Principals News
St Patrick’s College has a long and proud connection to the Sisters of Mercy in the Rockhampton and Mackay area, dating back to the late 1800s.
On the 4 August 1873, the Sisters of Mercy arrived by boat on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton from Brisbane and went to the first Convent of Mercy in Kent Street, Rockhampton. In 1880, the Sisters came to Mackay and went to the first convent and school (established by the Josephite Sisters) in River Street, Mackay. This site is now known as the Senior Campus of St Patrick’s College Mackay.
The Sisters of Mercy have been involved in education, health care, social work, pastoral work, parish work and visitations in the Rockhampton and Mackay Districts for 150 years. I would like to acknowledge and thank these dedicated women for all the outstanding work they have done to support and educate so many in the Rockhampton Diocese. We are very lucky and grateful for the strong connection St Patrick’s College has with Sr Denise Hinton, Sr Kerry-Anne Sullivan, Sr Marise Casey, Sr Lila Galvin, Sr Margaret Graves and Sr Joanne Molloy.
Senior Formal
On Saturday 29 July, we celebrated the Year 12 Formal at the Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre. Congratulations to all of our students who presented so well. It was a great celebration for parents, students and staff. I reminded students that this event is one of the many milestones that will occur in their lives. As they draw closer to completing Year 12, they, together with their parents will feel some form of nervousness for the future. This is because they will have to move out of their comfort zone of senior schooling into a new area of change. Change in life brings growth and adaptation. They should cherish the final months of their schooling, remain motivated to the end and embrace the future. Special thanks to Miss Samantha Nutt for her many hours of preparing this memorable night.
St Patrick’s Community
I would like to welcome Carmel Deguara, Jeffrey Greer, Darren Krajewski, Helen Moohin, Leisa Scott, Taryn Shears, Doreen Singh and Shuwei Song to the St Pat’s community. Welcome back from leave to Laura Moffat.
Parent Teacher interviews
Thank you to our staff, parents and students who attended the Senior Campus Parent – Teacher interviews recently. I take this opportunity to remind students that this is an important and busy time for the senior year levels. Assessment this term is critical. Study can be overwhelming if not managed properly. Assessment needs to be planned and attacked at the earliest opportunity. Revision should also begin early. Students should map out their commitments in study and all aspects of their lives as they move through August and September.
Parents and students are reminded that the assessment planner for each year can be found on the College website – www.stpats.qld.edu.au. The Senior Campus Exam Timetable is now also available through the College website, App, Parent Lounge and Student Café.
Recent Sporting Achievements
Aaron Payne Cup Final
Congratulations to our Open Boy’s Rugby League team who recently defeated St Augustine College in Townsville. This win has secured our teams position in the Aaron Payne Cup grand final against Kirwan State High School. The game will be played as a curtain raiser for the game between the North Queensland Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks. I know the entire St Patrick’s community are proud of our team and wish them all the best for this game. Boys, play strong, play hard and enjoy the challenge. I know you will do St Pat’s proud. For those who would like to watch from home, a livestream of the game is available through the Courier Mail.
A special mention and thank you to the coaches and support staff for your commitment to the St Pat’s Rugby League team. I appreciate all the time, effort, travel and dedication you show to our teams.
Cowboys Challenge Cup
Our Year 10 First XIII Rugby League team recently travelled to Townsville to compete against Kirwan State High School in the Cowboys Challenge Cup. The boys game away with a 28 – 0 win and have been playing very well all season. The team will now play Mackay State High School today in Mackay starting at 4pm and I would like to invite and encourage everyone to come down to support our boys today at Leprechaun Park.
Mackay Senior Interschool Soccer Competition
Congratulations to the Open Boys Soccer Team who played with skill and determination to win the grand-final 2 – 1 against Whitsunday Anglican School in the Mackay Senior Interschool Soccer Competition. Thank you to Miss Wootton for coaching and supporting the boys in this competition.
It is wonderful to see the participation of so many St Patrick’s students in these above sporting events.
Vicki Wilson State Championships and Shield Competition
Congratulations to our Open and Year 9 Netball teams who recently travelled to Brisbane to compete in the Vicki Wilson competitions. Showing great sportsmanship, courage, determination and resilience on the court, our teams played some outstanding netball and proudly represented the College. I would like to acknowledge and thank those staff members, parents and supporters, who travelled with our teams to Brisbane.
Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors 76th Annual Mackay Eisteddfod
Over the next week, our College Cultural Ensembles will be competing at the Mackay Eisteddfod. I am in awe of the musical talent that our students have and am looking forward to watching them perform and shine onstage. Best of luck to all ensembles and I look forward to sharing some great results with you all in the next newsletter.
I would like to acknowledge and thank our dedicated teachers in our Cultural department, Mr Marcus McConnell, Mr Samuel Bauer, Ms Molly Rossetto, Mr Tim McClelland, Mrs Kathleen Campbell and Mrs Sarah Rozekrans. Thank you for all that you do for our cultural students.
