St Patrick's College Mackay Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 9 - 8 December 2023

This is our last newsletter for the year. It has been a privilege for me to lead the College this past year and I look forward to serving and working again in 2024 together with our Leadership Team. Our Year 11 students have stepped into the role of Seniors and all leadership positions have been finalised. I would like to introduce our 2024 Student Leaders.

The elected Students Council Members are;

College Captains

Committee Chairs – Senior Campus

House Captains – Senior Campus

House Captains – Mercy Campus

Committee Chairs – Mercy Campus

Homeroom Captains – Mercy Campus

I look forward to working with all in 2024.

Important Dates:

Commencement Date 2024:

Monday 22 January 2024 - 8:30am - Year 7, Year 11 and new Year 8 to 10 Students
Tuesday 23 January 2024 - 8:30am - All students
Thursday 8 February 2024 - Opening Mass

Year 7 Orientation Day
It was a pleasure to welcome over 200 Year 6 students from our district schools to our Orientation Day held on Thursday 23 November. We welcome each and every one of you to our St Patrick’s community and look forward to seeing you back at the Mercy Campus on Monday 22 January 2024!

College Office

The office closes Friday 8 December 2023 and will reopen on Monday 15 January 2024. If you have any queries during the time the office is closed, please email: spcm_enquiries@rok.catholic.edu.au and staff will get back to you.

Academic Awards for Students in Year 11 2023
Congratulations to the many awardees recognised at our Annual Awards Ceremony held to celebrate the achievements of our Year 11 students. We hope that these awards will serve as encouragement for them to continue to work hard as they complete their final year of school in 2024. Thank you to the Administration team for their organisation of the evening.

Marist Sisters’ Award for Academic Effort Recipients:
Robert Dodds, Emma-Lea Finch, Sienna Mayer, Sienna Norris, Kim Octubre, Aengus Saji, Nathan Swanepoel, Harper Theiber, Asha Voll and Kayli Vormister.

Christian Brothers’ Award for Academic Merit Recipients:
Will Albert, Nyah Anderson, Yannick Atta, Angus Blackburn, George Borg, Jacee Borg, Sophie Cameron, Anthea Campbell, Seana Christensen, Brielle Contor, Zed Cousen, Harper Ford, Lucas Galea, Jesse Gibson, William Graham, Connor Griffiths, Campbell Grisan-Hodges, Lilly Hansen, Sharkira Hayward, Bryn Henson, Shelbi Heywood, Mitchell Hicks, Sarina Hooper, Alexandra Illguth, Amelia Jasch, Zac Jesinowski, Jessica Kelleher, Charles Lott, Jessika Maley, Adam Matsen, Lane Maunder, Harrison Midgley, Kouper Minniecon, Paige Mooney, Evie Muscat, Oscar Naumann, Liam Newbery, Nate Paskins, Sarri Peltonen, Sophie Reilly, Brody Robinson, Cohen Ross, Kooper Shears, Jarrod Shepherd, Victoria Silman, Edward Spicer, Flynn Steindl, Kendra Stewart, Cooper Stingle, Lucette Stinson, Brandon Sweeney, Eeden Thompson, Charles Tickle, Emily Upton, Ella Webb, Ryan Whittington, Kai Wilschut and Lilly Yet Foy.

Christian Brothers’ Award for Academic Excellence Recipients:
Flynn Battaia, Rawley Brough, Hudson Clark, Justis Costigan, Saxon Crofts, Jack Fogarty, Clayton Grech, Daniel Harris, Jack Hinschen, Camden Hopes, Ashton Martin, Reuben Saron, Jack Townsend, Harrison Ziekenheiner and Liam Zurvas.

Marist Sisters’ Award for Academic Effort and Christian Brothers’ Award for Academic Merit Recipients:
Lane Appo, Lana Barnes, Hannah Bettini, Lila Blackburn, Ava Bowtell, Mia Bradford, Jada Cahill, Frances Carroll, Lauren Carroll, Zoe Castelletto, Tasanee Chuadee, David Dogao, Luke Dowden, Charlotte Fagan, Harrison Gauci-Esmond, Jessica Harris, Bellanca (Bellanca Luciya) Hawkins, Mikayla Heaney, Mia Hehir, Kayce Hoani-Vincent, Ella Hoare, Mia Jackson, Ella Kerr, Ruby Lucas, Nikita Mapp, Corey Martin, Aidyn McSherry, Summer Mitchell, Kaden Muscat, Olivia Neale, Ebony Norris, Makayla Phillips, Keely Pitt, Etienne Pretorius, Jake Rickards, Isabella Town and Mackenzie Wotherspoon.

Marist Sisters’ Award for Academic Effort and Christian Brothers’ Award for Academic Excellence Recipients:
Havana Abbott, Maggie Bath. Charli Borg, Mackensie Brown, Arabella Calkin, Ruby Crouch, Flynn Cureton, Mischa Dinsdale, Amy Goode, Tahlia Grima, Taylah Hayles, Beatrize Ilagan, Gabrielle Ipson, Hannah Jensen, Ashlie Macatangay, Bethany McPherson, Isaak Mezzen, Jamison Mifsud, Erin Murphy, Kimberly Ortega, William Radke, Charli Roelandts, Kristen Rowlands, Anthony Sorbello, Katelyn Sturdy, Lily Taylor, Cameron Tomerini, Thao Tran, Lilly Uhr, Alyssa Van Lint, Jhett Vivian, Billy Vogler, Mikayla Webb and Kacee Ziegeler.

Subject Award
Eli Corker Certificate II in Engineering Pathways

Subject Award in conjunction with a Merit or Effort award Recipients:
Billie Little Music
Grace Buhlmann Dance in Practice
Riley Giddy Science in Practice
Hayley Sleeman Aquatic Practices
Nelson Fenlon Certificate I in Construction
Matthew Gakowski Physical Education
Cadence Leonard Certificate II in Hospitality (Food and Beverage)
Chelsea Meigan Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology
Breanna Paskins Business
Thomas Walz Sport and Recreation
Lily Wardrop Drama
Isabella Watkins Certificate III in Laboratory Skills/Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement
Mia Young Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Camryn Zeller Early Childhood Studies

Subject Awards in conjunction with Effort and Excellence Awards Recipients:
Jaymie Clancy Certificate III in Fitness / Certificate II in Sport and Recreation
Rhylea Kynaston Film, Television & New Media
Giam Lim English
Abbey Morris Literature
Evelyn O’Brien Study of Religion
Sarah Worsley Ancient History
Demi Anderson Certificate III in Business/ Certificate II in Tourism / Certificate III in Fitness
Chelsea Bostock Essential English / Essential Mathematics
Thomas Collins General Mathematics / Furnishing Skills
Xavier Grogan Japanese / Mathematical Methods
Molly McKendry Modern History / Biology
Jack Muller Certificate II in Engineering Pathways / Industrial Graphics Skills
Alleixa Pascual Accounting / Legal Studies
Ishka Shepherd Religion & Ethics / Visual Art
Olivia Smyth Design / Food and Nutrition
Melisa Li Chemistry / Literature / Physics / Religion and Ethics / Specialist Mathematics

2023 Thanksgiving Mass
On Friday 24 November, we came together to celebrate our 2023 Thanksgiving Mass on our Mercy Campus. Special thanks to Father Matthias Ogwo, invited guests, parents/guardians, staff and the talented musicians for making this such a memorable occasion.

Even though our Year 10’s have graduated from the Mercy Campus, their journey of education has not finished yet. Most are moving onto our Senior Campus, whilst some are taking opportunities to join the workforce. May their path of further education flourish and may they reach the highest goal possible – to be the best person they can be – to serve others and become active members of the community. To acquire not only knowledge but the acquisition of values and the discovery of truth. May they all continue to cherish and learn from each moment of their live experienced and journey.

Sporting Achievements
Congratulations to the following students and teams on their amazing successes in their respective sporting genres.

Kristen Rowlands Year 11 won Gold in both XCC short course and XCO cross country Junior Women to become the duo Queensland Champion. Won U20 Women’s Cross Duathlon (trail run / MTB) at the 2023 National Multi-cross Sport Championships to be crowned Australian Champ and now qualifies to represent Australia at Worlds in August 2024.

Jonny North and Dustin Morrow with their U13 team took out the minor premiership (finishing on the top of the ladder at the end of the season) and were the grand final winners in the 2023 Under 13’s soccer junior competition. A massive congratulations to all the players - what a team effort!

Kacey Hoani-Vincent won Gold for 16 years women's Pole Vault with a personal best for the 2023 season to date. She will be competing in more Queensland events with the highlight being the Nationals in Perth in December.

God Bless them all and best wishes for 2024.

It is with mixed emotions that I bid you farewell after an incredible 26 years of teaching at Mercy College now St Patrick’s College. As I reflect on this remarkable journey, I am filled with gratitude and nostalgia for the countless memories I have.

When I first stepped through the doors of Mercy College in 1998, little did I know that this community would become not just my workplace, but a second home filled with warmth, passion, and endless possibilities. Over the years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the growth and development of so many students, and it has been a pleasure to be a part of so many lives.

As I move to Lilydale in Victoria for a new chapter of my life - To the parents, thank you for entrusting your children to my care and for being partners in their educational journey. The support and collaboration we've shared have been invaluable, and I am grateful for the trust you placed in me.

The bonds formed with students extend far beyond the academic realm. I've been privileged to witness your growth, celebrate your successes, and provide support during challenging times. These shared experiences have created a tapestry of memories that will forever be etched in my heart.

To the students, past and present, of Mercy College and St Patrick’s College. It has been a joy watching you learn, laugh, and overcome challenges. Each of you has left an indelible mark on myself, and I am confident that your futures are destined for greatness. Remember that education is a lifelong journey, and I hope you continue to embrace knowledge and curiosity wherever life takes you.

To the students who made me smile, chuckle, and sometimes even burst into laughter during the most unexpected moments – thank you. Remember, education is not just about what happens in the classroom; it's about the relationships we build and the moments we share. To the laughter-makers of, may you continue to find joy and humor in all your endeavors.

Teaching high school is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about instilling a love for learning that will accompany students throughout their lives. Witnessing the "aha" moments when a concept clicks, or the pride in a student's eyes when they achieve a goal, is the fuel that keeps the flame of passion burning bright in the heart of every educator.

I am also indebted to many of the staff that I have had the pleasure to work with. Working alongside such a talented and devoted team has been a privilege and a source of inspiration.

As I bid farewell to my role as Deputy Principal, I carry with me a treasure trove of memories and experiences that will forever hold a special place in my heart. The laughter, the challenges, the victories – they are all woven into the fabric of the St Patrick’s College community.

Though I may be leaving the position of Deputy Principal, I am not saying goodbye to the St Patrick’s family. I look forward to remaining connected to this wonderful College and witnessing the continued success and achievements of our students.

Thank you, it has been an extraordinary 26 years. I leave with a profound sense of fulfillment.

Wishing you all continued success, joy, and fulfillment in the years to come.

St Patrick’s students have once again this year demonstrated their commitment to service, engaging in various initiatives that extend a helping hand to those in need. From fundraising for local charities to volunteering their time in the community, our students exemplify the spirit of selflessness that defines true service. Our students continue to carry with them our values of compassion, hope, justice and respect that our college has instilled in them.

As we draw to the end of 2023, we reflect on the year past. This was the first year of the Parent Engagement Committee at St Patrick’s College. We held four (4) information sessions throughout the year and all were very well attended. The feedback received was encouraging that this is the right direction we are headed. We would like to thank Janelle, the College Leadership Team and teachers for offering their time to deliver such informative sessions. The new Parent Engagement format is a great way to find out information, ask questions and be involved in the College community.

In 2024, we will hold another four information sessions. planned and more information will be forthcoming in the new year with dates and topics, so you can lock them into your diary.

If you have any ideas or suggestions, or if you are interested in becoming involved in the St Patrick’s Engagement Committee, please email: SPCM_PandFSecretary@rok.catholic.edu.au.

The Parent Engagement Committee would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, holy and safe Christmas and New Year. We look forward to an exciting 2024.

Gillian Hayles

This year our fundraising efforts went towards supporting the Mackay Hospital Foundation. We held two fundraising events - the Krispy Kreme Drive & Pizzas at Mercy Day. We are very grateful for your support of both of these initiatives. 

We were delighted to be able to present a cheque for the value of $4,500 to Ms Algate from The Mackay Hospital Foundation at our recent assembly. We heard first hand about the valuable work of the foundation and know these are much needed funds. We are very proud to be able to support such a worthy cause.

Thank you again to everyone for supporting the Interact Committee this year.

Senior Campus – Wednesday 24 January 2024
(and any Mercy Campus students who cannot attend on Thursday 25 January 2024)

Mercy Campus – Thursday 25 January 2024
(and any Senior Campus students who were unable to attend on Wednesday 24 January 2024)

Year 11 Certificate II in Hospitality class participated in two Coffee Training Workshops with the Blueprint Careers Development Trainer as part of their current unit of study “SITHFAB005 Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee”. Students are learning to make a range of espresso coffees including short & long black, flat white, ristretto, cappuccino, café latte, macchiato, short macchiato, mocha and piccolo latte. 

An opportunity was given to students to take part in a Hospitality Industry Site Visit at Primal Coffee Roasters in Evans Street, where they saw the coffee bean roasting process and had a coffee tasting.  Next year they will put their skills into practice when they run a coffee shop on the senior campus.

The Queensland History Teachers’ Association (QHTA) invite students from all over the state to participate in an annual historical writing competition. Students from years 7 to 12 are given the opportunity to submit entries for various categories in their respective year levels. In 2023, the QHTA received more than 350 entries from 34 schools in Queensland. 

The St Patrick’s community are immensely proud to announce that Eliza Crimmin received 1st place in Year 12 Ancient History for her submission of an essay investigating Julius Caesar’s role in the breakdown of the Roman Republic. Furthermore, Eliza was the recipient of this year’s R D Milns Award for her outstanding historical research and writing. 

The award was sponsored by Emeritus Professor of Classics and Ancient History R D Milns who retired from the University of Queensland in 2003 after 33 years. In 2007, UQ’s Antiquities Museum was named in his honour to recognise Professor Milns’ dedication to the field. Similarly, the R D Milns Award aims to recognise each year, a student who demonstrates an understanding of why historical research continues to be important in our society. 

When you volunteer in a Tuckshop you become part of a special community that is both unique and welcoming. Working in a team encourages new friendships and connections within the school environment, and you may even learn new skills and expertise. 

To volunteer your time at the Tuckshop, please email us at spcm_enquiries@rok.catholic.edu.au.

Any amount of time would be greatly appreciated.

As 2023 comes to an end there is some information I would like to pass on.

Department of Education Youth Engagement Link and Launch initiative supporting young people who fall into the NEET category on completing school (NEET not engaged in employment education or training). All eligible young people, up to 3 years post-school, who have completed their senior studies can join the program irrespective of which school they attended. Participation in the program is voluntary. Young people enrolled at school are not eligible to join the program as career guidance and planning support is already provided by schools. Link and Launch provides individualised support for young people in the following areas.

• Free apprenticeships for under 25s
• Fee-Free TAFE
• Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs
• Alternative entry to university
• Employment
• Federal incentives and participation programs eg Transition to Work
• Support for job applications, funding, transport assistance, employment referrals, support service referrals, post transition support and communication. 
• Awareness on intake of mental health (diagnosed and non-diagnosed) and Inter-generational patterns/conflict/misunderstandings

Young people, once they complete Year 12, fall outside the legislative framework for state schools in Queensland – the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006. The Department’s Student Engagement team in central office therefore carries the oversight for the program, not the schools from which the Link and Launch officers are based. The Mackay office is based at Mackay North State High School.

The contact details are: Phone: 074963 1615; Mobile: 0491 222 714 Email: jlaud8@eq.edu.au.   For more information, please click on this LINK: link-and-launch

Certificate III Guarantee- The Certificate III Guarantee supports eligible individuals to complete their first post-school certificate III qualification.

Fee Free training is available under the Certificate III Guarantee and will cover the full cost of training for study of a high priority qualification through TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity only. - aged 15 years or older, and no longer in school. The full list of subsidised qualifications is available on the Priority Skills List. LINK:SUBSIDIES-LIST

2024 Year 10 Compulsory One Week Work Experience
Term 1-Weeks 7 or 8 (week of the 4th or 11th of March) will see our 2024 year 10 students go to work experience in their chosen field. For your child to get the most out of this experience please consider where your child would like to go and pre-arrange placement if possible. An application form will be given to your child week one of 2024. School Induction for work experience must be completed prior to attending Work Experience, along with a QLD White card/Blue card if applicable.

The QLD White Card is a mandatory requirement for anyone who wants to work in the construction industry. QLD White Card course will be offered to all year 10 students in term 1 of 2024. All students wishing to do work experience and work in the construction and Engineering fields.

Under legislation, anyone working or volunteering with children must have a blue card. The blue card system contributes to the creation of safe service environments for children in various ways. The different parts all play an essential role in keeping kids safe.

Work Experience - According to the Education (Work Experience) Act 1996

• Students must be 14 years of age
• Students are allowed to work a maximum of 30 days in a calendar year (can be extended -special circumstances)
• Work experience must be unpaid.
• Students must have both workers’ compensation and liability insurance cover (signed agreement)
• Students need to have White card and Blue cards as required by industry.
• No operating of machinery
• Inductions- School induction and workplace inductions must be completed prior to going on work experience.

Thank you!
I would like to thank all our supporting businesses and the following organizations for their support in enabling St Patrick’s College to continue offering our students valuable work ready skills.

• Gateway to Industry Schools Program 
• UNIQ you 
• CSQ 
• Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy
• Bluedog Training
• Blueprint
• Skills Generation
• Connect n Grow
• Binnicle
• Central Queensland University 
• James Cook University
• Institute of Faith Education
  

One of the cultural exchange programs of the sister city relationship is annual visits between Mackay and Matsuura school students. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen our cities' ties and to expose Mackay and Matsuura students to each other's cultures.

Some of the benefits to participants in the program are:

• Exposure to a unique cultural experience
• Opportunity to learn new life skills and make new friends

Mackay Regional Council’s Youth Ambassador Scholarship program provides Mackay school students with $1000 to offset the cost of travel to Matsuura. Students in years 10, 11 and 12 can apply for a $1,000 scholarship to go towards travel costs for a two-week cultural trip to Japan with up to 7 days spent in home-stays in Matsuura. Students should be in years 10, 11 or 12 at the time of travel in order to be eligible.

To apply students are required to complete an Application Form which includes:
- an endorsement from their school
- a 500 word essay of their interest in Japan
- how students consider they will be ambassadors for the Mackay
- Matsuura Sister City Program on their return from the exchange visit to Japan.

Shona Norris 

Phone: 07 4961 9434 Fax: 07 4944 2421 | MackaySisterCities@mackay.qld.gov.au | mackay.qld.gov.au

MBM Office National for all your Back To School Stationery Requirements.

Simply pop in, call or email the team on bts@mbmofficenational.com.au to request your Stationery Packs for St Patrick’s College Years 7 – 10.  A local family owned store.  We appreciate your business.

Phone:   (07) 4951 2077

Address: 52 Gregory St, Mackay, QLD 4740

Email: bts@mbmofficenational.com.au