be able to finalise a date early next week and we will communicate this to students and parents as soon as we have confirmed bookings.

The material that is used for the Year 7-10 winter skirts is no longer being manufactured. We have had an alternative material suggested, but before I confirm this, I am going to take the opportunity to look at whether a change of shirt might better suit the new skirt. As soon as I have some suggestions I will seek feedback. Also, as with any uniform change, there is a transition period to avoid parents having to buy new style uniforms until an older one has been outgrown. 

Each month, Catholic Secondary Principals Australia publishes a newsletter, prefaced by a message from the President, Mrs Loretta Wholley.  I would like to share part of her message from the August 2 edition:

"It has been fascinating to read the scenarios that both researchers, government and private enterprise have considered to have impact and that will shape the landscape of education and instruction into 2030 and 2050. Some scenarios only 6 months ago would have seemed unattainable and even maybe undesirable, and yet here we are in the middle of a pandemic, relying on the internet to teach and guide our students.  Thankfully though, we have our Catholic faith.  Just last weekend in the Gospel reading we recalled the parable of the treasure in the field. In our schools, what would we be so joyful about that we give our all for it? Strong enrolment numbers, excellent ATAR results, sensational Vocation program, satisfied parents, a committed staff, happy students? … I think COVID19 has reminded us that the treasure is Love. Unconditional Love. It is what we all desire. To love and be loved in return. When this is the first treasure we seek, the other treasures are found nearby."

I will keep you in my prayers.

Frank Pisano

Sydney Dance Company is one of Australia's finest contemporary dance companies, internationally renowned for the calibre of its performers and productions. Our Y9-12 students have been offered the amazing opportunity to study their work Cinco, to learn how a professional company creates dance work from an idea. We will later build on this to develop our own dances. To make this learning really hit home, our dance students are participating in a series of virtual workshops, delivered by SDC's professional dancers via zoom. 

Tuesday 4th August marked our first class, learning contemporary technique. The dancers were praised by Lexy Panetta for their speed in picking up exercises, and their willingness to improvise authentically. We can't wait for our next workshop!
Sandra Farr

Year 10 students are investigating Rate of Reaction in Science. Here, students in 10E are investigating the effect of surface area on Rate of Reaction.

The Senior Secondary Ball will be held this Saturday, 8th August.  We hope the students have a wonderful time.

A reminder to families that we will publish a live Facebook Video Feed from 5:30pm-6:30pm to cover the arrivals, as we unfortunately cannot have family and friends attending the event (due to COVID restrictions).  

https://www.facebook.com/stbrendanshawcollege/

(a few photos from this week's dancing practice attached below)

The Vinnies Virtual Sleep Out is Coming on August 7th.

This year due to COVID19 we will be running a Virtual School Sleep Out.  Students are invited to take part in the Sleep Out at home either on their bedroom floor or in their backyard.

From 6:00pm on the night of August 7th there will be live stream on the Facebook page ‘Vinnies Youth Tas’. There will be engaging guest speakers and video clips that will demonstrate the state of homelessness across Tasmania.

Participants can register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/668F9W3.  On registration, students will receive an information kit, Participant Pack and will receive a completion certificate after the event.  Students under the age of 18 require parental permission to participate.

Will you take up the challenge and sleep rough for one night?

Georgia Baxter's Mum was diagnosed with leukemia last year. To support her through this, she is dyeing her hair on August 31 to raise money for other people who have blood cancer.

So far she has reached $1808.91 of her $2500 goal! If you'd like to support Georgia, please click on the below link: http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/georgiabaxter