FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

2024 is proving to be a very eventful year in the life of the College as we have embarked on the development of a new Strategic Plan; reviewed our Risk Management strategy and structures for oversight; farewelled one Director and welcomed two new Directors; and set about a recruitment process to find a new Principal for 2025 in  light of Amber Hauff’s decision to return to Brisbane and take up the principalship of St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe.

On 1 August, Nathan Toll was appointed as a Director on the Board of Governance. Nathan is currently the Communications and Engagement Manager at our Townsville Mater. He brings to the Board experience and skills in Marketing and Communications, Advocacy (government/political acumen), Event Planning and Management and Strategic Planning. Nathan is excited about his appointment and writes:

“I am proud to join the Board of St Patrick’s College Townsville to support its Vision to foster ambition and compassion to create a better world. Community, compassion, and expressing Mercy are at the core of what we do, and I believe my skills will enable the Board to further build on this Vision through these core pillars.”

The Board engaged the services of the Recruiting Agency Fisher Leadership to conduct the process for the recruitment of a new Principal for the College to commence in 2025.  To date, the applications have closed and preliminary interviews are close to being completed. Once we have received the shortlisted candidates, our panel will interview each one and make the final selection.

In the meantime, let us hold each other in prayer and support each other as we work continuously to enhance this wonderful enterprise we call St Patrick’s College Townsville.

Sister Helen Peters

BOARD CHAIR

FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

I am always so impressed with the level of student engagement across a wide range of events in our College. In the last few weeks alone, we’ve celebrated success across a multitude of events:

NAIDOC CELEBRATION

Our NAIDOC Community Celebration earlier this month, was a living example of the beauty and strength found in diversity and the sharing of traditions. It was wonderful to see our whole College community join together to learn, listen, and through doing so, strengthen bonds. Thank you to Ms Tallisha Harden, our Indigenous Community Engagement Officer, and Ms Regina Foster, our Indigenous Liaison, along with all the dedicated staff whose hard work made the event exceptional. We are very fortunate to be a College enriched with diverse backgrounds, allowing us to come together and celebrate this precious culture and shared knowledge. A special thanks goes out to our market stall holders who created a fantastic laneway of stalls for the community to enjoy. If you weren’t able to make it this year, please keep an eye out for our Save the Date in 2025.

BOOK WEEK

The theme this year was ‘Reading is Magic’. Our amazing staff treated students to a spectacular production of The Wizard of Oz, and it was a resounding success. A big thank you to Ms Jillian Turner, Head of Faculty – English & Languages, whose passion and talent brought this production to life with unparalleled flair. It was wonderful to see our students dress up as their favourite book characters and parade at lunch. 

Amber Hauff

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

As we near the end of Term 3, students are completing an array of assessment including assignments and examinations.  It is important that students are managing their time, as well as having study-life balance which includes time for hobbies, exercise and reading.  To complement this upcoming assessment, a reminder that the College provides a range of support and resources:

• 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 2, 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 Three Planner – Page 10
• Term Three Assessment Tasks – Page 14
• Term Three Study Planner- Page 18

As a general guide for students and parents/guardians, the following average times per day are suggested for each year level for homework/study (per page 112 of the College Diary):

• Year 7 – 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Year 8 – 1.5 hours
• Year 9 – 2 hours
• Year 10 – 2.5 hours
• Year 11 – 3 hours
• Year 12 – 3.5 hours

Report Cards

Year 12 students will soon be issued with their final report cards; this includes a summary of their results across Internal Assessments 1, 2 and 3.  Year 11 students will receive their Unit 2 Report Card in the school holidays.  Year 7 to 10 students will not receive a Report Card this term; their next one will be issued at the end of Semester 2.  However, at the end of this term, all year level results will be collated to calculate award winners for Awards Evening, and recipients will be advised at the beginning of Term 4 if they are receiving awards.

Year 12 External Assessment

As many of our Year 12 students have submitted their final internal pieces of assessment for general subjects, it is timely to look at resources available on the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority website that relate to External Assessments.  This includes a suite of external assessment preparation videos for a range of subject areas.  Further resources are also available on our College Learning Hub.

Amy Byrnes

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

FROM THE DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

Year 11 Subject Changes

Year 11 students will finish Unit 2 at the end of Term 3, 2024.  Unit 3 content will then begin on Tuesday 1 October (Week 1, Term 4).  Students wishing to change subjects for Unit 3 and 4 can book a meeting with the Academic Office.  Subject changes for Unit 3 and 4 must be finalised by Friday 11 October (Week 2, Term 4).  Any student that wishes to change subjects, must do so at the beginning of Unit 3, as any student that changes throughout either Unit 3 or Unit 4 will not receive credit for these paired units.

To assist in these subject changes, Year 11 students will be issued with a summary of their Unit 2 Results in the September school holidays via email.

Year 12 Mock and Applied Subject Exams

Earlier in the term, Year 12 students were emailed a copy of the Year 12 Mock and Applied Subject Exam Block.  It is important that students are prepared for this exam block by ensuring they have the correct equipment and understand the conditions of these exams.  By following these guidelines, students will experience the same conditions as the External Assessment Exams in Term 4.

Year 10 and 11 Exam Blocks

Year 10 and 11 students have an Exam Block at the end of Term 3.  This exam timetable was distributed to students earlier in the term.  A reminder that students must attend all exams in their full Academic College uniform.  Only Year 11 students are permitted to complete individual study at home or in the Boarding School during Exam Block.  If a Year 11 student does not have exams during Exam Block or only one exam on a particular day, they are permitted to complete individual study at home, however, the parent must advise the College by 9am on the day of these arrangements.  Year 11 boarding students will be permitted to return to the Boarding School for individual study.

Year 10 students must complete study in the assigned classrooms.  If students are absent for any exams, they are reminded that they must request special provisions and if it is for medical purposes, provide a medical certificate.

Chris Pacey

DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

CAREERS & VET UPDATE

Year 10 Careers Expo and Years 10, 11, & 12 First Nations Students Youth Job Expo

On July 29, our entire Year 10 cohort participated in an enriching Careers Expo at the Townsville Stadium designed to broaden their understanding of potential career paths. The event included a variety of career exploration opportunities, helping students gain insights into different professions and the educational requirements needed to pursue them. It was an excellent occasion for our students to explore their interests and plan their future career paths.

First Nations students from Years 10 to 12 had the opportunity to attend the First Nations Youth Expo on August 8 at the PCYC Aitkenvale. This expo provided targeted job opportunities and career advice specifically relevant to their communities. It was a valuable event that connected students with resources and guidance to support their career aspirations and offer tailored support for their professional growth.

Both events were instrumental in helping our students make informed decisions about their future careers and educational pathways.

School-Based Traineeships: Celebrating Student Achievements

We are proud to announce the outstanding achievements of our students in their school-based traineeships:

Congratulations to Kenya and Tikisha Mari, who have both graduated from the Deadly Start Program with Certificates II and III in Health Support Services. Their dedication to pursuing careers in the health sector is commendable and marks a significant milestone in their educational journey.

A special shout-out to Ella Lipscombe, who has completed her Certificate III in Hospitality and was recognised as a finalist for Trainee of the Year at the Queensland Tourism Awards. Ella’s accomplishment highlights her exceptional skills and commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.

These achievements reflect the hard work and dedication of our students and underscore their commitment to their chosen career paths. Congratulations to all!

Year 12 Business Students Shine at NAIDOC Celebrations

On Wednesday August 7, our Year 12 Business students showcased their entrepreneurial skills by running market stalls during the NAIDOC celebrations. This hands-on initiative provided them with the opportunity to apply their business knowledge in a real-world setting while actively participating in the cultural festivities of the event.  Their involvement not only contributed to the success of the celebrations but also demonstrated their ability to manage and execute a business venture effectively. Well done to our students for their outstanding contribution to both the event and their practical business education!  Congratulations to Ms Walkom and her Year 12 Certificate III Business students.

High School Health Careers Program

On August 14, the final group of students completed the High School Health Careers Program at Townsville University Hospital. Over the course of the program, a total of 21 students participated in a series of enriching activities, including simulated clinical practices and insights into a patient’s journey from injury to discharge. This hands-on experience provided them with a deeper understanding of the healthcare field and its various roles.

QTAC APPLICATIONS & EARLY OFFERS (JCU)

QTAC Applications for 2024/2025 Now Open!

The QTAC application period for the 2024/2025 admission cycle has officially opened as of August 1, 2024. This is a crucial time for students planning to pursue higher education in Queensland. The QTAC application allows students to select their preferred university courses and start their journey towards their future careers.

What You Need to Know:

Application Process: Students can list up to six course preferences, with the option to search for courses manually or use the QTAC course codes. Preferences can be added, edited, reordered, or deleted as needed.

Key Dates:

Applications Open: August 1, 2024

Early Offer Rounds: Mid to late August

ATAR Release: Mid-December, just before Christmas

Early Offers (JCU)

If you’re in Year 12 and graduating this year, you may be able to receive an early offer for a course. To participate in JCU’s Early Offer Program, work with your school on a recommendation and list JCU as your first preference in QTAC when applications open.  Please see more information https://www.jcu.edu.au/year-12/early-offer . Offers made before mid-October will be conditional on meeting entry requirements and subject prerequisites. Additional conditions may apply, which will be specified in the offer letter. If students do not meet the entry requirements, they may receive a packaged offer that includes completing one or more subjects in JCU’s pathway program, JCU Prep.

If you have any questions regarding careers or VET (Vocational Education and Training) programs, please feel free to reach out to Ms Flores at cflores@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au. Ms Flores is available to assist with career advice, program details, and any other related enquiries you may have.

NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CONVENTION

Congratulations to Rominy Kostolanji for being selected to represent Queensland at the National Constitution Convention in Canberra.  Rominy was our College Delegate at the online Queensland Constitution Convention on Thursday July 25.  Rominy wrote a fantastic speech on the topic of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16. Students from schools around the state judged her on this performance, earning her selection to be a Queensland delegate. Next year at the National Convention, she will mix with peers and politicians from around the country delving into more legal issues in focus at that time.  Well done Rominy!

JCU HEROES IN SPORT PROGRAM

On August 13, seven of our students participated in the JCU Heroes in Sport program. This full-day event offered them exclusive access to the Cowboys Community, Training, and High-Performance Centre. The students had the opportunity to learn from industry experts and engage in a high-performance training session, gaining valuable insights into the world of sports and athletic development.