This term we also celebrated 50 years of NAIDOC – an important event in the St Patrick\u2019s College Townsville community, recognising the unique contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to make through their enduring connection to Country, ancient knowledge systems, languages, storytelling, art, music, innovation, leadership and care for community.<\/p>\n
I would like to particularly thank Ms Tallisha Harden for her work in organising this event, supported by our staff in Boarding, including Ms Sarah Silinju, Ms Paula Henderson, Ms Jo Gilmore and Ms Gemma Stevens. I would also like to recognise the special contributions of our First Nations Families, in particular: \u00a0<\/p>\n
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- Bethalia, Niki, Uncle Sharkey and the Yam families<\/li>\n
- Luther, Tedashii and Tayvonne from Yugambeh<\/li>\n
- Bina\u2019s Kitchen for the meal preparation for the Community Celebration<\/li>\n
- Aunty Valerie<\/li>\n
- Wulgurukaba Walkabouts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The diversity and vibrance of First Nations communities was indeed on display both during day activities, and into the evening. Many thanks to all in our community who were able to attend the night festivities.<\/p>\n
Debating <\/strong><\/p>\n
As the debating season is coming to an end I wish to recognise the tremendous efforts of our students who have had a most successful season. Debating is deeply intrinsic to the mission of our College which envisions a world where young women feel confident and capable in using their voice either to advocate or to challenge. I congratulate all our young women who have participated in this year\u2019s competition and particularly congratulate our Junior SPC 1 Team for their Grand Final victory. I also acknowledge our Senior SPC 1 Team who were narrowly defeated in the Grand Final. This is a team who has been together since Year 7 and they showed remarkable graciousness in defeat. I know they will go on to do great things in advocacy long after school ends.<\/p>\n
Congratulations also to our Junior SPC 2 Team who have made it to the semi-finals.<\/p>\n
I would also like to acknowledge the teachers who supported them this season, in particular: Ms Conni Mosch, Ms Jess John, Ms Jillian Turner, Ms Catherine Lilly-Howe, Ms Claire Verapen. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Rowing <\/strong><\/p>\n
The Rowing season is also in its final stages. Huge congratulations to our Rowers who came away from the Head of the River victorious, in one of their best seasons to date. Particular congratulation to the:<\/p>\n
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- Open Quad \u2013 who won Gold<\/li>\n
- 7\/8 Double \u2013 who won Bronze<\/li>\n
- 9\/10 Single \u2013 who won Silver and Bronze<\/li>\n
- 7\/8 Quad \u2013 who won Silver and placed 4th<\/sup><\/li>\n
- Open Single \u2013 who won Silver, Bronze and placed 4th<\/sup><\/li>\n
- 9\/10 Double \u2013 who won Gold, and placed 3rd<\/sup> and 4th<\/sup><\/li>\n
- Open Double \u2013 who won Gold and Bronze<\/li>\n
- 9\/10 Quad \u2013 who won Gold and placed 4th<\/sup><\/li>\n
- Open Eight \u2013 who won Gold<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The victory of our Open Eight was particularly impressive given that four of the eight rowers were in Year 9. The future of rowing remains bright with incredible depth of talent on display.<\/p>\n
I wish the Rowers well in the upcoming Queensland Schools Rowing Championships taking place in Rockhampton over the holiday. My sincere thanks to Ms Susan Wilkinson for her superb coordination and support of our program, and all of our coaches, in particular, Ms Nisha Hamann, Mr Hugo Brown and Ms Maya Williams.<\/p>\n
Parent Engagement <\/strong><\/p>\n
Last year, some parents raised concerns about the absence of a parent engagement forum at the College. In a survey to parents this year, a desire for a parent engagement forum was indicated.<\/p>\n
In response to this feedback, the College has completed work on a strategic proposal for a Parent Partnership Panel for implementation from 2027. This work has been conducted alongside Independent Schools Queensland, seeking best practice examples of parent engagement.<\/p>\n
In our last newsletter, the College requested feedback on this proposal. To date, we have received limited feedback. We will therefore extend the feedback window until early next term, understanding that this has been a busy time for families. I would ask that any feedback be provided by the end of Week 2 Term 4. We would ask that parents review the proposed structure by clicking on the PDF attached, and then clicking on the link below, to provide feedback.<\/p>\n
Parent Partnership Panel PDF<\/a><\/p>\n
- Open Single \u2013 who won Silver, Bronze and placed 4th<\/sup><\/li>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2025\/04\/2398_SPC_Amber_Kath_0005-320x320.jpg\")
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