19 June 2025
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From the Pen of the Principal
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Semester 2 Staff Update
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Teaching, Learning & Innovation
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Sport
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We Will Rock You!
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Music
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Year 12 Students Take to the Water
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Art
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Careers
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From the Library
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Sunset Tour
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Learning Support
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Parent Information Evening
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Rodeo
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Tuckshop
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College App
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Timetable
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Study Groups & Clubs
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Regional Visits
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Term 3 Date Claimers
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Old Boys Foundation
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Employment Opportunity
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Volleyball Camp
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Community
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Valued Sponsors
From the Pen of the Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians
As we approach the final week of term, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the entire St Brendan’s community for another wonderful semester of learning, growth, and shared experience. From the highs of achievement in academics, sport, and the arts, to walking alongside one another through the more challenging moments of life including illness, disappointment, and even tragedy, we continue this journey as an extended family. Thank you, once again, for the part you play, whether large or small, in supporting our College community.
This week, many of you would be aware that the College has embarked on what can only be described as a once in a generation opportunity. This initiative will bring significant value not only to St Brendan’s College but also to St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie. Attached is a letter from EREA Colleges that was sent out earlier in the week.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish our First XIII the very best as they prepare for the upcoming Confraternity Carnival, to be held in Rockhampton over the holidays. We extend our sincere thanks to The Cathedral College for hosting this event, which takes a full year of planning and coordination. The Confraternity Carnival is a wonderful celebration of schoolboy rugby league and continues to embody the true spirit of competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.
As we conclude a busy and rewarding semester, I wish everyone a safe and restorative mid-year break. Thank you for being part of our journey.
Warmest regards,
Rob Corboy
Thank you
Semester 2 Staff Update
As you may recall, last October I wrote to advise that Edmund Rice Education Australia Colleges Ltd (EREAC) and Townsville Catholic Education (TCE) had commenced discussions on the potential transfer of school governance and operational responsibility for St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie, to EREAC. EREAC is the national parent entity for St Brendan’s College Yeppoon and 17 other similar Catholic Colleges across Australia.
Since that time, EREAC has been involved in a due diligence process and has been supported by St Brendan’s College Principal, Mr Rob Corboy. Mr Corboy has been instrumental in supporting the EREA Colleges team in Brisbane throughout this process, contributing significant insight from his time as Principal of St Teresa’s from 2014.
A key part of this process was to also explore the potential for new partnerships between St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon and St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie - which is also a Catholic boys’ boarding school. EREAC views this as a very exciting time and opportunity for both colleges to explore future partnership opportunities.
As Term 2 draws to a close, I wanted to update you on this process and to advise that EREAC and TCE are now progressing towards finalising approvals for the transfer of St Teresa’s College to EREAC with effect from 2026. This process must follow established canonical and regulatory processes but we hope to finalise these approvals over coming weeks.
As part of this work going forward, EREA Colleges Ltd has offered Mr Corboy the opportunity to take on a new Executive Principal role overseeing both St Brendan’s and St Teresa’s following the transfer. This Executive Principal model is used in a range of government and non-government school settings across Australia and we believe it will offer new opportunities and leadership depth for both colleges.
Both schools will continue to operate as individual schools, however, this opportunity is timely for St Brendan’s given that the campus is at capacity following strong growth over recent years while at this time St Teresa’s has spare boarding and day student capacity.
The St Brendan’s College leadership team and School Advisory Council have been very supportive of EREAC exploring this proposal and the new opportunities that it presents for both colleges.
Throughout Semester 2, Mr Corboy will support the transition process for St Teresa’s, while continuing to lead St Brendan’s from his new role as an Executive Principal. Over the course of the next six months, he will share his time between Yeppoon and Abergowrie, continuing to lead and shape St Brendan’s. In particular, Mr Corboy will join with the community for all end of year events including Year 12 celebrations.
I can assure you that through this process we have been very mindful of the need to support the ongoing stability and outstanding learning and teaching at St Brendan’s. With that in mind and with Mr Corboy stepping up into the new Executive Principal role across both schools from 2026, a small number of staffing changes will occur commencing from Semester 2, 2025:
- Mr Robert Corboy will be appointed to a new role of Executive Principal. Mr Corboy will support
the transition process during the course of Semester 2, 2025, sharing time between Yeppoon &
Abergowrie. From 2026, Mr Corboy will have oversight of both Colleges from 2026 and divide his
time between Yeppoon and Abergowrie. From that time, Mr Corboy as Executive Principal, will be
responsible for the operations of both Colleges while supported by excellent leadership teams at
both locations. - Mr Paul Horan will act as Campus Principal at St Brendan’s College. Mr Horan will step into this new
role and will assume greater leadership responsibility at St Brendan’s. Mr Horan has been at St
Brendan’s since 1999 and is very well known to students, staff and the wider St Bredan’s community. - Mr Jonathan Gill will act as Deputy Principal at St Brendan’s College. Mr Gill has been at St
Brendan’s since 2015 and most recently has filled the position of Assistant Principal Middle School.
This new leadership opportunity acknowledges his significant contribution.
I congratulate Mr Corboy, Mr Horan and Mr Gill on their respective appointments. These are exciting career
opportunities for these impressive school leaders and I invite you to join with me in congratulating them. Mr
Corboy will advise of other staff appointments in the lead up to Semester 2.
EREAC believes that St Teresa’s College will strengthen our network of Catholic schools across Queensland.
The College is nearing its centenary with a proud history of students and staff making significant
contributions to communities across Queensland and beyond.
The expanded St Brendan’s leadership team will keep you updated over coming months as we lead into 2026.
We greatly appreciate your ongoing support of St Brendan’s College and for your interest in this new and
important work to expand the mission and reach of education in the Edmund Rice Tradition. Should you
have questions about these changes, please contact St Brendan’s College or ereac@erea.edu.au
Sincerely
Chris Woolley
Chief Executive
Edmund Rice Education Australia Colleges Ltd
Teaching, Learning & Innovation
As the term draws to a close, I would like to thank all members of the community for what has been another busy and productive term. I hope that students are feeling a sense of pride in their efforts and achievements, both in and outside the classroom.
Please note the following information regarding upcoming reports and parent-teacher interviews:
- Semester 1 Academic Reports will be released via Student Café and Parent Lounge by 3:00 pm on Friday, 27 June. These reports provide a summary of student progress and performance across all subject areas, along with feedback to support continued growth.
- Parent-Teacher Teams Interviews will be held on Tuesday, 15 July from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. School will conclude at 1:15 pm on this day, with the library remaining open for students who are waiting for buses or collection. This will be a great opportunity to discuss your son’s progress in Semester 1 and plan for ongoing improvement in Semester 2.
Supporting information for reports and parent-teacher interviews will be emailed home next Friday, 27 June.
Wishing all students and families a safe and restful break.
Kind regards,
Peter Reddy
Assistant Principal
Teaching, Learning & Innovation
Sport
Term 2 has come to a close with the culmination of our Basketball and Soccer seasons. It has been a busy term which has also included our Interhouse Cross Country and Athletics carnivals, AFL, the start of the Dolphin’s Challenge/Cup seasons and preparations for the upcoming Confraternity carnival. After the holidays we will turn our attention to the RDSSRL season where we will have 16 teams competing across all divisions.
Basketball
During week 8 our Open B team hosted RSHS in their grand final. It was a tough contest with both teams playing an expansive brand of Basketball. After a big come back in the second half from our boys led by Bob Clifton in defence and Genamai and Ben hustling the attack, it looked like going down to the wire, however RSHS were able to hold their nerve coming out on top with a 5 point win 57 - 52. Congratulations to Ben Vaughan who was awarded our MVP for the match.
We had a total of 6 teams competing this year with 5 out of the 6 progressing through to the semi-final stage of the competition. Congratulations to all players on their performances throughout the season and thank you to the coaching staff - Miss Ryan, Mr Cooper, Mrs Sampson, Mr Cullen, Mr Slade, Mrs Carroll and Mr Ryan for their generosity in giving up their time to provide our teams with the opportunity to participate.

Soccer
Our soccer season was a success with our 9/10A and Open A teams hosting RGS in their respective grand finals. Both teams went into the game with confidence after recording some impressive results throughout the season.
The senior game was hotly contested with both teams failing to hit the scoreboard after some good chances in the first half. The second half started much the same way until RGS found the back of the net with a freakish strike from outside the box which ultimately sealed the victory 1 – 0. Congratulations to Piotr Kalecinski who was awarded our player of the match.
Our juniors hit the ground running taking a 1 – 0 lead into half time after a dominant first half. However, RGS came out all guns blazing in the second half to level the score 1 – 1 after a penalty shot. They maintained the momentum for the remainder of the game, scoring another late goal to secure the win 2 – 1. Adisorn Kaeonakhun was recognised as our player of the match after playing a great game.
In addition to our two grand finalists our Junior team progressed through to the semi final stage of the competition. Well done boys!
Thank you to Mr Dash, Mr Williams and Mr Hodgins for their commitment throughout the soccer season.

Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 4th June played host to the annual Interhouse Athletics Carnival where the might of Tynan took on Gettons, Hayes and Duhig in the quest for athletics supremacy. We were greeted by perfect conditions which resulted in a number of records being broken throughout the course of the program.
Congratulations to:
- Taj Swift, breaking the 12 years 1500m record with a time of 5:18.00. Taj also re-wrote history in the 800m event with a new time of 2:33.28.
- Zyrhese Law, broke the 13 Years Discus record with a distance of 34.70m.
- Ace Ballantyne, broke the 13 years 800m record with a new time of 2:34.91.
There was plenty of other highlights throughout the day, one of which included Tyler Slater taking out the coveted SBC Gift 100m race for the second year in a row. Another highlight was the fierce rivalry on display in the Interhouse Tug of War event. After a day of intense competition Duhig house were crowned Athletics Champions! Congratulations to Duhig who have claimed their third athletics title in a row.



STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Jackson Booth – England Bound

Year 12 student Jackson Booth will take up a 12 month contract to attend the Steven Gerrard Academy in Liverpool, England where he will play in their Youth league competition.
Jackson has been working towards this goal for a number of years and has been rewarded with this amazing opportunity. In the youth league he will play up to 80 games throughout the season in front of major European clubs where he will be able to showcase his skills in an effort to eventually move into the professional arena.
Congratulations Jackson! We wish you all the best!

Cree Harris
Congratulations to Cree Harris in Year 10, who is set to take his soccer career to the next level! Cree has accepted a 12-month contract with the Sunshine Coast Football Club – UK Academy, based in Shrewsbury, England.
He will be heading to the UK on 28 July to compete in the 18’s Premium League. This is a fantastic opportunity, and we are incredibly proud of his achievement.
Morgan Bridgeman

Year 11 student Morgan Bridgeman has had a busy couple of months in the show jumping competitions in our region. He recently rode two horses in the Interschool Queensland competition in the 90cm class where he finished 5th overall. In the 100cm class he placed 3rd and 4th with his two horses.
Earlier in the year at the Wide Bay Interschools competition Morgan placed 1st in the 90cm class and 1st and 3rd in the 100cm class.
At the Pony Club Queensland Championships Morgan was awarded the Reserve State Champion in the 90cm show jumping class. Congratulations Morgan! Some amazing results.
10 - 12 Years Capricornia AFL Representation

Year 7 students Gabe Walsh and Federico Muir represented the Capricornia region last week at the 10-12 Queensland School AFL Championships. The team had wins against Northern region and Peninsula which were highlights of their carnival. Congratulations boys!
13 - 15 Years Capricornia Touch Football Representation

Kobe Miller (Yr 9) and Ashley Earnshaw (Yr 10) recently returned from the 13-15yrs Queensland Touch Football Championships held Brisbane where they represented the
Capricornia region. After a gruelling week of games their team finished 5th overall. Congratulations boys!
Throughout the carnival Ashley performed consistently and was rewarded with selection in the U15 Queensland team and will contest the national championships in Victoria during October. Well done Ashley!
Kind regards,
Damien McLuskie
Director of Sport

We Will Rock You!
We are excited to finally bring you the highly anticipated musical 'We Will Rock You', a spectacular show, set to bring the unforgettable hits of Queen to life on stage! Over six months in preparation with dazzling performances, incredible live music, and a storyline full of energy, this is an experience you won’t want to miss with four shows from Friday 25 July 2025 - Saturday 2 August 2025
The cast and crew have been working tirelessly to bring this iconic musical to the stage, and the result is sure to be a thrilling and unforgettable performance. From legendary songs like Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You, to the powerful story of rebellion and rock ‘n’ roll, this musical promises to be an absolute hit for audiences of all ages.
Tickets for the show are now available for purchase, so be sure to grab yours before they sell out! This is the perfect opportunity to support our talented students while enjoying a high-energy, family-friendly event that will have you tapping your feet and singing along. Whether you're a Queen fan or new to their music, 'We Will Rock You' will take you on a musical journey that’s guaranteed to excite and entertain.
Don’t miss out on this amazing experience! Purchase your tickets today and get ready to rock out with us in early Term 3—this is one musical you won’t want to miss!

ARE YOU READY TO BE ROCKED?
BOOK YOUR SEATS NOW VIA THE LINK BELOW
Music
LUNCH TIME CONCERTS
The lunch hour isn’t just for eating anymore! At our music department, we’ve completely redefined your midday break with a dynamic lineup of lunchtime concerts that became a true highlight of the term. These performances featured an incredible range of musical styles—from the smooth country stylings of Darius Rucker to the electrifying rock anthems of Metallica—showcasing the depth and diversity of our talented students.
From acoustic folk to thrashing guitar solos, these concerts weren’t just a treat for the ears—they were a celebration of musical variety and expression. Whether you’re into soulful ballads, gritty rock, or something in between, there was something for everyone, regardless of what’s usually on your playlist.
As the term wraps up, we look back with admiration for the young men who took their first steps into the public performance arena and turned an ordinary break into an exciting musical experience. But wait, there is always more and next term promises even more genre-crossing, crowd-pleasing moments. See you at the next show!





MUSIC TOUR TO JAPAN

A huge congratulations to Jesse Emery and Ashton Ryan for being selected to represent the college as part of the prestigious Central Queensland Music Ensemble! These talented musicians will be heading to Japan over the holidays to perform at the World Expo, showcasing their skills at the Australian Pavilion. This is an incredible opportunity and a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for music. We are so proud of Jesse and Ashton and can't wait to hear about their experiences on this exciting international stage. Best of luck on your musical journey in Japan!

CONGRATULATIONS WILLIAM CAMPBELL
A round of applause for William Campbell, who has been selected once again for his exceptional musical talent on trombone to participate in the prestigious Australian Army Band's music work experience program. Only 5 from hundreds of applicants from across the country are selected for this honour. This incredible opportunity will allow William to work alongside some of the country's finest musicians, gaining invaluable experience and insight into professional military music. His dedication to his craft has truly paid off, and we couldn’t be more excited for him as he embarks on this amazing journey.
Year 12 Students Take to the Water
Year 12 Aquatic Practices Students Achieve Marine Licence
As part of the Year 12 Aquatic Practices curriculum at St Brendan’s College, students have recently completed training and assessment to attain their Recreational Marine Driver Licence (boat licence) and Personal Watercraft License (jet ski licence). This achievement reflects the curriculum’s focus on developing real-world marine skills, safety knowledge, and responsible boating practices. Throughout the program, students engaged in both theory and practical components, gaining hands-on experience in vessel operation, navigation, and emergency response procedures. Importantly, this experience also encouraged students to become responsible users of our local aquatic environments, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and respectful marine stewardship. Congratulations to our Year 12 students on achieving this valuable milestone—one that enhances their academic journey while preparing them for safe and informed participation in Queensland’s waterways.




Art
Building on the success of their Term 1 project—creating wire crab sculptures—students had a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of sculpture when renowned local artist Brendon Tohill visited the College on Wednesday, 11 June. Brendon is widely recognised for his impressive public artworks, including the iconic soldier crabs at Lammermoor Beach, the whimsical octopus lounging on a park bench in Yeppoon's main street, and numerous other striking pieces found throughout the region.
During his visit, Brendon engaged Year 10 and Year 12 Art students in an enriching discussion about the diverse processes involved in creating sculptures. He shared insights into his artistic journey, techniques, and the challenges and rewards of working specifically with bronze.
The highlight of the day was a hands-on demonstration of bronze casting. Equipped with his own professional tools, Brendon guided students through the complex and fascinating process of bronze pouring. Under his supervision—and wearing appropriate protective gear—the students were able to mimic the processes involved in melting and pouring bronze. This practical session offered students a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship behind professional metalwork.
It was an inspiring and memorable experience that left a lasting impression on all who participated, enriching their appreciation of sculpture as both an art form and a technical skill.




Art On Display
Step into a world of imagination at the College Gallery, now transformed by the incredible artistic efforts of our students. This term’s vibrant exhibition features a striking collection of handcrafted masks, where Year 7 students were challenged to "find the animal within"—blending personal identity with the spirit of the natural world through creative expression.
Alongside these powerful pieces are heartfelt portraits and evocative "scenes from home," each one offering a unique window into the minds and experiences of our young artists.
The exhibition will remain open until the middle of next term, and we warmly invite parents and families to visit the Gallery and celebrate the remarkable talent and insight on display.



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.
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
From the Library
Check your student email for this message and reply with your Name and Year Level to register and get ready to start the QLD Premier’s Reading Challenge
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.
Write down the titles of each book you complete on your individual record form and hand them into the library.
You can download the form HERE
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
- Graphic Novels, Comic Books & Manga
- 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.
Elizabeth Varley
Librarian
Sunset Tour
Do you know anyone interested in enrolling at St Brendan's College? Let them know about our upcoming Sunset Tour. Book your place via the link below.

Learning Support

Parent Information Evening

Rodeo

Tuckshop


College App
Android download is available by CLICKING HERE.
Apple user download is available by CLICKING HERE.

Timetable

Study Groups & Clubs

Regional Visits
COUNTRY DINNER BOOKING LINKS
Darwin and Katherine
RSVP HERE by 8:00pm 10 July 2025
Roma, Quilpie and Charleville
RSVP HERE by 8:00pm 6 September 2025

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

Employment Opportunity
School Administration / Receptionist (Leave Cover & Casual Support)
We are seeking a warm, organised, and efficient Administration / Receptionist to join our school team for a 5-week leave cover, with the potential for ongoing casual support.
Duration:
- Initial contract: 5 weeks (leave coverage)
- Start date: 21 July 2025
- Ongoing: Casual support as required
Key Responsibilities:
- Front desk reception duties – greeting visitors, staff and students
- Managing phone calls and emails
- General administration tasks
- Supporting daily school operations
Who We are Looking For:
- A friendly and welcoming person who is the face of our school
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Ability to multitask in a dynamic school environment
- Experience in a school setting is highly desirable
- Familiarity with TASS (The Alpha School System) or other databases is a strong advantage
This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a supportive team in a vibrant school community.
To apply: Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to Anne Campbell, HR Manager by 20 June 2025.
Volleyball Camp

Community






Valued Sponsors
