This week we have the opportunity to acknowledge and thank those in the Police services for the work that they do to keep our community safe.  The College values our connections with the Police and their willingness to support us and be proactive in helping young people at risk.  We are proud of the many past scholars who have joined the Force, all of whom have distinguished themselves by the quality of their character that they bring to their work.  One Alumnus that we share with OLOL and Dominic College is Donna Adams.  In 2009, Ms Adams became the highest-ranked woman in the history of Tasmania Police when she was promoted to the rank of Commander.  In 2011 she was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Tasmania Police, becoming the first woman assigned to the Corporate Management Group.  In 2016 she was seconded to the State Service role of Deputy Secretary of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management.  She has received several commendations for her work, including in the aftermath of the Port Arthur Massacre.

Now, more than ever, we need to affirm and recognise the valuable work Police do as we see the fabric of society threatened by the self-interest that is prevalent.

This self-interest manifests itself in many ways.  Just this week, Ms Walters and I have been dealing with the negative impact of the "Devious Lick" challenge being promoted on TikTok.  Beginning in the US, students are encouraged to steal items from their school and post videos on TikTok.  To their credit, in the US, TikTok has "begged" students to not be involved and have begun to remove content from their platform.

Our Year 11 and 12 students and the staff who work with them who have not yet been able to receive the COVID vaccinations are being offered the opportunity to do so today as we host guests from the Department of Health at the College who will be administering them.

While it did not affect any of our students, I am aware of an accident involving a bus near the Homemaker Centre.  Passengers who were not wearing the seat belts provided on the bus received hits to the head.  Parents can use this to remind their children to use seatbelts if provided.

I reluctantly accepted Mrs Greenhill's resignation, effective from the end of this term.  I am grateful for the contributions that she has made, however, she has effectively been working overtime due to her existing role at OLOL and I endorse her decision to find more balance.  We will miss her.

Next Term students may wear the summer uniform.  Year 7 - 10 females may wear either the new summer frock with white socks or, if they prefer, they can continue to wear the new winter skirt and the new monogrammed short-sleeved blue shirt with blue socks.  I emphasise that only the new 'winter' skirt is acceptable.  Furthermore, attention to wearing the correct uniform will be a focus from the start of the term. 

The Grand Final week has had significance for two of our more recent past students. Drafted in his final week as a Year 12 student, 2005 valedictorian Grant Birchall has retired after winning five Premierships and recognition as an All-Australian representative in 2012. My nightmare scenario would have been if Melbourne had met Brisbane this weekend as loyalties would have been divided. Now I am free to throw my full support behind 2010 Alumnus and two-time Coleman medalist runner-up Ben Brown.  While we celebrate their achievements, their integrity and personal qualities make us proud to claim them as ours.

Stay safe, keep happy and I'll keep us all in my prayers.

Frank Pisano

Over the last three days, our Vinnies group held a fundraiser for Mahboba's Promise. The charity has helped Afghanistan's most vulnerable for the past 25 years. If you're interested in the charity or wish to donate, please visit Mahboba's Promise website.

During the fundraiser, students sold hot and cold drinks to the staff and students at recess time. All students had a lot of fun preparing the drinks. A big shout out to the Vinnies group, who offered their time during recess to make this possible. A huge thank you to Mrs Healey for allowing us to use the hairdressing reception area. And for helping us make the drinks as well as supervise students.

We raised over $400, which will be going straight to the charity!

Thank you to everyone who purchased a drink during the last couple of days and helped raise the much-needed funds.

Last Thursday and Friday, the year nine students had their reflection day. Guest speaker, Sam Clear (Walk4one Samuel Clear), walked around the world to bring awareness to the division between the Christian Churches and man-kind in general. The day focussed on unity and how to build a sense of unity and “togetherness” with one another. Thank you, Sam, for a great day.

The College's Outdoor Ed students braved the varying weather conditions last week to wet a few lines. A couple of fish and a crab were caught and, of course, released! A wonderful, eye-opening experience for all, especially for those students who had never fished before!

Please join us in wishing year 9 student Claire Martin (Captain) and Year 8 students Jade McCoy and Lucy Aherne the best of luck representing Tasmania in the U16 girls' basketball tournament held in Drawin from September 25 - October 3.

On Tuesday, a selection of our year 8, 9, 10 and senior secondary students attended a concert/workshop hosted by UTAS. The workshop showcased the signer/songwriter, Karai, and the head of Music of, Mia. 

The afternoon consisted of performances by karai and mia, followed by a workshop. During the workshop, students deconstructed modern pop songs and had conversations about songwriting techniques. The students enjoyed the experience very much. Thank you to Miss Doherty and the students for their positive engagement throughout. 

St Brendan-Shaw College will be running Founders’ Day activities on Friday 24th of September (the last day of Term 3). The day will be a casual clothes day for all students, and the festivities will begin at 12 pm, after normal classes in the morning.  

We are lucky to have external food vendors joining us for the afternoon, along with some exciting activities planned - including the mechanical bull, gladiators, an inflatable twin slide, zorb balls, picnic area and DJ, face painting, lucky dips, food eating competitions, and more.  Activities will range in price from free to $2 per “visit”, and a list of the food available and prices is included below (students do have the option to bring their own food from home if they prefer).  

There will be cash and eftpos options available, but please keep in mind that phones will still be prohibited.  

The following food vans/options will be on site from 12-2:30 pm (canteen will run as normal for recess only):

• Biscuit/Slice Stall $3
• Soft Drink $2 each
• Lolly Bags $2
• Fairy Floss $4
• Bombshell Coffee dependent on the choice of drink 
• Red Grasshopper Pizza $4 per slice (Meat lovers, bbq chicken, vegetarian, chicken bacon deluxe, and pepperoni)
• Traditional French crepes $8 to $14 ($5 ice cream cones) Basic crepe with sauce ($8), added fruit, nuts, or cream ($10), all toppings with ice cream ($14)
• Potato Corner  $1.50 to $6 (spiral potatoes, chicken wraps, spring rolls, hot chips, fried chicken, Chiko rolls, potato cakes, and drinks).

Grade 7 students who have returned an approved consent form will receive their Human Papillomavirus (dose 2) vaccine as well as Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough vaccines on Monday, 22 November 2021.