Issue 13 | 30 August 2024 - St Patrick's College

By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

Luke 6:31 Treat others just as you want to be treated.

EMPATHY, KINDNESS, COMPASSION AND FORGIVENESS

In our busy lives, showing empathy, kindness, compassion and forgiveness is not always the natural reaction we have when things happen to us or around us. ‘Treat others just as you want to be treated’ is perhaps my favourite quote from the Gospels. It offers a really clear rule for us to all follow in our everyday communications and interactions with everyone we encounter.

This ‘rule’ is about fostering a culture of mutual respect and support. When we collectively commit to treating others with the same care we desire, we contribute to a more harmonious and connected community. Imagine our College, our local community, if we entered each encounter with this thought in mind, we all then contribute to an environment where each person feels valued and heard.

NAPLAN

Many of you may have heard about NAPLAN results in Tasmania through media channels. St Patrick’s College continues to have an absolute focus on academic excellence. Our 2024 NAPLAN results for the College continue to rank St Patrick’s College above similar Schools, above the Tasmanian mean, and in all but one area (the Year 9 Grammar and Punctuation), above the Australian mean. Although NAPLAN is ‘one test on one day’, it does allow us as a College to track how we are performing in the academic domain.

Parents/Guardians of students in Years 7 and 9 should have received the results for their child/ren.

ESAFETY COMMISSIONER

The eSafety Commissioner is an excellent resource to help students and parents/guardians navigate the online world. None of us are experts; however, many of us are impacted by things that occur in this space.

I encourage you to spend just ten minutes navigating this site (eSafety Commissioner) and to have a conversation with your young person about their use of online platforms. Are they being safe? Do they know how to report cyberbullying? Can they report inappropriate behaviour? Do they know what their digital footprint looks like? Do they know the law?

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.

As always, we thank our community, our students, our staff, and our families, for their ongoing and continued support and involvement in the life of the College. Let’s continue to work together as we navigate the remainder of the year with enthusiasm and dedication.

Have a great week!

By Mr Adrian Viney, Director of Catholic Identity & Mission

In Week 4 of this term, St Patrick's College was alive with activity as we celebrated Catholic Education Week with a series of special events that highlighted our commitment to faith and learning.

Adding a unique dimension to our celebrations in 2024 was the visit of an extraordinary exhibition on Eucharistic miracles. The exhibit offered a profound insight into the history and significance of these miraculous events, deepening our understanding of the Eucharist’s role in our faith. The display was both educational and spiritually enriching, inviting our students to contemplate the divine presence in the sacrament.

We were also honoured to host a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a contemporary young saint-to-be, known for his deep love of the Eucharist and his use of technology to spread the Good News. Blessed Carlo’s relic provided a tangible connection to his remarkable story and his call to live out our faith in the modern world. Students and staff alike were moved by the opportunity to reflect on his example and reach out as a community in prayer.

We joined with other Launceston Catholic schools in a beautiful Mass at Sacred Heart Church Newstead, which brought together our students, staff, and Catholic Education Tasmania employees in a powerful display of unity and devotion. The liturgy was a time for reflection and renewal, reminding us of the core values that underpin our Catholic education as well as a celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Catholic Education Week at St Patrick’s College was not only a celebration of our faith, but also a testament to the vibrant community that supports and nurtures our students. This was highlighted by a special Service Award received by our Head of Croagh Patrick, Leigh Hart. Leigh has been an outstanding contributor for over 25 years at SPC and thoroughly deserves this special recognition. We extend our congratulations to Leigh on receiving her award and express our gratitude for her dedicated care of our students and staff, as well as her leadership in the Arts, learning, and at Croagh Patrick during her time at our College.

The week culminated in the celebration of Rice Spirit Day. This annual event enables Rice House to express its house spirit and to continue the work of Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers. This year Rice is partnering with the Migrant Resource Centre. Rice students learnt about the work of the MRC through a Tutor group exploration before participating in two solidarity activities; Cups of Kindness and The Living Library. These activities allowed Rice students to build community, share stories and learn about the amazing humans in our community with lived experiences of migration.

We thank everyone who participated in and contributed to the success of Catholic Education Week 2024. As a community, we are filled with gratitude for the blessings we have received and are renewed in our commitment to living out our Catholic values every day.

+5

By Annaliese McNeair, Community & Media Captain

Our Year 12s are excited to announce our fast-approaching LAP IT UP 24-hour fundraiser, taking place next week on Thursday 5 September!

This vibrant event, organised entirely by our passionate students, promises the opportunity for our College community to put our Mission and Values into action by raising funds and awareness of the need to support others and how effort makes a significant and meaningful impact.

LAP IT UP XVI will be raising funds and awareness for four local organisations supported by our House groups: Landcare Tasmania, Magnolia Place Launceston Women's Shelter, Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania, and New Horizons Tasmania.

We look forward to the opportunity to continue to raise significant funds and awareness for those in need in our local community, through the generous sponsorship of individuals and businesses:

STUDENT SPONSORSHIP

Our Year 12s will be seeking sponsorship from family, friends, and community members to support the LAP IT UP event, which may be accepted in cash form or donated through our online donations portal, ‘Chuffed’. Sponsorship money is to be returned no later than 7:00pm, on Thursday 5 September.

BUSINESS ‘ONE HOUR’ SPONSORSHIP

The event also aims to have each of the 24 hours of LAP IT UP sponsored by a local business for a cost of $100.00. Business sponsorship makes a significant community service contribution to areas of need in our society, while also assisting St Patrick’s College in fulfilling its mission as a Catholic school. Business One Hour Sponsorship requests may be made via email to Mrs Norton-Smith at anortonsmith@stpatricks.tas.edu.au.

Finally, we invite all Year 12 parents and guardians to attend the final hour from 8:00am to 9:00am on Friday 6 September, and the following breakfast BBQ.

We thank our participants and sponsors in anticipation of their support of LAP IT UP XVI, and look forward to continuing this special event in 2024.

For further information or enquiries regarding LAP IT UP XVI, please contact Ms Holloway via email at rachael.holloway@stpatricks.tas.edu.au.

By Mr James McGoran, Head of Library and Information Services

The theme for Book Week this year was 'Reading is Magic'. We celebrated within the Library by asking our students two questions:

“What is magical about reading to you?” and “What book is magical to you, and why?”

We had some fabulous responses from the students as you can see below:

What is magical about reading to you?

"Books let you imagine a story and scenario in your head and imagine creative pictures."

"I’m so into another world I can see what I am reading."

"Because I get to be alone and act like I’m in the book."

"Seeing how people can build whole worlds and societies with only their imagination."

What book is magical to you, and why?

"A book that’s magical to me is Amulet because it’s good and it has magic in it."

"I love reading the Hunger games, Divergent and Maze runner. I love them because they are exciting."

"Any that fully immerse me in their worlds so I can forget real life."

"Good Girls Guide to Murder, because it’s so interesting."

+4

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

Northern Midlands Council 2024 Further Education Bursary Program

To be eligible for a bursary, applicants must:

Have a Northern Midlands home address
Be enrolled in Year 10
Intend to pursue further education or training (including apprenticeships) for at least two years post Year 10.

Applicants are assessed on economic need, their passion for pursuing a further education/training pathway, and their community and school achievements to date.

Five bursaries are offered, with each bursary being valued at $2000.00

Bursary Application form 2024

A hard copy can be requested by contacting the Council on ph 6397 7303.

Applications close 5:00pm Friday, 20 September 2024.

Alternatively, call into Future Pathways to collect an application form.

YEAR 12 UTAS SRP APPLICATIONS – APPLY NOW

UTAS OPEN DAYS

Launceston

Date: Sunday 22 September

Time: 10:00am-2:00pm

Where: Inveresk and AMC Campuses

Open Day is a great way to explore our campuses and get a taste of life at the University of Tasmania. It’s a great opportunity to hear all about our courses, course and career pathways, accommodation, scholarships, social clubs and sporting teams directly from the experts, students and teaching staff.

Our events are packed with exciting hands-on activities, demonstrations, great food, live music and more.

Register here

Hobart

Visit us at our Open Day 2024 events in Hobart. The perfect time to explore our campuses and discuss study options. Register here.

OPEN DAY - Jane Franklin Hall Residential College – Hobart

https://jane.edu.au/

Jane Franklin Scholarships 2025 - Now Open

Jane Franklin Hall scholarships for 2025 are now open!

This year we are pleased to offer over $160,000 in scholarships for new and returning residents.

Thanks to our donors, we are able to provide substantial support to individuals looking to join our College community.

Our scholarships are available across all areas of study. Find out more and apply today.

Apply now

Mainland University Applications

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 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 are considering a competitive course, like medicine or law.

Please consider the following for mainland university applications:

Mainland School Recommendations/Early Offers – You apply directly to universities BUT are still required to create an account at specific University Admissions Centre for each State.
Check prerequisites, entry requirements and closing dates as they all differ.
You will require a Unique Student Identifier (USI) – it is a National Government requirement that all students planning to study at university or VET programs need a USI: https://www.usi.gov.au.
You must have a TASC ID.
Use a personal email account – not St Patrick’s College email.

Further resources and help is available at The Good Universities Guide, The Good Careers Guide and Course Seeker.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

TIMBERLINK

GAFFNEY

Exciting Opportunity: 2025 Apprenticeships!

Ready to kickstart your career in agricultural mechanics? Our 2025 Apprenticeship Program is now open for applications!

Join us to gain hands-on experience, learn from industry experts, and lay the groundwork for a bright future in a thriving field. We’re searching for passionate and driven individuals eager to dive into the world of agricultural technology.

Apply Now!

Longford - https://www.aehgroup.net.au/.../2025-apprenticeship.../

Somerset - https://aehgroup.net.au/.../2025-apprenticeship.../

Don’t miss this chance to grow and succeed with us!

CRISP BROS. & HAYWARDS

VOS

ALA PARTNERS

Mrs Rachael Holloway, Head of School – Middle School

Ms Rachael Holloway, Head of School – Senior School

My apologies for this being my first newsletter piece for the term. We often speak of what a busy place St Patrick’s College is and my inability to find time to write is an indication of this.

We began the term with Pathway Planning Interviews for our Year 10 into Year 11 and Year 11 into Year 12 students. I cannot stress enough how important these interviews are for our students. The opportunity to have one to one conversations regarding subject selection and post-school pathways is invaluable. It also provides an opportunity for parents/guardians to gain an understanding of those acronyms: TASC, TCE and ATAR.

I begin these Pathway Planning conversations with the question, 'What are you passionate about?' or 'What are you interested in?'. Too often, I feel, we put a lot of pressure on students to know what they want to do post-school or direct them towards subjects ‘we’ think they should do. I prefer to talk to students about focusing on what they are interested in because these are the subjects they will succeed and do well in. Post-school options will flow from these interests.

These interviews then flow into our Subject Information Evening. This allows students and parents/guardians to have conversations with the teachers of specific subjects - to find out the real ‘nitty gritty’ of subjects students may be interested in or deciding between.

Thursday, 22 August saw us celebrate the Year 10 Social held at the Country Club. It was a wonderful evening, held in the Showroom. The students had a wonderful time dancing to the music provided by ‘DJ Summer’ (aka Year 12 student, Summer Alexander). A highlight was seeing nearly every student on the dance floor for the final three songs. I often speak of the sense of community at St Patrick’s College and these are the moments that highlight that.

One concern I have regarding the Year 10 Social is the opulence and expense that appear to have crept in. The Year 10 Social is exactly that, a Social. It is not a Ball, nor is it a Leavers’ Dinner. The dress code is ‘smart casual’. There is no need for suits, ties, evening dresses, high heels, spray tans, or fake nails. Or fancy arrival vehicles. This should be an evening spent in comfort with peers. Save the other stuff for the Senior College Ball, in Years 11 and 12.

Now in it’s 16th year, from 9:00am Thursday 5 September to 9:00am 6 September, our Year 12 students will be participating in Lap It Up. Students Run/Walk, Ride, and Swim/Row for 24 hours with the goal of raising $15 000 for our local House Charities: Magnolia Place, New Horizons, Migrant Resource Centre, and Landcare Tasmania.

St Patrick’s College community members can sponsor individual students by visiting the Chuffed page. If you own a business and would like to sponsor an hour for $100, please email Amanda Norton-Smith at anortonsmith@stpatricks.tas.edu.au and an invoice will be issued. Thank you to everyone who supports our students in our largest annual community and fundraising activity.

+5

By Paul Smith - Coach

This year the College has entered another team into the 1sts Soccer roster - we call it the emerging firsts! This is the first time this has occurred, but such is the depth of SPC soccer. Because of this depth in talent, it was important to ensure that the players are given opportunities to play in quality games against strong opponents, to further develop their skills and maintain competitive standards.

In the team we have Harry McGovern (Year 12) as Captain and Tlan (Year 12) as assistant coach this season. The squad consists of Thomas Allen (GK) and Tyler Scolyer (back up), Ryan Belsak, Harry McGovern, Hudson Young, Francis Suan Sian Muang, Fraser Mackenzie, Josh Billing, Toby Cheney, Kristian House, Campbell Targett, Lucas Shelton, Sachin Rai, Karun Rai, Phillip Suan Sian Muang, Sharin Shrestha, Fiseha Tesfalem Beyene, Amine Mahare and Philip Hringngen.

Our results in the front half of the season are:

V SBS 1-4 Loss

A good first up performance in terms of ball movement and gelling together. Harry McGovern and Thomas Allen worked tirelessly in defence.

V Leighlands 8-0 Win

An excellent performance and great combinations all over the ground. Quality work from Kristian House, Josh Billing and Toby Cheney in the midfield. With good finishing from Campbell Targett, Lucas Shelton, Sachin Rai. The defense was solid with Tyler in goal and Francis cutting out many attacks.

V Launceston Christian School 2-4 Loss

An improving performance despite the loss. Goals to Sachin and Karun. Solid work from Toby in midfield, Fraser, and Thomas down back.

V SOC 1-2 Loss

The best performance of the season to date. Despite the score, we played them off the park with many on-goal shots saved by their goal keeper. Karun again supplied the goal with a great long-range shot with the goal keeper off his line. The flow of ball movement was a treat to watch with Josh, Toby, and Lucas in midfield providing great chances for Karun and Campbell. Down-back Ryan Belsak made an awe-inspiring debut at right back/wing with solid defence and timely runs forward. Hudson Young’s performance at centre-back was equal to this. Playing as a quality player he worked hard to thwart SOCs efforts.