Issue 6 | 10 May 2024 - St Patrick's College

By Mrs Kim McInnes, Acting Principal

Welcome Back

Welcome back to Term 2. I trust that everyone enjoyed a relaxing break and found some time to rest, reflect and rejuvenate in preparation for the term ahead. Reflecting during this time makes me so very grateful for the opportunities that are afforded to us here at the College. There are so many events that students can participate in which are led by our committed staff - we are truly blessed to be a part of this vibrant community.

There has been much to celebrate already.

During the holidays, it was pleasing to see representatives from our College at many ceremonies across the greater Launceston area for the commemoration of Anzac Day. Student representatives were involved in the Launceston march, at the Cenotaph, and in laying a wreath on behalf of St Patrick's College. In addition, Drumline marched in the George Town parade. Thank you to all involved.

Fourteen of our Senior boys also headed off to Melbourne on their Soccer Tour organised by PIC, Mr Andrew Agardy. They participated in friendly matches against other schools, watched a number of live soccer matches and trained at the Victorian Institute of Sport. Overall, it was a memorable and successful tour.

At the end of Term 1, we also saw the College host fourteen students, twelve female and two male, between Year 8 to Year 10 from the Omi Brotherhood School in Japan. During the holidays, two of our students, Molly Nolan and Makayla McMullan, travelled to Japan for a month’s exchange. We will further be hosting two students from Omi in July.

Last week, our Year 11s attended their Retreat and pilgrimage. With the theme of 'Slow and Spacious', students (and staff) took the time to slow down and notice what is happening around them. Students spent this time reflecting on various aspects of their life.

They were also inspired by personal pilgrimage stories from our College Principal, Mrs Illingworth, who at the time, was completing the last couple of days of walking the Camino - an inspiration to us all.

Moments of Wonder

The College is proud to present this year’s Performance Project, Wonder, being held tonight at the Princess Theatre. Students from all year levels across the College have been working very hard under the direction of Producer, Mr Alex Wadley, and Director, Ms Leigh Hart, with many other staff supporting them to produce this exciting event. I hope to see many of you there.

Vale

The College was saddened to hear about the passing of former staff member, Mr Barry Smith. Barry worked at the College for many years and was a valued colleague. May he rest in peace. We extend our condolences to his family during this time.

Save the Date

Finally, I ask you to keep in mind two very important upcoming dates where we will celebrate our wonderful College as a whole community.

40 Years of Co-education at St Patrick’s College - October 26, 2024

End of Year Mass and Award Presentation Night - December 12, 2024

More information on both of these events will be communicated soon.

By Mrs Belinda Chapman, Retreat & Reflection Day Coordinator

On Thursday 2 May, our Year 11 students set out on pilgrimage. Blessed by the glorious weather, a large cheerful bunch walked from Ulverstone to Devonport via the new coastal pathway, stopping to reflect along the way and notice how the environment around us can stimulate our thoughts and conversations.

Students were encouraged to embrace the slow and spacious retreat and to allow the journey to make something of them, rather than making the walk into something.

The pilgrimage involved a short overnight stay at Camp Banksia and then back on the pathway on Friday, walking from Devonport to Latrobe.

Our pilgrim staff 'Edmund' was our support and companion on the way, reminding us that we never journey alone. A scallop shell and blessing was presented to each pilgrim to remind them of the inner journey that an outer journey invites them to take.

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Hamish Williams represented St Patrick’s College at the Launceston competitions, receiving 1st place in the 7/8 solo recital.

Sarah Shepherd competed in the Claudia Dean Scholarships, a prestigious international dance competition, at the Thomas Dixon Centre in Brisbane in April.

Samuel Lindsay (Silver 3000m walk), Annabelle Cook (Bronze Heptathlon), Charli Ross (Bronze Heptathlon), Xavier Davie (Silver Decathlon), and Riley Howard represented Tasmania at the Australian Athletics Championships at the beginning of the holidays.

Grace Matthews (Silver 400m), Alexis Harmey (Fourth Long Jump), Annabelle Cook (fourth Heptathlon), Sebastian Hardinge (Silver Heptathlon), Jack Allie, George Johnston and Milla Johnston represented Tasmania at the Little Athletics Australian Championships in Adelaide at the end of the holidays.

Isabel Perry and Emmerson Lowry competed in the 2024 Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast.

Molly Spurway has successfully auditioned for the Australian Musical Theatre Festival and will share the Princess Theatre’s stage with some of the nation’s best for the ‘When I Get My Name In Lights’ show on Thursday 16 May 2024.

Congratulations to all students.

Written By Elena Tweedale, Year 8 Student

Our Year 8 camp at Freycinet was absolutely incredible!

We started off with a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride to Coles Bay, where we stayed at the Coles Bay holiday park. As soon as we arrived, we couldn't wait to hit the beach, which was conveniently only 100 meters away from our accommodation. It was awesome to feel the sand between our toes and splash around in the crystal-clear water. Later that evening, we walked around to the local hall where we played games and shared our highlights from the day. It was a great way to unwind and bond with each other and the teachers.

The second day was packed with even more fun. We spent the entire day hiking up the stunning trails of Freycinet National Park. The views were absolutely breathtaking! We were also lucky enough to have Mr Biffin teach us about the history of this iconic spot. When we reached the Wineglass Bay lookout, we were in awe of how amazing it was. Most of us then took the option to take a 1000-step hike down to Wineglass Bay beach. Sitting on the beach, feeling the gentle waves lap at our feet and seeing the wildlife was a moment we won't forget. Although the hike back up was challenging, the sense of accomplishment we felt made it all worth it.

As the sun set on our final evening, we returned to camp filled with reflection, memories and laughter. Waking up the next morning, we reluctantly packed up and began our journey back home. But not before making a quick stop at the Pondering Frog for hot chips and ice cream.

Overall, our Year 8 camp at Freycinet was an experience we'll never forget. A big thank you to Mrs Schipper, Mr Biffin, Mr Cooper and Miss V for a wonderful time away.

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By Henry Hollingsworth and Elenoa Ravai, Sustainability Captains

As Term 2 commences, numerous activities are underway throughout the College. On Sunday, 31 April, the Year 12 Ascent team ventured into Victoria. Ascent, spanning Years 10-12, emphasises 12 core values. Its focus lies in aiding the less fortunate while providing a memorable and transformative experience for participants. Looking ahead into Term 2, several significant events are scheduled. Reconciliation Week commences on May 27, and on May 16, the College Cross Country event allows students to showcase their athletic prowess. Moreover, numerous opportunities are available throughout the term.

For two days last week, Year 11 students participated in their annual Retreat experience. Walking the 26 kilometre scenic route from Ulverstone to Devonport, groups of friends enjoyed sights of endless paddocks and beaches. They took breaks to take a breath, enjoyed catered food at Camp Banksia, and reflected on their journey. A guest speaker from Caritas also shared her experience and knowledge of her pilgrimage through Camino de Santiago.

This week, on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 May, students will take to the stage for the 2024 Performance Project. 'Wonder' is a concert encompassing various art forms, dance performances, and musical compositions. It serves as a splendid showcase of the College's diverse talent. Additionally, a major dance piece from this event will be entered into the Wakairri National Story-Dance Festival, to be filmed and submitted.

Next week, the first House Charity Day of the year will be run by Mackillop House. It invites both More and Barry tutors to fundraise money for Magnolia Place. The Launceston Women’s Shelter supports families at risk of domestic violence by providing emergency accommodation. All sales of cold rock ice cream, pizza, pastries, soft drinks, lollies, and more will support the centre and its vital cause.

Scheduled for May 25, the prestigious College Ball awaits, providing an evening for Year 11s and Year 12s to create lasting memories. This year's theme is 'Midnight In Paris'. Please purchase your tickets by May 10 as numbers need to be finalised.

As Sustainability Captains, we have been convening with the Environment Committee biweekly, deliberating on strategies to enhance environmental sustainability across our campuses. We have numerous ideas and will commence implementation throughout Term 2. As part of the Environment Committee's agenda this year, we aim to maximise sustainability in the new STEM building, providing blueprints for future committees to utilise and enhance within this remarkable facility.

We plan to take on small projects to spread environmental awareness across the school. This includes using educational posters and digital media to communicate recycling information and small effort changes for school events, like reducing plastic.

By Mr Alex Wadley, Cultural Coordinator

It's show week! We are so proud to share our Performance Project 'Wonder' with you tonight at the Princess Theatre. There are so many people to thank and give credit to; however, it has been a real team event. The staff involved have worked together tirelessly to bring the best of what we have to offer in the performing arts here at the College. The students have also acquitted themselves wonderfully and are very excited to share with you what they have been working on. I implore you all to jump online, buy your tickets, and support these wonderfully talented students.

What to expect? You will hear our amazing Drumline kicking off the show, followed by the first of our Future Sounds 'Supergroups' playing a spine-tingling song. You will hear a solo piano piece by Jack Adams, accompanied by Anika Agarwal, who is a featured dancer. You will hear one of Taylor Swifts hits, performed by multiple students in perfect harmony. You will see Miss Gartside's

Year 9 dance with their self-composition, rocking and bopping through the seasons. You will see the TASC Drama group's captivating performance directed by the wonderful Mallory Schipper. You will hear Year 9 Musical Theatre offer their rendition of a Dear Evan Hanson classic. You will hear a collaboration between the second of our Future Sounds Supergroups and our String Orchestra, which will leave you speechless. You will see cousins Chloe and Jorja Thomas dance brilliantly to a Beyonce number. You will see Jessica Lehner and Francesca Page set fire to the dance floor with their duo dance and supporting cast. You will see our Youth Drama Club's emotional rendition of 'Send In the Clowns' with an aerial feature of Moscow Circus and SPC's very own Mia Carroll.

You will hear music from The Greatest Showman sung by multiple talented singers from Years 7 to 10, along with featured dancers supporting the song's narrative. You will see the stage debut of seven-year-old Sacred Heart student Evie Schipper in the second amazing TASC Drama piece. You will see the simply elite TASC dance group perform their competition pieces. You will hear a spine-tingling duo from Molly Spurway and Maggie Hodgman tackling a 'Wicked' number. You will hear our College Captain Kate Rigby's own composition featuring Year 9 dancers. You will see Miss Claudia Barker's Year 10 Dance competition piece, which is sure to inspire. You will hear Emmaleigh Groeneveld's solo rendition of a Louis Armstrong classic, with a little help from some friends. Lastly, our most exciting piece, 'The Road Not Taken' which will be entered in the national Wakakirri competition, is shaping to be a simply incredible dance item which cannot be missed.

Don't wait a moment longer! Secure your tickets now and be part of this extraordinary event. Don't miss out on the opportunity to see and hear what all the fuss is about!

Debating

By Elenoa Ravai, Debating Captain

Another successful week of debating in the Northern Schools Debating Competitions. Last Wednesday, teams from the College continued their strong feat of fighting their opponents, with a seven-point winning streak from SPC 1.

With only one hour of preparation time, teams of three from their respective schools prepare arguments that last six to eight minutes per speaker. It includes introductions, reasoning and conclusions of their stance as either positive or negative sides of the debate topic, which are released at the commencement of the evening. The senior debating division also permits ‘points of information’ during the debate, where opposing members may interrupt speakers to question their points.

After seven rounds, and nearing the end of the season, this heated, yet friendly fire between schools across the state continues into Term 2. We also look forward to hosting this week’s debate at the College on Wednesday!