Message From the Principal

“A good beginning is of great importance”

– Catherine McAuley

With the words of Catherine McAuley ever present in our minds, the College has experienced a great beginning to the new year and decade. In the spirit of Mercy hospitality our community has warmly welcomed our new students who are settling in beautifully.

On a sad note, 2020 has begun with the devastating cry of our earth and its people as it suffered bushfires, extreme weather events and now an ever-increasing world health situation. Some of our community have experienced this first hand or have had family and friends deeply affected by these events. We have all seen incredible examples of resilience, survival, human spirit and community connection providing much needed hope in these times of despair. We have also seen the incredible impact of human kindness and generosity. In our first week back, I spoke at assembly about the need for all of us to make a more positive impact in our community starting with giving more than what is expected, helping others, nurturing human connections by detoxing from devices and building a daily attitude of gratitude in our lives. All of the media platforms relentlessly provide us with plenty of people in the world looking after the negative narrative, so a more positive and hope-filled approach to having an impact on our lives and the lives of others will be our College approach in 2020.

It is wonderful that we are continuing to experience strong growth in the College and coupled with a large number of internal staff promotions, we needed to find more great teachers and teacher aides to join our team from this year. I am very excited to introduce to you all our new teachers and teacher aide that bring just shy of 150 years of teaching experience to our College. Ms Andrews (Religion & Learning Support), Mr Campbell (Science & Maths), Ms Hyne (Humanities & English), Ms King (Teacher Aide), Ms Mete (Maths & Science), Ms O’Shea (Science), Mr Santarossa (Maths), Ms Semola (Humanities & English), Ms Walkom (Humanities and IT) & Mr Williams (Science & Head of HPE & Sport). If you would like to know a more about our teachers, please visit our College website to discover more. We have also welcomed Ms Hammond to the College Health Centre to work with Ms McDonald and Ms Lane who joins our College as part of the Boarding Team. Ms Flores has returned from leave after spending some precious time getting to know her new baby girl Lucy.

Our College staff team is an extraordinary group of professionals who go above and beyond to create an environment for engaged learning experiences. There are a large number of staff who have dedicated many years of service to this community and I am very pleased that we will be able to acknowledge and thank these staff members at the St Patrick’s Day Mass on Tuesday 17 March 2020. There will be an early finish at 12.45pm that day to allow for rehearsal and set up for our much anticipated Twilight Open Evening from 5.30-7.30pm.

It was also wonderful to welcome back to our College on Wednesday our 2019 Scholars, Miss Ella Evans, Miss Isabelle Cafferky and Miss Rosalili Ford. Miss Skye-Lee Cowan was not able to come in person but is also acknowledged for her outstanding results. The College is immensely proud of all of our graduates from 2019 and wish them all the very best for their futures. We know they will always remain closely connected to our College and the sisterhood of our Alumnae.

Unfortunately, as you are well aware we have been experiencing unforeseen power outages affecting one of our College buildings and the network. I can reassure you that the situation is completely unrelated to the East Precinct Project. As a result of the situation, we have had to modify rooming for some classes and take the library offline. Marie Jerome, our wonderful Library Officer has been delivering a pop-up library solution to classrooms and at lunchtime. Furthermore, we have also had to modify or cancel some assemblies and events. Despite these challenges, the East Precinct Project is well underway and the community excitement is building as we approach the opening and launch of this beautiful building. I will continue providing updates on the development on our College Website.

I am looking forward to our Senior Investiture Liturgy next Wednesday at St Joseph’s Church, where our 2020 Year 12 cohort will acknowledge and commit to their role as leaders of our College.

May God bless you and your families.

Amber Hauff

College Principal

Deputy Principal

Cameran Triffett

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all new and returning students back to the College for the 2020 school year. I would also like to take this opportunity to provide some clarity around the safe drop off and collection of students. As members of this community, we all play a part in ensuring the safety of all students, staff and families when picking-up and dropping-off students at the College.

Recently we have received some concerns about choices being made by drivers in The Strand pick up and drop off zone and I would like to provide the following guidelines:

Please do not park over the crossing to drop off or pick up children as this is dangerous and illegal.
Please use this zone to do a quick drop-off or pick-up to allow for the traffic flow to continue.
If no parks are available, please use the roundabout at Oxley Street and return via the roundabout at Fryer Street to loop until a park becomes available.

Other possible options to consider might be:

Waiting until after 3.30pm to collect your daughters when the traffic from St Joseph’s North Ward has also dissipated, or
Meet your daughters further down the Strand to avoid the congestion all together.

I would also like to bring to your attention that the drop off zone in Oxley Street is designated for buses only. This area is particularly congested in the afternoon between 3.00pm and 3.30pm. I would like your assistance in ensuring that your daughters are only picked up in Oxley Street if you secure a park across the road and your daughter crosses using the designated pedestrian crossing.

I thank you in advance for your help in ensuring the safety of all of our community.

Deputy Principal – Academic

Amy Byrnes

Welcome to our new and returning students and their families. As we come to the end of Week 3, I am hoping our students have embraced their timetable and have met their class teachers and peers. 2020 aims to be a rewarding year for our students throughout their respective subjects. We hope this year sees our students achieving their individual goals, whilst challenging themselves academically. I look forward to working closely with our students and their families in all areas of the curriculum to ensure that students are fully supported to achieve their academic goals.

Subject changes

Subject changes for Semester 1, 2020 have now closed. The next round of subject changes will be for Semester 2, 2020 and will open at the end of Term 2, 2020.

For Year 11 students, Unit Two Subject Changes occur at a different time due to the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) requirements. Year 11 Unit Two subject changes will close on Friday, 5 June 2020.

Assessment Calendar

The Semester 1, 2020 assessment calendars have been published. This document has been emailed to all parents and students and is also available on the College website at https://www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/curriculum-842s6j/academic/assessment-exams/. Parents and students can use this document to plan their study timetable and ensure that students meet all due dates. The final page of the document also contains an excerpt of the College Assessment Policy with further details on page 114 of the College Diary.

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 1, 2020 is located on the College website at https://www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/curriculum-842s6j/academic/curriculum/ 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. The College diary includes further information regarding study including appropriate places to study, time management, organisation, sleep habits and balance. All of these hints are included in the College diary on pages 110 to 111.

Year 11 ATAR Preparation and Support Program

All Year 11 students were involved in the above mentioned program on Thursday, 30 January 2020. The day was presented by Elevate Education and allowed Year 11 students to learn strategies for study habits and time management as they enter the first year of their senior years as part of the new Senior Assessment and Tertiary Entrance (SATE) system. Elevate Education will return later in 2020 to again work with Year 11 students to focus on memory mnemonics and exam preparation.

Diligence Criterion 2020

2020 sees a slight change to the criterion for Diligence Awards. Per page 119 of the College Diary, Diligence awards in 2020 will be based on the following criterion:

High Distinction Academic Award: A student who has a GPA of a 13 or above (A- or above) is awarded a High Distinction. The GPA is calculated on the Overall Result of each subject at the end of the reporting period.
Distinction Academic Award: A student who has a GPA of a 12 or above (B+ or above) is awarded a Distinction. The GPA is calculated on the Overall Result of each subject at the end of the reporting period.
Merit Academic Award: A student who has a GPA of a 11 or above (B or above) is awarded a Merit. The GPA is calculated on the Overall Result of each subject at the end of the reporting period

Our first round of Diligence Awards will be based on the Term 1 Interim Report and will be held in Term 2.

Director of Mission

Athena Costopoulos

Laudato Si – Five Years On – It’s Time for an Ecological Conversion

From our idyllic position on the Strand, it is difficult to comprehend the turmoil and devastation that has affected our nation over the holidays. Bushfires and extreme weather have ravaged the country, destroying lives, property, and the biodiversity of the land.

It has been five years since Pope Francis published his encyclical, Laudato Si: On Care For Our Common Home. As a college community, we are actively engaged in addressing the important messages of the Papal letter. We see the destruction of the natural environment and the impact this has on the poor and most vulnerable.

Ultimately, the Holy Father asks us to undertake an ecological conversion and acknowledge that it is not consumerism that will bring us joy, but rather our connectedness with all God’s creations.

As believers, we do not look at the world from without but from within, conscious of the bonds with which God has linked us to all beings. By developing our individual, God-given capacities, an ecological conversion can inspire us to greater creativity and enthusiasm in resolving the world’s problems … (Laudato Si’ – 220)

How can we walk more gently on the earth?

Conversion is a process that begins with small changes – where can you begin to create ecological conversion in your home and community? The most important thing to do is to make a start.

Refuse single use plastics.
Bring your own keep cup instead of using disposable cups.
Don’t waste food.
Be aware of your energy usage.
Only buy clothes when you need them and from sustainable outlets.
Have a clothes swap or donate your clothes to charity, rather than land fill.
Get educated. Learn more about the issues and what you can do to help.

Sacramental Program

As part of the Parish program, St Patrick’s College offers students the opportunity to prepare for their Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist. This program aims to deepen students’ learning about their faith and their connection to God. Please email the Director of Mission if your daughter would like to take part in the Sacramental Program in May.

Ms Athena Costopoulos – acostopoulos@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Liturgical Ministry Training in Term One

Altar Servers (Years 7-12)

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Years 10-12)

Training will commence in Week 5 of Term One. If your daughter is interested in participating in the training sessions, please email the Director of Mission. acostopoulos@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

TOGETHER WE PRAY

God of all creation,

your spirit dances throughout the earth.

You give drink to the trees,

shade for the birds,

bread for the hungry.

You bring life and make all things holy.

Flood our hearts with your grace,

so we may sow seeds of love,

justice and beauty, and reflect your kingdom here on earth.

We ask this through your Son,

our Lord Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Director of Boarding

Megan Christie

The boarding house is once again filled with laughter and happiness after the big holiday break. The girls were so excited to see their boarding ‘sisters’ and their supervisors. The girls have transitioned well back into boarding life and routine. They have returned focussed, and are commended for their dedicated approach to their academics and productive use of study time.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new boarders to our St Patrick’s College Boarding family. I am gradually getting to know your daughters and I am most excited about the term and year ahead. I have been impressed with the wonderful support our returning students have provided in helping our new students settle in.

There is never a dull moment in the boarding house and I cannot wait for all the exciting activities we have planned in 2020.

Director of Students

Maria Franettovich

A special welcome to those families and students that are new to our College and welcome back to our returning students and families. I am excited to care for your daughter this year as Director of Students.

We have had a fantastic start to the school year welcoming our Year 7 and new Year 8 students on Orientation Day. The day was a wonderful way to set our new students up for success, allowing important connections to be made with their Pastoral Care Teachers, Heads of House, Head of Year 7, Year 12 Big Sisters and other members of the College community.

Pastoral Team

This year we are excited to welcome two new members to the Pastoral team, Ms Jaimee Seebohm, Head of House – Thrones and Ms Tenille Hambly, in the new role of Head of Year 12.

Ms Jaimee Seebohm – Head of Thrones House

Ms Tenille Hambly – Head of Year 12

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Heads of Year and Heads of House for all their hard work to ensure that all new students have been welcomed into the College and for assisting all students to settle into college routines.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your daughter please do not hesitate to contact her Head of House if she is in Years 8 – 11 and our Heads of Year if she is in Year 7 and Year 12 by phoning the College on 4753 0300 or via email.

Dominations – Ms Lucy Towers ltowers@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Powers – Ms Kirsten Anderson kanderson@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Principalities – Ms Lisa Mowbray lmowbray@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Thrones – Ms Jaimee Seebohm jseebohm@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Head of Year 7 – Ms Lizzie Wood lwood@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Head of Year 12 – Ms Tenille Hambly thambly@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Digital Detox During the Day

This year students are being encouraged to take a break from their phones during the day to bring balance to their digital and real world lives. Soaking up real time instead of screen time is believed to increase happiness and learning and allow them to connect more with the people in their life.

Students are allowed to use their phone until 8.30am but then are asked to turn their phone off and put it away until 3.15pm and allow themselves the best opportunity for learning. In the classroom phones should not be visible, it is “off and away”. Students are asked to put the “do not disturb feature” on during the day to silence any notifications.

During the breaks, they are not permitted to use their mobile phones or headphones. Lunch time is a time to develop real world social and verbal communication skills with friends. Any communication with parents for organisational matters should happen through Student Reception. Please note if you need to contact your daughter during the day please call the College office.

Further information regarding college expectations around mobile phones and personal devices can be found on page 109 of your daughter’s College Diary.

Uniform Guidelines and Expectations

This year we will continue with our Fitness Friday program and students will be permitted to wear their Sports Uniform all day every Friday to participate in various physical activities and events. Monday to Thursday students are to wear their full and correct Academic Uniform to and from school. They will need to change into their sports uniform at break times for practical HPE lessons. HPE teachers will communicate with students and parents about the details and expectations.

To avoid any confusion or disappointment I would like to clarify the college expectations around hair colour, as stated in the College Diary on page 101, “Hair must be of the student’s natural colour and tone and style” and that the college reserves the right to decide whether styles and/or colours are unacceptable.

Our uniform expectations can be located on our College Website: http://www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/parents/uniforms-stationery/ and on page 101 of your daughter’s College Diary. Please direct any queries or concerns you may have regarding the Uniform Policy to your daughter’s Head of House or Head of Year.

Year 7 Retreat Day

Year 7 Retreat Day was held on Friday, 7 February. A day full of fun and laughter and lots of fun activities. The girls enjoyed swimming at the Kokoda Pool followed by a BBQ lunch and games on The Strand, where they were able to participate in team building, and other activities to get to know each other better and form friendships outside of the classroom. The day was a great success and I would like to thank Mrs Lizzie Wood for planning and organising the day and the other staff who assisted.

Extracurricular Information Morning

The Extracurricular Information Morning was also a great success with students demonstrating a keen interest in involving themselves in the multitude of activities on offer at the College. Students are encouraged to participate in at least one activity each semester to form connections with other students with similar interests and build skills outside of the classroom. Further information regarding extracurricular activities, opportunities and clubs is available on our College website: https://www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/curriculum-842s6j/co-curricular-activities/

Enlighten Education

Yesterday, Year 9 students participated in an all-day workshop run by Enlighten Education. The day comprised of a series of workshops on issues ranging from friendship, self-esteem, and body image. One workshop focussed on the notion of gratitude and was packed with practical tips designed to encourage thankfulness. The Enlighten Team are national leaders in empowering young women to Celebrate, Challenge and Change who they are and who they want to become. The students had an enjoyable day and were glowing in their praise.

Upcoming Pastoral Events

Saturday 15 Feb – Year 12 Prefect Retreat

Tuesday 25 Feb – Year 7 Immunisations

Science & Technology

Head of Faculty – Science & Technology

Chris Pacey

Year 7 Science

The Science Faculty have been excited to welcome another group of wonderful future female scientists to the College. This first couple of weeks have seen our Year 7 students gain a better understanding about who scientists are and what they do; they have looked at the importance of safety in the Science lab; and they have also had the chance to learn about some of the equipment Scientists use, especially in their first Unit on Chemistry. Over the coming weeks, the Year 7 students will also be looking at how Scientists use this equipment to separate mixtures, including gaining their Bunsen Burner licenses.

Year 10 Science

The Year 10 Science students have started 2020 by looking at a Unit on Earth and Marine Science. In particular, students will be investigating the effect increased levels of carbon dioxide have on the chemistry of the ocean. Students undertook an experiment that saw them using their breath blowing bubbles into water with a pH indicator.

This activity showed students how water becomes more acidic when carbon dioxide is bubbled through it. As a result, it demonstrates the link between carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and a process called ocean acidification, a change in the pH, or acidity, of the ocean. As students will investigate as part of their assessment this term, this change in ocean chemistry has an impact on many living things in the oceans including coral, clams, prawns, and other sea life.

CSIRO Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy

Year 9 students Charlize Carter and Patience Hampton-Tungutalum recently attended the inaugural CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy. This academy gives young Indigenous women the tools and support that they need to succeed in an exciting STEM career. It aims to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females undertaking studies and careers in STEM, which is done through targeted, long-term support to help overcome barriers that discourage Indigenous women from pursuing STEM careers. Charlize enjoyed every moment of the academy, which has strengthened her love of science, and her want of becoming a Vet when she leaves school. “The AIMS visit was the highlight for me. Especially being able to witness the coral spawning – this was fascinating” Charlize said. For Charlize it was also an opportunity to meet some of her elders and strengthen those connections to country.

Patience’s determination to become an Engineer in the Defence Force was strengthened during the course. “It was amazing to be able to meet Taylah Griffin who was the first Indigenous woman to graduate with an Engineering degree from QUT”, said Patience. “She is an inspiration to me, especially because she is now a Defence contractor”.

The Arts

Head of Department – Music & Performance

Johnathon Goulter

Songs of the Shows – Performance

On Sunday, a number of St Patrick’s College staff and students performed at the Townsville Music Centre’s first recital at Carlyle Gardens. Organised by Dr Mark Smith, “Songs from the Shows” was a musical delight with our St Patrick’s College Instrumental and Extension Music students performing alongside seasoned Townsville talent. Students, Kalani Guillien, Sarah Bradley and Amelia Betcher, and Vocal Tutor, Rachel Cairns, performed numerous pieces from well-known Music Theatre shows, while Alyssa Kelly performed two comic opera pieces to an audience of approximately 200 people. Congratulations to all those involved.

Ensembles have Commenced for 2020

All Instrumental Music Lessons and Ensembles have resumed and students are already hard at work preparing performances for the upcoming Twilight Open Evening. A reminder for all students that if for any reason you will be absent from rehearsals to please email your teachers/tutors or contact the school office.

Head of Department – Dramatic Arts & Performance

Alyssa Kelly

Drama Club, Capture@StPats Photography Club and Dance Ensembles will begin next week with trial sessions running for new students wanting to join. Drama Club and Capture@StPats will have a trial session on Thursday at lunchtime and Dance Troupe will do a trial on Friday at lunchtime.We look forward to seeing you there.

Studies of Religion

Head of Faculty – Religion

Zoey Fellows

Studies of Religion in 2020 has started strong as a whole new cohort of students joins our Catholic community. Our Year 7 students have begun their studies of Religion with a unit titled ‘What are the core Catholic beliefs?’ where students will learn all about the faith that we practice here at St Patrick’s College. This includes an excursion to our local Church, St Joseph’s on The Strand, and explorations of sacraments, sacred texts and liturgy.

Our Year 10 classes are also embarking on an exciting new program where, for the first time, the College is allowing students to choose specialist Religion pathways. Our ‘Religion and Ethics’ classes have begun with an exploration of the world religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, while ‘Study of Religion’ students are participating in a unit to gain a deep understanding of the Vedic religions. In Year 12, our Religion and Ethics students are beginning to plan social justice projects to implement in the College and we can’t wait to see the fruits of their labour.

Library News

Library Assistant

Marie Jerome

What an exciting start to the year for the library. This term the library has commenced its POP-UP service, arriving in classrooms with a basket brimming with carefully selected books, games and media. I am enjoying the adventure, what a great way for everyone to get to know the collection, read outside their comfort zone and connect in different spaces. What a blessing!

A new year and a new start for P.A.G.E.S. our very own book club! This year we will be celebrating all things literary, collaborate and create displays, plan and deliver activities and get the lowdown on how a library runs. See me to register your interest and to share any ideas you have for the year.

Is that new books I can smell? Yes, it is! We have had a collection of great reads arrive, ready for you to dive into! A taste of our latest arrivals and our books of the week:

Tiger Heart

One magical friendship. One roaring adventure.

The magical tale of a bold young chimney sweep and a remarkable tiger, a dangerously hypnotic ruby and a mystical land found across an ocean and through a storm. Perfect for fans of The Girl of Ink and Stars and Pax.

Fly never meant to end up in a cage with a man-eating tiger. And though she’s no princess, when the tiger bows to her, she can’t help vowing to free him and return him home.

The Republic of birds

Olga loves the stories of the old cartographers and pores over their ancient books and maps, trying to unlock their secrets. Sometimes, she can even feel through the maps—almost see into them — as if by magic.

When the bird army kidnaps Olga’s sister, Mira, Olga knows that only she can venture into the Republic of Birds to rescue her. But first, she must unlock her magical ability.

As her journey takes her into the hidden world of the Iagas and the wilds of the Unmappable Blank, Olga discovers the truth about the war with the birds—and learns just how much is at stake in her quest to save her sister.
Inspired by Russian folklore, The Republic of Birds is a rich and spellbinding fantasy adventure.

P&F News

Notice of P&F Annual General Meeting

The Committee of St Patrick’s College Townsville Parents & Friends Association cordially invite you to attend the Annual General Meeting to be held at St Patrick’s College Townsville on Tuesday 3 March 2020 from 5:30pm

St Patrick’s College Townsville P&F is now calling for your attendance at the Annual General Meeting and nominations for vacant committee positions on the 2020/2021 Committee. (Nominations will also be taken from the floor). Your attendance at this meeting is vital to ensure a quorum is reached and the meeting can take place. The agenda includes reports on all areas of activity undertaken by the P&F throughout the year. We are calling upon parent/guardian members who would like to make a significant, sustained contribution to the school community. On behalf of the P&F committee, I invite you to nominate yourself, to join us in becoming a committee member.The school community would benefit greatly from your knowledge, insights and connections within the community.

If you are unable to attend the AGM, you may wish to submit a proxy to vote on your behalf. Please complete a proxy form and return to the College office no later than Friday 28 February 2020. Information about committee positions, nomination and proxy forms can be found on the College website: https://www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/parents-4prdkk/parents-friends/

Liz Rainnie
President

P&F Parents’ Welcome Evening

You’re Invited! Our College P&F Warmly invites our Parents and Families to our Parents’ Welcome Evening on Thursday 12 March from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Join us for refreshments in the Cafe by the Sea and meet our new College Principal and our expert teaching team. Please RSVP to rsvp@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au by Friday 6 March.

Twilight Open Evening – Tuesday 17 March 2020

Our P&F will be holding a Sausage Sizzle at our Twilight Open Evening on St Patrick’s Day, Tuesday 17 March from 5.30 pm – 7.30pm. Come along and meet our dedicated P&F staff. We look forward to seeing you there.

P&F Meeting Dates for 2020

All meetings are held in the College Staff Room from 5.30pm-7.00pm.
Please come to Reception.

Term 1:

Tuesday 4 February
Tuesday 3 March AGM

Term 2:

Tuesday 5 May
Tuesday 2 June

Term 3:

Tuesday 4 August
Tuesday 1 September

Term 4:

Tuesday 6 October
Monday 2 November

World Challenge

A culmination of more than 12 months of student-led planning saw 17 students from St Patrick’s College Townsville undertake a 24-day expedition to Nepal as part of the 2019 World Challenge Adventure in December last year. A life changing and unforgettable experience, the students built self-confidence and resilience in a six-day Trek of more than 80km, before a week-long community service project at the Basic School Belsi, Nepal.

“The whole project was completely student driven,” said Year 11 World Challenge participant Charlotte Rush. “We worked as a team to independently plan everything from budgets, through to travel and accommodation, as well as the delegation and completion of the building projects at the Basic School Belsi.”

St Patrick’s College students learned a great deal from their community hosts, completely immersed within their culture and way of life. “It was enormously rewarding to work with and learn from the students at Belsi,” said Charlotte. “They taught us traditional dances and language and we taught each other sports and games. We were really pleased to be able to complete a mural for the school as a thank-you gift for hosting us.”

The expedition not only facilitated community service but played an important role in student self-discovery. Charlotte said the team faced many challenges but that they worked together, supported by their teachers, to resolve any problems. “My biggest takeaway form the trip was to learn that I am a lot stronger, both physically and mentally, than I ever thought I was. I am really proud of myself and my team for our resilience and strength. I think we will all walk away more confident.”

World Challenge was an extremely empowering experience that complemented school learning, giving students the opportunity to become true lifelong learners and true global citizens. St Patrick’s College Townsville is proud to have partnered with World Challenge and they are looking forward to ‘Adventuring Like A Pat’s Girl’ in the near future.