By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

I hope all in our community are embracing the beautiful Autumn weather, enjoying the colours of this time of year and taking time to find a balance in all that comes your way each day.

SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS SURVEYS AND DATA

At the end of Week 3, our Deputy Principals - Mr Moroney, Mrs Hills and Mrs McInnes - and myself attended a workshop to commence interpreting the data from the recent School Effectiveness Surveys that were completed late in Term 1. Thank you to parents/guardians, staff and students who completed this survey to provide us with data.

Across our community, 13.36 % parents/guardians, 64.09 % staff and 64.54 % students completed the survey. We will continue to look at and unpack the data, and look for ways that we can take steps forward to improve areas identified. What we can see already are clear areas of strength within our College and areas for improvement. We look forward to working further with the information identified within this report.

Parents/Guardians, we always appreciate your feedback, and you are of course welcome to provide feedback at any time. There are numerous ways you can do this on a daily basis; via the Parent Portal on Schoolbox - Schoolbox Tile, ‘Contact the College’ and then ‘General Contact’, or contact staff directly through email, or via the CET Feedback Portal.

SENIOR COLLEGE BALL

Continuing the theme of Midnight, the Annual College Ball was held last Saturday night at the Tailrace. Thanks to the Ball Committee for their organisation and to staff who organised and supervised the evening. As staff we are always excited to see the students enjoying themselves at this event.

YEAR 7 CAMP

Our Education Outdoors Team have had a busy start to the year - with Year 7, 8 and 9 camps now completed. We are grateful to this team and to all our staff involved in our camping program.

During Week 3, our Year 7 core classes all attended camp at Fulton Park. Experiences included cooking tea using trangias, camping in tents, a walk and other adventure activities. Apart from mentioning the cooler weather, the feedback from our students about their camp has been positive. We are grateful to you, our parents/guardians, for preparing your children so well for this experience.

I have had discussions with many of our Year 7s, both during and since camp. A lot of our conversations were around being ‘grateful’ and expressing our gratitude to the people who support us. It was pleasing to hear so many students express their gratitude to their parents/guardians and to the teachers who support the program.

eSAFETY COMMISSION

The eSafety Commission is a valuable resource for parents/guardians who are looking for ways to help our young people navigate social media. We have many students who responsibly use the social media space, but unfortunately we continue to have a small number of students who make poor choices around what they choose to post, follow and like on social media. Sometimes these choices can have serious consequences when they involve naming others without permission.

Please check in with your child to see how they are using their social media accounts, and perhaps the eSafety Commission can help frame up some conversations?

The eSafety Commission is an excellent place to visit, to access information for supporting our young people.

Please click to read the full Launceston Parish Bulletin.

By Ms Kate Rockliffe, Director of Curriculum - Senior School

YEAR 11/12 MID YEAR EXAMINATIONS

The TASC mid-year examinations for Year 11-12 students will take place in Weeks 8 and 9 of Term 2 (Wednesday 18 June - Tuesday 24 June). There are two study days prior to the examinations on Monday 16 June and Tuesday 17 June. No formal classes will be held on the study day or during the mid-year examination period, however, students are permitted to utilise the College library for study purposes if they wish. As the ERC will be an examination centre, all students who wish to study at the College must sign in at the main reception. Please also note that after school tutoring will not run during this period.

The two exam sittings are at 9am and 1.30pm on each day of the examinations. Students must report to the Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) at least 20 minutes prior to the commencement of their examination (students are asked to enter the exam room 10-15 minutes prior).

Students are permitted to wear neat, casual clothing to their examinations, and all College rules apply at all times. Students are required to be fully equipped with their ‘pink slip’, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, calculators, etc which are to be placed in a plastic zip-lock bag. They are not permitted to bring paper, notes, food, drinks (with the exception of an unmarked bottle of water), mobile phones or smart watches into the examination.

Students will be provided with further examination instructions in the coming weeks.

Alternative Arrangements/Illness

If students are absent due to illness they are required to obtain a doctor’s certificate on the day of their examination and notify the College. If appropriate, the examination will be rescheduled for later in the examination period, or later, in consultation with the relevant teacher.

Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments will be made for students who are unable to be assessed in the same way as other students, due to an impairment, disorder or disability. Students we are aware of with a diagnosis and/or professional reports will be contacted regarding their examination arrangements in the coming weeks.

Year 10 Mathematics Methods

Year 10 Mathematics Methods students will sit their examination for this subject with the Year 11/12 students on Tuesday 24 June at 9am. These students will not attend tutor on this day as they will be required to be at the Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) at 8.40am. Attendance will be taken at this time. 

Students will be afforded an extended lunch break after their examination and return to class in period 5-6. More information will be provided to these students in the coming weeks.

Exam Study Tips and Resources

Study tips and further resources can be found on Schoolbox here.

If you have any questions regarding mid-year examinations, please contact Curriculum Director - Senior School, Kate Rockliffe via email: krockliffe@stpatricks.tas.edu.au.

YEAR 10 MID YEAR EXAMINATIONS

Mid-year examinations for Year 10 students will take place in Week 8 of Term 2 on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 June. Students will have Science and Mathematics exams on Monday and English on Tuesday morning before returning to normal classes after recess.

Students will attend Tutor as usual in the morning, before arriving promptly in the Edmund Rice Centre (ERC). Students will sit their first exam in periods 1-2 in the morning, have a study opportunity in periods 3-4, then commence their second exam for the day in periods 5-6. Students will have recess and lunch breaks as usual.

Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments will be made for students who are unable to be assessed in the same way as other students due to an impairment, disorder or disability. Students we are aware of with a diagnosis and/or professional reports will be contacted regarding their examination arrangements in the coming weeks.

Year 10 Mathematics Methods Foundation Level 3 Students

Year 10 students enrolled in Mathematics Methods will sit their examination for this subject with the Year 11/12 students on Tuesday 24th June at 9am. These students will not attend tutor on this day as they will be required to be at the Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) at 8.40. Attendance will be taken at this time. Students will be afforded an extended lunch break after their examination and return to class in periods 5-6. More information will be provided to these students in the coming weeks.

Year 10 Physical Sciences Foundation Students

Year 10 Physical Sciences Foundation Level 2 students will complete their examination during the timetabled Science block on Tuesday afternoon.

Further information about the Year 10 exams can be found on Schoolbox HERE

Please note that students will not be able to access the ERC for heating food, toasting sandwiches, etc during the Year 11/12 mid year examinations (Wednesday 18th June - Tuesday 24th June). For those Year 10 students with a locker in the ERC, alternative access arrangements will be made during the Year 11/12 exam period. These will be outlined in the Exam Assembly and on the relevant Schoolbox group page.

If you have any questions regarding Year 10 mid-year examinations, please contact Assistant Director (Senior School) Ryan Wiese via email: ryan.wiese@stpatricks.tas.edu.au

Year 10 Mid-year Examination Timetable

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

Co-Op Schools Career Expo

The Co-Op Schools Career Expo, held last Tuesday night, was a tremendous success. The Launceston Conference Centre was buzzing with activities, interactive displays, and simulators.

The event gave students and parents/guardians the opportunity 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.

The Expo was incredibly well supported by industry and organisations, with 70 exhibitors.

St Patrick’s College is very grateful for the ongoing support from our community partnerships and industry networks, who gave up their valuable time to make this significant event informative and worthwhile.

Year 12 University Preparation

This term is very busy, with lots of information and events relating to options and pathways for Year 12 students, for making informed decisions for life beyond St Pat's.

It is important for students to keep up to date with relevant information that is shared with them, including upcoming mainland university information sessions, university application dates, open days, UTAS School Recommendation Program application dates, scholarship sessions, and information sessions.

It can be overwhelming, but the Future Pathways Team is here to support students and provide them with as much information and resources as possible.

Please click to see the University Open Days and University Early Entry dates. 

There will be a mainland university information session early in Term 3, as most mainland university applications open in early August.

Mainland University Application Information

Students wanting to apply to mainland universities need to apply through one central admissions centre. This enables students to apply to multiple universities in that state.

Each state has its own Tertiary Admission Centre, a central hub for admissions that receives and processes applications for tertiary courses.

Each Tertiary Admissions Centre requires students to create an account and pay the applicable fee.

For the Good Universities Guide to applying to Tertiary Admissions Centre click here

UTAS SCHOOL RECOMMENDATION PROGRAM (SRP) - OPENS 26 JUNE 2025

Australian Year 12 students can apply for up to five courses at the end of June. Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on your school’s recommendation. This recommendation also factors in your Year 11 results.

If you don’t receive an offer for your dream course through the SRP, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released.

UTAS will release offers from August through to the end of October, which will take the pressure off you during Year 12.

The program will be open to the majority of UTAS courses, including their flexible double degrees, undergraduate degrees, associate degrees, and pathway programs.

Courses in Medical Radiation, Paramedicine and Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine work differently. Entry to these courses is very competitive, so an early offer is not available. However, UTAS still encourages you to apply as part of your SRP application.

Note: Domestic applications for Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine open on 1 August and will close on 30 September 2025. All applicants require a valid UCAT ANZ score. Groups of applicants with the same ATAR will be ranked by using the UCAT ANZ score as a secondary ranking method.

For more information, go to; https://www.utas.edu.au/study/schools-recommendation-program

UTAS SRP Presentation – 25 June at lunchtime in ERC R6

MAINLAND UNIVERSITIES ROADSHOW - WEDNESDAY 4 JUNE

Every year, Tertiary Information Service runs a series of roadshows, providing an opportunity for students to learn more about their higher education and tertiary study options once they have finished high school. We are visiting Launceston on 5 June, and you’re invited!

Launceston Session

Date: Wednesday 4 June

Time: 5.30pm - 7.00pm (presentation to start at 5.30pm sharp)

Venue: Workshop Floor 1 and the Rory Spence VOS Construction Lecture Theatre, UTAS Inveresk Campus

ACADEMY OF INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT (AIE) – ONLINE CAMPUS DAY - SATURDAY 7 JUNE

Location: Online

Date: Saturday 7 June

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Online Campus Day. AIE will be running this event for students interested in studying online. You will be able to meet our teachers, explore how classes will run, course options, career pathways and see our amazing student work.

We will be covering everything you need to know about the:

• careers in games and VFX that we train students for
• studios and industries that we work with
• courses we offer - from beginners to professional mastery
• software, skills and knowledge we teach

Find out more and register

Upcoming Future Pathways Career Events – Term 2

The Art students at Croagh Patrick have an opportunity to showcase their work at the Bay of Fires Youth Art Prize each year. This year's theme is 'The Bush', and each student created artwork responding to it. Work was completed and submitted by 64 students, and they will be part of the exhibition in St Helens. The winners will be announced in June. 

Good luck to all the students!

By Mrs Minami Ivory

On Tuesday 20 May, our College’s brightest minds took to the board at the second Interschool Chess Tournament of the year.

Held in Orana Hall at Croagh Patrick, the competition brought together more than 70 students from across the region, each hoping to outmaneuver their opponents in a game where every move counts. Representing our College with focus, strategy, and quiet confidence, our chess team made an impressive mark.

Leading the charge was Year 9 student Sean McCintlock, who stunned the crowd with an impressive 5.5 - 1 streak, securing the best placing for the SPC team at 4th overall in the individual standings.

Many of our players improved their rankings and all had fun on the day. We were extremely well represented with 11 players on the team and most of the Year 9 staff and students dropping by to show their support throughout the day.

The SPC team achieved a commendable 5th place in the team standings, with only 3.5 points separating us from 1st place, which was taken out by Launceston Church Grammar School.

Whether they left with medals or memories, every student walked away a little sharper. Congratulations to all participants — you've made our College proud!

By Mr Jarrod Fawdry

Each year, as part of our exchange program, Year 10 Japanese students have an opportunity to be selected to go on an exchange experience at our sister school, Omi Brotherhood School in Shiga prefecture, Japan. The exchange program goes for about four weeks. Our students stay with host families and attend school with their host students, to develop cultural and language knowledge of Japan.

This year, Isabel McInerney was selected as the recipient and left Australia at the end of Term 1, returning recently. Isabel had a fantastic time, creating new friendships and networking with other exchange students around the globe. We would like to congratulate her on her conscientious effort.

Looking for Host Families

In return for St Patrick's College students' participation in the exchange program, we host Japanese students from our sister school each year. This year, SPC will be hosting one female student from 20 July to 17 August. Her name and basic details are:

Name: Shizuku Matsukura
Age: 16
Hobbies: Kyudo (Japanese archery), soft tennis & Manga

I am currently seeking host families for the student for the duration of Shizuku's time in Tasmania. More detailed information about her is available on request and will be given to families once the hosting forms have been returned. Any student from St Patrick’s College may apply to become a host student, even those who are not currently studying Japanese. Host students have responsibility for taking care of the Japanese student during her stay.

If you are interested in becoming a host family for any amount of time (you do not have to host for the entire period), please contact Minami Ivory (minami.ivory@stpatricks.tas.edu.au) at the College if you have any questions about the program or require further information.

By Mrs Minami Ivory

On Tuesday 13 May, both St Patrick's College Legal Studies Level 3 classes participated in an excursion to the Launceston Magistrates Court and the Launceston Police Station. At the Magistrates Court, students received a brief introduction from a knowledgeable Court Clerk, who also arranged for them to observe several different matters across the two courtrooms presided over by Deputy Chief Magistrate Stanton and Magistrate Cure.

At the Launceston Police Station, students were introduced to the charging process that accused persons undergo, and were guided through various parts of the station where fingerprinting, photographing, breath analysis, and interviews take place. A highlight for many was meeting Police Detection Dog Nicki — a two-year-old Golden Labrador — who was eager to show off her impressive skills, and even more excited to receive pats and attention from the students!

The students displayed curiosity and respectful behaviour throughout the excursion, representing SPC with distinction. I look forward to our future excursions — next up will likely be the Tasmanian Parliament and the Risdon Prison Complex in Hobart during Term 3.

Mr Jarrod Fawdry

Congratulations to Max Miller for winning the Grade 9/10 Championship recital, as well as the trophy for the highest mark for a secondary recital at the recent Launceston Competitions.

Angus Barber has been selected to represent Tasmania at the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP), to be held in Darwin in September 2025. This is a historic milestone—marking the first time Tasmania will field a junior team at an MXGP event.

Jordan Enright has been invited to compete at the AusCycling Junior National Road Series event in Canberra this weekend, by one of the Tasmanian Road Cycling Teams. 

The members of the 2025 Concert Band and their families enjoyed their annual potluck meal and badge presentation night on Wednesday 14 May at Croagh Patrick.

This annual event is a special evening where all members of the Senior Concert Band come together with their families, to share a meal before the newest members of the ensemble receive their badge. The badges presented by the Music & Band Captains, Jack Adams and Elyse Campbell, symbolise the highest commitment and professionalism required to participate in this ensemble. 

This year 11 new members successfully graduated to the Concert Band. Congratulations to Chloe Grainger, Dan Nguyen, Shubham Dangol, Tamsyn Brock, Amy Gilligan, Georgina Hart, Gabriel Davis, Hezekiah Robins, Kayleb Barker, Tristan Hawley, and Riley Bradford.

The large ensembles of the Music Department are holding a casual sharing session this Sunday afternoon in the Guilford Theatre. Everyone is welcome to attend.