St Patrick's College Mackay - Term 2 Week 7 - 3 June 2024

Last Friday night, I was happy to accommodate the Mackay Parishes and host a Civic Welcome in our senior hall to the Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, His Excellency Archbishop Charles Balvo, and our Bishop, Most Reverend Michael McCarthy DD (Bishop of Rockhampton) on their visit to the Mackay Region. I also expressed all our best wishes and congratulations to Bishop Michael for his tenth year anniversary as our Bishop. It was an excellent time to deepen our relationships with all our parish communities.

Year 7 Enrolments 2025
We will be welcoming many new families to our College in 2025. Year 7 (2025) enrolment interviews have commenced. Round One enrolment offers will be sent to families on Wednesday, 10 July 2024. We remind all parents/guardians with students wishing to attend Year 7 in 2025 to complete their online enrolment application as soon as possible to be eligible for the Round One offers. Thank you to the many staff who have been involved in this collaborative process.

Introduction to Senior Schooling Evening
It was good to see so many families taking advantage of the Introduction to Senior Schooling Evening held at our Mercy Campus last Tuesday night. This Thursday evening we will be holding a Subject Selection Information Evening on the Senior Campus. This night will enable students and parents to speak to staff. Formal enrolment and subject advisory interviews with a member of the College Leadership Team or Middle Leaders will commence this Friday onwards. Please contact the College office if you have not booked an interview for your 2025 Year 11 student.

College Teams Success
Congratulation to the many academic, debating, sport and cultural teams who have represented the College recently. I am extremely proud of your support and effort.

Bikeathon
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the recent St Patrick’s College Bikeathon. We were blessed with fabulous weather, and it was wonderful to see so many students and staff supporting this event. Congratulations to everyone involved in making the day such a success.

Retreats
Last week, our entire cohort of junior students attended various retreats and reflection sessions throughout the Mackay area. This was an opportunity for development of a personal identity and leadership qualities for students. It was also a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to get to know each other outside the classroom environment. I personally enjoyed being able to witness first hand the enjoyment, challenges, team building exercises, reflection and prayer experienced by our students.

Show Holiday and Student Free Day
A reminder that following our Show Holiday on Thursday 20 June, there will be a Student Fee Day on Friday 21 June for all Year 7 – 12 students. This is officially the last day of Term 2. I look forward to seeing all students returning refreshed on Monday 8 July.

Parent Engagement Evening
We invite all families to join us for our next Parent Engagement Evening on Tuesday 23 July. Details will be sent to families before the evening.

Senior Formal will be held Saturday 27 July.

St Patrick’s Family
Congratulations to our 2023 graduate, Jaxon Purdue on making his NRL debut with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys last Saturday. Jaxon was part of our 2021 Cowboys Challenge winning team and last year’s winning Aaron Payne Cup team. I wish Jaxon all the very best for his NRL career.

Survey Results and Strategic Priorities.
Thank you all for completing the recent Community Satisfaction Surveys. This will assist us with future planning. Our Strategic Priorities are highlighted in our School Improvement Plan. Below is a summary for your information.

Reconciliation Week - 27 May - 3 June
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This week some of our Year 11 Indigenous students have travelled to Yeppoon to attend a Leadership Course.

School Funding
The government will be changing their funding model to all schools. Please find below a link to the second of a series of Advice pieces, developed to inform our Catholic Education families of the new Federal Government Funding model (Gonski model) and the impact on funding for Catholic Schools. Over the coming months, further Advice pieces will be shared, with each piece building on the detail of the previous. Please take the time to read each of the Advice pieces, to understand the impact of the changes on the funding for our College and College fees.

Link: What does the Federal Government Funding Model mean for CEDR schools and families?

Last week students at the Mercy campus experienced their year level Retreats. We have sourced high quality, in in demand presenters who speak at schools, businesses and sporting clubs around Australia to help us run our Reflection Days each year. I hope that every student has had the opportunity to take away something that they will use either now or in the future that reflects our St Patrick’s College values compassion, hope, justice and respect. Below is an outline of what the students experienced on their Retreat days.

Year 7
This experience was conducted by Az Hamilton from ‘Just Motivation’ whose aim is to educate, motivate and stir the hearts of individuals to connect with small ideas that can bring about BIG change in the world. The aim of this Retreat was to assist students to recognise their inner gifts and strengths. They explored how they are called to use these gifts and the impact they can have through their actions and presence. Retreat activities assisted students to personally reflect on how they belong to a community, in particular the St Patrick’s College community, and engage in building stronger friendships with those around them.

Year 8
Students had the opportunity for self-reflection and to develop stronger friendships with their peers during their annual Retreat days held at The Event Centre, Mackay Turf Club. This two-day experience was conducted by Dave Jorna of ‘Project Hatch’, a Brisbane-based Youth Retreat team who convene programs of various topics and themes in schools throughout Australia.

The aim of this Retreat was to assist students to recognise their inner gifts and strengths. They explored how they are called to use these gifts and the impact they can have through their actions and presence. Additionally, students looked at the importance of acting with integrity and authenticity, which will enable them to make a difference to others.

Year 9
Students had the opportunity for self-reflection during their annual Retreat which was conducted by Mr Michael Fitzpatrick. Michael’s expertise and mission is appreciated by many schools Australia wide. His aim was to assist students in dealing with social and emotional changes, their identity, relationships and purpose. The value of these days cannot be understated. It was an opportunity for self-reflection, renewal and the strengthening of relationships across the cohort.

Year 10
With mental health and wellbeing of grave concern for many, it is especially important for adolescents to develop a healthy sense of self-worth, purpose and direction. The Year 10 Reflection Day with Glen Gerreyn provided critical opportunities for the students to address issues such as unleashing their full potential, finding direction and purpose through goal setting and dreaming, building and sustaining healthy relationships and avoiding the traps of addiction. This time was also an opportunity to establish and strengthen relationships with peers. Students were also given the opportunity to experience a Senior Pathways series of workshops from industry representatives–which hopefully garnered a discussion at home about possible future career opportunities.

I would like to thank: Mrs Kelsey Wallace for her invaluable help with organising the retreats; the many wonderful staff who guided, encouraged and supported the students during their retreat days; and the members of our community who gave of their time to support the development of our students. The coming together of our whole school community really celebrates the true ethos of Catholic education and what it means to be a member of the St Patrick’s College community.

Year 10 VET & Careers
Last week Year 10 students attended their Careers Day Sessions which included information from our College's Heads of Department and relevant university, business, and industries. Year 10 parents were then invited to attend our 'Introduction to Senior Schooling Evening'. This is part of the College’s guidance and support to students in preparation for submitting their Senior Education and Training (SET) plan and Senior Subjects for 2025. SET plan is a key component of a school’s career education program. It maps out a plan of action to ensure students remain on track for success in senior secondary, post-school education and work. This evening had a range of information on subjects, apprenticeships, certificates, funding, work experience and career options. This was a priority for students and families in assisting with planning their futures.

In addition, on Thursday 6 June 2024 from 3.30pm-6.30pm, we will have a Subject Selection Evening in the Senior St Patrick’s Hall where students attend with their parents. Each subject including certificate courses will be showcased. This is a wonderful evening where Teachers and Senior Leaders in the school provide advice and assistance whilst students consider their pathways and subject options. Tuesday 11 June and Wednesday 12 June is the Year 10 Subject Selection Interviews where the students will complete their Set Plan and nominate their subjects selection for their Senior Schooling.

We would like to sincerely thank all our Industry Supporters for attending our Careers Day held on the Mercy Campus. The information you provided to our students was invaluable.

Senior VET Certificates
All VET Certificates will be listed on the student’s QCE Learning Account as ‘Awarded’ or ‘Not Complete’ and will list all competencies achieved. Senior VET Certificates provided by external registered training organisations, will be mailed directly to students. Students wishing to use a completed Certificate III in their university application still need to apply through QTAC and list their Certificate III in the ‘other qualifications’ section. If the Certificate is listed in the student’s QCAA Learning Account online, a copy of the Certificate does not need to be submitted.

All students wanting to enrol into a Certificate course will need a USI number. If you need a USI number or need to find your USI number, please click on this LINK: How to get/find your USI

Please use your personal email address as you will need this number post school.

Holiday Work Experience
All Work Experience Application Forms need to be returned to the College no later than Monday 10 June 2024.

All Work Experience Agreements need to be return to the College no later than Monday 17 June 2024.

Application forms are available from the College office at both Mercy Campus and Senior Campus.

White Card Course
General Construction Induction Training (GCIT) provides important foundational knowledge of work health and safety laws, common site hazards, and information on how to control risks in the construction industry. Under Queensland laws, anyone carrying out construction work must hold a GCIT card.
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Our Cultural students recently went on tour to the local Catholic Primary Schools; St Anne’s, St Mary’s and St Joseph’s. Performing for all students Prep to Year 6, our Concert Band, Choir, Stage Band, Strings Ensembles, Drum Corps and Dance Troupe shared their talents to showcase what we offer students at St Patrick’s College. 

The students wonderfully received our ensembles and we look forward to seeing them again, whether in our Cultural Department as students in the future or on another tour. Students are busy rehearsing for next term's Dance Exchange competition, Rock Pop Mime, JazzFest and Eisteddfod, while we are rounding off the term with our Concert Band, Stage Band and Drum Corps performing at this Mackay Show on Wednesday 19 June.

Head of Sport

It has been an extremely busy and successful last few weeks for St Patrick's Sport.

Our interschool hockey, soccer and volleyball teams have been participating in their respective local competitions, all teams have had some very successful results and experiences. We wish all teams the best of luck as they continue with their regular season games.

Both the junior and senior Athletics Carnivals are quickly approaching. Just a reminder there has been a date change for both carnivals – the new dates are as below.

Senior Carnival (Years 10 -12) – Monday 10th June
Junior Carnival (Years 7 - 9) – Tuesday 11th June

Nominations are well under way for our competitive events, students are to see their house coordinators for any concerns with nominations. There will be plenty of fun participation events on the day to ensure all students have something to look forward to.

Parents/Guardians are more than welcome to attend – please however remain in the ‘parent zone’ which will be located on the outside of the track.

Netball - Vicki Wilson Cup

St Patrick’s College has a proud history of being a competitive netball program, with many division titles. In Week 6, five Teams competed in the Vicki Wilson Capricornia Northern Cup and Shield divisions, Open Girls Gold & Bronze, Open Boys Silver, Year 9A Girls Navy and Year 8A Girls Red.

Congratulations; Gold Open Girls and Navy 9A Regional winners. Senior Boys Silver team were also winners on the day and will now compete in the cluster final to determine the representative team who progresses to the Final rounds. Good luck boys! Special mention to our Umpires; Jessica K, Bethany M, Emma P and Mackenzie W for your support to our teams. Winning teams will compete at Vicki Wilson finals, Nissan Arena, Brisbane, 9 & 10 August.

Netball - QISSN

Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) is the top pathway for School Netball and achievable to all who aspire to reach their ‘best performance’.

In our lead-up and preparation to QISSN there are many staff and supporters that have aided our journey, and we thank you all, from coaches and teachers, parents, administration, grounds staff to sponsors and leadership. Without your support our opportunity to compete at this level would not be possible.

SPCM Gold 2024 – Coach, Sally Redfern; Manager, Nina Gaviglio, Co – Captains, Camryn Z & Kacee Z, Keeley A, Tahlia A, Lacie C, Tenille C, Mischa D, Sophie D, Kate O and Shaylah P.

We wish our 2024 QISSN staff and players every success in Townsville, 23 – 28 June.

Rugby League - Cutters Cup

Throughout Term 2 our college competed in the Division One Cutters Cup Rugby League Competition. We entered multiple teams across every grade and as a college we achieved some outstanding results. This competition serves as a great lead in to our Aaron Payne, Open Girls and Cowboys Challenge seasons.
A big thank you to all staff involved in the Term 2 season.

Results
Year 7-8 Boys
St Pats Red - 1st Place
St Pats Navy - 2nd Place in Pool B

Year 9-10 Girls
St Pats Red - 2nd Place
St Pats Navy - 4th Place

Year 9-10 Boys
St Pats Navy - 1st Place
St Pats Red - 2nd Place

Open Girls
St Pats Navy - 1st Place
St Pats Red - 2nd Place

Open Boys
St Pats Red - 1st Place
St Pats Navy - 2nd Place

Congratulations Lachlan and Flynn on their selection in the 16-19 Years Boys Hockey Queensland Merit Team.  The boys recently represented Capricornia where their team finished in 3rd place. This is a wonderful acknowledgement for their hard work and effort.

Congratulations to Year 12 student Kayce on her achievements at the Queensland Schools State Squash Championships. Kayce finished 2nd overall winning a Silver Medal. Well done and what a fantastic achievement!

Our Subject Selection Evening will be held on Thursday 6 June from 3:30pm - 6:30pm in the St Patrick's Senior Campus Hall, River Street.

We encourage students to attend with their parents, to gain valuable insights into the subjects being offered in our senior syllabus. The evening will feature subject displays including student work. It will offer important information on each subject, ensuring students and parents are well informed when making decisions about subject choices for 2025. Displays will encompass both ATAR and Blended Pathways, and Career Counsellors will be available to help discuss future career pathways.

Thank you to Declan from EnviroCom and Rachel from Reef Catchments for visiting our College this week. Students from the Senior Campus were able to participate in a waste audit as part of their school waste minimisation program. Waste was collected from different areas of the College grounds and categorised for analysis. Initial findings indicate that up to 50% of the waste produced was recyclable and therefore did not belong in the general waste bins. Soft plastics made up the second highest category of waste found at the campus, followed closely by non-compostable food waste. The Reef Guardians hope to create an action plan that addresses these findings and improve the sustainability of our College’s waste management. Watch this space for further details!

On Monday 27 May, St Patrick's College sent an eager group of 54 students to participate in the Mackay Whitsunday Interschool Chess Competition. It was the biggest competition so far with nearly 200 students attending the event from schools throughout the region. This provided for good rivalry and competition for all players.

With so many students in attendance, the secondary category was divided into two groups – Premier and A Division.

In Premier Division, Robin won the individual competition overall, with Owen earning a bronze medal. In the teams event Oliver, Kevin, Robin and Kevin achieved an outstanding 3rd place. Robin should be commended on the way in which he played and was a deserving champion both on and off the boards. To defeat students many years older than himself shows his immense potential on the 8 by 8 board.

In our A division team, we saw some amazing individual performances. Wenlock, Dominco and Elijah all claiming 6 wins, missing out on first place by half a point. In this division, we were crowned champions with our top team of Elijah, Wenlock, Pascoe and Earl claiming victory, while Noah, Jack, Levi and Chase claimed 3rd place in their teams.

Across both our divisions the following students achieved individual merits for their performances on the day: Kai, Oscar, Jack, Pascoe, Kade, William, Leigh, Max, Giovanni, Asher and Oliver.

Congratulations to all involved - it was our most successful competition to date! Students are most welcome to try their moves in the next competition held in Term 3. Special thanks to the staff who supported the students - Doug Bettington, Lincoln De Thomasis and Abby Matsen.

3,249 push-ups in 24 days: St Patrick’s College Mackay joins the push for better mental health.

St Pat’s rallies the support of the Mackay community in its push for better mental health this June.

This June, students at St Pat’s are taking on 3,249 push-ups across 24 days, as part of Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event, The Push-Up Challenge.

All students are participating in the event which engages people in mental health through connection, physical activity, and education. St Pat’s is encouraging its local community to show their support and donate to St Patrick's Community
raising much needed funds for the Push for Better Foundation.

Ambassadors, Evelyn and Matthew are excited to bring this event to the College community again this year! Driven by a passion for mental health and a love for supporting the wider community, they are “thrilled to be leading the school through such a significant event that has the opportunity to touch the hearts of so many individuals across the nation.”

Founder of The Push-Up Challenge, Nick Hudson, commented, “Watching students from around the country bring their communities together through fun and fitness is such a special thing. Students and school groups are some of our most passionate participants because they care wholeheartedly about learning about mental health and coming together to achieve a common goal.”

Last year, 31,200 school students around Australia collectively completed millions of push-ups and raised over $1.1 million for mental health. We can’t wait to see the impact that students at St Patrick's make this year, as we have fun, learn about mental health, foster a sense of connection, and ultimately reduce stigma associated with mental illness.

Year 11 Legal Studies students, Claudia, Mikayla and DeJay competed in the Bond University National High School Mooting Competition. Mooting is a simulated court proceeding that aims to mirror that of a real courtroom. Mooting enabled the team to gain insight into the law and gain valuable feedback from real-life Judges, whilst displaying acts of advocacy on behalf of the hypothetical client. Mooting taught the team how to write legal arguments, improve their public speaking and answer questions from a Judge – all things fundamental to a career in law.

Senior Japanese students were rewarded with a shared lunch as part of their efforts this year for their studies in Japanese. Students all returned happy and well fed and had enjoyed trying out their chopstick using skills and using the language with each other in a conversational environment.

The Vinnies Committee have now launched the 2024 Vinnies Winter Appeal.  We are looking for donations of any type of tinned foods (not just soup), blankets (both new and used), and financial donations.  Tinned food and blankets can be placed in the laundry basket at front reception at either campus and financial donations can be given directly to the Finance Office.  Winter Appeal donations are most welcome at any time during this term.  Let's make a heartfelt effort to help each other this winter.

For many years now, young people from colleges in Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton have had the opportunity to participate in ACTS Camps.

ACTS Camps allow students to gather with peers to explore significant questions about faith and life. The Year 11 Camp, “A Chance to Serve,” focuses on how we can all contribute to a compassionate, just and peaceful world. By examining our own giftedness and the needs we see around us, we can make a difference in our families, with our friends and in our Colleges.

Dave Jorna from Project Hatch will facilitate this year’s camp. The 2024 Year 11 ACTS Camp will be held at Capricorn Coast PCYC Leadership Camp, Cooee Bay. The camp will commence at 2:00pm on Wednesday 10 July and will conclude at 9:30am on Friday 12 July 2024.

St Patrick’s College is looking to take ten Year 11 students to this ACTS Camp, with the College covering the cost for students. Nominations are now open and you can see either Mrs Crocker, Acting AP Mission or Mrs Wallace, Mission Coordinator for the relevant information and registration forms.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌! We are seeking an 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 (𝐈𝐓𝐃) to join the staff of St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay.

𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘! - https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1003Applications close Friday, 7 June 2024

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌! We are seeking a Middle Leader (House Coordinator) to join the staff of St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay.

𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘! - https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1004
Applications close Friday, 7 June 2024 (unless filled prior)