MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

The College camps and retreats program has been a wonderful way to end a busy term. Cameran Triffett and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Year 8 campers at Wambiana Station, learning about life on a cattle station and enjoying the beautiful Queensland outback. I would like to sincerely thank the Camp Coordinators and all of the College staff who have gone above and beyond to organise and support this invaluable experience for our students. 

I was also able to work with our Year 11 students as they progress on their leadership development journey towards 2022.  On Thursday night, we all enjoyed a Leadership Dinner and heard from Michelle Morton, Managing Partner of Wilson Ryan and Grose, about her life and career story. It was such a wonderful opportunity for such a strong female role model to provide our students with insight and inspiration, exciting them about the opportunities and possibilities available to them as they navigate their senior year and beyond. I am really proud of this group of brave and kind young women and look forward to supporting them throughout this next exciting chapter.

This week, I communicated via email to our families to share the great news that our College continues to grow and flourish, both in reputation and in enrolments. This requires us to forge ahead with the next stage of the College Master Plan to ensure we have sufficient spaces to support our learning program. The next stage will include a new covered Sports Court and a state of the art STEM and Innovation building. I am looking forward to keeping our community updated and very soon we will launch a page on our website dedicated to this next exciting stage of development.

Over the upcoming June/July holiday break, the construction of the new Sports Court will begin to ensure the College has a fully functioning multipurpose facility to support the wide variety of health and fitness programs on offer. This means a construction zone will be in place from the beginning of Term 3 until the end of Term 4 in 2021. I will be working closely with Tim Ham, Principal of St Joseph’s North Ward to ensure we minimise disruption as much as possible for both of our communities throughout construction.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank and farewell one of our amazing teachers, Ms Chantal Bullock. Chantal leaves us this term to relocate with her family to the Sunshine Coast. We have been so fortunate to benefit from Chantal’s knowledge and expertise. She will be greatly missed and we wish her all the very best for her next chapter. We also farewelled Mr Alistair Hutton, a much loved Bus Driver who has worked at the College for nearly 10 years. We wish Alitair well as he begins his well-deserved retirement.

The COVID-19 situation continues to provide a dynamic environment with travel interstate plans, providing at times immediate and unexpected lockdowns, hot spots and subsequent quarantine requirements. I thank our families for their continued understanding that we all have a responsibility to remain abreast of these changes and requirements in order to keep everyone safe.

I wish our staff, students and their families all the very best for safe holiday break to rest, reflect and renew and look forward to welcoming our students back for the beginning of Term 3.  

God’s blessings to all.

Amber Hauff

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

BOARD REPORT

COLLEGE BOARD REPORT

In April, we were blessed with a visit from the Council of Mercy Partners who conducted their annual regional meeting with a pleasant dinner gathering for all those in leadership in Mercy ministries in Townsville – St Patrick’s College Townsville, the Mater Hospital and Mercy Community Services North Queensland. The Councillors also enjoyed the ambience of the East Precinct band room for their regular meeting. Our Principal, Mrs Hauff, and I spent time with the Councillors sharing the planning and progress of St Patrick’s College Townsville. They expressed their appreciation of the quality of leadership of the College and were particularly impressed with the way in which the College managed the challenges of the pandemic year, and the work done by the Board in developing a very successful Recruitment strategy for both Board and Committee membership.

Members of the Mercy Partners Council conducted the Annual General Meeting [AGM] on May 24.  In approving the Annual Board Chair Report, they commended the excellent and comprehensive report provided, and noted that “Mission delivered at St Patrick’s College Townsville is an example of what being Catholic is all about”  which was evidenced by the fact that despite the challenges posed by the pandemic the College did not lose sight of its essential mission.

In April and May respectively it was with some sadness, and with great appreciation, that we bade farewell to Ms Moira Grant and Mr Peter Cavallo. As the Director of Business and Operations, Moira made a remarkable contribution to the College with her extraordinary expertise in finance and oversight of the construction work, and her competence in the role of Company Secretary. Peter finished his time as a Director on the Board, a position he held over the past six years. Peter brought his professional and financial expertise to the Board and chaired the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee. His was a voice of calm optimism that helped guide us through difficult financial decisions and supported the astute financial management provided by our College leadership during that period. He was also very generous in providing Covid-19 safe meeting spaces for us during a difficult year.

The tasks of the Recruitment Committee chaired by Ms Tia Cox came to fruition with the appointment of new Directors to the Board. It was with delight that we welcomed Ms Maria Larkin, Ms Josephine Gabrielli and, for a short while, Mr Zak Plumridge.  Zak has since left the Board to take up the position of the Director of Business Operations for the College. As such, he will take on the role of the Company Secretary. Maria brings her accounting and financial expertise and will replace Peter as the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee. Josephine is a skilled health professional and brings expertise and practical knowledge of the construction industry. She has joined the Property and Facilities Committee under the chairmanship of Mr Steven Mosch. We look forward to the addition of two new members within a few weeks.

Planning is well underway for the next two phases of the College Master Plan – the construction of the sports complex and the STEM building which includes new staffing space. The Board is very grateful for the extraordinary effort of the College leadership in progressing the planning at every stage.

Sr Helen Mary Peters

BOARD CHAIR 

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

NEW LEARNING HUB BASED SYSTEM FOR STUDENT SIGN-UP AND PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION

Term 3 will see the launch of a new, streamlined system to manage extracurricular activities. The Extracurricular Sign-up tile on the Learning Hub will provide a central location for students and families to access details about the activities available at the College. Each activity will have a page containing essential information such as:

• Description of the activity
• Meeting times & location
• Coordinator information
• Student or Parent/Guardian sign-up form

Parent/guardian permission will only be required for activities that occur out of school hours or those that require travel. Students can sign up for any activities that take place during the school day without parent/guardian consent. Permission for boarding students will continue to be managed by the boarding house as per current arrangements. Instruction sheets for both students and parents/guardians can be found on the Extracurricular Sign-up Learning Hub page. 

Students only need to sign up for activities once a year, when they join. Any activities that they are already participating in this year, don’t need to be registered for.

https://learninghub.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/login/

For queries on the following, please contact the listed staff:

• Learning Hub login issues – itsupport@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au
• Navigating the Extracurricular Sign-up process –

Susan Wilkinson swilkinson@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

• Particular activities – contact the coordinator listed on the activity’s page

Cameran Triffett

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

Students have completed a range of learning activities throughout Term 2 including: NAPLAN, Elevate Sessions, Exam Blocks, excursions and practical experiences. No doubt our students will welcome the holidays after the fast-paced nature of Term 2 and I encourage them to take some time to relax, reenergise and refocus before we begin Semester Two. 

REPORT CARDS

During the holidays, all year levels will receive a report card via email to parents/guardians.

• Year 7 to 10 students will receive a Semester One Report,
• Year 11 will receive a Unit One Report
• Year 12 will receive a Unit Three Provisional Report.

These reports will include an overview of academic achievement, behaviour and work ethic in each subject. Parents/Guardians can find any subject specific feedback on individual assessment tasks via the Student Café and Parent Lounge. If you do not receive your Report Card in the holidays, please contact the College office. 

ACADEMIC CONFERENCES

Following the distribution of report cards, Academic Conferences will be held in Term Three on Tuesday 20 July (3.30pm to 7.00pm). Further information about Academic Conferences will be released with the report cards including when bookings will open. Bookings can be made via Parent Lounge.

To prepare students for Academic Conferences, they are encouraged to complete the Academic Conference Reflection Booklet.

ASSEMBLY

The Diligence Assembly will be held on Wednesday, 28 July 2021 beginning at 9.00am. Based on the report cards, students who qualify for either an Academic Award or Diligence Award will be advised in the holidays via a separate letter of their achievements. Criterion for Academic and Diligence Awards can be found on the College website. If your daughter believes that she is eligible for an Academic or Diligence Award, and does not receive a letter in the holidays, she is encouraged to see the Deputy Principal- Academic at the commencement of Term Three.

Amy Byrnes

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

CAMP/RETREAT WEEK: TUESDAY 15 – THURSDAY 17 JUNE

 On Tuesday, the students and staff from St Patrick’s College Townsville set off on Camp. The Year 7 students headed to Camp Kanga where they took part in many activities based around a survivor theme. Year 8 students headed to Wambiana Station south-west of Charters Towers and engaged in typical farm based activities. The students in Year 9 headed up north to Mungalli Falls Education Centre for teambuilding activities designed to push them out of their comfort zones. The Year 10 students also headed north to Genazzano Retreat for their camp themed “Compassion”. Year 11 students spent their time at the College and at the Paluma Adventure Centre. Their retreat focus was on leadership, personal growth and a community service.

There have been many wonderful stories from all of the staff and students about the adventures they had on camp. These whole school activities are made possible by a dedicated staff who willingly give up their time to ensure the students have an enjoyable time. In particular, thanks must go to the Camp Coordinators Ms Meg Henderson, Ms Jordan Stewart, Ms Rosie Maguire, Ms Jodie Roberts and Ms Jaimee Seebohm for their willingness to plan these retreats.

Maria Franettovich

DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

DIRECTOR OF MISSION

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN

For the past year and a half, St Patrick’s College Townsville has been working on implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The RAP is our commitment to reconciliation, highlighting how we respect the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the way we work, learn and live at the College.

Last week, during our Ancient Wisdom Staff Formation session, we acknowledged and celebrated the work of Eddie Mabo and the Meriam people who successfully fought for the rightful sovereignty to their islands in the Torres Strait.  Staff were invited to reflect and learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements and consider how we, as a community, can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia.

Looking through the lens of justice, faith and fairness, staff were asked to consider…

• How can we walk with First Nations people in the spirit of reconciliation, justice and peace?
• What steps can we take to nurture reconciliation at St Patrick’s College Townsville?

After working through discussion prompts, groups put together their Vision for Reconciliation at St Patrick’s College Townsville.

Our RAP is an inclusive process and relies on the ongoing support of our Community. It continues to evolve and includes actions that we will deliver in the years to come to further support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and families and the national reconciliation movement.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK 

In Term 3, we will join Catholic schools around Queensland and celebrate the wonderful work of our students, educators and leaders.  

 SPIRIT OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION AWARDS

Congratulations to our extraordinary College Chaplin, Ms Harriett Veukiso, on her nomination for a Spirit of Catholic Education Award. A practising and devout Catholic, Ms Veukiso is committed to nurturing the spiritual lives of the students of the College. She encourages students to engage in social justice and social action initiatives through membership of Mercy Girls in Action and the McAuley Ministry Group. We are so proud of her!

“Congratulations! Not surprised, always an exceptional young woman.”

“Congrats, Harriett – how blessed are we to have you at our College”

“We love you, Harriett. You truly encompass our Mercy Values” 

CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENTS QUEENSLAND

Catholic School Parents Queensland is a wonderful resource to families and they will be hosting a Parent Engagement Day in Townsville on Saturday 7 August. Details can be found on their website. 

AUNTY NERIDA LAMPTON

Last week we learnt of the passing of one of our College Elders, Aunty Nerida Lampton. Aunty Nerida was, for many years, a big part of cultural and religious life of St Patrick’s College Townsville. She generously shared her time with staff and students to teach songs or just have a yarn after school. She was often present at masses and liturgies and we are ever grateful for her wisdom and kindness.  Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

Together we pray

Loving God.

Thank you for the gifts of our school: our students, families, friends,

staff and beautiful environment.

Be with us each day

As we journey together

As a faith-filled learning community.

Fill our hearts with compassion

And our minds with wonder.

Amen.

Athena Costopoulos

DIRECTOR OF MISSION

DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

June has been such a full and vibrant month. I’d like to particularly acknowledge our Yr 11 and 12 sisters who have shown great focus, courage and tenacity throughout the scheduled exam blocks. Some wonderful leadership has also been shown in the hosting of our Abergowrie social and our involvement in weekend mass with St Joseph’s. It’s also been evident in year level meetings in which the girls have been given opportunity to provide feedback on various aspects of their life in boarding, including weekend activities, daily routines and menus. Feedback from these meetings has been taken into account for our Term Three program.

Please enjoy a small selection of photos from the last few weeks in Boarding. 

SAVE THE DATE – Sunday 15 August – St Patrick’s College Townsville boarders NAIDOC FESTIVAL

The day will be hosted by our boarding students and will be filled with activities, food and ceremony to be shared with you and the school community. It will be a great opportunity to connect with family and celebrate culture.

Boarding Parents: Please ask your daughter for your own very special invite. We look forward to seeing as many as you as is possible! If you would like to find out if you are eligible for ABSTUDY travel support, please contact boarding@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Thank you for entrusting us with your girls and for the support you offer every day by your presence from afar and warmth via the telephone. To support our lines of communication between home and the boarding house, we have a series of House Mothers that can answer any day to day questions regarding the welfare of your daughter. They are:

Year 7: Stacey Sergeant (ssergeant@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au) 

Year 8 & 9: Kearley Robinson (krobinson@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au)

Year 10: Mary Galletly (mgalletly@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au)

Year 11 & 12: Pam McHugh (pmchugh@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Ms Katie de Carteret

DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

SUBJECT CHANGES IN SEMESTER TWO

Any Year 9 or 10 students considering subject changes for Semester Two are encouraged to make a time to meet with myself.  Such changes may be required to complement their subject selection for 2021.

Year 8 students may also consider a language subject change for Semester Two.  Subject changes for Semester Two will close on Friday, 23 July 2020 (Week 2, Term 3).  

Year 7 students will also be moving to their Semester Two rotation subjects. These students will be provided with their new Semester Two timetable at the commencement of Term 3.

Mr Chris Pacey

DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

FACULTY NEWS

HOSPITALITY

Year 11 Hospitality Practice students are continuing to explore the sectors of the Hospitality Industry and developing knowledge of cafes, mobile beverage operations and skills to run an event providing beverages and beverage service. The students practiced tray service and becoming familiar carrying trays. We finished off the lesson with a team relay race!

Ms Camille Flores

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – HOSPITALITY & FUNCTIONS.  E: cflores@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

“What a wonderful way to showcase the students’ talent!”

“Beautiful. So calming.”

“Wow!”

Students who might be interested in the 2021 Student Arts Prize, supported by the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane, should visit artsprize.adderton.org.au for details. 

Ms Kirsten Walsh

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – VISUAL ARTS & EXHIBITIONS.                    E: kwalsh@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

COLLEGE NEWS

BYOD WARNING FOR MAC USERS: 

As mentioned on our Website, the College’s network does not support Mac computers. The newest version of Mac OSX operating system is completely locked down and the IT Department cannot change anything to ensure they will work. College Website BYOD 

COLLEGE MUSICAL – BACK TO THE 8Os

Drama and Dance students are to be congratulated on representing St Patricks at the Combined Schools’ Musical, Back to the 80s at the Townsville Civic Theatre. The 21 students involved worked for months with peers to pull together a very entertaining show. A special mention also goes to Mr Michael Pope who operated one of the follow spots (lights) for the duration of the run.

Our own school production will be announced in Term 3. We know that our students will be thrilled with the College’s selection and the Drama, Music and Dance teachers can’t wait to see the student response!

Ms Alyssa Kelly 

Ms Amy Plumridge

P&F – SAVE THE DATE!

CAREERS

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS

The Year 12 Certificate III Health Services Assistance class have been visiting Townsville’s providers of further qualifications in the Health Industry. On 10 May the class visited CQU and was hosted by the Health Faculty. The students were able to have some hands-on experiences in CQU’s Nursing Labs.

On 29 June the class toured JCU’s Nursing/Midwifery Science Facilities where they were able to palpitate a simulated pregnant abdomen in search of the position of the unborn baby. Students were able to learn how to take blood sugar levels, listen for regular and irregular heart beats in a baby virtual mannikin.

A huge thank you to JCU and CQU Health Staff who were able to take time out of their busy work days to provide this wonderful opportunity to our students.

CAREER NEWS

Year 12 Career Classes have experienced presentation from both JCU and CQU in the last month to be able make informed decisions about their future pathways.

QTAC Applications OPEN in August. A “How-to-apply” session will be delivered early term 3.

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM QTAC – YER 12 GUIDE

Due to circumstances beyond QTAC’s control, there has been a delay to the Year 12 Guide going into production. Hard copies will now be distributed to Queensland high schools in week one of Term 3. They apologise for this inconvenience. 

SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS

If you’re an aspiring teacher be sure to check this out scholarship opportunity out and make sure you register for the update emails.

https://teach.qld.gov.au/scholarships-and-grants/aspiring-teacher-grant

I am happy to help with applications.

HOLIDAY JOBS

Ms Catherine Rentoule

HEAD OF FACULTY – CAREERS & VOCATIONAL TRAINING. E: crentoule@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

SPORTS

SPORTS REPRESENTATION

The College continues to receive updates on the extraordinary achievements of our student athletes. We’re always excited to hear about and then share our students’ success with the community. Congratulations to all of these student superstars on their outstanding achievement this term. 

Alyssa Doyle (Y7) – U12 State Basketball Championships silver medallist!

(L-R) Bonnie Hughes (Y10) 13-15 NQ Basketball, Lindsay Thorley (Y8) U12 NQ Football and Brooke Davis-Goodall (Y11) NQ Cross Country.

For the first time in 20 years, the NQ State Touch Team emerged as overall winners of the competition. Congratulations to the entire team and Y10 student, Grace Burbidge.

(Y10 student, Grace Burbidge, front row, sixth along. Congrats, Grace!)

AFL NEWS

Every Wednesday evening, various students from St Patrick’s College Townsville participate in the local Junior Youth Girls AFL Competition at Riverway Stadium competing against other local teams – Thuringowa Bulldogs, Northern Beaches Suns and Curra Swans. Congratulation to those students for their ongoing commitment and involvement.

(Photographs courtesy of Ms Walkom)

ALUMNI

2021 EVENTS

Also held in the stunning East Precinct Auditorium, Tales over Tea is a High Tea event. Connecting with the College’s rich history has shaped our planning of this event, which includes attendees contributing a story of their time at the College for our growing archives and bringing a much-loved teacup and saucer for you to use on the day.

From Lynette Groth (nee Williamson) send us a wonderful email recounting her time at St Patrick’s College Townsville and here’s a short extract.

“I had been a pupil at Saint Mary’s College and in the following year, I started school at St Patrick’s College. Most of the girls in my new class had known each other for many years, but they accepted me into their fold with great grace. It is a testimony to the culture of the school that my transition was an easy one.”

Tales over Tea

When: Sunday 11 July

Where: East Precinct Auditorium

Fryer Street, Townsville

St Patrick’s College Townsville

Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm

Dress: Smart Casual