By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

As we have returned from holidays and are now well settled into Term 2, it is difficult not to notice the changes that have occurred around us. With the changes of the season, we also notice change here at the College. 

Term 1 is frantic - learning, carnivals, camps, retreats, sport, performances, St Patrick’s Day, Welcome Nights, Rite Journey Ceremonies … the list goes on. All of the events, activities and commitments that are a part of Term 1 are such great additions to what we offer here at St Patrick’s College. Engagement in everything we have to offer is what builds our sense of community and the culture of belonging amongst all.

Term 2 is less frantic and there are fewer additions to the curriculum. It is a time for our students to fully engage in learning and commit to excellence and endeavour.

SEEKING YOUR SUPPORT

It has been fantastic to see students back at the College in their full winter uniform. Wearing our uniform correctly and respectfully is a way that students say “I belong and I am a part of this community”.

I seek your cooperation in ensuring that students are dressed correctly each day.

• Please ensure that students in Years 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12 are only in PE uniform on a Wednesday. Year 9 students may wear PE uniform on Monday and Wednesday.

• The softshell jacket is only worn with the PE Uniform - not with the formal winter uniform.

• The girls' winter skirt is not to be rolled up and should be worn closer to the knees, at a respectful length for all.

• Hair that is below the collar needs to be tied back.

• Sandshoes are not worn with the formal uniform.

Our Uniform Protocol and all other Protocols and CET Policies can be viewed via the Schoolbox Portal or directly via our webpage.

Thank you for working with us and supporting our young people to meet the expectations that the College has in regards to uniform, as well as punctual attendance and respectful participation in our community.

PERFORMANCE PROJECT

We look forward to celebrating the amazing talents of our students when they present “regenerAtIon” , a showcase of dance, drama and music at St Patrick’s College featuring our 2026 Wakakirri entry. Performances are scheduled for Thursday 28 and Friday 29 May, at the Croagh Patrick Campus - Orana Hall. Tickets are on sale through the Schoolbox portal. Adults $10.00 and Students $5.00 per person. We hope to see you there.

SATIS BASKETBALL PREMIERSHIP 2026

Congratulations to our Senior Boys Basketballers who have won the SATIS State Final for the first time since 2011. Captained by Sam Percival and coached by Harri O’Toole, the team have worked hard to end the season with such success. Congratulations to all players!

SPORTS CAPTAINS

Congratulations to the following students who have been recognised for their commitment to the College in the following areas:

• Boys' Football Captain - Jaxon Owens

• Girls' Football Captain - Ella Simpson, Vice Co-Captains - Rahni Milne & Madeline Hogarth

MOTHER’S DAY

Last Sunday we celebrated Mother’s Day. On behalf of the College we hope that all the Mothers, Grandmothers, Step‑mothers, Foster mums, Mother‑figures, and Guardians in our community felt deeply appreciated.

Even if this message arrives a little late, our gratitude for everything you do is unwavering. Your strength, compassion, humour, and endless care shape our families and enrich our community every single day.

Thank you for the love you give so generously, the resilience you show so often, and the wisdom you share so freely. We celebrate you today and every day.

Enjoy the upcoming weekend.

Click here to read the latest Parish Bulletin.

By Mr Luc Norton-Smith-Director of Curriculum, Middle School

Last week marked an exciting milestone for our Middle School students, with the commencement of the ELF (Enhanced Learning Fundamentals) program for our Year 7 cohort, while our Year 8 students have continued to build on the strong foundations established earlier in the year.

ELF provides targeted literacy and numeracy support and extension opportunities, ensuring students are learning at their point of need and are challenged to continue growing in confidence and capability. Across both mathematics and English, students are working in carefully designed groups that allow teachers to provide explicit, focused instruction tailored to student learning needs.

The rollout of ELF for Year 7 has been the result of significant planning, collaboration, and analysis of student data to ensure students are placed in environments where they can experience success and growth from the very beginning. It has been fantastic to see students engage positively with the program during its first week.

A huge thank you must go to the staff who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make ELF possible. In mathematics, we thank Ms Rachael Stanley and Mr Jono James for their leadership, organisation, and dedication to creating meaningful learning opportunities for students. In English, we acknowledge the outstanding work of Mr Haydn Robertson and Ms Sally Fawcett in coordinating and supporting the literacy component of the program.

We also thank all Middle School staff for their flexibility and commitment as we continue to strengthen targeted teaching practices across Years 7 and 8. We look forward to seeing the growth and success that ELF will continue to bring for our students throughout the year.

2027 Year 12 Leavers Rugby Top Fitting and Orders are now open.

Rugby Top Cost is $100.

Final date for ordering and payment is 09/07/2026. Orders received after this date will incur additional cost.

Rugby tops can only be ordered from the St Patrick’s College Uniform Store.

We highly recommend students attend in person to try on and order their rugby top.

Payments can be made in person using a card payment only or by contacting the Uniform Store on 03 6341 9933.

This platform offers a wonderful window into your child’s participation in College life through a curated selection of images captured by our professional photographers and staff. Portal+ is provided as an additional benefit for parents/guardians to enjoy these snapshots of their child’s journey, rather than to provide a comprehensive record of every student.

Please note that Portal+ is only available via the Schoolbox Browser (not in the App).

• On log in, your My Child page will show you any publishable* photos containing your child. Some images may be ‘hero’ shots and others may have your child in the background.
• The Collections section contains collections of publishable photos that showcase College events and activities. These selections are updated regularly.
• SchoolBench Terms of Use available on log in, we ask you to note point 3 about confidentiality:

Each Account will come with a username and password, which you must keep confidential and not disclose to anybody else. You are responsible for all activities that occur on your Account.

Content you download must not be published on social media, unless you have consulted with the parent/guardian of any other student/s featured in that Content.

For any queries contact Kim McInnes at kim.mcinnes@stpatricks.tas.edu.au

*Publishable means that all students in the photo have permission to have their image published.

By Mr Simon Dray - Digital Learning Integration Coordinator/ Teacher

After a brief hiatus, we are thrilled to announce that the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Duke of Ed) is officially returning to our College! For those looking to challenge themselves, build a standout resume, and make lasting memories outside the classroom, this is your moment.

Whether you're an aspiring explorer or someone who just wants to try something new, the Duke of Ed program offers a unique framework for personal development through four key sections: Volunteering, Physical Recreation, Skills, and the Adventurous Journey.

Bronze Award: More Accessible Than Ever

The big news this year is that the Bronze Award—the perfect entry point for students from 13/14 years of age—has been streamlined. The program has evolved to become more flexible, ensuring that it fits into your busy College schedule rather than adding to your stress.

The requirements have been updated to be more straightforward to complete, meaning it can now be completed in only 3 months rather than 6 months. If you’ve been on the fence about whether you can balance Duke of Ed with your studies, this is the best time to jump in. It’s no longer just about survival in the wilderness; it’s about personal growth, community impact, and having fun. Moreover, you get to earn TCE Level 1 points to go towards your ATAR.

College Support: We’ve Got You Covered

We believe that every student should have the opportunity to participate, regardless of their financial situation. To ensure the program is accessible to everyone:

• Financial Subsidy: The College has committed to paying 50% of the enrolment cost for students who take part.

• Total Cost: This significantly reduces the personal expense for students, making the journey much more affordable.

How to Get Involved: Expression of Interest

Because the College is financially invested in the Duke of Ed, there will be an Expression of Interest (EOI) process that will need to be completed.

1. Read the Info Pack: Check the Duke of Edinburgh SchoolBox page for the digital brochure detailing the specific information and requirements, and complete the short EOI form (link available on the SchoolBox) by Friday, 22 May.

2. Parental Consent: Ensure you discuss the commitment and the remaining cost with your guardians before applying.

"The Duke of Edinburgh isn't just a certificate; it’s proof that you have the resilience and teamwork skills that universities and employers are looking for. Don't miss out on the chance to earn yours at half the price!"

Stay tuned for our upcoming information sessions by checking the SchoolBox page regularly—we can't wait to see who will step up to the challenge!

Congratulations to Seb Hardinge, who will compete next week at the Oceania Athletics Championships in both the men’s high jump on Monday 18 May, and javelin on Tuesday 19 May.

Want to submit a student achievement? A reminder that the 'Share Student Success' form is located in Schoolbox under 'Student Life'.

By Mrs Nicole Laskey - Director of Pastoral Care - Middle School

Our recent Girls Night In was a truly special evening filled with connection, creativity, and meaningful conversations. Held on Wednesday 6 May, Middle School students and significant women in their lives gathered together to enjoy a relaxed and uplifting night centred around the theme, “Unmask the Real You – You’re Enough, You’re Beautiful.”

The evening encouraged everyone to step away from expectations, let their guard down, and celebrate who they truly are. Through laughter, shared experiences, and heartfelt moments, attendees were reminded that true beauty comes from within and that each person’s individuality is something to be celebrated.

Each room featured a delicious grazing table, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere as families moved through a range of engaging activity stations.

At the Flower Keyring Station, participants created personalised keyrings using colours, charms, and designs that reflected their personalities. This activity highlighted the importance of self-expression and embracing individuality.

The Paint and Sip Station provided a calm and creative space where guests could relax, paint, and connect with one another. With no pressure for perfection, the activity encouraged everyone to embrace their own unique perspective and simply enjoy the process.

At the Makeup Station, participants explored fun and natural makeup looks in a supportive environment. The focus was on using makeup as a form of self-expression and confidence, rather than as a mask, celebrating natural beauty and individuality.

The night was filled with smiles, encouragement, and genuine connection, and it was wonderful to see so many meaningful conversations taking place between students and their loved ones.

A special thank you must also go to the dedicated staff members and Student Executive students who helped organise, set up, and run the evening. Their energy, care, and support helped create such a welcoming and positive atmosphere for everyone involved. We would also like to sincerely thank the VET Hospitality team for preparing the beautiful grazing tables and drinks enjoyed throughout the night. Their hard work and attention to detail added so much to the overall experience and helped make the evening feel extra special.

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

Co-Op Schools Career Expo - NEXT WEDNESDAY

Launceston Christian School, Launceston Grammar, Scotch Oakburn College and St Patrick’s College

Wednesday 20 May, from 5.30pm to 8.00pm at the Launceston Conference Centre, Door of Hope.

We invite Year 10, 11, and 12 students and their families to attend the post school options event, Co-Op Schools Career Expo, an essential event for exploring career pathways and post-secondary education options.

For Year 12 students, the Expo provides important information on tertiary study, scholarships, accommodation, gap-year opportunities, apprenticeships, traineeships, and employment, helping to navigate the often-complex transition beyond school.

For Years 10 and 11 students, it is an excellent opportunity to gather information and make informed decisions in readiness for subject selection and future pathways.

With over 67 exhibitors representing a wide range of industries, including accounting, forestry, engineering, hospitality, health, real estate, trades, aviation, and emergency services, the Expo enables students to engage directly with providers and employers. Many students have previously secured work experience, employment, traineeships, and apprenticeships through connections made at this event, so we strongly encourage attendees to bring a current résumé.

The Expo will also feature interactive displays, with representatives from UTAS, AMC, mainland universities, residential colleges, and TasTAFE in attendance. Over 12 mainland universities and residential colleges will also be attending, along with a presentation from the Tertiary Information Service this year. Richmond Football Club is coming down to promote the Richmond Institute. A full list of exhibitors is attached.

We look forward to seeing you at this important event.

By Miss Alana Lane & Mr Joseph Rice

We are proud to announce the SPC Performance Project 2026 - regenerAtIon. Two evening performances showcasing the many talents, skills and dedication of varying grades and groups from SPC. Please come along to the performance on 28 and 29 May, starting at 7pm. Tickets available in the provided link, get them quick as seats are limited.
Ticket link: https://communityportal.stpatricks.tas.edu.au/Events.aspx A kiosk will be available for light refreshments and snacks during the performance and intermission. 

By Ms Fiona Mowat - Instrumental Music Coordinator

Music Tuition

The Music Department is already very busy just two weeks into the term. Lessons have re-commenced with students having weekly lessons on all instruments from piano to flute, saxophone to tuba, voice to drumkit and everything else in between. It's not too late to enrol for lessons if you wish to learn an instrument through the College. You can find the information and enrolment link on schoolbox under:

TILE: Student Life, then Co-curricular Activities then MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM.

Friends of Music

On Sunday May 10 - 70 volunteers headed out to the AGFest site to clean up as part of the fundraising for the Friends Of Music Group. A high thank you to all the music families that gave up their Sunday morning to go along and help out with this.

By Mr Roy Stewart - PIC

The Year 7/8 cricket season was completed over the course of Term 1.
With strong participation across both year levels we were able to enter three teams in the competitions, with one team in Division 2, and two teams in Division 1.

In Division 2 we had many players try their hand at cricket for the first time, and the team was notable for the effort and support they gave each other.

In Division 1, after a term of hard fought cricket, and with Grammar and Scotch both having competitive teams, it was pleasing to end the season with the two SPC teams at the top of the table, and competing in the final.

In a close-fought final, which came down to the last ball of the game, SPC Gold triumphed over SPC Green with 7/126 against 6/123. Standout performances across both teams in the final were from Rafi Garcie (25 n.o), Owen Richardson (24 runs) and Eli Boucher (20 n.o) with the bat, as well as Owen Richardson, Max Wagner, Harry Gamble, and Angus O'Toole, who each took two wickets.

Congratulations to the Gold team.

Finally, thank you to Joe Simons and Kristy Clayton (staff), and Charlotte Clayton and Darcy Kitchin (students) for the coaching and support they have provided through the season.