MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

EMPOWERED WOMEN, EMPOWER WOMEN

As a Mercy community, inspired through the practical example of Catherine McAuley, we remain committed to carrying in the legacy of her vision for empowering young women through education to exert influence in their spheres of action. She was courageous and a creative thinker, always seeking to find innovative ways to approach works of Mercy; these are the very heart of the community’s charism. The beginning of 2022 has once again provided us with the opportunity to step up and support one another, to be inspired by Catherine and demonstrate resilience and courage, remaining agile and flexible to the challenges of our time. I would like to sincerely thank all in our community for their patience, their understanding and love. I truly believe this is what makes our College so special.

At the virtual Welcome Assembly held on Monday 7 February, I launched the 2022 College Theme. It was in October last year when I began researching a possible theme for 2022. I know I needed to find something that would build upon the past two year’s themes to be hope-filled, optimistic with heart driven intention and purpose. I came to the realisation that our theme had to be based on the concept of resilience and of grit – but not just any old resilience and grit. It needed to symbolise the energy that came after you harnessed a resilient mindset. In fact, our community would not be what is today without the collective energy, resilience and passion we have all demonstrated. What theme could possibly speak to this next step, this higher pursuit of excellence, this higher source of energy to keep us striving for excellence? It was then that I came across a Finnish word that meant – “a special strength and persistent determination to continue and overcome in the moment of adversity, a quality of stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, bravery, grit, and resilience.” This word is Sisu.

I am thrilled to announce that our College theme for 2022 is to Live and Learn with Sisu. I will be working closely with the staff and students to encourage and empower everyone to strive to be stronger in heart, stronger in body and stronger in mind. We are going to be more brave, more determined, and more resilient in how we live and in how we learn! I hope you are as excited as I am about our theme for 2022.

I was also able to share that our College continues to experience strong growth and coupled with internal staff promotions, we needed to find more great teachers and teacher aides to join our team from this year. These staff members have been featured on our social media and have been added to the Expert Teacher page on our College website.

Under the current COVID-19 safe restrictions we have still been able to reimagine and redesign special events. This has included the Senior Investiture Ceremony. Though sad we could not have guests onsite at this time, it was still a beautiful and moving ceremony where the 2022 senior cohort pledged to lead our College with purpose, faith, mercy, courage, and compassion. This group of young women are excited to continue the great work of those who have walked before them and leave their own legacy for those that will follow.

We have also honoured our 2021 Scholars in a virtual setting, formally announcing our College Dux, Charlotte Gugliotti and Proxime Accessit, Peta Dickinson. We were also able to acknowledge and congratulate the following scholars: Anna Baxter, Sarah Mosch, Harper Weekers and Kylie Wiltshire who all achieved ATAR scores of 90 or above and are commended on this incredible achievement. We are immensely proud of all of our graduates from 2021 and wish them all the very best for their futures. We know they will always remain closely connected to the College and the sisterhood of incredible Alumna.

Thank you for your ongoing support and may God bless our College community in the year ahead.

Amber Hauff

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

LEADERSHIP

The end of this term has seen the College appoint another group of strong female leaders who will help guide new students and their younger sisters in 2022. Whilst we are immensely proud of those who have secured a prefect position, we are also extremely proud of those students who applied and interviewed, but were not successful this time. We congratulate those students and want to ensure they know that every disappointment is a learning experience. Knowing that one ‘no’ doesn’t define you or your future is a step towards building the resilience and confidence to learn and grow. We want all students to continue learning from their experiences and be willing to try again the next time an opportunity presents itself.

Without minimising the achievements of those who were successful, it’s important for all Year 12s to realise they will be leaders in 2022. In many ways, actions are as important as titles and it is with this in mind we want all Year 12s to embrace their position as St Patrick’s College Townsville seniors. All of our senior students are experts in navigating the ups and downs of high school and we encourage them to use this knowledge to help their younger sisters. Collaboration between all year levels is actively encouraged at the College through our vertical morning pastoral care groups, beginning of year Orientation Day and sporting and community service events to name a few. We look forward to what 2022 will bring and are excited for the leadership, compassion and commitment our senior cohort will bring.

Mr Cameran Triffett

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

Welcome to our new and returning students and their families. As we come to the end of Week 4 – our second week back of face to face, I am hoping our students have embraced their timetable and have met their class teachers and peers. By now, students should be able to access our College network and IT services including emails, printing and the Learning Hub.

2022 aims to be a rewarding year for our students throughout their respective subjects. This year, we have introduced some new subjects, again, allowing students wonderful opportunities to continue to learn and discover subjects for which they have a passion.

As we embark on a new school year, I hope that students continue to achieve their individual goals, whilst challenging themselves academically. I look forward to working closely with our students and their families in all areas of the curriculum to ensure that students are fully supported to achieve their academic goals.

TUTORING SCHEDULE

Teachers at the College provide a range of tutoring opportunities for students, including before and after school and during lunch breaks. The tutoring schedule for Semester 1, 2022 is located on the Learning Hub and has been emailed to parents and students. As well as this document, students are encouraged to speak to their teachers for alternative tutoring times.

STUDY TIMETABLE

With students receiving their Timetable, Assessment Calendar and the Tutoring Schedule, they can now begin to plan their study timetables. It is important that students are implementing these procedures early in the year and having a regular routine. The College Diary includes further information regarding study including appropriate places to study, time management, organisation, sleep habits and balance. All of these hints are included on pages 112 to 113.

The following pages of the College Diary are also useful in assisting students to plan their time:

• Term One Planner – Page 10
• Term One Assessment Tasks – Page14
• Term One Study Planner- Page 18

As a general guide for students and parents/guardians, the following average times per day are suggested for each year level for homework/study:

• Year 7: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Year 8: 1 ½ hours
• Year 9: 2 hours
• Year 10: 2 ½ hours
• Year 11: 3 hours
• Year 12: 3 ½ hours

PEER TUTORING

The Extracurricular Information session was held on Friday, 18 February. At this session we launched Peer Tutoring as an extracurricular activity.

Peer Tutoring is a program that will allow students in Years 7, 8 and 9 to connect with a student in Year 10, 11 or 12 who will assist them academically. Students will be buddied with a senior student who will assist them with homework or assessment work. This is a valuable program that will allow students to form connections and to receive academic support – who knows – they may even make a lifelong friend!

Amy Byrnes

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

It is wonderful to look out of my office window and see the Courtyard filled with students.  The joyful buzz and chatter of the girls brings joy to my day.  I hope your daughters have enjoyed a positive and happy start to the new year. 

Research shows that people who witness or benefit from someone’s kindness and compassion are also more likely to be kind themselves.  People’s joy from giving to others creates a ‘positive feedback loop’.  The more you give, the more positive you feel.  This, in turn, fuels more happiness and joy.  It has been pleasing to witness the acts of kindness our students have shared this year, bringing joy to others by welcoming new students and supporting each other in a warm, friendly and generous manner. 

On Saturday, 19 February, Ms Maguire ran a very engaging and successful planning day with our 2022 Leadership group. The Prefects worked collaboratively to create their leadership goals for the year; Sisu was very much at the heart of this planning. They are determined to find ways to help the student body be resilient and show compassion, but most of all, they hope to help others’ find joy.

Maria Franettovich

DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

FAITH AND MISSION

REFLECTION OF GOSPEL

Sunday’s Gospel allows us to reflect on the blessings of the poor, the hungry and the sorrowful as well as those who are excluded. As a College and as a new year begins, we remember and reflect once again on our Mercy Values of Compassion, Justice, Respect, Integrity, Hope and Joy! Assisting those who are vulnerable and less fortunate than us, through showing compassion and understanding, is at the heart of everything we do.

For each of those who are blessed, something positive is promised. Laughter is promised for those who weep so choose JOY! As we begin our year together let’s remember to be joyful. Those with joy are filled with spirit, engaging in laughter and happiness. Find joy in the simple things in life. It actually makes you feel really good, to be joyful and brings a smile to those around you. Spread joy!

Show compassion. Enter another’s experience and move to respond. Remember our Jesus Christ and be inspired by Catherine McAuley. Strive to bring their loving kindness to all whom you meet and in all that you do. BE there for those who are in need, BE their shining light. Be a disciple of Jesus and follow Catherine McAuley’s way; we can never say, “it is enough”. Live in hope and with faith. Aim to love and to believe. Believe in others and believe in yourself. As you strive for each of these you will bring much peace for yourself and for those around you.

THE YEAR AHEAD

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding us from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening us to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making our path easy,
But by making us sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from us,
But by taking fear from our heart;
Not by granting us unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping our face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making our life always pleasant,
But by showing us when people and their causes need us most,
and by making us anxious to be there to help.
I give to YOU, God’s love, peace, hope and joy for the wonderful year ahead.

– Author Unknown

Ms Andrews

DEAN OF MISSION 

MCAULEY MINISTRY

Elizabeth Shaju, our Faith and Identity Prefect, lead McAuley Ministry in our first gathering for 2022. Joining together for meditation and reflection, the group shared ways to support and strengthen the prayer life of the College. Inspired by the Mercy Values, the team started preparing for our Ash Wednesday Liturgy, Easter Liturgy and organised ways to prepare for the quickly approaching Lenten season. A variety of activities have been organised by the members of McAuley Ministry for all PC groups to participate in over this fasting season. 

Liturgical hymns, dancing and dramatic gospels are being rehearsed for our up and coming Easter Season. Adding a creative touch with the collaboration of Ms Butler (Head of Dramatic Arts & Performance) and Mr Goulter (Head of Music & Performance), McAuley Ministry is excited to continue to enhance the faith life of the College.

All new members are welcome to join McAuley Ministry to become a part of the Formation elements. Meetings are located in A13 on Thursday second break. We welcome those that wish to become Eucharistic Ministers to attend McAuley Ministry Meetings. We continue to pray for all staff and students who are making their Sacraments this season.

MERCY GIRLS IN ACTION

Mercy Girls in Action launched into 2022 with the first meeting lead by the Community Service Prefects, Georgia Dagge and Ruby Mitchell. The team started by establishing goals and drafting initiatives to continue the vocation of contributing to Mercy International Works. Mercy Girls in Action will aim to join in the shared response of the wider Catholic community to assist in the ‘Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor’. Caring for our Common Home and Caring for the disadvantaged and vulnerable is at the heart of our mission.

In establishing the overarching goal of Mercy Girls in Action for 2022, the team voiced ways to address Degradation of the Earth and Care for our Common Home. Ruby and Georgia lead the discussion for all members to collaborate and share ideas. They were successful in creating an environment for students to elevate their voice on social justice issues. Many issues were posed and we had an outstanding response by all members.

We look forward to launching Caritas in Week 6 as part of our Project Compassion initiative. Project Compassion boxes will be coming home during this time.

Mercy Girls in Action continue to be an empowered community of passionate young women striving to make the world a better place for girls and women. On February 20, we acknowledged the World Day of Social Justice inviting all new students to become a part of the Mercy Girls in Action team to continue to support the poor and vulnerable, and embed sustainable practices to ensure the earth is cared for, for future generations.

Ms Veukiso

COLLEGE CHAPLAIN