FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

It has now been approximately half a term since my arrival at St Patrick’s College Townsville and I can say categorically how impressed I have been both by our students and the vast array of activities and interactions I have witnessed since my start. I was particularly uplifted by the spirit of last Friday evening’s Year 11 Trivia Night, which provided an opportunity for social interconnection between St Patrick’s College Townsville, St Margaret Mary’s College and Ignatius Park College students. It was so very gratifying to see the volume of staff who turned out to support such an activity, along side a very animated group of students all vying for top spot.

We are absolutely committed to ensuring a well-rounded and holistic education and events like the Trivia Night, alongside the very successful Rowing Regatta, Hydrogen Grand Prix and the Combined Schools’ Musical, speak to this commitment. Having seen our musicians in rehearsal for the upcoming WE WILL ROCK YOU extravaganza, I would urge families to ensure they have secured tickets for the performances located at the Civic Theatre, taking place on the evening of Friday 6 June or the afternoon & evening of Saturday 7 June. I sincerely thank all of our staff who have supported rehearsals and logistics for this event – their dedication and talent is a great gift to the College. Tickets can be purchased here: https://bit.ly/4jr7g3X

SUBJECT SELECTION AND PATHWAY PREPARATION

Shortly, students across Year 7, 9 and 10 will be making subject selections for 2026. The capacity to make subject choices is a way of providing students with some control over their own education and educational outcomes. Our advice as a College is that students should select subjects that they enjoy and have a demonstrated capacity. Further to that, students wishing to study a subject into Year 11 and 12, would also choose that subject in Years 8, 9 and 10, building their proficiency in the Middle Years. To facilitate student thinking about long term aspirations, the College hosted a Careers Expo that provided an opportunity for students to connect with industry providers, including tertiary providers, engaging in meaningful investigation around post school possibilities, requirements and cut-offs. Further, our students in Year 9 and 10 attended an information session to allow them to better understand pathway possibilities in Senior, outlining QCE requirements, as well as ATAR and Selection Rank possibilities. May I take this opportunity to sincerely than Ms Camille Flores, our Dean of Pathways, for her steadfast support of our students. Research shows that students who engage constructively in post school planning, generally work with greater purpose and higher outcomes, whilst at school. We are certainly keen to ensure that each of our young women are set up for success, not only while they are inside our gates, but long after they leave.

ASSESSMENT

I know we are now deeply in the midst of the assessment period for many year levels, and I take this opportunity to wish all our students the very best in relation to upcoming examinations and assignments.

As I write this article, I am particularly mindful that this time of year is an important period also for our Year 11 and 12 students. During this assessment period, many of our Year 11 students will be completing Unit 1 assessment. I remind Year 11 parents and students that the first QCE point for each General or Applied subject, comes with satisfactory completion of Unit 1 assessment. Where students have not achieved a ‘satisfactory’ result, the College will make contact to discuss implications and next steps. Year 12 students completing General Subjects should, by now, be in the midst of their final internal piece of assessment. I met with students last week to remind them of the importance of remaining focussed, and continuing to strive for their best possible mark. In particular, I have encouraged them to ensure they are mindful of the feedback they received from previous assessment, to grow their results this time around. I would remind Year 12 students and parents that there should also be an apportioning of time to dedicated revision in preparation for upcoming Mocks and External Examinations. Taking a longitudinal  approach is far preferable to cramming. I would further ask parents of Year 12 students to be mindful about the volume of hours students might be spending in paid employment. As we come closer to the external exams, I would ask Year 12 students and parents to ensure appropriate balance is in place, so that students have the time to prioritise their education and wellbeing, without abandoning their work commitments altogether. Where we currently have Year 12 students at risk of not achieving QCE, the College will once again, make contact to provide support and advice.

120 YEAR CELEBRATIONS

In Week 5 of this term, I had the great delight of meeting many of the Sisters of Mercy, all of whom have a strong connection to St Patrick’s College Townsville; some as both students, teachers and boarding staff. The work that the Sister’s began so many years ago lives now in the teaching mission of the lay community. The 120^th Anniversary represents an opportunity to celebrate this wonderful legacy. I warmly invite all in our community to attend one of the anniversary events planned to celebrate the occasion. I would again encourage members of the community, current and past pupils alike, to book tickets to the 120 Year Gala Dinner as soon as possible. This will greatly assist in the organisation and planning.

Kath Little

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL