FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Spotlight on Student Success

My career as a teacher was not something I planned. It was very much a case of the profession finding me, rather than me finding the profession. From the moment I began my first practicum in 1997, working with young people who were beginning to discover something of their potential, gave me a sense of energy and joy that nothing else had matched. While the role of Principal doesn’t always allow the volume of contact with students I would like, to this day, nothing gives me more joy than a student who has a lightbulb moment, overcomes a setback, or begins to find their path in life.

At enrolment interviews, people often ask me what sets St Patrick’s College Townsville apart from other schools. My answer is that we are a people centred community, where partnerships matter, relationships are real, and we know and value our students. We also go to great lengths to celebrate their successes – big and small, because we understand that in adolescence it is important to build self-esteem and strive.

Just over halfway through Term 1, for example, we have acknowledged 364 students who have received awards for academic achievement or diligence. We have also worked to create opportunities for young people to shine.

Congratulations to Poppy Lea-Rowell, who won the local Lions Youth of the Year competition. Poppy now moves on to contest the next stage of this competition.
Congratulations to Alani Burton and Rachel Kristensen, who are 2 of only 23 students across Queensland, to represent the state at the National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra, between Tuesday 24 March and Thursday 26 March.
Congratulations to Violet Seri and Hannah Mosch (both Year 11), who have been awarded the Scartwater Scholarship, a Defence scholarship that recognises academic achievement in the second half of Year 10. Both girls will be recognised at the Townsville RSL Awards Evening on Friday 6 March. In total, 9 awards were announced for Queensland students.
Congratulations to Leila Strickland, Matilda Schroder, Georgia Cresswell, Holly Wilkie, Amaia Landy, Charlee Skinner, Chelsea Skinner, Elise Meakin and Lillian Ponti, who have been selected to represent the College at the 2026 Australian Rowing Championships at Lake Barrington International Rowing Course in Tasmania from 23-29 March.
Congratulations to Isabelle Tickle and Immara Dyer-Lewis who took out first place at the UN Youth Townsville conference last weekend. Both girls will be heading to Brisbane for the State Finals in September.

Last week saw the first of our cornerstone sporting events for the year, the College’s Interhouse Swimming Carnival. The day was a remarkable success, and it was wonderful to see so many students cheering for their House and taking part in the spirit of the day. Days like this are reminders both of the importance of striving for one’s best, as well as participating, even though you might not be the best. Throughout the day, our student crowd cheered on both record-breaking swims, and swimmers who struggled to get to the other side. In doing so, they reflected an understanding of our values. While St Patrick’s College Townsville is a school which strives both to nurture excellence, we also value inclusion, participation and showing up!

I particularly congratulate all of our students for the way in which they conducted themselves on the day, as well as Wendy and Meika, the House Captains of the victorious Thrones.

May I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of our swimming coaches, Ms Helen Spina and Ms Yana Hurst, who have generously given of their time to coach across early mornings. Congratulations and thanks also to Head of Sport, Fitness & Activities, Ms Meg Henderson, on a superbly organised carnival.

Kath Little

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL