Welcome to Term 3

By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal
This term certainly started with added anticipation and excitement as we were able to fully utilise our amazing new, innovative teaching, learning and community centre. The sheer joy that was evident for both students and staff was immeasurable. After nearly three years of navigating the perimeter of the College, our campus is now fully connected and accessible to all.
I think a highlight for students and staff is definitely ‘The Ballygriffin Cafe’, closely linked to our Nano Nagle Gym; Ballygriffin in County Cork, Ireland, is the birthplace of Nano Nagle, the founder of the Presentation Sisters and one of the most influential figures in Irish education and social justice. It makes sense that Nagle Rochester now have made their home in the rooms surrounding the Ballygriffin Cafe. “Deeds not Words”; words associated with the way Nano Nagle worked is a cornerstone of how we want our students to be.
In coming weeks, we are excited to be announcing the name of the centre and look forward to inviting members of our community to tour the new space, once the final outside works are completed. We plan to officially open the centre at the end of Term 3.
It is important to acknowledge the work done by Curtis and Liam from CMK Architects, the work by Luke, Ash, Mitch and Dave form Beardwood Construction and especially from Kris Eade, our Director of Facilities and Karen Cole, our Business Manager, for the amazing project that has now been presented to us.
I also wish to acknowledge the patience of our staff and students - undergoing any sort of construction work within a school creates many challenges and our community have dealt with it extremely well - as well as walking many extra steps over the last period of time.
SCHOLARSHIPS
MARTIN LYALL SCHOLARSHIPS - YEAR 10 AND YEAR 11 STUDENTS 2025
The Martin-Lyall Scholarship arose from the generosity of the late Mrs Rosemary Gleeson-West, in memory of her parents, Mr Athol Winton Martin (25 March 1900 – 20 August 1978) and Mrs Maida Kathleen Lyall (30 March 1912 – 11 March 2001), both of whom lived and worked in Tasmania.
Sadly, Mrs Gleeson-West passed away in 2016, however, it was her wish to continue the scholarship via her Estate. Mrs Gleeson-West had a great affinity for both the Tasmanian and St Patrick's College communities and her generosity will always be remembered.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Martin-Lyall Scholarship and students in Year 10 and 11 are strongly encouraged to apply. Two students from both year groups will be awarded the scholarship, which is a contribution valued at 50% of the net annual tuition fee applied to their account at St Patrick’s College for one school year.
To submit an application, students must address two questions:
1. How do they intend to contribute to the wellbeing of the state of Tasmania as an adult?
2. How do they demonstrate their involvement in community activities at St Patrick's College and within the wider community, and indicate how they are willing to participate in Year 11 or Year 12?
Applicants are encouraged to consider a wide range of community activities and examples may include working for the environment and assisting others in sport or cultural activities.
I invite parents to encourage their children to take advantage of this opportunity and apply. If you have any questions regarding the Martin-Lyall Scholarship, please direct these to Ms Sally Cunliffe - Senior Executive Assistant via email to scunliffe@stpatricks.tas.edu.au
THOMAS BOURKE SCHOLARSHIP
The Thomas Bourke Scholarship is awarded to two Year 7 students each year who have demonstrated academic excellence throughout Semester 1, NAPLAN Data and Pat Data.
Thomas Bourke was a significant contributor to St Patrick's College in its early years. His deep love for the College led him to leave a substantial part of his estate to support future generations — a legacy that continues today.
The 2025 recipients of the Thomas Bourke Scholarship are Maddison Bullock (NR8, 7D) and Imogen Anthony (MM7, 7B). Congratulations to both Maddison and Imogen.
We look forward to a fantastic term of learning, sport, culture and making connections with one another.