FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

Welcome back to Term 4.  It is always a fast paced term and a time for much celebration.  To prepare as best as possible, it is important that students are organised and ready for upcoming assessment. The College Assessment Calendar is a useful starting point for planning the remaining weeks of term. 

Awards Evening Academic Awards

Following our College Assembly on Wednesday 9 October, students receiving Academic Awards at the upcoming Awards Evenings will be emailed details of their award and the associated practice for the evening.  These awards recognise the academic achievements of our students including Merit, Distinction and High Distinction awards, as well as Subject Awards for students in Year 11 and 12. 

Parents/guardians of award recipients were emailed details of the specific award their student is receiving, as well as details of the evening.  If you believe there is an error in the data calculations or haven’t received an email for award recipients, please contact the Studies Office.  Congratulations to our students on their achievements, I look forward to formalising this at the 2024 Awards Evenings.

Year 12

Year 12 students are in their final weeks of regular classes before entering Workshop Week (Week 3) and External Examinations (Week 4).  Details regarding Workshop Week were emailed to parents/guardians and students and can be found on the Learning Hub.  The final version of the External Exam Timetable including specific rooming is also available on the Learning Hub as well as Directions for Students and Equipment List.

We wish our Year 12 students the best of luck in their final pieces of assessment and their external exams. 

Amy Byrnes

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

Welcome Back to Term 4 – Let’s Finish Strong!

As we enter the final term of the school year, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. Term 4 is an opportunity for all students to consolidate their learning, demonstrate resilience, and finish the year on a positive note. Whether you’re preparing for final exams, completing assessments, or simply striving to do your best, the focus should be on giving 100% in all aspects of school life. Let’s embrace this term with determination and the mindset to finish strong.

Uniform Expectations

As always, our high standards for uniform are an important part of representing our College with pride. Students are reminded to always wear their uniform correctly and neatly, including when travelling to and from school. This term, let’s ensure we uphold our uniform expectations with attention to detail – tidy uniforms, correct shoes, and all accessories in line with our guidelines. Maintaining these standards not only reflects well on our College but also fosters a sense of unity and pride.

Attendance and Punctuality

Being present and on time is crucial to making the most of the learning opportunities this term. We encourage all students to attend every day, arriving punctually for PC and each class. Remember, your attendance plays a vital role in your academic success and engagement in school life. Every lesson counts, so let’s commit to being present, on time, and ready to contribute actively in all aspects of your learning. Let’s start strong and finish even stronger!

Upcoming Events

Term 4 is packed with exciting events and activities that celebrate the culmination of the school year. From awards evenings to arts showcases and our highly anticipated end-of-year celebrations, there are many opportunities for students to get involved and shine. Be sure to keep an eye on the calendar for these important dates and participate fully in the events that bring our community together.

Let’s make this term one to remember by finishing the year with energy, focus, and pride in all that we’ve achieved!

Shari Finlay

ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

FROM THE DEAN OF PATHWAYS

CAREERS & VET UPDATE

As our Year 12 students approach the end of their schooling journey, they are showcasing incredible determination and resilience. This year has been filled with hard work, memorable experiences, and personal growth. From engaging in challenging coursework to participating in various extracurricular activities, our students are leaving their mark on the College community. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to the bright futures that lie ahead. Let’s continue to support them as they prepare for their final exams and take the next steps in their educational journeys!

Work Experience

Our Work Experience Program is available for students in Years 10, 11, and 12. This optional program offers a fantastic opportunity for students to explore potential career paths by observing and engaging in the workplace. Participants can choose an industry that aligns with their interests and gain first-hand experience during the school holidays. This valuable educational activity not only enhances their understanding of the working world but also helps them develop essential skills for their future careers. We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this enriching experience. If you are interested in looking at work experience over the Christmas holidays, please contact Ms Flores.

KEY DATES & INFORMATION

QTAC Applications

Applications opened on August 1 2024.

Early Offers for University

You may be able to secure an early position in a program based on your ATAR, without the wait for an acceptance letter. Please check your preferred courses to see whether you can apply. It is important to note that Offers are still conditional on meeting entry requirements and subject prerequisites.

JCU Early Offers

https://www.jcu.edu.au/year-12/early-offer close on the 11th of November 2024. External exams Year 12 Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).

External Examinations

Take place between October 21 2024 – November 12 2024.

Final Subject Results Release & Release of Results

Final subject results and Senior Education Profiles for 2024 graduates will be available in the Student Portal from 9 am on Wednesday December 11 2024. From 9am on Wednesday December 11 2024, final subject results for Year 12 students will be released in learning accounts in the Student Portal.  A friendly reminder that these are accessed through the QCAA Student Portal and you must use a personal email address as your College email will be closed.

We understand that this is a significant transition and are here to support both students and parents. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms Flores.

Camille Flores

DEAN OF PATHWAYS

FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

Term 4 brings another busy schedule for our Defence students preparing for our Remembrance Day Liturgy, completing external exams and farewelling students being posted/leaving Year 12.

2025 Postings

Families have now received details of their 2025 postings. If you are getting posted at the end of the College year (and leaving Townsville), please email Ms Joanna Pacey at jpacey@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au and the Defence School Mentor so a farewell morning tea can be held.

Ensure you read “Moving with Children” on the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) website in preparation for the journey ahead. As a result of mid-year postings, we welcomed new families to our College at the end of Term 2.  Moving is a major life change, and children may face challenges as they leave behind friends and familiar places and activities.  To make the process more manageable for children and to help them become more positive and self-reliant, communicating truthfully and openly is important to help them understand and cope with the change.  This will allow the children to feel empowered, valued and make them feel a part of the process. 

Amazing Race – Friday 8 November 2024

Townsville ADF members, singles, couples and families are invited to be a part of this year’s (almost) amazing race. You can register a team – friends, family, school teams, or as an individual and DMFS will place you in a team.
Navigate your way around Norman Park beside Jezzine Barracks on The Strand, deduce clues, solve riddles and complete challenges to be crowned the 2024 winners.
We invite you to join us for an exciting day of activities! please register promptly, as spaces are limited and are expected to sell out quickly. We look forward to having a great time together and can’t wait to see you there!
When: Friday 8th November 2024
Time: 4.30pm-6.00pm
Where: Norman Park, 11-13 Isley St North Ward
Tickets: The Amazing Race – Eventbrite

If you will be absent for a period of time during the term due to deployment/exercises 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 07 4753 0300. 

Gayle Walkom

DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

YEAR 8 HOSPITALITY

In Term 3, our Year 8 Hospitality students’ assessment task involved researching cultures and creating dishes to be shared at a mock Harmony Day luncheon. Here are a few highlights:

8HOSA

8HOSC

Thank you Ms Palmer for the fabulous food shots!

CREATIVE GENERATION AWARDS 2025

Congratulations to our four Year 12 Senior Art students, Jasmin Roesler, Ella Cotterall, Juliana Waters and Amelie Curley whose work was selected for display in this year’s Creative Generation Award Exhibition.

Our regional exhibition showcases the outstanding creativity and innovation in visual artworks by senior high school students in North Queensland. This exhibition can be viewed from 8am – 1pm every Sunday until October 20, downstairs at Flinders Lane.

Awards were presented by Rachel Ryan, the teaching and learning officer from QAGOMA, at the opening exhibition and Jasmine Roesler received one of four Commendation Awards. Congratulations!

Works from all the regional exhibitions across the state were shortlisted to 50 Excellence Award winners by a panel of judges from QAGOMA. These artworks will be showcased at the state exhibition at QAGOMA, Brisbane in 2025.

We are delighted to announce that two Excellence Awards were presented to our students. It is an exceptional achievement to have two students representing our school at this level.

Congratulations Julianna Waters and Amelie Curley; we look forward to seeing your exceptional work on display at our state gallery, QAGOMA, next year.

We are very proud of all our Visual Art students who have achieved such a high standard of work this year. Congratulations to all the students from local schools who exhibited their work and received commendations.

Kirsten Walsh

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – VISUAL ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

UQ/QAMT 2024 PROBLEM SOLVING COMPETITION

In April 2024, our Year 8 and Year 9 students proudly participated in the UQ and QAMT Problem Solving Competition. This prestigious event challenged students to apply their prior mathematical knowledge while also requiring creativity and critical thinking to solve complex problems.

We are especially proud of two standout performers: Nancy Juniper (Year 8), who earned a High Commendation, and Deona Emmanuel (Year 9), who received a Commendation. Both girls demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in their problem-solving efforts.

A huge congratulations to all our students who competed – your hard work and enthusiasm are commendable!

YEAR 8

HIGH COMMENDATION

Nancy Juniper

PARTICIPATION

YEAR 9

COMMENDATION

Deona Emmanuel

PARTICIPATION

STEPUP! FOR DOWN SYNDROME EVENT

Step Up for Down syndrome! Join a morning of fun with entertainment and movement as StepUP! Townsville walk along the Riverway, stepping up for Down syndrome. All funds raised by StepUP! Townsville will stay in the region to provide support, services and information to empower people with Down syndrome.

NON STATE SCHOOLS TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE SCHEME

The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) assists eligible families with the cost of traveling to school, with applications for Semester 2 2024 now open online and closing on 31 October.

Helpful Links:

NSSTAS Student Travel Rebates Semester 2

Public Transport Guide for Parents

School Transport

NATIONAL PARENT SURVEY

The CSPA 2024 Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning is seeking your perspective as parents/carers of children who attend a Catholic School in Australia.

You are invited to share your views on existing and emerging affirmations and/or challenges in relation to your child/children’s wellbeing and learning. Please consider completing this anonymous, confidential, and completely voluntary online survey.

More information about the study, how to participate, and how to have questions answered, can be found here.

Thank you for your interest.