FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
Welcome back to all members of our community after what I hope was a thoroughly restorative end of Term 3 break. I was particularly happy to connect with our returning students and staff from their World Challenge Tour in Vietnam, which coincided with a super typhoon event. I am particularly grateful to our staff (Ms Maguire and Ms Flores) and to the World Challenge staff who ensured students remained safe, whilst also experiencing a wonderful immersion opportunity. Events such as these build wonderful opportunities for students to build resilience, develop more worldly perspectives and disconnect from 21st century comforts that we sometimes take for granted.
I wish to also express my congratulations to our Rowers who participated in the State Rowing Championships in Brisbane, coming fourth overall. Particular congratulations goes to:
- Year 11 Quad consisting of (Holly Wilkie, Georgia Cresswell, Leila Strickland, Matilda Schroder, Elyse Adebahr (cox)) who won Gold
- Year 8 Double (consisting of Lillian Ponti and Chelsea Skinner) who won Silver;
- Year 8 Single (consisting of Chelsea Skinner) who won Silver
- Schoolgirls Double (consisting of Georgia Cresswell and Iluka Hamann) who won Bronze.
- Year 11 Double (consisting of Georgia Cresswell and Holly Wilkie) who won Bronze.
May I also congratulate the Interregional U13 Quad representing the Northern Region, which consisted of 3 St Patrick’s College Townsville girls (Georgia Cresswell, Holly Wilkie and Elyse Adebahr) who won Silver.
My thanks and congratulations to our remarkable rowing coach, Mr Harrison Parks, who has worked with such dedication and passion, to bring out the best from our girls. I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing about their extraordinary season working in close proximity with Ms Susan Wilkinson, and celebrating their achievements with them at the recent Rowing Awards Dinner.
I would also like to congratulate our Touch Football students who participated in the All Schools Touch Football Tournament at the Gold Coast last week, amongst 600+ teams from across the country. The girls performed well and are to be congratulated both for their efforts and their patience, having been delayed in their return and needing to stay in Brisbane for an additional night. My thanks to Ms Shanelle Rubio and Ms Dana Leviston for their support of our girls throughout this competition and in trying circumstances.
In further fabulous news, the College has been advised by the hosts of the Creative Generations Awards that Year 12 student, Hope Tyrie, is the recipient of the Excellence Award for our region and her work will be exhibited at QAGOMA in 2026. Additionally, four of our students, Hope Tyrie, Bella Mason, Mya Cole-Otto and Tara Marlborough will have their works on display at the regional exhibition from Saturday 18 October, at the Townsville Heritage Centre. I would encourage as many as possible to get along to the exhibition to see their fabulous works.
Staffing
At the start of Term 4, the process of 2026 timetable resolution and resource planning is well and truly under way.
I wish to advise the College community that Mr Cameran Triffett has resigned from the position of Deputy Principal at St Patrick’s College Townsville, to continue his study program in the US. As Deputy, and on occasions, as Acting Principal, Cameran has played a leading role in the development of St Patrick’s College Townsville over nearly a decade. He has been instrumental in the strategic leadership of the College over that period, leading ranging school improvements, and refining College processes in light of significant increases in enrolments. Aside from the breadth of his impact, he is admired by all for how he has engaged with all members of the College community, bringing a unique blend of wisdom, integrity, honesty and humour in all that he does. While I have only been at the College a very short time, I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude to Cameran for all that he did to support my onboarding and for all that he has done in service of the College. I am sure the community will join with me in wishing Cameran all the very best in his current undertakings.
I also advise that Ms Elissa Gileppa has resigned from the College with the view to relocate to New South Wales. Elissa started at the College five years ago and has had a number of roles primarily in the Hospitality department. Most recently, she has performed the role of Head of Department – Hospitality & Functions, overseeing the implementation of the national curriculum and changes in the Senior curriculum. I take this opportunity to thank Elissa for all that she has done in the service of the College. Her generosity of service at all Hospitality events and her steadfast support of ranging students, will be greatly missed.
In further staff news, Ms Kirsten Walsh will be on leave for the remainder of this year and next. I look forward on welcoming back Kirsten to the College in 2027 and thank her for all she has done in her passionate support of our Art students.
We will have further opportunity to farewell departing staff members at the end of the year. Recruitment processes for these positions, and other positions are under way. There will be further updates in later newsletters, once appointments have been resolved.
Kath Little
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
