By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

Service

One of our core College values is ‘Social Justice’. This is where we grow in awareness and respond to the needs of others in a spirit of service. The service of our students has been especially evident over recent weeks. Our Year 12 students have completed Lap It Up where they committed to either run, swim or ride over a 24-hour period to raise awareness and funds for both international and local agencies. 

Our Year 10 Ascent students have been busy working in the local community with our Confirmation Candidates from our local Parish, and also today with Year 6 students from our Catholic feeder schools.

These acts of service are ways that our students  are putting their faith into action through building relationships, in giving  and by showing compassion to others.

Difficult Conversations

Growing up, I didn’t have access to my friends and associates at the click of a button.  As one of four children I had to wait my turn to use the phone if I wanted to connect with friends. 

Our young people today are fortunate in so many ways with the technology that they have at their fingertips. With this advantage also comes many challenges for them and for us as their parents/guardians and teachers.

Many young people deal with forms of online bullying and image-based abuse and are challenged by balancing their time spent online. Being as these issues are often unrelated to school directly, some parents/guardians believe that these conversations surrounding their child’s online behaviour are not relevant to them. However, when online behaviours affect the wellbeing of our students and their learning, it does become a school concern within our community.

I am challenged by some young people's ability to be unkind, uncaring, mean and nasty. I worry about the ‘digital footprint’ that these young people are creating for themselves.

I, like many of you, celebrate the many young people within our College who are kind, caring and compassionate - in person and online.  These students are responsible, accepting of others, dignified and use the online space in a positive way to lift themselves and their friends up.

Today I hope to encourage impactful conversations within our community. The eSafety Commission website is an excellent resource with many brilliant articles around cyberbullying, image-based abuse, illegal and restricted content, balancing time online, how to be an up stander, the use of online chats and how to report inappropriate behaviours and content. 

As a College, we are continuously working to educate our young people in this space. We know that many of our parents and guardians work hard on this at home, as well as our young people. I wonder how many of you might be able to find some time to sit down and have some conversations about online behaviour - about what is ok, what is not, and what is illegal. Ask some difficult questions, challenge each other, and make some agreements about how social media can be best used.

‘Tagged photos, blog posts and social media interactions will all shape how you are perceived by others, now and in the future.’ – eSafety Commissioner

We all have a responsibility in this space - let’s work together to support each and every one of our young people to be the best person that they can be.

Mrs Liz Illingworth

Principal

By Ms Kate Rockliffe, Director of Catholic Identity & Mission and Head of Learning - Religious Education (Yrs 11-12)

“Be a gift of love and compassion for one another.” - Mary MacKillop

Founders’ Day is a key event at St Patrick’s College, whereby we all engage in servant leadership, fundraising and awareness. The money raised on Founders’ Day, and through our raffle, is always directed towards one of our founding orders, providing funds that support their continued work. In 2022, we raised $11,329.90.

This year, our awareness and fundraising efforts are focused on the values of social justice and subsidiarity in the spirit of our nominated Founder for 2023, Saint Mary MacKillop. Mary MacKillop was determined to use education to overcome poverty and prejudice in her own lifetime, working tirelessly to provide education to all regardless of background. Through our fundraising efforts on Founders’ Day, we can continue to build on Mary’s extraordinary legacy.

In Week 4, students were led by the Year 12s in participating in a reflective activity in their Tutor groups, encouraging them to think about the gifts they have received in life, and what gifts they can share to help others. 

The key to this activity was a video produced by student, Jasper Wolfe, where a number of student and staff were interviewed by student, Paige Arnold, about teachers who had made a positive impact on them, academically or personally. 

You can view the video here: Founders' Day video. This activity culminated in a prayer space in the Chapel, created by the entire school. 

Founders’ Day Raffle

This year's Founders' Day Giant raffle is now live. You can purchase tickets via this link here.

This is one of our biggest fundraisers for the year, and money raised from the Giant Raffle and Founders’ Day activities will support the Mary MacKillop Today's Literacy and Teacher Training Program in Timor Leste (60%), Vinnies (10%), Eddie Rice Camps (10%), Strike it Out (10%), and Magnolia Place/Karinya (10%). This split ensures the funds contribute to the House charities as well as our chosen charity for 2023. 

Every raffle ticket brought contributes significantly to these organisations, which in turn will provide assistance to individuals, communities, and environmental issues both now and into the future. 

The Giant raffle relies on the support of our St Patrick’s College community - we are encouraging St Patrick’s College families, staff and the wider community to purchase raffle tickets. Please share the link with your family and friends to give them an opportunity to win a fantastic selection of prizes. Tickets start at 5 for $5 and can only be purchased by those 18 and over.

The raffle closes on Friday, 29 September at 2:45pm, and will be drawn at St Patrick’s College following our Founders’ Day activities. 

We know that we can beat last year’s fundraising efforts with your support!

Founders’ Day (Friday 29 September)

On Founders’ Day, students wear their PE uniform to school, with festivities beginning at lunchtime. In Tutor groups, students will lead, organise and run stalls selling a variety of foods as well as a range of games, activities and challenges. Students will also enjoy a range of College musical acts in an outdoor Live Aid Concert. At 2:30pm students will assemble in the Nano Nagle Gym for the drawing of the raffle.

Through participation in these activities, students and families are raising not just money, but also awareness of social justice and subsidiarity. With your support, we can help Mary MacKillop Today deliver educational programs to some of the most marginalised communities in the hardest-to-reach areas of Timor-Leste. Ultimately, our fundraising will help transform a cycle of poverty into a cycle of hope.

The Season of Creation

Prophet Amos cries out: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24) and so we are called to join the river of justice and peace, to take up climate and ecological justice, and to speak out with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity. 

The Season of Creation is an annual Christian celebration, from September 1 to October 4. It is an opportunity for the Christian family to unite for this worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common call to care for creation. We are co-creatures and part of all that God has made. Our wellbeing is interwoven with the wellbeing of the Earth.

This year, the theme is Let Justice and Peace Flow, in response to the growing climate crisis. As Christians, we are encouraged to put pressure on those who hold positions of power to act justly, to pray for climate justice and take action by sharing prayers with COP28 negotiators and political leaders. 

Pope Francis has urged us to “put pressure on [our] governments to make honest, just and righteous decisions in global forums and to fulfill financial commitments to loss and damage and to biodiversity [and to] encourage them to reach binding global agreements that eliminate the use of fossil fuels and achieve a fair and equitable energy transition.”

How can you participate?

Year 11 RE Indigenous Spiritualities

Our Year 11 Project Implementation/Study Line RE students have been exploring Aboriginal Spiritualities. As a foundational activity, students from a number of classes engaged with the work of Aboriginal artists, and their representations of spirituality. Using this artwork as inspiration, students created their own lino prints that explore their individual spirituality. 

A number of classes were also visited by guest speaker Brad Taylor from Reconciliation Tasmania, who helped to answer questions about the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum. Reconciliation Tasmania, while supporting the Voice to Parliament, is dedicated to educating Tasmanians and assisting them to make an informed choice about their vote. The visit allowed students to ask basic questions about the referendum process and address some of the concerns that have been voiced in the general public.  

Vinnies Cooking

As part of the Outreach program, our Year 11 Exploring Issues class and a number of keen Year 11 House Committee students have been working hard in the school kitchens to create hundreds of lemon slices for the Vinnies Soup Van. Many generous staff donated lemons for the cause. Please enjoy the recipe our students followed below, so you too can make it within your own home.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 100g butter
• 2 cups biscuit crumbs
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind

Lemon icing

• 1 + 3/4 cups pure icing sugar
• 20g butter, softened
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Grease a 3cm deep, 15.5cm × 25cm (base) slab pan or square foil container. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above edges of pan.
2. Place condensed milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until smooth and combined. Remove from heat.
3. In a medium bowl mix together biscuit crumbs, coconut and lemon rind. Stir to combine. Add hot butter mixture. Mix well to combine.
4. Press mixture over the base of prepared pan. Cover. Refrigerate until firm.
5. Mix together icing ingredients and spread over base.

By Mrs Belinda Chapman, Retreat & Reflection Day Coordinator

All Year 7 classes recently participated in their first Reflection Day. Classes spent the day together at Prospect Park Sports Centre engaging in a variety of reflective activities. Being their first reflection day at St Patrick’s College, students were introduced to reflection, stillness, journaling, meditation, personal reflection and deep listening as varying ways to slow down and notice.  

They also engaged with games, stories, activities and group sharing to connect with their own unique story. This year, the Year 7 Reflection Days focused on the College value of Endeavour and Excellence as their theme. Students reflected on their potential to become their best selves and live life to the fullest. 

Using the image of the acorn which has the potential to become a whole forest of oak trees, students were encouraged to discover their gift to the world - what brings joy to them, and to the world around them. 

Youth Group

Looking for something fun to do on a Thursday night? Come along to Youth Group for some music, sport, adventures, social work, good conversations, faith and just a fantastic time together. Run by Fr Chatty, sessions occur on the second and fourth Thursday evenings during term time. 

Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Location: St Ailbe's Hall, 46 Margaret Street

Open for all young people from Years 5 to 12, come give it a try!

Young Adults Group

Run by Fr Chatty, Young Adults Group sessions run every second and fourth Sunday at 12:00pm, at the Pastoral Centre. 

For further enquiries, please contact Fr Chatty on 0469 661 578

Click Here to read the full Parish Bulletin

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

Tasmanian Building Group Apprenticeship Scheme – TasBGAS  

Since 2019, St Patrick's College has supported the the Building Futures School Based Traineeship Program as delivered by the Tasmanian Building Group (TasBGAS). The apprenticeship scheme helps to create numerous opportunities for entry level training within the building and construction industry.

TasBGAS Apprenticeship Scheme
The goal of the program is to assist students to achieve their career goal of obtaining an apprenticeship, while also providing the building and construction industry with high quality, skilled potential apprentices for their business. The program is undergoing significant improvements and expansion in 2023 and beyond.

To date, this program has had a higher than 60% succession rate, with participants moving into full time apprenticeships within their chosen trade.

A vital part of the program is sourcing small and medium-sized businesses to provide work placements and to take on an apprentice.

TasBGAS is the employer and registered training organisation (RTO) of successful applicants, and provides mentoring support throughout the traineeship. This ensures consistent management of the program and students. Trainees get paid to complete their Certificate II in Construction from Year 11, which  involves training in 15 units across a two year time frame and includes a minimum of 10 weeks on the job working and training per year.

The School Based Apprenticeship in Certificate II in Construction is completed as part of a student's normal study timetable. Students can expect:

• Work placement for a minimum of 10 weeks across the school year, which is completed in blocks of time each Term. This supports the trainee being able to experience the full end-to-end process of different parts of a building project.
• All training materials, textbooks and personal protective equipment provided.
• An earnt wage throughout their participation in the program.
• Training in the Certificate II in Construction completed by the TasBGAS RTO 60035 on-site with some classroom based sessions. TasBGAS trainers also visit the College to support students in their study lines.

Applications are now open for 2024 and must include a resume and a brief video to allow students to introduce themselves. Applications close October 6 2023.

If you would like further information, please contact Kane Sanders via k.sanders@tasbgas.com.au or Ms White, in Future Pathways via jodie.white@stpatricks.tas.edu.au

Year 12 UTAS SRP APPLICATIONS – APPLY NOW

Last week, 109 Year 12 students received guaranteed UTAS offers for study in 2024, with more students to receive offers at the end of September when Round Two admissions conclude. Applications are still open until October 6, and we strongly encourage Year 12 students to take advantage of this program.

Open Days

UTAS OPEN DAY - Launceston

UTAS Open Days are a great way to explore campuses and get a taste of life at the University of Tasmania. The events are packed with exciting hands-on activities, demonstrations, delicious food, live music and more. It’s also a great opportunity to hear all about the courses available, career pathways, accommodation, scholarships, social clubs, and sporting teams directly from their expert students and teaching staff.

UTAS will offer a free shuttle bus to drop attendees off at other specialised education centres such as the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in Newnham on the day. 

Date: Sunday 1 October
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Inveresk Campus

If you would like to attend an Open Day, please register your interest here.

OPEN DAY - Jane Franklin Hall Residential College – Hobart

Enrolments are now open on their website https://jane.edu.au/

2024 Jane Franklin Hall Scholarships Now Open

Jane Franklin Hall wishes to advise they now have three new scholarships on offer for 2024. With a combined value of $100,000 the new scholarships are:

Scholarship in Health Sciences: Worth $15,000 for three years, equaling $45,000 

Dr Karla Fenton OAM Scholarship in Medicine: Worth $15,000 for three years, equaling $45, 000

Marcus Freeman Scholarship in Business: Worth $10,000 for one year

All three are open to all Australian residents and are provided as a remission of fees.

On top of that, they have increased the amount for the Jane Community Scholarships from $9,000 per year to $10,000 per year for up to three years, equaling $30,000. This will be awarded for 2024 to two Tasmanian Year 12 students.

Information as well as application forms are available on their website at https://jane.edu.au/fees-scholarships/scholarships/  

Mainland University Applications Now Open For 2023

To apply to mainland universities, you need to apply in the state where you want to go to university – NOT in the state where you live. 

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

The good news is that 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’re considering a competitive course, like medicine or law.

Mainland School Recommendations/Early Offers – Apply directly to universities BUT you are still required to create an account at specific University Admissions Centres for each state. Check prerequisites, entry requirements and closing dates as they all differ. 

Resources – The Good Universities Guide, The Good Careers Guide and Course Seeker

QUT Advice Night – Tuesday 12 September

Current Year 12 students and their parents/guardians are invited to join Queensland University of Technology (QUT) online to discover the five essentials of getting into QUT in 2024.

Find out more about:

• Entry requirements
• Year 12 early offer scheme (for Queensland Certificate of Education students only)
• Adjustment schemes
• Upgrading pathways
• Scholarships.

Attendees will also hear from real students about their uni experience and have a chance to ask questions about their courses, why they chose QUT, the QTAC process, and uni life.

Register now.

Rotary Club of Deloraine Tertiary Scholarship

By Ms Leigh Hart, Head of School – Croagh Patrick

Science Week
Last week, Croagh Patrick students celebrated Science Week with two very special events. Firstly, Mrs Hennessey-Batge’s Science Exploration students received a federal grant to work with Grade 4 Laminier students. They created a workshop titled 'Switch On! Switch Off!' which explored the causes and effects of electricity. All who participated in this activity had a fabulous time. 

The second event was our annual Science Challenge where all Home Groups competed for the converted trophy.  Students made towers, wind turbines, undertook a forensic investigation, and made cars powered by elastic bands. The 2023 trophy was awarded to South Esk, with Yellowstars and Masked Owls coming an equal second. Congratulations to all!

Outreach Program
Term 3 also sees the continuation of our Outreach Program. Not only do we have students helping make soup for the Vinnies Soup Van this term, but a small number of students are also working with Laminier students to help with their reading and motor skills or visiting dementia patients in aged care. Each of these programs are voluntary and students must maintain their class work in order to attend. I am always blown away at the way our students enjoy these programs and show their care and compassion for others in our community. 

By Mr Cameron Ivory, Head of Learning – Creative Arts

At the beginning of this term we welcomed back two artists to work with our talented students. 

In Week 2, we had Tasmanian Aboriginal artist, Allan Mansell, work with a number of students over three days. Students were asked to create a design which told a story about themselves and write an artist statement to explain their ideas & thoughts behind the work. These were then transferred to eco-friendly etching plates using a drypoint technique, from which each student created a small series of prints. These are in the process of being displayed in the Guilford Gallery at present. 

In Week 4, students from Years 9-12 worked with acclaimed musician and house guitarist for 'The Voice', Michael Dolce. Over the three days, students were involved in band mentoring, guitar masterclasses and recording sessions with Michael, much of which was put into action at last week's SPC Rock Challenge. 

These opportunities are such amazing experiences for our students. It gives them insight into creative arts industries, provides great learning experiences and allows them the chance to engage with artists who are both accomplished and inspiring. We look forward to welcoming Allan and Micheal back in the future. I'd like to congratulate the students for what they were able to achieve in this short period of time and also for the way they conducted themselves. Both Allan and Michael commented on how engaged and respectful our students were, with Michael recently contacting me to say, 

"I just want to say a big thank you for having me at St Patrick's College. It was truly fulfilling and inspiring to work with the students. They were respectful, attentive and talented."

For further information about our artists, please visit: michaeldolcemusic.com and blackantart.com.au

The College is currently developing classes for 2024. As part of the planning process, we ask that families notify the College if their child(ren), in Years 7-11, are not returning. This may be because they are transitioning to another educational institution or a workplace. This notification is required by Friday 22 September 2023. If notification is not received by this date, the 10-week late notification fee (as noted in the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment) will be imposed unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as students leaving for full-time employment. Waiving this late fee will be approved at the discretion of the Principal. 

Notification Form: https://stpatricks.co/3ODDrPT

A response is only required if your child is not returning to St Patrick’s College in 2023. The enrolment of students continuing at St Patrick’s College next year will be progressed automatically. We do, however, request you read the College’s Terms and Conditions of Enrolment and Student Health and Safety Agreement to ensure you remain familiar with these important documents. 

Please find the links to these documents below. 

Terms of Enrolment: https://stpatricks.co/3o2CRz1

Health and Safety Agreement: https://stpatricks.co/21HaSA

Uniform Protocol Update 

The Uniform Protocol has undergone slight changes. We recommend parents/guardians and students familiarise themselves with the updated Protocol to ensure standards are being adhered to. Please see the attached link below.

Uniform Protocol Link: https://stpatricks.co/UniformProtocol

Winter to Summer Uniform Transition

We are adding a transition period to change over from the winter uniform to the summer uniform. This will occur on Monday, September 4 (Week 7 of Term 3), and at this time, students may wear their summer or winter uniform. This can occur up until the end of Term 3 (Friday, September 29). At the start of Term 4, all students must be in full summer uniform. 

A reminder that the College blazer is to be worn to and from the College every day when in formal uniform, and that the soft-shell jacket is only to be worn with the PE uniform.

Green and Gold Striped Rugby Top Phase-out

The green and gold striped rugby top, formerly part of our uniform, has been permanently removed from the Uniform Store and is no longer considered part of our official uniform. Therefore, it is no longer available for purchase. With the phase-out period concluding by the year's end, students must not wear the rugby top starting from the beginning of the 2024 school year.

We want to inform all parents/guardians who have purchased the green and gold striped rugby top within the last six months that they are eligible to return the item for a full refund. This refund opportunity will remain valid until the end of this term. To qualify for the refund, proof of purchase must be presented along with the rugby top. The rugby top should be in near-new condition for the refund to be processed.

Floyd Luttrell, Ethan Chapple, Thomas Davie and Oscar Blyth will be representing Tasmania in the upcoming Basketball Club Championships in Victoria. They are taking responsibility for helping to fund the trip by organising a car wash in the Sacred Heart School Car Park.

We offer our congratulations and wish all students the best of luck!

On Tuesday, Our Middle School hosted Boys @ Work, whereby students and their significant male figures worked to make a number of furniture and garden items. 

Thanks to their wonderful efforts and hard work, the items are now available to be purchased. Examples of the furniture can be viewed via the images in the google form link here: https://stpatricks.co/45qXO9V

If you would like to purchase an item please fill out this form. Once you have placed your order, we will contact you to confirm the piece of furniture is available, arrange payment and pick up of your items.

If you have any questions regarding the furniture, please contact Mr Simon Austen on simon.austen@stpatricks.tas.edu.au or phone 03 6341 9988.

All proceeds of the sale will be donated to a men's mental health charity. Thank you for your support.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Movie Concert event has been postponed until further notice. 

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Keep an eye on our updates for the new event date. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you to our rescheduled Movie Concert.

Please find attached additional important information about Metro Tasmania’s timetable changes for St Patrick’s College at the start of term 4.  

By Mr Harri O'Toole, Sports Coordinator

Soccer

Senior Soccer – 1sts

Next week, both our Senior Soccer 1sts Girls and Boys teams will be playing in the semi-finals. The girls versus LCS here at SPC on the Wednesday 6 September. The Boys will also be playing at the College against SOC.

Senior Soccer – 2nds

This previous Wednesday's match was a fantastic hit out! In what was an entertaining game, SPC Gold beat SPC Green 4 - 3. The game was played in good spirits, with the score being locked at 3-3 for most of the second half. There were some brilliant passages of play in a well-rounded team performance. Both teams had good chances to win, but ultimately, SPC Gold scored with only minutes remaining, taking them through to next week's final.

SPC Gold will take on Grammar at Faulkner Park next Wednesday at 4:00pm.

Football

This week, our Year 8 Girls were defeated 2.6.18 to Grammar 3.3.21, who are currently undefeated and on top of the ladder.

Our Year 8 Boys won comfortably over Kings Meadows High and have now taken out all four of the top sides. They are now preparing themselves for a semi-final against a yet-to-be-confirmed team. Well done to Harry Blyth, who has kicked 37 goals over three matches (10, 15 and 12) - a very impressive feat!

Netball

NSATIS

Last week, the 1sts team had a successful match against LCS, winning 45-24 and securing the first spot on the ladder. They will play in the semi-final at the College against Marist, on Wednesday, September 6 at 3:00pm.

In the 2nds Girls' match, SPC Green came out on top with a 32-23 win against Gold. Although the game was closely contested, and Gold showed a strong comeback in the 4th quarter; it was Green who was victorious.

NHSSA

Last Saturday, two SPC versus SPC matches were played, with SPC Gold being awarded the win in both. The Year 7 Division 3 White team played LCS, being defeated 23:16.

Year 8 Division 1 Gold continued their unbeaten streak, beating LCS, 32:20 and securing their grand final entry with two more rounds to go.

SPC has great representation in all divisions, and watching our students grow in confidence, resilience, and teamwork is a real reward. Beyond the courts, they form friendships and show enthusiasm and commitment, which is a joy to see.

Hockey

The U/16 Boys and Girls Hockey finals are on tonight (September 1) at The Northern Hockey Centre, starting at 7:00pm. Please go along and support our teams if you can.

Volleyball

Our senior teams take on Marist at Marist this coming Monday, 4 September, and our Juniors have an SPC vs SPC clash!

Swimming

On Tuesday, September 5, we have our NSATIS swimming carnival at Launceston Aquatic Centre! Hopefully, in the next update, we are celebrating some success from our team!

By Mr Andrew Agardy, PIC Soccer

We find ourselves at the very busy crossroads of NSATIS, with Junior Soccer having just wrapped up for another year and NSATIS Senior Soccer in full swing, with finals appearances not too far away.

NSATIS Junior Soccer

SPC fielded four Junior Boys and one Junior Girls team for the 2023 NSATIS soccer season. The season was not without off-field challenges. Wash-outs, team absences, injuries and other commitments, some of our teams struggled due to lack of attendance. I would like to remind students the importance of being a part of a team and supporting each other throughout the entire season.

Our four boys teams had mixed success this year, but all of them deserve to be celebrated for seeing the season through and having a go. Launceston Grammar was again the team to beat.

SPC Gold, under the management of Mrs Hack and coached by Year 12 student Patrick Best, did not record any wins, but did however celebrate two draws with what was a good-natured and cohesive team.

SPC White, under the direction of Mr Paschek, enjoyed a win and a number of draws, ending the season mid-table.

SPC Red, coached by Mr Russell and assisted by Senior boys Prince Gautier Byamungu, Darcy Noone and Lucas Powell, did well to overcome both Scotch and one of the Grammar teams by big margins. Their consistency saw them face SPC Green in the semi-final, with SPC Green coming out on top.

SPC Green, coached by Mr Mountney, was extremely successful this season, reaching the NSATIS Final in a tense and difficult confrontation with the Launceston Grammar Black team last Friday. The scoreline of 9-1 did not reflect their hard work and determination throughout the game, and nonetheless they finished the season in a resilient fashion and a well-deserved second place.

Thank you and congratulations to all of our Year 7 and 8 Soccer players who represented SPC this year, for your efforts and dedication.

NSATIS Senior Soccer

SPC has fielded four senior teams this year. This included a Senior Boys 1sts team coached by Mr Schipper, a Senior Girls squad coached by Mr Agardy, and two Senior Boys 2nds teams, SPC Green coached by Mr Smith, and SPC Gold, coached by Mr Simons.

Under the confident leadership of our Boys Soccer Captain Noah Curtis, and Co-captains Campbell Young and Jack Woodland, the Senior Boys 1sts have had a great season so far, boasting an impressive record of five wins out of five matches. The highlights so far have been the team’s 5-0 win over Launceston Grammar, our traditional rival and winner of last year’s title. This highly talented and determined 1sts squad has demonstrated a great sense of cohesion and camaraderie throughout the season, and this really comes through in the way they play - combining flair and a bit of swagger with a tactically smart and physically imposing style of football. The Boys will face a yet to be determined opposition on September 6, and are keenly setting their sights on the Northern and State finals in the weeks to follow.

The Senior Girls had a confident start to the season with back-to-back solid wins against Scotch and LCS, in the same week. Under the leadership of Co-captains Kathleen Fuller and Estelle Tomkinson, and with a diverse and committed pool of players with great attitudes, the Senior Girls have trained well and consistently throughout the pre-season and continue to set their ambitions high. In round three, a slight setback in the form of a defeat by Launceston Grammar was redeemed in the following week with a comfortable win over Marist College. The girls maintain a comfortable second place on the ladder, just four points behind the leader, and look forward to a home semi-final against LCS on September 6, and beyond.

Our two Senior Boys 2nds teams have been busy with a total of six teams competing in NSATIS this year.

Comprised of players from Years 9 to 12, each of our 2nds teams draws week to week from pools of about 20 players, allowing some flexibility with regard to team selection and accommodating issues with availability. Both teams are lucky to be guided by two very experienced coaches. Mr Smith’s SPC Green has enjoyed great success, currently topping the ladder by the final round with four wins out of five matches played. Mr Simons’ SPC Gold has won two out of five matches along with one draw, leaving them in fourth place before their semi-final appearance against SPC Green, which was played on 30 August.

In what was a good-natured and competitive encounter, SPC Gold won the semi-final 4-3, with goals compliments of Brodie Matthews, Harry Costello and Rocco Nolan.

SPC Gold will face Grammar in the final this coming Wednesday, September 6.

I sincerely hope to report on some more success stories in the coming weeks!