Issue 4 | 4 April 2025 - St Patrick's College

By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

STRENGTH THROUGH FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE

In Year 9 our students participate in the Rite Journey. The Rite Journey programme forms the backbone of the Croagh Patrick experience. We have invested heavily in terms of time and resources as we journey with our young people as they transition from childhood into early adulthood.

Last week each Rite Journey group participated in a ’Calling Ceremony’. Students began at Croagh with a Smoking Ceremony, acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of our land. The students then journey to their ceremonial destinations, with our girls to the Fairy Dell at the Cataract Gorge and our boys to the Hoo Hoo Hut and Dead Man’s Knob in Trevallyn.

During the Calling Ceremony, our students are invited to think back over the journey of their lives to this point: their childhood. They are challenged to focus on significant turning points, times when life was hard, times when they lacked direction or wondered where they were going, the companions that supported them, encouraged and challenged them. Our students are then challenged to move on from their childhood, to still be childlike but to no longer be childish.

Our Rite Journey teachers commit to walking alongside our students, parents and guardians commit to guiding and supporting their young people through this journey, and then each student receives a blessing.

The blessing is based on our College Motto - Strength through Faith and Knowledge. I feel extremely privileged to have been able to share this blessing with many of our young adults during last week. Standing in front of our young people, exchanging eye contact, is an absolute privilege and blessing. Watching the student response from the blessing is very interesting, I actually think they feel truly blessed to be supported by amazing parents/guardians, staff and the College.

“Continue on your journey, with the STRENGTH of God within you; with the FAITH that God will guide you and the KNOWLEDGE that God always loves you.”

Personally, I think we are in good hands. Our young people are wise, caring, kind, compassionate and clever individuals.

ATTENDANCE

Every day at school matters! We all know, through what we are hearing in the media, that school attendance is of growing concern across Australia. At St Patrick’s College we are not immune to this. Please have a look at some of the information regarding what missed time from school means.

Below is our College data. It certainly concerns us that in the middle of Week 7 of Term 1, when this data was gathered, our attendance rates were sitting at around 90%.

RETREATS

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending our Year 12 Retreat. It would be an understatement to say that this was great. It was more than great! Our Year 12s were exceptional in their involvement, their inclusion of each other and in their interactions with staff. As staff, we are so lucky to have the opportunity to interact with our young people in such a positive and joyful space.

Thank you to Jack Prosser - Retreat Coordinator, Adrian Viney - Director of Catholic Identity and Mission, and the team comprising Kate Merry, Harrison Mills and Amanda Norton-Smith for all the work that went into making the retreats such a memorable and valuable experience for both students and staff.

I really hope that if you have a student in Year 11 or 12 they came home and shared some of the feedback that they shared with us about their experiences while on these Retreats.

STEM UPDATE

As we rapidly approach the end of Term 1, the finishing date for the STEM Building approaches. There are a few scenarios occurring at present which may or may not impact the date that allows us to take on partial occupancy or full occupancy. We will continue to keep you informed over the coming weeks.

Have a great week.

By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Deputy Principal – Learning & Achievement

Parent-Student-Teacher Meetings

Next week, on Wednesday 9 April, Parent Teacher Interviews will be held at the College. The interviews are held from 4:00pm until 8:30pm.

Interviews can be booked online using the online booking system 'Booking' (formerly known as PTO). Bookings are currently open and will remain open until midnight Tuesday 8 April. Parents/Guardians were sent a letter in Week 8 with login details. Please make bookings early as the appointment schedule will be more convenient the earlier you make these bookings.

The Booking website portal is available by clicking on or typing the following link in your web browser: https://bookings.parentteacheronline.com.au/?school=aprmz

Interviews can also be made by using the Booking Mobile App. The App can be downloaded on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and you can find St Patrick’s College using the code: aprmz

There will also be an opportunity to receive assistance with Schoolbox or IT Support on this evening. No bookings are required, you need only to drop into the classroom R12 at a convenient time. This classroom is centrally located in the Brady Wing (down the corridor from the Mary Mackillop Library).

If you encounter any problems using either the Booking website or App, please contact Mrs Nicole Cullen, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Principal - Learning & Achievement, on 6341 9988 or ncullen@stpatricks.tas.edu.au.

DOWNLOAD THE BOOKING APP

App Store (Apple): https://apps.apple.com/au/app/pto-parent-teacher-online/id1089092091

Play Store (Google): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=countrynet.parentteacheronline.com.au.pto

App Code: aprmz

Enhanced Learning Fundamentals: Literacy and Numeracy in the Middle School

In 2025 St Patrick’s College has made a commitment to enhancing literacy and numeracy across the Middle School with the rollout of the Enhanced Learning Fundamentals initiative.

The program is due to commence for Year 7 students in Term 2. Term 1 this year has focused on gathering data, by drawing on multiple forms of testing to assess the literacy and numeracy needs of all Year 7 students. In response, we have developed and resourced a proactive, evidence-based model for literacy and numeracy that addresses student needs. The program recognises that functional literacy and numeracy are transformative; reading is the key to accessing the curriculum, writing is central to academic success, and being functionally numerate is essential to be a productive citizen in our modern world. By focusing on these skills we create a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Student wellbeing is at the heart of this initiative, as we know that academic success is a key protective factor for overall student wellbeing.

This program, commencing in Term 2, will dedicate the first 30 minutes of each school day to targeted, data-informed groups for English and Mathematics. By grouping students based on their individual learning needs, we are able to meet them where they are in their learning journey and provide tailored, evidence-based instruction to equip them with the necessary skills to progress in these areas. These groups are fluid, meaning students can move between groups as they show progress or if they need additional support, ensuring they receive the most appropriate instruction for their needs.

Towards the end of this term, Year 7 students have been briefed on the expectations and practical realities of the program, and more information about the program will be shared with parents/guardians in the coming weeks.

We are confident that student academic outcomes will improve with this evidence based initiative and look forward to the rollout of the program next term.

By Mr Cameron Ivory, Head of School - Middle School

As we approach the end of Term 1, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible start to the school year that our Year 7s and 8s have had, and celebrate their achievements and experiences thus far.

Our Athletics and Swimming Carnivals were a huge success! It was wonderful to see such high levels of participation, school spirit, and sportspersonship throughout these events. Congratulations to all students who competed, cheered on their peers, and demonstrated outstanding effort and resilience. Your commitment to teamwork and personal achievement was inspiring.

Last week, a special day we ran for our Year 8s was with Burn Bright. The day focused on student leadership and well-being. This engaging and inspiring program encouraged students to develop their leadership skills, strengthen their self-confidence, and foster a positive mindset. It was fantastic to witness the enthusiasm and commitment our students showed in embracing these valuable lessons.

Another highlight for Year 8s has been their recent camps. It was wonderful to hear stories of our students stepping out of their comfort zones, building friendships, and developing resilience through a variety of outdoor activities. The energy, enthusiasm, and teamwork displayed were truly commendable, and I am sure these experiences and memories will be cherished for years to come.

Next week we are also incredibly excited for our Year 7 students as they prepare for their upcoming adventure to Hollybank. This will be a fantastic opportunity for them to immerse themselves in outdoor activities, strengthen friendships, and develop important teamwork and leadership skills which will help them as they prepare for Year 7 camp next term. We can’t wait to hear all about their experiences!

I would like to extend my gratitude to our students, teachers, and families for making Term 1 such a rewarding and memorable start to the year. Your dedication and enthusiasm continue to make our school a vibrant and supportive community.

As we head into the well-deserved Term break, I want to wish everyone a restful and joyful holiday. May this Easter season be a time of reflection, renewal, and blessings for all. I look forward to seeing you back refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 2!

Happy Easter and best wishes for a fantastic break!