At the heart of our College is a deep commitment to Connection, Community, and Communication, and these aspects of St Patrick’s College are especially important as we approach the end of the year. Sharing connection with others in a caring and safe manner within our community is good for mental health and promotes communication amongst our young people.
For our students, and particularly our Year 12s who are preparing to conclude their journey with us, Connection, Community and Communication remind us of what truly matters. Connection keeps us grounded in relationships that have shaped our growth; Community surrounds us with support and shared purpose; and Communication allows us to celebrate achievements, express gratitude, and say our goodbyes well. As our Senior Students step into their next chapter, may they carry with them the strength of the connections they’ve made, the lessons learned through community, and the confidence to communicate with integrity and heart.
In the first week of the term we focused on ‘Wellbeing Week’. This was an opportunity for our students to focus on their wellbeing and on connecting with others within our community. The highlight was Bandanna Day on Friday 17 October, where Mackenzie, Carmen and Molly bravely had their hair cut to donate their hair, and Xavier and Nate boldly shaved their heads. Mr Wynand Nel shaved his head and beard, and Mr Dave Rae coloured his beard and hair, all to support the Cancer Council in their great cause. The highlight of the event was the 300 students who came and watched and cheered on their peers. For me these are the events that focus on building and growing Connection and Community, so thank you so much to our Student Wellbeing Committee and everyone who involved themselves in Wellbeing Week.
I encourage you all to keep looking for ways to connect with our community, because the benefits are immeasurable and definitely worthwhile.
Social Media Changes for Young People Under 16 - COMING SOON
By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal
From Wednesday 10 December 2025, many social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australians under 16 years of age create or keep an account. There is information on the E-SAFETY COMMISSIONER WEBSITE that will help you understand why, and how you can help your under 16 child through this change. This change will impact many of our young people, and helping them prepare for the changes is important.
A reminder to all families that our College is well supported by our Student Wellbeing and Support Services Team (SWSS). All students can self-refer to our SWSS Team or you can make a referral for them.
Other support services that are useful for our young people include:
Mental Health Helpline: 1800 332 388
Child Protection: 1800 001 219/ 03 6336 2376
Family Violence and Counselling Services: 1800 608 112/ 03 6339 2262
Youth Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Life Line: 13 11 14
Sane Australia: 1800 18 7263
We look forward to seeing all over this final term, and I am especially looking forward to our End of Year Mass and Year 12 Graduation on Thursday 11 December 2025 at the Silverdome, commencing at 6:30pm.
Bring Your Own Device to School – JB Hi-Fi Education Purchase Portal
By Mr Matthew McGee - Director of Digital Learning
TASC End of Year Examinations - Reminders
By Ms Kate Rockliffe - Curriculum Director - Senior School
End of Year written examinations for TASC Level 3/4 subjects commence on Monday 10 November and conclude on Thursday 20 November for Year 11/12 students (alongside a small number of Year 10 students undertaking a TASC subject). Links to the exam/performance/display/oral exam timetables can be found at the bottom of this article, along with other helpful links.
Morning Exams start at 9am (instructions from 8:45am).
Afternoon Exams start at 1:30pm (instructions from 1:15pm)
Study Week (SWOTVAC) is Monday 3 November - Friday 7 November. Students are permitted on campus to use the library for private or small group study and must sign in at Student Reception. Teachers may also be running tutoring sessions during their usual timetabled class time.
Student Reminders:
Students must arrive 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of their examination.
Students must bring their ‘pink slip’ (aka TASC Notice of Enrolment) with them to every exam. If they forget this or misplace it, they must see Ms Rockliffe or Mrs Cullen at least 20 minutes prior to their exam so it can be re-issued for them. Students were given their pink slips and exam instructions in Week 1 this term.
Students are required to be fully equipped with pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, calculators, etc, which are to be placed in a plastic zip-lock bag.
Students are not permitted to bring mobile phones or smartwatches, paper, notes, food or drinks (with the exception of an unmarked bottle of water, such as a clear, plastic, pop top, disposable bottle without the label), into the examination. A room will be available for students to leave a bag/their belongings for the duration of their examination.
Reasonable Adjustments: Students who have been approved for TASC reasonable adjustments will receive further information from Ms Rockliffe about the specifics of their exam schedule. Please note that the provision of extra time commences prior to the exam; students with this provision need to be at the College at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled start time, namely 8:15am for a morning exam and 12:45pm for an afternoon exam.
Illness/Emergency: If students are absent from their examination due to a significant illness, they are required to contact the College which will refer you to Ms Rockliffe (Curriculum Director - Senior School) to discuss this process. Students must visit their GP on the day of the examination (or no more than 7 days prior); the GP must complete the TASC Medical Certificate which is located on page 8 of the TASC exam booklet or on the TASC website here. If students are unable to attend their exam for any other reason, such as an accident or emergency, please inform the College and consult Ms Rockliffe and the TASC website/examination booklet for further instructions.
Congratulations to Chelsea for winning her national title at the BMX National Championships.
Congratulations to Maeve Kok-Connors in Year 9 who was awarded a place on the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize study trip to Europe in April of 2026.
Maeve, along with her family, attended the award ceremony on Saturday, 18 October and was presented with her certificate by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Gavin Pearce MHA and Minister for Education, Jo Palmer MLC.
Maave is one of 8 students to receive this award and is the only student from schools in Launceston.
The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize aims to educate Tasmanian students about the state’s rich military history, while ensuring the remembrance and understanding of World War I is passed on to new generations. As part of the Prize, Maeve will:
• Go on a 10-day Study Tour in April 2026 (incorporating Anzac Day).
• Visit the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
• Attend educational meetings held once a month in the lead up to the Study Tour (November 2025 to April 2026).
The Study Tour will travel to sites and landmarks of wartime in Belgium and France.
Frank MacDonald MM was born in Ulverstone in 1896. He was Tasmania’s last World War I veteran and the last of the 40th Infantry Battalion raised in WWI. He was responsible for repairing signal lines between battalion headquarters and trenches and received the Military Medal for working courageously under heavy fire. He also served in World War II and received the Legion of Honour in 1998. Frank MacDonald passed away on 23 August 2003 at the age of 107.
Congratulations to Molly Green for receiving the Australian Olympic Change-Maker Award. The Australian Olympic Change-Maker program recognises secondary students from around the country who demonstrate the Olympic spirit – friendship, sportsmanship and striving for excellence - both on and off the playing field, through leadership and driving positive change in their school and local communities.
Congratulations to Layla, who placed first in her Intermediate Ballet exam, competing against talented dancers from across the state as part of the Joan Burnett OAM Scholarship.
Congratulations to Darcy for winning gold at the National Olympic Weightlifting Championships in the U15 category and silver in U17s.
Congratulations to Evan Young, Finlay Jamieson and Noah Mervin for taking home medals in their respective categories.
Host Family Opportunities
By Mrs Minami Ivory - Japanese Teacher
Host and make friends with Japanese students
In conjunction with our sister school in Omihachiman Japan, St Patrick’s College runs various exchange programs each year for students studying Japanese. In 2026, St Patrick’s College will be hosting 14 students (4 male, 10 female) and two teachers from our sister school. The group will attend our school from 15 to 22 March 2026. In order to facilitate this program, we are currently seeking host families to take care of our friends from Japan.
Hosting a student from Japan is a rewarding experience, which allows both parties to learn much about one another’s cultures. Host students from St Patrick’s College will have the responsibility of ensuring that their student gets to school on time. Host students do not have to be studying Japanese to host.
Host families must be able to provide meals and shelter for their exchange student. Exchange students may share rooms with other family members however, they must be of the same gender. Information about exchange students will be passed on to families as it becomes available. The College endeavours to match our students with exchange students who have similar interests and who are from a similar age group.
If you would like to be involved in this program, please complete the form. This form must be completed by the parents or guardians. Parents are welcome to email me if they require any further information.
Any adults in a host family must obtain a WWVP card and show it to the school. Please send a photo of the card to Minami Ivory.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Future Pathways
Employment, Traineeships & University Information
By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator
TasTAFE Info Week
2026 Year 12 Tasmanian Police Career Development Program - OPEN
Year 11 students apply now for the . . .
2026 Year 12 Tasmania Police Career Development Program
Sunday 19 April - Friday 24 April
Sunday 12 July - Friday 17 July
Sunday 4 October - Friday 9 October
Collect an application pack from Future Pathways
Requirements include:
Résumé - including passport-size photo (use Schoolbox photo)
Teacher's letter of recommendation
Handwritten response as to why you want to participate
You must have your completed application into Future Pathways by
FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER
We are here to help!
An opportunity for a one-on-one session with us to help Year 12 students navigate through the maze of course enrolments or even just HECS and Student Amenities Fees applications. Come and visit us at Hobart, Launceston or the Cradle Coast on the selected dates, to officially enrol in your course and talk to us about any concerns you might have.
Applications have officially opened for the Hawthorn College of Sport Program in Launceston.
We’re thrilled to offer Tasmanian students the chance to study with Hawthorn Football Club starting in 2026! This marks a fantastic expansion of the Hawthorn College of Sport program into Launceston, supporting young Tasmanians aiming for careers in the sports industry.
The program delivers a Dual Diploma in:
SIS50321 Diploma of Sport
BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management
The program is run directly through Hawthorn Football Club. Students will be based at UTAS Stadium, our 25-year ‘home away from home,’ gaining hands-on experience within the club’s operations.
Each student completes 100 hours of work immersion across various business areas to explore diverse career pathways. Additionally, Launceston students will travel to Melbourne twice to attend Hawthorn home games and visit the new Kennedy Community Centre.
Douglas & Collins Lawyers 2026 Australian School-Based Traineeship: Certificate II in Workplace Skills
About Douglas & Collins Lawyers
Douglas & Collins Lawyers is a law firm based in Launceston since 1838. We pride ourselves on delivering down-to-earth, practical legal advice across a variety of areas of law, including Property Law and Conveyancing, Commercial Law, Wills, Estates and Succession, and Commercial and Estate Litigation. As a close-knit team of experienced lawyers and support staff, we’re committed to mentoring the next generation of legal and business professionals in a supportive, real-world environment.
Traineeship Details
2-year Australian School-Based Traineeship
Paid on-the-job training provided
Enrol in and complete a Certificate II in Workplace Skills
Career progression opportunities after completing the traineeship and Year 12
Two paid trial days offered to up to four applicants
Trial days held in December 2025 and January 2026
The Role
Step into the workplace while you finish Year 11 or 12. Spend two days each week gaining hands-on experience in our office and complete a nationally recognised Certificate II in Workplace Skills alongside your school studies to gain your TCE.
Why You’ll Love This Opportunity
Gain real-world skills in communication, teamwork, and digital literacy
Receive on-the-job mentoring from experienced professionals
Build your résumé with a nationally accredited qualification
Balance study and work with a structured, school-based schedule
What You’ll Learn
Professional workplace conduct and time management
Effective written and verbal communication techniques
Basic project support and administrative tasks
How to collaborate across teams using common business tools
Who We’re Looking For
Current Year 10 student keen to jump-start their career
Reliable, punctual, and eager to learn on the job
Strong communicator with a positive, can-do attitude
Motivated to balance schoolwork and workplace commitments
Duties Include
Front of House / Reception
Greeting clients and visitors to the office
Managing general office phone calls: forwarding, taking messages, and answering queries
Receiving and allocating documents to the appropriate team member
Firm Deliveries and Document Exchange
Daily delivery of documents to law firms and other offices in the Launceston CBD
Daily delivery of banking paperwork
Other courier tasks as requested
Legal Administration
Acting as a legal assistant: booking client appointments and assisting with legal administration (career development potential)
Office Administration
Assisting with stationery orders and other general duties as required (career development potential)
How to Apply
Send your résumé, a brief cover letter, and your most recent school report to
Ms White, Future Pathways Coordinator, at Jodie.White@stpatricks.tas.edu by Thursday 27 November.
Tell us why you’re excited about a career in business and how you, as an individual, would be a great fit for our team.
Beyond this Ad
Join Bec Wylie, Practice Manager, Douglas & Collins, and Molly Nolan, Douglas & Collins Trainee and current Year 11 St Patrick’s College student, at:
TRAINEESHIP INFORMATION SESSION Thursday 20 November Lunchtime – 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm The Chapel
Please email Ms White if you would like to attend the information session.
If you have any questions, please see Ms White in Future Pathways or email Jodie.White@stpatricks.tas.edu.au.
Resume and Cover Letter templates are on the Future Pathways Schoolbox page.
F.A.M.E Foley Industries is seeking a Sheet Metal Fabrication Apprentice to commence in 2026.
You will obtain a Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication.
F.A.M.E Foley Industries has been specialising in top-quality stainless steel and aluminium products and equipment for over 50 years.
Applicant must be
Enthusiastic
Team Player
Hard-working and willing to learn
Able to follow instructions
If you are interested, please email your application, consisting of a cover letter and resume, to:
On Wednesday, 22 October, the College Swim Team met bright and early at Cube Aqua for their annual awards breakfast. After devouring their cooked breakfast, the team celebrated their teammates' accomplishments as Mr McLaughlin and Mrs Steven presented the Age Champions and Runners-up with awards. Along with these honours, a few special awards were also given out.
The Swimming Excellence Award was presented to Olivia Hinds, who demonstrated sheer brilliance at both NSATIS and SATIS this year – even managing to break a 20-year College LC record previously held by Morgan Hawkins in the 50m breaststroke. Olivia's time of 35:04 might sit as a challenge to upcoming swimmers in the future.
The Swimming Commitment Award was presented to Aimee Morgan and Colby Crawford – two swimmers who showed exemplary commitment to training and agreed to step into races at short notice, sometimes while sitting poolside.
This year, we presented the Team Spirit Awards to Lillian Hodgetts and Campbell Spencer. These two recipients supported the team and never said 'no' to any requests to help the team retain their competitive edge.
The awards ceremony and breakfast were a fitting way to wrap up 2025, and we're excited to watch the team continue to grow and reclaim some of the SATIS and NSATIS shields in 2026.
