FROM THE ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

TERM 1 IN REVIEW

Despite unpredictable weather causing some disruptions, Term 1 has been packed with incredible events and achievements. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from this term.

Senior Investiture
A significant milestone for our Year 12 students, the Beginning of Year Mass recognised the Seniors and their role as leaders within our College community. Seniors bear the responsibility of upholding the Mercy Values and rules and procedures: Year 12 students shape school culture. We look forward to witnessing these young women lead with strength, integrity and kindness throughout 2025.

International Women’s Day
This year’s International Women’s Day assembly featured an inspiring guest speaker, 2007 Alumni, Lucinda Derbyshire. Post graduation, Lucinda studied a Bachelor of Laws, was admitted to the bar and served as a Judge’s Associate for three years. She now works for Legal Aid as a family lawyer, “…lots of the clients we see at Legal Aid are very vulnerable, particularly the women and girls”. Her clients – young and old – come from diverse linguistic backgrounds and are often isolated physically, emotionally and intellectually, suffering at a disproportionate rate to men. Lucinda believes that her time at St Patrick’s College Townsville has shaped her value system and lead her towards this particular career path. “Values like respect, joy, hospitality and love focus on the inherent dignity of every individual…not just accepting others, despite their differences from you, but welcoming and including them… courage, compassion, integrity, and justice are calls to action… standing up for what is right, even when that is hard or scary and it would be easier not to.” Working in the space of real change, Lucinda left us with a powerful message about making a difference in the lives of others, and it was an honour to have her join us for the 2025 IWD celebrations.

Twilight Open Evening
The Twilight Open Evening was a spectacular showcase of everything that makes our College special, with every faculty and extracurricular offering on display. Despite another lashing of rain, over 700 attendees passed through our gates on the night. The event was a huge success: both our dedicated staff and student volunteers ensured that prospective families felt welcomed, engaged and excited about a possible future at SPCT. It was wonderful to receive overwhelming feedback from visitors about the helpfulness, kindness, and confidence demonstrated by our girls on the night.

Student Learning Design Commission
Next term, the College Captains are launching an exciting new initiative: the Student Learning Design Commission. This platform will allow all students to share ideas, raise concerns, and actively contribute to shaping the future of our College. The commission will meet every second Monday at lunch, and students can sign up via the Learning Hub tile: Student Learning Design Commission

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to have their voices heard and make a real impact. It will be facilitated by our College Captains, Meg Burbidge and Saskia Tresch, and Director of Students, Ms Armitage.

Reminder of Road Safety
Both The Strand and Oxley Street are heavily congested—particularly at the end of the day. We ask that all drivers be particularly vigilant, noting College buses moving in and out of reserved parking, and give way to students crossing the road. Be patient and stay alert.

Looking to Term 2
It will be another busy term with ANZAC Day services, History Week, the Combined Schools’ Musical – We Will Rock You, Interhouse Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals, more Interschool Debating, and our school sporting teams ramping up their training and games schedules. Of course, none of these events can happen without the dedication and hard work of the College’s expert teaching team. There is a plethora of extracurricular opportunities available for students, and it’s something we encourage. Getting involved in extracurricular activities fosters friendships, builds resilience, broadens perspectives, and enhances organisation—helping students grow both personally and academically.

We hope our students and their families enjoy a safe, relaxing and happy holiday.

Jillian Turner

ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL