Dear Families/Carers

On Monday, 12 August, I had the privilege of attending the installation of the new Archbishop of Hobart, Most Reverend Anthony John Ireland, at St Mary’s Cathedral. The special Mass, attended by nearly 600 people—including bishops, clergy, and lay representatives from across the country—was a deeply spiritual and moving occasion. To stand alongside other leaders and witness such a significant moment in the life of our Church was both humbling and uplifting.

As a Catholic community, we now look forward with great anticipation to welcoming Archbishop Anthony to our own Confirmation Mass on Sunday 24 August at 9.30 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. His motto, “Confirm, Strengthen, Support,” taken from 1 Peter 5:10, speaks beautifully of the God of Grace who confirms, strengthens, and supports those called in Jesus Christ.

Last week also offered a joyful reminder of the gifts and talents of our young people. On Thursday, St Brendan’s Shaw College opened its production of Legally Blonde, featuring many of our former students. It was a delight to watch them shine on stage—growing in confidence, finding their voices, and sharing their passion.

Moments like these remind us that every child brings their unique gifts—whether through learning, kindness, creativity, sport, or the arts. When children are encouraged to pursue what excites and inspires them, they flourish in resilience, joy, and confidence. As parents and educators, we are privileged to walk alongside them, celebrating each child’s journey and the many ways they shine.

I would also like to thank our community for your understanding during this term, when many staff and students have been unwell. Securing relief teachers is often a challenge, and I am grateful for the dedicated staff who step in to ensure routines and programs continue smoothly. Their flexibility, organisation, and commitment to working together is deeply appreciated.

Finally, a reminder to keep checking COMPASS for updates and messages. If you experience any difficulties, please don’t hesitate to contact our fantastic administration team, who are always happy to help.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Yours in partnership,

Charlene Best
Principal

INSIGHT - CogLearn Coaching

Rachel Ruhle from CogLearn visited our school on Tuesday, 12th August, to work with our staff and observe our teachers in action. Rachel spent time observing our staff during InitiaLit and Spelling Mastery sessions and provided feedback to those teachers on areas of celebration, growth and development. Rachel also modelled a Spelling Mastery lesson for staff to observe her practice. Rachel will be returning to SHU this term on Tuesday, 2nd September. Our teachers look forward to refining their practice further through this supportive coaching model.

1/2 Quokkas have had an action-packed term filled with creativity and adventure! We've been diving into the novel Nim's Island and enjoying every moment of the journey. Inspired by Nim’s resourceful lifestyle, we recreated her island in our classroom corner, had a visit to the beach, baked bread from scratch just like Nim does, and even created an erupting volcano. It’s been a term full of imagination, hands-on learning, and lots of fun!

As part of our PBS and celebrating success, staff look to catch our students actioning our school values of being Compassionate - Honest - Inclusive - Grateful - Sustainable.

Congratulations to our Heart Reward recipients:

• Harriet, Gracie, Evie, Aaliyah, Tilly, Poppy, Lachie, Hayley, Caitlyn, Drew

As a reward for their kind gestures, these students enjoyed an afternoon surprise with Mrs Best and Ms Richards.

Congratulations to Coen, Hunter and Leo, who were recognised in the Ulverstone Robins U/12 Best & Fairest 2025.

Join us on Wednesday 3rd September in the Link Area for a light breakfast and prayer to celebrate our dads and father figures for Father's Day. 

Playing in the Playground After School:

Please, parents, ensure you supervise your children after school hours while on the school grounds. It is important that we continue to work together to ensure that our expectations for behaviour align with our PBS Matrix and that we model appropriate adult behaviour. 

Medical Condition Updates:

If students have updated Medical conditions could parents please notify the school office by sending an email to shu@catholic.tas.edu.au stating 'Update regarding students Medical Condition' as its imperative that the school is aware of a medical condition that your child may have.

End of Day collection changes:

Please advise the office by phone or by emailing by 2.15pm of any change to pick up arrangements for your child . Thank you for your support.

Have you registered yet?

Our school is undertaking a wellbeing focus on anxiety through the implementation of 'The Anxiety Project' (TAP), a two year journey. Anxiety affects many families and we feel that it is part of our role as the education provider for our students to help equip teachers, students and families to understand anxiety and the role adults can play in reducing its impact on young people.

Students from Prep-Grade 6 have now commenced their TAP lessons. We encourage all parents to engage their children in conversations about their learning in this area and to consider attending one of our TAP Parent Information offerings detailed below.

For those parents who would like to know more about anxiety, and supports for their families, who are unable to attend the TAP Child Development Course you are invited to register for...

We look forward to working together during this journey!

Join eSafety's free 45 minute live webinars for parents and carers. 

For more information and to register visit: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars 

Our school canteen is requiring volunteers for Term 3 on a Friday from 9am -11.30am.

If you have a current WWVP card and would like to volunteer please contact the school office.