5 September 2025

From Our Executive Principal

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Last weekend, I had the privilege of witnessing two outstanding events that showcased the extraordinary talents of our St Brendan’s College students: the Battle of the Bands and the College Rodeo.

I feel compelled to add my voice to those who have already expressed their admiration through this newsletter and on our social media platforms.

On Friday night at the Pilbeam Theatre in Rockhampton, our students represented the College in the Battle of the Bands. This was my first time attending (something I now regret having missed before), and I was struck by the sheer quality of talent on stage. Each group represented their school with pride, and the level of musicianship across our region was truly inspiring.

• William Lees – Vocals (undertaking Certificate V in Singing)
• Charlie Strugnell – Electric Guitar
• Ashton Ryan – Drums (undertaking Certificate VI in Drumkit)
• Jesse Emery – Electric Guitar (undertaking Certificate VII in Electric Guitar & Certificate V in Alto Saxophone)
• Toby Simpkins – Bass Guitar

The boys delivered a performance that not only highlighted their individual and collective musical skills but also revealed their gift as genuine performers. They drew the audience in, who responded with great enthusiasm, elevating the performance to new heights.

As a result, our young men were crowned overall winners of the night with their band Lost Cargo, and they also secured two of the three individual awards, which went to William Lees (Vocals) and Charlie Strugnell (Electric Guitar). Congratulations to each of them on this remarkable achievement.

A special word of thanks must also go to the students who volunteered as part of the technical and stage crew. It was wonderful to see familiar faces working behind the scenes to support this opportunity for their peers and for the College.

COLLEGE RODEO

To see our boys in a setting so familiar to many of them—among cattle yards, stock, and the camaraderie that comes from life in the bush—was a true delight. Hats, belt buckles, and chaps were on full display as riders held on with grit and determination for the all-important eight seconds. It was both inspiring and exhilarating to watch.

The atmosphere was electric, with more than 5,000 members of our community, along with the general public, gathering to experience all that a rodeo has to offer. From the professional riders and thrilling events to the sideshow alley and food stalls, it was an occasion that captured the very best of country life and community spirit.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who made the event possible. Planning began months ago, and the dedication of parents, staff, and student volunteers—too many to name individually—was the reason for its success. Your generosity of time and spirit ensured that the

rodeo was not only possible but also such a memorable celebration. Events like these simply cannot happen without the selfless support of so many.

UPDATE - ST TERESA'S COLLEGE ABERGOWRIE

The purchase of the College by EREA Colleges is progressing well. While an in-principle agreement is already in place, the final legislative and canonical approvals are now nearing completion. Once all required documents have been signed, a formal announcement will be made to all relevant communities.

In recent weeks, we have been privileged to welcome several important delegations to the College, including:

• QCEC – the peak body representing Catholic education in Queensland, which works with five diocesan school authorities and 17 religious institutes to advance Catholic education across the state
• Board Chair and Executive of EREA Colleges
• Principals from EREA Colleges
• CEO and State Manager of the Clontarf Foundation
• Staff from St Brendan’s College

In addition, the College has recommenced its Community Visits Program, with three trips already completed to communities across Queensland, strengthening connections and building relationships for the future.

Warmest regards,
Robert Corboy
Executive Principal

Sport

Rugby League has been the dominant sport this term with 37 teams in action across the RDSSRL and Interhouse competitions. Coaching, maintenance and laundry staff have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our teams and facilities are prepped and ready to go.

In amongst the chaos, we have also had students competing at the Capricornia Athletics trials and trialling for RDS selection in futsal and cricket.

DOLPHINS CUP/CHALLENGE

It has been a busy time of year for our Dolphin’s Challenge and Cup teams with their respective campaigns culminating in the recent finals series of their respective competitions. Our Challenge team progressed through to the semifinals where they took on The Rockhampton Grammar School. After a strong showing in the regular season against RGS our team went in full of confidence, however, were outplayed on the day with RGS recording a 26 – 12 win to progress through to the Dolphin’s Challenge grand final. This is a competition which feels like the one that got away; however, it will now be recorded as a great learning experience for future seasons. Thank you to the coaching staff of Mr Dominic Draper, Mr Andrew Lawrence and Mr Scott Curtis. Your time and effort is very much appreciated. Now that their Dolphin’s Challenge commitments have concluded the 10A’s will turn their attention to the RDSSRL competition.

Our First XIII side repeated last year’s result in the Dolphins Cup competition defending their title as Dolphin’s Cup Champions! The boys took on The Cathedral College in a hard-fought Grand Final at Rugby Park. The loss handed TCC their third straight defeat this year at the hands of our team. The game was not without its moments with injuries to key players Noah Wright and Cameron da Forno forcing assistant coach Glen Minto to shuffle the decks and move players around to fill the gaps. Jake Symes moved to dummy half for da Forno and filled in with distinction, while Willem Lloyd moved to wing for Wright. This proved to be a master stroke when Lloyd iced the game with a classic catch after the final siren to seal the win. We led from start to finish and after a 12 -6 halftime lead, held on to stave off a fast-finishing TCC to run out winners 14 – 10.

After claiming another Dolphin’s Cup title our 1st XIII rugby league team ventured north to Mackay in pursuit of its first Qld Schoolboys Final since 2021. The task was a tough one in the form of Aaron Payne Cup champions, the Kirwan Bears who were coming off a convincing Grand Final victory in their respective competition. The game started very evenly with both sides trading blows in the opening ten minutes. Kirwan posted first points, but our boys hit back fast through Kobe Oberhardt midway through the half.

As the first half progressed Kirwan started to assert their dominance after a number of penalties gifted them good field position. They were able to capitalize, taking a 22 – 6 lead into the break. The second half continued in the same fashion with the lack of possession hurting our boys. Kirwan ran out convincing winners in the end 44 – 12 and will go on and play Keebra Park SHS in the State Grand Final. Thank you to the coaching staff of Mr Scott Minto, Mr Glen Minto, Mr Sam Holzeimer, Mr Benn Larsen, Mr Michael Carron and Mr Luke Peachey for the time and effort you contribute to the cause.

Now that our Dolphin’s commitments have concluded the attention turns to the local schoolboys Grand Finals where the opposition is still yet to be decided.

RDSSRL GRAND FINAL SCHEDULE

CQ ALL SCHOOLS

On Friday 29th August our three All Schools Touch Football teams played in the CQ All Schools competition. They took on teams from Gladstone, Emerald and Rockhampton in the quest to be crowned CQ champions. It was a great opportunity for our teams to get some much-needed game time in preparation for the upcoming Qld All School’s Touch Football competition in early Term 4.

The U13’s, coached by Mr McHugh and Miss Hamilton played games against Clairview and Emmaus throughout the day. The boys finished the day undefeated to be awarded the U13 CQ

Champions title. In addition to their try scoring ability, the highlight was their defence, only conceding 3 tries across 3 games. Well done boys!

The U15 and Open team both played in a hotly contested U15 division which included teams from TCC, Marist Emerald, RGS, Emmaus and Tooloola SHS. It was a very competitive day with both teams progressing through to play off games for the minor placings. The hit out will be very beneficial for their respective All Schools campaigns.

Thank you to Mr Martin, Mr Diefenbach, Mr Earnshaw, Miss Psaltis, Mr McHugh and Miss Hamilton for providing this opportunity for our students.

TERM 4 OPPORTUNITIES

Our interschool competitions for Term 4 include Water Polo, Rugby 7’s and Volleyball. Sign – ups are now available through Student Café for students to register their interest. Once teams have been selected through the scheduled trials in Week 10 further information regarding the relevant season will be distributed.

REPRESENTATIVE SELECTIONS

Congratulations to the following students on gaining selection in their respective RD team.

Recently we had 19 students venture to Mackay to trial for the Capricornia Athletics Team. Congratulations to all who were selected. They will now progress to the Queensland School’s Athletics Championships to be held in early Term 4. Well done boys!

Kind regards,
Damien McLuskie
Director of Sport

SBC RODEO

The 2025 St Brendan’s College Aussie Gold Rodeo was a resounding success, attracting record attendance and delivering an unforgettable evening of competition, entertainment, and community connection.

Held on the College grounds, the event showcased the strength and spirit of the SBC community. Despite a brief power interruption, the College’s property team responded swiftly and professionally, ensuring the night continued with minimal disruption.

St Brendan’s College extends its sincere thanks to the local community for its ongoing support. The enthusiasm and energy from attendees helped create a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the heart of the event.

SBC RESULTS

The boys also represented the College strongly in the APRA Main Rodeo...

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Leahy family, who have consistently supported our rodeo year after year—both in the lead-up and on the day of the event. Their dedication, reliability, and community spirit make them an integral part of our rodeo, and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing contribution.

Above being valued Platinum Sponsors, the Leahy's invest countless hours behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Whether it’s setting up, coordinating, or pitching in wherever needed, their efforts go far beyond sponsorship—they truly live and breathe the SBC rodeo spirit.

This year’s event presented its fair share of challenges, yet the Leahy family, along with our team of volunteers and staff, pulled together with resilience, teamwork, and true community spirit. Their unwavering commitment is a shining example of what makes this event so special—not just a rodeo, but a celebration of community coming together.

FROM THE LIBRARY

Thank you everyone who participated and helped celebrate Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Week. 

This year’s theme was Book an Adventure!   

We had an enjoyable week, and it was great to see students participating in the activities: make & test your catapult, freestyle clay, life-size boardgame, Minecraft challenge, morse code, map creations, and travel passports around the library.  And of course our reading awards, costumes, and cake.

Congratulations to our ‘Top Borrowers’ !!   

Middle School Reading Awards

1. Thys Van Rooyen  (Year 8)
2. Cooper Thorogood  (Year 7)
3. Henry Roberts  (Year 7)

Honourable Mentions:  Christopher Dingle  (Year 7)

Senior School Reading Awards

1. Fynn Lewis  (Year 10)
2. Eli Bennett  (Year 11)
3.  Victor Comisky, Nicholas Haigh, Sam Clements, Jett Hole

New Illustrator Award

Campbell Duggan  (Year 9)

Encouragement Awards: We see you reading!

• Thys Van Rooyen  (Year 8)
• Charlie Wease  (Year 9)
• Riley Skelton   (Year 9)

Thank you to everyone who got creative with costumes !!  

You are amazing and helped create a lot of smiles, which added to the day.

Best dressed:

1. Riley Skelton – Billie Joe Armstrong
2. Lachlan Absolon & Kelvin Asai – Ned & Dan Kelly
3. Kaleb Asmussen – Fierce Deity Link

Honourable Mention

Rawlee Opperman – Willy Wonka

A very special thanks to Miss Harth for all her help, creativity, and coordinating the activities!!

The 2026 Book Week theme has been announced:   ‘Symphony of Stories’

BATTLE OF THE BANDS SUCCESS

Lost Cargo has taken out first place at the CQ All Schools Battle of the Bands 2025, after joining 10 other schools to create an amazing evening of music and entertainment.Band Members:

• William Lees – Vocals
• Charlie Strugnell – Electric Guitar
• Ashton Ryan – Drums
• Jesse Emery – Electric Guitar
• Toby Simpkins – Bass Guitar

Lost Cargo will be interviewed on Triple M and will perform at Singapore Sizzle Down Under on Saturday, 11 October 2025 at 2:00 PM. Judges’ Awards were presented to:

• William Lees – Vocals
• Charlie Strugnell – Electric Guitar

We extend our sincere thanks to Mr Jack Ingram, Head of Music, and the entire Music Department for their dedication in preparing these students for such a high-calibre performance .A huge thank you also to Mr Jorgensen, who was supported by Mr Mabo and Mr O’Connor, along with all our Technical Production Crew : Joshua Balanay, Oliver Bennett, Joshua Malcolm, Lachlan Malcolm, Riley Upham, Mac Watts, Aston Whyte, and Kayden Wilkins, for their outstanding work supporting the event. This was an excellent opportunity for these students to put their skills to the test, and they delivered with professionalism and precision. Well done!

CHESS

This term, St Brendan’s chess players travelled to Rockhampton Grammar School to take part in the annual Schools Chess Competition.

With more than 250 students from across the district competing, it was a lively and challenging day of chess. St Brendan’s entered two teams of four players, along with two students who competed in the individual division. While results were a mix of wins, losses, and the occasional draw—placing us out of contention for the top prizes this time—our boys gave it their all and showed great spirit.

For three of our students, it was their very first taste of regional competition. Once the initial nerves wore off, they quickly found their rhythm and embraced the challenge. By the final round, all agreed it had been a fun and rewarding experience.

A big part of the day’s enjoyment came from catching up with familiar faces and rivals from other schools, which is always a highlight for our players. Looking ahead, the boys are already planning plenty of practice in Term 4 as they build towards the 2026 competition season.

A special thank you goes to Mr Michael Jensen for accompanying the team on the day. His calm, encouraging support was greatly appreciated by the boys.

Careers

QTAC applications for university entry in Queensland for 2026 are now open. All Year 12 students aiming to start university in Queensland next year must apply through QTAC (the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre). The QTAC application system allows you to apply to up to 17 institutions with a single application by listing your course preferences. All students who are eligible for an ATAR have been added to a dedicated QTAC TEAM to access webinars, information on scholarships, accommodation, and open days, please ask your son about this TEAM.

For students considering universities outside Queensland, applications must be made through the respective state's University Admissions Centre (e.g., UAC for NSW, VTAC for Victoria).

Applicants should monitor QTAC and university websites for key dates, supporting document requirements, and any course-specific criteria.

How to apply

Here are six steps to applying with QTAC: 

1. Research Courses: Explore and research the courses you’re interested in, including their entry requirements, prerequisites, and any additional admission criteria.
2. Create a QTAC Account: Register for a QTAC account online, where you can manage your application, track your progress, and receive updates.
3. Choose Preferences: Select up to six course preferences in order of your most desired to least desired course. Ensure you meet the prerequisites for each course.
4. Complete the Application: Fill out the online application form, providing all necessary personal details, academic records, and any supporting documentation.
5. Submit your Application: Submit your application and pay your application fee to ensure your application is processed. Payment can usually be made online through the QTAC portal.
6. Monitor Your Application: Keep an eye on your QTAC account for updates, offers, and any additional steps you may need to take, such as responding to offers or providing additional information.

Key Application Links

• Application Services (QTAC):
  Use the QTAC Application Services portal to create your account, submit your application, manage course preferences, upload documents, and respond to offers. Review guidance on navigating the QTAC portal and check troubleshooting FAQs if needed. 
• Events & Open Days:
  Explore the QTAC Events page for 2025 university, TAFE, and training open days across Queensland. These events offer opportunities to tour campuses, attend information sessions, and ask questions directly to staff. qtac
• Fees:
  QTAC application fees and other important financial information can be found on the Fees page. Note deadlines, as application fees increase after 30 September 2025 (from $70 to $150 for late applications). 

ATAR Registration Requirement

All students aiming to receive an ATAR must register through the official QTAC ATAR Portal. This account registration is essential, as it is the only way your ATAR will be released to you on 18 December 2025. Make sure to set up your account in advance, using a personal email address you will have access to after graduating school.

For further guidance please email careers@sbc.qld.edu.au

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

Regional Visits

We are coming to ROMA, CHARLEVILLE AND QUILPIE!! We would love to catch up with you there!

DONATIONS PLEASE!

Our horse riding club is growing, and with more riders comes the need for more gear. If you have any old stock or fender saddles in safe, working condition that you no longer use, we would love to give them a new home. Saddles are a big expense, so your donation would make a huge difference to our riders.

Pick Up and Drop Off

A reminder that the following procedures are in place for the drop off and collection of students

Learning Support

Tuckshop

College App

Android download is available by CLICKING HERE.

Apple user download is available by CLICKING HERE.

Timetable

Study Groups & Clubs

Term 3 Date Claimers

The 2025 College calendar is available to support your planning.

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

Old Boys Foundation

Community

R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).

Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith?  Do you know someone who is interested in becoming a Catholic?  Are you a lapsed Catholic, feeling a yearning to "return Home"?  R.C.I.A. is active in the Capricorn Coast Catholic Parish. 

For more information please contact the Parish Office on 49336171 or Sue on 0447742484.  

Valued Sponsors