FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Lenten Journey

As we journey through Lent, we are reminded of the importance of this sacred and transformative time for Catholics to draw closer to God, deepen their faith, and renew their commitment in preparation for the joy and significance of Easter by engaging in reflection, prayer, and almsgiving. The most recent Mercy Partners Lenten Reflection resource included the following quote from To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue.

“Our passion for life is quietly sustained from somewhere in us that is wedded to the energy and excitement of life. This shy inner light is what enables us to recognise and receive our very presence here as blessing…”

When we consider this quote in the context of our College community, it could serve as a wonderful reminder that we all possess an internal spark or energy that drives our engagement with learning and growing. By embracing and nurturing this inner vitality, we may be able to then cultivate a deeper appreciation for the opportunities and experiences afforded to us.

Strategic Planning

I would like to sincerely thank the College community for their thoughtful feedback in the recent Principal Survey. This reflective process and feedback received on my leadership was affirming and also provided me with greater clarity around some areas of focus moving forward. My attention now turns to working closely with the Board of Governance to drive the design and development of the next Strategic Plan. This process will involve a range of stakeholder engagement opportunities and I am excited to journey with our community as we set a bold and daring vision for the next chapter.

Our Towards 2025 Strategic Plan can be found on our College website at:  https://www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/our-college/college-board-strategic-plan/

Amber Hauff

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

Welcome to our new and returning students and their families.  As we come to the end of Week 5, 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, textbooks, printing and the Learning Hub.

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.

In Week 3, we held our Academic and Diligence Assembly based on the Semester Two results for Year 8 to 10, and Unit Three Diligence results for Year 11.  This assembly acknowledged those students that achieved academic success as well as recognising students who displayed diligence through a strong work ethic.  I congratulate each of our award recipients and I encourage each of our students to strive for the next academic awards presentation in Term Three.  A list of all award recipients is included in this newsletter.  Further information regarding the criterion for Academic and Diligence Awards can be found on the College Website.

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, 2024 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 in the College diary 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 8
• Term One Assessment Tasks – Page12
• Term One Study Planner- Page 16

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

Amy Byrnes 

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

 

Academic & Diligence Awardees

Year 8

PRO DILIGENTIA

Megan Bales

Ella Benge

Alexis Caswell

India Conry

Eva Drovandi

Lara Goodwin

Amaia Landy

Isabella Orsini

Celeste Partridge

PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Ava Abdul-Rahman

Isla Stevens

Anna Taylor   

MERIT

Ella Davies

Eva Davis

Stella Roper

Zoe Simmonds

MERIT & PRO DILIGENTIA

Olive Austerberry

Stephanie Bailey-Hams

Ivy Belczacki

Holly Bullard

Emma Crocker

Scarlett Lucas-Schipplock

Eminni Masterson

Hailee Melvin

Hannah Schultz

Caitlyn Waldron

Ella Wilks

MERIT & PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Olivia Bayley Lyons

Georgia Burney

Jorja Cornick

Elena Griffin

Lillian Rasmussen

DISTINCTION & PRO DILIGENTIA

Lucia Anderson

Evie Cavanagh

Indiana Hall

Alex Matters

Josivel Ventura

DISTINCTION & PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Georgia Bonollo

Matilda Bryan

Tessa Izzett

Sophie Krauklis

Evie Martin

Maisie-Lou Mosch

Grace Sheeran

Jaynalily Urquhart

Claire Zollner

HIGH DISTINCTION & PRO DILIGENTIA

Adelaide Davis

Nancy Juniper

Zoe Leon    

HIGH DISTINCTION & PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Audrey Burbidge

Ava Burton

Claudia Gates

Chloe Guilfoyle

Vivian Hession

Rachael Keys

Indiana Lalor

Mai Ly Nguyen-Wood

Sienna Pietrobon

Taylah Redman

Lacey Scott

Manasee Sivayoganathan

Scarlett Torkington

Elli Torrisi

Year 9

PRO DILIGENTIA

Charlotte Brassington

Lola Hamilton

Claire Hudson

Rachel Kristensen

Georgia Lynch

Violet Seri

Hannah Trainor

Butu Wosomo

PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Holly Chisnell

Kassidy Pitt

MERIT

Stella Brennan

Lola Bryce

Madeline Cannon

Ava Jennings

Lomani Luva

Juliette Pearce

Chloe Wilson

MERIT & PRO DILIGENTIA

Priya Bookall

Katherine Gee Gee

Micarla Motti

Serenna Nucifora

Alana Sibley

Grace Tosh

Tahliah Webster

Charli Zollner         

MERIT & PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Mikayla Gilboy

Abigail Ponti

DISTINCTION

Lua Jennings

Kareena Wiltshire

DISTINCTION & PRO DILIGENTIA

Lara Betteridge

Eden Carfoot

Bella Casella

Savannah Gordon

Abbie Marlborough

Hannah Mosch

Jazmyn Vasquez

DISTINCTION & PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Chamena Alford

Willow Bailey

Amity Brown

Layla Burridge

Emily Gamble

Scarlett Gunther

Anniken Hatley

Lila Heron

 Emmalisa King

Gabriella McMahon

Madison Schell      

HIGH DISTINCTION & PRO DILIGENTIA

Lynette Njau

Caitlyn Wiltshire

HIGH DISTINCTION & PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Elyse Adebahr

Anna Booth

Georgia Cresswell

Caitlin Edwards

Deona Emmanuel

Leah Kendall

Bonnie Myers

Mia Populin

Lili Sayers    

Sienna Scotti

Imogen Smerdon

Chloe Watterson

Holly Wilkie

Year 10

PRO DILIGENTIA

Emily Beaton

Alyssa Doyle

Emma Long

Kayla Rose

PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Kelsey Kerkhoffs

Mary Kay Komunt

MERIT

Aria Bennett

Cate Cronin

Grace Hill

Nala Iosefo

Lucia Lau

Ariahn McIntosh

Hazel Paske

Rylee Quagliotto

Abbie Turner

Georgina Wilkie

MERIT & PRO DILIGENTIA

Mia Benson

Stephanie Fisher

Dakota Geatches

Milla Hannay

Sienna Monteith    

Ava Reguson

Matilda Weekers

MERIT & PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Freya Blacklock

Channah Griffin

Skye Peace

Amelia Ponti

Sera Torrisi

DISTINCTION

Chelsea Mangan

Gabriella Parenti

DISTINCTION & PRO DILIGENTIA

Alani Burton

Meika Faust

Coco MacNee

Leila Strickland

Esther Wulf

DISTINCTION & PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Clare Duggan

Elle Johnston

Ashden Jones

Kate Morgan

Emma Robinson

Matilda Schroder

Abigail Stumer

Lindsay Thorley

Isabelle Tickle

HIGH DISTINCTION    

Sophia Warburton          

HIGH DISTINCTION & PRO DILIGENTIA

Mikayla Reinke           

HIGH DISTINCTION & PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Bridget Baxter

Bella Canning

Immara Dyer-Lewis

Orla Glasheen

Emilee Hall

Grace Kenneally

Gabrielle Keys

Olivia Koloi

Salote Koloi

Mary Lansley

Poppy Lea-Rowell

Isabella Lucke

Amelia Peeters

Ayesha Poletto

Charli Russell

Year 11

PRO DILIGENTIA

Isabella Andrews

Lucy Chesher

Hannah Howie

Violet Kersh

Felicity Lange

Amelia Phelan

Mikayla Pichlmeier

Charlotte Rosenblatt

Sofia Stanford

Georgia Thorogood

Taylah Wegener

Isabelle Williams

Taleaha Wust

PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Sophia Cristaldi

Lily Crocker

Josie-Ana Dowdall-Crofts

MERIT

Amelia Betcher

Caitlin Hordern

Lucy Schifilliti

MERIT & PRO DILIGENTIA

Shiloh Abercrombie

Eliza Betteridge

Myah Davidson

Jema Hewson       

Ginger Hughes

Rominy Kostolanji

Bella Mason

Carmen Micic

Darcee Renton

Katija Wregg

MERIT & PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Scarlet Gallagher

Charlotte Hunt     

Nia Newman

Hollie Parkes         

Taylor Res

Ruby Robins

DISTINCTION & PRO DILIGENTIA

Keeley Adebahr

Tara Marlborough 

Mayiah Sen

Hope Tyrie

DISTINCTION & PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Emily Edison

Charlotte Edwards

Elizabeth Ferfolja Salmon

Zoe Hammond

Jessica Hill

Renee Kamau Gitonga

Sienna Miller

Bellamia Nucifora

Maddison O’Neill

Teagan Philcox

Sienna Stockham

Grace Tipping

Lacy Triffett

Ella Woodhouse

HIGH DISTINCTION & PRO DILIGENTIA

Brook Anderson

HIGH DISTINCTION & PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Renisha Abraham

Maddison Andrejic

Meg Burbidge

Mya Cole-Otto

Amelia Connolly

Marian Edwards

Isabelle Gilboy

Eryn Matters

Zoe McKay

Saskia Tresch

Gemma Warburton

Edan Watson

Year 12

PRO DILIGENTIA

Lucy Bale

Zoe Bamford

Lily Bragg

Hannah Buchanan

Adelaide Burke

Elizabeth Carroll

Jali Davis

Sarah De Haan

Josie Ferrara

Lylah Gilmore       

Phillimona Isua

Zoe Lyons

Kenya Mari

Charlotte McGill

Alicia McMillan

Eve Mendiolea

Isabella Nona

Ayanna O’Connell

Savannah Piggott

Laktulah Pilot

Claire Redgen

Mia Rial

Tahlia Richardson

Jasmine Roesler

Catherine Shaw

Lilly Trevor

Ma’Tahlia Waller

Juliana Waters

PRO SUMMA DILIGENTIA

Ayla Adams

Rachael Aku

Hayley Andrejic

Eleanor Baxter

Nancee-Rae Bowen

Olivia Brennan

Bella Broadfoot

Sabine Calliste

Samantha Campbell

Brydie Doyle

Holly Dunlop

Kaiulani Faust

Laura Fraser

Giaan Gangloff

Makenzie Griffin

Sophie Griffin

Piper Hamilton

Lilly Hannay

Torrance Harding

Ruby-Rae Hicks

Amy Jacobsen

Nicola Jenkins

Rebecca Jones

Faiwolynn Komunt

Medaya Mangan

Lynette Njeri

Charlie Pacey

Isabelle Part

Claudia Peeters

Lara Reguson

Mia Robinson

Ellen Thorley

Helaine Toram

Ebony Wass

FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

Welcome to the 2024 school year, and a very special welcome to our new families joining us at St Patrick’s College Townsville. I hope all students have had a wonderful start to the school year. I write this article after the Interhouse Swimming Carnival and am still on a high from the excitement of the day. I want to congratulate all students on their attendance, participation and house spirit.

In true St Patrick’s College Townsville fashion, the beginning of the school year has been filled with events, activities and celebrations. Led by their Head of Year Ms Henderson, the Year 7 cohort have settled into our community well, finding their place with the support of their Big Sisters. They have managed to navigate timetables, classroom changes and even those locks for their lockers. I have been incredibly proud of the resilience and determination they have shown and look forward to working closely with them over the coming years.

Our Year 12 cohort have begun their final year under the careful guidance of Ms Hambly. We have celebrated them at the Senior Investiture, watching each of them proudly receive their senior’s badge. Ms Hambly has also worked closely with the Prefect Group at Leadership Camp and the GRIP Leadership conference.

The 2024 pastoral team and their email addresses are below:

Head of Year 7

Ms Meg Henderson mhenderson@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Dominations House

Ms Lara Hansen lhansen@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Powers House

Ms Jessica John jjohn@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Principalities House

Mr McKye Turner mturner@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Thrones House

Jaimee Seebohm jseebohm@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Head of Year 12

Ms Tenille Hambly thambly@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

UNIFORM REMINDERS

I thank parents/guardians for supporting their daughter in meeting the College’s uniform expectations this term. We have updated some of our policies, and a reminder that they can be found in the College diary or on the website. Converse shoes are not permitted to be worn with the Sport uniform and students are expected to wear joggers. Hair must be of a natural colour, and facial piercings are not permitted, nor are clear piercing retainers. Students are only permitted to wear one pair of earrings, in the ear lobes only. If your daughter is wearing excess jewellery, she will be asked to removed it and it will be confiscated and held in Mercy Rose for safe keeping. All students in Years 7-12 are expected to have the College bag. We have seen the number of non-College bags rise over the last week, so I would ask you to support us in obtaining a College bag for your daughter. We do have some loan bags if you are experiencing hardship, so please reach out to your daughter’s pastoral leader and we can organise one for her to borrow.

All items for the College uniform can be purchased the Wearitto Uniform Shop, which is located at 263 Charters Towers Road, Mysterton. I thank parents and guardians for their support in this matter.

Shari Finlay 

ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF BOARDING & STRATEGIC PROJECTS

In our St Pat’s boarding family, we cherish the wonderful diversity of cultures and communities represented by our girls. It’s a beautiful tapestry that teaches us the importance of kindness, respect, and curiosity. Kindness is our language, fostering connections and support. Respect is our foundation, honouring each person’s worth.

Curiosity is our compass, guiding us toward understanding and growth. Through our weekend and afternoon activities, lasting friendships and meaningful connections are forged, while also promoting health and wellbeing among our girls.

Please enjoy the pics below! We look forward to keep on walking alongside our families as we empower the girls to be compassionate, respectful, and curious individuals ready to embrace the world.

Katie de Carteret

DIRECTOR OF BOARDING & STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

 

FROM THE DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

Term 1 Exam Block

In 2024, 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 was emailed to Year 10 and Year 12 earlier 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 (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 with the Learning and Teaching Office if they have an application for special provisions.  Further information relating to Special Provisions can be found in the College Junior Assessment Policy. 

NAPLAN

From 13 to 20 March 2024, Year 7 and 9 students will be sitting the 2024 National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) Tests. These national tests provide information on how students are performing in the content strands of numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

NAPLAN testing will be conducted online and a test schedule with more details was provided to Year 7 and Year 9 Students, Parents and Caregivers. It is imperative that all Year 7 and 9 students arrive at the College on time and prepared for the tests.

Please ensure that your daughter has the following materials that all participating Year 7 and 9 students will require to complete the NAPLAN tests:

• College approved calculator
• Fully charged laptop
• Headphones compatible with student device (not wireless)
• 2B or HB pencils

A Practice Test is scheduled for 28 February to ensure students, the College and systems are prepared for the NAPLAN Tests. Students should have the equipment listed above in preparation for this test.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Pacey

DEAN OF ACADEMICS

FROM THE HEAD OF SPORT & FITNESS

Its been an action packed start to Term 1 in the sports department, with students trialing for TSSS and Northern teams, as well as representing the school in Rugby League, Volleyball, Basketball and Water Polo and of course how can we forget about our Interhouse Swimming Carnival which took place last Wednesday!

Week 4 saw the beginning of this Term’s ‘block sport’ offerings with the school entering teams in the Year 11/12 volleyball, Year 7/8 basketball, Rugby League, and Water Polo. All teams starting with success and big thanks must go to the teachers volunteering their time to take the girls to these sports.

Also in Week 4, saw the school’s Year 9/10 Rugby League players entered their first tournament, with the NRL Multicultural 9s Tournament being played to celebrate the NRL All Stars Games coming to Townsville. The girls were phenomenal, winning the competition, going undefeated, and only conceding three tries! Big thanks must go to Ms Autumn Stephens and Ms Lillian Yarrow for coaching the girls for this event.

Week 5 saw the College’s annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival take place at Long Tan Pool. This was a fantastic event, with the College’s spirt being the centrepiece of the day. All results, including Age Champion, Queen of Pool, and the champion House will be revealed at Assembly next week, however a big thank you must go to all of the staff involved, as the day is unable to take place without their hard work.

 

Finally, preparations for the upcoming Netball season will begin on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Week 6. The College has been lucky enough to secure the services of the NQNAs Head Coach, Jillian Joyce, who will run sessions for students in the lead up to the Vicki Wilson Championships. If your daughter did not receive information on this, please get in contact with Mr Lowry ASAP.

Sam Lowry

HEAD OF SPORT & FITNESS

FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

Dear Defence Families

St Patrick’s College Townsville Defence School Mentor Program

Hi, my name is Gayle Walkom, and I am the Defence School Mentor for 2024.  To our newly posted in families, welcome to the St Patrick’s College community and to our previous families, welcome back for another year.

My primary role as Defence Support is to provide information and support students of the Australian Defence Force families to ease the impact of mobility and service related parental absence.  Defence families are a significant and highly valued group within the College and supporting our students from an ADF family is a high priority. Being a Garrison City, our staff are well acquainted with the challenges of the ADF lifestyle and look forward to ensuring our students have the most positive experience possible.

At the beginning of the term we welcomed new students to the College where we indulged in some tasty treats and shared experiences of our Defence lineage. Morning Teas will be held fortnightly and will be advertised through College News and students emailed directly.  This is an opportunity for social and emotional support for the student and to support them during any changes in circumstances.  I encourage families to discuss their roles within the Defence to their children as they are extremely proud of your service.  

Change in Family Circumstances

Please advise myself when there is a change in your family circumstances, for example: retired, discharging, posting, deployment, large period of parental absences or Unaccompanied postings. This will enable me to provide extra services and provide care to your daughter.  Additionally, if you feel you shouldn’t be on the Defence School List, please let me know. 

Open Arms Courses

A number of courses are available for Defence members and partners. 

Engaging Adolescents (Three Week Parent Program)

Wednesdays 24 April – 8 May

Managing Pain (Six Week Program)

Fridays 3 May – 7 June

In addition to the above face-to-face groups, Open Arms also provides a range of educational online training and workshops.  To register your interest and for the most up-to-date information visit:  https://www.openarms.gov.au/get-support/treatment-programs-and-workshops

Support Services

Time apart from families due to deployments, training or other Service requirements is an integral feature of Defence life. Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS), Defence Families Australia and Open Arms are able to inform and prepare you for these times and provide you with support to make these experiences manageable, positive and strengthening ones for your family. DMFS can be contacted via https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/crisis-support/helplines/defence-member-family-helpline or 1800 624 608.

GECKOS FAMILY CENTRE

For those new to the region, Geckos is located on Lavarack Barracks and provides services, support, and activities to enhance social connections and family resilience within the Defence community of North Queensland. Geckos offers many exciting events throughout the year and the team are looking forward to meeting all the new families in the region. Geckos has a playground that is open all day every day – from dawn until dusk – with access to toilet, parking and cold water facilities. If you would like to keep up to date with Geckos’ upcoming events and activities, follow their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/geckosfamilycentre/

Are You Aware?

Don’t forget that the Education Assistance Scheme is available to minimise the disruption of a posting, providing assistance with tutoring costs, and some support for students with special needs. Funding for additional tuition is available within the first 18 months of the posting.  Tutoring is funded for 1 hour per week per subject for 14 weeks for those subject in which a child needs support. For more information you can contact the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608, or email the Education team at education.supportprograms@defence.gov.au

If you will be absent for a period of time next term due to deployment or would like further information about the services provided, please feel free to contact the Defence School Mentor, Ms Gayle Walkom via gwalkom@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au or phone 0747530300.

Gayle Walkom

DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

EVENTS

International Women’s Day by Townsville Women’s Business Circle