FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
The great irony of schools is that life at the end of the term is often at its busiest. Over the last couple of weeks we have finalised assessments, grades and reporting, implemented a camps and activities program, implemented our first ever Futures and Leadership Symposium, facilitated Parent Information Evenings around Subject Selection, hosted the College Year 12 Formal and finalised SET planning for Year 10s. I take this opportunity to thank our staff for their collective efforts in ensuring each of these undertakings.
RUGBY
While there are many highlights from the term, a prominent one was the 11 June National School Girls Rugby League Home Game against St Margaret Mary’s College. Anyone who knows the school calendar like I do, understands that 11 June was the day before teachers were required to have entered all Year 10 and 11 results. It was 4 days before they were required to enter in all Year 7, 8, 9 and 12 results. It was around a week before camp! It comes at a period when we are all at our most tired – including students. What is special about St Patrick’s remains the steadfast commitment to supporting each other, even when we’re busy. As I arrived at the field, I heard students cheering. I saw staff jumping up and down. I heard Ms Paula Henderson on the microphone emphatically announcing a try to St Pat’s. I saw our players continue to play hard, even though they were exhausted. I saw a combined student & staff tunnel formed for our players that took up more than half the width of the field. In short, I saw spirit!.
I am also aware that this is a team that has been training hard in readiness for their second Confraternity appearance. This team reminded us that unified, there is nothing we cannot achieve together. They also reminded us that with sustained effort it is possible to win – even if people see you as the underdog. I walked away not only proud of this team and all those who have led our sporting program, but proud of our College community for turning up when it counts.
SYNOD
Amidst the busyness of College life, College representatives have also taken part in the Third Townsville Diocesan Synod. The aim of the Synod was to move the community of God forward together. Much of the focus of the Third Synod was in discerning how to animate three priority areas, including:
- Towards a Culture of Formation and Spirituality
- Towards a Culture of Accompanying Families with Young Children
- Towards a Culture of Synodality
As reflections unfolded across the synodal process, what became clear was the central role not only of parishes, but of parents and schools as facilitators of faith formation and spirituality. In the aftermath of the Synod, we at St Patrick’s are reflecting on our strategic priorities in the area of faith and mission. While much has and continues to be done in the formation of students, we concede there may be further opportunity to build interconnections across Mercy schools, as well as to do more to ‘accompany’ Alumni and parents in their faith journey. There will be more opportunity to seek feedback around this, in our parent engagement program in 2027.
CAMPS & ACTIVITIES WEEK
I have heard wonderful stories across cohorts from Year 7-12 about camps and activities week. Undertaking a synchronised program across six grade levels, in a regional community with limited resources is a significant undertaking. It is even a bigger undertaking when one of those facilities closes at late notice. I wish to thank Ms Tenille Hambly for her overall coordination and organisation of the program. Her vision, problem solving, attention to detail, flexibility and work ethic have been remarkable, and without her, experiences like this would not be possible. I also acknowledge all of the camp/activity leaders and staff, particularly those who attended overnight excursions.
As usual, we will seek student feedback about our camps and activities so that we can continue to refine and improve programs. Please note, our programs are intentionally different. While some students like the rough and tumble of outdoor adventure and high ropes, others prefer experiences that are more reflective and problem solving in nature. Any future camp and activities program will consider student feedback, holistic formation opportunities, logistical capacity and overall cost and value.
STAFFING UPDATE
Mr Paul Nielson our Percussion Instrumental Music Teacher has finished with us to take on a larger role at Cathedral. Paul has been with us since 2014 and mentored many of our music students, developing their talent and love of music.
Mr Harrison Parks has resigned from his position as teacher and Head Rowing Coach, with the aim of pursuing other opportunities. Harrison has been primarily involved in the delivery of Economics and Business across Year 7 – 12, since his onboarding with us in 2021. Aside from his support of students in that capacity, he has also demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm and commitment to the College’s Rowing program.
Mr Sam Lowry advised us last year that he would be finishing with the College at the end of Semester 1 this year. This year marks Sam’s fourth year at the College, and the decision to accept a contract position in Bathurst is one made with his personal circumstances in mind, as he and his partner relocate to Orange. In a short time, Sam has made a significant impact, both as a teacher and as a Head of Sport. During Sam’s time with us, he was recognised as a Rising Star awardee in 2024.
Ms Estelle Poots advised us a little while ago that a school closer in proximity to her home was a priority for her, and we are therefore happy she has found that opportunity for Semester 2. Estelle started with us as a supply teacher in April 2023, and since then has undertaken either contract roles, or acted as a permanent member of the College since January 2025. Her work across Humanities, Visual Arts and Music has been characterised by a high rapport and relational engagement with students.
Ms Jodie Murray has tendered her resignation as Student Receptionist and will move to St Margaret Mary’s College in a different administrative role in the learning area. Jodie commenced with us in 2024 and has been primarily responsible for the accuracy of student attendance records, bringing a keen attention to detail to this role.
We wish all our departing staff the very best for the future and sincerely thank them for their service to our College.
While some of these now vacated positions have been filled, others remain open as the recruitment process unfolds. The College will update the community of all new appointments in our next newsletter edition.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
As we come to the end of the busyness of Term 2, I urge all students to have a restful and restorative break. I also urge constructive parent/student conversations about academic results and feedback. Our hope would be that students return for Term 3 with a new set of learning goals, and having thought through specific strategies they will put in place for improvement.
Kath Little
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
