By Mr Stuart Ralph, Principal

Welcome to Week 6 of Term 4.

This week has been a hive of activity in our community, most notably our Year 10 students completing their exams, a Principal’s tour for new and prospective parents and students, our final Board Meeting for 2023, our Year 12 Valedictory Mass and Dinner, the College Arts Evening, along with many student activities that include Year 9 Reflection Days, students volunteering and competing at the Tasmanian All Schools Triathlon Challenge, and our Year 7 students completing the Jump Rope for Heart Challenge.

This weekend, we have a number of teams representing the College at the Basketball Tasmania North West High School Championships. I would like to take the opportunity to wish all our students the very best, and I look forward to getting along to watch some of the action.

SchoolTV
As previously communicated, the College has purchased SchoolTV, which we are pleased to have now available to parents. It’s never been more challenging for parents to raise happy, healthy and resilient children. The SchoolTV platform provides schools with an extensive range of wellbeing resources for parents so they can work in partnership to ensure better wellbeing for all students.

SchoolTV is a platform that will support our students and families on a range of topics, such as:
– Respectful Relationships
– Bullying
– School Refusal
– Online Gaming
– Mental Health
– Friendships and Belonging

The SchoolTV platform provides a range of resources, including articles and videos from leading health professionals such as Professor Michael Carr-Gregg. Michael is one of Australia's highest-profile psychologists, author, broadcaster and specialist in mental health, parenting, children and adolescents. In 1985, he founded Canteen, the world's first national teenage cancer patient support group. Please refer to this week's newsletter for our article in focus.

College School Bags
Midford, the College Uniform Shop is now restocked with our College school bags. A reminder to families that students in Years 7-11 are required to have a College school bag in 2024. These are subsidised in-store and selling for $35 until the start of the 2024 school year (this price is not available online). For students in Year 10, a reminder that you will be given a bag in the last week of school as part of your fee structure for 2024.

Sports Uniform
After a significant period of consultation with parents, staff and students, the College will have a new hoodie and soft shell jacket available for student purchase in 2024. As part of this consultation process, based on feedback provided, most notably from parents, we have decided to stay with the current green. Our new uniform items look extremely stylish and students will now have a range of options at various cost points from which they can choose.

Parents, please note that students will be required to wear white socks with their sports uniform in 2024.

The Rite Journey for Year 9 2024
As previously advertised, the College will be implementing The Rite Journey program to Year 9 in 2024. Staff have received training in the program this year, which will be delivered in House gender groups. Mrs Maria Windsor has been planning and preparing in her role as Coordinator.

Steve Biddulph writes about The Rite Journey:
‘Teenagers need to be actively taught how to be good adults, and that some kind of active process has to happen to get them across the line. That definite teaching, and some kind of “rite of passage” help to bring home to them the honour, and responsibility of becoming an adult and how special that is. That thinking about what kind of man or woman you want to be, can really help when they are put in difficult or risky situations, as all young people are.
Teenagers have all the great things you have given them while growing up, but something is needed to bring this all together and say, “You are now beginning adulthood.” It has to be something solid, spread over time, and involve teachers and parents working together to make it meaningful. There’s a lot to learn about being an adult and making choices and being independent and not expecting mum and dad to look after you all your life.’

For more information about The Rite Journey (the web page has recently been redeveloped) please visit the following link: https://theritejourney.com

Having worked with The Rite Journey program for over a decade, I am excited for this opportunity that awaits our Year 9 students and am sure that parents will understand the value of such a program as we work together implementing it with our Year 9 students in 2024.

If you have a child in Year 9 in 2024, please note that we will have a parent information evening in early 2024.

Celebration of Naplan Results 2023
As a college community, we need to acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful NAPLAN results our students achieved in 2023. Our results also provide us with opportunities to look for opportunities for growth as well, with this data helping the College make strategic priorities for teaching and learning in 2024.

In the table below, (**) marks that our students are at or above the Australian mean score.

This week, I received information from Catholic Education Tasmania that St Brendan-Shaw College was among the top-performing Catholic schools in the state for 2023.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Stuart Ralph
Principal

“Kindness is one thing you can’t give away. It always comes back.” — George Skolsky

In our globally connected world, children can often encounter distressing images and stories of war and conflict through the 24-hour news cycle and social media. These experiences can provoke anxiety and fear in young minds whose worldviews are still forming. Traumatic events imprint strong emotional memories that can influence a child's behaviour and perception of danger.

Overexposure to such distressing content can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. Parents and caregivers need to be mindful not to overexpose their children to these events as responses to such trauma can vary among children. Some will show strong emotional reactions, whilst others may seem indifferent or introverted.

Before initiating a conversation with your child, you should first assess your own emotions and comfort level discussing difficult topics. By staying calm and offering physical comfort, you can help your child regulate their own emotions. Children need to feel reassured of their safety as they navigate their way through uncertainty. Tailor conversations to be appropriate for their age and emotional maturity. Younger children may need simplified explanations that focus on concepts like peace, empathy and cooperation, while older children can delve into historical events, the root causes of conflict, and the complexities of international relations.

In challenging times, children need compassionate adults who offer guidance and support. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in helping children cope with the anxieties stemming from conflict, providing them with hope and understanding in an often complex world.

The Midford Uniform Shop at St Brendan-Shaw College will close for the school holidays on Tuesday 12 December at 3:00pm and will re-open on Monday 15 January, 2024 at 9:00am.

Term 4 2023 Extended Trading Hours 

Thursday 7 December 8:00am – 7:00pm

January 2024 Trading Hours (By Appointment Only)

Monday 15 January to Thursday 18 January 9:00am – 4:00pm

All families are asked to make uniform fitting appointments through our online system. Please use the booking link below. 

Book an Appointment with Midford Uniform Store

Additional Extended Trading Hours

From Monday 22 January to Wednesday 7 February (the dates below), appointments are required between the hours of 9:00am – 1:30pm. Walk-in customers are welcome in the afternoon from 1:30pm.

Monday 22 January to Thursday 25 January: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Monday 29 January to Thursday 1 February: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Monday 5 February to Thursday 8 February: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Once school resumes the Midford Uniform Shop will resume regular trading hours.

Regular Trading Hours

Throughout the school term, our regular opening hours are:
Tuesday 8.00am – 4.00pm
Thursday 8.00am – 4.00pm

The Year 10 Adventure Recreation class ventured into Narawntapu National Park this week. Their challenge for the day was a 14km trek to Archer’s Knob and back to Baker’s Point.

The afternoon brought a welcome break with a refreshing swim or fishing. These quieter moments by the water were a perfect counterbalance to the walk, offering the students a chance to relax and reflect and enjoy each other's company. Dinner was an exercise in outdoor skills as the students prepared their meals on Trangias.

We look forward to more experiences where learning goes beyond the classroom and out into nature!

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Devonport Country Club has obtained funding from The Australian Golf Foundation (AGF) to support six lucky teenage girls to pursue the sport of golf. No previous skill is necessary.

Scholarships are open to girls aged 9 to 16. Girls new to golf may also be engaged in this program should they demonstrate a commitment to learning the sport. A willingness to learn a new skill.

'This is a terrific opportunity', said Helen Plaister, DCC Scholarship coordinator.

'Not only will girls receive 24 coaching sessions with Alex Hamilton PGA Professional but also a one-year junior club membership that carries playing rights, to ensure girls can participate in club competitions and obtain a handicap'.

The Scholarship program is part of a national campaign to get more girls playing golf. Along with over 160 other golf facilities across Australia, DCC will be working closely with golf’s national body Golf Australia, throughout 2024.

'All we ask is that applicants display a desire and willingness to learn and improve golf skills, obtain a handicap, play in club competitions (or at least social play) and engage in any extra-curricular activity that fosters friendships between scholarship holders'.

A total of six scholarships will be available at DCC for 2024.

For further information and to apply, please contact:

Helen Plaister

Email: helen.plaister1950@gmail.com

If you’re a young adult who loves writing and is looking for a community of like-minded individuals, look no further!

Our creative writers group is the perfect place to connect with others who share your passion for writing. You’ll have the opportunity to receive feedback on your work, learn new writing techniques, and engage in stimulating discussions with fellow writers. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, our group is a safe and supportive space to explore your creativity and develop your skills. Join us and discover the joys of writing with others who understand and appreciate the power of the written word. (Please note this is a once-off session in November 2023, but in 2024 it will be run as a fortnightly program.)

When: Thursday 30 November 4.30pm – 5.15pm
Who: Suitable for youth 13-21 years of age.
Cost: Free

Book Your Place Now