By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

Approximately 250 staff work at St Patrick’s College. These 250 staff work across multiple teams and perform many and varied tasks throughout a week. There are many roles; but ultimately all staff have the same goal - to contribute to our shared mission of ensuring that every student has opportunity to learn the skills, knowledge and values to thrive in our ever changing world.

Today, we temporarily farewell, Ms Leigh Hart, who has for the past 4 years been the Head of School at Croagh Patrick. Prior to her role as Head of School, Leigh was the Director of Curriculum at Croagh Patrick. Leigh is a passionate educator who values young people and walks alongside them on their journey, helping them to be the best versions of themselves. Leigh has done this in an exceptional way at Croagh Patrick. Leigh always has her eye on the past with a view to maintaining and valuing what must continue, a focus on the present so that the right thing is happening at the right time and for the right people. She always has her eye on the future, looking at what can be done better and to new opportunities on the horizon. Leigh does this with a joyous and contagious approach that brings others alongside her.

Leigh is taking Term 3 and 4 for some well-deserved long service leave and will be returning in 2026 to work in the Performing Arts area of the College. Again, we thank Leigh for her amazing contribution to Croagh Patrick, her joyous approach to all that she does and we look forward to welcoming her back in 2026.

We are excited to welcome Mr Nick Foster to the College as the new Head of School at Croagh Patrick. Nick comes to us from Launceston Church Grammar School, where he has worked in various teaching and leadership roles over the years. Nick will be commencing in his role in Term 4. During Term 3, Mrs Janelle Manion, Director of Pastoral Care and Mrs Fiona Phillips, Director of Curriculum will be sharing the Head of School duties with support from our College Deputy Principals and myself.

We are also pleased to announce that Mrs Rachael Holloway will be continuing in her role as Head of School - Senior School for the next 4-year period.

At morning tea last week, we acknowledged some staff through our ‘Staff in the Spotlight Awards’. Each term, staff are nominated by their peers for work that goes above and beyond, reflecting our College values. In Terms 1 and 2, the following staff were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to fostering a positive climate at the College — both through their work within the school and beyond.

STAFF IN THE SPOTLIGHT TERM 1 AND 2, 2025

I know that you will join me in thanking all our staff for the work that they do in partnering with you in supporting our young people to grow physically, socially, emotionally, spiritually and academically. Thank you for entrusting your students into our care!

We hope the next two weeks are a time for students to refresh and relax, so that they are ready to embark on the second semester of the academic year. Teaching staff will be returning on Monday 21 July for Professional Development.

We look forward to the return of students on Tuesday 22 July 2025.

Kind regards,

Mrs Liz Illingworth

Principal

By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Deputy Principal - Learning and Achievement

Senior School: Planning Your Future Pathway & Subject Selections for 2026

Year 10 Students

Year 10 Futures Days: Year 10 students participated in a Futures Day on Thursday, 3 July last term. The day provided students with an opportunity to gather information and make informed decisions regarding school subjects and future careers in preparation for Year 11 subject selections. Information on the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) was detailed, and students were provided with an opportunity to hear from all faculty areas. Students were also fortunate enough to hear from a panel of students who discussed their subject selections and pathways and were offered an opportunity to engage with an interactive mini expo which included industry representatives, the University of Tasmania and practical demonstrations of our VET faculty. We hope students found the day valuable and informative as they make their subject selections in the coming weeks.

Year 10 Pathway Planning Interviews: Year 10 students together with their parents/guardians will be invited to make an appointment to attend a Year 10 Pathway Planning interview in the coming weeks. These interviews provide an opportunity to discuss career options and possible pathways, give a more detailed and personalised explanation of the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) and Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and advise on how each student can optimise their subject choices, including Year 11/12 TASC subjects/Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses/Australian School based Apprenticeships (ASbAs) opportunities. These interviews are held in the first three weeks of Term 3 prior to subject selections for 2026 occurring in Week 4. These interviews are highly advantageous and recommended for all students/parents/guardians, as they provide families with guidance based on your child’s teacher recommendations, interests and future aspirations. Parents/guardians will receive more information before the end of term about booking an interview time. The interviews are held between 2:00pm-5:30pm on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Interviews will be available with the following staff members:

• Jodie White: Future Pathways Coordinator/Careers Advisor

• Shayne Russell: Careers Advisor

• Luke Westcombe: Careers Advisor

• Ryan Wiese: Director of Year 10

• Kate Rockliffe: Director of Curriculum - Senior School

• Rachael Holloway: Head of School - Senior School

• Lindsey Hills: Deputy Principal: Learning and Achievement

• Kirsten Christie-Johnston: Inclusive Learning Coordinator Year 10

• Rachel Scott: EAL Learning Leader

Students who would like to book an appointment time during school hours and are unable to be accompanied by their parents/guardians may do so through any of the abovementioned staff members, or can see Mrs Nicole Cullen who is located near the Front Office.

Year 11 Students

Subject Selections for Year 12 & Pathway Planning:

Year 11 students and parents/guardians will also be invited to make an appointment to attend a Pathway Planning interview, either with their child after school or, for Year 11 students, on their own during the school day. These interviews are designed for Year 11 students who need some support and guidance to assist them with their subject selections for Year 12.

The interviews are held between 2pm-5:30pm on Wednesday afternoons in Weeks 2-3 of Term 3. Interviews will be available with the following staff members:

• Jodie White: Future Pathways Coordinator/Careers Advisor

• Kate Rockliffe: Director of Curriculum - Senior School

• Lindsey Hills: Deputy Principal: Learning and Achievement

• Rachael Holloway: Head of School - Senior School

Year 11 students may also book in to see any of our Careers Advisors outside of these times as usual. They can do so in person (Future Pathways are located in the Library) or by emailing careers@stpatricks.tas.edu.au.

Subject Information Evenings:
In Week 4 of Term 3, the College will be holding Subject Information Evenings to assist students in making informed subject selections for 2026. It is highly recommended that all students and parents/guardians attend to ensure students select the most appropriate subjects to study next year. This is a wonderful opportunity to speak to subject teachers and Heads of Learning about subject offerings and future pathways.

• Senior School Subject Information Evening - Tuesday, 12 August in the Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) from 4pm-6:30pm

• Croagh Patrick - Thursday, 14 August at Croagh Patrick from 3:45pm-6pm

• Middle School Subject Information Evenings - Thursday, 14 August in the Tenison Woods Centre (Middle School area) from 3:45pm-6pm

Updated Subject Selection Guides are available on Schoolbox.

By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Deputy Principal - Learning and Achievement

Year 9 Students

Year 9 students have had an opportunity to start thinking about their 2026 subject selections and pathways into the Senior School towards the end of this term, with multiple presentations during Gathering by Mr Ryan Wiese, Director of Year 10, and Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator/Careers Advisor on pathways and course offerings at the College.

Year 9 students and their families were also invited to attend an information session on Pathways into the Senior School in Week 9 of this term. The presentation featured information about the different pathway options available in Year 10, 11 and 12, the difference between TASC and ACARA subjects, as well as our VET offerings. It provided students an opportunity to start making informed decisions before the Subject Information Evening and subject selections in early Term 3. We hope that students and families found the session informative as they begin to think ahead to Years 10, 11 and 12.

Year 10 Students

Year 10 Futures Days: Year 10 students participated in a Futures Day on Thursday, 3 July. This day provided students with an opportunity to gather information and make informed decisions regarding school subjects, courses and future careers in preparation for Year 11 subject selection. The Year 10 Futures Day delivered information on the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) and an interactive mini expo, where students can have their individual questions answered by staff and representatives from different education and training institutions, industry representatives and the University of Tasmania, as well as see a practical demonstration of our VET offerings. We hope our students found the day valuable and informative.

Year 10 Pathway Planning Interviews: Year 10 students together with their parents/guardians will be invited to make an appointment to attend a Year 10 Pathway Planning interview in the coming weeks. These interviews provide an opportunity to discuss career options and possible pathways, give a more detailed and personalised explanation of the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) and Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), and advise on how each student can optimise their subject choices, including Year 11/12 TASC subjects/Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses/Australian School based Apprenticeships (ASbAs) opportunities. These interviews are held in the first three weeks of Term 3, prior to subject selections for 2026 occurring in Week 4. These interviews are highly advantageous and recommended for all students/parents/guardians, as they provide families with guidance based on your child’s teacher recommendations, interests and future aspirations. Parents/guardians will receive more information before the end of term about booking an interview time. The interviews are held between 2:00-5:30pm on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Interviews will be available with the following staff members:

• Jodie White: Future Pathways Coordinator/Careers Advisor
• Shayne Russell: Careers Advisor
• Luke Wescombe: Careers Advisor
• Ryan Wiese: Director of Year 10
• Kate Rockliffe: Curriculum Director - Senior School
• Rachael Holloway: Head of School - Senior School
• Lindsey Hills: Deputy Principal - Learning and Achievement
• Kirsten Christie-Johnston: Inclusive Learning Coordinator Year 10
• Rachel Scott: EAL Learning Leader

Students who would like to book an appointment time during school hours and are unable to be accompanied by their parents/guardians may do so through any of the abovementioned staff members or can see Mrs Nicole Cullen who is located near the Front Office.

Year 11 Students

Subject Selections for Year 12 & Pathway Planning:

Year 11 students and parents/guardians will also be invited to make an appointment to attend a Pathway Planning interview, either with their child after school or for Year 11 students on their own during the school day. These interviews are designed for Year 11 students who need some support and guidance to assist them with their subject selections for Year 12.

The interviews are held between 2pm-5:30pm on Wednesday afternoons in Weeks 2-3 of Term 3. Interviews will be available with the following staff members:

• Jodie White: Future Pathways Coordinator/Careers Advisor
• Kate Rockliffe: Acting Curriculum Director - Senior School
• Lindsey Hills: Deputy Principal: Learning and Achievement
• Rachael Holloway: Head of School - Senior School

Year 11 students may also book in to see any of our Careers Advisors outside of these times as usual. They can do so in person (Future Pathways located in the Library) or by emailing careers@stpatricks.tas.edu.au.

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

Mainland University Application Information 2025

To apply to mainland universities, you need to apply in the state where you want to go to university.

For mainland university applications, you need to go through a Tertiary Admissions Centre for each state and make an account before you apply. There are one off application fees for each Tertiary Admissions Centre which vary from each state.

Applying in more states can INCREASE your chances of getting a place, because you can nominate the maximum number of preferences in each state. This is particularly important if you are considering a competitive course, like medicine or law.

*MAIN ENTRY dates - standard admission reliant on ATAR

EARLY ENTRY dates - check with individual universities regarding available Early Entry Programs

You will need the following information to create an account:

• USI - Government requirement that all students planning to study at university or VET programs need a USI: https://www.usi.gov.au
• TASC ID – required for all university applications
• Personal email account – do not use your SPC email for applications as it expires at the end of the year

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Early Entry or School Recommendation Programs

• Check with individual universities regarding available Early Entry and School Recommendation Programs
• Check prerequisites and entry requirements - they all differ from each university; some offer direct applications, while others require Tertiary Admissions Centre registration

Apply for SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) - eligible for Tasmanian Students

SEAS adjusts your ATAR in recognition of circumstances that may have affected your education. This gives you a better chance of getting an offer for the course you want.

NOTE: All schools in Tasmania are located in regional or remote areas (SEAS Category 1) based on the Australian Statistical Geography Standard - Remoteness Areas.

You may be eligible if you satisfy the criteria for one or more of the SEAS categories:

• Category 1: Personal Information

Indigenous Australian
Born in a non-English-speaking country and moved to Australia after 1 January 2015
Live in a low socio-economic area
Attend a school in a regional or remote location
First in family to attend university
Aged 21 or older on 1 January 2025

• Category 2: Financial Disadvantage
• Category 3: Disability or Medical Condition
• Category 4: Difficult Circumstances

Experienced difficult personal circumstances
Being a refugee or asylum seeker

Applications for SEAS are made through the Tertiary Admissions Centre for each state.

Resources

The Good Universities Guide - https://www.gooduniversitiesgu...

Course Seeker - https://www.courseseeker.edu.au/

MONASH UNIVERSITY PRESENTATION – TUESDAY 5 AUGUST

We’re excited to be heading back to Tassie in 2025 for our annual Monash Information Evenings. These events are a great chance for students and families to learn what it’s like to study at Monash.

They’ll hear about:

• The range of study areas
• International opportunities
• Scholarships
• Entry and pathway schemes
• Accommodation options

Launceston: Tuesday 5 August, 6:30pm - 8:00pm.

Venue: Peppers Silo

Book your place: Register here.

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE PRESENTATION - MONDAY 11 AUGUST

Our Future Students team is visiting Launceston to meet with prospective undergraduate students like you to discuss your study options and the exciting campus life that awaits at the University of Melbourne.

Launceston: Monday 11 August 6:00pm - 8:00pm (AEST)

Venue: Peppers Silo

Book your place: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/student-life/events/meet-melbourne/tasmania

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

2025 University Open Days

2025 University Early Entry

For bookings: https://communityportal.stpatr...

By Mr Harri O’Toole - Sports Coordinator

Our SPC 9/10 Boys Football teams have enjoyed a positive and productive first half of the NHSSA season, with both our Division 1 and Division 2 teams showing strong commitment and growth.

Division 1 faced a challenging start while several players completed their SATIS commitments but have since played with great cohesion and spirit, recording wins against Riverside, Launceston Grammar, and Kings Meadows.

Our Division 2 team joined the roster in Round 4 and has quickly settled into the competition. They've shown great teamwork in matches against Prospect, Deloraine, and Cressy, with valuable learning and development each week. Yesterday SPC won their Round 7 fixture against Brooks High School 50 - 47 in a great match, rounding out their first block of games.

Both teams will return after the school break for the final rounds of the season, focused on continued improvement, enjoyment, and representing the College with pride.

• Molly Green – Molly has been selected to play as part of Netball Tasmania’s Lutruwita team at the First Nations Tournament.
• Darcy De Bruyn – Competing at the Tasmanian titles, Darcy broke three national records in the U/15 weightlifting.
• Molly Ross – Molly has been selected to represent Tasmania at the 2025 Bigham Cup Gymnastics Competition in Perth, WA.
• Olivia Hinds – Olivia has been selected to represent Tasmania in Brisbane at the Australian School Games for swimming.
• Hamish Anderson – Hamish has been selected to umpire at the U/15 Nationals Football Championships in Brisbane.
• Amelie Millar – Amelie was presented the U/16 Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the Commbank Emerging Matildas Championships and has also been selected as part of the extended squad for the Commbank Junior Matilda’s ASEAN U/16 Girls Championships.

Congratulations to our students!