By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

Welcome to 2024!

'Do to others as you would have them do to you.' Luke 6:31

A warm welcome to the 2024 Academic Year to you all. Welcome to our returning students, families and staff and a special welcome to those who have joined us this year.

Over the past weeks, we have embraced 22 new staff, 25 new students across Year 8-12, 280 new Year 7 students, and of course many new families. I hope that each new community member feels welcome and is open to embracing membership within our St Patrick’s College community.

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF CO-EDUCATION AT ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE

2024 is an important year in the history of our College. In 2024, we celebrate 40 years of St Patrick’s College as a Co-educational Catholic College. We are excited to connect with our Old Collegians, and look forward to celebrating all that St Patrick’s College represents throughout this year.

COLLEGE COMMUNICATIONS

Schoolbox is one of our main forms of communication. Please ensure that you are able to log into your SchoolBox account and a reminder to please ensure the College has your current email address. 

We are currently working on refining our communication methods, and it is the aim that Schoolbox will eventually become our central point for all communications. If you are having difficulty finding Schoolbox, please visit the College website, stpatrickscollege.tas.edu.au, and click on the 'Parent' tab in the top right hand corner to access the program.

Copies of all major College communications can be accessed through the Schoolbox Parent Portal Homepage by simply clicking on the relevant School your child belongs to (see below).

Through Schoolbox, parents/guardians are able to support students in being organised and responsible, whilst helping them on their pathway to independence by keeping up with College happenings. This assists in developing resilient, organised, respectful, and mature students. 

COLLEGE EXPECTATIONS

Enrolment at St Patrick’s College carries with it expectations. Students are expected to follow our expectations around uniform, attendance, participation, use of mobile phones and behaviour. Students are to attend the College each day of the academic year - this includes all days that classes are scheduled and all days where special events such as our Carnivals, Camps, Reflection Days and Retreats are on. 

Being connected to our community requires full participation and commitment from our students and families. We know that when students are involved and actively participating in College life, they are given every opportunity to grow and flourish into the best person that they can be.

We are so pleased to have your student enrolled at our College and are excited to be working with the young people in our care. We strive to ensure that each student is known, valued, heard and respected.

STAFFING

We congratulate Mr Simon Austen who is leaving St Patrick’s College to take on the role of Principal at the Indie School in Launceston. Most recently, Simon has been the Head of School - Middle School. We thank Simon for his service to St Patrick’s College and wish him all the best as he takes on this new role.

For communications regarding students in the Middle School, please contact your child’s Tutor in the first instance. We will keep you informed as we work to fill this important role at the College.

CELEBRATIONS

St Patrick’s College offers so many opportunities for our students to participate in activities that will allow them to explore their passions. In the areas of Cultural, Music and Sport there is a wide variety of options for our students to choose from.

Co-curricular activities are already underway for 2024. Congratulations to many of our rowing crews who, over last weekend, successfully participated in the Henley Regatta on the Tamar. A special mention to our new Year 7 rowers who were outstanding; Ciaran, Liam, William, Harrison, Austin, Arthur, Callum, Martin, Oscar, Eleanor, Siea, Jade, Amelia, Molly and Ella. 

Our First XI Cricketers recently toured Brisbane and have also played three matches as part of their roster. A special congratulations to Thomas Dwyer who has already scored two centuries this season - this is an outstanding effort.

This week, our Senior Basketball and Tennis teams also commenced their rosters for 2024.

We look forward to so many of our students participating in our community this year. 

I wish you all the best for the week ahead.

By Ms Kate Rockliffe, Director of Catholic Identity & Mission 

Shrove Tuesday

The Middle School and Croagh Patrick students enjoyed a feast of pancakes (with icecream and syrup) on Tuesday 13 February to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday marks the last day of the liturgical season before we start the season of Lent. Lent is a time of fasting, prayer and reflection in preparation for Easter. Pancakes are eaten as a final celebration before this time of fasting.

Members of the 2024 Student Executive, a select group of Year 8 students, and the Catholic Identity and Mission team worked together to produce over 500 pancakes for the event.

The money raised from pancake sales has kickstarted our fundraising efforts for Caritas’ Project Compassion - over $400 has been raised already. This amount can provide skills training to 15 people so that they can produce a self-sustaining income in the Philippines.

An immense thank you to those students who volunteered their time and energy to cook and serve pancakes, and to the staff who assisted.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday was observed by the College on 14 February, with each sub-House, Croagh Patrick, and Year 9 students on camp participating in Ash Wednesday services concurrently across the campus and in the south of the State. This year’s Ash Wednesday service challenged us all to act for social and ecological justice, reminding us that the good we do today can positively impact the lives of people tomorrow.

Project Compassion Launch

Thirteen St Patrick’s College students from Year 10 and 11 attended the Project Compassion 2024 Northern Tasmania Launch on February 12 at the Church of Apostles in Launceston.

Our students represent the College, alongside representatives from the Northern Catholic primary schools, and attend a Q&A session with guest speaker Richard Landels from Caritas Australia. In this session, students worked with one another to think of ways to increase student engagement in Project Compassion fundraising across the school.

Project Compassion is a timely reminder during Lent that by putting our faith and compassion in action today, we have the power to create lasting change for generations to come.

By Mr Jack Prosser, Ascent Coordinator

The Ascent Program is a co-curricular outreach and formation program for Year 10, 11 and 12 students. The students work in a team, along with many staff mentors. They dive into community outreach, partnering with charity organisations like Edmund Rice Camps Tasmania, Cancer Council, Vinnies and more. We also engage in our own programs with base camps and student mentoring programs with our feeder primary schools, as well as St Paul's and St Brigid's primary schools in Hobart.

We are super excited this year to announce the return of the Year 12 Ascent program, which we haven't been able to run since 2019, with it now including an expedition to Melbourne.

The goal of this program is to give students the skills and education they need to serve their community and follow in the footsteps of the founding Charisms of our College in a way that is fun, memorable and also challenging.

Students are able to join the program in Year 10 and 11. For Year 11 students wishing to join, we have already started the sign up process and we head on base camp in Week 5. Camp forms need to be returned by the beginning of Week 4, so if any year 11 students missed the sign up meetings and are still interested, they must send me an email as soon as possible at jprosser@stpatricks.tas.edu.au.

Year 10 students will have an opportunity to sign up in Term 2.

The Catholic Standard is the official print publication of the Catholic Church in Tasmania. Produced monthly, the Catholic Standard reports on local, national, and international issues of importance to the Catholic Church and community.

View the Latest Issue Online

By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Acting Deputy Principal – Learning & Achievement

It brings us immense joy to witness friendship reunions, the formation of new bonds and the excitement and promise of 2024 as we welcome our College community to the start of the academic year. There has been a palpable positive atmosphere at the College these past two weeks, as we commence a journey of growth, knowledge and success together.

Academic Assembly: Celebrating Academic Achievement

On Friday 9 February, the College community gathered at the first Academic Assembly for 2024, to commend and recognise the exceptional achievements of students across the College. This assembly is a celebration of the dedication, hard work, and outstanding accomplishments of our students throughout the 2023 academic year. It serves as both inspiration and motivation for all members of the College community. We extend our sincere gratitude to the parents, guardians, and the wider community for your unwavering support of our students and staff; your encouragement plays a pivotal role in the success of our students, and we were delighted to celebrate these achievements with the families of 2023 graduates who achieved exceptional TASC results at the end of 2023.

We were thrilled to announce that Mackillop House was awarded the prestigious House of Learning Excellence Award for the outstanding academic achievements of the 2023 academic year. This accolade is a testament to the collective dedication, hard work and commitment to academic excellence exhibited by members of Mackillop. Congratulations to Mackillop House.

We also honoured individuals in each year level who achieved exceptional academic achievement in 2023.

Mrs Anna Davie, Director of Curriculum - Middle School, presented the following Middle School students with Academic Excellence Awards:

Year 7 (2023):

Year 8 (2023):

Ms Sally Angus, Director of Curriculum - Croagh Patrick, presented the following students from Croagh Patrick with Academic Excellence Awards for 2023 :

Year 9 (2023)

Mr Cameron Ivory, Acting Director of Curriculum - Senior School, presented the following Senior School students from Year 10 with Academic Excellence Awards for 2023:

Year 10 (2023)

Many of our 2023 Year 11 students (current Year 12s) also achieved outstanding academic results, with 16 students gaining a TE score of above 37 for their two best Level 3/4 subjects. Four of these students, Gabriella, Owen, Tumai and Kate scored over 42 TE points for their two best Level 3/4 subjects, which is an outstanding achievement. The following students were presented with Academic Excellence Awards by Mr Cameron Ivory, Acting Director of Curriculum - Senior School.

Year 11 (2023)

2023 graduates Somer Harper, Ashlee Cherry, and Mollie Bretzke were celebrated and presented with a Vocational Education and Training (VET) Excellence Medal as recipients of the TASC Outstanding Achievement in VET Award for 2023. These students were nominated for the award and then assessed and recommended by a TASC appointed judging panel for showing outstanding achievement in their VET course. Congratulations Somer, Ashlee and Mollie.

An exceptional 35 graduating students received an ATAR of 90 or more in 2023, and were presented with a St Patrick’s College medal at the Academic Awards Ceremony.

Year 12 (2023)

In 2023, 208 students graduated and 123 students achieved an ATAR. There were three students in the top 101 in Tasmania: Shannon Kelly, Ivis Neerakal, and Emily Watts-Heazelwood. Shannon was also awarded an Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for 2023. She was recognised for this achievement by the Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, at Government House in Hobart. Shannon was celebrated as the College Dux for 2023, achieving a TE Score of 117.7 and an ATAR of 99.9. Shannon addressed the College community at the Academic Assembly, imparting some inspirational words of wisdom to our students to aspire for academic excellence. ​​Congratulations to all award recipients.

Assessment and Reporting

The College continues to provide continuous online feedback on assessment tasks, mid-year and end of year reports via Schoolbox. In 2024, a second pastoral comment will also be provided at the end of year. 'Student Attitude' and 'Application to Learning' will continue to be provided each Term on Schoolbox.

Additional Stationery Requirements - Personal Whiteboards

In 2024 mini whiteboards are on the stationary list for every student at the College (Years 7-12). The widespread use of whiteboards in classrooms was rolled out in 2023 with the introduction of new evidence-based approaches to instruction. These approaches allow students to practice new information and informs teachers on student progress, allowing them to continue, reteach or offer more support as required. This year it will be necessary that every student has a personal whiteboard and whiteboard marker. Mini whiteboards can still be purchased via the College Uniform Shop for $5.00 each.

Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews

Starting this year, Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews for both Term 1 and Term 2 will now be held at the end of each respective term, rather than at the beginning of the following term. This adjustment is aimed at providing you with timely insights into your child's academic progress and addressing any concerns prior to the commencement of the new term.

Key Dates:

• Term 1 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews: Wednesday 10 April

• Term 2 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews: Wednesday 3 July

By shifting the interviews to the end of each term, we aim to create a more proactive and responsive approach to addressing any questions or concerns you may have about your child's academic progress. Furthermore, we hope to continue facilitating a collaborative effort between parents and teachers, helping to support student success. Details on how to book your Parent-Teacher-Student Interview slot will be communicated closer to the scheduled dates.

By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Acting Deputy Principal – Learning & Achievement

The National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) online testing will be held from Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March 2024. NAPLAN Online 2024 will include four components; Writing, Numeracy, Conventions of Language and Reading. This is the second year NAPLAN has been held in March, having previously taken place in May. This change was made so school systems would have access to results earlier in the school year. These can then be used to inform teaching and learning plans for the remainder of the year.

NAPLAN is designed to illustrate the range of student performance across the country. Individual student performance is shown on a national achievement scale for each test. The performance of individual students can be compared to the average performance of all students in Australia. The National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning at school. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for, and students are not expected to do so.

Students will be supported at school to download the NAPLAN Locked Down browser required to complete the online assessment. Students also require a set of corded headphones/ earphones for the tests; Bluetooth earphones cannot be used.

Where a student’s circumstances meet the criteria for adjustments to access the tests, their test conditions may be adjusted. The adjustments made will reflect the kind of support and assistance provided for assessment in the classroom. Eligible students will be provided with information about their adjustments closer to the testing period.

Schools will receive results and reports for participants following the completion of NAPLAN Online 2024. Individual Student Reports will have the same format as in previous years.

Thank you, in anticipation, for you and your child’s participation in this important national initiative. If you have further questions, please contact the Director of Curriculum for your child's school, Mrs Anna Davie (Year 7) or Ms Sally Angus (Year 9).

Parent information brochures and other resources

A parent information brochure and questions answered on NAPLAN and what it means for your child can be found below: 

NAPLAN information brochure for parents and carers 

NAPLAN Parents Carers translated.

By Mr Cameron Ivory, Acting Director of Curriculum – Senior School & Ms Alexa Headlam, Senior Psychologist, Student Wellbeing

Support Services

The Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) provides students with Reasonable Adjustments to support equitable access and opportunities in the completion of their senior secondary studies and assessments. These adjustments are made with the intention of enabling a student to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills and standards of the courses they are undertaking; thus supporting equitable access and participation. These adjustments provide equity and fairness for all students while preserving the integrity of the assessment process.

TASC considers the following as grounds for eligibility for Reasonable Adjustments:

1. Formal Diagnosis condition, impairment, or disability (as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act, 1992). This includes, but is not limited to:
• Physical disability
• Vision impairment
• Hearing impairment
• Medical condition
• Psychological disorder
• Specific Learning Disorder

2. Misadventure (e.g. injury, accident)
3. Refugee student status (length of time in Australia)
4. Personal Circumstances (causing disruption to schooling or cultural obligations, e.g. death of a close family member, religious obligations).

Further details are available on the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification website, Reasonable Adjustments Policy

Applications need to be submitted to TASC from St Patrick’s College by Close of Business on Friday, 31 May 2024. Applications for Personal Circumstance/Misadventure open on Monday, 3 June. The College will commence the application process in Term 1 to ensure it is fully prepared by the due date. Students in Year 12 who had Reasonable Adjustments granted for a permanent condition in 2023, will automatically receive the same in 2024 and do not need to reapply. Some mental health conditions, such as anxiety, are considered non-permanent conditions and will need to be reapplied for. Reasonable Adjustments will apply to arrangements for internal exams and tests.

Please be aware that formal written supporting evidence from a medical or mental health professional is required for an application based on a formal diagnosis of a condition, impairment or disability. This will outline the condition and describe the Reasonable Adjustments requested. In the case of refugee status, a copy of the visa will be required. For a misadventure application, the evidence could be in the form of a medical certificate, a statutory declaration, a police report or a death certificate.

Please be aware that some students will need to undergo further psychoeducational assessment. Further information regarding this requirement can be obtained from Ms Alexa Headlam – Senior Psychologist.

Please contact Mr Cameron Ivory, Acting Director of Curriculum Senior School, or Ms Alexa Headlam, Senior Psychologist, Student Wellbeing Support Services as soon as possible if you believe your young person may be entitled to Reasonable Adjustments for exams and/or assessments for TASC Level 3 and 4 subjects.

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

Welcome to Future Pathways 2024! We invite students and parents/guardians to visit the Future Pathways Centre for career counselling, questions, assistance and resources regarding career pathways, career assessment, subjects, post school options, apprenticeships/traineeships, Australian School-based Apprenticeships, work experience, volunteering, industry visits, job applications, GAP year programs, university applications, scholarships and more!

While it may only be the start of the year, Year 12 students will need to start thinking about researching, discussing and planning what they are going to do next year, considering the many pathways available.

Students planning on a university pathway, whether it be a Diploma, Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s course, will need to be aware of timelines, including when early applications open.

Australian National University is the first of the universities to open their direct applications on 1 March. Early applications for the University of Tasmania's School Recommendation Program opens at the end of June, with the mainland universities opening at the start of August.

Throughout the year there will be information sessions, workshops and visits from universities, to assist you to make informed choices and decisions about your university options and courses available. They will support you through the application process, entry requirements, prerequisites, scholarships and accommodation. 

Any Year 12 students who are interested in studying Medicine, Dentistry, or Clinical Science in 2025 will need to sit the UCAT test.

UCAT 2024

What is UCAT for?
The University Clinical Aptitude Test is the admissions test for entry into Medical, Dental and Clinical Science degree programmes in Australia.

What is the test format?
It is a two hour computer-based test containing 233 multiple choice questions across five separately timed subtests.

What is the cost of the test?
Tests are $325.00, with Concession costing $199.00.

Where/When do I sit the test?
You will sit the test at a test centre in Launceston between 1 July – 9 August 2024. Students sit the test the same year that they apply to university. They can sit the test once each year.

How do I get my results?
Results will be delivered to universities by early September.

Where can I find out more info?
The latest study tips, exam advice and free resources can be found at https://www.ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/practice-tests/

When can I register?
Registration and booking opens on 5 March and close on 17 May 2024.

For further information visit https://www.ucat.edu.au

UTAS will have a UCAT information session at the College for any interested students in April. This is a great opportunity for students to hear first-hand about the test, and how to prepare, from current UTAS Medical students.

UCAT - Free Webinar

Considering a Career in Medicine or Dentistry? Attend the Free webinar to hear all about UCAT, interviews, Medicine School applications and pathways into Medicine and Dentistry (for universities in Australia).

DATE: 20 February 2024, 7:00pm – 9:00pm (AEDT) 
COST:  Free

REGISTER HERE

https://www.nie.edu.au/ucat-free/free-ucat-information-sessions

Australian National University

Australian National University will be visiting St Patrick’s College on Thursday 7 March during lunch for any interested students.

KEY DATES

For further information visit: https://www.anu.edu.au/

2024 Year 12 Tasmania Police Career Development Program

Apply NOW for the Tasmania Police Career Development Program for 2024 July & October school holidays.*

Collect an application pack from Future Pathways

Requirements include:

• Résumé with passport size photo
• Handwritten document outlining why you should be selected for the course and why you want to be a Police Officer
• Letter of recommendation from a Teacher

*Please note: Limited Numbers 

Applications must be submitted into Future Pathways by Friday 21 March. 

Charli Ross competed in the Queensland Combined Events Championships over the Holidays. In very hot and humid conditions she came second in the Under 17 Women’s Heptathlon and was awarded a silver medal. Well done Charli!

By Mrs Janelle Mannion, Director of Pastoral Care - Middle School

A big shout out to all our awesome Middle School students. We have loved the positive and calm way in which you have begun 2024. To all our superstar Year 7 students, well done! You have conquered the lockers, found your way to each of your classes and are navigating life at St Patrick's College. Hopefully all those nerves are subsiding and you are beginning to realise how much you are welcomed and valued here in your new school community.

To our superstar Year 8 students, thank you for the settled way you have transitioned in. It has been lovely to see you all again, and to walk the corridors seeing your smiles and the leadership that you are bringing to our Middle School so early in the year.

By Ms Leigh Hart, Head of School – Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick students have started the year running. This morning members of North Esk, Tamar, Meander, Yellowstars and Chocolate Lilies set off on their Tasman Peninsula camp, where students will be climbing Cape Hauy, visiting Port Arthur and Taking a ride on a Pennicott boat. 

Meanwhile, the remaining classes began their alternate camp program, which features a program lead by the Future Pathway team. This week, we were treated to a presentation by the College Captains and Vice Captains, where they shared their own experiences getting their first jobs.

Ms Rachael Holloway, Head of School – Senior School

St Patrick’s College Senior School students have had a busy but fantastic start to the school year. Last week Year 11 and 12 students started the school year together for the first time in many years. Students had an altered structure to the day in order to attend a single period of each of their classes. This enabled them to have a ‘taste’ of each subject and to receive course documents, before commencing content. If students felt a particular subject was not for them after all, they were able to make changes immediately, before any content had been covered in their new class. We have received extremely positive feedback from both students and staff about this first day structure.

Our Community Engagement team has spent considerable hours creating a ‘Senior School Community’ page on Schoolbox and ensuring a positive user experience. This is now a convenient and easy to navigate place to find all information regarding Senior School news and events. From the Senior School Community page there is a tile for Year 10 and Year 11 and 12 specific information. We thoroughly encourage all parents to familiarise themselves with these pages and to make it a habit to check them regularly. This will be the primary mode of disseminating information.

I could not be any more impressed with the manner in which the Senior School students have embraced the College’s Mobile Phone protocol. As I mentioned to the students in last week’s Senior School Assembly, this protocol brings the College in line with Government schools in all States, and aims to improve focus, learning, mental health and relationships. It has been so lovely to see students chatting and connecting with each other during breaks, and focussed during study lines.

This week saw us hold the Senior School Swimming Carnival. Pool availability meant we had to hold it earlier than we would have preferred, but it was wonderful to have a community-building event early in the year. In a slight change of program, the carnival commenced with novelty events, which encouraged many students to get involved. Students cheered enthusiastically and were very supportive of each other. Congratulations to the winning house, Mackillop.

In conjunction with our sister school in Omihachiman Japan, St Patrick’s College runs various exchange programmes each year for students studying Japanese. 

In 2024, St Patrick’s College will host 15 students from our sister school. The group will attend our school from the 22-29 March 2024. To facilitate this programme, we are currently seeking host families to take care of our friends from Japan. 

The host student is not required to be enrolled in Japanese, and Japanese language skills are not required as the Japanese students can speak some English. Please contact Minami Ivory at minami.ivory@stpatricks.tas.edu.au if you are interested.

By Mrs Kim McInnes, Deputy Principal – Administration & Community

Sports Uniform 

The St Patrick’s College sport uniform is worn for all PE lessons, as well as on Thursdays, when all students are permitted to be in PE clothes. It is also worn on carnival days and Reflection Days, and at other times designated by the College. The sport uniform consists of the College House polo top or Croagh Patrick polo (for Year 9 students only), shorts or tracksuit pants, white socks and lace-up sport shoes. Optional items are the College cap or bucket hat (for outdoor wear only), hoodie and softshell jacket. Note that the striped rugby top is no longer permitted to be worn as it is no longer a part of the College uniform.

The College representative polo top is only to be worn when representing the College in sporting and other events as determined by the

College. It is not to be worn as an alternative to the House polo. Please note that the current green rep polo is being phased out and will be replaced with the new co-curricular polo top (pictured on the right) by the start of 2026.

Sporting Opportunities

The College offers a wide variety of summer sporting opportunities. If your student would like to be involved please contact our sports coordinators, Harri O’Toole and Karl Michael, or the Person in Charge (PIC) for more information:

Co-curricular pursuits such as sport, music or cultural activities are a great way for everyone to stay healthy and connected to our community, so we encourage every student to participate in at least one of the many opportunities that the College offers. The full list of activities can be found on our website: https://www.stpatricks.tas.edu.au/student-life/co-curricular

When representing the College at any event, it is an expectation that students wear College uniform items only. The full uniform protocol can be found on our website here: https://www.stpatricks.tas.edu.au/student-life/uniform.

By Mr Karl Michael, Sports Coordinator

On Tuesday 13 February, we held the Senior School Swimming Carnival at the Launceston Aquatic Centre. It was a day full of colour and noise, and it was great to see a lot of house spirit and good sportsmanship on display, along with some impressive performances in the traditional events and plenty of fun in the novelty events.

We started the day with some novelty races, where we saw students took to the water on, in or under the inflatable boats, trying to race to the other side as quickly as possible, with varying success. The novelty races included Kickboards, Late for School, and Boats. 

In the end Tenison and MacKillop House tied for first place, with Rice House securing third place and Nagle House finishing fourth.

A special shout-out goes to the following students who did exceptionally well in the traditional events:

U/16s:
Elouise Frerk won all four individual events.
Lucas Jarman won three of four individual events.

U/17s:
Jack Cramp won all four individual events
Grace Foley and Elyse Campbell took out 1st and 2nd place in all events (Grace Foley finishing first in three events).

The Open Girls were dominated by Jasmine Axman-Friend, who secured three first places and came third in the last event. 

The Open Boys' first places were shared between Sam Dick, Khalen Matthews and Jack Clark. 

All students should be congratulated on their efforts, well done!

Congratulations to MacKillop House who won the 2024 House Cup, finishing the day with a total of 1499.5 points!

By Mr Luke McCormack, 1st XI Coach

Cricket – 1ST S XI

SATIS T20 Tournament – December 2023

Game 1: SPC 6 – 100 def HUT 7 – 98

Ethan Arnott 24

Game 2: MRC 8 – 57 lost to SPC 3 – 58

Max Symons 15no and 3-9

Game 3: SPC 3 – 159 def SOC 46

Ethan Arnott 87, Jack Crane 27 and 2-3, Thomas Chambers 4-9

Final: LCG 3 – 87 lost to SPC 0 – 88

Ethan Arnott 39no, Max Symons 32no

With the annual SATIS T20 competition in its fourth year we were very keen to go one step further than last year, where we lost in the final against Hutchins. Because of this, the first game was always going to be crucial in our quest to ‘top the pool’ and make the final. Batting first we only posted a total of 100, and when Hutchins were 1 – 77 with five overs remaining we needed a major fightback! In the sixteenth over we started this comeback with a brilliant outfield throw from Max Symons resulting in a run-out. In the eighteenth over a stumping, followed by over two run outs in the nineteenth. 

With six runs needed from Ethan Arnott’s last over, and still five wickets in hand, we were still second favourites. A diving outfield catch, again from Max, from the second ball, was crucial. Ethan gave them nothing to hit and with our fourth run out, on the final ball, an incredible victory was ours by two runs. 

That afternoon we chased down Marist’s score in the ninth over. The next morning we ventured to Scotch’s refurbished oval for a comprehensive win, led by Ethan Arnott’s 87 runs as he opened the batting in the absence of our skipper, Thomas Dwyer. Tom was travelling to play in the U19 National Championships the next day, and frustratingly was instructed to rest and watch his team play. Our two frontline spinners, Thomas Chambers and Jack Crane, took six wickets combined in a sign of things to come against Scotch. Jack joined the College as a Year 11 student in 2024. Before he stepped foot into a classroom, he had already played 11 games of cricket for SPC – making and strengthening multiple friendships to set up this transition.

The Final was granted to our oval, affirming the quality of our pitch and outfield. Once again it was a comprehensive victory, chasing down Grammar’s total in the fourteenth over without losing a wicket. A welcomed inaugural T20 title for our 1ST S X1.

Australian Schools Cricket Challenge, Brisbane – January 2024

Game 1: SPC 8 – 113 lost to Ipswich Grammar 1 – 114

Max Symons 21, Riley Donlon 1-13

Game 2: SPC 8 – 122 def St. Patrick’s Shorncliffe 107

Max Symons 32, Jensen Smith 21, Thomas Chambers 3-12, Ethan Arnott 2-10, Hamish Bateman 2-12

Game 3: SPC 5 – 137 def Brisbane Boys College 101

Riley Donlon 51no, Thomas Chambers 3-23 (& direct hit run-out), Levi Springer 2-15, Ethan Arnott 2-16

Game 4: SPC 8 – 236 def Wesley College (Perth) 177

Riley Donlon 62 & 2-4, Beau Skinner 33, Jensen Smith 22, Darcy Kitchen 19, Oliver Viney 18

The squad were very excited as we departed for the Brisbane Tournament on Sunday 7 January. This tournament, hosted by Nudgee College in Brisbane, featured Colleges from all over Australia and New Zealand. The players were continuing a tradition, as we also attended the once named ‘Christian Brother’s Cricket Week’ in 1995, 2010, 2012 and 2014. Max Symons stepped up brilliantly as captain, with Thomas Dwyer again on national duties – this time as captain of the Tasmanian U17s. Wonderful recognition of Tom’s continued development as a leader and a cricketer.

On the field we performed very well, winning three of four games, including an incredible ‘fight-back’ victory in the third game, against Brisbane Boys College (BBC). In a slightly shortened game John Buchanan, former Australian cricket coach and current coach of BBC, attempted to chase down our score of 137 in their customary free-scoring manner. So much so that they were at one stage 2 – 52 from only five overs. What followed was extraordinary: brilliant catches from Jack Crane, Thomas Chambers and Hamish Bateman, an important bowling spell from Levi Springer, and a side-on, direct-hit run-out from Thomas Chambers. A St Patrick's College war-cry in the change-rooms was absorbed outside by 1981 SPC 1ST X1 and College Captain, Brian French, Max Symon’s great uncle. Now residing in Brisbane, Brian proudly spoke to the players about the impact the values he learnt at our College have impacted his life over the last four decades.

We were able to bat first in every game, ensuring that we got to mix up the batting order quite dramatically to give everyone an opportunity. Playing cricket, and even sleeping, in the humid conditions was an eye-opener. Luckily, we dodged the bigger showers of rain that cost some teams a game or two. We ended up finishing ninth out of the 20 Colleges in the top division. Tom Chambers was rightfully named in the Team of the Tournament after taking eight top-order wickets for very few runs in his three games.

Off the field this was a profound opportunity for these wonderful young men to take their level of connection and care for one another to a new level. Various team gatherings in our boarding house accommodation were opportunities to learn more about ourselves and others. We enjoyed a day at the beach at the iconic Noosa on the rest day, and in every way the players represented themselves with a strong sense of consideration, cooperation and courtesy.

SATIS Roster matches - 2024

Round 1: Wednesday 24 & Thursday 25 January 

SOC 103 & 35 lost to SPC 8 (decl) – 209 (outright win)

Thomas Dwyer 128, Max Symons 32, Thomas Chambers 4-11 & 2-0, Jack Crane 4-25 & 3-21, Ethan Arnott 2-1, Hamish Bateman 2-5

Round 2: Monday 29 & Tuesday 30 January

SPC 67 & 8 (decl) – 244 lost to HUT 154 & 6 – 119 (first innings loss)

Thomas Dwyer 26 & 112, Brock Whitchurch 30 & 3-31, Max Symons 26, Ethan Arnott 25, Cooper Kedey 20, Hamish Bateman 4-27, Jack Crane 2-33 & 2-51, Thomas Chambers 4-37

Round 3: Thursday 1 February 

SPC 8 – 217 def LCG 58

Max Symons 51, Ethan Arnott 42, Cooper Kedey 26, Jack Crane 3-18, Brock Whitchurch 2-6, Hamish Bateman 2-10

Round 4: Saturday 10 February 

SPC won on forfeit over GYC

After many games of cricket before school resumed, we now only have two rostered matches remaining. 

Earlier in the year we hosted New Zealand's Whanganui College two days prior to the start of the NSATIS roster matches. Although we lost narrowly, it was just what we needed to come back to both reality and the slower Tasmanian wickets after the peak experience in Brisbane.

In the two-day games we had a comprehensive outright win over Scotch – our first outright win since the two day roster matches began in 2021. This was followed by a loss on first innings to Hutchins in Hobart. We sent Scotch into bat and from 4-93 they lost quick wickets to be all out for 103. Thomas Dwyer and Max Symons took us past their total on day one with their 95 run partnership for the second wicket. On day two, Tom proudly brought up his first century for the College – only dismissed in the frantic overs prior to our declaration. With the best part of five hours remaining to dismiss Scotch a second time, we ended up needing less than half that time. Incredibly in their 3 innings against Scotch, (including the December T20 game) spinners Jack Crane and Thomas Chambers took a combined 19 wickets for only 69 runs.

The two-day game at Hutchins was unfortunately played on a very challenging pitch, as the team batting first were always going to find it tough to bat on a green wicket. We were sent into bat and were unfortunately dismissed for 67. Even though we had them 6-77, they recovered to be 7-153 overnight. We were determined to attempt a miraculous comeback on day two to take the outright points.

Step One = quickly dismissing the remaining three batsman, as time left in the game was the main limiting factor – 13 balls into the morning and Hamish Bateman had taken the last three wickets for one run.

Step Two = score runs quickly to get a big enough lead to have time to bowl them out – 244 runs were scored in only 55 overs, with Tom Dwyer brilliantly scoring a run-a-ball century (his second in successive games). The wicket was now a batting paradise.

Step Three = take 10 wickets, having given them a chance to chase down the required 157 to win outright themselves – and with the score at 0-67 it looked like their win was likely. However, the brilliant attitude of our players to simply keep giving their best and never give in paid off as we took six wickets for only 40 runs. At 6-107 Hutchins rightfully blocked out the final six overs. A brave effort from our team – in a game that might be looked back upon as even more important than our outright win in the first game.

Inexplicably our Round 4 game at home against Guilford Young College was won on forfeit. The first time that this has happened for our College in the history of 1ST XI cricket.

We look forward, with great anticipation, to our final two roster matches:

Saturday 17 February: v. GYC (Hobart)

Saturday 2 March: v LCG (SPC)

Written By Paul Smith - PIC Tennis 

1st Boys 4 - 2 Win over SOC
A good win from both double combinations of Owen Millar and Thomas Chambers, and the two pairing of Beau Skinner and Max Symons. Some impressive tennis from all the players in their single matches with Beau and Tom taking wins. A good comeback from Brock Whitchurch, while Owen was very impressive in his match.

2nds Boys 1-5 Loss to LCGS
A solid team performance with Oscar McGee chalking up a first-up win. Others to play on the night were Thomas Allen, Henri Bergamin, Henry Hollingsworth, and Ethan Curwen. All started a little rusty, but worked into their games. 

The 1st Girls will commence on Monday 19 February, with the squad including Sarah Shepherd, Holly Miller, Natalia Byrne and Piper Van Emmerik. 

We also look forward to seeing Tyler Stacey, Hudson Young and Lachlan McInnes back in action soon too. 

By Mr Deon Birtwistle, Head of Rowing

2024 Launceston and Henley Regatta

We had a fantastic time at the Henley Regatta, scoring many top placements and taking home the win.

Results

18 First place

15 Second place

16 Third place

11 Fourth place

11 Fifth place

St Patrick's College was also lucky enough to be awarded the Roger Fowler Trophy. The Roger Fowler Trophy is awarded to the school with the most points earnt in all races for Year 7 -10. Points are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in all races. Finals and Division One races received the most points, and subsequent divisions received half points. This year it was extremely close and wasn't decided until the last race of the day.

Finishing Scores - Roger Fowler Trophy

St Patrick's - 217

Scotch Oakburn - 212

Launceston Grammar - 212