6 February 2025

From the Pen of the Principal

To Our St Brendan’s College family

Welcome to another exciting year at St Brendan’s, a school steeped in the rich tradition of Edmund Rice Education and committed to fostering excellence in all aspects of school life. Whether you are returning to our community or joining us for the first time, I extend a warm welcome and my best wishes for the year ahead.

A new school year brings fresh opportunities—to grow, to learn, and to embrace the challenges that will shape our character and our future. At St Brendan’s we remain faithful in our mission to provide a holistic education that nurtures faith, learning, and service. In doing so, we continue to build a school community where each student is known, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

This year, we will again draw upon the Touchstones—Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, Justice and Solidarity, and Liberating Education—as the foundation of our learning environment. These values will guide us in fostering a culture of brotherhood, leadership, and personal growth, ensuring that each student graduates as a young man of integrity, wisdom, and service to others.

To our Year 12 students, this year will be one of both challenge and opportunity. As leaders of the school, you set the tone for those who follow. May you embrace this responsibility with humility and purpose, remembering that leadership is not about position, but about action and example.

To our new families and students, welcome to a community that values brotherhood, tradition, and excellence. We encourage you to embrace the many opportunities available—whether in academics, sport, the arts, or service initiatives. The more you give to the school, the more you will gain in return.

I also take this opportunity to acknowledge our dedicated staff who work tirelessly to ensure that our students are not only well-educated but also well-formed as young men of character. Their commitment to excellence in teaching and pastoral care continues to be the heart of what makes our college such a special place.

As we embark on this new year together, I invite each of you—students, staff, and families—to contribute to the spirit of our school community. Let us support one another, celebrate our achievements, and strive to make 2025 a year of growth, success, and shared purpose.

I welcome the following new staff to our community/.

• Mr Michael Dash - Classroom Teacher
• Miss Olivia Campbell - Classroom Teacher
• Mr James Clarke - Classroom Teacher
• Miss Paige Millar - Classroom Teacher
• Mrs Katrina Kidd - Classroom Teacher
• Ms Melissa Attwood - Guidance Counsellor (Team Leader)
• Ms Rachel Allen - Registered Nurse
• Mrs Rosemary Mallinson - Laundry Assistant
• Miss Rebecca Albert - Cleaner
• Mr Oliver Eckley - Boarding Supervisor
• Ms Ruslana Popaz - Assistant in Nursing (Work & Welcome)

2025 CHANGES

2025 has seen the College population maintain its capacity of 1050 that includes 278 Boarding students.

We will continue with the master planning of our college that will see:

• The building of the Rice Industrial Technology and Innovation Centre, Stage 1.
• Resurfacing of 2 playing fields.
• 160 bay carpark, 8 bus bays and 16 drop and go bays.
• Air conditioning of Eddie Rice Residence.
• Building of a new shed in Agriculture area that will house classes and toilet facilities.
• Completing our new Memorial area/garden in honour of students who have passed.

May this year be filled with learning, friendship, and opportunities to live out the values of our Edmund Rice tradition.

Kind regards

2025 Student Leaders

After School Pickup

REMINDER: After School Pickups

We kindly remind parents and guardians that after-school pickups should take place at
Gate 2 and NOT MAIN RECEPTION. 
This helps us keep the Main Administration building clear and ensures the safety and smooth departure of all students.

Thank you for your cooperation in following these guidelines.

Teaching, Learning & Innovation

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all students and families to the school year for 2025. I hope that students have enjoyed their first couple of weeks and are beginning to feel settled.

YEAR 12 RESULTS 2024

As we commence the new academic year, I would like to congratulate the Senior cohort of 2024 for their achievements in their final year of schooling.

In the ATAR pathway, students performed exceptionally well, with 26% of students achieving an ATAR above 90.00, 57% above 80 and 78% above 70. These strong results have enabled 69% of the cohort to attain entrance into their first- preference for university courses, with Engineering being the most popular.

In the Skills and Training pathway, students attained 142 Certificate II and III level Vocational Education and Training accreditations across a diverse range of courses. Additionally, 10 students completed School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs) across their final year.

These accomplishments are testament to the consistent effort of students, the support of families, and the expertise and commitment of our staff.

GETTING ORGANISED – The Student Planner

The start of the year is an important time for developing positive habits. A key tool for student organisation is the Student Planner, which plays a vital role in helping students manage their academic responsibilities. Students should use their planner to record homework, assessment dates and other important activities.

I especially encourage students to use the planner at the end of each home learning session to record their classes for the next day. Students can then prepare for tomorrow by packing their bags with the required books, equipment and materials. Establishing this routine develops forward thinking and will ensure students have the materials to engage optimally in their learning.

Wishing all students and families a successful and fulfilling 2025

Sport

The sporting program of 2025 has officially started in a flurry of activity. Representative nominations and trials have already commenced as well as preparations for the upcoming Water Polo, Rugby Union and Futsal interschool seasons.

Below you will find an overview of the yearly sporting program. If your son would like to nominate for these sports, they will need to sign up through Student Café. A ‘how to’ guide outlining this process will be developed for future reference.

TRANSPORT

Transport will be provided for all sports. Buses will depart and return from the College as per the times given on the Sports Update each week.  

SPORTS INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS

Sporting information regarding trials and SBC team sign-ups will be distributed via our newsletters, Student Café, Parent Lounge and the College App. This process has been outlined to students. Essentially, students will sign up for various sports on offer through Student Café once they become available. This allows us to gain parent approval electronically for your son to participate in that given activity. With any new process, it takes time for all to adjust. Please remember that this is applicable to SBC sporting teams only. All representative trial nominations will follow the process outlined below.

The college has an app available for download which assists greatly with our communication. Please refer to the details below regarding App download.

COLLEGE APP

The College has a Mobile App designed to streamline, support and enhance parent communication. The app is open to the public and available for download by anyone. This access enables grandparents, other family members and coaching staff to engage with college functions and activities.  Albeit student details are password protected and only accessible by parents through “Parent Lounge”.

Key Features of the App:

• Push Notifications: Receive instant notifications to approve and/or pay for excursions and events.
• Access Parent Lounge: Access “Parent Lounge” and view the college calendar, daily notices, your son’s timetable, e-diary and assessment requirements.
• Subscribe to notices: Tailor your ‘subscriptions’ to receive targeted notices and personalise your experience.

Absentee Line: Notify the College of your son’s absence via a TASS deep link.  Note the first time this is utilised a full authentication process will be required.

Android download is available by CLICKING HERE.

Apple user download is available by CLICKING HERE.

REPRESENTATIVE TRIAL PROCESS 2025

All representative sport consent forms are provided in an online format. This process is determined by Capricornia School Sport. To keep some consistency with our process we ask that all students/parents follow the process outlined below.

Forms will be required to be filled out once per sport (if you save a copy, details other than the sport will not change if trialing for another sport). Once completed at this stage the form can be returned by email.

For your son to be able to trial for Rockhampton District selection the following steps will need to be adhered to:

1. Sign up on nomination forms outside the Sports Office for relevant trials. (Trial calendar will be published on the College App, displayed on Sports Noticeboard and advertised through Daily Notices).
2. Parents/Guardians will then be emailed trial information and the link to the Permission Details Booklet (required paperwork).
3. Booklet gets filled out online, saved and returned to Sports Office for signing. Emailed forms are to be returned to sport@sbc.qld.edu.au.
4. Once the form has been signed it will be collated by us and handed to district officials at the first trial. If St. Brendan’s College staff are not attending the first trial, forms will be handed back to students and it will be their responsibility to hand the forms in.
5. If selected for a further representative team, there is no more paperwork to complete. Students will receive an invitation to trial for the next level with relevant information/payments required etc.
6. If successful in gaining further selection, it then becomes the parent/s/guardian/s responsibly to notify Student Absentees at studentabsentees@sbc.qld.edu.au for any absences involved with representative trials.

Any further clarification needed regarding this process can be sought via email.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

The College Interhouse Swimming Carnival will take place on Thursday 13 Feb commencing at 3:30pm with a designated warmup. The first event will hit the water at 4.00pm. All students are encouraged to attend to cheer on their championship swimmers and take part in the participation events. The program outline can be seen below.

A sausage sizzle will operate at the event with all proceeds going towards our ‘Stand Up Against DV’ campaign. Prices are as follows:

• Sausage on bread - $3
• Soft drink - $3
• Combo deal - $5

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to the following students who recently gained selection in the Rockhampton District Rugby League team.

14-15 Years Team

• Colt Newton
• Grayson Catt
• Talan Branford
• Jackson Forbes
• Jett Fischer
• Cooper Johnson
• Lucas McLean
• Cash Warner
• Pacey Wyatte

16-18 Years Team

• Kobe Oberhardt
• Jay Marsh
• Lachlan Anderson
• AJ Gilbert
• Jake Symes
• Willem Lloyd

As a College, we want to recognise the achievements of our students in the sporting world. When we are notified and made aware of student achievements in official SBC sporting endeavours, we will celebrate these in this section, but for representative, external and club sport achievements of a significant nature, we would like to recognise these as well. However, we do not know what we do not know, so if your son achieves a selection or success at state or national level, please let me know via email mcluskied@sbc.qld.edu.au with as much information as you can provide and a photo if possible.

Music

We have two strands of music instruction at SBC from Year 7 – 12.

1. Classroom instruction for (no fees but a levy in higher grades)
   • Contemporary instruments (guitars, drums, keyboards etc.)
   • Concert Band instruments (trumpets, clarinets saxophones etc.)
2. Private instruction on any instrument your child would like to explore (term music fee required)

Your son can join an individual program or combination at any time by reaching out to the music staff. At times we will need to discuss previous experience and aspirations specifically with older boys from Year 10 – 12 to ensure it is a good decision at that time.

“Every student in the nation should have an education in the arts.” This is the opening statement of "The Value and Quality of Arts Education: A Statement of Principles." This was put out by America's ten most important educational organisations including:

• The American Association of School Administrators
• The National Education Association
• The National Parent Teacher Association
• The National School Boards Association

The 'No Child Left Behind' act defines “core academic subjects” as english, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts (music & visual), history, and geography.

Music is a valued part of culture. In addition, learning music at school in an ensemble like the Year 7 – 12 band program contributes to student achievement in four important categories:

1. Success in society
2. Success in school and learning
3. Success in developing intelligence
4. Success in life

Music is embedded in our society every which way we turn, but surely the most intrinsic reason every child should have an opportunity for music education, is that music research has proven that extended music instruction is giving your son a personal tutor to help improve his:

• Language skills
• Mathematics skills
• Personal skills
• Interpersonal skills

Music is the only learning area that brings these unique experiences together in a new and meaningful way. Universal research has proven that a student involved in a music program WILL achieve much higher in all other academic realms through the experience.

EVENTS

The Music Department is involved in a wide range of events throughout the year, both within the College and in the wider community. From Academic Assemblies, Masses, and End-of-term Concerts to Awards Nights, Contemporary Music Nights, and Grandparents' Morning Tea, our musicians play an integral role in college life. Beyond the campus, they regularly share their talents at local nursing homes, respite centers, and schools. Whether at the College or out in the community, they are dedicated to bringing music to others, and we hope you get the chance to see them in action at one of these many events.

YEAR 7 BAND

If your son would like to participate in the Band program, which runs from Year 7 to Year 12, he will have the opportunity to develop his skills on instruments such as the trumpet, clarinet, and saxophone while working as part of an ensemble. To enroll or request more information, simply email Mr Ingram to express your interest.

If your son does not choose the Band program in Year 7, he will still have a term of music at some point during the year. By the end of this term, it is hoped that he will have gained enough confidence and skill to perform as part of an ensemble, either for residents at an aged care facility or on stage with his class at the end-of-term concert.

MUSICAL

The 2025 College musical, We Will Rock You, is now rehearsing every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning. If your son is new to the College and interested in joining, simply email Mr. Ingram at or have him visit the music rooms for more information. It’s worth noting that last year’s Dux, Matthew Campbell, and Top Ten student, Joshua Voke, were lead performers in the 2024 musical, offering anecdotal evidence of the value of music education and proving that participation in the arts does not hinder academic success.

The confidence and life skills developed through music and activities like the College Musical are extraordinary. Students become part of a team of over 50, making a lasting commitment to a shared goal. One Old Boy, now a pilot, directly credits his involvement in the College musicals and band program for helping him secure his pilot’s license and land a job with a major Australian airline. As he put it, "I wasn't at the top of my aviation class, but I knew how to carry myself and interact with confidence during the entire interview process, which put me ahead."

Years after leaving the College, many Old Boys who took the bold step of joining the musical still speak with enthusiasm and pride about their experience, proving that the memories and skills gained from the stage last a lifetime.

QUESTIONS

Don't hesitate to contact the Music Department with any questions you may have:

• Mrs Purdie on purdieg@sbc.qld.edu.au on 49 399 401 at reception, or
• Mr Ingram ingramj@sbc.qld.edu.au or 0408399054

Please feel free at any time to come through the CPAC music department and check us out, we would love to have you visit. Even if your son isn't involved with music and you just want to come have a look at what is on offer.

2025 Musical

Careers

SBC CAREERS NEWSFEED

SBC Careers Newsfeed

For the latest local and regional career opportunities (apprenticeships, traineeships, casual and holiday work included), work experience opportunities, school-based career information sessions, updates from Queensland Universities, QTAC, school-based university programs, industry trends information, events, and the world of work, subscribe to the SBC newsfeed.

St Brendan's College (sbccareers.com.au)

CAREER RESOURCES

If you are looking for resources and information, make sure you visit our SBC careers website.

CAREER MEETINGS

If you, or your son would like further information or would like to meet with me to discuss career pathways, please send an email to Rebecca Lang with your available times and we will arrange a meeting langr@sbc.qld.edu.au or use the "Book an Appointment" link on the SBC Careers Website. 

Tuckshop

College App

Android download is available by CLICKING HERE.

Apple user download is available by CLICKING HERE.

Uniform Shop

TERM TIME NORMAL TRADING HOURS

College Timetable

Study Groups & Clubs

Regional Visits

Term 1 Date Claimers

The 2025 College calendar is now available to support your planning.

Access it through Parent Lounge or via the website using the following link:

Discovery Day

School TV

SPECIAL REPORT: PARENTING FROM A DISTANCE

Parenting a boarding student can be challenging, as it involves navigating the unique set of challenges that come with parenting from afar. Sending a child away from home during a time of major developmental and physiological changes can be unsettling. However, despite the distance, parents and caregivers can still have a significant and positive impact on their child's overall experience and wellbeing. Maintaining a strong and healthy relationship during their time away is crucial and can set them up for success beyond their years at school.

Providing your child with support and encouragement will help them develop a strong sense of self-assurance. This can be done by praising their achievements, providing constructive feedback, and offering guidance and advice when needed. Building their skills and confidence will enable them to thrive both academically and personally. It is crucial to celebrate your child’s strengths and achievements, no matter how small, to ensure they develop a healthy and positive mindset.

Adolescence is a time of rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth, and boarding students may be grappling with questions of identity and belonging. Encouraging them to be true to themselves and to explore their interests, values, and beliefs can help them discover their identity and establish a positive self-image.

Parenting from a distance can be a tricky business, therefore this Special Report offers a number of strategies that may be able to help.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Valued Sponsors

Community Notices

CAPRICORN COAST CATHOLIC PARISH

Vatican International Photography Contest Sport in Motion 

In the context of the Jubilee of Sport for the Year 2025, the Dicastery for Culture and Education (Vatican) is promoting an international photography contest, under the title: ‘Sport in Motion’. The contest is aimed at young photographers, professional or amateur, under the age of 25. 

The contest includes 5 categories of photography: sport and hope (sport as a message of hope to society), sport and family (sport as a moment of family life), sport and disability (sport as a platform for inclusion), sport and politics (sport as a resource accessible to all), sport and ecology (the relationship of sport with the elements of nature). 

The deadline for participation ends on 30 April 2025 and the winners will be announced at the Jubilee of Sport (14-15 June 2025). The winners will be awarded a meeting with the Holy Father, a visit to the Vatican Museums, a workshop in the Osservatore Romano newspaper and the international dissemination of the photos in the Holy See's media. 

Entries can be made by e-mail (sportinmotion@dce.va) and further information (entry form / rules / jury) can be found on the Dicastery's link (www.dce.va): https://www.dce.va/it/news/2024/concorso-di-fotografia.html