FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

It is with great joy and pride that I have commenced my Principalship at St Patrick’s College Townsville and I thank all members of the community, students, parents, and staff for their tremendously warm welcome. As a newcomer to both the College and Townsville, my intention is to prioritise community connection and relationships. I have already had the blessing of spending time with a number of members of the community, from the teachers, to the College Leadership Team, the choir, boarders, senior rowers, and to the girls in whose classes I’ve spent some time, and ‘bumped into’ over the course of the last week. May I take this opportunity to remark on the extraordinary warmth and authenticity of the people I have met, all of whom have been beyond gracious in their welcome and in their generous support. This is clearly a remarkable community, and there can be no doubt that ‘happiness’ is in the air! This is by no means something to take for granted in a world that is sometimes characterised by toxicity and self-centredness.

Term 2 has certainly started with gusto, with opportunities to commemorate ANZAC Day as well as the legacy of His Holiness, Pope Francis. Both occasions enabled us to emphasise key values: self-sacrifice, doing good for others, being authentic to who you are. The ANZAC services, both on site and along the Strand, reinforce the special connection that St Patrick’s College Townsville has with the services, with many of our students the children of members of the army, navy or air-force. It was a particular honour to have St Patrick’s College students marching in the foreground of the ANZAC parade. I thank all who participated in the march, and who were in the crowd in support.

On the evening of Friday 25 April, members of the College and Townsville community gathered at the Cathedral to celebrate the life of His Holiness. While discussion of history might be better left to the historians, there can be little doubt that the Pope will be remembered as a seminal Catholic leader who emphasised the importance of alignment between the teaching of the church and actions of its leaders and members. His attempts to eliminate corruption and avarice, his care for the poor and marginalised, his advocacy for the environment, serve as a moral compass for us all.

Academic Conferences

At St Patrick’s College we see the importance of the shared relationship between home and school, in the education of young people. Research clearly indicates that parent expectation and understanding, along with teacher practice, plays a powerful determinant in the outcomes for young people. Can I thank all who participated in the Academic Conferences that were hosted at the College on 23 April and 1 May. These are forums which intrinsically advance partnership, but also emphasise a culture which is improvement seeking, enabling good discussion around practical strategies for growth.

Twilight Welcome Drinks

May I take this opportunity to warmly welcome as many parents as possible to attend the Twilight Principal’s Welcome Drinks this Friday 2 May, from 5.30pm – 7.00pm. This occasion is intended to facilitate connection between parents and key staff, as we work in partnership to educate your daughters. You are most warmly welcome to attend.  

Kath Little

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL