FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear Staff, Students, Families and Friends of our St Patrick’s College Townsville Community,

Today I wish to announce to you that our current Principal, Mrs Amber Hauff, has accepted the position of Principal at St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe commencing in 2025. We congratulate Amber on this promotional opportunity which sees her return to her hometown of Brisbane. Be assured that Amber will continue in her role as Principal of St Patrick’s College Townsville for the duration of the 2024 academic year, and she leaves with us a strong leadership team who will continue the good work she has begun.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of St Patrick’s College Townsville, I want to thank Amber for her ministry among us – four years as Deputy Principal and the current five-year term as Principal. During this time, she has breathed life and energy into our College through her strong, creative, innovative and future-oriented leadership. A truly inspirational educator, Amber combines her vast knowledge of current educational trends with highly developed competencies in community engagement, strategic capability and staff development.

I particularly wish to thank Amber for her grasp and pursuit of the Mercy vision that underpins the ministry of St Patrick’s College Townsville, and her unstinting attention always to what would be in the best long-term interests of our students both educationally and personally. I am sure you will agree with me that our St Patrick’s College Townsville community will be the poorer for Amber’s departure.

I wish Amber every blessing in the many challenges that will open up in the new year, and hope that she will have a rewarding and fulfilling experience at St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe. In coming weeks, the Board of Directors will develop a recruitment strategy to find a replacement Principal for St Patrick’s College Townsville.

Sister Helen Mary Peters

BOARD CHAIR

FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

As Semester 1 draws to a close, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved so far this year. Our College theme of Living and Learning with Courage and Heart, continues to inspire our community. Visiting camps this week has afforded me the opportunity to witness courage, joy, and laughter. We are so blessed in our community that our staff recognise the importance of such programs that enable getting outdoors, strengthening connections, and creating a stronger sense of belonging, amazing memories, and broadening of friendships.  I was also reminded just how strong the connection is in this College when visiting our past pupils and families in Papua New Guinea last week. This place holds a special place in their hearts, and Mr Cameran Triffett and I were able to assure them the College continues to grow and flourish.

I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Cameran Triffett, Amy Byrnes, Chris Pacey, and Dan Santarossa for acting up in roles to afford me the opportunity to take a short period of leave while I completed my MBA. I would also like to thank the College Leadership Team who bring passion and love to their roles, ensuring our College continues to thrive.  

We farewelled our STEM Trekkers this week, accompanied by Amy Byrnes and Chris Pacey, who jetted off to the US for an experience of a lifetime, immersing themselves in astronaut training at NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. They are also visiting the Kennedy Space Centre and San Diego.

In the last week of the June/July holidays our very talented College Choir will head to Auckland, New Zealand to compete in the World Choir Games, accompanied by John Goulter, Rachel Cairns, and Conni Mosch. We know they will do themselves and their College proud.

Year 11 Leadership Program

Recently I presented to the Year 11 cohort on the gift of leadership. Throughout the workshop I led them through a reflective process using the Mercy values and how we can all live, learn and lead with greater hope, joy, compassion, respect, justice, and integrity. As the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow, these young women all can engage more deeply in the journey of leadership throughout their senior year, helping to prepare them for future opportunities. I explained that whilst some will wear a prefect badge, all of them will be afforded the responsibility to care for and nurture our College community.

I wish you all a safe, restful, and joy-filled break. God bless and wish everyone all the best for the start of Term 3 which begins on Tuesday 16 July.  

Amber Hauff

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

CAMP WEEK

This week, our Year 7 to 11 students ventured on camp across various locations. These experiences offered our girls the chance to boost their confidence, participate in a range of diverse activities, forge new friendships beyond the College setting, and push their boundaries. The activities were crafted to challenge students’ abilities, promote teamwork, and encourage independence. All camps were a wonderful success!

Year 7

Our Year 7s travelled to beautiful Mungalli Falls for an action-packed adventure. They developed friendships and team building skills through a range of activities including low ropes, obstacle courses, archery, raft building, and art activities. This camp put the girls in unfamiliar surroundings, helping them develop independence, self-confidence, and resilience. 

Year 8

Echo Creek Adventure Camp is where our Year 8s used the environment and a range of outdoor pursuits to develop intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. Abseiling, rock wall climbs, archery, challenge courses, raft building, and a healing pond walk brought the students together, forcing them out of their comfort zones, to create lifelong memories. 

Year 9

Our Year 9s ventured to Camp Gedling where they experienced the environment through a range of team building activities and outdoor adventures. The camp was situated in Herveys Range where students were fortunate to complete various activities including: high ropes, mountain biking, abseiling, archery, and an Amazing Race!

Year 10

Year 10 had a fantastic time at Genazzano Retreat in Yungaburra. In this beautiful setting, the girls were able to use the perfect outdoor environment for team building activities; canoeing on the lake, raft building, challenge and initiative activities, and Beach Olympics. The students had a great time stepping out of their comfort zones and working together to create amazing memories. 

Year 11

Year 11 camp on Magnetic Island at Apex Camps was tailored to develop leadership skills, qualities and potential in our Year 11 students as future leaders of the College. The camp focused on providing students with the opportunity to further develop communication and teamwork skills, compassion, and the ability to push their limits and challenge themselves in a variety of activities and situations. Blessed with incredible weather, students partook in some fun activities – raft building, bush walking, stand-up paddle boarding, radio rogaine, and leadership workshops!

Year 12 Retreat

Amaroo on Mandalay, Magnetic Island was the perfect tranquil setting for our senior students to focus on personal growth, self-awareness and looking to the future. The girls participated in a variety of activities that offered relaxation, group fun, and reflective practices, focusing on meaningful connections and a sense of a hope and optimism for their final year of school and beyond. Our Year 12 girls had the opportunity to connect and relax before their final academic studies and College departure.

‘BRING IT ON’: PHOTOGRAPHY

Two weeks ago the Combined Schools’ Musical ‘Bring It On’ hit the stage! Here is a link to the album of stage photographs from the dress rehearsal capture by G Digital Media. Click the link below to view and/or purchase show photos:

https://gdigitalmedia.com.au/gallery/bring-it-on-the-musical