For those who were able to secure a ticket for the 2021 Production of 'We Will Rock You' I am sure that you will agree that the cast and crew deserve accolades for their performances.  They were simply beautiful.  Thanks to those of you who have sent us messages of congratulations.  It sustains the staff who give so much of their energy and talent to provide such a positive experience for the performers.

On Monday I will join Mrs Shearer and Mr Bezemer in representing the College at a formal function in Hobart to mark the celebration of 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia.  (Like the Olympics, Covid has delayed the marking of this achievement by 12 months.)  Paramatta was the home of the first Australian Catholic school in October 1820 and just 23 years later, Tasmania's first Catholic school was opened in Richmond.  For the first 145 years, Catholic schools were funded solely from school fees, something that was only possible due to them being staffed exclusively by members of religious orders and it wasn't until the Whitlam Government's acceptance of the recommendations of the Karmel report in the early 1970s that parent fees were supplemented by Government funding.  Since (at least) the 1950s, Catholic school enrolments have hovered around 20% of Australian school students.  I have been associated with Catholic schools for the majority of my life, first as a student, then as a teacher and parent.  My journey mirrors the history of Catholic education.  As a student, I experienced genuine care and quality education (as well as the strict discipline that I didn't tell my parents about for fear of getting more of the same at home).  As a parent, I experienced the trials and tribulations that every parent experiences, regardless of the school.  As a teacher, I feel blessed to have been able to be given the opportunity to help contribute to the development of people - to help them realise the potential that is within.  And as a leader, I am grateful for the privilege of contributing to the positive evolution of not just Catholic schools, but of education.  While celebrating the success and positive contributions of Catholic schools is important, it is not complete if we do not acknowledge our failings, brought to light by the Royal Commission that was damning of many institutions that abused positions of trust and power.  As a leader, I am heartbroken that people's lives were damaged as a consequence, and I am committed to doing whatever is necessary to prevent it from ever recurring.

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

Frank Pisano

And that's a wrap! Thank you to everyone who came out to the Paranaple Arts Centre for the St Brendan-Shaw College production of We Will Rock You!

The cast put on four incredible shows and all involved should be very proud of the commitment they displayed throughout the whole production journey!

Some wonderful testimonials from the audience.

"Seriously loved it! Fantastic script, amazing music and the most fantabulous, gifted, young people you are likely to find. To the staff that supported these students to be the best they could be, you too are fantastic. It was wonderful to have something so uplifting at this challenging time."

"Fabulous show, fabulous talent! Amazing voices by lead characters and excellent support cast. Congratulations to all involved. A wonderful opportunity and experience for these young people."

"Congratulations to everyone, what an amazing production!! And such talented musicians and performers. Bravo."

Square Pegs Dyslexia & Support Inc. run a support group in Launceston for families and students with dyslexia.

The details for the next meeting are below.
When: 6:00 pm Tuesday, 24 August
Where: 59D Amy Road, Newstead (the Northern Children's Network).

You can find out more information about Square Pegs here.           

This event is a fun run held at 7:30 pm at night starting at the Bluff precinct, runners and walkers will be heading along the same course as the Devonport Parkrun uses. Registered participants will be lighting up the night sky in glow sticks, bright clothes, or anything that stands out.

For every entry sold in the fun run, $5 will be going to the Tim Blair – Run for Kids Foundation.

The distances of the event are 2.5 km for kids and 8 km for adults.

Visit Everyday Lions for more information or to register.

Don’t miss your chance to explore the University of Tasmania’s new West Park campus. At Open Day, you’ll learn about courses, accommodation and scholarships – straight from students and teaching staff. There’s great food, live music and much more to enjoy.

For more information or to register visit the University of Tasmania.