By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

At St Patrick’s College, our value of Catholic Identity means putting Jesus at the heart of our words and actions. We show kindness, include others, and look for ways to serve, just as Jesus taught us. Through prayer, liturgy, and caring for one another, we live our faith every day.

Week 3 of this term was Catholic Education Week and this was an opportunity for us to really celebrate our value of Catholic Identity. Three events allowed opportunities for growth, celebration, listening, research and discernment.

CELEBRATING

Approximately 50 of our students attended the Catholic Education Week Mass with students from the Northern Catholic Schools. This Mass was a celebration of who we are as Catholic Schools and what makes us unique and special. In his final week as Archbishop of Tasmania, Archbishop Porteous spoke to the students about Jesus always loving them - no matter what - and that Jesus will always be by their side. “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Our students as always participated in Mass by involvement in the procession, reading, singing and responding.

The Catholic Education Week Awards each year are an opportunity to celebrate the amazing staff and friends of Catholic Education who support our students, to have the amazing opportunities they have, to become the best version of themselves.

This year five of our staff were recognised for their Service to Catholic Education. Matthew McGee, Stephen Boag, Karen Dennis, Maria Bassett and Adrian Viney have each given 25 years of dedicated, professional, kind, caring, compassionate and innovative service to students. We appreciate each of them and are grateful for what they have contributed to St Patrick's College and to Catholic Education Tasmania.

Thank you and congratulations to Matthew, Stephen, Karen, Maria and Adrian!

Fiona Mowat (Fizz) received an award for Outstanding Service to Catholic Education as an Employee. Any of you who have had students involved in our Instrumental Program would know of the work that Fizz does in supporting our students and those in the Launceston Catholic Primary Schools to participate in an incredible Music Program and to each grow in confidence as they master their instrument. Only recently Fizz took our Drumline away to the Nationals where they placed 2nd in the Test Item and 3rd in their Choice Item in Australia.

Thank you and congratulations Fizz!

If you would like to read about any of our staff celebrated here, visit this link to find out more about them and why they do what they do.

Last week, our College was privileged to host The Man of the Shroud display, an exhibition exploring the history, science, and spiritual significance of the Shroud of Turin. The display offered our students a meaningful opportunity to engage with one of the most intriguing relics in Christian tradition, deepening their appreciation of our Catholic Identity and its rich heritage. At the same time, students were encouraged to explore the information presented, ask questions, and form their own thoughtful conclusions. This balance of faith and inquiry reflects our commitment to fostering both spiritual growth and critical thinking in our learning community.

Thank you so much to our Directory of Catholic Identity and Mission - Mr Adrian Viney for his work alongside Leanne Pritchard and Martin Tobin from Catholic Education Tasmania.

This week, our College Captains Fletcher Crosswell and Georgia Millwood along with myself attended the Installation of Archbishop Tony Ireland and were also lucky enough to be invited to meet him during the Mass. It was exciting to see Year 11 student Mitchell Campbell altar serve for this special occasion. We look forward to Archbishop Ireland working with our Catholic Schools over this next period.

Archbishop Tony said as part of his Sermon: “I would like to be a bishop for the people, I would like to serve the people, I would like to come and love the people and I would like to be a faithful ambassador for Christ”. He mentioned the importance of “People over programs, accompaniment over instruction, presence over efficiency, joy over anxiety” and he said, “joy, friends, is magnetic".

We look forward to the leadership of Archbishop Tony Ireland.

By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Deputy Principal - Learning and Achievement

As part of our ongoing Insight Into Learning professional development journey, our teachers commenced a CET led program called System Sprints at the start of Term 3. Based on the work of education expert Dr Simon Breakspear, System Sprints supports teachers to apply research-based, high impact teaching strategies in practical and sustainable ways.

This next phase of our commitment to excellent teaching practice involves teachers practicing strategies in manageable cycles, reflecting on their impact, and adjusting their teaching accordingly. Like professionals in any field, teachers benefit from regular feedback and refinement of their skills. We look forward to our students reaping the benefits of this continued commitment to excellence.

By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Deputy Principal - Learning and Achievement

Senior School: Planning Your Future Pathway & Subject Selections for 2026

Year 10 Students

Year 10 Futures Days: Year 10 students participated in a Futures Day on Thursday, 3 July last term. The day provided students with an opportunity to gather information and make informed decisions regarding school subjects and future careers in preparation for Year 11 subject selections. Information on the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) was detailed, and students were provided with an opportunity to hear from all faculty areas. Students were also fortunate enough to hear from a panel of students who discussed their subject selections and pathways and were offered an opportunity to engage with an interactive mini expo which included industry representatives, the University of Tasmania and practical demonstrations of our VET faculty. We hope students found the day valuable and informative as they make their subject selections in the coming weeks.

Year 10 Pathway Planning Interviews: Year 10 students together with their parents/guardians will be invited to make an appointment to attend a Year 10 Pathway Planning interview in the coming weeks. These interviews provide an opportunity to discuss career options and possible pathways, give a more detailed and personalised explanation of the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) and Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and advise on how each student can optimise their subject choices, including Year 11/12 TASC subjects/Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses/Australian School based Apprenticeships (ASbAs) opportunities. These interviews are held in the first three weeks of Term 3 prior to subject selections for 2026 occurring in Week 4. These interviews are highly advantageous and recommended for all students/parents/guardians, as they provide families with guidance based on your child’s teacher recommendations, interests and future aspirations. Parents/guardians will receive more information before the end of term about booking an interview time. The interviews are held between 2:00pm-5:30pm on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Interviews will be available with the following staff members:

• Jodie White: Future Pathways Coordinator/Careers Advisor

• Shayne Russell: Careers Advisor

• Luke Westcombe: Careers Advisor

• Ryan Wiese: Director of Year 10

• Kate Rockliffe: Director of Curriculum - Senior School

• Rachael Holloway: Head of School - Senior School

• Lindsey Hills: Deputy Principal: Learning and Achievement

• Kirsten Christie-Johnston: Inclusive Learning Coordinator Year 10

• Rachel Scott: EAL Learning Leader

Students who would like to book an appointment time during school hours and are unable to be accompanied by their parents/guardians may do so through any of the abovementioned staff members, or can see Mrs Nicole Cullen who is located near the Front Office.

Year 11 Students

Subject Selections for Year 12 & Pathway Planning:

Year 11 students and parents/guardians will also be invited to make an appointment to attend a Pathway Planning interview, either with their child after school or, for Year 11 students, on their own during the school day. These interviews are designed for Year 11 students who need some support and guidance to assist them with their subject selections for Year 12.

The interviews are held between 2pm-5:30pm on Wednesday afternoons in Weeks 2-3 of Term 3. Interviews will be available with the following staff members:

• Jodie White: Future Pathways Coordinator/Careers Advisor

• Kate Rockliffe: Director of Curriculum - Senior School

• Lindsey Hills: Deputy Principal: Learning and Achievement

• Rachael Holloway: Head of School - Senior School

Year 11 students may also book in to see any of our Careers Advisors outside of these times as usual. They can do so in person (Future Pathways are located in the Library) or by emailing careers@stpatricks.tas.edu.au.

Subject Information Evenings:
In Week 4 of Term 3, the College will be holding Subject Information Evenings to assist students in making informed subject selections for 2026. It is highly recommended that all students and parents/guardians attend to ensure students select the most appropriate subjects to study next year. This is a wonderful opportunity to speak to subject teachers and Heads of Learning about subject offerings and future pathways.

• Senior School Subject Information Evening - Tuesday, 12 August in the Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) from 4pm-6:30pm

• Croagh Patrick - Thursday, 14 August at Croagh Patrick from 3:45pm-6pm

• Middle School Subject Information Evenings - Thursday, 14 August in the Tenison Woods Centre (Middle School area) from 3:45pm-6pm

Updated Subject Selection Guides are available on Schoolbox.

By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Deputy Principal - Learning and Achievement

We can now confirm that Friday 5 September will be a student free day for Year 12 students only, in recognition of their completion of LIU the night before.

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

Mainland University Application Information 2025

To apply to mainland universities, you need to apply in the state where you want to go to university.

For mainland university applications, you need to go through a Tertiary Admissions Centre for each state and make an account before you apply. There are one off application fees for each Tertiary Admissions Centre which vary from each state.

Applying in more states can INCREASE your chances of getting a place, because you can nominate the maximum number of preferences in each state. This is particularly important if you are considering a competitive course, like medicine or law.

*MAIN ENTRY dates - standard admission reliant on ATAR

EARLY ENTRY dates - check with individual universities regarding available Early Entry Programs

You will need the following information to create an account:

• USI - Government requirement that all students planning to study at university or VET programs need a USI: https://www.usi.gov.au
• TASC ID – required for all university applications
• Personal email account – do not use your SPC email for applications as it expires at the end of the year

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Early Entry or School Recommendation Programs

• Check with individual universities regarding available Early Entry and School Recommendation Programs
• Check prerequisites and entry requirements - they all differ from each university; some offer direct applications, while others require Tertiary Admissions Centre registration

Apply for SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) - eligible for Tasmanian Students

SEAS adjusts your ATAR in recognition of circumstances that may have affected your education. This gives you a better chance of getting an offer for the course you want.

NOTE: All schools in Tasmania are located in regional or remote areas (SEAS Category 1) based on the Australian Statistical Geography Standard - Remoteness Areas.

You may be eligible if you satisfy the criteria for one or more of the SEAS categories:

• Category 1: Personal Information

Indigenous Australian
Born in a non-English-speaking country and moved to Australia after 1 January 2015
Live in a low socio-economic area
Attend a school in a regional or remote location
First in family to attend university
Aged 21 or older on 1 January 2025

• Category 2: Financial Disadvantage
• Category 3: Disability or Medical Condition
• Category 4: Difficult Circumstances

Experienced difficult personal circumstances
Being a refugee or asylum seeker

Applications for SEAS are made through the Tertiary Admissions Centre for each state.

Resources

The Good Universities Guide - https://www.gooduniversitiesgu...

Course Seeker - https://www.courseseeker.edu.au/

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

2025 University Open Days

2025 University Early Entry

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

Tasmania Football Club is proud to announce the expansion of the Tasmania Academy of Leadership and Sport (TALS) to Launceston in 2026, a significant milestone in the Club’s commitment to education and career development opportunities across the state.

Designed to create real-world career pathways for young Tasmanians, the Academy offers a unique blend of classroom learning and industry immersion, tailored specifically to careers in the sports sector.

Delivered in partnership with TasTAFE (RTO 60142) and supported by AFL Tasmania, Tasmania JackJumpers, Cricket Tasmania, and Netball Tasmania, the program is already kicking goals with 55 students participating in the inaugural 12-month diploma program.

Now, with strong demand and growing interest from across the state, TALS will launch a second campus in Launceston from February 2026.

The Launceston campus will provide students with the opportunity to study a nationally recognised TasTAFE Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) and Diploma of Sport (SIS50321).

The course provides direct links to professional clubs and sporting bodies, over 100-hours of structured placement, and regular masterclasses with leading figures in sport and business.

Graduates will also be eligible for direct entry and academic credit into select University of Tasmania degrees.

Expressions of interest for the 2026 program can be made via www.tasacademy.com.au

Tasmania Academy of Leadership and Sport

Information Sessions – Launceston

Register for one of our upcoming information sessions to learn more about how you can study at the Tasmania Academy of Leadership and Sport.

Dates:
Wednesday, August 20
Wednesday, September 10

Times:
5:30pm - 6:30pm

Venue:
Player Room, Carlton Draught Stand, UTAS Stadium
(Enter via Gate 1)

RSVP

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

Senior School Subject Information Night
Tuesday 12 August, 4:00pm – 7:00pm

The Future Pathways team will be available at the Senior Subject Information Night to answer any questions or discuss subjects, pathways or options post Year 12. In attendance will be UTAS, UTAS HAP Team to discuss the Year 12 UTAS High Achieve Program, along with TasBGAS to chat about the Australian School based Apprenticeships available to students in Years 10, 11 and 12.

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

Apply now at www.hydro.com.au/apprentices

Apply today and be part of a future that powers  communities. https://www.tasnetworks.com.au/Careers/Apprentice-Program

For bookings: https://communityportal.stpatr...

The Co-Curricular Arts Team (Mr Rice, Ms Neeling & Miss Fawcett) are delighted to invite you to the Co-Curricular Arts Showcase on Tuesday 23 September 2025, held in the Arts Area at St Patrick’s College. This showcase will feature a variety of visual, mixed media and performance art created by our talented students in the schools Drama and Art Clubs.

Please join us as we celebrate their creative achievements.

RSVP by Monday 16 September to your child's respective club leader.

Dear St Patrick's Community,

I am thrilled to announce that this term, St Patricks welcomes a new exchange student, 16-year-old Lientje Fischhold from Germany. Lientje will be with us for 12 months as part of the Youth Exchange program of Rotary International. During her stay, Lientje will experience our beautiful Launceston while being hosted by four different families, arranged through Rotary.

The idea behind this exchange is to expose Lientje to a full calendar year, embracing all four seasons, our cycle of cultural events, and the Australian way of life. This immersion is invaluable, as it involves learning a second language and developing diplomatic skills that will benefit her in later life and employment. Exchange students from Europe are typically very proficient in English, so we anticipate a smooth transition for her.

We kindly ask everyone to make Lientje feel welcome and supported during her time here.

Additionally, St Patricks is considering hosting a second exchange student, a boy from France named Remi Belpeer. Rotary is currently seeking three to four families (who do not have to be Rotarians) to host Remi. Hosting an exchange student offers the unique rewards of adding a new older sister or brother to your family. The dynamic created is both fun and educational, fostering lifelong friendships for both families and individual school friends.

If you are interested in hosting Remi, please contact Rotarian Andrew Lovitt on 0418 128 158. You can also visit the exchange student section of the Rotary website for more information. We will likely arrange an interest meeting to provide more in-depth details and answer any questions you may have, including how outbound exchange opportunities work.

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm in making these exchange programs a success.

Andrew Lovitt