FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

As indicated in an earlier communication the Board of Governance has recently undergone a full Board review.

The Board approached Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) to facilitate an external Board review to provide a holistic analysis of current governance structures and processes pointing to strengths and development opportunities to increase the Board’s effectiveness. The Board desires to ensure that the College’s governance processes have been appropriately established and the Board has a clear strategy for ongoing governance development – a continuous improvement approach.

The Review commended the very positive, collegial dynamic that operates at Board meetings that is shown in the respectful way in which the members relate and conduct themselves in the meetings generally.  This in turn enables the members to function as a highly-effective decision-making team.

However we are conscious that there is always room for improvement in every organisation. Some of the areas that the Board will give particular attention to in planning the Board agenda for the coming year will include

• a sharpening up of our risk management monitoring to make it more regular and comprehensive
• developing a more cohesive and comprehensive Board Charter
• more direct involvement in strategic planning processes and involvement with stakeholders.

The time has come for us to say goodbye to our current Company Secretary Mr Zak Plumridge and to welcome Ms Prue Meier to the position.  Zak has been a blessing to our Board and we have benefited from his financial expertise and innovative processes.  We have confidence that Ms Meier will prove to be a worthy successor and we look forward to working with her.

In October we will also farewell Ms Tia Cox who completes her second term on the Board.  Tia has been a director for the past six years and feels that the time has come to move on.  We are grateful to Tia for the commitment and professionalism which she has brought to the Board, and in particular for her leadership of our Recruitment Committee. This means that there will be two vacancies on the Board which we will address over coming months.  The Recruitment Committee will engage a strategy to identify suitable potential Directors, and we hope to have all positions filled in 2024.

In the meantime let us hold each other in prayer and support each other as we work continuously to enhance this wonderful enterprise we call St Patrick’s College Townsville.

Sister Helen Mary Peters

BOARD CHAIR

FROM THE ACTING COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

It has been an incredible last few weeks for women and women’s sport as the nation has been immersed in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Packed stadiums, record television broadcast numbers and widespread community support has exemplified the power of women’s sport to capture the hearts and minds of the public.

The Matildas are amazing role models for all. In particular, the way they conduct themselves on and off the pitch embodies the values of cooperation, integrity, compassion and tenacity, which are values we want our students to embody. As an all-girls’ Mercy school, we are proud of the opportunities we provide to students and we are unapologetic in advocating for the societal shift towards recognition for women in all fields.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup has done much to highlight the true value of female athletes and the sports they play. However, the journey continues especially where prizemoney is concerned. When considering soccer, the prize money for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, came in at $440 million. In contrast, the prize money for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (even with the prize pool reaching a historic high) was $152 million. In the wake of the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Australian Government has pledged $200 million to improve women’s sporting facilities and equipment. Let’s hope this investment marks the beginning of a more sustained substantial commitment to women’s sport. 

It is important that we as a society continue to advocate for equality for women and take every opportunity we have to demonstrate our support. 

New College Appointment

I would like to introduce Prue Meier to the St Patrick’s College Townsville Community. Prue commenced on Monday 7 August as the new Director of Business Operations. She will oversee the strategic and intricate day-to-day business administration of the College, performing the functions of Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary to the Board. Prue holds a Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Commerce, Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance, and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. With a diverse background spanning the non-profit, mining and government sectors, she brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prue is also an advocate for The Leukaemia Foundation and devoted volunteer at Brighter Lives.  She is looking forward to supporting St Patrick’s College Townsville as it continues to roll out the Master Plan. 

Cameran Triffett

ACTING COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

FROM THE ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

It has been my absolute pleasure to serve the St Patrick’s College community as the Acting Deputy Principal this term. Your daughters have welcomed me with warmth and smiles, conversation and laughs, inspiration and challenges.

A key theme and point of conversation throughout my time in this role, has been the extraordinary journey and success of our very own Matilda’s. A striking l

esson from their story is the strength and joy that comes through unity. The Matildas’ team is a tapestry woven with threads of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Their shared respect, support, and empathy for not only each other but fellow athletes on the field, is testament to the beauty that emerges when walking towards a common goal. In a world where competition can overshadow compassion, the Matildas stand tall, reminding us that true greatness and belonging is achieved when kindness is at the core.

Our NAIDOC family celebration earlier this month, was a living example of the beauty and strength found in diversity and the sharing of traditions. It was wonderful to see our whole College community join together to learn, listen, and through doing so, strengthen bonds. If you weren’t able to make it this year, please keep an eye out for our Save the Date in 2024. A huge thank you to everyone who travelled, supported, and helped make this day so incredibly special.

The Matildas have also shown us that success is not solely measured by winning, but by the unwavering commitment to one’s goals, the ability to adapt and learn from challenges, and the courage to push boundaries and challenge norms. Can I encourage all of you to find an extra moment in time around the dinner table, after work or over a morning coffee this week, to simply be with your girls and allow them the space to share their hopes, their desires, and their ponderings. Being a part of these moments, make our jobs as educators, truly special. Sharing in these moments, as a parent, are a gift.

As a reminder, all girls are expected to be at school and ready to learn, from 8.30am – 3.15pm. If your daughter will be absent or late, can you please notify the College using absence@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Katie de Carteret

ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

In Week 3, we held our Academic and Diligence Assembly based on the Semester One results for Year 7 to 10, Unit One results for Year 11 and Unit Three Provisional Results for Year 12.  This assembly acknowledged those students that achieved academic success as well as recognising students who displayed diligence through a strong work ethic.

During my speech at the Year 7 to 9 Assembly, I discussed the Barbie Movie and the tagline ‘you can be anything’.  This concept is important for all our students, and an understanding that there are many pathways and opportunities available to them.  I discussed the reimaging of Barbie over the years and the many different professions she is now portrayed in.  Like Barbie, women in our present day have made undeniable strides, shattered barriers and proved their worth in every sphere of life.  I want each of our students to recognise the endless career possibilities available to them, to feel empowered and to Dare to imagine. 

I congratulate each of our award recipients and I encourage each of our students to strive for the next academic awards presentation at Speech Night. A list of all award recipients is included down below.  Further information regarding the criterion for Academic and Diligence Awards can be found on the College Website.

Report Cards

Year 12 students will soon be 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 Speech Night, recipients will be advised at the Speech Night Announcement Assembly on Wednesday 4 October, with communication home to follow this assembly.

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 our College Learning Hub.

Amy Byrnes

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

FROM THE ACTING HEAD OF BOARDING

2023 NAIDOC Community Celebration

Our St Patrick’s College Townsville NAIDOC Community Event that took place on Wednesday 9 August was a huge success with over 190 different family members in attendance. This was a wonderful celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture, with both boarding and day school students being involved in the opening ceremony, yarning circles, dancing, art and weaving workshops, cooking preparation, which included a traditional Kup Murri. In the evening we were joined by some of the Abergowrie Boys who kindly danced alongside our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island dance groups, with many family members also joining the dancing and/or supporting the music. It was a fantastic celebration of culture and community.  

Gemma Stevens

ACTING HEAD OF BOARDING

FROM THE DEAN OF FAITH AND MISSION

The first few weeks of this term have been extremely busy, but also very exciting, with celebrations for Catholic Education Week. Our theme was Living with Faith, Hope & Love in a Joy-Filled Community. Our young ladies were involved in a variety of activities including artwork rice mandalas, a Mercy scavenger hunt, reflective walk on The Strand and more!

Some of our Year 12 leaders attended Catholic Education Week Mass held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. At this Mass, our Faith & Mission Prefect, Grace Burbidge was presented with the Deus Caritas Award. An award presented to a student who shows compassion and kindness in all that they do and aims to be a servant leader each and every day. Congratulations Grace! Very well deserved!

Mercy Girls in Action

We are all very busy preparing for our Mercy Day celebrations which will happen on Wednesday 13 September. We have been privileged to have Sr. Catherine Cuddihy visit us for a couple of sessions to guide the Mercy Girls with making the very special yellow Catherine McAuley Roses, which will be given out during our Mercy Mass.  

The Year 10 – 12 Mercy Girls in Action will come together to walk in the shoes of a homeless person on Friday 6^th October as part of our annual Vinnies Sleep Out. We wish them well and send them our blessings during this special event.

McAuley Ministry

Our Year 11 and 12 students continue to come together for prayer and engaging discussions about their faith through the APLHA Program. This will culminate in a Retreat, to be held at the College on Friday 13 October.

God of love and diversity

You created all people in your image.
Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of friendship, and show us your presence in our rich variety of differences.
Grant that we may always promote the justice and inclusiveness that ensures lasting peace and harmony.

May we be attentive to learning from the goodness in all people’s customs and traditions.
Help us to remember and appreciate that we are ALL your people,

Amen

Elissa Andrews

DEAN OF FAITH & MISSION

FROM THE DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

Year 11 Subject Changes

Year 11 students will finish Unit 2 at the end of Term 3, 2023.  Unit 3 content will then begin on Wednesday, 4 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, 13 October (Week 2, Term 4).  Any student that wishes to change subjects, must do so at the beginning of Unit 3, as any student that changes throughout either Unit 3 or Unit 4 will not receive credit for these paired units.

To assist in these subject changes, 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

Last week, 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 that they will during the External Assessment Exams in Term 4.

Year 10 and 11 Exam Blocks

Year 10 and 11 students have an Exam Block at the end of Term 3 and these two exam timetables have been distributed to students and parents.  A reminder that students must attend all exams in their full Academic uniform. If students are absent for any exam, they are reminded that they must request special provisions and if it is for medical purposes, provide a medical certificate. This should occur prior to an exam, where possible, or as soon after the exam as practical.

Year 11 students are permitted to complete individual study at home or in the Boarding School during Exam Block.  If a Year 11 student does not have exams during Exam Block or only one exam on a particular day, they are permitted to complete individual study at home. However, they must stay on campus if they have an exam in the morning and the afternoon.  Year 11 boarding students will be permitted to return to the Boarding School for individual study.

Year 10 students must complete study in the assigned classrooms.

Chris Pacey

DEAN OF ACADEMIC OPERATIONS

FROM THE DEAN OF WELLBEING

Wellbeing Matters: A warm welcome from your new Dean of Wellbeing

I am absolutely delighted to step into the role of Dean of Wellbeing here at St Patrick’s College Townsville. It is an honour to be part of a community that values the holistic development of each individual and recognises the pivotal role wellbeing plays in fostering success, growth and happiness.

Why Wellbeing in Education Matters

Did you know that a strong focus on wellbeing in education can significantly impact the overall learning experience? Below are some interesting facts that underscore the importance of a balanced and thriving school environment.

1. Improved Academic Performance: Students who engage in regular wellbeing activities, such as mindfulness practices and stress reduction techniques, have been shown to achieve better academic results.
2. Positive School Climate: Schools that prioritise wellbeing cultivate a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Research conducted by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) reveals that schools with robust social-emotional programs report decreased instances of bullying, improved student relationships, and a greater sense of belonging.
3. Enhanced Resilience: Wellbeing education equips students with the tools to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace. The World Health Organization highlights that students who receive comprehensive social-emotional education tend to have better coping mechanisms, leading to reduced stress levels and improved mental health.
4. Life-Long Benefits: Wellbeing skills acquired during school years extend far beyond the classroom. The National Education Association emphasises that students who are exposed to wellbeing programs are more likely to lead fulfilling lives, characterised by healthier relationships, meaningful careers, and overall life satisfaction.

As we move towards the 2024 school year, we begin to plan a variety of wellbeing-focussed initiatives, including workshops, information articles and sessions and discussion groups. It is my hope that together we can nurture not only the academic brilliance but also the resilience, kindness and self-awareness of our students that are essential to a well-rounded life.

Shari Finlay

DEAN OF WELLBEING

FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

Welcome Back Morning Tea – Term 3

After a much-needed mid holiday break, we welcomed back Defence Students and their friends to Term 3, with hot chocolates, Tim Tams and travelling tales.   Morning Teas are an opportunity for social and emotional support for the student and to support them during any changes in circumstances.  They are held fortnightly and will be advertised through College News and students emailed directly. 

Donations of Books to Papua New Guinea

In an era of digital communication dominated by emojis and abbreviations, Defence students put pen to paper and created cards and letters for students on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea. Chaplain Joseph Hwang and Sapper Bailey Clover from 3^rd Combat Engineer Regiment (Lavarack Barracks) will be travelling to Papua New Guinea in the near future and will be personally delivering our letters and donated books, organised by our Library Staff, Marie Jerome & Sharon Moore.

Education Assistance Scheme

Defence recognises that some students may experience disruption to their education each time they move for a posting.  Financial support is available to help minimise the disruption to education caused by posting.

Defence may provide assistance when a posting means that a student needs to:

• change schools
• study at a school not in the posting location
• study at a tertiary institution away from home.

Financial support available under the Education Assistance Scheme includes:

• tutoring
• tuition and boarding school allowance
• tertiary accommodation
• loss of scholarship compensation
• reunion travel.

As a timely reminder, don’t forget, within the first 18 months of starting at a new school you are 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

Are you getting posted?

Our Farewell Defence Morning Tea will be held in Term 4 where we will be sadly saying goodbye to our students that are posted out of Townsville.  Additionally, we will acknowledge our Year 12 students embarking on their future endeavours.  If you have received your posting order to be relocated out of Townsville, please notify the Defence School Mentor so your daughter can be included in the farewells. 

If you would like any assistance with guiding children through relocations and/or education support, contact the all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608, alternatively please feel free to contact the Defence School Mentor, Ms Gayle Walkom via gwalkom@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au or phone 0747530300. 

Gayle Walkom

DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

NEWS & EVENTS

Library News

The theme of this year’s Book Week, Read, Grow, Inspire was a great guide to plan our festivities embracing all things literary. This week we have enjoyed staff vs students Bananagrams, the competitive edge coming out and students winning by 1 game. We will continue the battle next year!

Tuesday saw the library being serenaded by the dulcet tunes of Emma Watts and her beautiful classical guitar. Emma will be showing up regularly in the library for Unplugged in the Library from now on, look out in notices for her appearances.

The Human Library was also welcomed back and we have many classic titles to be borrowed. Thank you to staff and students for engaging and collaborating in such a valuable experience. Lucky last in our Book Week fun leans more towards STEM and we celebrate our creativity with Lego Challenges!

Ms Sharon and I have been working fastidiously over this term to ensure our collection is both relevant and up to date, all of our fiction has been loaned out or published within the last five years! The shelves are now gleaming and you can see the forest for the trees. Ms Sharon has entered our whole Fiction collection genre criteria into out Library Management system ensuring all books are able to be located at a glance. This is meticulous and time consuming work but well worth it when you are wondering where that favourite book is located! Thank you to Ms Sharon!

We have had a large order come in this week, keep  your eyes peeled for our “New Books” display coming soon, you will no doubt find  your new favourite read in there. Pop up and have a peek!

Year 12 Retreat

Last week the Year 12 students enjoyed some well-deserved time away from their studies at their Year 12 Retreat. The group spent a day partaking in some valuable personal development sessions, followed by an evening sunset refection on the beach, and a group picnic on the greens at The Strand. Day two saw them begin their day with an Amazing Race and end it with some fun old-fashioned games at Queens Park. There was a lot of laughter and joy had by all and many lifelong memories made. Thank you to all the students for the energy and enthusiasm that they brought to the day, and for the external professionals and staff who gave up their time to make this day possible.

Year 11 Hospitality

Our Year 11 Hospitality class have been keeping busy and successfully ran a Brunch Café, giving teachers and office staff the opportunity to pre-order meals and drinks. This event offered an excellent chance for students to gain real-life, hands-on experience in the Hospitality field. Some of the dishes served included:

• Big Breakfast
• Hot Apple Jaffle
• Pancakes
• Savoury Crossiant
• Bacon and Egg Burger
• Smashed Avo
• Tropical Fruit Salad

In Week 5, Year 11 Hospitality visited The Ville Resort-Casino and were taken on a tour throughout the Resort. This experience provided students with a comprehensive exploration of the various departments and hospitality venues within the hotel, offering them a valuable firsthand insight into the inner workings of the hospitality industry.

2023 #STEMLIKEAPATSGIRL Conference

As the only event of its kind in Townsville, we are incredibly passionate about immersing the young women of Townsville and North Queensland to the world of STEM.

This year we welcomed Claire Madden as our Keynote Speaker to present to the 180 participants about her career as Head Veterinarian at SeaWorld. Claire spoke about the importance of conservation and how her work includes looking after sick and injured marine animals on the East Coast of QLD, and all over Australia.

At this year’s event, we offered 10 workshops including a number of local and QLD based partnerships: Australian Defense Force, James Cook University, Townsville University Hospital, Central Queensland University and Mater Hospital.

Events like these do not happen without the generosity of our sponsors. We appreciate and acknowledge Rummage, James Cook University, Mater, Keir Steel Waldon, Hutchinson Builders and the Marketing Factory. We are so grateful for their support of this event.

HEAD OF THE RIVER

Open Girls Four – Sarah Bourke, Lily Bragg, Olive Dury, Ava Saldana Lopez- Theodora Arends (Cox)

Open Girls Double – Sarah Bourke, Lily Bragg

Open Girls Single – Sarah Bourke

Year 8 Single – Holly Wilkie

Year 8 Double – Holly Wilkie, Georgia Cresswell

Year 8 Quad – Lara Betteridge, Holly Wilkie, Georgia Cresswell, Jayde Biggin, Nancy Juniper (Cox)

Open Girls Four – Iluka Hamann, Ella Woodhouse, Sienna Miller, Amy Jacobsen, Jude Foyle (IPC cox)

Open Girls Single – Lily Bragg

Year 9/10 Quad – Matilda Schroder, Lucia Lau, Amelie Morris, Leila Strickland, Lara Betteridge (Cox)

Year 9/10 Single – Emily Edison

Year 9/10 Double – Emily Edison, Matilda Schroder

Open Girls Eight – Sarah Bourke, Lily Bragg, Olive Dury, Ava Saldana Lopez, Emily Edison, Iluka Hamann, Sienna Miller, Amy Jacobsen, Theodora Arends (Cox)

Year 9/10 Double – Keeley Adebahr, Sienna Miller

Year 9/10 Quad – Emily Edison, Iluka Hamann, Sienna Miller, Keeley Adebahr, Theodora Arends (Cox)

 

COLLEGE PSYCHOLOGISTS

BOUNDARIES: THE NEW SELF-CARE

Term 3 is always a very busy term for our students and at this stage of the term, assignment deadlines are creeping up and exams are looming. This is the time of year where our most asked question in the counselling department is “how do I cope with the stress and pressure of my assessments?”

Self-care is a strategy that is suggested to stressed and overwhelmed young people who are having difficulty managing the increase in workload around this time of year – but self-care is not as simple as it seems. Bubble-baths, walks on the beach and warm cups of tea are wonderful ways to care for yourself, but the real self-care buzz word right now is BOUNDARIES.

Setting boundaries, both with yourself and with others, is a way of honoring your space, your emotions, your goals and your priorities. Setting boundaries is about caring for yourself by ensuring that your needs are being met in order for you to be able to manage your stress, as opposed to some self-care strategies which are an escape and a distraction from the difficulties of the moment.

Here are 10 boundaries students can set for themselves this exam period, to help them thrive during this tricky time of year –

1. Planning breaks and taking them – saying no to working until the point of exhaustion or taking breaks that are longer than the time spent working!
2. Creating a healthy sleep routine – saying no to late-night distractions!
3. Talking to yourself like you would talk to a friend – saying no to critical self-talk!
4. Setting schedules and routines – saying no to study time with no focus, last minute assignments, forgotten opportunities to submit drafts and all-night cramming,
5. Letting go of perfection – saying no to fixating on perfection and instead giving yourself permission to submit YOUR best work!
6. Limiting caffeine – saying no to swapping sleep for energy drinks or cups of coffee!
7. Saying goodbye to toxic relationships – saying no to friends who don’t encourage you to perform at your best, or friends who distract you with social drama!
8. Sticking to your plan – saying no to additional demands on your time (where possible) such as extra shifts at work, shopping trips or late night Face-time chats.
9. Fueling with food – saying no to food that makes you feel sleepy and unmotivated, and also saying no to working through meal times.
10. Block, unfriend, delete – saying no to following social media accounts or downloading apps that make you feel sad, worried, angry or that take up all your time and saying no to “doom-scrolling” to make screen-time limited and productive!

Remember – setting boundaries means saying NO confidently, kindly and calmly, but it is still not always easy. These boundaries are only for a short window of time while you prepare and complete assessments, though some people find boundaries so freeing that they may want to hold on to them long term!

Be gentle with yourselves,

Courtney Zagami & Melissa Capponi

COLLEGE PSYCHOLOGISTS