By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

Welcome to Term 2 at St Patrick’s College. I hope all members of the College had a restful break and are looking forward to this term. The recent break allowed me some reflection time – on my role at the College, the College, the staff and especially our students. 

Personally, I feel gifted to be in the position to lead such a flourishing College. Gifted in the interactions that I am privileged to have with our students daily and gifted with the role I have to work as part of such a dynamic and committed staff.  My role is to ensure I use this position so that our students continue to be at the centre of all we do.  

Secondly, the College. St Patrick’s College is a vibrant learning community where many students and staff have the opportunity to grow and flourish. During the holiday period, some time was spent working on our Positive Behaviour Support Framework.  This framework is due for a revisit – Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an approach that parents and guardians use to teach and encourage children to behave in new ways. The approach makes challenging behaviour less likely to happen because it removes things that trigger, encourage or reward that behaviour.  During Term 2, we will be working with our students to develop a PBS matrix which outlines clear expectations. Having a strong PBS framework, developed by students and supported by staff, allows us much greater time to engage in positive interactions with all.  

Thirdly, our staff and students. St Patrick’s College is gifted with dedicated and professional staff who have a student-centred approach.  Our students have a committed staff who continually work to provide and support our students striving to meet best practices in all areas.

I am proud of our St Patrick’s College students. In many conversations I have with our young people across Years 7-12, I feel confident that we are, alongside parents, developing confident, competent, caring, compassionate and kind young adults.

There is always room for improvement. Thank you to those who completed the recent surveys, which will provide us with information we can use to move forward in supporting our students.

Celebrations

As you receive the newsletter this afternoon, our School of Rock cast and crew are preparing for their final performance.  The work that goes on behind the scenes to put on a musical of this size is immense. I thank our Producer, Ms Hannah McCarthy-Oliver; Assistant Producer, Mrs Kim McInnes, Director, Mr Troy Ridgway; Musical Director, Ms Fiona Mowat and all the staff who have helped in the many and varied ways required to stage this show.  Importantly congratulations, thank you, and well done to every student involved.  Your commitment and work ethic has been outstanding, and WOW – the show has been amazing. Good luck to all for the final show tonight.

Finally, with the commemoration of Anzac Day last Tuesday, it was pleasing to see representatives of our College at many ceremonies across the greater Launceston area. Students represented themselves and the College in the Launceston march, at the Cenotaph and in laying a wreath on behalf of the College. Our Drumline marched in George Town, and Jackson Wright played at the Westbury ceremonies.  As well as these students, many others attended services across the north of the state. Thank you to all involved for your presence and your desire to attend such an important day.

Challenges

Our young people face many challenges as they navigate an increasingly technology-centred world. In a recent meeting of College Leadership,  we discussed our current Mobile Phone Protocols. This is attached here for you to review.  

Mobile Phone & Other Devices Protocol link: https://stpatricks.co/3TugvmX 

Many of you would be aware of the conversations happening across educational jurisdictions around Australia as we continue to focus on supporting our young people.  Please continue to have conversations with your children about meeting the current expectations of phone and device usage at the College and about being respectful and kind in this space.

Social Media continues to be an area of challenge. Some of our students are not meeting the explicit expectations of the College in this space. A reminder to all that students should not be posting photos or videos taken at the College containing College members (staff or students) and not use the College name or Crest on any platform.

As a parent, if you feel you need support in this area, the eSafety Commissioner has excellent resources for support in this or other areas where you may be concerned about your child. Please also reach out to their Tutor, House Head or our SWSS staff for support.

Best of luck to Jorjah Bailey who is representing Tasmania in the Australian Interstate Golf Series in Sydney next week.

This week during Tutor, students were given their individual and family photos. If your child hasn't brought them home yet, please check with their Tutor teacher.

There is a lost property pool located in the Front Office. Lost property is to be collected from Student Services. 

Uniform items like hoodies and jumpers are the most commonly lost items.

A reminder to all families: please check that all items are clearly marked with your child's name and Tutor. Uniform items have tags that can be labelled with permanent pen, iron-on or sewn-in labels.

If unclaimed, all reusable clothing items will be added to the uniform clothing pool at the end of the year. 

By Mrs Belinda Chapman, Retreat & Reflection Day Coordinator

On Wednesday 29 March, the Year 12s embarked on their three-day senior Retreat, a time for relaxation and bonding with one another, before continuing with the final year of school at St Patrick’s College. It was a rare and blessed opportunity for our Year 12s to spend time with their entire cohort. 

Over the three days, students engaged in a wide range of activities led by teaching staff. These were structured as engaging and thought-provoking workshops centred around self-growth, personal and collective beliefs and teamwork. These included a beach walk with solo reflection time, walking a labyrinth, making a ‘human ladder’, and crafting plaster masks of each others’ faces. Students also had the opportunity to uplift others by writing in personalised affirmation journals over the three-day experience, which were handed out on the last day of the Retreat. 

Students participated in a number of liturgical events, including morning prayers and liturgies, with the highlight being a Mass that commenced around the bonfire, with candles and song, and concluded inside with an extremely rambunctious whole-group rendition of O' Patrick Hail led by the Year 12 orchestra students and Mr Harrison Mills. 

On the last day, many students rose before the sun and went for a refreshing morning dip in the ocean and watched the sunrise. This was quite an invigorating and revitalising experience and a great way to spend the early morning! 

Retreat was a great experience which allowed us to reflect on many aspects of our lives and to reassess the direction that we are heading. We had a great time with the many challenges undertaken, enjoying each others’ company and came away from the three days with many great memories to look back on in the years to come.

The Catholic Standard is the official print publication of the Catholic Church in Tasmania. Produced monthly, the Catholic Standard reports on local, national, and international issues of importance to the Catholic Church and community. 

View the Latest Issue Online

By Mrs Rachel Hamilton, Head of Learning - Religious Education (Yrs 7-10)

On Tuesday 4 April, Year 7 MVPS classes had the pleasure of attending an incursion in the Chapel with our visiting speaker Mr Marty Ogle. Marty, a former principal, is the charismatic and engaging author of Make Jesus Real (MJR).

MJR is an informative, engaging and relevant introduction to Christianity that we use across Years 7 and 8 within the MVPS classroom. It is also used across Tasmanian Catholic primary schools, so many students were familiar with Marty and were delighted to see him again. Many fist bumps and conversations were exchanged.

Marty’s interactive and engaging session even required staff members to be up at the front and to be the recipients of his magic tricks. This was greatly enjoyed by students and fellow staff members who had avoided being selected as Marty’s 'willing' volunteers!

But behind the fun were important thinking points and a lesson which encouraged deeper thinking and self-reflection. This pointed students towards the example of Jesus and to them acting in the spirit of Jesus when they exhibit kindness, gratitude, or help to others.

Below, find Marty’s account on the focus of our session and the key takeaways for students.

Recently I had the pleasure of taking your child's Year 7 class and we looked at the concept of 'That they are NOT Alone'.

We emphasised that whenever they feel down or anxious they should seek help from either home or school. We also said a three-word prayer that stated 'We are blessed' and they all put up their hand, stating that:

1. They love their families 
2. They want to make them happy; BUT sadly,
3. Many of them stated that they talk back/backchat when asked to do chores, get off their devices, are asked to help etc. 

Hopefully, this insight and self-reflection will translate into a more positive young adult, and if not, ask them about the session they had with Marty!

We did some magic but we spoke about the easiest magic is simply being grateful and saying thank you when meals are made for them, or they are given lifts to school or training. We looked at others, such as Ariana Grande, who felt alone but got help from friends, family, etc.

Being a teenager can be hard as their brain develops for the last time and chemicals flood their bodies. Hopefully, they will ask you for help if they feel alone. There are also wonderful teachers and counsellors ready to help at school. Please ask them what they gained from Marty's session and I look forward to catching up with them again.

GOD Bless

Marty Ogle

By Fr Ben Brooks

'Home is where the heart is' – is a well-known phrase indicating our tendency to attach ourselves to a place, family or community as our home where we can be certain of our acceptance despite our weaknesses or failings, where we can be ourselves without having to put on a mask to pretend that all is OK when it is not, and where we can celebrate the positive aspects of life with those who are closest to us. 

Jesus assures his disciples, in today’s gospel, that our true home is closer than we might think. Our home, life in the Father, is to be found in Jesus himself. For the disciples, this meant that God was with them as they listened and learned from Jesus’ teachings and actions. For us, we can be assured that God is present in the community as we gather each week to listen to the Word proclaimed and participate in the Eucharist. Where is your heart this week? There are multiple focuses in our lives that we might invest our hearts and our energies in – are our hearts in the right place, or do we need to re-adjust how we are approaching this? This week, let’s be grateful for our homes and families who are signs to us of the everlasting home we are invited into, and keep in our prayers those in our community who are struggling to find a home for themselves and their families in these current times of financial hardship. 

Have a blessed week!

Read the latest issue. (PDF – Fifth Sunday of Easter (Year A) - 7 May 2023)

By Mrs Mallory Schipper, Wellbeing Coordinator

One of our focus areas this term is GRATITUDE.

Working on gratitude helps us be thankful and appreciate what we have in our lives, rather than focusing on what we don't have or what we want. When we practise being grateful, we start to scan the world to look for positives – this only takes 21 days! Practising gratitude every day increases our levels of energy, helps us to feel happier and more focused, determined and optimistic. It even helps us sleep better, lowers levels of anxiety and depression, and we are less likely to get sick. There are so many benefits – let's all try to be grateful for the things and people in our lives every day!

Whole Family Gratitude Activity: Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

As a family, create a scavenger hunt list of things that make you happy or grateful. You can make your own list or use the examples below:

• Something that makes you happy
• Something you love to smell
• Something you enjoy looking at
• Something that is your favourite colour
• Something you like in nature
• Something that is useful for you

Each member of the family uses the list, and has to find as many things as they can.

You can hunt for things inside or outside, or both. 

You can hunt for real things, or you can also do this using magazines or pictures from the internet.

After a set amount of time hunting, come back together, have a look at what each person collected and let them explain why they are grateful for each item.

Would you like further information?

The link provided below will take you directly to The Resilience Project parent and carer hub, which will break down strategies to use at home. 

https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh-martin/

By Mrs Leonie Smith, Director of Inclusive Learning

The Inclusive Learning Team works collaboratively with staff, students and parents to achieve positive outcomes for students with diverse needs.

Our primary focus is to construct learning plans and adjustment summaries which support teachers in providing differentiated tasks and modified curricula for identified students.

We are guided by the Disability Standards for Education 2005 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. 

Based on need, some students are supported by our team of teacher assistants.

Pictured below are the members of the Inclusive Learning Team. Dr Rebecca Seward leads the team of teachers who work closely with our English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Humanitarian entrant students.

2023 Inclusive Learning Team

Mrs Leonie Smith
Director of Inclusive Learning
Focus: Senior School

Mrs Katrina Dawkins
Inclusive Learning Coordinator
Focus: Middle School

Miss Ebony Jensen
Inclusive Learning Coordinator
Focus: Croagh Patrick

Miss Brianna Gartside
Inclusive Learning Teacher
Focus: Croagh Patrick

Ms Nicki Conn
Inclusive Learning Teacher
Focus: Senior School

Dr Rebecca Seward
Learning Leader - Learning Enhancement
Focus: EAL & Humanitarian Entrant students

Ms Rachel Scott
Teacher 
Focus: EAL & Humanitarian Entrant students

Ms Barbara Jowatt
Teacher
Focus: EAL & Humanitarian Entrant students

Mrs Kathy Fry
Teacher
Focus: EAL & Humanitarian Entrant students

NCCD Fact Sheet

Students with diverse learning needs are included in the NCCD, which is the acronym for the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with a Disability.

The fact sheet below clarifies the following:

• the role and responsibilities of schools to provide adjustments to support student learning
• the collection of student data
• how the student data is used
• protecting and maintaining the privacy of student data

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Inclusive Learning, Mrs Leonie Smith by email at lsmith@stpatricks.tas.edu.au

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

All Year 11 and 12 students and parents/guardians are invited to the Post School Options Expo on Tuesday 16 May, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. This well-supported event allows students and parents/guardians to gather information, explore future options and make connections in education, training, employment, and support services to assist them in making informed decisions for life beyond school. 

Mr Deon Birtwistle, Head of Rowing

Tasmanian Pathways Rowing Team Representatives

Well done to Year 11 student, Jasmine Axman-Friend and Year 12 student, Ashlee Cherry, for their selection into the Tasmanian Pathways Rowing Team for 2023/24. Jasmine and Ashlee travelled to Sydney last week (26-28 April) to represent Tasmania in the Pathways Regatta in the Coxed Quadruple Scull. The quad is regarded by Rowing Australia as an important growth area for the future of the sport. Rowing Australia reported, Deputy Performance Director Jaime Fernandez OLY, believes the event is key to launching the next generation of Australia’s elite rowers and particularly an opportunity for a number of aspiring athletes who could find themselves one day competing on home ground at the 2032 Olympic games.

Above: Jasmine Axman-Friend (far left) and Ashlee Cherry (second from the left) with crew and coach at the Sydney International Rowing Centre. Image supplied.

Rowers were also fortunate to tour the Hancock Prospecting Women’s National Training Centre on the banks of the Nepean River and attend the National Pathways Rowing dinner alongside all other state rowers and coaches. Jasmine and Ashlee upheld the highest standards, representing themselves, the team, their families and St Patrick’s College with enthusiasm and commitment in training and at the regatta. An excellent achievement for these students ending a fantastic local season and continuing the St Patrick’s College representation on the Pathways team, spanning the past four rowing seasons.

Join Rowing!

We are starting winter rowing in May, and now is the best time for new rowers to join (or re-join) Rowing.

Rowing is a tough sport for those who are driven to succeed; it’s team focused and extremely rewarding for the dedication it requires, with many benefits such as personal, social and physical growth.

We have a fantastic rowing community of students and families, all enthusiastic to help develop others with the sport and community.

Students from all Year groups are welcome to try rowing and see if it is a sport you can do well and enjoy.

Each season includes, for example, weekly rowing, a rowing camp, cross-training in the gym, social events and multiple regattas at an amazing venue in Tasmania, where many families take the opportunity to enjoy weekend camping.

If you are willing to test yourself to see if rowing could be your future sport, then take action and email Head of Rowing, Mr Deon Birtwistle by Monday 14 May at dbirtwistle@stpatricks.tas.edu.au for more information.

By Mr Scott Brown, PIC Chess

After several years away from interschool competition, the College has returned to tournament play at the end of Term 1. Taking a team of 11 individuals, many of whom were competing for the first time, each player played seven rounds throughout the tournament, with the best four players combining scores to create a final result. 

Our team performed admirably, with our final result being 3rd overall out of nine schools competing. Special mention goes to Beau Margison, Vaphei Bielu, Sebastian Johnston and Tyler Stacey for achieving the top four scores for our team for the day. An extra big congratulations go to Tyler Stacey, who was competing in his first tournament ever and, after losing his first game, went on to win six in a row and took out an individual medal for finishing as the 3rd best player overall in the entire field.

Chess is growing in popularity, and I strongly encourage all students who wish to test their skills to come and have a game at lunchtime in MS7 and join the team in a fun and competitive team environment.

By Mr David Rae, PIC Athletics

Despite the challenging times we live in, the College was determined to give its best at the Southern SATIS Athletics Carnival held in Launceston. The event was a great success, with many athletes giving their all and achieving remarkable results.

Due to the postponement of the NSATIS Athletics Carnival, the College had to select a team to compete in SATIS. With only one team member that could be selected, the main challenge was to ensure that all events were filled, which we managed to do, missing only two events.

The day of the carnival was fantastic, with great weather, only a little wind and, most importantly, no rain. We set up our tent and unloaded all the gear for the day with a buzz of excitement about the new spikes that we had acquired. These were highly sought-after and widely used by our athletes.

Ms Rachael Holloway, who stood in for Mrs Alanna Stretton, did a magnificent job advising the team about where and when they needed to be at each event. The athletes who had been on the team before knew what was expected of them and jumped right into sorting out everything, including our SPC achievement whiteboard, where athletes could write up how they went.

The day proceeded nicely, with athletes coming and going and our Year 10 House Committee, who volunteered to help with High Jump, doing an outstanding job helping out for the day. Live results were available through the Athletics Tasmania website, but there were no updates on scores.

We are thrilled to announce that the College obtained three age group pennants in the categories of U/14 Boys, U/15 Boys, and U/15 Girls. In the U/16 Girls, we came second. These achievements are incredible and should be celebrated.

The College's team performed exceptionally well, winning an outstanding eight out of nine shields. A feat that, we believe, has never been achieved by any other school. 

The Senior Girls Shield was won by our team, and we were runner-up for the Senior Boys Shield (Hutchins placing first), Co-ed Senior Shield, Junior Boys Shield, Junior Girls Shield, Junior Co-ed Shield, Aggregate Girls Shield, Aggregate Boys Shield, and Co-ed Aggregate Shield.

Each age group had outstanding performances, and we are proud of all our athletes. 

In the Open Girls category, Asha Lowe came second in the 100m, and Isabella Davie came third. Isabella also won the 400m, was second in the 800m, and came third in the 1500m, filling in for a sick athlete. The relay team came second, with Isabella Davie, Asha Lowe, Keely Morrison, and Delta Witt clocking an impressive 53.27. Asha Lowe won the Long Jump, and Isabella Davie came third in the Triple Jump. Demi Petterwood came third in the Javelin.

In the U/16 Girls category, Charli Ross competed in 10 events and came fourth in the 100m. She won the High Jump, Long Jump, and Triple Jump with only one jump. She came second in the 200m and 400m and third in the Shot Put, Discus, and Javelin. The relay team, consisting of Charli Ross, Cadele Harris, Paige O’Neil, and Chelsea Anderson, came third.

In the U/15 Girls category, Lily Smith came second in the 200m, and Georgia Harmey came third in the 400m and 800m. 

St Pat’s had such a successful day at the event, and our athletes were full of energy and enthusiasm. It's important to acknowledge and appreciate all the people who helped make the event possible, including the coaches, organisers, and volunteers.

With NSATIS not looking to go ahead, this may end this year's athletics season. 

However, many of our athletes who have been training all summer long headed off during the school holidays to compete in the Underage Nationals and Australian Little Athletics Championships.

I am proud to say that Tasmania had some amazing results as a state, and SPC had some great results also. 

Alex Wojcik won Gold in the U/18 Decathlon

Samuel Lindsay 3rd in the U/18 5000m Walk

Charli Ross had an amazing result in the Hepthlon. After stumbling in the first event, the Hurdles, Charli managed to gather herself and place well in the next six events and even secured a personal best in High Jump less than an hour after the Hurdles. Charli also competed in the U/17 Triple Jump and Javelin.

Annabelle Pyke 13th in U/16 Javelin   

Samuel Lindsay 2nd in U/16 3000m Walk 

Annabelle Cook 9th in U/15 Heptathlon. I managed to catch her 800m in this event, and it was a brilliant race after six other events. 

Australian Little Athletics Championships Results

Lily Smith U/15 Heptathlon 4295 pts 7th 

Georgia Harmey U/15 Heptahlon 4134 pts 8th 

Xavier Davie U/15 Heptathon 4384 pts 5th 

Max Matthews U/15 Heptathlon 3886 pts 10th

Sebastian Hardinge U/14 Triple Jump 5th, High Jump 7th, Long Jump 10th, Javelin 5th, Discus 8th 

Koby Bryan U/13 80m Hurdles, 4x100m Relay and Medly Relay, High Jump 5th, Long Jump 9th, Triple Jump 7th

Thomas Davie U/13 Javelin 12th, Long jump 14th

By Mr Alex Wadley, PIC Football

Senior football training has resumed at the College, with our boys and girls slugging it out during a mini pre-season for the Term 2 roster and the first round kicked off this week.

We have appointed a new coach for the Senior 1sts Boys, Mr Nicholas Roney, and his assistant Mr Paul Crisp. Both men bring passion, experience and knowledge to the role, and we are well-placed to once again be highly competitive in the roster. 

Mr Geoff Dodds will resume his role as 2nds Boys Coach, with some exciting youngsters ready to make an impact at a senior level under Geoff's guidance.

There have been strong numbers at training for the Senior 1sts Girls, with Coach Mr Roy Stewart creating a strong culture around the playing group. 

Squads and captains have been announced, and thanks go to all students who put their hands up to play along with the staff and volunteers supporting our players this season. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Mathew McGee, Harri O'Toole and Cooper Warren have been crucial in getting the season off to a smooth start.

Many of our students have been making a splash in local football, with Keely Morrison, Max Roney, Oliver Woodcock-Davis, James Leake, Tiernan McCormack all selected in the Tasmanian Devils squads for the upcoming season. 

SPC 6/215 (30 overs) def LCGS 9/72 (25 overs)

Batting Performances: Darcy Kitchin 64*, Jasper Lee 13*, Harry Page 10*, Tahj Jones 8*, Patrick Twynam-Perkins 6*, Jett Patterson 5*, Sam Ward 9 & Ashton Mahar 7.

Bowling Performances: Ashton Mahar 3/5 (3 overs), Jett Patterson 2/1 (2 overs), Owen Woolridge 2/11 (2 overs), Patrick Twynam-Perkins 1/9 (2 overs).