MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Recently we gathered as a community for the annual Speech Night, a wonderful evening showcasing the incredible depth of talent in this College community. As a community we have so much to be grateful for and commend all of the students who received awards on this evening for their academic achievement, leadership and service to the community.  

This year, our guest speaker was 2001 Alumnae, Anneke Wake. A successful clinical physiotherapist, Anneke’s address was pitch-perfect appealing to every audience member. Radiating warmth, charm and humour, Anneke reflected on the very particular and special power that comes from strong, positive female relationships. School friends become an extension of your family. When properly nourished, the bonds of sisterhood strengthen and grow each year. Anneke used the analogy of the Lioness, an apex predator who can hunt, gather, nurture, and protect alongside – not in opposition to – other lionesses. She encouraged all students to “be a Lioness and find their Pride”. It was a speech filled with optimism and I hope that friendships forged between our girls – and in particular our graduating class – provide each and every girl with support, joy, and companionship in the years to come.

Featured throughout the night were a number of excellent performances from our various Arts Departments. Thank you, in particular, to Mr Goulter, Ms Kelly, Rachel Cairns, Dr Mark Smith, Georgia Martel and the Music Department for providing so many high-quality musical items.

I am also constantly impressed with the way in which our Arts teachers navigate a challenging performance space to create imaginative, exciting pieces and this year the opening piece was no exception. My sincere thanks are extended to Ms Kelly, Ms Butler and Ms Walsh for creating this wonderful performance.

YEAR 12 VALEDICTORY WEEK

Next week, the 2021 Year 12s will gather, alongside their families to reflect on their journey at this College, celebrate the many achievements and acknowledge the strong legacy they leave behind. In fact, this cohort began their high school journey as I began my journey at this College back in 2016. I have absolutely loved walking with this cohort and feel heartened that they leave us as confident, empowered young women, inspired to make a difference in the world.

Amber Hauff

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

PARENT ENGAGEMENT 

Research shows that family expectations and aspirations have a substantial impact on student outcomes in the secondary schooling years. Family-led, home-based aspects of parent engagement, such as providing a general atmosphere and environment for learning, have more impact than parents having direct involvement in the content of young people’s schoolwork. We understand that families are busy and the majority of both parents work full time and have various commitments to balance. However, effective and positive parent engagement is still possible without physically being able to help out at events.

Parents are strongly encouraged to take a genuine and close interest in the work of the College and engage as partners in their daughter’s learning. We encourage our parents/guardians to keep open lines of communication with Heads of House and subject teachers about their daughter’s learning and wellbeing seeking to understand how they can best support the healthy development of their daughter’s academic progress, resilience and confidence.

Our College ethos, values and expectations for both students and staff are firmly centred on respect for oneself, for peers and for College property. In keeping with this, we also welcome, encourage and expect that respectful and caring relationships are reflected in the ways in which staff, students and parents/guardians interact with one another and in the language they use in both formal and informal settings.

We pride ourselves on being a school that is highly responsive and open to feedback and respectful communication surrounding ways we can improve the learning experience and outcomes for young women. If you do have suggestions or skills/resources that can assist the College, we welcome your feedback.

Mr Cameran Triffett

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

As we begin Week 6, we have well and truly passed the half-way mark of Term 4. It is always a fast-paced term and it is important that students are organised and ready for upcoming assessment. The College Assessment Calendar is a useful starting point for planning the remaining weeks of term.

Students in Years 7 to 11 will begin Exam Block in Week 7. Some helpful hints to prepare for Exam Block:

• Start Early – don’t leave your study until the week before the Exam Block.
• Plan a Study Timetable – this will ensure a certain amount of time each day is allocated to study.
• Find a place that’s quiet and not distracting.
• Turn off social media, text messages and phone calls to avoid interruptions.

If parents or students have any further questions in relation to the Term 4 Exam Block Timetable, please contact either Mr Chris Pacey (cpacey@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au) or myself via email abyrnes@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au.  

YEAR 12

Our Year 12 students are currently in the third week of External Assessment and are to be commended so far on their efforts and academic endeavours. We wish them the best of luck with any exams remining in these final days.

A reminder of some key dates for Year 12 students and parents:

• Friday 17 December 2021 –  Year 12 results released by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) via the myQCE website. This includes the Queensland Certificate of Education and Final Subject Results. Student are reminded to access their myQCE account prior to this release date and use a personal email address (not their College email address).
• Friday 17 December 2021 – Year 12 ATAR results released by the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC) via the ATAR Portal. This is only for students that are ATAR eligible. Student are reminded to register to receive their ATAR prior to this release date and use a personal email address (not their College email address)

Year 12s will not receive a report card from the College at the end of the year as all of their results are provided in the documents provided by QCAA.

2022 SUBJECTS

Students in Years 7, 9 and 10 have submitted their 2022 subject selection forms. A reminder that if students want to change any of their preferences for 2022 they are encouraged to contact me.

END OF YEAR REPORT CARD

Term 4 report cards will be distributed in the holidays via email to all parents of students in Years 7 to 10. The Year 7 to 10 Report will include an overview of academic achievement, behaviour and work ethic in each subject throughout Term 4, 2021.

The Year 11 Report will be a Unit Three Interim Report. As Year 11s have just received a report card, the report card issued will indicate the student’s behaviour and work ethic in each subject.

Parents/guardians, if your contact details have changed, please contact the College Office to update your details before reports are distributed.

 2022 STATIONERY LISTS AND BYOD REQUIREMENTS

In preparation for 2022, stationery lists can be found on the College Website. If your daughter has forgotten which electives she has chosen, she can email Mrs Melissa Cowan, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Principal – Academic, mcowan@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au or contact the College Office.

The College website also includes the 2022 BYOD Specifications. It is important to review these specifications, particularly if you are purchasing a new computer for 2022 or beyond. In particular, I draw your attention to the not recommended and not compatible columns and the note that the College does not support Macs or Chrome Books. If you have any questions in relation to these BYOD specifications, do not hesitate to contact myself or IT Support via itsupport@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Amy Byrnes

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

 

 

DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

As the year draws to a close, it is a time to reflect and be grateful for all of the joys and achievements that we had have this year. I want to thank each and every student for their dedication to their studies and their involvement in the extracurricular life of the College. 

To our Graduates and other students leaving our College, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours wherever you may be.

The upcoming holidays is a chance to rest, recharge, reconnect with our family and friends. We can also look back on the year, what we are grateful for and perhaps what we need to spend more time building and developing next year. 

COMBINED SCHOOLS PASTORAL EVENINGS

In the last few weeks, our Year 7, 8 and 11 students have enjoyed a variety of activities that have provided them with an opportunity to meet and socialise with other students from St Margaret Mary’s College, St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie and Ignatius Park College. 

Year 11 enjoyed a Trivia Night which allowed the students to test their knowledge and teamwork to complete various fun activities. Year 8 students enjoyed an old-fashioned Barn Dance with progressive dances and whip cracking. Year 7 dressed in their tropical attire to enjoy a night of dancing and games at their Tropical Disco. A special thanks to the Pastoral Team who have been so instrumental in creating these events for the students of all Colleges.

ONLINE SAFETY

Many students may keep in touch with their friends via social media during the school holidays. We would encourage parents and guardians to have open communication with their daughters about the platforms they are using and the content they are viewing and tell you when they see concerning online material. Negotiating age-appropriate boundaries about social media use and platforms is still necessary during the school holiday break, as young people will have more time to spend online. 

Informative and useful support resources may be found on the e-Safety Commissioner website. 

UNIFORM POLICY

With extra time and gift money, it may be enticing for your daughter to get a new piercings over the Christmas holidays. However, new piercings must align with College policy. As stated in the College Diary on page 101, “One pair of small stud earrings or sleepers in gold or silver may be worn as a standard lobe piercing only, and facial piercings are not permitted.”  Should students return to the College with additional piercings they will be required to remove these. Please note that clear piercing retainers do not adhere to the College Uniform requirements.

2022 LOCKER ARRANGEMENTS

Students in Year 7 will be issued with a locker and a lock to assist them in developing their executive function skills. Students in all other year groups will be given the opportunity to secure a locker by emailing their Head of House.

I would like to wish our College families a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. 

Maria Franettovich

DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

 

DIRECTOR OF MISSION

At this point in the year, I reflect on how we, as a Mercy community, are inspired by the practical example of Catherine McAuley as we strive to bring God’s loving kindness in Christ to all whom we meet, and to all that we do. I acknowledge our 2021 Community Service Prefects, Harper Weekers and Madyson Wass for their leadership, organisation, and compassion for others. They have worked tirelessly this year to build up Mercy Girls In Action, providing new projects and empowering their community to make a real difference in the world. Mercy Girls In Action meets every Wednesday at lunchtime in A14 and our next Eat Up session will be on Friday in Week 6 at 7:30am in Hospitality. New members are most welcome!

 OZANAM LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

I would like to congratulate Elizabeth Shaju and Jamie Mohr as they have successfully completed the Ozanam Leadership Program with the St. Vincent de Paul Society Queensland. This program is a value and skills-based initiative of the Society, designed to develop and equip participants with the skills to become compassionate leaders within their communities.

As participants, Elizabeth and Jamie have been actively involved in all facets of the program including a retreat, leadership development days and a practical volunteering component. They developed excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating great resilience to overcome challenges and an ability to communicate with others empathetically. Through participation in the program, Elzabeth and Jamie have attained excellent communication and leadership skills along with demonstrated teamwork. Their dedication and commitment to the program is to be commended. 

I look forward to seeing how the girls will implement these skills in their new leadership positions. If you are in Year 11 in 2022 and would like to apply for Ozanam Leadership Program with the St. Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, please email Ms Costopoulos.

A YEAR OF COMMUNITY SERVICE – MERCY GIRLS IN ACTION

This year, Mercy Girls in Action have focused on integrating new community service projects into the College, as well as strengthening existing projects. Our goal was to create as much participation as possible, so that every girl is involved in helping our community. We saw students keen to serve those in need from early on in the year, when we teamed up with the organisation, Eat Up. Eat Up aims to stop school kids from going hungry during the day by helping groups to make sandwiches that can be delivered to local schools. We have held two sessions per term. Our numbers have grown to around 50 volunteers. We hope that this project will continue to grow and empower students to know that their actions can have great impact, for years to come.

The senior Mercy Girls volunteered at St Vincent de Paul’s Buddies Days throughout the year. This program gives disadvantaged children a chance to have a day out doing fun activities, such as going to the movies and museums, bowling, and swimming. We became role models for the kids in the program as we got to know them better each time and learnt the importance of giving back to the community. During our annual Mercy Day, the Year Elevens received the training needed to volunteer at Buddies Days, so that they can ensure the continuation of the College’s involvement in this program. In Term 4, St Patrick’s College Townsville hosted their inaugural Buddies Day. Students and teachers gave up their Saturday to make pizzas, play drama games and play at the water park with their ‘little buddies’.

Harper Weekers, Year 12

In Term 3 this year, students from Years 10-12 participated in The Vinnies Sleepout. The girls were presented with choices regarding food, sleeping comfortably or certain luxuries such as a phone, by being given a limited amount of money. This demonstrated hardships that people less fortunate than us face every day. The girls took a lot away from the experience, being especially grateful for the roof over our heads.

Madyson Wass – Year 12

Participating in the Vinnies Buddies Day was such a rewarding experience. We were able to give the kids a fun day out, and they were all so excited to participate in the activities we had planned. While there were challenges throughout the day, it was a great opportunity for us to learn how to manage kids’ behaviour, resolve conflict, and develop resilience – and in the end, their energy and enthusiasm made it all worth it.

Jamie Mohr – Year 11

Mercy Girls in Action has continued to grow and contribute to communities inside and outside the College. I recently participated in the Mercy Girls Eat Up where we made 700 cheese sandwiches. I was amazed at how well the girls applied themselves to help others in need. Mercy Girls in Action brings hospitality and joy to the College, and I look forward to all the incredible contributions they make, now and in the future.

Brooke Davis-Goodall – Year 11

I had so much fun at the Buddies Day and I would definitely love, love, love to participate again. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to make these kids smile and have a laugh from the messy pizza making to the fun tiggy game at the water park. I look forward to the next Vinnies Buddies Day and hope to have even more fun next time. 

Evon Tulele – Year 12

In June this year MGIA, received many generous clothing donations from students and members of the College to be sold at our annual Fashion Friday to assist the less fortunate in our community. This day, as always, was a massive hit with students flooding into the sports complex in anticipation of the amazing bargains. Whilst this gave students an opportunity to diversify their wardrobe, more importantly, it enabled the college community to reflect on the adverse impacts of fast fashion and place the significance of charity at the forefront of their minds.

Bonnie Hughes and Dannika McMillan – Year 10

I found Buddies Day really rewarding and would definitely recommend it to others. The kids really enjoyed themselves and were so grateful for the day. It’s a great opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people. I got to know my buddy really well, and we had a lot of fun making pizzas and playing games. Overall, it was an uplifting experience that I would happily repeat. 

Ruby Mitchell – Year 11

The Bread Tags for Wheelchairs initiative and Eat Up made me realize that we can help people in many ways. It made me realize that I want to be the change that brightens someone else’s day.

Abbie Hamilton – Year 8

 

 

TOGETHER WE PRAY

Creator God,

We thank you for this beautiful world with

its amazing variety of animals and plants.

May we never forget we are stewards of your creation

and that we hold it in trust for future generations.

Help us to respect the Earth’s rich diversity and to share

with each other and all living creatures in responsible ways.

We pray for the world leaders to hear the cry of the Earth

and the cry of the poor and commit to making

real and lasting changes to protect the planet.

Amen

 

Athena Costopoulos

DIRECTOR OF MISSION

DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

I recently found this beautiful painting by Helen McCarthy Tyalmuty (shown below). Helen is a proud Bulgul woman. The artwork depicts her ancestors and the plentiful billabongs, waterways and land used for hunting and survival. In reference to this painting, Helen says, “the old people looked after our country. They say don’t be greedy. Only get enough for family and always share”.

The painting also writes a story of my first year at St Patrick’s College Townsville. The green depicts the country which we are blessed to walk on. The ocean stretching across to Magnetic Island and refreshing Jourama and Crystal Creek falls in which we swim are found in the blue. The orange and red circles are memorable explosions of community and culture through Sunday suppers, family meetups and NAIDOC. The touches of black are the journeys we walked in understanding each other as a boarding family and the tiny rocks are the moments spent being together, sharing together, yarning together. My challenge for all of us moving into 2022 echoes Ms McCarthy’s words above … Look after your country (and home). Don’t be greedy. Do only what is kind and always share.

Ms Katie De Carteret

DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

 

 

 

 

DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

TERM 4 EXAM BLOCK

As per the Semester Two Assessment Calendars, all students will have a designated Exam Block in Term 4. The link with the Exam Block Schedule has been emailed to all students.

During exam block:

• Students must wear full Academic College uniform (including to and from the College).
• Student must have the correct equipment for their exams in a clear, transparent container or bag.
• Students are not to bring Smart Watches or mobile phones into the examination room.
• Student rolls will be marked for both examination rooms and for each study session. Designated quiet study areas will be available for Year 10 and Year 11 students between examinations.
• Students must be on time for exams.
• Students must remain within the College grounds at a times and may not be signed out by parents between exams without prior arrangement with the Dean of Academic Operations.
• Students will complete all assessment to the best of their ability, using the entire allocated time to work and check their responses. All students must remain in the exam room for the allotted time.

YEAR 10 AND YEAR 11 STUDENTS

Year 10 and 11 students are permitted to go home during the Term 4 Exam Block. Year 10 and 11 students must be at school on the days when they have exams; however, if a student has only one exam in the morning or afternoon, they may remain at home for study, at their parent’s/guardian’s discretion and the College office needs to be contacted and advised of this by 9am on the day. Year 10 and 11 residential students are permitted to return to the Boarding School for quiet study when they do not have exams. Year 11 students must ensure they are following the College Senior Assessment Policy throughout all assessment pieces.

If you have any questions or concerns in relation to the exam block please contact the Dean of Academic Operations, Chris Pacey (cpacey@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au).

SPECIAL PROVISIONS (YEAR 7 TO 10)

A reminder that if students are away on an assessment due date or have been away prior to the due date of an exam or assessment they may be entitled to special provisions. It is important that students are meeting all due dates, but at times, there are circumstances that prevent this from occurring and this is when special provisions are put in place. Students must make an appointment to see the Dean of Academic Operations if they have an application for special provisions. Further information relating to Special Provisions can be found in the College Junior Assessment Policy.

Mr Chris Pacey

DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

COLLEGE NEWS

FROM THE CHAPLAIN

Term 4 brings great joy in Mercy Girls in Action. This period allows members to think about and prepare for the St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal and collect non-perishable items for our Christmas hampers. This will be launched in week 5. The College recently received a lovely letter of acknowledgement from Vinnies, who praised our “thoughtful, community-minded students…you must be very proud of your students and staff for their efforts”. This has spurred us to continue to find ways to support St Vincent De Paul and all the wonderful work they do to support their client, many of whom are some of the most disadvantaged in the community.

MGIA celebrated its last meeting with the 2021 Community Service Prefects, Harper Weekers and Madyson Wass. Our College Prefects were gifted with flowers and members shared thoughtful words about Harper and Madyson’s service journey throughout 2021. We were very privileged to have them lead the MGIA this year. Both Harper and Madyson demonstrated outstanding communication and encouraged strategic thinking by implementing new initiations, including Eat Up. We are blessed to have our wonderful 2022 Community Service Prefects, Ruby Mitchell and Georgia Dagge, to continue the mission.

Ms Harriett Veukiso

COLLEGE CHAPLAIN. E: hveukiso@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

 

SENIOR ART INSTALLATION – “ILLUMINATE”

The Library has been transformed with a gallery of stunning, original artworks from our Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts students.

These artworks will remain on display until the end of the term so that everyone gets a chance to see and experience the amazing pieces. Thank you to our incredible Head of Department – Visual Arts & Exhibitions, Ms Walsh, for her tireless effort curating the collection.

Year 12 Visual Arts students will have the opportunity to tour the gallery with their families after the Valedictory Assembly on Wednesday, 17 November. We know they will be excited to share their work with their loved ones.

ANIME CLUB DRAWING COMPETITION

As a part of Anime Club, we have a drawing competition each year. The theme for 2021 was “Imagine” and students could draw their own original anime or include anime they have seen before which fitted in with the theme. Students across all year levels submitted entries for the competition and they should be proud of their efforts. This year, Katrina Parker won the Junior section and Caitlin McPhail won the Senior section.

Well done to all students who entered and a special congratulations to the two winners. Entries from the competition are now displayed in the library.

Ms Anna Kendall

JAPANESE TEACHER. E: akendall@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

AFL TWO BIRD CUP WINNERS

Congratulations to the following students who played in the annual AFL Two Bird Cup in Cairns on 6 & 7 November.

• Geraldine Songoro
• Adrianna Chillagoe
• Leela Foster
• Katrice Foster
• Lynette Boulsen
• Jusaray Nona
• Charlize Barrett
• Isabella Nona
• Wilimina Misi
• Jmeillah Barrett
• Kaitha Wosomo
• Alison Wosomo

Representatives of the Garbutt Magpies U18 Youth Girls team, they joined with other talented sportswomen and played with great skill and determination to defeat the Cape York House Eagles side.

Not only was the team sensational on the field, but the College was delighted to receive very positive feedback from Campbell’s bus service regarding the exceptional behaviour of our students on tour! We’re so proud of you, Girls.

IRISH DANCING QUEEN

Irish Dancing is characterised by a rigid upper body and intricate footwork. It is both athletic and graceful. Congratulations to Year 11 student, Taliyah McNamara-Thompson, on a fantastic set of results at the recent City of Cairns Feis Competition.

.

Taliyah presented with 2^nd Premiership overall

• 1^st place – Heavy Jig
• 2^nd place – Reel
• 2^nd place – Own Choice Traditional set Dance – King of the Fairies
• 3^rd place – Slip Jig
• 1^st place – Hornpipe
• 1^st place – Own Choice set Dance – The Humours of Bandon
• 3^rd place – Open Choice dance – Heavy Jig 

REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMEMORATIONS

To commemorate Remembrance Day, students from Years 7-11 have been busy making poppies and have entered the competition “The Crosses of Flanders Fields” where it will be displayed at the Army Museum North Queensland, near Jezzine Barracks.  Special mention to Abby Hamilton, Taliyah McNamara-Thompson, Alyssah-Jane Shephard, Brook Anderson, Lily Crocker, Ms Hyne and Ms Walsh for giving up their lunch times and after hours to finish the College’s submission.

Photo Group: Brook Anderson, Abby Hamilton, Lily Crocker, Taliyah McNamara-Thompson & Alyssah-Jane Shephard

Photo: Year 11 Students, Alyssah-Jane Shephard and Taliyah McNamara

Remembrance Day Liturgy will be held on Wednesday 10 November, and will feature a special guest speaker, Lieutenant Morgan Emmett from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment. Our 2022 College Captains, representing the St Patrick’s College Townsville, will attend the 103^rd Anniversary of Armistice Day at Anzac Park, The Strand. 

DEFENCE MORNING TEA – FAREWELL 2021

Our final Defence Morning Tea was held on Monday 8 November and we had a chance to farewell families who have been posted out of Townsville. They have our best wishes in their new posting.

SUPPORT SERVICES – TIPS FOR MOVING WITH KIDS

Moving is a major life change, and children may face challenges as they leave behind friends, familiar places and activities. To make the process more manageable for children and to help them become more positive and self-reliant, communicating truthfully and openly is important. This will help them understand and cope with the change. Open communications allow children to feel empowered, valued and make them feel a part of the process. 

As a timely reminder, don’t forget that within the first 18 months of starting at a new school, students are entitled to tutoring reimbursement to overcome the immediate difficulties caused by changing schools. For more information about this program, visit the DFMS Website: https://defence.gov.au/members-families/Family/kids/education.asp.

As well as this:

• Consult your local Education Liaison Officer (EDLO)
• Email: education.supportprograms@defence.gov.au

If you would like any other tips with guiding children through relocations and/or education support, contact the all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.

For any assistance, please contact the College’s Defence School Mentor, Ms Gayle Walkom via email.

Ms Gayle Walkom

DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR. E: gwalkom@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

HOSPITALITY NEWS

As 2021 draws to a close, the Junior Hospitality classes are busy completing assessments:

• Year 7 have been designing their own Healthy Muffin recipe that could potentially be sold from the College canteen.
• Year 8 have been learning about the importance of a Healthy Breakfast and enjoying preparing a range of breakfast dishes including omelets, pikelets, acai bowls and smoothies.
• Year 9 have immersed themselves into the topic of Sustainability and Food Waste and how society can minimize the long-term impacts. They have also designed a recipe that features a fruit or vegetable item.
• Year 10 have been learning about Café Culture, the different roles in Hospitality and preparing some recipes you find in casual dining establishments and cafés.
• Year 11 students have started a unit Food Trends. As well as learning about current trends, they have been researching food trucks and the different styles of food served from trucks around the world. The class are creating their own Food Truck event, designing dishes they could serve from a Food Truck or pop up café.

Ms Camille Flores

HEAD OF HOSPITALITY & EVENTS. E: clores@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

NORTH AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Year 8 student, Charlotte Rosenblatt recently attended the Surf lifesaving North Australian Championships in Mackay where she competed the Pool Rescue Competition and the Open Water Surf events.

Charlotte is no stranger to long distance swimming, having successfully completed the 8km Townsville to Magnetic Island Swim earlier this year. Charlotte used the competition to aid her training for more 2022 Swimming and Life Saving challenges. Congratulations, Charlotte!

 

MERCY PARTNERS STUDENT ART PRIZE

Above is the dynamic yet meaningful artwork into the Mercy Partners Student Art Prize by Jamie Mohr and Ruby Mitchell and submitted on behalf of the Mercy Girls in Action group.

Artists’ Statement: For this artwork of Catherine McAuley, we chose collage as our medium. Drawing on elements of traditional religious styles, we used mosaic and stained glass for inspiration. The unity of all the individual pieces of paper symbolises how every member of our College community is a part of the Mercy tradition. We have also incorporated three yellow Mercy Roses, alongside the Mercy Cross, as symbols of Catherine’s servant leadership, her dedication to Christ, and her continuing impact today. The inclusion of Irish lace acknowledges the Mercy Sisters’ rich history, and connection to Ireland. The bright lamp represents Catherine’s unwavering willingness to follow God’s path. She is a light for those in the dark, bringing warmth and hospitality to all she meets. She offers hope, dignity, and respect to those in need. The words ‘mercy’ and ‘loving’ feature prominently in the piece to describe Catherine McAuley, as we believe that her work for social justice is closely intertwined with her deep sense of compassion and empathy. Furthermore, Catherine’s serene and knowing expression reflects her peaceful temperament, as well as her desire to understand others. We both greatly admire Catherine McAuley, and look to her for guidance in our daily lives.

FROM THE CULTURAL SUPPORT PROGRAM LEADER

QATSIF – ROUND 13

Thank you to those students who have put in applications for the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation Scholarships for 2022 (QATSIF). Students and their families will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.

In the meantime, I encourage these students, and our current QATSIF students, to familiarise themselves with QATSIF’s strict eligibility criteria: https://www.qatsif.org.au/student-eligibility-criteria

A reminder that students must meet these criteria each semester to remain eligible for their scholarship.

STRONGER SMARTER LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

This year, I have been fortunate enough to be a participant in the Stronger Smarter Leadership Program, through the Stronger Smarter Institute. Founded by Dr. Chris Sarra, the Institute aims to transform education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The ‘Strong and Smart’ approach is being used in schools across the country to embrace a strong and positive sense of what it means to be Aboriginal in contemporary society.

I look forward to sharing my learnings with the staff at the St Patrick’s College Townsville in 2022.

FLAG PROJECT

Through our continuing Reconciliation Action Plan, the College has installed flag poles at the front of the administration and boarding buildings. Four Year 11 students, Flora Nona, Jermia Ahmat-Nona, Bethany Savage and Ether Babia, have been leading a project surrounding protocols that need to be followed with regards to a flag-raising ceremony early next year. In 2022, the task of raising and lowering these flags each day will rest with our Boarding Prefects, Cultural Engagement Prefect and Year 12 Boarding students.

I would like to thank Ms Hauff, Ms Costopoulos, Ms Walkom and the RAP Committee for their support of this initiative, and we look forward to seeing the flags flown in 2022 and beyond.

FIRST NATIONS BEDTIME STORIES

Common Ground’s First Nations Bedtime Stories will be running again this year from 22 – 26 November. Every year, they work with First Nations creatives and communities to film five Dreaming stories. These are then shared online and are for everyone – younger and older, families and schools, or even workplaces.

It is a time for all people to come together on a journey towards deeper connection and understanding, to learn from and celebrate First Nations culture and the profound wisdom they hold.

Common Ground states: Dreaming stories are sacred, and have played a central role in First Nations cultures since time immemorial. They are the foundation of First Nations ways of thinking, being and knowing. They carry knowledge and law, and teach us how to care for country.

To sign up go to: https://www.firstnationsbedtimestories.com/

CULTURAL SUPPORT PROGRAM LEADER

This will be my final newsletter article as Cultural Support Program Leader. Our newly-founded role of Community Education Counsellor will take over my duties from 2022, as I move into the Learning Support Program Leader role.

When I began this role in 2019, I had no idea what journey it would take me on. I have been blessed to be immersed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and stories from day one, and was able to strengthen my own understanding and connection to culture.

It has been my absolute privilege to support, nurture and inspire our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to achieve their very best and to support them to reach for the stars. This is something that I will continue to strive towards every day.

Ms Lauren Newman

CULTURAL SUPPORT PROGRAM LEADER. E: lnewman@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

YEAR 11 MARINE SCIENCE – ORPHEUS ISLAND

On Sunday 10 October, the Year 11 Marine Science class departed Townsville, travelling up to Orpheus Island’s James Cook University research station to gain skills in coral reef research. Students undertook fish and coral surveys and deployed a baited remote underwater video system to discover more about how the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem works.  

In addition to this, the students also snorkelled through the shoreline mangroves to view the importance of these ecosystems as critical nursery habitats, a topic which was covered in Marine Science in Term 3. The students were lucky enough to experience low tides allowing them to walk out to see the unique clam garden.

This field trip was a crucial component of the data test this term providing students with the necessary experience to actively collect data in the field. The Year 11s will now analyse the data, using different statistical tests such as Simpson’s Diversity Index, Regression Analysis and T-tests.

Ms Holly Whiting

MARINE SCIENCE TEACHER. E: hwhiting@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

STUDENT TRAVEL REBATES NOTICE