Message From the Principal

Last week we sadly farewelled our 2020 Year 12 cohort. We thank this incredible group of young women for their patience, determination and grace, leading our College through an extraordinarily challenging year. I spoke last week at their Valedictory Mass encouraging them to take care to nurture their dreams, giving the people they love and share their journeys with the permission and courage to do the same. On behalf of the College we encourage our 2020 Year 12 graduates to Dare to Imagine their future, living a life of purpose, passion and always standing strong on their principles. I also extend my gratitude to the families of this cohort for letting us share this part of your daughter’s journey with us.

This week at our End of Year Liturgy, we also farewell some staff members, sincerely thanking them for their dedicated service to our College and wishing them well as they begin their next adventure.

Mr John Gilmore, Director of Performance, Planning & Analytics, is relocating to Sydney for a promotional position.
Ms Megan Christie, Director of Boarding is relocating to Brisbane.
Ms Lisa Mowbray, Head of Princes House to take up a nursing & education role.
Ms Harriet Geater-Johnson, Head of Visual Arts & Exhibitions is moving back to South Australia.
Ms Lizzie Wood, Head of Year 7 has relocated to Brisbane.
Ms Zoey Fellows, Head of Faculty Religion.
Dr Jay Burmeister, Head of Department – Digital Literacy.
Ms Sandra Tangata-Toa, Teacher is relocating to Sydney.
Ms Colleen Finney, Science Lab Assistant begins her retirement.
Mr Phil Oram, Part-time Teacher begins his retirement.
Mr Campbell, Part-time Teacher who has helped us out on a contract this year also begins his retirement.
Ms Merle Iles, Part-time teacher who has been on a contract in Term 4 while Mrs Nioa took some leave is moving back to Victoria.

I am really looking forward to welcoming and introducing our new staff members to the College family in January 2021. I am also thrilled that a number of staff have been promoted internally, showcasing the incredible talent and skill we have in this College. It is certainly a dynamic and inspiring professional learning community to be a part of.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sr Helen Mary Peters, College Board Chair and fellow Board Directors Steven Mosch, Peter Cavallo and Tia Cox for their unwavering support as I carried out my first year as College Principal. I have felt incredibly blessed to have their support along with an incredible Leadership Team, College Staff, the inspiring young women of this beautiful College and their respective families. My vision at the beginning of this year was to strengthen relationships and nurture community connections and despite the challenges of COVID-19, I feel this has been achieved. I feel honoured and humbled to serve and lead such an incredible place. I am very excited about the new Towards 2025 Strategic Plan and the Dare to Imagine Campaign and how these will bring to life the unique difference this College provides for young women in inspiring us to continue to grow and flourish.

I wish you all a safe, restful and loving Christmas period. I hope you are all able to spend quality time with family and friends and I look forward to seeing everyone back for the new year refreshed and renewed in 2021.

May God bless you and your families.

Amber Hauff

College Principal

Deputy Principal

Cameran Triffett

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every student at this College for their energy and effort throughout 2020. It has certainly been a year full of challenge and change, providing valuable opportunities for building resilience and reflection. We have just farewelled our 2020 seniors and we know that they will use the knowledge gained and experiences had to help guide them through their post high school lives.

The end of the school year brings a much-needed break for both students and staff, allowing space and time for rest and relaxation. Connection and quality time spent with friends and family reminds us all of how very fortunate we are. We can also look back on the year, what we are grateful for and place focus on what we need to spend more time building and developing next year.

As the school year comes to a close, we turn our eye to next year. Please find term dates for 2021 below (which can also be found on the College website: https://www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au/parents-78nv68/term-dates/

TERM 1

Wednesday 27 January: Orientation Day for Year 7 & new Year 8 students with Year 12 students

Thursday 28 January: All Students commence

Wednesday 31 March: Term 1 ends

TERM 2

Tuesday 20 April: Term 2 commences

Monday 26 April: ANZAC Day public holiday

Monday 03 May: Labour Day public holiday

Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 June: Camps/Retreats

Thursday 17 June: Term 2 ends

TERM 3

Tuesday 13 July: Term 3 commences

Friday 03 September: Gazetted student free day

Thursday 16 September: Term 3 ends

TERM 4

Wednesday 06 October: Term 4 commences

Friday 19 November: Last day for Year 12 students

Friday 26 November: Term 4 ends

Deputy Principal – Academic

Amy Byrnes

As we have now formally completed assessment for the year, I would like to congratulate our students for their continued perseverance and dedication to their studies. In the last week, many of our students experienced Exam Block to which they are to be commended for their behaviour and following the College guidelines. I now encourage all of our students to take a break, relax and read a book. Wishing you and your families a safe and happy Christmas, I look forward to seeing you in 2021.

End of Year Report Card

Term 4 Report Cards will be distributed in the holidays via email to all parents/guardians of students in Years 7 to 10. The Year 7 to 10 Term 4 Report will include an overview of academic achievement, behaviour and work ethic in each subject throughout Term 4, 2020.

The Year 11 Report will be a Unit Three Interim Report. As Year 11 students have just received a report card, the report card issued will indicate how your daughter is progressing behaviourally and in her work ethic across her subjects.

2021 Stationery Lists and BYOD Requirements

In preparation for 2021 the Stationery Lists can be found on the College Website. If your daughter is in Years 8 to 12 and has forgotten which electives she has chosen, she can email Mrs Melissa Cowan, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Principal – Academic, mcowan@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au or contact the College Office.

The College website also includes the 2021 BYOD Specifications. It is important to review these specifications, particularly if you are purchasing a new computer for 2021. In particular, I draw your attention to the not recommended and not compatible columns and the note that the College does not support Macs or Chrome Books. If you have any questions in relation to these BYOD specifications, do not hesitate to contact myself or IT Support via itsupport@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Director of Mission

Athena Costopoulos

As the school year comes to a close, I want to take the time to acknowledge the fantastic team of staff and students that support me in my role as Director of Mission.

Ms Harriett Veukiso, our College Chaplain, assists in planning Mercy Girls and McAuley activities, organising liturgies and mentoring students. She liaises with choirs and musicians and through her everyday words and actions is a witness to the Gospel values.

The music team, lead by Mr John Goulter, brings the experiential dimension to all our masses and liturgies. He and his team are collaborative and enthusiastic in all endeavours. The Liturgy Choir astounds me with their commitment to weekly rehearsals and performances. They are professional and eager to take on new challenges. Our staff musicians and conductors lead by example in their professionalism. I thank them for the way they selflessly share their talents with the College.

Ms Susan Wilkinson plays one of the most important roles in supporting me. Although often behind the scenes, it is her attention to detail and organisational skills in putting together power points, booklets, setting up assemblies, masses and liturgies that pulls everything together.

A huge thank you to Sr Helen Mary who brings the Mercy charism to life in her reflections and blessings.

My student leaders, Harper Weekers, Madyson Wass and Lara Stewart have already astounded me with their energy and enthusiasm. I know that our new Prefects will be wonderful ambassadors for the College and I look forward to seeing all the great things they will do in 2021.

College Chaplain

Harriett Veukiso

This term the Mercy Girls in Action have been busy leading the Annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. The Community service prefects for 2021, Harper Weekers and Madyson Wass, collaborated with members to discuss the Vinnies Christmas appeal. To ensure all hampers have a variety of goods the students organised for each house to donate certain hamper items. The Mercy Girls in Action sought donations to help support people in need during the festive season. The Vinnies Christmas appeal aims to support families and individuals struggling by donating food, hampers and presents during the festive season.

Our 2021 Faith and Identity Prefect Lara Stewart, lead the McAuley Ministry team through a reflective prayer experience this week which allows members to consider the true meaning of Christmas and prepare themselves spiritually. Following in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley the student lead Ministry team discussed ways to ensure all PC classes could implement prayer experiences into morning routine. The members decided to raise discussions in PC time with the topic being the Vinnies Christmas appeal. In collaboration with the Mercy Girls in Action collecting hamper donations the McAuley Ministry team set out to ensure action was complimented with knowledge and prayer time.

Director of Students

Maria Franettovich

2020 has been a year that has taught us all how to be adaptable, resilient and innovative as we have navigated the changes forced upon us. As the year draws to a close, it is a time to reflect and be grateful for all of the joys and achievements that we had have this year despite everything that has occurred. The Christmas break is a chance to rest, recharge, reconnect with our family and friends.

Online Safety

Many students may keep in touch with their friends via social media during the school holidays and we would encourage parents and guardians to have open communication with their daughters about the platforms they are using and the content they are viewing, and to tell you when they see concerning online material. Negotiating age-appropriate boundaries about social media use and platforms is still necessary during the school holiday break, as young people will have more time to spend online.

Informative and useful support resources may be found on the e-Safety Commissioner website.

E-Scooters

Many of you would have noticed the introduction of E-scooters by Townsville City Council on the Strand and in the inner-city area. In recent weeks we have had a number of complaints by members of the public about students from our College riding on these scooters in a dangerous manner.

I wish to advise you that rules are in place surrounding the usage of these E-scooters. The full set of guidelines can be found on the Townsville City Council Website. However, I would especially like to draw your attention to two of these rules:

Riders need to be aged 18+ for the Orange Scooters
Road rules must be followed, if caught not complying with the road rules fines will apply.

Please remind your daughters that they should not be using these scooters if they do not meet the age requirements and should be cautious of other road users. Furthermore, when students are wearing the school uniform they are representing the College and any wrong doing can reflect poorly on our image. As staff cannot monitor student’s actions when using these scooters, we request that they do not use them when in school uniform. Please review these rules and support your daughter to abide by them.

As always, the safety of our students, remains our number one priority and your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

2021 Locker Arrangements

Students in Year 7 will be issued with a locker and a lock to assist them in developing their executive function skills. Students in all other year groups will be given the opportunity to secure a locker by seeing their Head of House.

I would like to wish our students and families a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to welcoming you all back in the new year.

Director of Boarding

Megan Christie

I have struggled to write this newsletter report. It is the last one for the year and my last one for St Patrick’s College Townsville. How do I say goodbye to my boarding babies?

Being the Director of Boarding at St Patrick’s College has provided me with immense professional growth as well as personal growth. I have found this role incredibly rewarding because I have had the privilege of getting to know these girls on a totally different level to being just their teacher in the day school. I guess that is a natural process when you live, eat and play together day by day and night by night. Although my time was shorter than I thought, after just a year and a half I feel honoured that I know and understand these girls so well; their thoughts, feelings and motivations.

My time in boarding has been filled with laughter and joy, mostly because these kids say and do the funniest things. I appreciate the girls’ sense of humour and ability to laugh at themselves. My top three favourite student ‘bloopers’ were: #3. when Salu came to breakfast in her school uniform even though she had a study day; #2. when Verona wore a jumper to school without her academic blouse but then got hot and had to beg me to allow her to go back up to boarding to change; #1 Alyssa’s ‘performance’ in Belna’s room not realising I was actually present in the room (I will have to leave it to the boarders to tell you about that one)! I am definitely leaving with many funny memories.

There were a few times when the girls found the rules and routines of life in boarding a little over-the-top. Deep down I know they understand the purpose of these expectations and, perhaps later, they will appreciate the positive role I played in their socialisation. It is the high expectations that we have of our boarding students that enable them to develop integrity and independence, which will serve them well in their lives.

I would like to end with a few thank yous:

To our boarding parents and carers, thank you for trusting me to take care of your beautiful daughters.
To our Supervisors, our Health Centre Officers, Miss Liz and Miss Beth and Boarding Assistant, Miss Hayley, thank you for your patience and compassion and for providing a caring home away from home for the girls.
To my Senior Boarding Supervisors, Miss Sarah, Miss Alex and Miss Amanda, I will never find the right words to express my sincere gratitude to you for the support you have given me.
To our boarding students, always do your best and always choose kindness.

I bid you farewell and wish you best of luck for the future. God bless!

The Arts

Head of Department – Music & Performance

Johnathon Goulter

To finish off the term the Year 8 students opted to perform in our very first Battle of the Bands for St Patrick’s College on Friday 20 November. Students performed music assessment items and other works for an audience of peers.

Mr Goulter, Ms Kelly and Dr Smith judged the items and were thrilled with number of students involved. Each of the performers were judged on their musicality, presentation and preparedness. What a great way to end the exam period for these students.

We have also been busy recording with our Junior String Trio record their first piece Buccaneers Bounty. Our Liturgy choir also recorded music for the Year 12 Valedictory assembly. Each group showed extreme patience and skill in the recording process.

It has been a massive year to say the least. I would like to thank parents/guardians for your continued support in your daughters participation in the program and I would also like to thank the students for continuing to make wonderful musical through a turbulent year.

Wishing you all a restful and peaceful break and looking forward to your daughters making music next year.

Careers & VET News

Catherine Rentoule

2021 C.A.S. Hawker Scholarships

Applications for the 2021 Charles Hawker Scholarships open in a few weeks on Monday 7 December and close on Friday 8 January 2021. An application form and further information about C.A.S. Hawker and the scholarships are available from www.hawkerscholarship.org or by contacting the secretary to the Trustees on 08 8127 1654.

Hawker Scholarships are valued at up to $60,000.00 over three years and are amongst the most generous, privately funded, residential scholarships available to Australian undergraduate and postgraduate students.

There are a number of scholarships awarded each year. The Trustees offer them to capable students of principle and character who have demonstrated a commitment to the wider community. Selection is based on personal qualities as well as academic ability.

How to talk careers with your young person

As your teen moves through secondary school, their thoughts may naturally turn to considering their options for their future career. As a parent, you are well placed to offer support and advice as they begin to direct themselves towards their future goals. In the guide on our Career website you will find helpful information and resources to support you in supporting your child through the crucial decision-making processes that lie ahead. From understanding what the role of a career coach entails, to where you and your teen can find further support, the guide helps answer many of the concerns your teen may have at this time.

The guide aims to help you help your teen to:

➤ Find their career passion

➤ Understand the labour trends in today’s world

➤ Consider the options available to them

➤ Discover their next step

➤ Where to go to find out more

For more information please follow the link: Parent Info from the College Career Website

Or you can email Catherine Rentoule, Head of Careers/VET: crentoule@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Cultural Support Program Leader

Lauren Newman

QATSIF Round 12 Scholarships

I am pleased to share with the College community that all eight of our QATSIF Scholarship applicants for Years 2021-2022 were successful in their application. Congratulations to the following students:

Alkira Hemmings
Ethel Babia
La’Shauna Nathaniel
Olive-Rose Pearson
Indigo Wedel
Bethany Savage
Jasmine Gallagher, and
June Nardoo

It is a great honour to receive one of these scholarships, especially because QATSIF’s scholarship funding comes from the interest on unallocated Stolen Wages reparations, which are held in trust by the Public Trustee. The girls will need to work hard to maintain their grades, attendance and involvement in the cultural life of the College throughout the next two years in order to remain eligible for these scholarships.

QATSIF and ANU – Yarning With Our Elders

Are you an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student (any year level) that would like the opportunity to interview an Elder over the Christmas break and talk about one important aspect of their life?

Would you like your hard work to be recognised with a certificate, and also have the chance to win a trophy/prize for the best submission for your Year Level?

If this sounds like something you would like to get involved in, please email Mrs Newman for a flyer with all of the details.

Entries close Friday 12th February, 2021.

Remember: One of our greatest gifts is our Elders’ incredible wealth of knowledge, wisdom, strength and experience.

College Notices

St Joseph’s Church, the Strand Centenary July 2021

Volunteers Urgently Required

As you may or may not be aware the current church building will be one hundred years old in July 2021. To celebrate this milestone we would like to have a Centenary Week in July 2021.

To do this we require a committee to assist in planning this significant event. The main committee will need to have enough members to lead groups to assist in the planning of each part of the event which will include the following task groups

¨ Compilation and display of church history for events and during the week.

¨ Contacting old parishioners from within and external to Townsville Diocese.

¨ Organising appropriate souvenir and memorabilia .

¨ Garnishing support from local service providers

¨ Organising a centenary dinner.

¨ Organising a celebratory mass.

¨ Any other event management items.

We need your help to get this event happening. Do you or do you know of anyone in the above fields that can volunteer some time? Or maybe you have some significant historical information and/or organisational skills you can contribute to the event.

Please VOLUNTEER by contacting the Parish Office and also if you have any suggestions about commemorating this event.

Email: stjoeys@tsv.catholic.org.au Ph: 4721 3765