FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

Each term, the College calendar is full of activity and celebration. But beyond the events themselves, it is the spirit in which we gather that speaks most deeply to who we are as a Mercy community.

This past term has been a tapestry of moments—some joyful, some solemn, all meaningful. Whether we were celebrating the achievements of our senior students, coming together in prayer and liturgy, engaging in learning that stretches the mind, or standing in solidarity with First Nations peoples, each experience has been a reflection of our shared commitment to the values of faith, compassion, excellence, and justice.

One of the most moving expressions of this spirit is our NAIDOC Community Celebration. As a College, we gather to honour the cultures, histories, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In the spirit of Mercy, we listen with open hearts, learn with humility, and walk together in reconciliation and respect. It is a powerful reminder that our mission calls us not only to educate, but to heal, to stand in solidarity, and to build a more just and inclusive future.

There is something sacred in the way our community shows up for one another. In the laughter shared over breakfast, in the quiet reverence of a farewell, in the curiosity sparked during a STEM workshop, and in the music that rises by the sea—we see Mercy lived out in real and tangible ways.

These gatherings are not just calendar entries; they are expressions of our mission. They remind us that education is not confined to the classroom, but is found in relationship, in service, and in the formation of hearts. They call us to be present, to listen deeply, and to respond with love.

As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude for all who contribute to the life of our College. Soon, we will be inviting Expressions of Interest for new College Board Directors. This is a sacred opportunity to serve, to lead, and to help shape the future of St Patrick’s College Townsville in a way that honours our Mercy heritage and responds to the needs of our time.

I also wish to acknowledge and thank Jess Keir, who has recently stepped down from the Board. Jess’s service has been marked by wisdom, generosity, and a deep love for our College. Her legacy will continue to bless our community.

To our students, families, staff, and wider community—thank you for walking this journey with us. May the Spirit of Mercy continue to guide us as we learn, lead, and love together.

Josie Gabrielli

CHAIR, COLLEGE BOARD OF GOVERNANCE

FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

The more time I spend at St Patrick’s College Townsville, the more impressed I am by the spirit of joy and engagement that characterises our community. It has indeed been a busy period of time over the last couple of weeks, with multiple community events from #STEMLikeAPatsGirl, to Book Week, to Music by the Sea, to Debating, to Head of the River, to NAIDOC events.

#STEMLikeAPatsGirl

More than 220 students joined us for #STEMLikeAPatsGirl, supported by guest presenters, staff and student mentors. The growth of this initiative is an example of the College’s determination to give back to the community, ensuring strong role modelling for girls in scientific inquiry, as well as the promotion of scientific curiosity. I was particularly impressed with the persistence of the girls who worked to refine the trajectory of their rockets, as well as those who managed to gather forensic evidence. My sincere thanks to our Head of Faculty – Science, Ms Jordan Stewart, and our Head of Faculty – Mathematics & Digital Technologies, Mr Grant McGregor, for organising such a wonderful event. Many thanks also to our Director of Marketing & Communications and Marketing & PR Assistant, Ms Isabel Bowrey and Ms Julia Nosworthy, for their assistance with our wonderful sponsors and event planning.

Book Week

The College’s Book Week showcased a myriad of events to promote reading, including a costume parade dressed as your favourite character from a novel, along with a wonderful staff performance of Alice In Wonderland. It is rare indeed, to see such wide investment across a student and staff community, and judging costume winners proved to be a highly challenging undertaking. Many thanks to the staff who showcased not only their commitment to promoting reading, but their talents as budding actors. While there is no doubt schools should be about academic outcomes, they should also be about joy, building positive relationship and wonder. When young people see staff willing to take risks, dress up in funny costumes, and adopt funny voices, they understand that they are working with adults who are approachable, who can find the joy and who want to journey along side them. My thanks to all of our student and staff participants, in particular Ms Jillian Turner, Head of Faculty – English & Languages, whose masterful organisation not only of Book Week, but of the staff performance, added such richness to the festivities.

Music by the Sea

Last Friday evening, I was thrilled to attend my first ever Music by the Sea event. While I have heard our musicians on Assembly and in our Combined Schools’ Musical, Friday night’s showcase offered a unique opportunity to be entertained by diverse ensembles, from strings, to percussion, to vocal choirs. The atmosphere was once again welcoming and joyous, as our students danced in the background while performers entertained from the stage. My thanks to our Head of Faculty – Music & Performance, Mr John Goulter, and all of our instrumental music staff and music students, for their dedication and participation in the event. Nights such as these showcase the impressive instrument-ship of our remarkably talented students, but they also provide an experience in performance that is authentic and community enriching.

NAIDOC Week

This week we also celebrated NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) week and I was thrilled to meet so many of our First Nations families, listen to story, and share in customs. Events such as NAIDOC week remind us of the importance of the rich cultural history of First Nations peoples in Australia. As a historian myself, I never cease to be amazed that I come from a country which is home to the oldest known living culture of peoples, anywhere in the world. There is much ancient wisdom that we can learn from our First Nations’ communities, whether it be in relation to our environment, or in the importance of honouring our traditions.

At St Patrick’s College Townsville, we have been on a journey that takes us beyond mere inclusion, and looks to build understanding, connectedness, and meaningful action. 2025, for example, marks the approval of our College’s Reconciliation Action Plan, which we are intending to launch in 2026. Amongst other things, this plan advocates action in key areas, including:

• Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in learning activities
• Celebration of cultural identity and cultural responsiveness
• Forming meaningful and ongoing relationships with local Elders and Traditional Owners
• Teaching about Reconciliation, days of national significance to First Nations peoples, and First Nations perspectives on current affairs and issues
• Visibly demonstrating respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures including Acknowledgment of Country and ensuring place and space for culturally appropriate art, artefacts, symbols and flags
• Taking action against racism, raising consciousness in relation to its manifestations and impacts

As part of our commitment to working in relationship with First Nations peoples, our staff have undertaken professional development in areas relating to cultural competency and literacy benchmarking. Across subject areas, we are also working to ensure meaningful links to First Nations experiences, from the Frontier Wars, to the Stolen Generations, to Indigenous spirituality, to appreciation of native ingredients in our Hospitality programs. We are also in the process of strengthening our academic tracking, mentoring and support programs, with the aim of ensuring attainment of academic outcomes for all, such that closing the gap is not just a slogan, but a reality.

Head of the River

May I also acknowledge the wonderful performances of our rowing girls, who once again, proved their worth at the Townsville Head of the River, taking out the Girls Aggregate Championship for the third time running, and defending the Girls 8. These young women and their coaches get up early, train hard, and then repeat that process over and again. This is an outstanding accomplishment and I thank them for their commitment, whilst also acknowledging the tremendous support of their parents, coaches and Head Coach, Mr Harrison Parks.

Debating

As I write this article, I’m conscious that our senior debaters will be competing the quarter finals on Thursday evening, with the Year 7 and 8s in the semi-finals. I wish all the competitors best of luck and particularly thank Ms Conni Mosch for her coordination of debating, facilitating such wonderful opportunities for our young people.

Staffing

Anna Grace, Head of Faculty – Inclusive Education, has resigned from her position to take up a new opportunity. During her time with us, Anna has been an outstanding advocate for inclusive practices and aptly supported so many members of our student community. Anna will depart on September 5. Ms Nicole Putscher will take over from Term 4, as Head of Faculty – Inclusive Education. Nicole will bring with her almost 20 years’ experience working in the Learning Support space, most recently as Program Leader Inclusive Education at Ignatius Park College, a position she has held for the last 5 years. She has a deep commitment to inclusive education, student wellbeing, and the delivery of high-quality, equitable learning. While we await Ms Putscher’s arrival, Ms Tracy Nioa, former Head of Faculty – Inclusive Education at St Patrick’s College Townsville, will join the department for the remainder of Term 3, to assist in the transition process.

Assessment Preparation

Given the host of extra activities that have characterised the last couple of weeks, it seems hard to believe that the normal business of the College has continued as usual. As we approach the assessment period, I would ask all parents to work in partnership with the College to ensure that students have a good study routine at home, and that they are completing homework and assignments with diligence.

Uniform

Relationships with students are very important to members of the St Patrick’s College Townsville staffing community. How we work with one another matters. Staff are asked to challenge students when there are breaches of uniform, and this includes asking students to remove items that are not permitted by the uniform policy, such as jewellery, make up and jumpers other than the College jumper. Our uniform policy is included with our enrolment application material and a condition of enrolment acceptance.

Where a student persistently fails to follow the requirements of the uniform policy, they are not just not adhering to uniform standards, they are undermining requests from staff and often, relationships with them. Where a student’s response to staff is discourteous or rude, they are not just failing to adhere to uniform standards, they are failing to follow an agreed code of conduct.

How we work together truly matters. Our uniform policy is in place because we believe it genuinely supports the quality of focus within our College community. Our Mercy Sisters strived for an education for women that was truly empowering and focussed on intrinsic qualities. We do not wish for our young people to feel any external pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards or to be distracted by the next cosmetic accoutrement. We do not wish young people to feel the pressure to conform to what their friends are wearing – these adolescent years, can be so formational. Instead, our aim is to provide clear boundaries and encourage a neat, tidy appearance in line with our uniform requirements, which we feel helps uphold the College’s reputation. Having a uniform policy is not inconsistent with a ‘Mercy education’ – after all, the Sisters of Mercy themselves wore a uniform in the form of a habit.

I would urge all parents to help us in this area by engaging with us in partnership. Arriving to school on time, and in the right uniform, is a responsibility that should be owned by parents and students. Staff will continue to politely challenge students who are not in uniform.

I would ask all parents to ensure that they reinforce these expectations with their daughters.

Kath Little

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

FROM THE ACTING 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, 2025 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.

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

Report cards

Year 12 students have been 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. 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 the QCAA website, as well as our College Learning Hub.

Awards Evening Update

We are updating our academic awards for Years 7–10 for Awards Evening in Term 4. Students will now be recognised with Gold, Silver, and Bronze GPA awards across all subjects, as well as being named the overall subject award winner for each subject, instead of receiving High Distinction, Distinction, and Merit awards across their suite of subjects.

This change is based on feedback about the awards evening’s length and repetition, and the frequent overlap in award recipients from semester to semester. The new structure will ensure each award is more meaningful, concise, and celebrates truly outstanding achievement.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support. Throughout the year, the College will acknowledge and reward student diligence and academic achievement through sustained effort across subject areas. Please also refer to the College website for more details.

Chris Pacey

ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

HOUSE BINS

Our College Captains are excited to launch a new environmental House competition next week. At the start of Term 2, four white translucent wheelie bins were purchased, with each House Captain leading the way in designing and decorating their House bin for easy identification. After weeks of creativity and effort, the bins are now complete, and the competition is ready to begin.

The challenge will see the House that fills its bin the most times each week crowned the winner. Each day, the College Captains and Prefects will check the bins and award points to the House with the fullest bin, with rewards along the way to keep the competition alive.

This initiative not only promotes sustainability but also strengthens House spirit, providing students with a fun and meaningful way to work together for a cleaner environment. A special thank you to the Head of Year 12, Mr McKye Turner, and the Heads of House, for their support in overseeing this initiative. Congratulations to all students who contributed to the bin designs, and to our College seniors for leading this important effort to care for and nurture our beautiful College grounds.

END OF TERM

As we move into the pointy end of the term, I encourage all students to finish strong. This is the time to knuckle down on assessments, stay focused in class, and uphold the high standards we expect, particularly around uniform, behaviour, and respectful relationships. With the holidays just around the corner, it can be tempting to ease off, but staying committed now will ensure you finish well and head into the break with a real sense of achievement. Remember to take care of yourselves and each other, celebrate your efforts, be proud of everything you have already accomplished, and be excited about all that is still ahead.

Tenille Hambly

ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

FROM THE ACTING 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 7 October (Week 1, Term 4). Students wishing to change subjects for Unit 3 and 4 can book a meeting with the Studies Office. Subject changes for Unit 3 and 4 must be finalised by Friday 17 October (Week 2, Term 4). Any student wishing to change subjects, must do so before this date, as any changes throughout Unit 3 or Unit 4 will not receive credit for these paired units.

To assist in subject change decisions, 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 this 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. Expectations around attendance, uniform and requirements were emailed to students and parents.

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 full Academic College uniform. If a Year 11 student does not have exams on a particular day, they are permitted to complete individual study at home. If a Year 11 student has only one exam on a particular day, they are permitted to depart after the exam if it is in the morning, or arrive late if the exam is in the afternoon. Students with both morning and afternoon exams are not permitted to leave the College grounds in between exams. Year 11 Boarding students will be permitted to return to the Boarding School for individual study during the Block Exam period. Students on College grounds when an exam is not scheduled are expected to sign in and complete individual study in the Library where supervision will be provided.

Year 10 students must attend each day for the duration of the Exam Block. Classrooms will be assigned for individual study when students do not have a scheduled exam.

If students are absent for any exams, they are reminded they must request special provisions through the tile on the Learning Hub. If the absence is for medical reasons, it must be supported by a medical certificate.

Aimee Strickland

ACTING DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

Term 3 brings another busy schedule for our Defence students as they participate in significant community events, prepare for Senior Defence Farewells and continue with assessments. 

VP80 Commemorative Service

On Thursday 15 August, a group of our Year 12 students proudly represented the school at the VP80 Commemorative Service held at Anzac Park. The service marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who served during World War II.

Our students joined veterans, dignitaries, and community members in reflection and remembrance, paying their respects to the men and women who contributed to peace in our region. Their attendance demonstrated both maturity and respect, and we commend them for upholding the school’s values on this significant occasion.

Supporting Igam Barracks Primary School, PNG

On Thursday 19 June, donations from nine Townsville schools, including St Patrick’s College Townsville, were presented to Igam Barracks Primary School in Papua New Guinea. Organised by CPL Baylee Glover, the initiative saw over two tonnes of educational resources and sporting equipment being gifted, with the students, teachers, and families at Igam deeply appreciative of the generosity shown.

A special highlight for the College was the involvement of our staff Nikea Tompkins, Ashlee Webb & Kate Tomerini who worked with Defence students to organise donations and write letters to the students at Igam. These created a touching “pen pal” connection, with more than 50 return letters now on their way back to the Townsville Region.

The donations will enhance learning opportunities and strengthen the school’s PE program with the addition of new sporting equipment. This initiative has had a significant impact on the Igam school community and will continue to grow when Exercise Puk Puk returns next year. 

Are You Aware – Tutoring Assistance is Available

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 subjects in which a child needs support. Details can be found here: https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/assistance-for-a-primary-or-secondary-student-moving-schools

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. 

2026 Postings

Families have now received details of their end of their 2026 postings. If you are getting posted at the end of the College year (and leaving Townsville), please email Mrs Joanna Pacey, 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 DFMS website in preparation for the journey ahead https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/military-life-cycle/posting-relocating/moving-children. 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.

ADF Family Health Program

ADF families can be reimbursed for many services that help them maintain healthy lifestyles through the ADF Family Health Program.

From 1 July 2025, the ADF Family Health Program will expand its claimable services to include suitably qualified counselling and lactation consultants.

The program currently allows eligible family members to claim a benefit for a variety of health services from allied health, General Practitioners, specialists, diagnostic and radiology services, and some preventative health measures.

Reimbursement for psychology and psychiatry services is already included in the program. The expansion to include counselling services offers an additional option for ADF families requiring this support.

Eligible family members of permanent ADF personnel and reservists rendering full time service (who are registered for the program) are able to claim for these services.

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

#STEMLIKEAPATSGIRL CONFERENCE

Our ninth annual #STEMLikeAPatsGirl Conference was a wonderful celebration of curiosity and innovation, bringing together more than 200 participants during Science Week. Students explored the exciting world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through a range of hands-on workshops – from coding, forensic anatomy and allied health, to virtual reality, paramedics and rocket science.

We extend our thanks to Guest Speaker, Dinosaur Palaeontologist Adele Pentland, for her fascinating insights into pterosaurs – the extraordinary flying reptiles. We are also grateful to Rummage Technical, The Marketing Factory and the Queensland Government Engaging Science Grants Program for their support in empowering girls in STEM and making this event possible.

YEAR 5 & 6 GIRLS EXPLORE THE FUTURE OF SPACE HABITATION IN #STEMLIKEAPATSGIRL WORKSHOP

As part of the STEM Like a Pats Girl introduction day, incoming Year 5 and 6 students engaged in a hands-on workshop that encouraged them to think like future space explorers. Using micro:bits, environmental sensors, technology tools, and robotics, the girls were challenged to design and test solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of human spaceflight and habitation beyond Earth.

Tackling Real-World Space Challenges

Students programmed micro:bits connected to CO₂ and temperature sensors, capturing real-time data to monitor environmental conditions—an essential skill for sustainable living in space habitats where air quality and climate control are critical. They linked this learning to the reality of maintaining safe conditions on Mars or other planetary environments, gaining an understanding of how technology supports survival in extreme conditions.

The girls also applied technology design tools to imagine and prototype monitoring systems for use in extraterrestrial settlements. This gave them a chance to see how digital technology translates into practical, problem-solving innovation for future space exploration.

Robotic Exploration

The workshop culminated in a robotics challenge, where teams coded micro:bit–enabled rovers to simulate Martian exploration. These vehicles were tasked with navigating terrain, collecting cargo, and delivering it to a base station. The race to complete the mission sparked creativity, persistence, and teamwork—mirroring the challenges faced by astronauts and engineers working to advance human spaceflight.

(Photo: Hands-on STEM in action—Chris from STEM Punks helps the students prepare for their Mars rover race.)

A Stellar Guest: Dr Adele Pentland

The day was made even more special by the presence of Dr Adele Pentland, keynote speaker and distinguished vertebrate palaeontologist. Dr Pentland has described two of Australia’s most complete pterosaurs—Ferrodraco lentoni and Haliskia peterseni—and her research has been featured globally in The New York Times, National Geographic, the BBC, and The Washington Post. She is also a passionate science communicator, reaching diverse audiences through her ‘Pals in Palaeo’ podcast and her STEM outreach in regional and remote communities.

(Photo: Inspiring future innovators: Dr Adele Pentland (in dress) with Mrs CJ Lancashire (to her left), combining research excellence and classroom leadership to support girls in STEM.)

Building Futures in STEM and Space

By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, this workshop prepared students to imagine and address the complex challenges of space exploration and sustainable habitation. Beyond the technology, the girls learned to:

• Collaborate effectively within teams.
• Communicate their ideas persuasively when justifying design choices.
• Consider the ethical implications of their innovations, from sustainability to equity of access.

This interdisciplinary approach equips our students with the mindset and skills necessary to contribute to the development of sustainable, habitable environments beyond Earth—paving the way for future human settlements in space.

At St Patrick’s College Townsville, we are proud to inspire the next generation of innovators and explorers, giving them the confidence and capabilities to shape the future of humanity among the stars.

CJ Lancashire
Teacher – Science Faculty

BOOK WEEK

Book Week at our College is always filled with a touch of magic, but this year it truly felt as though we had stepped into Wonderland itself. The campus was transformed with colour, curiosity and imagination as staff led students on a whimsical journey through Alice in Wonderland.

A special thank you to Jillian Turner, Head of Faculty – English & Languages, whose creativity brought the classic tale to life in such a memorable way. Book Week is a reminder that every story holds the power to transport us somewhere extraordinary – and we look forward to many more adventures between the pages.

Book Week photos

MUSIC BY THE SEA

Our Music by the Sea event was a wonderful showcase of the hard work and talent of the College’s music students. With performances from the following groups, the night was a resounding success:

 

– Percussion Ensemble, led by Mr Paul Neilson

– Jazz Club, led by Mr John Goulter

– Middle Rock Band, led by Mr John Goulter

– College Choir, led by Ms Rachel Cairns

– String Ensemble, led by Mr John Goulter

– Concert Band, led by Dr Mark Smith

– Taiko Ensemble, led by Mr John Goulter

– String Quartet, led by Mr John Goulter

– Liturgy Choir, led by Mr John Goulter

– Vocal Ensemble, led by Mr John Goulter

– Senior Rock Band, led by Mr John Goulter

– St Patrick’s Symphony, led by Dr Mark Smith

 

We extend our thanks to Mr John Goulter, Head of Faculty – Music & Performance and to our amazing music tutors. Their dedication and support made this memorable evening possible.

 

HEAD OF THE RIVER

Year 8 Double – Chelsea Skinner, Lillian Ponti

Year 8 Quad – Chelsea Skinner, Lillian Ponti, Zyla Jordan, Sienna Cresswell, Elise Meakin (Cox)

Open Single – Emily Edison

Year 9/10 Double – Holly Wilkie, Georgia Cresswell

Open Double – Holly Wilkie, Matilda Schroder

Year 8 Single – Chelsea Skinner

Open Eight – Emily Edison, Leila Strickland, Georgia Cresswell, Matilda Schroder, Iluka Hamann, Keeley Adebahr, Holly Wilkie, Amelia Ponti, Theodora Arends (Cox)

Open Four – Emily Edison, Leila Strickland, Matilda Schroder, Iluka Hamann, Theodora Arends (Cox)

Year 8 Double – Sienna Cresswell, Zyla Jordan

Year 9/10 Single – Holly Wilkie

Open Double – Emily Edison, Iluka Hamann

Year 8 Double – Kathrynn Ohlsson, Mila Hanrahan

Year 8 Quad – Kathrynn Ohlsson, Greta Thomson, Connah Moore, Mila Hanrahan, Kelly Nelson (Cox)

Open Single – Iluka Hamann

Year 9/10 Double – Charlee Skinner, Teiva Takairangi

Year 8 Single – Greta Thomson

Open Four – Amelia Ponti, Lillian Nelson, Holly Wilkie, Keeley Adebahr, Elyse Adebahr (Cox)

Year 9/10 Single – Lillian Nelson

Year 8 Quad – Lyla Dunn, Mackenzie Flanders, Zoe Clark, Ava Gray

Year 8 Single – Lillian Ponti

Year 9/10 Quad – Charlee Skinner, Teiva Takairangi, Amaia Landy, Makenah Bianchi, Theodora Arends (Cox)

Next stop: QLD Schools State Championships!

NAIDOC COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

This week, our College came together to celebrate NAIDOC, with many of our students proudly welcoming families into our community to share cultural traditions and join in the celebrations. A heartfelt thank you goes to Tallisha Harden, our Indigenous Community Engagement Officer, for her leadership, planning, and organisation in bringing this very special event to life. We also acknowledge the invaluable support of Regina Foster, our Indigenous Student Liaison Officer. The day began with a deeply meaningful NAIDOC Assembly, which opened with a traditional Smoking Ceremony led by the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, grounding us in culture and connection to Country. We were honoured to hear from College Alumni, Tamara Armit-Sam, a proud descendant of the Bwgcolman people. Tamara generously shared her journey, challenges, and wisdom. Tamara’s reflections spoke powerfully to the 2025 NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, reminding us to celebrate the achievements of the past while looking with strength and hope to the future.

Students proudly showcased their culture and talent through traditional Torres Strait Islander dance from Saibai, led by Maritia Akiba and Phil Ebosa, and through spiritual Aboriginal dances led by the McDinny, Foster, and Isaac families. The celebrations continued throughout the day, with students participating in NAIDOC workshops – weaving with Kerry Lui and Mary Horope, deadly dancing with Glen Thomas, and a collaborative art piece led by teacher Estelle Poots alongside Aboriginal artists Chern’ee and Brooke Sutton.

A big thank you must also go to our guest performer and market stall holders for joining in and supporting the celebration: Chris Tamwoy, Kulur Trio, Brosiscus, Yumpla Fabrics, Strait Yarns, Pretty Please Handmade and the Year 11 & 12 Cert III Business Students, Bracks, Deadly Choices, TTPOP, Deborah Savage, and Arcadia Surf Life Saving Club. 

At lunch, students gathered for NAIDOC celebration cakes created by Chloe Heery and enjoyed some more deadly dancing. In the evening, the spirit of connection deepened, as staff, students, families, and community members came together to share traditional foods, market stalls, dance, and stories.

This was a true celebration of culture, strength, and belonging and all made possible by the dedication of staff, students, families, and community who gave so much of their time and heart. We extend our deepest gratitude to the families who travelled from near and far to join us. By sharing culture, traditions, and stories, we not only enriched our College community, but also continue to strengthen the bonds that connect us all.