FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

As Term 3 comes to an end, I offer my sincere thanks to every member of the St Patrick’s College Townsville community. The term has been rich in learning, achievement and shared experiences, culminating in our celebrations of Mercy Day and NAIDOC.  

2026 marked the 199th anniversary of Catherine McAuley’s opening of the first House of Mercy in Dublin in 1827 and unites Mercy communities across the world in gratitude and celebration. In 2026, we continue to honour the remarkable legacy of the Sisters of Mercy in Townsville and the generations of young women whose education at St Patrick’s has equipped them not only to flourish personally, but also to serve others and create positive change. Our Mercy celebration offered a meaningful opportunity to give thanks for this heritage and to renew our commitment to living the Mercy charism through compassion, courage, justice and hospitality. I am grateful to our Dean of Faith & Mission, Ms Elissa Andrews, and to all staff and students whose thoughtful preparation made this important occasion so memorable.

This term we also celebrated 50 years of NAIDOC – an important event in the St Patrick’s College Townsville community, recognising the unique contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to make through their enduring connection to Country, ancient knowledge systems, languages, storytelling, art, music, innovation, leadership and care for community.

I would like to particularly thank Ms Tallisha Harden for her work in organising this event, supported by our staff in Boarding, including Ms Sarah Silinju, Ms Paula Henderson, Ms Jo Gilmore and Ms Gemma Stevens. I would also like to recognise the special contributions of our First Nations Families, in particular:  

  • Bethalia, Niki, Uncle Sharkey and the Yam families
  • Luther, Tedashii and Tayvonne from Yugambeh
  • Bina’s Kitchen for the meal preparation for the Community Celebration
  • Aunty Valerie
  • Wulgurukaba Walkabouts

The diversity and vibrance of First Nations communities was indeed on display both during day activities, and into the evening. Many thanks to all in our community who were able to attend the night festivities.

Debating

As the debating season is coming to an end I wish to recognise the tremendous efforts of our students who have had a most successful season. Debating is deeply intrinsic to the mission of our College which envisions a world where young women feel confident and capable in using their voice either to advocate or to challenge. I congratulate all our young women who have participated in this year’s competition and particularly congratulate our Junior SPC 1 Team for their Grand Final victory. I also acknowledge our Senior SPC 1 Team who were narrowly defeated in the Grand Final. This is a team who has been together since Year 7 and they showed remarkable graciousness in defeat. I know they will go on to do great things in advocacy long after school ends.

Congratulations also to our Junior SPC 2 Team who have made it to the semi-finals.

I would also like to acknowledge the teachers who supported them this season, in particular: Ms Conni Mosch, Ms Jess John, Ms Jillian Turner, Ms Catherine Lilly-Howe, Ms Claire Verapen.  

Rowing

The Rowing season is also in its final stages. Huge congratulations to our Rowers who came away from the Head of the River victorious, in one of their best seasons to date. Particular congratulation to the:

  • Open Quad – who won Gold
  • 7/8 Double – who won Bronze
  • 9/10 Single – who won Silver and Bronze
  • 7/8 Quad – who won Silver and placed 4th
  • Open Single – who won Silver, Bronze and placed 4th
  • 9/10 Double – who won Gold, and placed 3rd and 4th
  • Open Double – who won Gold and Bronze
  • 9/10 Quad – who won Gold and placed 4th
  • Open Eight – who won Gold

The victory of our Open Eight was particularly impressive given that four of the eight rowers were in Year 9. The future of rowing remains bright with incredible depth of talent on display.

I wish the Rowers well in the upcoming Queensland Schools Rowing Championships taking place in Rockhampton over the holiday. My sincere thanks to Ms Susan Wilkinson for her superb coordination and support of our program, and all of our coaches, in particular, Ms Nisha Hamann, Mr Hugo Brown and Ms Maya Williams.

Parent Engagement

Last year, some parents raised concerns about the absence of a parent engagement forum at the College. In a survey to parents this year, a desire for a parent engagement forum was indicated.

In response to this feedback, the College has completed work on a strategic proposal for a Parent Partnership Panel for implementation from 2027. This work has been conducted alongside Independent Schools Queensland, seeking best practice examples of parent engagement.

In our last newsletter, the College requested feedback on this proposal. To date, we have received limited feedback. We will therefore extend the feedback window until early next term, understanding that this has been a busy time for families. I would ask that any feedback be provided by the end of Week 2 Term 4. We would ask that parents review the proposed structure by clicking on the PDF attached, and then clicking on the link below, to provide feedback.

Parent Partnership Panel PDF

Survey – Parent Partnership Panel – Fill out form

Our aim is to consider feedback in Term 4, make necessary changes, and roll out in 2027. As a College, we have a strong desire for continuous improvement and an understanding that partnership can only enhance outcomes for students.

Final Remarks

Although classroom learning pauses for the holidays, the energy and life of the College continue. Many students will use the break to pursue extracurricular, sporting, cultural and service opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. These experiences call students to challenge themselves, deepen their understanding of others and strengthen the resilience, independence and confidence that will serve them well into the future. I particularly wish those undertaking our Japan Tour all the very best on this language and cultural exchange, and thank Ms Anna Kendall, Ms Kristen Armitage and Mr Michael Pope in advance, for the supervisory work they will undertake. I look forward to hearing about the experiences students bring back with them.

My best wishes go with every student representing St Patrick’s during the holiday period. Whether competing, performing, travelling, serving or learning in new settings, they carry with them the pride of our College community.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 4, rested, renewed and ready to embrace the opportunities ahead. Until then, I wish all members of the St Patrick’s College Townsville community a safe and restorative break, and may God’s blessings remain with you and your families.

Kath Little

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL