FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

Our 2023 year began with a gathering of our Board Directors, Board Committee members and our College Leadership Team.  This was the first time the three groups had met together, and it provided an opportunity to get to know each other and for much lively conversation around areas of common interest. Together we deepened our understanding of the foundational principles that underpin all that we do at the College and of what the Mercy charism, bequeathed to us from our foundress Catherine McAuley, challenges us to be and to do in this, our day and age.

An important activity the Board Directors are currently engaged in is a full Board Review.  It is five years since the last review was conducted and now is a timely moment to take time to reflect on our progress and our practice to ensure that our Board is functioning at the highest level of ethical and operational efficiency.

We recently participated in our Annual General Meeting, presided over by a representative of our governing body, Mercy Partners.  In presenting our annual report for 2022, I highlighted the many positive aspects I perceive present in the way our Board and College operate. Among others I noted:

1. Infrastructure improvements in areas of bus transport, College banking model, and technology support, along with the restructuring of board and committee membership;
2. The evident commitment, energy, activity and outward looking focus from our teachers and students for mission delivery;
3. The continual improvement focus of College leadership, which is demonstrated through staff professional development, and innovative approaches to student welfare and program improvement.

The Mercy Partners representative congratulated the Board and College leadership on the quality of their stewardship and on the overall achievements of the College.

The Directors recently enjoyed a tour of the construction site and look forward to the completion and opening of the facility in the not-too-distant future.  The Board is very appreciative of the attention given by College leadership to the monitoring of the project and to timely and effective addressing of issues as they arise.

FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

2023 Australian Education Awards

I am absolutely thrilled to share the news that our College has been named as Excellence Awardees in the 2022 Australian Education Awards for ‘Best Co-curricular Program – Arts’, ‘Best STEM Program’ and ‘Department Head of the Year’ for Shari Finlay, Head of Faculty Science. These awards acknowledge the incredible work of our Arts and STEM Faculties, and recognises the collegiality, passion and dedication of our entire academic teaching team, who continue to go above and beyond when designing and delivering engaging and inspiring programs for young women in North Queensland. I feel incredibly honoured and proud to serve this community and deeply understand that these awards further reflect the College’s Vision “to promote fullness of life and nurture excellence in learning for all young women in a joyful environment”.

Staff Update

On Friday, 19 May we said farewell to our Inclusive Education Program Leader, Lauren Newman, who has decided to embark on a new chapter in her professional journey, accepting an exciting opportunity elsewhere. While we are saddened to see her leave our College community, we are very proud of her achievements and the impact she has made during her time with us. I wish Lauren all the best in her new role and have no doubt that she will bring the same passion and dedication to her future endeavours.

On a positive note, I am very pleased to announce that Aimee Strickland has joined our expert teaching team! Aimee is a highly experienced educator who has come onboard as a Legal Studies and Humanities teacher. 

Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World

On Friday I was honoured to attend a Mercy Partners Indigenous Encounter Day at St Teresa’s Garbutt along with Sister Helen Mary Peters, our College Board Chair, Miss Regina, our Indigenous Student Liaison Officer, Rebecca Langford, College Chaplain and Teacher, Diana Muftic, accompanied by five of our Year 12 leaders – Ruth, Charlize, Florina, Sanije & Patience. It was a day for deep reflection, deep listening to stories, prayer, yarning and connecting. There was also some discussion held to explore and unpack the upcoming Voice Referendum. As you are all aware Australians will soon be asked to vote in a referendum asking ‘Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?’.

Many perspectives, concerns and hopes were shared on Friday and Patience, Year 12 Senior said simply and with great conviction “it should be every person’s responsibility to educate themselves on this referendum”. We were also provided with information shared by Fr Frank Brennan: who has published a book called An Indigenous Voice to Parliament – Considering a Constitutional Bridge. He suggests ten steps for Catholics inspired by our Catholic social teaching when approaching the forthcoming referendum. He couches the suggestions in terms appropriate for those of us who are not Indigenous. These can be found by reading the following article: https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/fr-frank-brennan-sj-how-to-vote-on-the-voice/ . It was a deeply reflective day and I was particularly moved by various attendees, such as local Elders and community members sharing their past and current hurt, their hopes and their dreams for a better future.

‘For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, we must act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all’. Father Frank Brennan

National Sorry Day 26 May, National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June and Mabo Day 3 June

“We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.” Reconciliation Australia Website.

Ruth Misi, our Cultural Engagement Prefect and Miss Regina, our Indigenous Student Liaison Officer, have been working closely with students and staff to find ways for our community to acknowledge National Sorry Day on 26 May, followed by various activities, story sharing and a deepening of understanding as a part of National Reconciliation Week which begins on 27 May and Mabo Day on June 3rd. Our College recognises that we must provide the time and space to allow real dialogue to happen, learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how one each of us can join the national reconciliation effort. Mabo Day on June 3, commemorates Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’. Following the historic Mabo decision, Australia’s Federal Parliament passed the Native Title Act 1993 which established a legal framework for native title claims throughout Australia by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. There are currently hundreds of Native Title applications that have been lodged to this day.

The theme of National Reconciliation Week 2023 is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ and is a strong call to action, encouraging all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. In our Catholic Mercy Ministry, we are further called to use our hearts, our words and our actions to help create a better, more just, more loving and inclusive Australia.

The National Reconciliation Website found at https://www.reconciliation.org.au/ provides information and resources to learn more about National Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week and Mabo Day.  

God Bless

Amber Hauff

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Over the last couple of decades, there has been a widespread attempt to reduce the population of smokers in this country. Plain packaging, ever increasing tax rates on cigarettes and strict controls around advertising have reduced the number of those who are taking it up. Arguably, the latest attempt to ween smokers off cigarettes saw the Australian Government allow the marketing of e-cigarettes and vapes under the guise that they were less harmful than cigarettes and could help those addicted to cigarettes to give up smoking. However, it can be maintained that the marketing of vapes has been aimed at young people to get a new generation of users addicted to the product.  Regardless of their look and flavours, these vapes often contain nicotine and just like traditional cigarettes will lead to addiction.

The growing prevalence of the use of vapes among young people is a concern. “According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 1 in 5 (21.7%) young Australians aged 18-24 and 7.6% of 15-17-year olds have used an e-cigarette or vaping device at least. It’s likely that these figures are under-reported because responses were provided by an adult living in the same household.” Whether a young person takes up vaping to enjoy the smell or taste, or because it’s done by friends and peers on social occasions, the fact remains it’s another one of those cases when involvement in the activity can lead to continued use and addiction.

In order to reduce the number of people vaping, the Australian Government has announced that it will crack down on their prevalence in Australia. Since 2021, it has been “illegal to buy, possess, import, or use a nicotine-containing e-cigarette with no a prescription.” However, under new laws the “importation of all vaping devices, whether they contain nicotine or not, will be illegal, except by pharmacists.” This step has been taken in response to the concern that the growing black market in vapes is contributing to child and adolescent vaping and nicotine addiction. At this stage, there is no firm date for the implementation of these regulations, but the federal health minister, Mark Butler has indicated that the “reforms will be implemented with urgency.” It is also important to note that it is already illegal to sell vapes to those under the age of 18.

Further information from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation about young people and vaping can be found here. This includes a factsheet, which helps those who wish to have conversations with young people about vaping.

Cameran Triffett

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

As we near the end of Week 6, Term 2 has been filled with many events already and much positivity from our students.  The year is certainly flying by, as we have passed the halfway mark in another term.

2024 SUBJECT SELECTION EVENINGS

A friendly reminder that information regarding 2024 Subject Information Evenings was sent to parents.  These evenings allow parents and students to find out information about choosing subjects for 2024. 

The 2024 Subject Selection Evenings will be held on the following dates:

• Tuesday, 6 June 2023 – Year 7 into Year 8, 2024 (5.30pm in the Auditorium)
• Wednesday, 14 June 2023 – Year 9 into Year 10, 2024 (5.30pm in the Auditorium)
• Wednesday, 14 June 2023 – Year 10 into Year 11, 2024 (6pm in the Auditorium)

These events are compulsory for students in these year levels and students must attend in their College academic uniform with a fully charged laptop.

To assist in the subject selection process, students in the year levels listed above were involved in Subject Selection Assemblies in Weeks 4 and 5 to learn about the possible subject options for 2024. Curriculum Leaders presented present this information to ensure students are aware of subject offerings and possible pathways linked to specific subjects. 

SUCCESS INTEGRATED

Success Integrated worked with the College in Term 1 presenting to all year levels at the College with the following sessions: 

• Year 7 – S.T.E.P Up to Success
• Year 8 and 9 – Power to Persist
• Year 10 and 11 – Study Skills for Success – Part A
• Year 12 – Study Skills for Success – Part B

A parent/guardian session was also held focusing on Parenting Strategies for Teenage Success. Success Integrated returned to the College in Term 2 and worked with Year 9 and 10 students with a program called Shaped Your Destiny.

STEM TREK 2024

Current Year 10 and Year 11 students were invited to the 2024 USA STEM Trek Information Night held on Tuesday 23 May, 2023.  This event provided details of the tour including specifics of activities completed at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, visits to Orlando, Florida and San Diego, California.  The presentation from the evening is available on the Learning Hub.

If parents/guardians or students in these respective year levels have any questions in relation to this College trip, they are encouraged to contact the Studies Office.

NAPLAN 2023

Year 7 and 9 students completed NAP Online in Term 1, 2023.  The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority advises that NAP Online Student Reports will be available in Term 2, 2023.    On receipt of these, the College will distribute these to our parents/guardians.

UPCOMING ASSEMBLIES

Students in all year levels will receive a report in the June/July holidays, this will be based on the following:

• Year 7 to 10 – Semester 1, 2023 Report
• Year 11 – Unit 1, 2023 Report
• Year 12 – Unit 3 Provisional Report

Following the distribution of these reports, Diligence and Academic Awards will be calculated.  The celebration of these awards will be held at the following assemblies in Term 3:

• Year 7 to 9 Academic and Diligence Assembly – Wednesday 2 August 2023 (8.45am – 10.35am)
• Year 10 to 12 Academic and Diligence Assembly – Wednesday 2 August 2023 (10.55am – 12.45pm)

Further details of these assemblies will be distributed to parents/guardians and students at the beginning of Term 3.

If your email address has changed please advise the College Office to ensure our records are updated and you receive your daughter’s report.

Amy Byrnes

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

Guiding Your Daughter Through Ending Friendships Gracefully

Friendships play a vital role in our students’ lives, shaping their experiences and influencing their growth. As your daughter develops her values, sense of self and identity, it is natural for friendships to evolve and change alongside her, allowing for new connections that align with her personal growth and aspirations. Sometimes, these changes mean they may need to end a friendship that no longer serves them. We must guide them in this process, helping them navigate these transitions with grace and empathy.  

You can help your teen navigate this experience in several ways. Consider the following suggestions:

• Provide emotional support. Ending a friendship can be emotionally challenging for your daughters. Be there to listen to their thoughts and feelings. Frequently, they are left with feelings that they cannot identify, cope with or articulate. Create an emotionally safe environment for them to process and navigate their experience. Reinforce the importance of self-care during this time, and remind them that it is okay to feel a range of emotions. It is important to acknowledge that during this process your daughter may need time to process the change and may experience moments of feeling awkward or uncomfortable as she adjusts to the new dynamics in her social circle. 
• Emphasise personal boundaries. Help your daughter recognise the importance of personal boundaries and how they contribute to healthy relationships. Discuss with them signs that indicate a friendship may no longer be beneficial, such as consistent disrespect, betrayal, or a lack of support. Please encourage them to reflect on whether their values and boundaries align with those of their friends.  
• Focus on empathy and kindness. Remind your daughter that ending a friendship doesn’t have to be an act of aggression. By supporting your daughter to end friendships, you empower her to be assertive, confidently say no when necessary and express differences of opinion, nurturing her growth into a strong, confident woman who values her voice and choices. Ensure you encourage her to approach the situation with empathy and kindness, considering the other person’s feelings while staying true to her own needs.  
• Foster new connections. Remind your daughter that by letting go of the friendship it will open space for another friendship to develop. Encourage your daughter to engage in the many extracurricular activities on offer at the College and to join groups where she can to meet new people who share similar interests. Assisting them in finding new social connections will help ease the transition and provide a positive distraction during this period.  

Ending a friendship is an essential life skill that will equip our young people with valuable skills that will benefit them in future relationships. By guiding them through this process with empathy, kindness, honesty and open communication, we equip them with the tools to navigate friendships effectively.  

As always, our Heads of House and Heads of Year are available to support your daughters through any challenges they may face as we continue to work collaboratively to provide guidance, and a supportive environment that helps our young people make positive decisions, navigate social challenges and cultivate meaningful and healthy friendships.

Uniform Expectations

I would like to thank parents/guardians for supporting their daughter in meeting the College’s uniform expectations.  However, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a few important points regarding our Uniform Policy.

Firstly, it is essential to note that sports jackets cannot be worn with the academic uniform.  Students are required to wear the College jumper or blazers.  Regarding sports uniforms, Hi-Top or Converse shoes are not permitted.  Instead, students must wear joggers to ensure safety and proper attire for physical activities.  All students (excluding Year 12) must also have a College school bag.  The College is aware that some College bags experienced some durability issues.  We assure you that we have addressed this concern with Wearitto, who assured us that the issue has been rectified.

We currently have many Academic hats in our Lost Property.  Please encourage your daughter to check if her hat is among the items there.  I ask that all uniform items be clearly named, as this will greatly assist in promptly returning lost items to their rightful owners.

Maria Franettovich

DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

DEFENCE MORNING TEA

With the cooler weather in full-force, Defence students and friends have been enjoying morning team with Toastie Tuesdays!

DEFENCE MEMBER AND FAMILY HELPLINE

For advice, support or local community information, contact the all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline. Run by Defence Member and Family Support, the helpline is the best way to access the programs and services offered to assist Defence families manage the military way of life.

The helpline is available 24/7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals, including social workers and psychologists.

Defence Member and Family Helpline – 1800 624 608

EDUCATION SUPPORT

As a timely reminder, don’t forget, within the first 18 months of starting at a new school you are also entitled to tutoring reimbursement to overcome the immediate difficulties caused by changing schools.  For more information about this program:

• Visit the DFMS Website  https://defence.gov.au/members-families/Family/kids/education.asp.
• Consult your local Education Liaison Officer (EDLO)
• Email: education.supportprograms@defence.gov.au

ABSENT FAMILIES

If you will be absent for a period of time this term due to deployment or would like further information about the services provided, please feel free to contact myself via gwalkom@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au or phone 0747530300. 

Gayle Walkom 

DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

YEAR 11 – UNIT 1 SUBJECT CHANGES

Year 11 students considering subject changes or pathway changes for Unit 2 are encouraged to contact the Studies Office   Subject changes for Unit 2 will close on Friday, 2 June 2023 (Week 7, Term 2).  Unit 2 commenced on Monday 22 May 2023 (Week 6, Term 2).

YEAR 10 AND YEAR 12 EXAM BLOCKS

As detailed in the Assessment Calendar on the Learning Hub Year 10 and Year 12 students will be involved in Exam Blocks later this term.  These Exam Block schedules are available on the Learning Hub.

A reminder that students must attend all exams in their full Academic College uniform.  Only Year 12 students are permitted to complete individual study at home or in the Boarding School during Exam Block.

Year 10 students must complete study in the assigned classrooms.  If students are absent for any exams they are reminded that they must request special provisions and if it is for medical purposes, provide a medical certificate.

Chris Pacey 

DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

COLLEGE NEWS & NOTICES

MOTHER’S DAY EVENT

Thank you to all of the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures who joined us for breakfast on Friday, 5 May! We couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate Mother’s Day and we are so grateful to have you in our College community. We were thrilled to once again partner with the Mater Hospital charity – Mater Chicks in Pink, a charity that is able to help alleviate the huge emotional and financial burden that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis for these women – so they can focus on the moments that matter most. This is a partnership we intend to honour and develop in the years to come, and we’d like to thank everyone for their raffle ticket donations.

INTERHOUSE CROSS COUNTRY

Well done to all of our students who participated in this year’s Cross Country! The race was filled with lots of energy, enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and stunning views. A huge thank you to all the staff who helped make this event a success. A huge congratulations to THRONES who were our overall House winners, and to POWERS who had unmatchable spirit on the day!

See below for our Age Champions:

REEF GUARDIANS

Our Reef Guardian enjoyed the morning at Tobruk for their Snorkel Course! On Saturday 27 May they’ll head off to Magnetic Island to put their skills to use!

CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENTS QUEENSLAND

The Australian Minister for Education is encouraging teachers, parents and students to complete a survey to inform the work of the Expert Panel Review for the next National School Reform Agreement. The Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System (the Review) will make recommendations for Education Ministers to inform the next agreement to improve education outcomes in Australia and meet the current and future needs of students.

Survey participants can have their say on a range of issues including:
• Improving education outcomes
• Supporting student health and wellbeing, and
• Supporting and retaining teachers.

The survey is available to complete here: Survey for Parents and Carers http://ow.ly/sRM950Ov0Wm It will be open until Friday 23 June 2023.The Expert Panel will use the results to help draft a consultation paper which will invite submissions from all stakeholders. Results will also inform the development of recommendations for the final report, which will advise Education Ministers on what targets and reforms should be included in the next National School Reform Agreement.

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