By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

What If?

‘What if...?’ was the theme chosen by our Student Executive for 2023. This theme allows us all to explore the possibilities of the way we think, act and behave.

As we begin to approach a busy time of year, I wonder ‘what if’ we are calm, kind and caring?

One of my favourite sayings is; “do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). I often think about this and wonder about the impact if we were all able to live by these words. Imagine if we all treated each other with genuine respect, love and compassion how different our world may be. Imagine if before we posted something unkind about others on social media we thought about the impact the words might have. What if before we sent the email we reflected on the impact of our words? What if when we walked past somebody we smiled and said hello and asked them how they were? What if we asked others whether they were ok or not? And what if we thought about our actions before we enacted? There are many more ways that we can have a positive impact on others and at the same time impact ourselves in a positive way.

I wonder if a conversation with your child about this might be a way of impacting their world, supporting them in their endeavours to continue to be the best version of themselves that they can be?

Farewell to our 2023 Graduates

Last week we farewelled our Year 12s from the College. While for some of our students their formal education is now complete many others have exams ahead of them. We are proud of all of our graduates and hope that each of them find a pathway that brings them happiness and joy - whether this be studying, working or taking some time off for a period of time.

The last week was one of celebration and reflection. Dress Up Day saw many fantastic costumes and a great day had by all. On Wednesday our students celebrated in their Tutor groups and Houses and then participated in the final Academic Awards celebration. This event concluded with our Year 11s sending our Year 12s off with a guard of honour after a great rendition of O’Patrick Hail.

The Mass on Thursday night followed by the Valete Dinner were further fantastic celebrations. Celebrating Mass together before sharing a meal with parents/guardians and staff was a highlight. At the Valete the prestigious Francine Allan and Garry Wainwright Awards were presented. These awards are presented to students who are all-rounders, who contribute to others and the school community with humility and commitment. Students select the recipients of these awards adding to their prestige. Congratulations to recipients Olivia Brown and James Leake.

We look forward to seeing our Year 12s along with their parents/guardians again when we come together as a whole College for the End of Year Mass and Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday 12 December at the Silverdome. 

Final Weeks

As a College it is important for all in our community to be aware that we continue to have high expectations of all students until the completion of classes on Monday 11 December 2023. This includes expectations around wearing the correct College Uniform, attendance, punctuality and all other standard expectations at St Patrick’s College.

We thank you all for working with us to support your students as we continue to focus on teaching and learning and all other activities that make St Patrick’s College the flourishing community that it is.

To read the full Launceston Parish Bulletin, click here: https://stpatricks.co/45X1b8k

To read the full issue of the Catholic Standard, click here: https://stpatricks.co/45XQemX

Congratulations to Lucas Bakhash for his outstanding achievement in receiving a High Distinction, and best in his school in the Australian Maths Competition. This has earned him an invitation to the 2023 Tasmanian AMC Award Ceremony. His exceptional performance, placing him in the top 3% of his year level and region, is a testament to his dedication and talent. Well done, Lucas!

Congratulations to Thomas Crack (Year 12) and Georgia Harmey (Year 9) for their recent success in the Royal Launceston Show Youth Art Awards. Georgia won 1st prize in the 14 Years and Under Photography/Digital Technologies section with her work titled On Our Way. Thomas was awarded 3rd prize in the 18 Years and Under 2D any medium (except Photography/Digital Technologies) with his work titled Mono-print. Well done to all students who entered and good luck in your future creative pursuits.

By Mrs Alanna Stretton, Deputy Principal – Learning & Achievement

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, continuous improvement is the cornerstone of providing our students with the best learning experiences. This year Catholic Education Tasmania commenced the Insight project which brings the Science of Learning and renowned educational psychologist Barak Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction to the forefront of our teaching strategies. This approach emphasises effective instructional strategies.

Throughout this academic year, our dedicated teaching staff has actively engaged in professional learning activities to better understand and implement Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction and the Science of Learning. This initiative is based on robust scientific research and best practices, designed to enhance the teaching and learning experience in our College. One key highlight of our professional development activities has been the use of expert demonstrations right here at our school. This hands-on approach has allowed our teachers to witness and experience the benefits of this methodology, further inspiring them to embrace it in their classrooms.

As a result, a growing number of our teachers have begun to integrate ‘Insight’ into their teaching practices this year. This approach places a strong emphasis on effective instructional strategies, clear lesson structures, active student engagement, and deliberate practice. These elements have been proven to significantly enhance students' understanding and retention of knowledge.

In preparation for the full implementation of ‘Insight’, we are excited to announce the addition of mini whiteboards to the booklist for the upcoming school year. These mini whiteboards are instrumental in promoting active student participation and providing immediate feedback, aligning seamlessly with the ‘Insight’ approach. They offer a dynamic way for students to actively engage with the material, fostering a more interactive and stimulating learning environment.

The ‘Insight’ initiative represents our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students. We believe that by incorporating research-based principles into our teaching methodologies, we can ensure that each student reaches their full potential and achieves academic success.

We are enthusiastic about the positive impact ‘Insight’ will have on our students' learning.

By Mr Jacob Fitch, Teacher

This year Middle School students have participated in a number of mathematics and science competitions which have extended and enriched their minds. 

Maths Association of Tasmania – Problem Solver Challenge

This year we had 49 students from Year 7 and 8 participate in the problem solver challenge where students were tasked to solve problems using out of the box thinking. Of the students who participated a large number achieved a Credit or higher.

Maths Association of Tasmania – Maths Relay

We had Phoebe Reardon, Max Miller, Lam Minh Dan Nguyen and Yashasvi Sompalli from Year 7 compete in the junior division of the Maths Relay, where they competed against other schools from the north of Tasmania. During the competition they had 45 minutes to complete 20 questions each getting more difficult as they progressed. Our students were able to achieve a score over 100 in their first competition which put them in 2nd place by only 10 points.

Australian Maths Trust – Computational Algorithmic Thinking

The Computational Algorithmic Thinking competition tested 45 of our students’ abilities to problem solve and create algorithms to solve increasingly complex challenges within an hour. Of the 45 Middle School students Oliver Hodgetts received the best in school award for his near perfect score.

Australian Maths Trust – Australian Mathematics Competition

The Mathematics Competition tests the students on a wide range of mathematical skills from number skills to abstract geometry skills. Each question is designed to make students use logic and problem-solving skills in order to find an answer.

Australian Maths Trust – Maths Challenge and Maths Enrichment

This year we have had Phoebe Reardon, Max Miller, Lam Minh Dan Nguyen, Yashasvi Sompalli and Stephanie Gardner participate in the Maths Challenge and Maths Enrichment programs offered by the Australian Maths Trust. They each received the following in the Maths Challenge: Phoebe received a Distinction, Max received a High Distinction, Lam Minh Dan received a Credit, Yashasvi received a High Distinction and Stehpanie received a Participation. All students achieved these results with high scores. Both programs are constructed very similarly whereby students are given a small number of challenges to solve. Each challenge requires students to experiment with answers, follow solution paths, collaborate and discuss solutions with each other.

Tasmanian Science Talent Search

The Tasmanian Science Talent Search competition is run each year and follows the National Science Week theme for the year. This year’s theme was 'Innovation: Powering Future Industries', which allowed students to focus on relevant topics to them and their future aspirations. Students were also able to present in a way that best suited them and their topic. This year 21 of our Middle School students submitted their investigations to the TSTS with topics ranging from nanotechnology in the medical field to renewable energy ideas which could revolutionise the way we generate power.

Australian Science Innovations – Science Olympiad

The Science Olympiad saw St Patrick’s College students complete an exam on science topics from all disciplines. The exam then allowed students to move onto the Australian Training Squad which can lead to a position on the Australian Team representing Australia in the International Science Olympiads. Of the students who completed the entrance exam Hazel Doyle was successful in attaining a position on the Training Squad which is only offered to 60 students across Australia. Over the next 10 months Hazel will complete online master classes which cover topics from Year 7 to 10 Science curriculum.

By Rory McMahon

On 12 September 2023, the Year 10 Introduction to Legal Studies classes and Year 11/12 Legal Studies Level 3 class woke up at the crack of dawn and hopped aboard a coach bus to embark on an all day excursion to Hobart. While in Hobart we visited both Parliament House and the Supreme Court, and were fortunate enough to also enjoy lunch at Salamanca Place. Some of our group caught up with the Premier Jeremy Rockliff on the steps of Parliament House, while others met with the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Honourable Mark Sheldon MP. During our visit to parliament we sat in for question time. A relatively calm morning of debate with opposition leader, the Honourable Rebecca White grilling the Minister for Housing over the acquisition of new houses rather than the construction of them, amongst other questions without notice and Dorothy Dixer. While at the Supreme Court we visited both civil and criminal court rooms as well as being afforded the opportunity to peek in at the jury room. A highlight of the trip was the visitation to the holding cells beneath the courtroom, where we received a briefing on the rules and justifications around the holding of the accused on remand while they await their trial. Thank you to Mrs Hills, Mr McCormack and Ms Holloway for organising and accompanying us for this practical insight into the law in action

Tweedie Cup

By Felix Marshall

At Sacred Heart College in the 1950s and 60s, handcraft was a major focus. Handcraft was explored through a number of mediums including thread work, knitting and tapestry. As preparation for life and art ventures, the focus on home crafts was much more in depth than it is today.

A major handcraft competition was held by the Catholic Women’s League of Tasmania throughout the mid-twentieth century. The League sought to unite Catholic women and their interests and did this in part with the handcraft competition; sharing achievements, inspiration and techniques. The competition saw hundreds of entries each year from across the state by adults and school children alike, including women and men. Prizes included the Dean Upton Cup, Gwen Mullins Cup, and the coveted Archbishop Tweedie Cup, which is currently kept carefully in the St Patrick’s College archives.

Archbishop Tweedie earned recognition over his time in the Hobart diocese for developing and expanding post-war Tasmania. ‘His’ cup was awarded to the winner of the senior schools section of the handcraft competition. Many schools competed for the trophy between 1950 and 1963, but a pattern of competition between Our Lady of Mercy College, Deloraine and Sacred Heart College in Launceston started to emerge. The textbooks of the time provide an insight into the handcraft skills the students were learning, and based on this we can only assume that many amazing entries were submitted from both colleges over the years.

Expression through handcraft may be far less popular now than it once was, yet the possibilities remain endless with a needle and thread. St Patrick's College offers many opportunities for students to learn and refine skills through the Textiles and Design Club, and everyone is invited to come along, build skills and have some fun!

1998 Rock Eisteddfod Challenge

By Marley Robison

From 1996 to 2012, St Patrick’s College drama, dance, and song students took part in the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge. In 1998, St Patrick's students entered a piece in the competition called Never Say Neverland, based on Peter Pan. In preparation for the performance 100 students practised for 14 weeks, which paid off as they took home seven of the 13 awards that were offered at the Rock Eisteddfod challenge that year. Awards won included the Ansett Australia Costume Design Award, for integrated characterisation, authenticity, and visual impact; the Village Drama Skills Award, for theatrical characterisation in performance, timing delivery, and commitment; and the Quit Tasmania Most Entertaining Award, for enthusiasm, entertainment, and enjoyment. Along with these accolades, the students also brought home four other awards ranging from marvellous makeup to lovely leadership and terrific technology use. One of those committed students who sang and danced her heart out was current teacher at St Patrick’s College, Ms Mallory Schipper, who took part in many Rock Eisteddfods as a student and later as director of shows as a teacher. Ms Schipper also gave us some insight into what it looked like behind the curtains all those years ago. Ms Schipper remembers, as a young Year 8 student, many of the Year 12 student choreographers 'quite fondly' stating they "were wonderful mentors and leaders for all the students in the program.”. Overall, Ms Schipper remembers it as being a “really good experience.”. The Rock Eisteddfod changed many lives and will be remembered by many performing students, and parents and teachers who watched or volunteered their time. Where is Ms Schipper? Did you spot her, she was an under-the-sea creature!

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

UTAS - Know Your Options 

Need more information about starting university? Click the link below to find out more.

Know your options | University of Tasmania (utas.edu.au)

ADF Careers

The Air Force is an option for you to consider if you are looking for exciting career opportunities with variety, adventure and amazing friendships. Whether you are looking to pick up new skills, gain qualifications with fully paid training or looking for a career full of challenge, you'll find it all in the Air Force. An exciting, well-paid and rewarding job is just the beginning.

Click the link for more information: https://airforce.adfcareers.go...

Positions Available 

Cadet Forester Program

Positions are available in the North/North East, North West and South of Tasmania.

The Cadet Forester Program (ASbA) is a Certificate II in Forest Operations and is the first step on the pathway to a diverse career in forest management in an industry which will play an important role in climate change, now and into the future.

This Certificate II in Forest Operations includes the following training units:

• Work effectively in the forest and wood products industry
• Communicate and interact effectively in the forest and wood products industry
• Follow environmental protection procedures in forest and wood products operations
• Follow workplace health and safety policies and procedures in forest and wood products operations
• Develop knowledge of the forest and wood products industry
• Follow fire prevention procedures
• Provide first aid
• Operate communications systems and equipment
• Work in a team
• Trim and cut felled trees
• Navigate in forest areas
• Collect forest data or samples for assessment and analysis
• Measure trees

Students will work one day a week with their employer and attend school the other four days. There are three block training sessions with the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) of four days, during each school holiday period. Under the Australian School-based Apprenticeship model the student is paid for the time they are training both with the employer and the RTO.

For further details watch the Cadet Forester Program video via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAnwa6DagxM

Next Generation Forestry Operators Program (ASbA)

The Next Generation Forestry Operators Program (ASbA) is a Certificate II in Forest Operations and is the first step on the pathway to a diverse career in Forest Machinery Operations. This is an industry which will play an important role in climate change, now and into the future.

This Certificate II in Forest Operations includes the following training units:

• Work effectively in the forest and wood products industry
• Communicate and interact effectively in the forest and wood products industry
• Follow environmental protection procedures in forest and wood products operations
• Follow workplace health and safety policies and procedures in forest and wood products operations
• Develop knowledge of the forest and wood products industry
• Follow fire prevention procedures
• Provide first aid
• Operate a forest machine simulator in a virtual environment
• Prevent injury
• Prepare, maintain and test response equipment
• Shift materials safely using manual handling methods
• Operate communications systems and equipment
• Work in a team
• Trim and cut harvested trees
• Maintain chainsaws
• Assess fire risk

Students will work/train one day a week with their Employer/Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and attend school the other four days. There are three block training sessions with the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) of four days, during each school holiday period. Under the Australian School-based Apprenticeship model the student is paid for the time they are training both with the employer and the RTO.

For application forms see attached or go to our website: www.arbre.net.au

If you have any questions or require any further information contact Denise at Arbre on: hub@arbre.net.au or call 0419 130 557.

2024 HPE Traineeship at St Patrick's College

This full-time position is offered by AFL SportsReady but the employee will work on-site with St Patrick’s College and receive an accredited Certificate III in Sport and Recreation, upon successful completion.

Reporting to the Head of Learning - HPE; the purpose of this role will be to support HPE staff and help assist with the the participation of students within the HPE program. Please see the attached flyer for the Position Description.

If you are keen to apply, please click on the link: https://aflsportsready.com.au/jobs-board/health-and-physical-education-assistant-3/ or scan the QR code on the attached flyer.

Zambrero Mexican Restaurant - Team Members and Part Time Supervisors

Zambrero is looking for staff for their store at 222-224 York Street.

They are seeking enthusiastic team players to join their fun and friendly team as Team Members and Part Time Supervisors! If you have a let's-get-it-done attitude, people skills and thrive in a fast paced set-up, apply now!

If you are interested, apply here: https://www.zambrero.com.au/jobs/restaurants

Statewide  - Job Opportunities

Walters Contracting - Job Opportunities 

Rotary Club of Deloraine Scholarship

At St Patrick's College, students are required to purchase and bring to school their own digital device (BYOD).

The scope of the device usage in the classroom has expanded in recent years and by facilitating a BYOD model, we intend to empower students to take individual responsibility and give them direct involvement in the way they use technology in their learning.

In 2024, we are updating out BYOD purchase portal as we partner with RTG.

To view the new portal, please click here: https://stpatricks.co/47jkUAn

Well done to all students who recently participated in the Greatest Shave for Bandanna Day. 

When it comes to online safety, the eSafety Commissioner can help. They educate Australians about online safety risks and help to remove harmful content such as cyberbullying of children and young people, adult cyber abuse, image-based abuse and illegal and restricted content.

The eSafety Commissioner can support with:

• Advice for parents, kids and young people on staying safe online
• Classroom materials and professional training on online safety for educators
• Resources to keep vulnerable communities safe
• Investigating reports of serious online harm and help with removal of this content.

Learn more here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/?ut...

By Ms Mallory Schipper, Student Wellness Coordinator

St Patrick's College supported Mental Health Week by spreading the word around the importance of positive wellbeing and participating in a Wellness Week during Week 1 of Term 4. Mental Health Week is part of a national  mental health promotion campaign held in October each year, and incorporates World Mental Health Day, held globally on 10 October. The purpose of this awareness week is to engage our students in activities that promote mental health and positive wellbeing.

The theme for Mental Health Week was ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’.

During this week we celebrated each day with a workshop during lunch. This included:

Monday - Meditation lead by Ms Schipper
Tuesday - Yoga & Breathwork lead by Mr McCormack
Wednesday - Positive Affirmation Wall lead by the Student Executive
Thursday - Zumba lead by Dancefit Instructor and old Collegian, Bianca King
Friday - Bandanna Day lead by the Bandanna Committee & Mrs McInnes

A big thank you for the Student Wellbeing Committee for promoting and organising this event.

By Ms Mallory Schipper, Student Wellness Coordinator

In this Parent & Carer edition of Project+, TRP explains what mindfulness is and the importance of building habits. Families are encouraged to have a go at practising mindfulness independently or together using our ‘Month of Mindfulness’ activities.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Project+! If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with myself.

By Mr Patrick Moroney, Deputy Principal – Wellbeing & Leadership

We are a community that aims to display our values by our actions. A practical way that we can show that we belong and share a common relationship with the College is through our uniform. Our uniform also offers us visible links to our Founders and traditions. It is neat, tidy and practical when worn correctly and one that we should be honoured to wear.

As we have begun Term 4 and start to appreciate all that summer promises we still would like to emphasise our high expectation in regard to school uniform.

Uniforms

Blazers

These are an iconic part of our uniform. Students are expected to wear them to and from school every day with a check in Tutor group each morning. If the weather reaches 25 degrees or above, the afternoon journey home may be set as 'blazer free'. 

We have allowed PE uniform to be worn every Thursday for the entire College. Full school uniform is expected for every other day unless a lesson or particular activity warrants its use. This allows a midweek wash of the uniform if necessary.

PE uniform may include College branded track pants or shorts of appropriate size and length, with a sports jacket or hoodie with white socks.

Piercings

Piercings are allowed in ears but not on any other part of the body. The size, number and style should be in line with the College Uniform Protocol. 

Hair

Hair should be neatly groomed and tied back. Extremes of hair style in colour and cut are not supported by the College. 

Facial Hair

We expect our young men to be clean shaven when attending the College.

Skirts

We expect the size and length to be appropriate for the wearer and following the College Uniform Protocol.

For further information, please refer to the 2023 Uniform Protocol here: https://stpatricks.co/UniformP...

Schoolbox Pastoral Care Records

We are excited to announce that in Term 4 this year we will be trialling sharing some schoolbox pastoral care notifications with parents and guardians.

These will initially consist of Level 1 House Head interventions which include lunchtime detentions for behaviour, uniform or late infringements.

As 2024 approaches we will be aiming to share teacher pastoral records that involve incidents around behaviour and coursework in the classroom.

Parents are encouraged to check their schoolbox settings and adjust to receive notifications for pastoral care records.

For instructions on how to do this, please visit the link here: https://stpatricks.co/47fQAGM

Saturday 28 October 2023 - Round 6

SPC 10/151 (29 overs) def SOC 9/100 (24)

Batting Performances

Harry Page 29*, Darcy Kitchin 18, Callum McNeair 17, Xavier Hampton 14 and Jasper Lee 12*

Bowling Performances

Patrick Twynam-Perkins 3/11 (3 overs), Jonty Glover 2/6 (2 overs,) Callum McNeair 1/4 (2 overs),

Darcy Kitchin 1/6 (2.1 overs), Thomas Cameron 1/9 (2 overs) and Ashton Mahar 1/11 (2 overs).