Last Friday, we farewelled our Year 12s from the College. This is an emotional time for students, for families and also for staff. It represents the end of a six year journey for most of our students. We are proud of our graduating class and thoroughly look forward to celebrating with them and all our community members at our final Mass and Graduation Ceremony at the Silverdome on Thursday 11 December 2025, commencing at 6:30pm.
Our Year 12s engaged in many events over their final weeks, celebrations were focused on positive interactions, positive relationships and respectful ways to leave the College. Events included Footballers v Netballers netball match, Year 12 Movie Night, Wear your Kinder-self to School Day, Anything but a Bag Day, our Academic Assembly, the Water Fight, Valete Mass and Celebration and the Final Whole College Assembly.
At the Valete Dinner, we presented the prestigious Garry Wainwright and Francine Allen Awards. These are extremely prestigious awards voted for by Year 12 students for the best all round students. Congratulations to our 2025 award recipients - Sofia Agaiava and Oliver Wright - both exceptionally deserving winners of these awards.
MAINTAINING
As we enter Week 5 of the Term, it is timely to focus on continuing to maintain our standards and expectations for the second half of Term 4. We have Year 9 Solo Camps, Year 10 House Camps, Year 10 Retreats and many other events to occur, plus of course a half term of commitment to learning.
We have recently communicated with you around our expectation about Mobile Phones, Punctual Arrival to Class and use of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). As well as these, a continued focus on wearing our College Uniform correctly and following our expectations around respect of self, others and our environment remain essential for all to ensure that each individual has a positive experience each and every day.
LOOKING FORWARD
As the year progresses please remember to inform us promptly if your student is not returning to the College in 2026 by contacting our Enrolment Registrar - Ms Natalie Grainger via the College on 6341 9988 or registrar@stpatricks.tas.edu.au .
By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Deputy Principal - Learning and Achievement
Professional Learning: Applying Knowledge
On Monday 13 October, our teachers and teacher aids engaged in a rich day of professional learning, designed to deepen our understanding and application of evidence-informed teaching practices. The morning began with an inspiring keynote presentation from Dr Simon Breakspear, a globally recognised expert in educational leadership and school improvement. He challenged us to critically think about how we can continue to refine our practice and lead improvement within complex educational contexts. His presentation encouraged clarity of purpose and provided practical strategies for achieving meaningful and sustained impact in our classrooms and across our College.
The second keynote speaker of the day was Dr Nathaniel Swain, a teacher, instructional coach and writer. Dr Swain explored the cognitive processes behind effective learning and practical ways to translate research into classroom action. His insights reinforced the importance of explicit instruction and the power of building a shared professional language around how students learn best. He endeavoured to extend the breadth of our knowledge and application of best practice, by sharing insights into effective pedagogical approaches and the purposeful use of extension and exploration tasks once students have mastered core knowledge and skills.
This day of professional learning provided an invaluable opportunity for our teachers and teacher aides to continue growing in their professional expertise, strengthening our shared commitment to evidence-based teaching and learning.
2026 Subject Selections
2026 Year 11 and 12 parents/guardians and students received their subject selection confirmations by way of email in Week 1. If students wish to make modifications to their 2026 subject selections they can see Curriculum Director - Senior School, Ms Kate Rockliffe before the end of the academic year, or alternatively can email through their preferences over the summer break to Ms Rockliffe, Mrs Lindsey Hills, or Mrs Nicole Cullen.
2026 Year 10 students will receive their subject confirmation at the end of Week 3. We will be in a position to confirm subject selections for Years 8 and 9 in the coming weeks also.
PAT Testing
Students in Years 7–10 are engaging in PAT (Progressive Achievement Tests) early this term, providing an opportunity to reflect on their learning progress and growth across key areas. These assessments help us identify each student’s current level of understanding, celebrate individual progress, and highlight areas where further support or extension may be needed. Our teachers will reflect on this data to inform their planning and respond to the needs within their classes, but also to inform future teachers of individual needs, strengths and areas of growth.
End of Year Reports
St Patrick’s College End of Year Reports will be available on Schoolbox from 3pm on 12 December 2025. The report is a summary of your child’s achievements in each Australian Curriculum learning area. Please note that Years 10-12 Students studying VET or TASC courses will receive their achievement outcomes directly from the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) or the Registered Trade Organisation (RTO).
Middle School PAT Data Celebrations
By Mrs Anna Davie, Director of Curriculum - Middle School
Across both English and Mathematics, Year 7 students have shown strong and consistent growth in 2025, reflecting the impact of targeted teaching, effective use of PAT testing data, and the Enhanced Learning Fundamentals (ELF) program. In English, students are becoming more confident readers and writers. They are learning to interpret texts, use evidence, and apply technical language with greater accuracy. These gains have been supported by clear, structured, explicit lessons and a shared focus on building literacy skills across all classes. In mathematics, progress clearly indicates improvement across the cohort. The ELF program and classroom teachers have worked together to strengthen foundational numeracy skills, and the PAT data clearly demonstrates how this has enhanced the growth of the Year 7 cohort.
In Year 8, students have continued this positive trajectory, showing that consistent, explicit teaching is leading to lasting success. In English, students are writing with more precision, using a wider vocabulary, and showing deeper understanding when analysing texts. Mathematics results show steady growth across all levels, confirming that the strong foundations built in previous years are holding firm. PAT testing has helped teachers track individual and group progress, target areas for improvement, and celebrate growth across the cohort. This continued progress is a credit to the dedicated teaching teams, who are refining feedback, reinforcing key skills, and maintaining a balance of challenge and support to help every student reach their potential as they move through the middle years.
Bring Your Own Device to School – JB Hi-Fi Education Purchase Portal
By Mr Matthew McGee - Director of Digital Learning
Administration & Community
Student Achievements
Congratulations to Oliver Green for receiving first place in two of his research investigations at the Tasmanian Science Talent Search, and to Layla Wesley for receiving first place in the Photographic Essay category.
Congratulations to Louis Turner, who achieved first place in Grade 7 in Tasmania for the Australian Geography Competition.
Congratulations to Paige O'Neill, who recently competed in Netball Australia’s Tonga Tour — a unique match play opportunity for elite Australian athletes aged 19 to 23.
Congratulations to the following students who have been invited to celebrate their achievements at the 2025 Australian Maths Trust State Awards following their participation in the Australian Maths Competition.
Maddi Bullock - Year 7 - HD & best in school Erin Ackerly - Year 9 - HD Max Miller - Year 9 - HD Samuel Ward - Year 10 - HD
Congratulations to Jasper Stepchuk and Josef Ramirez who have been selected to represent Basketball Tasmania at The Country Cup in January.
External Music Exams - Data Collection
Has your child successfully completed an external music exam in the past 12 months?
If so, please send a copy of the exam certificate to music@stpatricks.tas.edu.au. This information is collected annually by the College to assist with End of Year Awards.
Launceston Catholic Schools Instrumental Music Program
You are invited to attend the Launceston Catholic Schools Instrumental Music Program’s Annual Concert and Awards Presentation, to be held in the Nano Nagle Gym, St Patrick’s College, on Monday 24 November at 6:00 pm.
Blessing of the Boats
By Mr Adam Symons - Head of Rowing
Last Wednesday afternoon, the SPC rowing community gathered for the annual Blessing of the Boats. This tradition marks the official start to this season's rowing campaign, and brings together our rowers, coaches, and supporters to contemplate the season ahead. With our squad competing in several regattas in the next two months it was a great opportunity to build the positivity and momentum present in our rowers. It was also an opportunity to announce this season's Rowing Captains - they are Madeline Hogarth and Isaac Pietsch. We are excited to have them lead and inspire our rowers. Thanks to Fr Leonard for conducting the Blessing, Mrs Illingworth and Mrs McInnes for presenting our captains with their badges, and the Symons family for providing drinks and nibbles to share. We wish all our rowers the very best in their endeavours and look forward to a successful season!
Future Pathways
Employment, Traineeships & University Information
By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator
TASTAFE
2026 Semester One applications are open!
If you are interested in applying for any courses, TasTAFE recommends you create your student portal login prior to applications opening. Some of their courses fill very quickly, so you should be prepared to log in ready to go just before 12pm on the day the course opens. Check the attached flyer for application dates.
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 is at our Hobart, Launceston and 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:
