FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

END OF TERM 2 REFLECTIONS AND WELL WISHES

The conclusion of this term offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the achievements and collective efforts that have shaped the school’s journey over the past months. I wish to extend my thanks to staff and students for their commitment both to their studies, as well as to the myriad extra-curricular activities they have taken on over the last couple of months. It has indeed been a busy term, with events ranging from the Careers Expo, 120 Year Celebrations, Athletics Carnival, Combined Schools’ Musical, Rowing Regattas, Year Level Trivia Nights, to the Football and Netball fixtures. May I take this opportunity to acknowledge the training and efforts to date of our Confraternity team, wishing students and teachers alike, all the very best for their competition in Rockhampton next week. I eagerly await the outcome of our first engagement in the Confraternity competition, and I thank the Mater Hospital for its sponsorship of our teams, acknowledged at our Jersey Ceremony on the last evening of term.

As I write this article, I recognise the tremendous undertaking that has occurred in the College’s camp program – an event which saw the coordination of more than 650 students in outdoor activities, leadership challenges, and moments of personal and group reflection. I was fortunate enough to participate, albeit briefly, in the Year 12 and Year 9 programs, and I was delighted by the engagement of our young people. I was particularly impressed by our students who came out of their comfort zones to undertake the high ropes and abseiling challenges. Opportunities like these speak to our commitment to develop strong women of courage. I wish to thank students for the wholehearted participation in these programs, as well as the staff who spent nights in tents or dorms, supporting our students in growing resilience in an unfamiliar setting. I also wish to thank those staff who were involved in the organisation of the camp program, acknowledging in particular the work of Ms Tenille Hambly, and the Heads of House and Year. On return to the College in Term 3, our intention is to do a review of our camp program, gathering student and staff feedback to inform our planning for 2026 and beyond.

STAFFING

A little while ago now, the College distributed communication to announce a change in the leadership of the College Board, with Sr Helen Mary Peters moving on from her service to the Board after a period of 9 years, 7½ as Board Chair. At this time, I acknowledge the significance of Sr Helen Mary Peter’s service and contribution, not only as a Board Chair, but as a Sister of Mercy, and an enduring presence in College life, most recently at our end of term Year Level Dance Off. Anyone who has met Sr Helen Mary understands that she has brought to her roles a steadfast love for St Patrick’s College Townsville and service more broadly, and that she balances a pragmatic outlook with a Mercy heart. We welcome to the role of Board Chair, Ms Josephine Gabrielli, currently our Board Deputy Chair. Josie brings a wealth of experience to this role, and we look forward to her leadership.

I also wish to acknowledge the contribution and service of Mr Cameran Triffett, our College Deputy Principal. Cameran is to take a period of leave over the next six months, for the purposes of professional development and study. Cameran has played an invaluable role in College life over a period of more than 9 years, performing across roles, most recently as College Principal. I thank Cameran for his considerable contributions to the life of our College in a period of tremendous growth and improvement, as well as for his professionalism, wisdom, commitment to our Mercy charism and joy. It is much needed in our profession. As previously advised, Ms Kristen Armitage will perform the role of Acting Deputy Principal for the remainder of the year, and Ms Tenille Hambly will step into the role of Acting Director of Students.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS AND REMINDERS

While I appreciate we are heading into a holiday period, I would ask students and parents to re-engage with some of our policies and processes, as advertised in the College Diary and on the Learning Hub and website. In particular, I draw attention to our Uniform Policy, which requires:

  • No ear jewellery beyond a single earring
  • No nose rings or body piercings
  • No outlandish hair colours
  • No eyelash extensions
  • No make up
  • Skirts at knee length

Wearing of the uniform with pride (and without the accompaniments of the items listed above), is an important sign of commitment and belonging to this College. It also allows us to minimise unnecessary distractions. Parental assistance in this regard, is asked for.

REPORTS, ACADEMIC FEEDBACK AND GOALS

Today, parents are able to access reports from the Learning Hub Parent Lounge. These reports, together with teacher feedback on individual assessment instruments, should be part of the reflection process that guides consideration of Semester Two goals, upon return. I would ask students to reflect on what has gone well, and areas where, with renewed application or strategy, they could grow their academic outcomes. Beyond this, I encourage all students to take time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with family and friends. For those travelling, including our Boarders, I wish you a safe journey.

I am looking forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 3, refreshed and ready for new opportunities. Until then, may God’s blessings be with all members of the St Patrick’s College Townsville community.

Kath Little

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL