Treat others how you would like to be treated. (Luke 6:31)
Last Friday our Student Executive led our College assembly. They shared the story of the amalgamation of Marian College and St Patrick’s College through a parody of Romeo and Juliet. During their performance, they cleverly shared their theme for 2024 - ‘Unmask the real you’. Their message is clear and important for all of us; it encourages each of us to be vulnerable, be authentic and to be ourselves. As our Student Executive beautifully put it, "In vulnerability, there is no cowardice or shame; only courage and bravery." We are grateful to the Student Executive for being brave in front of the whole College community and thankful to Mr Laine Cleaver for supporting them.
REFUGEE WEEK
This past week has been Refugee Week, with the theme of ‘Finding Freedom’ for 2024. Three of our students, Sifora, Jeni, and Robin, accompanied Peter Gutwein on a section of his walk from Burnie to Hobart, where his goal was to raise awareness around being a more inclusive and harmonious Tasmania. Our College community, like Launceston, Tasmania, and the rest of Australia, is very multicultural. It is important that each of us are compassionate and caring, open to the spirit, and understand the importance of treating each person how we would like to be treated. This means we embrace all and allow all to feel safe, supported and a part of our community.
MID-YEAR EXAMS
This week, our Year 10 students completed their mid-year exams, while our Year 11 and Year 12 students are in the middle of their exam period. It has been excellent to see the way that students have approached the exams and to see the commitment that many show towards their studies. The mid-year exam is a good opportunity to see how students are progressing in their subjects and should be seen as a tool for gaining feedback on what is working well and where more work is required. We hope that students see this opportunity as a learning experience and use the feedback provided to move forward. Thank you to our staff for the work that is involved in preparing for this period of time.
STATE FOOTBALL FINALS
We are excited to be hosting the SATIS Football Finals at St Patrick’s tomorrow. We wish Lily Robinson and her team all the best when they meet Guilford Young at 12:00pm, and Max Roney and his team all the best as they play Guilford Young College at 1:50pm. We look forward to two excellent games where our students demonstrate their skills, teamwork and sportsmanship. All the best to our coaches Nic Roney and Roy Stewart. We thank them, and all involved, for their work throughout the season.
FINAL WEEKS OF TERM 2 AND UPCOMING EVENTS
We look forward to seeing many of you at our Parent Teacher Interviews on Wednesday 3 July and at the many events that are occurring over the final two weeks of term.
A number of our students will be travelling to Japan in Week 10 with Mrs Minami Ivory, Mr David Hayward and Mrs Lea Watson. I wish them the best as they embark on this exciting adventure.
A reminder of two important dates for later in the year:
Celebrating 40 Years of Co-education at St Patrick’s College - Saturday 26 October
End of Year Mass and Award Presentation Night for all Year 7-12 Students - Thursday 12 December
Enjoy your weekend.
E-safety - Support For families
Parents and Carers, technology can impact your child's wellbeing and safety. ESafety is here to help your family thrive online. At eSafety you can find:
· Guidance on parental controls for your family. Learn how to block, filter, monitor and limit your child’s online activity
By Ms Tracey Owers, Learning Leader - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Success
To mark Reconciliation Week, the College held a breakfast and invited members of our community, from both here at the College and further afield, to share in this occasion with us. This year’s theme ‘Now More than Ever’ asks us to reflect on the importance of remaining committed to acts of reconciliation, especially at this time in history. Much has been achieved and yet there is still so far to go. With only 39.9% of Australians voting Yes in last year’s Voice to Parliament referendum, some might be tempted to see that defeat as a defeat for all of the efforts made towards reconciliation. ‘Now More than Ever’ is a call to remind us that we have to work even harder to dispel that notion.
Old Collegian Matilda Warrener (Year 12, 2023) addressed those gathered to share her experiences of being a student and some of the lessons she had learnt in her time here. Her gentle and genuine delivery of her story was very powerful. Those who were gathered were captivated by her strength and assuredness in how her Aboriginal culture has shaped her life. As a proud Palawa woman, Matilda was able to articulate how important country and spirit are to her identity. We were so grateful to have Matilda join us, along with her father Dave Warrener, Courtney Fechner and Georgia Spotswood-Stebbings from Riawuanna, Djuker Hart and Aunty Dawn Blazely and Aunty Nanette Shaw; who all so generously give their time to share culture with us.
Reconciliation Week is an important reminder, as with the Catholic Sacrament of the same name, about putting things right and being in right relationships. As a College, we know that we and the rest of Australia must be committed to ongoing efforts to put right the wrongs of the past and the injustices still present today. We are incredibly grateful to those who journey alongside us.
Year 8 Paired Reflection Days
By Mrs Belinda Chapman, Retreat & Reflection Day Coordinator
This term our Year 8s have been engaging in a Paired Reflection Day on the theme of 'Social Justice'. They have visualised some key statistics about our world by engaging in an activity where they represented 135 million people each. This gave them a good idea of some of the areas of injustice - where we do not have fair, right or complete situations in our world.
Following this, they were introduced to a few people whose lives are affected by injustice through film, stories and games. Students had the chance to notice and name some of the issues and barriers to justice, as well as noticing and appreciating the stable things in their own lives.
Another story and some scripture helped to give examples of dignity, showing that when we treat each person as a brother or sister, we really start to work towards justice.
Students discovered some key ways of being that will help us all work towards social justice, starting with the people around us.
Launceston Parish Bulletin
Click here to view the full issue of the Launceston Parish Bulletin.
Learning & Achievement
Future Pathways
By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator
YEAR 10 FUTURES DAY
On Thursday 4 July, all Year 10 students will participate in the compulsory Futures Day. The focus of the day is to inform students about subjects offered in Year 11 and 12 and familiarising them with terminology such as TASC, TCE, ATAR, VET, ASbAs, prerequisite subjects for university and vocational pathways, apprenticeships, traineeships and Australian School-based Apprenticeships.
The day aims to be fun, interactive and informative, consisting of guest speakers, subject information sessions and an expo.
The expo will provide an opportunity for students to gather information and explore the various pathways and options available to them such as university, apprenticeships, work, VET and GAP Year. A great range of organisations will be attending with displays, simulations and activities planned. These inlcude:
University of Tasmania – UTAS (variety of faculties represented)
Australian Maritime College – AMC (simulations and activities)
TasTAFE (variety of study areas represented)
Australian Defence Force (ADF)
Tasmania Fire Service
Tasmania Police
Tasmanian Building Group Apprenticeship Scheme (TasBGAS)
Tasmanian Automobile Association (TACC)
Mas National: apprenticeships, traineeships and ASbAs
Windeward Bound (youth and leadership sailing programs)
Royal Flying Doctors Australia
Fairbrother
Degree C
Haywards/Crisp Bros
Arbre Hub Forestry Tasmania
Hydro Tas
Tas Networks
Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA)
The Year 10 Futures Day is an opportunity for students to start to think, plan and ask questions as they prepare to make important decisions about their subject choices for Year 11 and 12.
SCHOOL LEAVER EXPO - UTAS
SCHOOLS RECOMMENDATION PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE PRESENTATION - MONDAY 5TH AUGUST
The Future Students team is visiting Launceston to meet with prospective undergraduate students to discuss study options and the exciting campus life that awaits at the University of Melbourne
By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Acting Deputy Principal – Learning & Achievement
Senior School: Planning Your Future Pathway & Subject Selections for 2025
Year 10 Students
Year 10 Futures Days Year 10 students are participating in a Futures Day on Thursday, 4 July in Week 10 of Term 2. Futures Day provides 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. Year 10 Futures Day will feature explicit 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, the Australian Defence Force and the University of Tasmania. Students are permitted to wear their sports uniform on this day, and are required to attend Tutor Group in the morning as usual.
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 and Australian School based Apprenticeships (ASbAs) opportunities.
The interviews are held in the first three weeks of Term 3 prior to subject selections for 2025 occurring in Week 4. These interviews are highly advantageous and recommended for all students and their parents/guardians, as they provide families with guidance based on students' 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:
Kate Rockliffe: Acting Curriculum Director - Senior School
Rachael Holloway: Head of School - Senior School
Lindsey Hills: Acting Deputy Principal: Learning and Achievement
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 above mentioned staff members. Alternatively, they 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 Year 11 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 2:00pm-5:30pm on Wednesday afternoons in Weeks 2-3 of Term 3. Interviews will be available with the following staff members:
Kate Rockliffe: Acting Curriculum Director - Senior School
Lindsey Hills: Acting Deputy Principal: Learning and Achievement
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 2024. It is highly recommended that all students and parents/guardians attend to ensure students select the most appropriate subjects to study in 2025. 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, 13 August in the Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) from 4:00pm-7:00pm
Croagh Patrick Subject Information Evening - Thursday, 15 August at Croagh Patrick from 3:45pm-6:30pm
Middle School Subject Information Evenings - Thursday, 15 August in the Tenison Woods Centre (Middle School area) from 3:45pm-6:30pm
Updated Subject Selection Guides will be available on Schoolbox at the end of this term.
More information about the Subject Information Evenings will be made available to you in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you there.
Mid Year Examinations
Our Senior School examinations are underway this week. We wish Year 10, 11 and 12 students the best, and look forward to celebrating their efforts and achievements when the Mid Year examinations conclude in Week 9.
Parents/guardians will receive a formal Progress Report in Week 10 of Term 2. Similarly to last year, an A-E rating will be provided for Australian Curriculum subjects, criterion ratings will be provided for TASC subjects and competency ratings for Vocational Education courses. Tutor/Home Group teachers will also provide a Pastoral Report that includes a comment. Ongoing feedback on student progress, and Attitude and Engagement with Learning Ratings will also continue to be available on Schoolbox.
Progress Reports are available on Schoolbox with your parent/guardian login details. They will become available at 6:00pm on Friday, 28 June.
Parent-Student-Teacher Meetings
Mid Year Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Week 10 of this term. We warmly encourage students to attend these interviews alongside their parents or guardians.
The interviews are held at the College on Wednesday, 3 July, from 4:00pm until 8:30pm. Bookings will open at 7:00pm on Friday, 28 June (Week 9). Feedback on student progress in all courses studied on Schoolbox can provide insight into your child’s progress and guide your decision as to whether you would like to make a Parent-Student-Teacher Interview.
Similarly to Term 1, interviews can be booked online using the online booking system PTO. Bookings remain open until midnight on Tuesday, 2 July. You will be sent your online booking login details on Monday 24 June. Please contact Mrs Nicole Cullen, Personal Assistant to Deputy Principal Learning & Achievement, on 6341 9988 or ncullen@stpatricks.tas.edu.au if you are having any difficulties in booking your interviews.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to make their bookings early as the appointment schedule will be more convenient the earlier you go online.
PTO App Bookings can also be made by using the PTO Mobile App. The App can be downloaded on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and you can find St Patrick’s College using the code: aprmz
Levi Springer (Y10 – U16 team), Cooper Tasker (Y7 – U14 team), Clancy Richmond (Y7 – U14 team) and George Durkin (Y7 – U14 team) have been selected to represent the State at the National Indoor Cricket Championships in Melbourne in July.
Chelsea Anderson has been given the opportunity to participate in an Army Cadets event in Darwin at the end of this month.
Congratulations to these students.
Creative Arts - Mid Year Drama and Theatre Exams
By Otto Middleton, Drama Captain
Year 12 Theatre Performance
The Year 12 Theatre performance class performed "Dags" By Debroah Oswald June 4-5 in our College Theatre, as part of their Mid Year Performance Exams. This 80s script is based on sixteen-year-old Gillian. Gillian is a nerd, a misfit, totally uncool and who sees herself as a social outcast. Throughout this play, Gillian takes us on a funny, excruciating journey through the world of adolescent anguish and awkwardness. She finds it hard to cope with her bright gung-ho sister, who is not only totally together physically but also has a bouncy, positive mental attitude; her gossipy girlfriends; her addiction to chocolate; and her desperate quest to be beautiful and popular. So, when she develops a crush on the school heartthrob and finds herself on a blind date with a mega-nerd, Gillian feels pushed to the edge. But in a surprise ending, Gillian triumphs with an exhilarating moment of self-awareness and confidence.
Year 11 Drama
Our talented Year 11 drama students recently embarked on an exciting journey, bringing joy and creativity to primary schools across the northern region of the state. They performed the delightful children's theatre production, 'The Grumpiest Boy in the World', captivating young audiences with their energy and talent.
The story follows the adventures of Zachary Briddling, a boy who feels painfully ordinary in a world of extraordinary people. Through his journey, he learns that being himself is the most extraordinary thing of all. Our students' portrayal of this charming story not only entertained, but also conveyed important messages about self-acceptance and individuality.
Ms Rachael Holloway, Head of School – Senior School
A recently released Productivity Commission report outlined exactly how concerning school attendance rates are, both nationally and here in Tasmania. The first piece of alarming data shows that Tasmania has the second-worst school attendance in the country, with only 83% of Year 7-10 students attending each day (the national average is 86.4%). This is down from 89.3% in 2015. For non-government schools, such as St Patrick’s College, the rate is a little better, at 88%, but anything below 90% is considered a poor attendance rate.
Students in Years 10-12 have missed an extraordinary average of 10 days of school so far this year. This means that some students have already been absent for 20 days, which is two weeks of school missed in under half of the school year. In most workplaces, this would be all of an employee’s personal leave entitlements for the year, already used up.
Alarmingly our Year 12 cohort has the highest absentee rate in the College. In a year that is so important for so many reasons, it should be the lowest. Nearly 30% of our Year 12 students have missed at least one day of school every week this year. Half as many Year 10 and 11 students have missed this number of days.
We know there are a variety of reasons why students miss school. There is no doubt COVID continues to have an impact. We are much more conscious about staying at home when we are ill rather than spreading infection, and there has been a lot of illness around this year. Learning@Home has potentially misled students and parents to believe they can do just as well at home, accessing the curriculum through Schoolbox. This is simply not the case. Nothing can support a student’s learning more than being physically in a classroom with a teacher.
In the classroom, teachers provide explicit learning. They can respond to clarifying questions: questions students may not have thought of or were too shy to ask. Students receive individualised support as teachers move around the classroom checking for understanding. If you still think that attendance isn't important, consider this: at the current rate of missing 20 days a year, a student will lose 300 hours of learning time during their three years in the Senior School. This equates to missing the required teaching and learning hours for two TCE courses!
As educators, our role is to support students and their families. If you are concerned with your child’s attendance or are experiencing any challenges in getting your child to school, please do not hesitate to reach out. We have a range of support systems and personnel already in place to support you and your child.
Speak Up Stay Chatty - Shorts Day
By Brock Whitchurch, Molly Tanton and Natalia Byrne, Diversity Captains
We are excited to announce that on Friday, June 28, St Patrick's College will be hosting a Speak Up! Stay ChatTY - Shorts Day event.
On this day, students are encouraged to wear their favourite shorts and bring a gold coin donation. To make the day even more special, we have organised lunch events on the main campus outside the chapel.
What is SPEAK UP! STAY CHATTY?
SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY works to promote positive mental health and prevent suicide by normalising conversations about mental health and encouraging people to seek help when they need it.
Mitch McPherson established the organisation in 2013 after his younger brother Ty died by suicide. Mitch shares his personal story of loss to encourage others to speak up and seek help when they have issues or go through difficult times. They have worked to find an innovative and impactful way to bring our community together, to spark and prioritise more conversations about mental health and to stand unified in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
Cultural activities for the first Semester have wound down recently, with the conclusion of Civics, Debating and the Performance Project marking an end to a busy period. All other activities continue to run and can be accessed by all students at any stage. These include Art Club, Chess Club, Debating, Drama Club, Duke of Edinburgh, Environment Committee, Ethics Olympiad, Filmmaking Club, Gardening Club, LitWits Book Club, Public Speaking, Readers Cup, student2student Reading Program, Tabletop Games, Textiles & Design Club, Tournament of the Minds, Vinnies, and Writer's Society.
Future Sounds students have been busy preparing for the school Rock Challenge which will be held on August 23 at the Boathouse.
Many conversations and negotiations have been occurring behind the scenes in relation to the 2025 musical, and we will have some news on this shortly.
WATCH THIS SPACE!
Music Report
By Ms Fiona Mowat, Instrumental Music Coordinator
It has been a couple of big weeks in the Music Department with students performing at primary school soirees, competing in the Launceston Competitions, starting preparations for the upcoming Mainland Music Tour and undertaking Music Performance Exams.
St Patrick's College is extremely lucky to have a music feeder program that develops young orchestral musicians in our Catholic primary schools with the aim of providing them with a solid beginning to playing a musical instrument. Students are given the opportunity to begin in Grade 3 and hopefully continue through until graduation in Year 12. This program has allowed St Patrick's College to become a centre for Musical Excellence in the State. By inviting senior musicians to our feeder schools, and having them perform in front of both students and parents, it hopefully inspires those young musicians watching to continue to play when they attend St Patrick's College.
The Q&A session also provides the younger musicians with some insight into common challenges and some helpful tips. Things such as how to cope with nerves, doing quality practice, and getting parents to support them are all addressed.
Last week the Choirs, the Concert Band, Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone Ensembles all performed at the Launceston Competitions, with St Patrick's College taking first place in every section entered. Combining all the sections also meant that St Patrick's College took out the Aggregate section for College-aged competitors, something we have not achieved since 2016.
The Big Band and Concert Band members have commenced extra rehearsals in preparation for their 2024 Mainland Music Tour to be held in August. The students undertake workshops with invited guest tutors and attend extended rehearsals. It highlights the dedication required to balance work, study and music to be able to maintain the level of musical skill these opportunities call for.
Finally, as we head into the final weeks of the term, many of the ensembles are starting to prepare for the Winter Concert to be held in August. This is the only event during the year that showcases all the ensembles in the Music Department. It will once again be a major night of music, and one that the whole school should support.
Launceston Competitions Results
Please see the below results for the Launceston Competitions. We congratulate all the students on their incredible efforts.
14 & under Modern Vocal Acoustic Solo - Malaika Mungai (tied 1st place), Hamish Williams (tied 2nd place)
14 years & under: Modern Vocal Acoustic Solo - Malaika Mungai (tied 1st place), Hamish Williams (tied 2nd place)
14 years & under: National Song or Folk Song - Erryn Rae (2nd place)
14 years & under: Own Selection Solo - Erryn Rae (tied 1st place)
16 years & under: Modern Vocal Acoustic solo - Molly Spurway (1st place) and Maggie Hodgeman (2nd place)
16 years & under: Own Selection Vocal Solo - Molly Spurway (1st place)
16 years & under: Popular Choral Glee Contest Choir - Harmonia (1st place)
16 years & under: Selection from Stage or Film Musical - Molly Spurway (1st place)
16 years & under: Vocal Duet or Trio - Maggie Hodgeman & Molly Spurway (1st place)
19 years & under: Singing Group - Keynotes (1st place)
SPC Flute Ensemble (2nd place)
SPC Clarinet Ensemble (2nd place)
SPC Clarinet Ensemble (3rd place)
SPC Senior Saxophone Ensemble (3rd place) (All five ensemble entries in this class placed)
Open Concert Band: St Patrick's College Concert Band (1st place)
Open Popular Choral Glee Contest Choir: Keynotes (1st place)
Maggie Hodgeman & Felix Marshall (tied 3rd place)
Special awards:
Gina McKenzie Encouragement Award for Musical Theatre 18 & under: Molly Spurway
C. W. Barratt Memorial Music Aggregate College age: St Patrick's College
Junior Singing Encouragement Award 14-18 years: Hamish Williams
Schoolbox
Results of the Parent Survey
Thank you to all parents who completed the Parent Schoolbox Communications & Notifications Survey.
Email notifications were the preferred method of receiving notifications by an overwhelming majority, closely followed by the Schoolbox App.
The Email Digest - a new addition for Term 2 - appears to be the least preferred notification method.
Based on these results the College will ensure that the default notification settings for Parent notifications will be set to Email and the Schoolbox App.
If you would like a one to one session to have assistance with any aspect of Schoolbox, please remember that you can book in for a time slot when you book in your Parent Teacher evening appointments.
Bus Safety - Kinetic
Sport Co-curricular
Senior 2nds NSATIS Grand Final Results
NSATIS Grand Final - Wednesday 12 June
SPC 8.6.54 def by SBSC 9.11.65
Goals: Casey Noble 2, Ryan Blackberry, Emmett Gale, Isaiah Stingle, Jaxon Owens, Declan Rae and Campbell Waterhouse
Best: Lucas Mineall, Harrison Gunn, Cooper Kedey, Alexander Ling, Campbell Waterhouse and Isaiah Stingle
SATIS 1sts Football Finals - Support Our Teams
NBA Basketball School Australia
By Mr Harri O'Toole, Sports Coordinator
NBA BASKETBALL SCHOOL AUSTRALIA IN LAUNCESTON
NBA Basketball School Australia is coming to Launceston!
Their mission is to inspire, empower and connect youth in Australia through the power of basketball. The program features an NBA-approved curriculum, expert coaching, international exposure, pathways to elite-level programs such as the NBA Academy, top-notch facilities and equipment, NBA affiliation, and a focus on character development.
NBA Basketball School Australia is excited to announce their new upcoming July Holiday Camp in Launceston at St Patrick’s College, running from Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19. Each day of the camp focuses on honing specific skills crucial for player development:
Monday: Finishing
Tuesday: Shooting
Wednesday: Ball handling
Thursday: Passing
Friday: Individual Defence
In addition to their holiday camp, they are launching weekly one-hour skill development sessions for committed players on Saturdays during Term 3. These sessions are tailored to different age groups:
Group 1 (Ages 10-12): 9:00am - 10:00am
Group 2 (Ages 13-14): 10:00am - 11:00am
Group 3 (Ages 15-18): 11:00am - 12:00pm
Group 4 (Reps only): 12:00pm - 1:00pm
The combination of an NBA-approved curriculum, expert coaching, international exposure, pathways to elite-level programs, top-notch facilities and equipment, NBA affiliation, and a focus on character development makes NBA Basketball School Australia the premier destination for youth basketball development in the country.
NBA Basketball School Australia is not just about basketball; they're about nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills, knowledge, and character to succeed both on and off the court.
If you are interested in registering. Please click the link below
