FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

On November 13 we officially farewelled our 2024 Year 12 cohort. We thank this incredible group of young women for their strength, determination and grace in leading our College so beautifully throughout this year. Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to address them at their Valedictory Assembly and I encouraged them to nurture their dreams, giving the people they love and share their journeys with, the permission and courage to do the same. I challenged them to celebrate difference and continue the great work of the Sisters of Mercy, ensuring they use their unique gifts and talents to work together and help make the world a better place for many more.

On behalf of our College, we encourage our 2024 Year 12 graduates to truly Dare to imagine their future, living a life of purpose, joy, and passion. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the families of this cohort, for letting us share in this part of their daughter’s journey.

This week at our End of Year Christmas Liturgy, we were able to farewell the following staff members, thanking them for their dedicated service to our College and wishing them well as they begin their next adventure.

• Amy Byrnes, Deputy Principal – Academic, has served the College community for 11 years, taking up the role of Director of Curriculum at Townsville Grammar School from 2025.
• Katie de Carteret, Director of Boarding & Strategic Projects, has served the College community for 4 years, taking up the role of Director of MLC Marshmead in north-eastern Victoria from 2025.
• Shari Finlay, Dean of Wellbeing, has served the College community for 4 years and will take up the role of Head of Year 7 at Townsville Grammar School from next year.
• Tracey Macbeth, Teacher, who has served our community throughout 2024 is heading off on an exciting travel adventure around the world.
• Maria Iosua, Acting Chaplain has served our community since 2022.

We also took the opportunity to wish Jaimee Seebohm, Head of Thrones House, all the best as she begins her parental leave, awaiting the arrival of a new baby early in 2025.

This community has much to be thankful for and as the College continues to grow and flourish, I am excited for the next phase of its growth and development under Kath Little’s expert stewardship, supported by an incredible Board, College Leadership Team, and staff.

I would also like to personally take this opportunity to thank the Sisters of Mercy who have inspired me to live out the Mercy Charism in this beautiful place. I would also like to thank Sister Helen Mary Peters, College Board Chair, Josie Gabrielli, Deputy Board Chair and fellow Board Directors, Jessica Keir, Stephanie Naunton, Ian Bowrey, and Nathan Toll for their unwavering support throughout 2024. I have felt incredibly blessed to have their support along with a dedicated and passionate Leadership Team, wonderful College Staff, the courageous and inspiring young people of this beautiful College and their respective families.

I feel honoured and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve such an incredible community over the past 9 years, the last 5 as the College Principal.

I wish you all a safe, restful, and loving Christmas period. I hope you are all able to spend quality time with family and friends.

May God bless you and your families.

Amber Hauff

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

True to form, this term has flown by, packed with events, celebrations, and achievements, including our College Awards Evenings. This year, we were fortunate to celebrate our students’ accomplishments over two fantastic nights. Congratulations to all our award recipients, and a special mention to those who performed at the events. A full list of award winners is included in this newsletter.

Year 12 – A Milestone Reached

A heartfelt congratulations to our Year 12 students who have now completed their formal schooling. We also extend our congratulations to those who successfully navigated the challenges of external exams during the 17-day examination period. We wish all Year 12 students the very best as they embark on the next chapter of their lives beyond St Patrick’s College Townsville.

Important Dates for Year 12 Students and Parents/Guardians:

Release of Results
Final subject results for Year 12 students will be available in their learning accounts on the Student Portal from 9:00 am on Wednesday, 11 December 2024. Students can access their results via the myQCE website: https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au.

Online Release of the SEP
Also from 9.00 am on Wednesday, 11 December 2024, students can access their Senior Education Profile (SEP) in their QCAA learning account (myQCE). The SEP may include the following documents, depending on individual circumstances:

• Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), or Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA)
• Senior Statement

Accessing the Student Portal
To access their results and SEP, students will need to register for the Student Portal using their learner unique identifier (LUI). We encourage students to ensure they have previously registered for faster access. It is important that students use their personal email address (not their school email) for this registration.

For Students Eligible for an ATAR
ATARs will be available through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) at https://atar.qtac.edu.au/sessions/signin on Friday 13 December 2024.

QCAA Results Check and Reassessment
Students who wish to verify their results or request a reassessment of their external exam results may do so by following the process outlined on the QCAA website. This must be completed by 13 January 2025. This process also allows students to review their external exam scripts.

Note for Year 12 Students, Parents/Guardians
Year 12 students will not receive a report card from the College at the end of the year, as all results are provided by QCAA in the official documents.

As we approach the end of the year, I wish all our students and their families a wonderful and restful holiday break. May this time of rest and reflection leave you refreshed and ready to begin the new year with renewed energy.

Amy Byrnes

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

Farewell to Our Year 12s 

Over the past two weeks, we had the opportunity to celebrate and farewell our wonderful Year 12 cohort. Our recent Valedictory events, including a Mass, Dinner and final Assembly were a fitting tribute to this exceptional cohort, highlighting their achievements, spirit, and contributions to our College community. These events remind us of the powerful impact our Year 12 students have made, and we wish them every success and blessing as they embark on their next journey. We know they will continue to live out the values of our College with pride.

Last Day of Term

Today we celebrated the end of the school year, which is always a highlight in our calendar. We began the day with a Christmas liturgy, where the Auditorium was turned into the town of Bethlehem. We were able to farewell Ms Hauff at this liturgy, thanking her for her service. The rest of the day was filled with Christmas activities and trivia in PC and House groups and as always, we concluded the day with Just Dance. It was lovely to see the students with Christmas accessories and enjoying each other’s company before we commence the Christmas break.

During the Christmas liturgy, Mercy Girls in Action led by Ms Andrews, generously donated 24 hampers to St Vincent de Paul. This would not have been possible without the generosity of the members of our College community. Thank you to all for donating to these hampers, which will bring joy to those less fortunate than ourselves.

As this is my last newsletter article, I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to students, parents, and staff for a year filled with growth, learning, and community. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2025.

Shari Finlay

ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

FROM THE DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

2025 Subjects

Students in Years 7, 9 and 10 have submitted their 2025 subject selection forms.  A reminder that if students want to change any of their preferences for 2025 they are encouraged to contact the Learning and Teaching Office.

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 Term 4 Report will include an overview of academic achievement, behaviour, and work ethic in each subject throughout Term 4, 2024.

The Year 11 Report will be a Unit Three Interim Report.  As Year 11’s have just received a report card, the report card issued will indicate how your daughter is progressing behaviourally and in her work ethic across her subjects. 

If your contact details have changed, please reach out to the College Office to update your details before the reports are distributed.

2025 Stationery Lists and BYOD Requirements

In preparation for 2025, the Stationery Lists can be found on the College Website.  If your daughter has forgotten which electives she has chosen, she can email Ms Melissa Soroka-McCall, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Principal – Academic,  msoroka-mccall@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au or contact the College Office.

The College website also includes the 2025 BYOD Specifications.  It is important to review these specifications, particularly if you are purchasing a new computer for 2025 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 IT Support via itsupport@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au.

Chris Pacey

DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

FROM THE ACTING DEAN OF WELLBEING

Wellbeing over the Christmas Holidays

As the school holidays are upon us, it is a great opportunity for students to prioritise their wellbeing and take a well-deserved break from the academic school year. It is essential for students to take time to find a balance between staying active, connecting with friends and family, and making time for self-care. Checking in with friends and supporting one another can make a big difference, as there are many benefits that come from a strong support network. Simple acts like going for a walk, taking time for a favourite hobby, or practicing mindfulness can help keep stress at bay and enhance mood.

Some suggestions to support students taking time for self-care include:

• Staying connected with others
• Limiting news and social media consumption
• Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Learning something new
• Exercising and social recreation
• Doing something that you love

Whether it’s exercising, reaching out for a catch-up, or just enjoying some downtime, a balanced approach to wellbeing can help students return to school feeling refreshed, energised, and ready to take on new challenges in 2025. The holidays also offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy family traditions, create special memories, and celebrate together. Embracing the season with loved ones brings joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging, making this time of year truly special. I look forward to continuing to build College connections in 2025.

Tenille Hambly

ACTING DEAN OF WELLBEING

FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

Term 4 has brought another busy schedule for our Defence students with a presentation from the National Servicemen’s Association, leading the Remembrance Day Liturgy, attending the commemorative service at Anzac Park, and saying goodbye to our departing student. 

In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, students were gifted books by Mr Neville Hines and Mr Darryl Walker on behalf of the National Servicemen’s Association. During the event, Neville and Darryl told of stories of their ancestors and were also interviewed by the students, who asked them “Who will you be remembering this Remembrance Day?”. A video was collated and presented to the College at the Remembrance Day Liturgy held on November 6.

During the Liturgy, Defence students were honoured to have special guest, Mr James Long from Townsville RSL, present the Draw to Remember Program, where he educated students on the significance of wearing the Poppy and the inclusion of animals during the war.  At lunch time, students from across all year levels participated in Draw to Remember, where they expressed their personal connections to Australia’s military history through chalk art. Year 11 students, Eryn Matters and Caitlin Hordern, were also interviewed for Channel 7 News. Senior students, Meg Burbidge, Saskia Tresch, and Brook Anderson laid a wreath at the Townsville Remembrance Day Service.

Isabella Klingner

Abigail Warren, Marnie Jones, Alyssa Passmore, Amelia Ponti

Farewelling Addysyn Stone

Year 11 Student’s Art Honoured on Remembrance Day

Isabelle Gilboy, a talented Year 11 student, captured the attention of the community with her stunning painting of an Army soldier in a field of poppies. The artwork, created on canvas, was prominently displayed at the College Liturgy and later featured at the RSL Luncheon on Remembrance Day.

Isabelle’s poignant depiction, which honours those who have served in the military, not only resonated with local attendees but also gained wider recognition. Her artwork was featured on Channel 7 News, showcasing her incredible skill and dedication to commemorating the significance of Remembrance Day.

The entire school community is immensely proud of Isabelle’s talent and the heartfelt tribute she has created to honour our servicemen and women.

Townsville Run Army Legacy School Trophy – Save the Date

3rd Brigade and Northern Queensland Legacy have invited all schools to participate in the Townsville Run Army event on Sunday 6 April 2025. Whilst it is Easter Holidays, it would be a wonderful opportunity for our College to foster a commitment to personal wellbeing and community support through attending this National event. 2025 is the first year Run Army Legacy is introducing a schools trophy, where schools can compete to raise the most funds for event charities. The school that raises the highest amount will be awarded the inaugural Run Army Legacy Schools Trophy.  The event will take place at Jezzine Barracks and each participant will receive a Run Army shirt and annual event medal. Further details can be found https://runarmy.org.au/event/townsville/ and will be advised through College News early in 2025.

2025 Change of Circumstances

If you’re circumstances are changing i.e. discharging, transferring from Regular to Reserve Service, please email Ms Joanna Pacey jpacey@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au and the Defence School Mentor Ms Gayle Walkom gwalkom@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au or phone 07 4753 0300. 

Thank you for a wonderful year, enjoy a well-earned break and see you in the new year. 

Gayle Walkom

DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

2024 ACADEMIC AWARDS

YEAR 7 ACADEMIC AWARDS

YEAR 8 ACADEMIC AWARDS

YEAR 9 ACADEMIC AWARDS

YEAR 10 ACADEMIC AWARDS

YEAR 11 ACADEMIC AWARDS

Renisha Abraham – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Awards for Biology and Legal Studies

Keeley Adebahr – Academic Distinction Award

Brook Anderson – Academic Distinction Award

Maddison Andrejic – Academic High Distinction Award

Meg Burbidge – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Award for Modern History

Ella Chandler – Vocational Merit Award

Mya Cole-Otto – Academic Distinction Award

Amelia Connolly – Academic Merit Award, Subject Award for Japanese

Myah Davidson – Academic Distinction Award, Subject Award for General Mathematics

Emily Edison – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Award for Biology

Charlotte Edwards – Academic Merit Award

Marian Edwards – Academic High Distinction Award

Elizabeth Ferfolja Salmon – Academic Merit Award

Isabelle Gilboy – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Award for Visual Arts

Zoe Hammond – Vocational Distinction Award, Subject Awards for Essential Mathematics and Hospitality Practices

Jessica Hill – Vocational Distinction Award

Renee Kamau Gitonga – Academic Merit Award

Relisha Kris – Subject Award for Essential English

Tara Marlborough – Academic Merit Award

Eryn Matters – Academic High Distinction Award

Zoe McKay – Academic Merit Award

Sienna Miller – Academic Merit Award, Subject Award for Religion & Ethics

Maddison O’Neill – Academic Merit Award, Subject Awards for Aquatic Practices and Physical Education

Amelia Phelan – Academic Merit Award, Subject Award for Economics

Teagan Philcox – Vocational Distinction Award

Darcee Renton – Vocational Merit Award

Taylor Res – Academic Distinction Award, Subject Award for Marine Science

Mayiah Sen – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Award for Drama

Grace Tipping – Academic Merit Award

Saskia Tresch – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Awards for Accounting and Study of Religion

Lacy Triffett – Academic Merit Award, Subject Award for Physical Education

Hope Tyrie – Academic Merit Award

Gemma Warburton – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Awards for Biology, Chemistry, General English, Mathematical Methods, Physics and Specialist Mathematics

Edan Watson – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Awards for General English and Music

Ella Woodhouse – Academic Distinction Award

Katija Wregg – Vocational Merit Award

YEAR 12 ACADEMIC AWARDS

Ayla Adams – Vocational Merit Award, Subject Award for Hospitality Practices

Rachel Aku – Academic Merit Award

Hayley Andrejic – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Awards for Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics, Religion & Ethics and Specialist Mathematics

Lucy Bale – Academic Merit Award

Zoe Bamford – Vocational Merit Award

Eleanor Baxter – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Award for General English

Lily Bragg – Academic Distinction Award

Olivia Brennan – Academic Merit Award

Bella Broadfoot – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Awards for Study of Religion and Visual Arts

Hannah Buchanan – Vocational Merit Award, Subject Award for Essential Mathematics

Elizabeth Carroll – Academic Merit Award

Eliza Carter – Academic Merit Award, Subject Awards for Drama and Japanese

Claire Davies – Academic Distinction Award

Sarah De Haan – Academic Distinction Award, Subject Award for Aquatic Practices

Brydie Doyle – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Awards for Ancient History, General Mathematics and Physical Education

Kaiulani Faust – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Award for Biology

Josie Ferrara – Subject Award for Religion & Ethics

Laura Fraser – Academic Merit Award, Subject Award for Japanese

Giaan Gangloff – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Award for Economics

Makenzie Griffin – Vocational Distinction Award

Sophie Griffin – Academic High Distinction Award

Annabelle Gunther – Academic Distinction Award

Marli Haller – Vocational Distinction Award

Piper Hamilton – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Award for Legal Studies

Lilly Hannay – Academic Merit Award

Torrance Harding – Academic High Distinction Award

Ruby-Rae Hicks – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Awards for Music Extension and Religion & Ethics

Phillimona Isua – Vocational Merit Award

Amy Jacobsen – Academic Merit Award

Nicole Jenkins – Subject Award for Religion & Ethics

Rebecca Jones – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Award for Modern History

Faiwolynn Komunt – Academic High Distinction Award

Zariah Lyne – Vocational Distinction Award

Medaya Mangan – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Awards for Music and Music Extension

Charlotte McGill – Academic Distinction Award

Eve Mendiolea – Academic Distinction Award

Brianna Murphy – Vocational Merit Award

Lynette Njeri – Academic Distinction Award

Charlie Pacey – Academic Merit Award

Isabelle Part – Vocational Distinction Award

Claudia Peeters – Academic Distinction Award

Savannah Piggott – Academic Merit Award, Subject Award for Drama

Lara Reguson – Academic High Distinction Award

Tahlia Richardson – Vocational Distinction Award, Subject Awards for Essential English and Religion & Ethics

Ella Rizos – Academic Merit Award

Mia Robinson – Academic High Distinction Award

Jasmine Roesler – Academic High Distinction Award

Ellen Thorley – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Awards for Biology, Marine Science and Study of Religion

Helaine Toram – Academic Distinction Award, Subject Award for Religion & Ethics

Ebony Wass – Academic High Distinction Award

Juliana Waters – Academic High Distinction Award, Subject Award for Visual Arts in Practice

Congratulations to all award recipients!

2024 HONOUR AWARDS

TOWNSVILLE PAST STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR A YOUNG WOMAN OF MERCY IN YEAR 7

Maya Whelan

TOWNSVILLE PAST STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR A YOUNG WOMAN OF MERCY IN YEAR 8

Eva Drovandi

KATE HICKSON MEMORIAL AWARD FOR A YOUNG WOMAN OF MERCY IN YEAR 9

Joanofarc Fernandes

SISTERS OF MERCY AWARD FOR A YOUNG WOMAN OF MERCY IN YEAR 10
Bridget Baxter

MATER HOSPITAL AWARD FOR A YOUNG WOMAN OF MERCY IN YEAR 11
Maddison O’Neill

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY AWARD FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN YEARS 7-9

Year 7- Ellie Guilfoyle

Year 8 – Adelaide Davis & Mai Ly Nguyen-Wood

Year 9 – Caitlyn Wiltshire

MERCY PARTNERS’ AWARD FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN YEAR 10
Immara Dyer-Lewis

FEDERAL MEMBER’S OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT FOR YEAR 11
Gemma Warburton

ADF LONG TAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK AWARD
Year 10 – Bridget Baxter
Year 12 – Kaiulani Faust

ADF FUTURE INNOVATOR AWARD
Year 10 – Isabelle Tickle
Year 12 – Hayley Andrejic

JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY SHIELDS
Year 7 – Kate Andrews
Year 8 – Mai Ly Nguyen-Wood
Year 9 – Mia Populin
Year 10 – Mary Lansley
Year 11 – Edan Watson
Year 12 – Hayley Andrejic

JCU RISING STAR AWARD

Sophie Griffin

MEMBER FOR TOWNSVILLE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING EXCELLENCE AWARD

Year 11 – Katija Wregg

Year 12 – Phillimona Isua

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Sienna Scotti

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR VISUAL ARTS
Joanofarc Fernandes

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR MUSIC
Chloe Watterson

DONNA AHLERS DRAMATIC ARTS AWARD

Eliza Carter

FLOURISH AWARD FOR VISUAL ARTS

Juliana Waters

OSTINATA AWARD FOR MUSIC EXCELLENCE

Ruby-Rae Hicks

MAYBELLE STIRLING AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS

Amelia Betcher

JANIS PARKER MEMORIAL AWARD

Hollie Parkes

RAE COLE MEMORIAL AWARD FOR JUNIOR SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Isobelle Gilbride

PAVIA FAMILY AWARD FOR SENIOR SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Lily Bragg

CATHERINE McAULEY AWARD FOR COMMITMENT

Torrance Harding

WENDY BRADRIDGE AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

Kaiulani Faust

DEUS CARITAS EST AWARD

Adelaide Burke

IVANA BILIC MEMORIAL AWARD FOR COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP

Lara Reguson

Congratulations to all our Honour awardees!

CHRISTMAS LITURGY

As part of our Christmas Liturgy we took the time to reflect and show gratitude for the people who have been part of our lives and the achievements we have accomplished together.  We also took the time to reflect on what God is calling us to be, and how we can prepare ourselves to enter fully into the coming Advent and Christmas season.

This year as part of our Vinnies Christmas Appeal, our young ladies and dedicated staff donated over 700 items to fill 24 Vinnies Hampers. These hampers were presented to Stephen and Connie from St. Vincent de Paul as part of our Christmas Liturgy. Following in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley, our College community continues to live out Catherine’s mission of Mercy in action, in ministering to the poor, the abandoned, and the oppressed. We thank our staff and students for their heartfelt generosity and kindness.

2024 MAPPAS MEDALLION

It is with great passion that we acknowledge Maggie Baxter as the Mappas Medallion 2024 recipient, in recognition of her extraordinary commitment and service to St Patrick’s College Townsville. Maggie represents the values of our College and has been an invaluable supporter of our community for 30 years.

Maggie devotes countless hours to supporting various programs at St Patrick’s College Townsville. Her unwavering dedication is evident through her involvement in catering for events, providing sponsorship for Music Tours, and consistently showing genuine appreciation for both staff and students. Her willingness to volunteer for any task, regardless of size, has significantly enriched our College community.

Maggie’s contributions extend beyond her volunteer work. As an alumna of St Patrick’s College Townsville (Class of 1994), she brings a profound connection and passion for our institution. Her daughters, Anna and Eleanor, both served as College Captains (2021 and 2024, respectively), reflecting the strong legacy of leadership and commitment within her family. Maggie has a third daughter at the College, currently in Year 10, with a promising future ahead.

Maggie embodies the core Mercy Values of St Patrick’s College Townsville through:

• Joy: She approaches her volunteer work with enthusiasm and positivity, spreading joy throughout our community.
• Compassion: Her consistent support and heartfelt gratitude towards our staff demonstrate her deep compassion.
• Integrity: Maggie’s dedication to her volunteer roles is marked by honesty and reliability.
• Courage: She displays courage by stepping up to help in all situations, regardless of the challenge.
• Love: Her actions are driven by a genuine love for the College and its mission.
• Hope: Maggie’s contributions promote hope for a supportive school environment.

Maggie Baxter’s impact on our community is unmatched, and her legacy of support and dedication is deeply appreciated by all staff, students, and fellow parents/guardians. We want to congratulate and thank Maggie for her outstanding service and contribution to our College community.

AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION SUCCESS

St Patrick’s College Townsville proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of our students in this years’ Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC). This prestigious event challenges students from across Australia and beyond, with participants from over 30 countries tackling complex mathematical problems that test both skill and creativity. Our students demonstrated impressive resilience and talent, and we are thrilled to highlight the outstanding results achieved by many of them, with photos of all our Distinction and Credit award winners included.

In Year 7, Indiana Andersen earned the title of Best in School and achieved a Distinction. Indiana’s accomplishment is exceptional, as she demonstrated a thorough understanding of mathematical principles and the ability to approach problems innovatively—a fantastic achievement for a student new to secondary-level competition.

Our Year 8 students shone as well, with Indiana Lalor and Tessa Izzett both achieving a Distinction. Their dedication and skill in mathematics was evident throughout the competition, as they tackled a variety of challenging questions with determination and insight. These results reflect their commitment to learning and set a high standard for the year level.

In Year 9, Caitlin Edwards excelled, receiving a Distinction for her exceptional performance. Caitlin’s result underscores her analytical skills and focused approach, earning her a well-deserved place among the College’s top young mathematicians.

Congratulations to all AMC participants for their efforts and achievements. The passion for mathematics fostered at St Patrick’s College Townsville is evident in these results, and we are excited to share photos of our Distinction and Credit award winners as we celebrate their dedication to learning and academic excellence. We look forward to seeing these students’ continued growth and success in future competitions.

Grant McGregor

HEAD OF FACULTY – MATHEMATICS & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

ST JOSEPH’S CHRISTMAS STORY COLLABORATION

The pitter patter of little feet could be heard in the auditorium yesterday afternoon and it wasn’t the early arrival of Santa’s elves but the Year 2 cohort from St Joseph’s the Strand visiting the College. The boys and girls were entertained by Ms Andrew’s Year 7 Religion class who had composed stories and poems centred around the theme of Christmas and Mercy Values. The visitors were entertained by the session, whilst our girls gained valuable experience in storytelling.

GUEST SPEAKER M.K. ANGAJAN

Our Year 10 and 11 Study of Religion students were recently given an extraordinary opportunity to engage with world-renowned speaker M.K. Angajan. In an enriching session, students were able to ask insightful questions and learn from a thought leader whose expertise spans 35 years in Vedanta, leadership, and life mastery.

M.K. Angajan is a prolific speaker and life coach, with a distinguished career that has taken him across the globe to share his wisdom on leadership, management, self-development, and spiritual growth. With books like Value Systems for Success and From Gods to Godhead, as well as numerous workshops and seminars for corporate leaders, Angajan’s teachings are recognized and respected worldwide.

His engaging presentation left a profound impact on our students, providing them with valuable insights into personal growth, leadership, and the intersection of spirituality and success. The session highlighted his unique ability to merge ancient wisdom with modern life challenges, inspiring students to think deeply about their own values and aspirations.

A special thank you goes to the North Queensland Hindu Community for bringing this wonderful opportunity to our students.

This was a truly special moment for our Study of Religion students, and we look forward to more opportunities that broaden their understanding and inspire their futures.

BELGIAN GARDENS STATE SCHOOL REEF BG COMMUNITY OPEN MORNING

2025 NEXT STEP YEAR 12 COMPLETERS SURVEY