MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

IWD22 – BREAK THE BIAS

International Women’s Day (IWD), on March 8, is a day when the world places a strategic focus on celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women toward achieving a more gender equal world. Incredible progress has been made in this space. This has been as a result of generations of strong, determined women and men who understand that inclusion and equality is a basic human right and that a more equal world benefits society as a whole, socially and economically.

Our students are fortunate to experience the naturally empowering all girls’ environment, encouraging them to truly dare to imagine their future. They are more confident in using their education to embrace every opportunity, take their seat at the table of life and use their voice to effect change that is for the betterment of all.

This year the IWD theme is Break the Bias and poses the idea that we should all take greater responsibility to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements, and challenge the conscious and unconscious bias on gender equality. Break the Bias demands that we challenge our own perspectives, thoughts and actions and in those around us. In our College, we regularly remind our students that empowered women, empower other women. They are encouraged to believe in themselves and those around them. As key role models, our teachers and staff demonstrate in behaviour, word, and action that we always seek to lift up our female peers, celebrating their strengths.

TWILIGHT OPEN EVENING. THURSDAY, 17 MARCH. 5.00PM – 7.00PM.

We are so excited to open our gates to families who would like to explore our campus, meet our teachers and experience for themselves our Mercy hospitality, love, and joy. Enrolments for Year 7, 2023, are still open at this stage; however, places are very limited. I would encourage our existing families to please contact the College as soon as possible to secure a place for their daughter if they are due to start high school in either 2023 or 2024.

COVID 19 UPDATE

As expected, our community continues to be impacted by the current COVID-19 situation and isolation requirements. Since the return of school on 7 February, both students and staff, under the direction of Queensland Health, have found themselves having to isolate at home due to either testing positive to COVID-19 or being identified as a close contact of someone in their household. Students who find themselves in this situation, and who feel well enough, are encouraged to use our College Learning Hub to access work being covered in class. Any concerns about subject work are best directed to the teacher in the first instance. Parents/Guardians are reminded to use the normal absence procedures if their daughter is required to isolate at home.

I recently communicated with families to reiterate that our College has a COVID-19 Risk & Outbreak Management Plan in place that ensures we are following all best practice processes to assess and manage risk in a school setting. I would like to thank all of our families for their patience and understanding due to this dynamic situation.

Our College remains committed to supporting our families at this difficult time and would encourage any member of our community to make contact so we can see how we can assist.  

May God bless you and your families.

Amber Hauff

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

SAFE DROP OFF AND COLLECTION OF STUDENTS

I would like to remind our community about how we can all play a part in ensuring the safety of all students, staff and families when picking-up and dropping-off students at the College. Recently we have received some concerns about choices being made by drivers in The Strand pick up and drop off zone and would like to reiterate the following guidelines:

• Please do not park over the crossing to drop off or pick up children as this is dangerous and illegal.
• Please use this zone to do a quick drop-off or pick-up to allow for the traffic flow to continue.
• If no parks are available, please use the roundabout at Oxley Street and return via the roundabout at Fryer Street to loop until a park becomes available.

Other possible options to consider might be:

• Waiting until after 3.30pm to collect your daughter when the traffic from St Joseph’s North Ward has also dissipated, or
• Meet your daughters further down the Strand to avoid the congestion all together.

Thank you for your help in ensuring the safety of all of our community.

Mr Cameran Triffett

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

SCHOLARS’ ASSEMBLY

We welcomed back some of our 2021 graduates for our annual Scholars’ Assembly, albeit virtually. As a College, we celebrated their hard work, academic success and invited them to share their future plans and post-schooling pathways. The 2021 scholars reminded current students that they did not achieve their goals by chance, it was with Sisu. They employed resilience and determination in order to capture success.

We thank the following 2021 scholars for their contribution to our virtual assembly, wishing them well as they embark on a journey of new challenges in their lives:   

• Charlotte Gugliotti – Bachelor of Secondary Education/Bachelor of Mathematics at the University of Queensland.
• Peta Dickinson –Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) at James Cook University
• Anna Baxter – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University
• Sarah Mosch – Bachelor of Nursing at University of Queensland

The College also recognised 2021 scholars Harper Weekers and Kylie Wiltshire. 

In their absence, the 2021 College Dux and Proxime Accessit were presented to:

• Charlotte Gugliotte – Rosa Pullella College Dux
• Peta Dickinson – Proxime Accessit

We congratulate Charlotte and Peta on their outstanding academic achievements. Vision from the Scholars’ Assembly can be found on the Learning Hub. 

SENIOR STUDIES INFORMATION EVENING

The Senior Studies Information Evening for students graduating in 2023 and 2024 (current Year 10 and 11 students) was held on Tuesday, 8 March.  The presentation discussed a range of topics including:

• The QCE System
• The ATAR system in Queensland
• Vocational Pathways
• The changes in assessment including internal and external assessment

If you were unable to attend, a recording of the presentation is available on the Learning Hub. 

YEAR 11 ATAR PREPARATION AND SUPPORT PROGRAM

All Year 11 students were involved in the abovementioned program on Friday, 11 March 2022. The day was presented by Elevate Education and allowed Year 11 students to learn strategies for study habits and time management as they begin their senior studies. This presentation was timely as students are midway through Unit 1. Elevate Education will return later in 2022 to again work with Year 11 students to focus on memory mnemonics and exam preparation. 

NAP ONLINE

Parents/Guardians of Years 7 and 9 students were emailed a letter regarding the 2022 National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) Tests. The 2022 tests will be held from 10 – 13 May 2022. 

Any parent that wishes to enquire about special provisions or exemption from NAPLAN for your daughter, please contact Ms Tracy Nioa, Head of Faculty – Learning Support, before 25 March 2022 via tnioa@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au. Should you have any further queries regarding NAPLAN, please contact Mr Grant McGregor, Head of Faculty – Mathematics and Technology, Mrs Amy Plumridge, Head of Faculty – English and Languages, or me for clarification.

Further information regarding NAP Online can be found at the factsheet

PEER TUTORING

Peer Tutoring has hit the ground running! Students involved in peer tutoring in Years 7, 8 and 9 have connected with a student in Year 10, 11 or 12 who is assisting them academically across a range of subjects. This is timely as we enter the assessment period of the term and peer tutors can support their buddies. 

Any Year 7 to 9 students that would still like to be partnered with a peer tutor can contact the Studies Office.

Amy Byrnes

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

 

 

DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA) is an annual event that supports schools to work with their school communities to find practical and lasting solutions to bullying and violence. The event is held on the third Friday of March every year. As a lead up to this Friday, our Head of Year 12, Ms Maguire, has been working with the Prefects and together, they have created a series of challenges for Pastoral Care Groups to engage with throughout the week:

On Monday:

• Challenge your PC to complete a random act of kindness today.
• Think about this: What does kindness look like at SPCT?

On Tuesday:

• Find a way to show your appreciation for someone you care about.
• Think about this: Why is it important to show others that we care about them?

On Wednesday: 

• Help someone or do something nice for a friend today.
• Think about this: What does a good friend look like and why is important to be a good friend?

On Thursday:

• Talk to or don’t know.
• Think about this: Reflect on a moment when you helped or spoke to someone you don’t know that well and consider how that felt.

On Friday, we will celebrate Kindness together. 

 

Maria Franettovich

DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

 

DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

BOARDING NEWS

Kindness, sisterhood, and laughter – these are our everyday in boarding. We’ve had a wonderful start to 2022 and have loved welcoming all our new St Patrick’s College Townsville girls to our family, our home away from home.

Raising young women to be happy, empowered and believe in their ability to be changemakers is at the core of what we do here. IWD22’s “Break the Bias” theme rang loud and true throughout the dorms on Tuesday 8 March. We support and encourage our girls to find meaningful ways to enrich their lives and the lives of others, and to find their voice and use it for positive change. 

 

 

MEET OUR NEW STAFF

Ms Gemma Stevens joins us this year as our Deputy Head of Boarding. Gemma is from the UK and has an extensive background working in Boarding schools. She is passionate about building positive mindsets and healthy active living. Gemma will work closely with me and the entire Boarding Team to continue developing an atmosphere where girls can smile, have fun and develop life-long friendships. Gemma is also an active sportswoman and leads and coordinates all sporting club connections within boarding. Welcome Miss Gemma!

We also welcome back to boarding the beautiful Miss Sarah Amos. Miss Amos has worked in both the day and boarding school for many years, and we are very fortunate to have her as our Boarding Officer and Abstudy travel coordinator. Miss Amos has recently returned from maternity leave and has a beautiful little girl called Lillian-May.

And finally, we welcome the joyous Ms Helen Baluz as our new laundry hand. She makes sure the girls’ laundry is washed, fresh and clean and folded. Helen comes from Yam Island and we are so happy to have her beautiful smile and energy with us every day. Helen also joins us a casual boarding supervisor on some weekend activities.

I’d also like to introduce you to our House Mum’s for 2022. These ladies work very closely with your girls and spend many hours planning and preparing activities and routines to ensure the girls complete essential class work, get adequate sleep and keep a healthy and active lifestyle with their friends. Please feel free to get in touch with them via the contact below if you have any specific concerns or questions.

They are:

• Year 7 – Stacey Sergeant ssergeant@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au
• Year 8 – Pam McHugh pmchugh@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au
• Year 9 – Schanara Bulsey sbulsey@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au
• Year 10 – Kearley Robinson krobinson@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au
• Year 11 – Mary Galletly mgalletly@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au
• Year 12 – Jelintha Koyaiye jkoyaiye@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

You are of course always welcome to contact your daughter or speak to a member of staff through the boarding landline which is 07 4753 0307. If you have a general enquiry or request, you are also able to email boarding@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Over the weekend, a large group of Boarding students attended the Cowboys vs Bulldogs home game. So many of our girls are amazing sportswomen and avid Rugby League fans. At the end of the night the Boarding supervisors received a some wonderful feedback from other spectators about our students’ behaviour, care for one another and joyful demeanour. At the end of the night, our girls stood aside so as parents with younger children could meet the players first. We were so proud! 

We’re looking forward to a wonderful 2022. 

Ms Katie de Carteret

DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

TERM 1 EXAM BLOCK

In 2021, per the Semester One Assessment Calendars, only Year 10 and Year 12 students will have a designated Exam Block in Term 1. All other year levels will complete assessment during their timetabled lessons. The Term 1 Exam Block Schedule will be emailed to Year 10 and Year 12 students later in the term.

During exam block all students are required to:

• Wear full Academic College uniform at all times;
• 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;
• Sign in and out upon entry and exit of examination rooms and for study session. Designated quiet study areas will be available for students between examinations;
• Be on time for exams.
• 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.
• 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 12 STUDENTS

Year 12 students are permitted to go home during the Term 1 Exam Block. Year 12 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 discretion and the College office needs to be contacted and advised of this by 9am on the day. Year 12 Residential students are permitted to return to the Boarding School for quiet study when they do not have exams. Year 12 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 (YEARS 7 – 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. E: cpacey@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

FAITH AND MISSION

GOSPEL

Sunday’s Gospel allows us to reflect on the transforming power of prayer in finding one’s way and facing struggles. Jesus’ prayer on the Mount of Transfiguration is a turning point in his ministry. This Gospel calls us to set our sights toward Easter, to enter more deeply into the mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection, which transforms us still. Luke calls us to prayer; to take time – as Jesus does in his 40 days in the wilderness – to integrate the Spirit’s urgings into our lives. Jesus prays outdoors on mountains, in deserted spots, in the darkness of night. He seizes moments of reflection in the created world. Like the lawgiver, Moses, who led an exodus from slavery to freedom, Jesus leads an exodus from death to new life and teaches his new law of love. This provides us with hope and those with hope live the resurrection story trusting the transforming power of God, so they persevere through difficulties, act with integrity and serve with joy. Hope allows us to respond to challenges with optimism, searching for the will power and strength from God to live out the Gospel values in our daily lives. Live with hope, as God’s love surrounds us much more than we know.

As long as we have God, we have hope.

Yours in Faith & Mission,

Ms Andrews

DEAN OF MISSION 

MERCY GIRLS IN ACTION

The Launch of Caritas 2022 brings much hope throughout our community. On Tuesday, 1 March, Elizabeth Shaju, Georgia Dagge and Ruby Mitchell attended the Caritas Launch with a variety of Catholic Schools from the Diocese. Gaining information about this year focus, For All Future Generations, the girls discerned more ways to raise funds and awareness of the venerable in our world.

The Mercy Girls in Action celebrated Shrove Tuesday cooking at 7am to support those in need. They sold pancakes for a gold coin donation to the students and staff of the College. For IWD22, they sold “Dare to imagine” iced cookies. The funds raised goes towards supporting those in need, such as the Ukraine Crisis and the current Tsunami in Tonga. The escalating violence in Ukraine is rapidly becoming a dire humanitarian crisis. In a matter of days, over 368,000 people have already been forced from their homes, as well as at least 368 civilian casualties. You can help the Caritas Ukraine staff on the ground to provide families with emergency food, water, shelter and hygiene support. For more information go to Ukraine | Caritas Australia. You can provide vital relief to communities impacted by natural disasters, such as the volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga, along with the current COVID-19 crisis in Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Additional information can be located on the following website: https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/pacific/

Mercy Girls in Action invite all to get involved this Lenten season. You can create lasting change For All Future Generations. Your generous support can help to change the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Join us this Project Compassion to raise much-needed funds for people living in poverty.

MCAULEY MINISTRY

McAuley Ministry lead the Ash Wednesday liturgy on Wednesday, 2 March to begin our Lenten Season. Elizabeth Shaju and members of the team delivered the gospel through action to share the gospel message. We thank the Liturgy team and all involved whom participated through our zoom celebration. Due to COVID-19, our Ashes were not distributed this year. However, we still hold in our hearts the meaning and purpose of Lent, to fast, pray and participate in almsgiving to those in need. We invite all new members to the liturgical team whom meet on Thursday during second break in A13.

Ms Veukiso

COLLEGE CHAPLAIN

The Mercy Girls in Action team (and volunteering teachers), making pancakes for Shrove Tuesday and the IWD cookies. Monies raised all go to Caritas Australia.

 

COMMUNITY EDUCATION COUNSELLOR

My name is Paije Kulbicki and I am the newly appointed Community Education Counsellor (CEC). This is my second year working at St Patrick’s College Townsville and my 11th year working in education. I am a proud Wiradjuri woman who was born and raised in the small country town of Moree on Kamilaroi country. I have a passion for culture and inclusivity. I was drawn to this role as culture for Indigenous people has a much deeper meaning. For Indigenous people, culture equals life and I want to make a difference in our students’ lives. 

MY ROLE

The role of the Community Education Counsellor is to provide:

• Student Support Services (all areas)
• Student attendance focus
• Educational counselling support service
• Parent/guardian, College, country and Elder connections
• Scholarship and training support
• Indigenous job pathways and vocational support (alongside the Head of Careers and Vocational Education & Training)
• Cultural and community activities
• Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student learning outcomes
• Support for staff in regard to appropriate cultural protocols and practices
• Support for the Implementation of cross-curriculum priorities

My office is located in the College Library. This space allows the CEC and the College Library Coordinator to work closely together to provide educational resources, display artefacts and cultural engagement resources, and promote research and literacy. Throughout the Library, there are designated spaces for guests from community organisations to liaise closely with the CEC to create opportunities for our students.

The following are some major programs, events and projects that I have the privilege to support:

• Closing the Gap initiatives
• Transition Support Services
• Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF)
• Cultural Events: Harmony Day, Reconciliation Day, Mabo Day, NAIDOC, National Sorry Day
• Deadly Choices 
• Young Indigenous Women’s Stem Academy
• Reconciliation Action Plan

I want the absolute best opportunities for the students and to help support the staff to provide an inclusive educational experience. 

Ms Paije Kulbicki

COMMUNITY EDUCATION COUNSELLOR

E: pkulbicki@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

COLLEGE NEWS

TAIKO DRUMMING 

Four talented Taiko drummers entertained the arriving crowds at a recent Townsville Fire home game. You could hear the distinctive, stirring sounds from across the water. Taiko Drumming is a fluid, dynamic medium. A blend of music and various martial arts that either originated in Japan or have been imported from China, it is highly physical in nature. The movements incorporated into the style pay homage to the occupations of rural Japan, from throwing fishing nets, to wood cutting and the low squatting posture of rice planters.

After playing for an hour and a half, the girls’ hands were red-raw! That’s dedication for you. The Taiko Drummers will perform on the grassed area outside the Auditorium as a finale for our Twilight Open Evening. Backlit with some incredible lighting, it will be an incredible way to end the night. 

Ms James Jellyman

MUSIC & MATHEMATICS TEACHER.

E: jjellyman@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au 

 

FROM YEAR 7 HUMANITIES – WORKING WITH SOURCES

As a part of their “Investigating the Ancient World” unit, Year 7s have been busy classifying and analysing primary and secondary sources. 

Tahliah Webster (7A) works with her sample by counting the tree rings. Tree-ring dating or dendrochronology is the technique of dating events or artefacts by using the patterns of annual growth of tree rings in timber and tree trunks.

Sarah Bauer (7A) identifies her artefact as a secondary source of information.

 

Mikayla Gilboy works on her artefact – a 1950s Kodak camera and determines it’s a primary source of historical information.

       

Tahliah Webster and Abigail Ponti (7A) investigate a mini statue of Tutankhamun and determine it is a secondary source of information.

Ms Karen Hyne

HUMANITIES TEACHER.

E: khyne@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

FROM JUNIOR MATHEMATICS – TWOSDAY CELEBRATIONS

Last Tuesday was the 22^nd day of the 2^nd month of the 22^nd year of this century. Ms Walkom from the Mathematics Faculty celebrated TWOsday by running a competition for Years 7 and 8. Students were asked to find some interesting facts about the number TWO.

Of course, TWO is an even number and divides into every other even number without remainder, and it is the first and only even prime.

Some facts submitted by students included:

• Human sex is determined by TWO bits of genetic code – a combination of the X and Y chromosomes
• TWO written in Roman numerals is two ‘I’s – II
• Binary numbers are numbers that use a base of TWO.

Every competition needs winners and these students trumped their competitors.

GRADE 7

Emily Gamble

• The number TWO represents harmony, kindness and co-operation in Chinese numerology, and
• The square root of TWO is called the “Pythagoras Constant”.

Holli Mythen

• The highlight of the day took place just after 10:10 pm as the time became 22:22:22 on the 22/2/22, and
• There have been 2 World Wars (and we pray there are no more!).

GRADE 8 – many provided many cross-curricular facts, particularly with History

Grace Kenneally

• The next time we will have as many TWO’s in the date will be on 22/12 /22. Unfortunately, it will not be a TWOsday.
• In 2020, the 2^nd wave of Covid hit.

Bridget Baxter

• The 2^nd Prime Minister of Australia was Alfred Deakin, who helped to create the bills for the new Australian currency of that time.
• The 2^nd Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt was Rameses II – one of the most powerful and successful Pharaohs ever to reign.

Congratulations to all entrants! We hope they enjoyed our annual TWOsday competition.

Mr Grant McGregor

HEAD OF FACULTY – MATHEMATICS & DIGITIAL TECHNOLOGIES.

E:gmcgregor@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

 

QATSIF 

Wadda Mooli all and welcome to 2022. New and exciting things are happening in our Cultural Engagement space.

Each year, some of our Year 11 and 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are invited to apply for a Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (known as QATSIF) Scholarship. This scholarship entitles the recipient to $2000 over Years 11 and 12 to assist them with the ongoing costs of their education.

It is a great honour to receive this scholarship, especially because the money itself comes from the interest earned on the Stolen Wages money, held in trust by The Public Trustee. This means that the toil of previous generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will have a direct benefit to the generations that follow. These scholarships will always stand as a permanent and positive legacy for the future.

For Round 13, we proudly celebrated 8 St Patrick’s College Townsville students with this achievement:

• Flora Nona
• Tooya Gorringe
• Katie Prien
• Ethel Babia
• Mackenzie Chong
• Jorja Triffett
• Patience Hampton- Tungutalum
• Sanije Krasniqi
• Maggie- Olive Larry

We were also lucky enough to have a QATSIF Leadership awardee this year which received a leadership badge, certificate and her name on the board of leaders for QATSIF. This recipient was our Cultural Engagement Prefect, Flora Nona. Congratulations, Flora!

Ms Paije Kulbicki

COMMUNITY EDUCATION COUNSELLOR.

E: pkulbicki@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

VISUAL ARTS – THE PROCESS OF DESIGN 

The Year 10 Visual Arts in Practice class have been planning their stained glass panels which will be displayed on the Cafe by the Sea glass doors. Measuring approximately 1800mm x 500mm, each panels is a large-scale artwork, and each piece helps to tell the story of our amazing coral reef. Below are some of the incredible design which show a collage made from stimulus images and, next to it, the artist’s design concept.

Working under the ready eye of Mr Pope, the stained glass will be ready for unveiling on Twilight Open Evening and will stay up until the end of Term 1. 

Mr Michael Pope

VISUAL ARTS TEACHER.

E: mpope@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

YEAR 11 AQUATICS PRACTICES

Introduced this year, Aquatics Practices offers students the opportunity to develop their understanding of environmental conditions, ecosystems, conservation and sustainability. On Monday 7 March, students had their first field trip with Ms Torrisi and Mr Pacey, entering the aquatic environment to further develop their snorkeling skills. 

 

Thank you to Mr Pacey for assisting with this valuable learning experience. 

Ms Kate Tomerini 

SCIENCE & PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER:

E: ktomerini@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

ROWING PROGRAM NEWS

Welcome to the 2022 Combined Schools Rowing Program the information night was well attended, lots of excitement building around the 2022 season of rowing. 

Signup and registration details include:

Step 1: Complete the 2022 Rowing Registration Form which includes the uniform order by 25 March. This allows the College to order zoot suits, etc.

Step 2: College based fees are due 1 April; a payment plan is possible. Please see the registration form for details.

Step 3: Club fees need to be paid directly to the Townsville JCU Rowing Club.

The Learning Hub Club Rowing tile is on the Extracurricular Sign up page. The Registration Form and the Handbook can also be found here:

https://learninghub.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/homepage/5446

If you would like to join the Friends of SPC Rowing Committee please email crentoule@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

CAREERS NEWS

QCAA MYQCE STUDENT PORTAL

Year 12 students should now have registered for access to their MyQCE Student Portal. The Student Portal provides students with access to their personal details, subject and course enrolments, unit and assessment results, and is where they will be able to get their final results at the end of Year 12. This link will take you to the MyQCE webpage where students can access the Student Portal:  https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/

TERTIARY AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Over the next six months, Year 12 students are encouraged to start researching options in preparation for scholarship applications and University applications. Most University applications open in early August and close by the end of September. Students should be using Semester One to research scholarships, and course options to determine their top six preferences for courses in Queensland.

2021 witnessed an increase in early offers made directly from some universities. ANU in the ACT for example have a unique application process where one application covers the applicant for their course, their accommodation and any scholarships that they may be eligible for.

ANU Early Offers OPENED 2 March 2022 and offers are made in August based on Year 11 results.

Details: https://www.anu.edu.au/study/apply/domestic-applications-anu-undergraduate/applying-to-anu-application-details/application

ANU TUCKWELL SCHOLARSHIP

The prestigious Tuckwell Scholarship Program is the most transformational undergraduate scholarship program in Australia. Every year, 25 talented school-leavers are offered the opportunity to fulfil their potential by actively participating in the very best that ANU has to offer. Scholars are selected on the basis of intellect, character, leadership and their commitment to Australia. Students who are interested in applying are encouraged to start investigating the application process at the ANU scholarship website. Scholarship applications, for study at ANU in 2023, will open in March 2022.

BOND UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS

Bond University offers one of Australia’s most generous scholarship programs, featuring a range of full-fee and part-fee scholarships awarded to reward and recognise students who have excelled in the areas of academia, leadership, community and sport.

STUDENTS INTERESTED IN DENTISTRY OR MEDICINE?

• Year 10 – Begin finding out about medical careers and the medical industry, commence gaining work experience or volunteer work, begin researching courses and information about the UCAT exam, begin researching medical courses, entry requirements and pathways into medicine.
• Year 11 – Begin undertaking UCAT preparations, continuing building upon work experience or volunteer opportunities, begin researching topical issues in the medical profession, considering medical courses, entry requirements and pathways into medicine.
• Year 12 – Register for UCAT exam, review material and study in preparation for UCAT, prepare for medical interviews and complete tertiary applications.

UCAT

Most universities (except JCU and Bond) offering undergraduate medicine or dentistry courses will require students to sit the UCAT. The UCAT is an aptitude test undertaken in July. Year 12 students considering a course in medicine or dentistry should consider taking the UCAT. Bookings to register for the UCAT will open on 1 March 2022.

Students are encouraged to register early for the UCAT test, so that they can nominate their preferred test appointment times. Regular UCAT preparation should now be underway for any student seriously considering a career in medicine or dentistry.

For students in Year 11, they should be finding out about the UCAT process and begin implementing a study routine to practice mock exams and questions.

Helpful resources to prepare for the UCAT can be found on websites with the following organisations: UCAT, MedEntry, Medify and the National Institute of Education.

Each state is slightly different when it comes to applications, so please make sure to access this information on the St Patrick’s College Careers Website or the University websites.

WORK EXPERIENCE 

Mater Hospital – JCU Heroes in Health program: The Heroes in Health program is a joint collaboration between James Cook University and the Mater Hospital. The program offers students a unique opportunity to explore Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Careers.

Townsville University Hospital – High School Health Careers Program: The High School Health Careers Program is a one-day program offered to Year 10, 11 and 12 students within Townsville and the surrounding areas. It provides an opportunity for students to gain practical experience and knowledge, and to develop an understanding of the broad range of health industry positions offered at the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.

These programs are very popular, but have limited places available. Students wishing to gain experience in the health sector are encouraged to also consider alternative placements, including: medical centres, private clinics, allied health practices, indigenous health services and community health services.

Ms Catherine Rentoule 

HEAD OF CAREERS & VET.

E: crentoule@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

PERFORMING ARTS: DANCE AND DRAMA: BUZZING WITH ACTIVITY               

It is only the middle of Term 1 and already the Level 2 of the East Precinct is a hive of curricular and extracurricular student involvement in both Dance and Drama. In particular, there has been an impressive 40% increase in students undertaking Drama as a curriculum subject across years 8-12. We are proud and excited to be offering a learning programs that encourage student success within the ATAR and ACARA systems. These programs intrinsically focus on developing empathy, visual literacy, creativity, collaboration and communication. We look forward to sharing some images of the students’ work soon. 

We are excited to report that Drama Club has increased in popularity this year and we will be working on multiple events, so that the students have a plethora of opportunities to enhance their performance skills. Additionally, information will be included in future newsletters about our entries into Townsville’s Annual Festival of One Act Plays and the Townsville Junior Eisteddfod. Ms Doyle, Mr Marano and Ms Butler will be coordinating these groups. 

 Dance Troupe has also registered a huge interest again this year. We have decided to run two troupes. “X Troupe” (Senior and by audition) and “Step Up Troupe” for any students interested. We foresee both troupes participating in the Townsville Junior Eisteddfod. Ms Jarrah, Ms Hudson, Ms Kilbucki and Ms Butler will be coordinating these rehearsals. It will certainly be an exciting year. 

In the last two weeks our annual musical “Beauty and the Beast” started rehearsals with our Director, Arminelle Fleming, and the support team of our specialist teachers. To accommodate the unpredictability of COVID, we have made the decision to double cast the show and split the main Ensemble into two casts. This will allow for rehearsals and performances to go ahead even if a cast member is ill. Also, we were able to invite our waitlisted performers to join the cast as the number restriction was lifted. From the looks of the rehearsals it is an amazing show already. 

“Twilight Open Evening” is an opportunity for both curricular subjects and extracurricular activities to showcase some of the drama and dance works students have been working on during class and in lunch times. Some of these include: 

• Year 7 Performing Arts Classes are performing their Flash mob Performances. 
• Year 9 Dance Class are performing a dance work to Vivaldi. 
• Dance Troupes have combined to create a routine “Send Me On My Way” to welcome the new students to our College. 
• Drama Club is performing a poem inspired by Greek Chorus. 
• Senior Drama Club students are performing a student written and directed comedy performance about the Seven Dwarfs. 

Thank you to the teachers assisting with this night: Ms Stevens, Ms Hudson and Ms Doyle. 

Capture @ St Pats the Photography extracurricular has started again this year and we hope to cross-connect some of the photography challenges with our Art performances. Ms Doyle and Ms Krause are this group’s coordinators.  

THAT’S OUR BUZZ!

                                                                                                                                            Ms Jo Butler

HEAD OF DRAMATIC ARTS, DANCE AND PERFORMANCE

E: jbutler@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Year 12 student, Ruby Mitchell, beat out fierce competition from Jamie Mohr, Georgia Dagge and Elizabeth Shaju to win the College round of Lions Youth of the Year. She went on to the Townsville Finals to compete against Townsville’s best. While Ruby was not selected to represent Townsville in the State Finals, her abilities were roundly praised. She was able to Demonstrate an excellent understanding of local, national and international events, and showcase impressive public speaking skills. Congratulations, Ruby!

Mrs Conni Mosch

ENGLISH TEACHER. E: cmosch@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

 

AND IN THE NEWS

Our thanks go to Townsville Bulletin reporter and photographer, Evan Morgan, who visited the College recently to catch up with Community Service Prefects, Georgia Dagge and Ruby Mitchell. He wanted to know more about their plans this year with Mercy Girls in Action, and more broadly, what servant leadership can look like. The story was published on March 8 to coincide with the IWD celebrations. 

 

GENERAL NOTICES AND COMMUNITY NOTICES