MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

“The simplest and most practical lesson I know … is to resolve to be good today – but better tomorrow.” – Catherine McAuley

As Semester One draws to a close, it is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to stop, review and reflect on our 2022 journey so far. We have so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to. The heart of a thriving community is its people, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our students, families and staff for their ongoing love and support. With the easing restrictions, we have been blessed to be able to gather more often and celebrate at various events and activities.

The performing arts have certainly taken ‘centre stage’ with the outstanding production of the Combined Schools’ Musical, Beauty & the Beast. Expertly directed by Arminelle Fleming from TheatreiNQ, and ably supported by Jojo Butler, John Goulter, Jillian Turner – along with a large number of staff members from all areas – the strength of community was certainly on show and the results were extraordinary.

The Combined Schools’ Musical was followed closely by the 2022 Music by the Sea event. This was an evening of pure joy, and demonstrated the incredible depth of musical talent in our College. I personally love how music helps foster determination, perseverance, courage and confidence in young women. My sincere gratitude is extended to John Goulter who heads up our Music Department and Instrumental Program, supported by our Instrumental Music Teachers.

Earlier this week, we were able to share the remarkable achievements Mr Goulter with our community. Mr Goulter recently completed the first-of-its-kind research into Australian First Nations music and has since presented to an international audience (via Zoom) a framework to provide authentic and positive representation of Australian First Nations music in the music classroom. Mr Goulter’s article was published in an international peer-review music education bulletin, and he has received an Award for Excellence in Australia (Kodaly-inspired Music Education) for his ground-breaking work; he will receive this award in person in September. In July, Mr Goulter will present as a Kodaly specialist at the International Society of Music Education (ISME). In September, he will travel to Canberra and deliver a presentation on the similarities between Kodaly Philosophy and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. 

The level of interest in Mr Goulter’s research, and the respect it has garnered, cannot be overstated. His advocacy for our music students and his commitment to growing the extracurricular program for our girls highlights a core belief in the inestimable benefits of music. Mr Goulter facilitate so many music opportunities for our students, and I’m exceedingly grateful for everything he has done, in such a short period of time, to grow the Department. 

STAFF FAREWELLS

James Jellyman, Music & Mathematics teacher, sadly leaves us at the end of this semester to move to Brisbane with his wife Bron. Mr Jellyman has been inspiring our young musicians for the past 3 ½ years and has played an integral role in helping grow our College Arts program. We all wish James and Bron the very best for their new adventure in the South-East.

Ms Holly Whiting, Science Teacher, leaves us at the end of this term to start her 12 months of Maternity Leave as her and her husband await the arrival of their beautiful baby boy. I look forward to sharing the news of Baby Whiting’s arrival.

We also, sadly, farewell Natasha Williams, IT Support Officer, who has decided to leave the College to begin a new adventure. With Natasha, no task was ever too hard or question too foolish; she was unfailing helpful and approachable. We wish her all the best for what lies ahead.  

YEAR 11 LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Recently, I presented to the Year 11 cohort on Leadership. I am really proud of this group of brave and kind young women, and look forward to supporting them as they navigate the final stages of secondary schooling. Throughout the workshop, I led them through a reflective process using the Mercy Values and how we can all live, learn and lead with greater hope, joy, compassion, respect, justice and integrity.

CAMPS/RETREATS

It has been a wonderful week with our annual camps/retreats program. Organised by our Pastoral Care Team, the 3-day adventure allows our student to be challenged, engaged and inspired. I hope your daughter came home with joy-filled stories of adventure and new – or stronger – connections with peers and with College staff. No doubt a little weary, the holiday break is perfect timing for all our girls. Thank you for supporting our camp/retreat program, which is invaluable for our young people, providing them with lifelong memories and new friendships. I am so grateful to the College staff who also leave their own families at home for a few nights, to support these experiences for our students.

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND SCHOOLS ROWING REGATTA 25 – 26 JUNE 2022

33 of our College Rowing Squad attended the CQ Regatta in Rockhampton over the first week of the holidays. I congratulate the entire team who demonstrated enormous SISU – especially as these students had just come off camps/retreats. In near perfect conditions, the team’s hard work was rewarded time and time again and, at the close of the competition, St Patrick’s College Townsville topped the tally board. Well done to Sarah Bourke and Katie Prien, 2022 Rowing Captains who, following the example set by our coaches, promoted positivity, collaboration and goodwill.

I thank all the rowers for their commitment and to the parents/guardians for their support. These types of opportunities simply would not be possible without the support of staff volunteers and I would like to acknowledge and thank Ms Wilkinson, Ms Tomerini and Mr Triffett for travelling and staying with our squad on this trip. Special thanks, as always, to our dedicated coaches, Mr Parks, Ms Neilson-Burke and Ms Sevasti Arends for their passion and encouragement of our girls. 

I wish you all a safe, restful and joy filled break. God bless and I look forward to welcoming the students back for the start of Term 3 on Tuesday, July 19.

Amber Hauff

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL