FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

To all of you who make up our wonderful St Patrick’s College Townsville Community, I want today to make a very important announcement. On 1 July 2025, I will have reached the end of my nine-year tenure on the College Board of Governance. Hence my time on the Board both as Director and Chair will come to an end. It has, for me, been a wonderful, challenging and fulfilling journey and I will leave with a great sense of accomplishment and pride. 

Across the nine years of my tenure, I have seen the shaping and implementation of the governance architecture of the Board – policies, protocols, practices, reporting and accountability, risk management, committee structures etc. – that have enabled the Board to function with professional effectiveness. The implementation of the College Master Plan provided a few decision-making headaches along the way, but the result has been top-of-the-range facilities to provide an excellent teaching/learning environment for our teachers and students. Most importantly, our succession planning resulted in a recruiting strategy that has seen the appointment of excellent Directors, highly effective in their particular professional careers, who will continue to govern and guide the College with passion, commitment and competence. I will leave the College fully confident that it is in good and safe hands, knowing full well that the Spirit of Mercy will continue to imbue the very fabric of St Patrick’s College Townsville. 

The appointment of the new Board Chair will be announced by Mercy Partners at our Annual General Meeting on 26 May.

1 July will also mark the moment when, after 120 years, there will no longer be a Sister of Mercy directly involved in the life of the College. Some may see this as a time to be sad or disappointed but, in truth, it marks the culmination of a dream begun long ago by a small group of us that we could find a way to ensure that our Mercy Ministries would continue beyond us and flourish into the future. At St Patrick’s College Townsville, that dream will soon come to fruition. That is a moment for celebration!

For me personally, the timing of my departure from formal ministry within the College Community has come fortuitously at a time when I believe I have done all I can do for the College. Whilst I will not miss the responsibilities that I have carried over the past nine years, I will dearly miss my working with the Directors, the Principal, the College Leadership Team and staff; the inspiring liturgical and student achievement celebrations; and I will very much miss being surrounded by energetic and happy students who have always welcomed me with a smile. But new things are now possible for me and I will be able to give more time to some of the other ministries that beckon, primarily among them the privilege of accompanying others as they make their journey in faith into the Catholic Church.

I am reminded of the Scriptures where God announces “I am doing a new thing. Can you not see it?”.

In this Jubilee Year, as we are called to be Pilgrims of Hope, let us embrace this wonderful new thing that beckons our College into a bright and wonderful future!

I ask God’s blessings upon you all!

Sr Helen Mary Peters

BOARD CHAIR

FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

It is with great joy and pride that I have commenced my Principalship at St Patrick’s College Townsville and I thank all members of the community, students, parents, and staff for their tremendously warm welcome. As a newcomer to both the College and Townsville, my intention is to prioritise community connection and relationships. I have already had the blessing of spending time with a number of members of the community, from the teachers, to the College Leadership Team, the choir, boarders, senior rowers, and to the girls in whose classes I’ve spent some time, and ‘bumped into’ over the course of the last week. May I take this opportunity to remark on the extraordinary warmth and authenticity of the people I have met, all of whom have been beyond gracious in their welcome and in their generous support. This is clearly a remarkable community, and there can be no doubt that ‘happiness’ is in the air! This is by no means something to take for granted in a world that is sometimes characterised by toxicity and self-centredness.

Term 2 has certainly started with gusto, with opportunities to commemorate ANZAC Day as well as the legacy of His Holiness, Pope Francis. Both occasions enabled us to emphasise key values: self-sacrifice, doing good for others, being authentic to who you are. The ANZAC services, both on site and along the Strand, reinforce the special connection that St Patrick’s College Townsville has with the services, with many of our students the children of members of the army, navy or air-force. It was a particular honour to have St Patrick’s College students marching in the foreground of the ANZAC parade. I thank all who participated in the march, and who were in the crowd in support.

On the evening of Friday 25 April, members of the College and Townsville community gathered at the Cathedral to celebrate the life of His Holiness. While discussion of history might be better left to the historians, there can be little doubt that the Pope will be remembered as a seminal Catholic leader who emphasised the importance of alignment between the teaching of the church and actions of its leaders and members. His attempts to eliminate corruption and avarice, his care for the poor and marginalised, his advocacy for the environment, serve as a moral compass for us all.

Academic Conferences

At St Patrick’s College we see the importance of the shared relationship between home and school, in the education of young people. Research clearly indicates that parent expectation and understanding, along with teacher practice, plays a powerful determinant in the outcomes for young people. Can I thank all who participated in the Academic Conferences that were hosted at the College on 23 April and 1 May. These are forums which intrinsically advance partnership, but also emphasise a culture which is improvement seeking, enabling good discussion around practical strategies for growth.

Twilight Welcome Drinks

May I take this opportunity to warmly welcome as many parents as possible to attend the Twilight Principal’s Welcome Drinks this Friday 2 May, from 5.30pm – 7.00pm. This occasion is intended to facilitate connection between parents and key staff, as we work in partnership to educate your daughters. You are most warmly welcome to attend.  

Kath Little

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

At St Patrick’s College Townsville, we support our staff’s right to disconnect. Staff are not expected to check or respond to emails outside of our office hours of 8.00am to 4.00pm. Where contact is made with staff outside these hours, you can expect to receive a response by close of business two (2) working days from the date of contact. Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter.

Cameran Triffett

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope our families had a chance to rest and recharge over the Easter break. This term is packed with a variety of many activities and events, and I encourage all students to get involved and make the most out of their time here at the College.

END OF TERM 1

At the end of Term 1, the College came together to celebrate an Easter liturgy. The day concluded with a vibrant whole-school choir performance and a lively Just Dance session, which was a joy to witness. Additionally, the Year 7 Retreat, coordinated by Ms Meg Henderson, provided a wonderful opportunity for the Year 7 students to celebrate their successful transition into high school.

CAMPS

School camps play a vital role in fostering independence, building confidence, and enhancing social skills. They also create lasting memories and strengthen the relationships between students and staff. All students in Years 7 – 11 will participate in the Camp Program from Monday 23 June to Wednesday 25 June. The Year 12 Retreat will occur on Tuesday 24 June until Wednesday 25 June.

Camp information letters will be emailed to parents. Please read these documents carefully. To approve your child’s participation, parents are required to review the Terms & Conditions document, verify medical details, and formally accept the excursion. Responses are due by Friday 30 May. If you require assistance logging on to the Learning Hub Parent Lounge, please contact IT support on itsupport@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

This year’s camps will be held at the following locations:

Year 7 – Mungalli Outdoor Education Centre, Millaa Millaa

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

Year 8 – Echo Creek Adventure Centre, Tully

Coordinator: Ms Jess John jjohn@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Year 9 – Camp Gedling, Hervey Range

Coordinator: Ms Aimee Strickland astrickland@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Year 10 – Genazzano Retreat, Lake Tinaroo

Coordinator: Ms Carla Weijers cweijers@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Year 11 – Apex Camp, Magnetic Island

Coordinator: Ms Jodie Roberts  jroberts@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Year 12 – Townsville & Crystal Creek

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

INTERHOUSE CROSS COUNTRY

Cross Country Event – Show Your House Spirit!

Get ready to run and represent your House with pride! Our Cross Country event will be held at The Strand on Friday 9 May, during Lesson 5 and Lesson 6.

Wear your House colours, bring your energy, and show your spirit as you compete for points and bragging rights!

Don’t forget to bring your water bottle, hat, and plenty of enthusiasm.

Let’s see which House will come out on top!

PARENT EVENT

We invite all parents to attend the ThinkUKnow information evening on Wednesday 7 May at 6.00pm in the Auditorium.

ThinkUKnow is an Australian, evidence-based program delivered nationally to help prevent online child sexual exploitation. It is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police, Microsoft Australia, Datacom, and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

This evening is a fantastic opportunity for parents to gain valuable insights into young people’s online environments and learn practical strategies to help them become safe and responsible technology users.

We look forward to seeing you there!

COMBINED PASTORAL EVENT

This term, we have one combined pastoral event, where students from St Patrick’s College Townsville, Ignatius Park College, Abergowrie College, and St Margaret Mary’s College will come together to further strengthen interschool relationships. Families of students in Year 11, you will receive correspondence about these events. We are delighted to be hosting the Year 11 Trivia Night on Friday 16 May from 6.00pm to 8.00pm in the Sport Complex.

STUDENT ABSENCE PROCESS

A reminder of the College’s part of the day absence, daily absence, and short-term absence contact details: Student Reception Absence Line (07) 4753 0377 or email absence@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au.

Kristen Armitage

DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

FROM THE DEAN OF FAITH & MISSION

FAREWELL POPE FRANCIS

As we mourn the loss of the earthly presence of Pope Francis, we also rejoice in the hope everlasting. Our college principal, Kath Little, some of our students and I came together for a special Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis last Friday evening at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. It was a beautiful Mass.

We also came together to acknowledge Pope Francis as a College during the first week of school.

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him

POWER OF ACTIVISM

Michelle Dado-Millynn’s award-winning Australian film The Power of Activism continues to have impact with Festival and streaming audiences in Australia and around the world. The film shines a timely and positive light on a group of young people who are challenging how governments, major companies and communities think about the environment, sustainability and the choices we all make every day. Creator/Producer Dado-Millynn is providing a free, unique and exclusive learning program for seven secondary schools from across Australia and we, at St Patrick’s College Townsville, have been chosen as one of those schools.

Our team of students have decided to plant a fruit and vegetable garden. Many hours of research have gone into the types of plants that attract birds and bugs thus creating healthy local ecosystems. This project also aligns closely with Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, which focusses on caring for our common home, caring for creation.

On Tuesday 29 April, a group of young women came together with Ryan Catholic College and began planting the fruit and vegetable garden. As part of this initiative, the whole process will be filmed to then become part of a documentary to be used as an educational resource for schools around Australia.

Many of the young ladies expressed a huge amount of pride with regards to being involved in this project. This will culminate in an event on 29 May when Michelle Dado-Millynn will visit the College to unveil and reveal the final project. At a time when there is much in the world to feel overwhelmed and helpless about, this learning program inspires teachers and students to ‘Get Involved’. 

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Please keep Hollie Parkes and Georgia Bonollo in your prayers as they continue to complete their sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion. In the coming weeks, they will be involved in completing the sacrament of Confirmation. We wish them many blessings!

120 YEAR CELEBRATIONS

We invite our college community to come together to celebrate Mass on Sunday 15 June 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Mass will begin at 8.30am.

Welcome Drinks and Campus Tour

BOOK HERE: https://www.trybooking.com/DAXHD

Gala Dinner

BOOK HERE: https://www.trybooking.com/DAWLE

High Tea

BOOK HERE: https://www.trybooking.com/DAXVZ

Elissa Andrews

DEAN OF FAITH & MISSION

2025 ANZAC DAY

PREPARATIONS FOR THE INAUGURAL NORTH QUEENSLAND HYDROGEN GRAND PRIX

St Patrick’s College Townsville is excited to announce that we are preparing to enter two teams in the Inaugural North Queensland Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), a ground breaking event that highlights the future of renewable energy, engineering, and innovation.

The Hydrogen Grand Prix is an international program that challenges students to design, build, and race 1:10 scale hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars, showcasing cutting-edge STEM skills and sustainable technology leadership. For the first time, North Queensland will host this prestigious event, and our students are ready to make their mark.

Our preparations are well underway. Two dynamic teams, Team Pink and Team Navy, have been formed and are currently engaged in an intensive workshop program to develop their technical expertise, strategic thinking, and teamwork. Each team has assigned specialised roles, including Drivers, Pit Crew Technicians, Fuel Handlers, and Team Leaders.

Students have been practising critical race elements such as:

• Safe and efficient Hydrostik hydrogen fuel cell handling and replacement.
• Smooth and controlled driving techniques.
• Fast and coordinated pit stop procedures.
• Accurate lap timing, pit stop logging, and strategic race planning.

Participation in this event offers our students the opportunity to develop key STEM capabilities, including renewable energy management, automotive engineering, systems thinking, and data analysis, while also promoting leadership, resilience, and collaborative problem-solving.

We are incredibly proud of the commitment, creativity, and technical skills our Hydrogen Fuel Lab students have shown so far, and we look forward to cheering on Team Pink and Team Navy when they compete against other North Queensland schools on May 14.

For more information about the H2GP program, visit https://www.h2grandprix.com

WE WILL ROCK YOU – TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

We are thrilled to share that our 2025 Combined Schools’ Musical, We Will Rock You, will take to the stage at the Townsville Civic Theatre on 6 & 7 June. This exciting production, in collaboration with Ignatius Park College and St Margaret Mary’s College, will showcase the amazing talents of students from Years 7 to 12.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the Ticketshop: https://bit.ly/4jr7g3X

To help celebrate this event and support our students, we’re inviting local businesses to advertise in the official Musical Program. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote your business to a wide community audience while also supporting Performing Arts at our Colleges.

The 2025 Program Advertising Letter includes more details. If you’re interested in placing an ad or have any questions, please contact us at musical@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au.

Thank you for your continued support – we can’t wait to see you at the show!

HISTORY WEEK 2025

See the details below for History Week activities in Week 3, May 5 – 9.