By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

LENT

As a Catholic community, we are currently in the period of Lent. Lent commences on Ash Wednesday and is the 40 day period leading up to Easter. To help us during Lent, we use three pillars for our focus: Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting.

A significant focus for us as a College during the Lenten period is to support Project Compassion. As we embrace Project Compassion, we hope to help all understand and recognise the impact we can have by helping others to create lasting change for future generations.

We pray for all who go out of their way to bring God’s love to others, especially to those most in need. We pray in gratitude for the many partners of Caritas Australia who ensure our contributions to Project Compassion reach the places they are needed. Amen.

STRATEGIC PLAN

After engaging with our College Community in 2023, I am excited to share our St Patrick’s College Strategic Plan (2024-2028).

You can view the Strategic Plan here: St Patrick's College Strategic Plan 2024-2028

POLICY IN FOCUS

Our College prides itself on ensuring well documented policies and protocols that speak to the safety, care and wellbeing of our community are in place. St Patrick's College operates under Catholic Education Commission Tasmania (CECT) policies and guidelines and our own St Patrick’s College Protocols. Our Policies and Protocols can be viewed on our webpage. 

Today, I have included a copy of information you may like to access if you wish to raise a complaint.

ARE YOU A VOLUNTEER AT ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE?

In order to volunteer at the College, you must have a valid Working With Vulnerable People Card (WWVP) and complete a short safety briefing. If you don’t already have a volunteer WWVP, you can apply by accessing the link here: WWVP Application. 

COMMUNICATIONS

We are working to continue to improve our Communication methods at the College and are moving towards using SchoolBox for all College communications. The process of moving to SchoolBox has now commenced, with our plan to have all College communication distributed on SchoolBox by the end of Term 2. 

Please ensure that you can access your Schoolbox account. Instructions for managing the way you wish to receive notifications are also included in the Schoolbox Tips section of this Newsletter.

Have a great week!

Click to view the latest issue of the Launceston Parish Bulletin here: https://stpatricks.co/3P3AGIZ

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

Letz Live 2025

Applications for Letz Live 2025 Gap Assistant positions are currently open until 2 April 2024. 

Letz Live provides paid overseas Gap Year opportunities for working in educational settings across New Zealand, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. All positions are paid, with participants receiving food and accommodation during the school term. The Letz Live program offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a few exciting cultures, gain independence and make lasting connections around the world before returning to Australia to pursue tertiary or career ambitions.

Participants depart between January and April 2025 and will finish in September 2025. More information can be found here.

Interested students are encouraged to apply early via their website www.letzlive.org to avoid potential disappointment.

Upcoming webinars are also available to provide more information about Letz Live programmes, if you would like to join a webinar please register here.

Please do not hesitate to contact Letz LIve's Queensland office on (07) 5527 1822 or by email, info@letzlive.org.

2024 Year 12 Tasmania Police Career Development Program

Apply NOW for the Tasmania Police Career Development Program for 2024 July and October school holidays.*

Collect an application pack from Future Pathways.

Requirements include:

• Résumé with passport size photo
• Handwritten document outlining why you should be selected for the course and why you want to be a Police Officer
• Letter of recommendation from a Teacher

*Please note: Limited Numbers

Applications must be submitted into Future Pathways by Friday 21 March.

Australian National University

Australian National University will be visiting St Patrick’s College on Thursday 7 March during lunch for any interested students.

KEY DATES

For further information visit: https://www.anu.edu.au/

Australian Defence Force 

Interested in a career in The Australian Defence Force (ADF)? The ADF are visiting St Patrick’s College on 14 March 2024, during lunch. 

Post School Options Expo

By Miss Jessica Young, Teacher 

In Term 4 of last year, the Writer’s Society held a school-wide writing competition open to students from Year 7 to Year 12. We are thrilled to announce that Max Miller, a talented student from our Middle School, emerged victorious. His story, a spine-chilling tale that cleverly intertwined elements of mystery and intrigue, captured the imaginations of judges.

Max's winning entry stood out for its inventive use of the inspiration image, depicting a tranquil beach scene, and seamlessly weaving it into a surprising and suspenseful narrative. His story evoked an eerie atmosphere while incorporating the beach setting in such an interesting way, truly impressing the judges.

For his outstanding achievement, Max was awarded a voucher for Petrarch's Bookshop, where he can indulge his love for literature and continue to fuel his creative spark. We congratulate Max on this well-deserved recognition of his talent and dedication to the craft of writing.

As we celebrate Max's success, we also want to encourage all aspiring writers in our school community to join the Writers' Society. Throughout the year, we will be organising further competitions and events open to both members and the entire school. These opportunities not only provide a platform for showcasing your creativity, but also offer valuable experience and feedback to help you grow as a writer.

Let's continue to foster a culture of literary excellence and creative expression within our school community. Congratulations once again to Max Miller, and we look forward to seeing more thrilling tales from our talented writers in the future. Membership for the Writer’s Society is open all year and meetings begin after school on Tuesday 19 March. Email myself for more details.

Congratulations to Rory McMahon who has been selected as one of 5 students in the state to represent Tasmania at the National School Constitution Convention in Canberra. 

Ms Rachael Holloway, Head of School – Senior School

It is hard to believe that we are very close to the middle of the term already. Time really does fly when you are having fun. In the last newsletter, I mentioned what a settled start to the year Senior School Students have had. This remains true, but a particular special mentions goes to our Year 10 students for the positive manner in which they have transitioned from Croagh Patrick to the Senior School. I have spoken with many students who have said they are really enjoying the Senior School. It is wonderful to see so many in the Edmund Rice Centre, clearly feeling comfortable and welcome in the space.

Following on from the success of the Swimming Carnival, last week we had the Senior School Athletics Carnival. Again, there was a lovely atmosphere, with so many students participating and cheering. There were some great rivalries to witness in events such as the Open Boys’ 100m, the U17 Girls 100m, and mixed House Relay. But of course the marquee event is the Year 12 House Tug-O-War! Congratulations to Nagle House, the overall winners of the Senior School Athletics Carnival.

If you have not yet had an opportunity to visit our Senior School Community Schoolbox page, I certainly encourage you to do so. This will Increasingly become our main mode of communication for students and parents. Here you have access to all current Senior School news, events and correspondence, as well as contact information for the Senior School Leadership Team.

By Mr Alex Wadley, Cultural Coordinator

Term 1 is always extremely busy at St Patrick's College and we want to remind all parents that there are a range of music and cultural activities that students can sign up for.

Performance Project

Our showcase cultural event this year is the Performance Project.

But what is it?

Directed by Leigh Hart and entitled Wonder the Performance Project is a concert featuring dance, drama and contemporary music.

The Performance Project will showcase a Wakakirri dance piece as the centre piece item, which will be filmed and entered into the national Wakakirri competition. Small group and solo dance pieces will also be incorporated.

Dance and Drama classes as well as the Youth Drama club will provide pieces that will seamlessly integrate into the performance through a recorded and live musical soundtrack.

Musical items will feature multiple live performances, from solo pieces to group pieces, all with a contemporary focus.

The performance will be held at the Princess Theatre on 10 May 2024.

How can students get involved?

The easiest way at this stage is to email myself, Alex Wadley, directly on awadley@stpatricks.tas.edu.au

Cultural Activities at St Patrick's College 

What other cultural activities can students participate in? The list is (nearly) endless.

• Bagpiping

• Future Sounds (Contemporary music/bands)

• Chess Club

• Debating 

• Drama Club

• Duke of Edinburgh

• Environment Committee

• Ethics Olympiad

• Filmmaking Club

• Gardening Club

• LitWits Book Club

• Public Speaking

• Student2student Reading Program

• Tabletop Games

• Textiles and Design Club

• Tournament of the Minds

• Vinnies Group

• Writer's Society Group

There really is something for everyone! Students can sign up by accessing the cultural tab underneath their timetable on Schoolbox, or by emailing me directly if you are having trouble navigating this.

Schoolbox provides an opportunity for staff to communicate a range of information to members of the College community. This includes, but is not limited to, news, academic achievement and progress, and pastoral care updates.

You may be notified about information from Schoolbox in a number of ways. All individuals with Schoolbox access are able to personalise the way they wish to be notified. Please follow the steps that follow, to manage your own Schoolbox notifications.

To view the full PDF, please click here: https://stpatricks.co/49ykB6d

By Mr Luke McCormack, 1st XI Coach

Round 5. Sat 17 February

SPC v. GYC (at HUT)

GYC 97 lost to SPC 3 – 98

Thomas Dwyer 30no, Max Symons 29, Riley Donlon 4-28, Ethan Arnott 3-11

With accommodation hard to source in Hobart, our senior cricketers enjoyed staying on Friday night – even soaking up the Main Street Market in New Norfolk on Saturday morning.

As Guilford don’t have a home ground, we luckily played at Hutchins on the same pitch as our previous visit.

Guilford won the toss and batted first, but were in early trouble slumping to be 4-15 as Riley Donlon and Hamish Bateman bowled beautifully to find the edge of the bat. Seven batsmen were caught behind the wicket – thanks to skipper Thomas Dwyer (3 catches, including a brilliant one-handed dive off spinner, Thomas Chambers, wicket-keeper Suprim Shrestha (3), and Max Symons (1). After they recovered to be 4-54, Ethan Arnott bowled a very important three over spell, picking up three wickets as his subtle swing proved too challenging. Our spinners then did their thing, and it was great to see Beau Skinner bowl two maiden overs for a wicket.

The run-chase was complete in only 17 overs, mainly thanks to the second wicket partnership of 53 between Max Symons and Thomas Dwyer, which meant an early finish. Importantly this win secures our spot in the State Final on March 8/9, against Hutchins at Hutchins. This week we play our final roster match against Grammar at home.

Round 1 Saturday 24 February 2024

SPC 5/159 (29 Overs) def SOC 10/148 (26 overs)

Batting Performances

Harry Driessen 28*, George Durkin 21*, Isaac Martin 11* and Lewis Moore 10*

Bowling Performances

Lewis Moore 4/12 (3 overs), James Jordan 3/12 (3 Overs), Riley Bradford 1/13 (2 overs) and Isaac Martin 1/23 (3 Overs)

By Paul Smith - PIC Tennis 

Week 3

1sts Girls  
SPC 2 – SOC 4

The team consisted of Holly Miller (at number one), Natalia Byrne (at two) and Piper Van Emmerik and Sarah Shepherd (at seed three and four respectively). As a first up effort the tennis was solid with Holly winning her single and doubles (with Sarah). All girls hit themselves into some form during the contest.

1st Boys
SPC 2 – MRC 4

The team travelled to the Burnie Tennis Centre to play a Marist side with three state players. The tennis was competitive, and while we had our work cut-out for us, the boys played beautifully, On the day, we had wins from Beau Skinner in his single, and from debut player Lachlan McInnes and his (returning from injury) partner Hudson Young in the doubles. Owen Miller, Thomas Chambers and Hudson Young went up against some high-quality players from Marist; however, they acquitted themselves well, playing some inspired tennis at times.

2nds Boys

Travelling to SOC, the team consisted of Henry Hollingsworth, Thomas Allen, Tyler Stacey, Oscar McGee and Ethan Curwen. SOC had a strong team, and our only win came from Tyler. In windy conditions, the players continued to improve their skills to accommodate all situations.

Week 4

BOYS 1^st v LCGS (at LCGS)

The weather was forecast to intervene in Round 4; however, it managed to hold off just after the doubles were completed.

Thomas Chambers teamed with Lachlan McInnes in a very difficult match. Both boys played well, and as the game progressed some very good team work presented.

In the pairing of Owen Miller and Beau Skinner, they prevailed after a slow start.

When the rain came – Hudson Young and Beau held the upper hand while Owen was staying close. Thomas had the most difficult game, playing number one against a quality player. The skills in this game were the highlight of the round.

The first half of the roster has been completed. Now we will determine who will continue in the firsts and seconds. Seven boys (as mentioned above) have played in the firsts so far, along with Brock Whitchurch and Max Symons. It will be difficult to determine these seedings for next week’s round.

Thank you to Campbell Young (former captain of SPC tennis) for his support on the day, it was much appreciated.

Much has happened in the sports area here at St Patrick's College in the last two weeks. Amongst our regular sporting activities and roster participants for tennis, cricket, rowing, table tennis, and basketball, we held the Athletics Carnivals for all three schools.

Senior School Carnival

We started with the Senior School Carnival on Tuesday 20 February. After a full day of competition in great weather conditions, Nagle House secured the U/16 Girls, U/16 Boys and Open Girls pennants and the Overall Shield with 9791.51 points. Tenison House was able to claim the Open Boys and Novelties pennants.

Notable Results:

In the U/16 Boys, Max Matthews secured first place in all four field events he entered, with Alexander Ling coming first in three track events.

The U/16 Girls was dominated by Lily Smith coming first place in six events.

Open Boys, Alex Zegveld put on a great show securing three first places in the field events, with another top three finishes in the track events. Riley Howard made his presence known by winning the 100m and 200m.

In the Open Girls, Charli Ross lead, winning an impressive eight events (out of ten), and one second place. It was a great contest by Asha Lowe who was 0.04 seconds behind Charli in the 100m and 0.3 seconds in the 200m. Asha secured her first place in the 400m with 0.1 ahead of Charli.

Middle School Carnival

Two days later and under much warmer conditions the Middle School Carnival was held. Our Year 7 and Year 8 students had a great day and made a real competition out of the Carnival.

Every house secured a pennant with Rice House winning the Overall Shield with 11,897 points.

Notable Results:
In the U/13 Boy, Nick Cameron showed strong results in the Track and Fields coming first three times, and having another four top 3 finishes.

In the U/13 Girls, Alexis Harmey managed to make herself available for all ten events ending up with five first places, four seconds, and one third place.

In the U/14 Boys, Sebastian Hardinge secured first place in all field events, with another three first places on the track. In the U/14 Girls, Gabriella Tonelly put herself into first place three times and had three more top three finishes. Sara Adams and Sienna Percival both threw the shot put 6.8m and ended up sharing first place, adding 127 points to their House tally.

Croagh Patrick Carnival

Under beautiful weather conditions and a more relaxed program, we finished off a busy week with the Croagh Patrick Carnival on Tuesday 27 February. It was wonderful to see the comradery and community spirit on display when students watched the events and encouraged their peers to give their best. Both Tenison and Rice House had some outstanding athletes representing their colours winning almost all events, but the pennants and shields were not just won by securing top points for high placement.

While both scored the maximum points in several disciplines and raised their house to first place in the Track and Field events, participation in the 800m and 1500m from opposing Houses would make the difference and help secure the pennants.

Rice House won the Overall Shield with 3897 points, as well as the novelties.

Notable Results:

Both Xavier Davie and Annabelle Cook won every event they participated in (eight first places). 

A thank you goes out to all staff and the many helping hands who made these carnivals possible. Thank you to our commentators young and old who created a wonderful atmosphere and entertained the crowd.

And of course, a special mention to all our students who participated on the day in either track or field events, or by encouraging and supporting your peers.