FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

There has been much to celebrate at the College across Term 3. Our Music students, supported by our Head of Faculty – Music & Performance, Mr John Goulter, and the Instrumental Music team, once again put on an outstanding performance at our recent Music by the Sea event, showcasing not only their hard work but their talent and creativity. Our Year 12s have shown their commitment to Mercy Ministries not only by raising money for Mater’s The Chop, but by donating their hair. Our debaters in Year 12, 10 and 7 have proceeded to the next round of the finals. Our Touch Footballers also performed creditably in the Finals of the North Queensland All Schools Touch Football Competition. Our Athletes came third overall in the recent Interschool Athletics Carnival, despite us being relatively smaller in overall numbers. I take this opportunity to recognise the performances of Coco Porter Pitt, Trixie Hambly, Eva Parenti, Maylein Mene, Amahne Wapau, Ivy Ryan, Margaret Baker, Ruby Struss, Rosa Canning, Connah Moore, Sienna Pietrobon, Judith Kris, Gabriella Parenti, Charli Russell, Mala Brooks, Alyssa Doyle, Olivia Koloi and Brooklyne Stegman, who each qualified for the NQ School Trials. While we do not yet know the outcome of the trials, I particularly acknowledge the performances of Amahne, who won both the javelin and the shot put for her age level.

I wish all of our Rowing girls well, in advance of the Head of the River and congratulate them on the tremendous commitment they have shown this season.  

Mercy Day and NAIDOC Attendance

During Term 3, the College celebrates two very important occasions, both of which speak to our values and our identity. On Tuesday 15 September, the College will celebrate Mercy Day, an occasion where we commemorate the opening of the first Mercy House in Baggot St, by Catherine McAuley. NAIDOC celebrations occur the following day, on Wednesday 16 September. On this occasion, we celebrate the rich cultural history and wisdom of First Nations peoples.

On both days, we have an opportunity to sharpen our focus on who we are and what we believe in. These are not optional attendance days. They are an opportunity to build student engagement and shape important dispositions that speak to the core of our identity: compassion, service, inclusion, respect. I would ask all parents to support the College in ensuring strong attendance at these occasions, understanding that an education at St Patrick’s College Townsville is both holistic and values driven. It seeks not only to build an understanding of academic content, but to build engaged, informed, caring and responsible citizens. Opportunities at Mercy Day and NAIDOC, connect young people not only to lessons about service and care for others, but stories about connection to story, earth and stewardship.  

I also note that our NAIDOC Celebration runs into the evening on Wednesday 16 September. Having witnessed this event for the first time last year, I can say without hesitation that it is a fantastic and dynamic celebration of culture and diversity. I would warmly ask all members of our community to build partnership not only with the College but with each other, and be in attendance for the wonderful cacophony of events.

Staffing Updates

I wish to advise that Jason Bennett will not be returning to the College in 2027 given that he is relocating to Brisbane. For this reason, we will be advertising Head of Year 7 and Year 7 Case Manager externally. I take this opportunity to acknowledge Jason’s contribution to the College in the time that he has been here and particularly thank him for making the transition process for our incoming Year 7s so smooth. Both students and families have benefited from his highly relational approach and thoroughness.

The College is also recruiting for two additional positions, including:

  • Head of Rowing
  • Head of Instrumental Music and Cultural Programs (a new role, with the aim of strengthening our commitment to the Arts)

Strategic Updates

One of our 2026 key objectives was to respond to parent feedback about the need for further parent engagement forums at the College. For much of this year, the College has been working with Independent Schools Queensland to review best practice in this area. Parents would be aware that we also sent out a community survey to be better guided in our discernment by the unique responses of our own community.

What will be important, is that there is a collective understanding that previous, pre-Covid versions of parent engagement did not work; the reason that the previous P&F collapsed was consistent lack of parent engagement and attendance over years.

The College has drafted a proposal for a Parent Partnership Panel, with the aim of enhancing both parent engagement and the partnership between home and school. We would ask that parents review the proposed structure by clicking on the PDF below, and then clicking on the link to provide feedback.

PDF: Parent Partnership Panel PDF

SURVEY LINK: Survey – Parent Partnership Panel – Fill out form

Our aim is to consider feedback in Term 4, make necessary changes, and roll out in 2027.

Kath Little

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL