Director of Studies

Director of Studies

Amy Byrnes

Our Academic and Diligence Assembly based on the Semester One Report Cards was held last week.  This assembly acknowledged those students that achieved academic success throughout Semester One, as well as recognising students who displayed diligence through a strong work ethic.

During my speech I discussed the recent anniversary of man landing on the moon 50 years ago.  While many of the celebrations focused on the men that were successful in this event, I was able to identify a number of women that played pivotal roles in this accomplishment.  In particular, I focused on Margaret Hamilton.  Hamilton was the lead software designer for NASA’s Apollo program, and with her team, saved the 1969 Apollo 11 mission when the flight software she designed prevented a last-minute abort of the famous landing which brought the first humans to the moon.  While all 12 people who have walked on the moon were men, amongst the 400,000 people who made it possible, there were numerous unsung women. 

At St Patrick’s College Townsville, we want our students to know that they can make a difference in the world, to be trailblazers like Margaret Hamilton.  But to be a trailblazer takes hard work.  The ladies that helped to get the first men to the moon didn’t just sit back.  They continued to work hard to achieve their goals.  As Hamilton noted, “One should not be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I don’t understand,’ or to ask ‘dumb’ questions, since no question is a dumb question. To continue even when things appear to be impossible, even when the so called experts say it is impossible; to stand alone or to be different; and not to be afraid to be wrong or to make and admit mistakes, for only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly”.  We want our students to be fearless, embrace challenge and show dedication and commitment towards everything they do.  I encourage each of our students to strive for the next academic awards presentation at Speech Night.

A list of all award recipients is included below.  If you would like a copy of photographs taken at the Academic and Diligence Awards Assembly or a copy of the booklet please contact Melissa Cowan (mcowan@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au).  Further information regarding the criterion for Academic and Diligence Awards can be found at https://www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/curriculum-79u2k7/academic/academic-diligence-awards/

Assessment Calendar

The Semester 2, 2019 assessment calendars have been published.  This document was emailed to all students and is also available on the College website at https://www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/curriculum-79u2k7/academic/assessment-exams/.  Parents and students can use this document to plan their study timetable and ensure that they meet all due dates.  The final page of the document also contains an excerpt of the College Assessment Policy.

Tutoring Schedule

Teachers at the College provide a range of tutoring opportunities for students, including before and after school and during lunch breaks.  The tutoring schedule for Semester 2, 2019 can be found at https://www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/curriculum-79u2k7/academic/curriculum/.  As well as this document, students are encouraged to speak to their teachers for alternative tutoring times.

Careers Expo

The College held its inaugural Careers Expo on Tuesday, 30 July.  This expo included displays from a variety of industries and allowed students to interact with a range of professionals.

The College would like to thank the following businesses who supported the Careers Expo through their attendance:

• Townsville City Council
• Port of Townsville
• Glencore
• Mater Health Services North Queensland
• Connect N Grow
• TAFE North
• Central Queensland University
• James Cook University and the
• Australian Defence Force

Court Visit

On Monday, 29 July the Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies visited the Townsville Courts of Law with Ms O’Kane and Ms Byrnes.  Students visited cases in both the Magistrates and District Courts. The excursion allowed students to witness legal terminology in practice and experience real-life cases to complement what they have been learning about in the classroom.

Academic and Diligence Awards Recipients