St Patrick's College Mackay - Term 3 - 26 July 2023

Welcome back to Term 3.  This is a very important term of study for all our students, but especially for Year 12.  Term 3 is crucial for our Year 12’s. It is vital that all students settle into a solid pattern of study as soon as possible. May the Year 12’s remember that the final stretch is near.   I’m sure dedication given now by all planning and study will lead to success.

 

CQUniversity Confraternity and QISSN Carnivals

During the June / July holidays, St Patrick’s College League and Netball teams competed in the CQUniversity Confraternity and QISSN carnivals. I would like to acknowledge and thank all the wonderful volunteers and staff who continually give their time to support our players.  As I sat on the sideline, I was humbled to witness the dedication of all and the “never give up” attitude displayed by our students.   All managers and coaches were delighted with the teams’ commitment, behaviour and tenacity in this elite competition.
I wish to thank all teams who played some amazing games with outstanding results achieved. Thank you to all managers, coaches, support staff, parents and students involved. We now look forward to 2024.

 

Dance and Cheer Competition/Rock Pop Mine

Congratulations to all dance students who performed in Mackay on the first Sunday of the holidays, for those who travelled to the Gold Coast recently and the Rock Pop Mine performances.  Once again St Patrick’s Cultural Department continues to upstage and show their many talents.  Thank you to all performers and all who have supported them at these events.  They have made us proud.

 

Signing Choir

I wish to acknowledge our Signing Choir (AUSLAN) who performed the ‘National Anthem” last Saturday Night in Townsville before the Cowboys -v- Eels game.  Such an honour for them to perform in front of a huge crowd and for their performance to be broadcasted nationally.  Thank you all for promoting and creating such an inclusive performance and atmosphere for others.  Acknowledgement must also be given to all who continue to support and accompany our Choir especially Brett Comerford, Kylie Denning, Liz Falzon, and Teresa Dreghorn.

 

Athletics Carnival
Last week the Athletics Carnival was held in a new format of running over two days. These days certainly foster a sense of community and College spirit, encouraging all to be involved in sport and develop lifetime healthy habits. They provide opportunities for sport development and creating memories with peers and staff. Thankyou to Matthew Paul, Chad Buckby and the team that assisted. A great day was enjoyed by all.
 

NAIDOC Week

Last week the College celebrated NAIDOC week.  NAIDOC week celebrates the rich culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people. It fosters unity, understanding and respect among all Australians.  It is wonderful that together we all learn and embrace diversity.

 

On Tuesday, our students attended the NAIDOC Mass held at St Joseph’s Church, North Mackay. This was a celebration for all Catholic schools in Mackay, to come together to acknowledge and honour the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Many of our students participated in this celebration together with our College Choir who provided the accompanying music.

 

Other celebrations at the College included a lunch time barbeque for students which included kangaroo and crocodile sausages together with other treats.  Students and staff also competed in a Touch Football game at lunch time.
 

A special thank you to Mrs Sophie Haverda, Mr Marcus McConnell, Mrs Kelsey Wallace and their helpers for organising these activities for our school community to enjoy.

 

Parent Teacher Night (Senior Campus)

Parent – Teacher interviews for the Senior Campus will be held this Thursday 27 July.  Students are expected to be part of the interview process. I wish to welcome all to come along to the evening.

 

Catholic Education Week

Catholic Education Week will be celebrated across Queensland from 24 July – 30 July 2024.

 

This annual event is held to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day. 
 

As part of Catholic Education Week, St Patrick’s College nominated both Mrs Louise Mullaney and Mr Val McKenzie for The Spirt of Catholic Education Award. This award recognises individuals who make an outstanding contribution to Catholic Education in Queensland. Both our candidates go above and beyond their teaching position requirements and volunteer within our college community.

They both give true witness to our Catholic values and behaviours for which I wish to sincerely thank them.

 

Parent Engagement Night

Thank you to our College Counsellors Darcie O’Grady, Dee Trannore and Danica Hurley for their presentation on Wellbeing/Anxiety last Thursday Night for the parents who attended.  Your insight and helpful hints will be an asset to all to prioritize self-care and well-being.

 

I wish draw attention to the attached flyer in this newsletter for another Wellbeing session called “Growing Remarkable Adults” presented by Madonna King being hosted at this College in J1 on 8 August.   The workshop is specifically aimed at parents of pre-teens and teenagers, and it promises to be an enlightening and engaging session. I encourage all to make a note of this date and come along.
 

I look forward to seeing many of our families and friends at our Year 12 Formal this Saturday Night at the MECC.

SPECIAL REPORT: Social Media Influencers

Social media influencers have become powerful individuals who often shape the opinions and beliefs of others due to strong connections with their audiences. In today's fast-paced digital world, attention has become a valuable commodity.

However, the impact of social media influencers on youth mental health is a growing concern, most recently, the controversial actions and statements of Andrew Tate. His rise to fame has made him a polarising figure, amassing a significant following of mostly young males. Educators and families have raised urgent concerns about the damaging nature of Tate’s content, worried that his messages may radicalise students and create a generation of young men with regressive and harmful beliefs.

Young people often compare themselves to the idealised lives presented by influencers, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth and dissatisfaction. Social media algorithms may also expose them to inappropriate or harmful content such as explicit material, promotion of harmful behaviours, or distorted perceptions of body image or mental health.

 It is important to guide a young person’s social media use and promote open communication. Be curious to comprehend why they might be drawn to radical influencers, like Andrew Tate, and actively seek understanding as part of the solution. While not all influencers have a negative impact, parents play a vital role in ensuring a balanced approach to social media. By actively modelling kindness, respect and positive values, parents can help tackle the sway of radical influencers and be part of the solution to countering unhealthy masculinity.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to respond to misinformation and disinformation, instead encouraging critical thinking and emphasising the value of real-life connections. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please consider seeking medical or professional help.

Click on this link to view the Special Report

https://stpats.qld.schooltv.me...

Conditions:

·          Students must be at least 17 years old, in year 11 or 12 and enrolled in an Aerospace Gateway to Industry School to apply.
·          Successful students will have an interest in working for an airline or airport operation.
·          Students will be available to work between 6am and 2pm weekdays and be able to arrange their own transport to/from the                Brisbane International Airport (parking can be provided).
·          Students are to be either an Australian Citizen, an Australian Permanent Resident, New Zealand Citizen, or Temporary                        Resident with necessary visa,
·          All placements offered are subject to operational requirements and security clearances.  Successful students will be required              to provide a Drivers License (learners is acceptable), valid Passport OR Proof of Age card for security checks to take place.

To be considered, students must complete the application form (including a short video submission and parent/school permissions) by 5pm on Thursday 10th August 2023.  A short online interview may form part of this application process to assist with decision making.

All applications will be kept on file for consideration should any further placements become available during 2023.

If you have any questions, or concerns, please contact us at  info@aerospacegatewayschools.com.au for assistance.

Term 3 is going to be a big one! 

Our competitive dance students represented the College at the Gold Coast Dance Xchange Eisteddfod last Saturday. Our students performed in 21 sections and received 1st in Junior Lyrical, 1st in Senior Lyrical, 2nd in Jazz, 2nd in Hip Hop. Thank you to Natalie Porter, Ashley Fergus, Molly Rossetto and Mel Camilleri for escorting the students.

Last Friday, our Rock Pop Mime ensemble performed at the annual  competition. Although their original performance ‘Destination Unknown’ did not place, our students put up a tremendous effort and really gave the audience a great show.

Below is the gig guide for this term, please note all dates for you relevant ensemble, as we have some big performances coming up this term, including CQU Jazzfest workshop, Choral and Instrumental Eisteddfod and Cultural Showcase. It is crucial that our students attend all rehearsals, prepared and on time, as there are only a few practices left to polish and memorise our music. Further information for all of these events will be communicated through google classroom.

Our senior Biology students participated in a practical lesson which involved the  process of gene modification.  This is achieved through a process of plasmid-based genetic transformation, using a bacteria containing a gene from a bioluminescent jellyfish. Students apply various routines to determine its’ efficiency, and in turn develop greater understanding into how DNA operates including structure of bacteria, function of cell membranes, enzymes, RNA, transcription and translation. This is the same process used to harvest insulin from bacteria for the treatment of diabetes.   

During the second week of the July holidays, SPCM Student William Radke took part in the JCU Engineering Futures camp in Townsville. Eighty people from all over Australia participated and throughout the week learnt about several types of engineering disciplines like civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical. They had an ongoing project over the week to build a remote-control car that was to run into a wall at a high speed, with the focus to reduce its impact force. Students worked with JCU lecturers, stayed on campus at Saints College, and took part in various activities including sport and talked to industry leaders from local companies. To celebrate the week, it ended with a presentation of designs, a graduation dinner, and disco. Over the week William had an amazing time meeting new people, learning about engineering, and seeing firsthand, what JCU and university was like. 

If you are unable to attend on your day, please try to swap with someone on another day.  If this is not possible, please contact the Tuckshop Co-ordinator Margaret Floyd on 0401 003 919 (mobile) or 4994 8770 (Mercy Tuckshop).