St Brendan's College Yeppoon eNewsletter

From the Pen of the Principal

Welcome to Week 3 of the new term.

With the passing of Pope Francis, I came across this reflection last weekend, written by Pope Frances while he spent a period of time in hospital recently. I read this out at our staff briefing this week, and I believe it is born from great wisdom and therefore, I would like to share it with you now.

“The walls of hospitals have heard more honest prayers than churches...
They have witnessed far more sincere kisses than those in airports...
It is in hospitals that you see a homophobe being saved by a gay doctor.
A privileged doctor saving the life of a beggar...
In intensive care, you see a Jew taking care of a racist...
A police officer and a prisoner in the same room receiving the same care...
A wealthy patient waiting for a liver transplant, ready to receive the organ from a poor donor...
It is in these moments, when the hospital touches the wounds of people, that different worlds intersect according to a divine design.
And in this communion of destinies, we realise that alone, we are nothing.
The absolute truth of people, most of the time, only reveals itself in moments of pain or in the real threat of an irreversible loss.
A hospital is a place where human beings remove their masks and show themselves as they truly are, in their purest essence.
This life will pass quickly, so do not waste it fighting with people.
Do not criticize your body too much.
Do not complain excessively.
Do not lose sleep over bills.
Make sure to hug your loved ones.
Do not worry too much about keeping the house spotless.
Material goods must be earned by each person—do not dedicate yourself to accumulating an inheritance.
You are waiting for too much: Christmas, Friday, next year, when you have money, when love arrives, when everything is perfect...

Listen, perfection does not exist.
A human being cannot attain it because we are simply not made to be fulfilled here.
Here, we are given an opportunity to learn.
So, make the most of this trial of life—and do it now.
Respect yourself, respect others.
Walk your own path, and let go of the path others have chosen for you.
Respect: do not comment, do not judge, do not interfere.
Love more, forgive more, embrace more, live more intensely!
And leave the rest in the hands of the Creator.”
Let these words from the late Pope Francis be our prayer this week.

Changes to traffic conditions

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we embed the new traffic conditions at the College during the commencement of our new construction project and associated civil works. We welcome your feedback to assist in ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and, most importantly, the safety of our students.

A few reminders based on observations from the first 2 weeks:

Please ensure your son enters and exits your vehicle from the left-hand side, and crosses the pickup zones only at the designated pedestrian crossings. As you are aware, there are two lanes in this area, and vehicles may pass stationary cars on the right. This precaution will help prevent students from inadvertently stepping into the path of moving traffic.
Gates 2 and 3 are reserved exclusively for buses and construction vehicles until 4:00pm each day. We kindly ask that parents refrain from entering this area during these times.
Please do not use Gate 5 during peak pickup and drop-off periods. During these times, Gate 5 operates as a one-way exit only.

Thank you once again for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and efficient environment for all members of our College community.

Grandparents Day

Last Tuesday we hosted Grandparents Morning Tea with 500 in attendance. As they say, photos speak a thousand words. Here are some photos from the day.

Thank you

Thank you for your support and engagement in Parent-Teacher Interviews last week. This event provides an invaluable opportunity to assess your son's academic progress and to strengthen the partnership between home and school in supporting his ongoing development.

I also extend my thanks to those who accompanied our students on Friday for the Domestic Violence Awareness Walk. As the largest all-boys school community in Central Queensland, and in alignment with the Edmund Rice Education Australia Touchstone of Justice and Solidarity, it is incumbent upon us to take a visible and united stand against violence towards women. Thank you for your support and the conversations that you have at home, in driving this important message to your son.

Finally, my sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of the Year 12 Mentoring Day on last Thursday. Staff and students engaged in focused, one-on-one conversations to strategically map out each student’s pathway for the remainder of the year ahead. A full report on the day, prepared by Mr Reddy, will be included in the next College newsletter.

Teaching, Learning & Innovation

Last Thursday, the College conducted Mentoring Interviews with Year 12 students—an initiative designed to support senior students as they navigate the final stages of their secondary education.

With less than one hundred days of school remaining for our senior boys, these structured, one-on-one conversations provided students with the opportunity to reflect on their start to the year and revisit the goals they set at the beginning of 2025.

Each 20 to 30-minute interview focused on a discussion of the student’s Term One academic achievement, learner attribute results, personal barriers and enablers to success, identification of strategies for improvement, and goal setting. I commend the Year 12 students for the maturity they displayed as they engaged in this reflective process.

I extend my sincere thanks to all the teachers and parents who participated in the interviews for their time and supportive approach. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Mr Trevor Guinane, Head of Year 12, for facilitating the program; Mrs Rebecca Lang, Director of Pathways, for presenting on job application preparation; and Mr Hamish Simpson, Director of Clontarf Academy, for sharing his personal story about his pathway from AFL player to where he is today.

We hope that the day was valuable for the boys and provides renewed motivation and direction as they commence Term Two.

Kind regards,
Peter Reddy
Assistant Principal
Teaching, Learning & Innovation

Sport

Term 2 has started in a flurry with the Interschool seasons for Soccer and Basketball commencing last week. In addition to this we have held our Interhouse Cross Country carnival and are gearing up for the upcoming Interhouse Athletics carnival.

CROSS COUNTRY

Thursday 24 April played host to our Interhouse Cross Country event. Students were greeted with ideal conditions to tackle our renowned cross country course which was in fantastic condition thanks to the work of our maintenance staff.

House spirit was on full display for all to see and translated into a very close tussle for overall Champion House honours. Ultimately, it was the sheer weight of numbers and some blistering running from the younger age groups which had Duhig crowned Champion House for 2025. Congratulations to all students for their participation and the spirit in which they ran.

Age Champions

SBC Cross Country Website Story

BALLYMORE CUP

Our mighty First XV Rugby Union team returned from the Ballymore Cup Division 2 Champions! After a slow start to the tournament with a first round defeat to Marist Emerald the boys clicked into gear playing an exciting brand of rugby. They went on to record strong wins against St Pat’s, Narre Warren and Lindisfarne. The team went into their final round game against St Edmund’s Ipswich needing to win to secure the trophy. It was a tight contest in which our forward pack dominated allowing our talented backline to do what they do best. After trailing late in the game, Noah Wright cut through the defensive line to score the winning try with 2 mins left in the game, sealing victory 17 – 15. It was a great team effort. In addition to the championship win, inspirational skipper Scott Gibson was awarded Division 2 MVP. Congratulations Scott!

Congratulations to the players and coaching staff of Mr Angus Ryan and Mr Matthew Couper. It has been a great season of rugby culminating in a RDS Premiership and Ballymore Cup Division 2 title. Well done boys!

Rugby League Trials

Rugby League trials have been scheduled for the coming weeks. Trial lists are being updated and will be confirmed prior to the trials. Please refer to the information listed below with regards to dates.

If you require any further information regarding the trial process please contact Mr Rod Peckett, Director of Rugby League via email at peckettr@sbc.qld.edu.au.

Trial Schedule

Year 7
Tuesday 6 May – Afternoon (3.15pm – 4.15pm) – Trial One – skills-based session on oval – rotation through a series of scenario-based activities to determine skill levels in students before game situation. Boots and mouthguard essential – PE uniform sufficient.
Saturday 10 May – (8am till 10am) – Trial 2 – Full contact trial on oval. Will need boys to be here at school by 7.30am – boots, mouthguards, shorts and socks required. Please be at school by 7.30am.

Year 9
Thursday 8 May – Afternoon (3.15pm – 4.15pm) – Trial 1 – skills-based session on oval – rotation through a series of scenario-based activities to determine skill levels in students before game situation. Boots and mouthguard essential – PE uniform sufficient.
Saturday 10 May – (11am till 1pm) – Trial 2 – Full contact trial on oval. Will need boys to be here at school by 10.30am – boots, mouthguards, shorts and socks required.

Year 8
Tuesday 13 May – Afternoon (3.15pm – 4.15pm) – Trial 1 – skills-based session on oval – rotation through a series of scenario-based activities to determine skill levels in students before game situation. Boots and mouthguard essential – PE uniform sufficient.
Thursday 15 May – (3.15pm-5.15pm) – Trial 2 – Full contact trial - boots, mouthguards, shorts and socks required.

Open
Monday 19 May – (3.15pm-5.15pm) – Trial 2 – Full contact trial - boots, mouthguards, shorts and socks required.

Year 10
Monday 26 May – (3.15pm-5.15pm) – Trial 2 – Full contact trial - boots, mouthguards, shorts and socks required.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

TYLER SLATER

At the start of the holidays Year 9 student Tyler Slater, along with a number of other students from the college competed at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Perth. He had a great championship with 3 top 10 placings. Tyler placed 9th in Discuss, 8th in Javelin and 2nd in shot put to finish the event a national silver medalist. Congratulations Tyler on a fantastic achievement.

SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS

Over the holidays Jared Mahony, Jessie Sadler (yr 9) and Finn Watson (year 10) represented Rockhampton in the U/16 softball state championships held in Toowoomba. The boys played an amazing brand of Softball, and the team came away as state champions. The team scored 90 runs for the entire tournament, and only allowed 2 runs to be scored against them over three days of games. As a result of their performances throughout the tournament both Jared and Finn have been selected for the U/16 QLD squad. Congratulations boys!

RUGBY LEAGUE

Our 2025 1st XIII Dolphins Cup squad got the experience of a lifetime last week, when they flew to Brisbane to take part in the term 2 Brisbane rugby league tour. Staying at the iconic Brisbane Broncos Cyril Connell Centre, coaching staff used the tour as a selection guide for this year’s Confraternity Shield squad. With games against Langer Cup heavyweights, Ipswich High School, Palm Beach Currumbin High School and Wavell High School, it was the perfect opportunity to see who was ready made for the Confraternity grind. The boys performed well in all three games with the added pressure of playing hard games for three days in a row a test of mental and physical toughness. Day three provided an opportunity to spread the message of the college’s stance against domestic violence, when our boys swapped the traditional green jerseys for purple jerseys sporting the words ‘NOT NOW NOT EVER’ across the front in their match at Wavell. At the same time the College marched as a whole community in our annual walk against DV along Yeppoon’s foreshore and main street. TIK TOK challenges were some of the fun themes of the trip and a visit from one of our very own old boys, current Broncos five eighth, Qld and Australian representative Ben Hunt putting the icing on what was truly a tour to remember. Hunt’s message rang true to the current crop of boys which echo’s in the hallways, gymnasium and sporting fields at the College on a daily basis. Good person first… good footballer second. Thankyou to the Brisbane Broncos for accommodating our boys and providing this once in a lifetime experience.

***Kind regards,***
***Damien McLuskie***
***Director of Sport***

Music

Join the Year 7 Band Program in 2025!

Have you spent years mastering the saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or another amazing brass or woodwind instrument? If so, Mr Ingram would love to hear from you! The Year 7 Band Program is the perfect chance to showcase your talent.

But what if you've always wanted to learn one of these instruments and never had the chance? Even better! Mr Ingram is also welcoming beginners who are ready to explore the world of music and be part of something special.

Whether you're an experienced musician or just starting out, reach out to Mr Ingram at ingramj@sbc.qld.edu.au. Have a chat with your parents and see if we can make it happen in 2025.

Don't wait, email Mr Ingram today and tell him about your musical journey so far. Let’s make beautiful music together!

MUSICAL WE WILL ROCK YOU

The opening night of "We Will Rock You," the Queen musical, is now just a little over two months away! The talented cast is progressing well and is going to present an energetic show. The incredible live band is recreating the iconic Queen sound through the amazing talents of Jesse Emery, Keeley Bones, Ashton Ryan, and Toby Simpkins, who are supported by old boy Matthew Campbell – last year's dux – as well as Mr Ingram and Miss Priddle. If you love the music of QUEEN, then you need to be at this show at least once. Don't miss this exciting event that promises to be a spectacular celebration of Queen's iconic music!

Tickets will be available soon through Trybooking.

Showtimes are scheduled for:
July 25 - 7:00 PM
July 26 - 1:30 PM

August 1st - 7:00 PM
August 2nd - 5:30 PM.

Ticket prices are set at $25 for adults, $15 for concession, $10 for a child, and $60 for a family of four.

Make sure to secure your tickets early to experience this unforgettable musical event!

OUTSTANDING TALENT

Ben Walker showcased his exceptional talent at the Qld Eisteddfod as a member of the Rockhampton Musical Union Youth Choir. The choir triumphed in the intermediate choral section and the small vocal section, demonstrating their outstanding vocal abilities. Additionally, they secured second place in the junior choral section, hymns (competing against adults), modern, and musical theatre categories. Ben's participation and the choir's remarkable achievements highlight their dedication and skill in the performing arts.

Monty Harrison achieved an impressive 1st place in the Eisteddfod for his cello performance in the "Any Other Orchestral Instrument, 12–U14 Years" category, performing Orientale by Edmund Kurtz with skill and expression. In addition to this success, he is also performing Lascia ch'io pianga ("Allow Me to Weep") by George Frideric Handel in the Baroque section. His accomplishments reflect dedication, musical talent, and a deep connection to his instrument.

ANZAC SERVICES on the CAPRICORN COAST

On ANZAC Day, 50 boys from the College drumline and concert band members played a significant role in honouring the occasion. They supported the Yeppoon ANZAC Day March, providing a stirring musical backdrop that added to the solemnity and respect of the event. Additionally, their participation in the Emu Park service further demonstrated their dedication and commitment to commemorating the sacrifices of the ANZACs. Their musical contributions were a poignant reminder of the importance of this day in Australian history.

The College Drumline and Concert Band members also contributed to the commemorative services at St Benedict's School and Sacred Heart School. Zac Whitehead delivered moving renditions of the Last Post and Reveille at Sacred Heart, while Mr Ingram performed these duties at St Benedict's, honouring the memory of those who have served. Their contributions not only enhanced the ceremonies but also provided many primary school students with a window into the importance of preserving the significance of these important traditions.

GRANDPARENTS MORNING TEA

Last week we celebrated our annual Grandparents Morning Tea on campus, where a wide range of music students entertained 500 guests. On Friday, we honoured the Feast of St Edmund's with a mass in our chapel, fostering a sense of community and spirituality. Additionally, our students participated in the Domestic Violence Awareness March at the Yeppoon Beachfront, with many of our musicians providing entertainment throughout the event. These important occasions not only honour our grandparents and community but also highlight our commitment to social causes and the well-being of all.

HEAVY METAL ROCKERS IN THE MAKING

Huge congrats to Joshua & Beau on electric guitar, Eden on vocals, Jack on bass guitar and jack out of shot on drums for opening at the Beach Beats Coastal Youth Festival.

DID YOU KNOW:

Music is one of the few activities that involves using all parts of our brain.
Listening to music, your heart modifies its beats to try to imitate the rhythm of the music you hear.
Music can help us with our thinking processes and significantly improves the motor areas of our brain.
Music is stored in different areas of the brain than memories, which is why people with Alzheimer's can remember melodies from their past.
Playing a musical instrument can improve verbal communication.
Babies learn the meaning of emotions from music before the meaning of words.

Learning a musical instrument can enhance students brain function as they deal with higher levels of stress. Music learning does this by consistently supporting the neural synchronisation of the brain and regulating the release of the reward and stress hormone. These biological factors are vital for good decision making in later adolescents, as well as stress management during academic preparation and performance.

Music learning at a developing and advanced level has greater career and cognitive outcomes than only a career as a musician. Students who study music have been found to perform well in their final exams and standardised tests and have achieved higher grades in English, Maths and Science than their peers. Music learning does this by enhancing cognitive functions related to all learning. It also promotes strong skills in social understanding and communication, and it supercharges executive function skills that serve musically trained students in their future adult lives as leaders, innovators and team members.

***Kind regards,***
***Jack Ingram***
***Head of Department - Music***

Library

Year 7, 8, and 9 are you ready to challenge yourself and read 15 books, or more? … or one?

Check your student email and reply with your Name and Year Level to register and get ready to start the QLD Premier’s Reading Challenge!
Ready, set, read …… 6^th May – 22^nd August, 2025

What is The Premier’s Reading Challenge?

The Premier’s reading Challenge (PRC) is an annual state-wide initiative for students up to Year 9.
In 2024 more than 216,000 students participated in the challenge and read over 1.9 million books throughout the PRC reading period!
To complete the challenge you need to read 15 books, and you will receive a certificate of achievement.
If you don’t make it to 15, that’s ok! Even 1 book is a great effort, and you receive a certificate of participation.
The PRC is not a competition but aims to encourage you to read for enjoyment.

Why Read?

Reading a variety of books helps build vocabulary and knowledge, improves your spelling and comprehension, boosts your confidence, sparks your imagination, and is a great way to switch off and relax. Developing your literacy skills gives the best chance to succeed in school and life.

There are many adventures waiting and different types of genres to explore: Fantasy, Horror, Adventure, Mystery, Crime, Comedy, Science Fiction, Dystopian, Historical, Western … or explore new and interesting topics and read some non-fiction!

When you find a good book it’s hard to put down!

What can you read?

Printed Books - to access print books in the SBC Library:
Search the library catalogue for any title.
Email the library to see if we hold a title you would like to read OR
Place a RESERVATION if a book is on loan - we’ll email you when it is ready for pickup.
eBooks & Audiobooks
CLICK HERE and then click on Sign In top right
Graphic Novels, Comic Books & Manga
CLICK HERE
Newspapers and Magazines
Books in languages other than English
Any books you have at home, and don’t forget the public library is free to join
Project Gutenberg 60,000+ free eBooks

Email the library to register, or if you have trouble accessing resources online - library@sbc.qld.edu.au

The library will send out emails of encouragement throughout the reading period and help you discover new items.
If there’s a book you want to read and we don’t have it, let us know and we can purchase it for the collection.
Check out titles in these Book Lists – use the drop down menu at the top to select current year 2025 + your year level
Contact the library if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Kind regards,
Elizabeth Varley
Librarian

Year 11 - Help Needed

SENIOR FORMAL

Thank you to the families that have registered to help on the night. We are still needing helpers during the week for the install.

If you are available to help with setup, please SIGN UP HERE.

Your support is greatly appreciated, and we thank you in advance for your contribution.

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)

Careers Newsfeed

CAREER RESOURCES

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

Click here to visit the 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.

**Regards,**
**Rebecca Lang**
**Director of Pathways**

International Nurses Day - 12 May

At St Brendan’s College, we are fortunate to have a dedicated team of nurses who provide care and support around the clock, 7 days a week. They take care of the wellbeing of our students, creating a safe and nurturing environment that allows them to thrive.

On International Nurses Day, we take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the vital role our nurses play in the College community.
Please join us in thanking our incredible nursing team for their tireless efforts and the difference they make every day.

Coffee, Care, Connect.

RSVP HERE for Coffee, Care, Connect

School TV

A Special Report: Shaping Healthy Masculinity

In today's fast-moving world, many boys are struggling to find direction. Even well-meaning online searches about fitness, confidence or relationships can lead them to content that promotes rigid or unhealthy ideas about masculinity. The critically acclaimed TV show 'Adolescence' has brought fresh attention to this issue, highlighting how boys are often exposed to messages that glorify toughness and dominance, while dismissing empathy and emotional openness.

These outdated beliefs can limit emotional growth and impact how boys relate to others - with real consequences in schools, homes and communities. That's why it's more important than ever to guide boys with care, clarity and connection.

By offering healthier role models, safe spaces to talk, and encouraging respectful friendships - especially across genders - we can help boys develop the confidence, empathy and relationship skills they need to thrive.

This special report calls for a cultural shift and advocates for curiosity-driven dialogue that builds trust and critical thinking. The goal is to raise boys who are not just resistant to harmful influences, but actively capable of questioning and rejecting them.

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.

Here is the link to your special report

SBC Rodeo

Support Our Rodeo – In-Kind Contributions Needed!

We are reaching out to local businesses who may be interested in supporting our Annual Rodeo through in-kind contributions. While sponsorship packages are available, we also welcome services or goods that can assist in making the event a success.

In-kind contributions can include, but are not limited to:

Meals for working bees
Gravel for road repairs
Crew to assist with bump-in
Temporary fencing setup (500 meters)
Any other resources that can support the event

Every bit helps, and we would love to hear how your business can contribute. Once our sponsorship packages are finalised, we will circulate further details. For now, please reach out to our Marketing and Events team if you can provide a valuable in-kind contribution.

We will also need 100 volunteers to help run the event, but we will circulate a volunteer registration process closer to the event. This is a great way to integrate into our College community and support the event firsthand.

Contact us at rodeo@sbc.qld.edu.au