St Brendan-Shaw College

St Brendan-Shaw College is a College for Students in grades 7-12. It is located in Devonport on the North-West Coast of Tasmania in Australia. The college has around about 600 students.

History

Catholic Education in the region was commenced in 1889 by the Sisters of St Joseph who provided primary and secondary education in Devonport and Ulverstone.

In 1960, on the James Street site, the Christian Brothers established St Brendan's College for boys.

In 1969 Shaw College, for girls, was established adjacent to St Brendan's College. Shaw College was administered by the Sisters of St Joseph. The College was named after Fr Shaw who was the first Parish Priest of Devonport.

By agreement between the two Colleges a certain degree of co-instruction was arranged at Years 9 and 10.

In 1972, by agreement of the Archdiocese, the Christian Brothers and the Sisters of St Joseph, Devonport Regional Catholic College Board of Management was established to provide financial management for the two Colleges.

In 1981 the two Colleges were merged to form St Brendan-Shaw College, a co-educational College.

In July 1989, the Archbishop of Hobart, Dr E D'Arcy, granted permission for the introduction of Years 11 and 12 classes in 1990.

St Brendan-Shaw College now offers full Catholic Secondary Education from Years 7 - 12. Together with the primary schools, K – 12 Catholic education is provided for all young people in the region.

The Governing Council became operational in 1996 after the Constitutions were formally signed and accepted by Archbishop, Dr E D'Arcy, in 1995.

About St Brendan-Shaw College

St Brendan-Shaw College is situated in Devonport on the North-West coast of Tasmania. The College has many vistas from its 7 hectare campus including sea, beaches, cityscape, farmland, estuaries and highlands. North of the plateau on which the College stands is Bass Strait. To the west is the estuary of the Don River, one of the first sites of European settlement on the north-west coast. To the east is the Mersey River and a view of the northern coastline to the mouth of the Tamar River and beyond. The southern outlook is of the central highlands, including Mt Roland and Black Bluff.

The campus is a twenty five minute walk from the central city area of Devonport, the north-west coast's major city. The College chapel occupies the highest point on the campus which is mostly 50 metres above sea level. This is also the highest point of the main built up area of the city.

The region is one Australia's most productive agriculturally, with many manufacturing industries based on this produce and other raw materials from the region.

The College draws its students from a radius of more than 50 kilometres around Devonport.

St Brendan-Shaw College is a co-educational college.

College Houses

The College has four Houses:

Dillon (Green)

Dillon is named after Br Patrick Dillon, the first principal of St Brendan's College.

Head of House- Rosalie McDonald

Griffin (Blue)

Griffin takes its name from Fr Griffin, Parish Priest of Devonport in 1960, the year Catholic Education began on the current James St site.

Head of House- Anton Bezemer

Lyons (Red)

Lyons takes its name from Joseph Lyons, Australia's only Tasmanian Prime Minister and his wife, Dame Enid Lyons, the first woman member of the Federal parliament.

Head of House- Peter Stubbs

MacKillop (Gold)

MacKillop takes its name from Mary MacKillop, co-founder of the Sisters of St Joseph.

Head of House- Gavin Hicks

Principals Message

St Brendan-Shaw College continues to welcome students from the North West region centred on Devonport, as part of the Mersey-Leven Catholic Parish.

Our attention to the provision of good opportunities for young people has a visible expression in the recent physical developments. As well as the physical resources we endeavour to provide good human resources (all staff) and a good place for learning (our classes and relationships).

The attention given to a developed Pastoral Care model, based on Home Rooms, has brought improvement. Another great energy is being invested in our Learning and Teaching programme, as we strive to provide the best for the new era. Our continual efforts to improve our teachers and students, within approved guidelines, ensures vitality in our education.

As a year 7 – 12 College, we are uniquely placed to provide consistency, flexibility, and opportunities, and we look forward to sharing with families, the education of young people. We do love to see and hear about students who strive to be better!

Our aim is for every student to enjoy, to learn, to feel safe, and to have many rich experiences here – in our vibrant community.

John’s Gospel (10:10) “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full”.

Principal- Frank Rice.

Assistant Principal- Frank Pisano.

Assistant Principal- Helen Williams.

Famous Footballers

Hawthorn AFL footballer Grant Birchall.

Also AFL Footballers Jade Rawlings, Brady Rawlings and Matthew Richardson.