By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

Thank you to all our parents/guardians and students for preparing so well for the start of the school year. Our start has been very smooth and the feel around the College has been positive, affirming, kind, respectful and caring.

A very warm welcome to the 2026 College year to you all. Welcome to our returning students, families and staff and a special welcome to our new students, families and staff.

Over the past weeks, we have welcomed new staff - nine new Teachers, eight new Teacher Assistants and a new Cafe Assistant. We have a few roles still to fill, but are fully staffed and ready for an excellent year.

We have welcomed 31 new students across Years 8 -12 and 308 new Year 7 students; this represents an additional 28 students to our past intake. We are proud that we have been able to offer an extra 28 young people and their families the opportunity to join this thriving community. Along with our staff and students, we are of course welcoming many new families. I hope that each new community member feels welcome and is open to embracing membership of our St Patrick’s College community.

COMMUNICATION

A significant factor in students having a great year is ensuring that school and home are in a positive relationship and that everyone knows what is going on. Can I encourage each and every one of you to ensure that you can access Schoolbox and your student's relevant pages, that you read all communications from the school and that you work with your children to ensure they are meeting our expectations. I encourage you to ensure that your children are at school each day (unless they are unwell or for other appropriate reasons).

Every day of learning matters and being a part of our community means exactly that, every day - carnivals, retreats, camps, reflection days, excursions and full classroom days.

If attendance is, or becomes, an issue for your student please reach out to your student's Tutor teacher or Home group teacher (Croagh) in the first instance so that we can provide support.

Please keep communication open between home and school so that together we can work to ensure your student has a great year. Our staff are fully committed to ensuring our students have the opportunity to be the best they can be. You can contact staff through Schoolbox when you need to touch base with them.

We absolutely value the wellbeing of all our staff and ask that you be mindful of their right to disconnect and allow them to enjoy their own family and personal time outside College hours. Staff will read and respond to emails and queries between 8:30am and 5:00pm only. Please always allow 24-48 hours for staff to respond to your enquiries.

If your child will be absent or will be in the incorrect uniform on any day, please use the notification links on your Schoolbox dashboard. You can also access the relevant links on the College Contact Page on our website, however, please do not use the Contact Form to notify of absence or uniform variation. 

If you need help accessing your Parent/Guardian Portal on Schoolbox, access the Schoolbox Help page via the website in the first instance, or call the Front Office (6341 9988) if further assistance is required. 

POLICIES AND PROTOCOLS

As a Catholic Education Tasmania (CET) School, we operate under the policies of CET and under the protocols of our College. All CET policies, the CET Feedback Portal,  and St Patrick’s College protocols can be viewed on our webpage, also accessible through Schoolbox. I encourage you to view these documents and we seek your support in ensuring that students meet our expectations. Protocols of particular importance at the start of the year include our Uniform Protocol, our Attendance Protocol and our Mobile Phone and Other Devices Protocol. We thank you for supporting your student/s in meeting the expectations outlined.

ACADEMIC ASSEMBLY

Yesterday, we gathered for the first time as a College community to celebrate the academic success of our 2025 Year 12s and to congratulate our 2025 Year 11 students who achieved excellent results. This assembly was an opportunity to celebrate our 2025 Year 12 students, in particular the 25 students who achieved an ATAR of 90+ and Outstanding Achievement in VET (Vocational Education).

Congratulations in particular to our College Dux from 2025 Sebastian Johnston. Sebastian addressed students at the assembly, inspiring us to do our best. Congratulations also to Meg Rickerby and Emily Reardon who, along with Sebastian, were in the Top 100 students in Tasmania. A huge congratulations also to Alissa Brimfield who was awarded an Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for 2025 for her VET Achievements.

Yesterday also gave us the opportunity to acknowledge our summer sports captains for tennis, basketball, rowing and cricket.

Congratulations to:

• Cricket Captain: Cooper Kedey

• Tennis Captains: Lachlan McInnes and Josephine Chambers

• Basketball Captains: Samuel Percival, Jasmine Graham and Olivia Gardner

• Rowing Captains: Isaac Pietsch and Madeline Hogarth

ARE YOU A VOLUNTEER AT ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE OR INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?

In order to volunteer at the College, you must have a valid WWVP Card and complete a short safety briefing that can be obtained from our Front Office. This includes all volunteering, such as coaching a sports team. If you don’t already have a Volunteer WWVP, you can apply by accessing this link: WWVP Application Process.

COLLEGE ADVISORY BOARD

We are currently seeking three new members to join our College Advisory Board for 2026 and are interested in community members with varied experiences and interests. The commitment is 6 - 7 meetings per year, held on a Thursday evening during term time.

If you think that you may be interested in joining our College Advisory Board, please email principal@stpatricks.tas.edu.au for further information regarding the application process.

ROWING AND CRICKET

The co-curricular programs at St Patrick’s College are such an important part of our College. I am always grateful to our wonderful staff and volunteers who commit so much of their time to allow these programs to run. Rowing and cricket are two of our co-curricular programs where the commitment from our staff and our volunteer coaches and helpers is a mammoth undertaking.

Rowing and cricket are both well and truly in their seasons.

Our First XI Cricketers have already played three rounds of the SATIS Roster and travelled to Ballarat for the Breach Cup, a long standing tradition between St Patrick’s Ballarat and St Patrick’s College Launceston. Our team is doing extremely well having so far won all their matches.

The rowing season is well and truly underway with several regattas already completed and the coming weeks very busy, with many trips to Barrington. Last weekend was the annual Henley on Tamar, and it was great to see so many of our rowers out on the Tamar River representing the College and doing so well.

For the last two seasons, Mr Adam Symons has been our Head of Rowing and Boat Master. Adam has done a superb job in managing the shed, maintaining our equipment, organising entries, training, organising crews and coaches and running our program in an exemplary manner. We are sad to advise that at the end of the 2025/2026 Rowing Season, Adam will step down from this position. We will soon be advertising to fill this role, so please keep an eye out if you are interested.

We are extremely grateful to Adam for the work he has done in this space and I know our entire rowing community is thankful for his excellent work. Thank you Adam!

BISHOP ELECT MARK FREEMAN

As a College we are extremely proud that Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr Mark Freeman, Old Collegian of St Patrick’s College, former St Patrick’s College Board Member and College Chaplain as the ninth Bishop of Ballarat.

We pray for Bishop Elect Mark as he begins his new ministry and we wish him every blessing.

Thank you for choosing St Patrick’s College. Enjoy the weekend!

By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Deputy Principal - Learning and Achievement

Welcome

The school year has begun with a wonderful sense of energy across the College. Classrooms and corridors are alive with conversation, curiosity and connection, as students settle into routines, reconnect with friends, and begin shaping the year ahead.

Academic Assembly: Celebrating Academic Achievement

On Thursday 12 February, the College community gathered at the first College Assembly for the year, to commend and recognise the exceptional academic achievements of some of our Senior students in 2025. We were particularly delighted to celebrate these achievements with the families of 2025 graduates who achieved exceptional TASC results at the end of 2025.

We were thrilled to announce that MacKillop House was again awarded the prestigious House of Learning Excellence Award for the outstanding academic achievements of the 2025 academic year. This accolade is a testament to the collective dedication, hard work, and commitment to academic excellence exhibited by members of MacKillop.

Amongst our current Year 12 students, there were many members of the year group who achieved outstanding results in their Year 11 year of study in 2025. We recognised them for their academic success and presented them with an Academic Excellence Certificate.

In 2025, 190 students graduated. 126 students achieved an ATAR. From the 2025 College graduates 25 students received an ATAR score of 90 or more which is outstanding. These students were presented with a St Patrick’s College academic excellence medal.

There were three students in the top 100 in Tasmania:

• Sebastian Johnston

• Meg Rickerby

• Emily Reardon

The College Dux in 2025 was Sebastian Johnston with a TE Score of 115.8 and an ATAR of 99.45. ​​He addressed the College community at this assembly, imparting some inspirational words of wisdom for our students to aspire to for academic excellence. ​​

Alissa Brimfield was also awarded an Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for 2025. This was formally celebrated at Government House in January.

Assessment and Reporting

The College continues to provide continuous online feedback on assessment tasks, Mid-Year and End of Year reports via Schoolbox. Student Attitude and Application to Learning will continue to be provided each term on Schoolbox.

Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews

Similar to last year, Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews for both Term 1 and Term 2 will be held at the end of each respective term.

Key Dates:

• Term 1 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews: Wednesday 15 April

• Term 2 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews: Wednesday 8 July

Details on how to book your Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews will be communicated closer to the scheduled dates.

After School Tutoring

After School Tutoring is available for all students at the College. Due to a change in Staff Meeting nights, we have changed the After School Tutoring day from Tuesday to Wednesday this year. It will continue to be offered on two evenings per week.

Senior School - ERC (R10 Eng/HASS, S6 Maths/Science), Wednesday and Thursdays

Croagh Patrick - (English, HASS, Maths, Science), Wednesday (can join MS/SS tutoring on Thursdays)

Middle School - Library (English, HASS, Maths, Science), Wednesday and Thursdays

By Mr Cameron Ivory - Head of School - Middle School

The start of a school year is always a special moment, but there was a unique magic in the air this week as we welcomed our Year 7s to their very first day, and our Year 8s back as the leaders of our Middle School.

To our students and their families: we are so glad you are here. Whether you are feeling a rush of excitement or a few quiet nerves, please know that you belong here and we are walking this journey right beside you.

To our Year 7s: You Hold the Pen

The beginning of your time at our College isn’t just about finding your way to class; it’s about the start of your unique story. We often hear that school is where you "find yourself," but we like to think of it as the place where you create who you want to be. As you start this chapter, we encourage you to:

Be Brave & Curious: Try the club you’ve never heard of and say hello to someone new.

Live our Values: You’ll hear us talk about Participate, Learn, and Respect. These aren't just school rules; they are the ways we look after one another and grow together.

Find Your People: Your teachers, mentors, and peers are here to be your support system. In the moments between classes, look for ways to be kind and include others - a small gesture can change someone's whole day.

To our Year 8s: A Fresh Start & A Kind Heart

Welcome back! You’ve navigated the "new kid" phase and found your rhythm. This year, you step into a beautiful role as the leaders of the Middle School. Somewhere in the corridors, there is a Year 7 student looking to you for a cue on how to belong. By showing them kindness and respect, you have the power to make our school a place where everyone feels safe, valued and welcomed.

The Beauty of a Clean Slate: If Year 7 felt like a struggle or a series of "oops" moments, please hear this: The past does not define you. This year is a fresh start. We don’t ask for perfection; we simply ask that you strive to be a little better than you were yesterday.

Caring for our Community: We follow our expectations not just because they are rules, but because they are the ways we show we value each other. When we choose respect, we ensure that every student has the space to learn and feel at home.

We know that growing up involves making mistakes - that’s how we learn! At St Patrick’s College, you have a whole team of staff ready to help you rise whenever you stumble.

Let’s make 2026 a year where we don't just count the days, but we make the days count by being kind, staying curious, and supporting one another every step of the way.

Welcome back and have a great 2026!

By Madeline Hogarth and Isaac Pietsch (Rowing Captains) 

Over the weekend of 7 and 8 February, St Patrick's College rowers competed in the Launceston & Henley Regatta on the Tamar River. It was a fabulous weekend with lots of fun, excitement, and good competition. St Patrick’s College came out with multiple trophies and lots of smiling rowers. With a special mention to the Senior rowers for winning the senior aggregate shield and the Year 9 Girls for winning a trifecta in the singles. This was a great weekend with warm weather and calm water: perfect racing conditions. Thank you to Mr Adam Symons and all of the coaches for helping the regatta flow and getting our crews organised.

Trophy winners: 

Senior Boys Coxed Four: Isaac Pietsch, Jasper Twitchett, Sam Dettmer, Lachie Tonelly (cox: Will Symons) 

Senior Boys Coxed Quad: Lachie Tonelly, Sam Dettmer, Isaac Pietsch, Jasper Twichett (cox: Will Symons) 

Senior Girls Double: Ava Bucknell, Maddie Hogarth 

Year 10 Girls Double: Morgan Butler, Gabbi Tonelly 

Year 10 Girls Single: Gabbi Tonelly 

Year 9 Girls Coxed Quad: Amelia Bristow, Siea Harper, Jade Newstead, Eleanor Pietsch (cox: Ella Farquhar)

Year 9 Girls Double: Siea Harper, Eleanor Pietsch 

Year 9 Girls Single: Eleanor Pietsch 

Year 8 Boys Single: Dane Furlonge

By Miss Kendyl Emr-Scott - Head of Education Outdoors

Our Year 9 Tasman Peninsula camp is fast approaching. Parents/carers of Year 9 students should have received a Schoolbox alert last Friday with two links. One link will provide you with all the Year 9 camp information and the other will take you to the camp consent and medical forms. These forms need to be completed and submitted ASAP as the first week of camp is only one week away. Forms must be submitted by Friday 20 February at the latest. If you have already submitted these forms, thank you and please disregard.

Year 8 camp is coming up later in the term. Students will be travelling to a variety of locations depending on their house groups. The camp runs over three days (two nights) and will take place in Week 8. You should expect consent and medical forms to be sent out a couple of weeks prior. More information will be available later in the term.

We're looking forward to the year of camps ahead. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our camps team. You can contact us via email at camps@stpatricks.tas.edu.au.

Congratulations to Bray, who attended the 2026 Mitre National Futsal Championships in January on the Gold Coast for the Football Tasmania State Team.

Photographers from Leading Image will be at the College in Week 3 on

Monday 16 February :

• Periods 1&2 - Year 7
• Periods 3&4 - Years 11&12 (Line 1)
• Periods 5&6 - Year 10

Tuesday 17 February :

• Periods 1&2 – Year 8
• Periods 3&4 – Year 9

Monday 23 February - Catch up day

• Students must be in full school uniform for the ID photograph, and neatly presented as per the Uniform Protocol (see Uniform Expectations below).
• Students will attend during their designated class, accompanied by their teacher.
• Sibling photographs will be taken during Recess and Lunch time on both Monday and Tuesday.

UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS

Please note the following uniform expectations as per the recently updated Uniform Protocol.

• All students are to be neatly presented in formal school uniform (including blazer) at the time they are to be photographed.
• Hair should be well groomed and neatly cut with no extremes of colour or style. Long hair (to collar length) must be tied completely back using either a black or green hair tie. Bottle green and/or gold (Years 7-11) or white ribbons (Year 12 only) may be used to tie hair back. Combs or clips that match the hair colour are acceptable.
• Natural base foundation and natural eye makeup are permitted; however, heavy eye makeup, lipstick and nail polish must not be worn with the school uniform.
• Earrings no greater than 8mm in diameter (maximum). Gold or silver sleepers or studs or diamante or pearl earrings only*.
• No more than two ear piercings per ear are permitted. Facial piercings must not be worn to College. Students are permitted to wear non-visible retainers.
• Male students are expected to maintain a clean-shaven appearance. If a student arrives at school with facial hair, they will be asked to remove it under the guidance of staff and will be provided with the necessary tools. Students in Years 10-12 ONLY are permitted to have a neatly maintained moustache only.

*Students who wear earrings with pendants will be asked to remove them. Pins that aren’t College related will need to be temporarily removed from blazers.

ORDERING

Individual orders

• Parents can order photos using one access key - 5LRX6NZJ - which provides access to the St Patrick’s College ordering portal.
• The ordering key will remain valid until the photos go to print. As the print date relies on a number of factors, we recommend ordering your photos by the end of February.

Family/sibling orders

• Parents must place these orders online by 4:30pm the day before Photo Day. After this time, online ordering closes.

By Ms Fiona Mowat - Instrumental Music Coordinator

Piano players are wanted for both the Senior Jazz Ensemble and Stage Band. Must be able to sight-read, and be of at least a Grade 5 standard. Performances include: concerts, recordings and more. State and Interstate travel opportunities await successful applicants. Entry to the program is by audition and strict terms and conditions apply.

Please contact Ms Mowat for more details and to apply: fmowat@stpatricks.tas.edu.au

By Miss Jessica Young - Teacher

As we closed out another wonderful year in 2025, the Writer’s Society once again invited students from across the school to take on our annual short-fiction challenge. Writers were asked to bring the prompt “The park glows after rain” to life in 300 words or fewer. The entries were rich with atmosphere, creativity, and striking visual detail.

Thank you to every student who entered—your imagination and effort were a joy to read.

Among the many strong pieces, Tayah Lange’s work rose to the top. Congratulations to Tayah. Please enjoy her story.

The Park Glows After Rain

The rain had just stopped at Greenvale Park not too long ago, leaving the scent of wet grass and misty air. As I walked down the pathway, I noticed how the puddles sat on the sides of the path. My name is Lyla, and I come to the same park here in Greenvale every day now that my mum has passed. It was her favourite spot, and I remember coming here for the first time. Which soon led to coming here all the time with her to watch the sunset align itself perfectly in between the two trees in front of the bench where my mum had carved her name into it when she was little. She always used to mention how special the place was to her and how it helped her recover from the loss of her best friend in middle school.

Tonight was different, though. I usually feel Mum's presence somewhere in the park with me most of the time, either at the entrance, the swings, or even at the spots where you can look at the big flower garden. Although tonight I could feel her presence as if she was right next to me, giggling about how Dad cooked the spaghetti in the funny-looking pot he painted in 8th grade, instead of the normal store-bought pots that Mum had bought from the grocery store. Dad and I both miss her deeply, so much that we haven’t brought ourselves to clean out her art room at home.

As I walked further down the path towards her bench, I looked around at the ground and realised how the water droplets on the grass reflected the light from the upcoming sunset, making the wet grass look like a galaxy filled with stars. It reminded me of Mum, always shining, encouraging others when they felt down and most importantly, how she fought through her most painful moments from her cancer while telling everyone that she was perfectly fine.

As the sunset aligned itself, and the wet grass glistened, I whispered to myself,

“You’re here with me, mum, I know you are.”

By Mrs Minami Ivory - Japanese Teacher

As part of our exchange program with our sister school, Omi Brotherhood School in Japan, a group of 14 students and two teachers will visit Tasmania from 15-22 March. We are looking for host families to host students aged between 13 and 15. 

Hosting an exchange student will provide a great opportunity to meet someone from overseas and it's such a rewarding experience. If interested, please fill in this Google Form.

If you have any questions please contact the exchange coordinator, Minami Ivory minami.ivory@stpatricks.tas.edu.au

Click here to read the latest Parish Bulletin.