Welcome Back and Reflections
By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal
Welcome to our first Newsletter for Term 2.
Over the Term Break and during the first two weeks of Term our College has continued to be a busy place. Our College is a vibrant learning environment where students have the opportunity to not only flourish in their academic learning, but also in many other aspects of life that we believe help each of our students to understand the balance of skills and knowledge they require to be a valued member of the community. It is essential that each of our young people are competent at problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
I believe our College promotes and encourages each of our students to strive to be the best person that they can be. In a time when we are constantly hearing of the challenges facing our youth, and of concerns about some behaviours our young people engage in, I feel positive that, in the majority of cases, our young people across Years 7-12 are confident, competent, caring, compassionate and kind young men and women.
It is important that, as a College in partnership with parents/guardians, we continue to hold our young people accountable for their choices and for their actions. We continue to have high expectations around respectful behaviours and know that, when we all work together, we achieve the best outcomes for our young people. Thank you to those who work with us in maintaining our expectations around learning and respectful behaviour.
Recent events including the ANZAC Day March and Service, our Easter Liturgy and our fabulous production of Midnight: The Cinderella Musical, have been opportunities where our students have shown they value and respect themselves, each other, the community of St Patrick’s College, and the wider community.
MIDNIGHT - THE CINDERELLA MUSICAL
The co-curricular program at our College is essential to who we are. We encourage all our students to involve themselves in our community, and to expand and grow the connections they have with others. Midnight was a fine example of what students and staff can do together. The production involved over 150 students and staff, months of work and practice, and a full on week in the theatre. Those involved in the production were magnificent. If you saw the show you would know that it was exceptional, it was professional and you would have noticed that everyone involved had a great time.
I want to acknowledge all staff who were involved, with a special mention to Mrs Mallory Schipper, the show's Director. We thank them for the generosity of their time, without which we cannot put on such events. Thank you also to the countless parents/guardians and friend volunteers who helped in many ways.
Congratulations to our Student Leaders who were involved in the Production. To our Drama Captains Harry McKillop and Abbie Kingston, our Dance Captain Emily Hogarth and our Music Captains Jack Adams and Baxter Adams. You are each outstanding young leaders and the impact you have had on our many students has been exceptional.
Midnight was excellent and I can't wait to see what our 2027 Production will bring.
POPE FRANCIS
The recent passing of Pope Francis is a significant event for our Catholic Community. The Catholic Church has been blessed to have journeyed with Pope Francis over the past 12 years. In his time, he constantly reminded us of the value and the dignity of every human being, especially of the poor and marginalised, and he reminded us of the importance of caring for the Earth. I hope that we continue on this journey of promoting care, concern, compassion and kindness for each person.
As we pray for the soul of Pope Francis and are grateful for his work, we also pray for the College of Cardinals as they choose the next leader of the Church. We pray that they be filled with wisdom, courage and discernment, and that they choose a shepherd who reflects love and truth.
I look forward to continuing to engage with our young people over the course of this term.
I hope you have a restful weekend.
