By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

I would like to extend a warm welcome to St Patrick’s College to our returning students, staff, parents and guardians and a very special welcome to all new students, staff and parents and guardians.  

Over the past weeks, 25 new staff, 280 new Year 7 students and 35  new students in Years 8-12  have commenced at the College. Every person returning, or new is very welcome. St Patrick’s College is certainly a thriving community, and as I begin my new role, I have been inspired by the care and kindness of both staff and students and by the way they have settled into College life for 2023.

Over the past two weeks, I have spent time with many groups within our College. Our new Year 7 cohort; our Student Executive; our Staff; the Year 8 cohort, and last Friday, the whole College community at our Academic Assembly.  Every interaction I’ve had has been a positive one. Students are respectful of themselves, others and the College, and demonstrate this through their impeccable wearing of the uniform, their punctuality each morning and to lessons and in the way they interact with others.  

COLLEGE COMMUNICATION

To our parents and guardians, I thank you for reinforcing our College expectations and encouraging each of you to stay informed.  This a reminder to please ensure the College has your current email address as this is the way we communicate with you.

Copies of major College communications can be accessed through the Schoolbox parent portal homepage by simply clicking on the tile of the school your child belongs to (example below).

Parents are able to support students in being organised and responsible and help them on their pathway to independence by keeping up to date with College happenings; this contributes to developing resilient, organised, respectful and mature students.

MISSION AND VALUES

The start of the school year is a great time to reflect on our Mission and Values.  The Mission of our College is to be a school community of faith, learning, respect and service in the Catholic tradition and our community has discerned the following values as central to who we are:  Catholic Identity, Compassion, Endeavour and Excellence, Individuality, Social Justice, Stewardship, Leadership and Relationships.  Striving towards these values each day is essential to who we are and what we are about.

2022 ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Celebrating success motivates us and helps us develop a mindset of success. The academic success of the graduating Year 12 class from 2022 was outstanding. The College Dux for 2022 was Olive Morris, and we congratulate her on this achievement. Bailey Reardon, Alexander Smith and Sophie Illingworth also scored in the top 100 students. In 2022, 29 students from St Patrick’s College scored above 90. The Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) awarded Olive Morris and Bailey Reardon an Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for 2022 for scoring over 99.5 and awarded Alexander Geale and Emily Hepburn an Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Education and Training (VET) Award for 2022. 

Last Friday in our Academic Excellence Assembly for 2023, we acknowledged these students as well as all students from Years 7-11 in 2022 who achieved Academic Excellence.  

STEM ‘HEART’ PROJECT

You will no doubt be aware that much work has already occurred in commencing The STEM Heart Project.  This project will take approximately two years to complete and will cause some disruptions which you may have already experienced in moving around the campus.  Thank you all in anticipation of your adaptability.  If you haven’t yet seen the video showing the project visit the school webpage at https://www.stpatricks.tas.edu.au to see what the development will look like when completed.  

CONDOLENCES

Our community extends sincere condolences to family and friends on the passing of Mr Darryl Tuppen. Darryl worked at the College for 11 years before returning to the NSW Central Coast in 2020.  Darryl was a compassionate and committed teacher in his MacKillop More Tutor position, Ascent and Vinnies Soup Van activities.  He loved spending time with his Year 10 Business classes, encouraging the next generation of business leaders.  

Vale, Darryl – thank you for your contribution to the St Patrick’s College community.

I hope the first two weeks back at the College have been positive for students, and I look forward to continuing to work with parents/guardians throughout the year to ensure that each of our students is able to achieve to the best of their ability in all aspects of their lives.

By Mrs Alanna Stretton, Deputy Principal Learning and Achievement

Welcome to the 2023 Academic Year at St Patrick’s College.

Students have settled in well into the year, embracing their new classes and academic programs of study. There has certainly been a positive atmosphere around the College.  We look forward to working together to achieve great outcomes in 2023.

ACADEMIC ASSEMBLY 

On Friday 10 February, we gathered together as a College community to recognise and celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of our current students and our immediate past students who graduated from St Patrick’s College last year.

This academic assembly provides a focus for the year where learning is the priority supported by the many other opportunities the College offers students.  It is important that as a learning community, we acknowledge the achievements of our students as their accomplishments serve as both inspiration and motivation to all members of our College community.  Staff at the College highly value the partnership we share with our students and their families, and it was great to have our 2022 graduates and their families join the College community for this special occasion.  

The St Patrick’s College House Learning Excellence Award was presented to the MacKillop House Captains as the winning house for 2022.  Congratulations to the MacKillop House Captains and all students in MacKillop House whose academic achievements in 2022 contributed to this win. 

In 2022 a number of students achieved academic excellence in all year levels and were

recognised for their academic excellence:

Middle School students were presented by Miss Deborah Cottle, Middle School Director of Curriculum.

Year 7 (2022)

• Harry Blyth
• Darcy Cherry
• Hazel Doyle
• Tahj Jones
• Amelia Lowe
• Ashton Mahar
• Isabel McInerney
• Heidi Slater
• Grace Turner

Year 8 (2022)

• Chloe Axman-Friend
• Nate Bristol
• Max Eastman
• Olivia Gardner
• Madeline Hogarth
• Orla Kelly
• Meg Kotynia-Soley
• Jessica Lehner
• Jack Miller
• Isabella Perry
• William Symons

Students gaining academic excellence at Croagh Patrick (2022) were presented by Ms Sally Angus, Croagh Patrick Director of Curriculum :

Year 9 (2022)

• Jack Cramp
• Elena Darby-Rodriguez
• Sebastian Johnston
• Andrew Kingston
• Charlotte Leslie
• Marguerite McClintock
• Georgia Millwood
• Emily Reardon
• Sophie Reardon
• Charli Ross
• Oliver Wright

Students gaining academic excellence in the Senior School (2022) were presented by Mrs Lindsey Hills, Director of Curriculum – Senior School:

Year 10 (2022)

• Jasmine Axman-Friend
• Sophie Blackberry
• Ava Gale
• Amber Hinds
• Eugenie Howard
• Maisie Howard
• Liliana Langham
• Samuel Lehner
• Annaliese McNeair
• Owen Millar
• Kate Rigby
• Lily Robinson
• Max Roney
• Gabriella Smith
• Molly Tanton
• Piper Van Emmerik

Amongst our current Year 12 students, there were many members of the year group who achieved outstanding results in their Year 11 year of study in 2022.  17 students gained a Tertiary Entrance score of more than 38 points for their two best subjects. They were recognised for their academic success and presented to Mrs Illingworth and the College community.  Both Shannon and Henry scored above 43 TE points for their top two subjects in Year 11, this is an outstanding achievement.

Year 11 (2022)

• Brady Meek
• Georgina David
• Amelia Saunders
• Scarlett Thomas
• Sydney Montgomery
• Jasper Wolfe
• Marley Pedersen
• Jaime Jones
• Clea Embury
• Jayden Donovan
• Ella Gunsar
• Cameron Cook
• Caitlin Clippingdale
• Emily Watts-Heazlewood
• Ivis Neerakal
• Henry Carls
• Shannon Kelly

From the 2022 College graduates, two students, Alexander Geale and Emily Hepburn, were awarded an Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Education and Training (VET) Award for 2022.  In our Academic Assembly we acknowledged their achievements and Alexander and Emily were awarded a St Patrick’s College VET medal for their achievements in Vocational Education and Training studies.  

In 2022, 193 Year 12 students graduated. One hundred and twelve students received an ATAR, 58% of the graduating class.  Seven students achieved results that placed them in the top 100 students in Tasmania, Olive Morris, Bailey Reardon, Alexander Smith, Sophie Illingworth, Ella Tedeschi, Kyle Petrusa and Ben Grose. 

Two students, Olive Morris and Bailey Reardon, were awarded an Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for 2022.  This is recognition of being in the top students within the state. TASC awards are presented at a ceremony in Hobart by the Governor General of Tasmania, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC. 

The Dux of the College for 2022 was Olive Morris.  Olive achieved a TE Score of 114.7 and an ATAR of 99.6.  From the 2022 College graduates, 27 students received an ATAR score of 90 or more, which is outstanding.  These 27 graduates were presented with a St Patrick’s College academic medal.

• Olive Morris with an ATAR of 99.6
• Bailey Reardon 99.5
• Alexander Smith 99.1
• Sophie Illingworth 99.05
• Ella Tedeschi 98.95
• Kyle Petrusa 98.85
• Ben Grose 98.45
• Malachie Smedley 98.25
• Kalani Ciantar 97.3
• Jak Hawkins 97.2
• Taylor Emms 96.4
• Brayden Fellows 95.85
• Mia Hefford 95.65
• Hayley Smith 94.95
• Emily Willis94.65
• Charlotte Worsley 93.55
• Charlton Allen 92.5
• Isabella Wyley 92.3
• Williams Symons 92.05
• Holly Clark 91.3
• Connor Leeflang 91.15
• Isaac Fry 90.8
• Benjamin Saunders 90.75
• Jaimie Duffy 90.65
• Fletcher Young 90.45
• Matilda Blazely 90.4
• Izaak Sherriff 90.25

At the assembly, Olive addressed the College community, providing words of wisdom to students about achieving their best in their studies. 

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

This year St Patrick’s College continues to provide online feedback throughout the year via Schoolbox to provide feedback on assessment tasks to students and parents.  Later this term teachers will start to provide students with results and feedback via Schoolbox and Mid-year and End-of-year reports are provided to parents via Schoolbox.  There will continue to be no comments on Mid-year and End-of-year reports as teachers provide feedback on how students are progressing throughout the year by providing feedback on specific tasks.  Feedback on students’ Attitude and Application to learning is also provided each term via Schoolbox.  This year grades (Developing, Consolidating, Extending) against the Strands in each Australian Curriculum subject will also be removed from the Mid-year and End-of-year reports as this information is available on Schoolbox for each assessed task.  The Mid-year and End-of-year reports will continue an A-E rating for each subject year 7-10.  Providing feedback more regularly through Schoolbox helps keep parents informed about their child's progress. 

If you haven’t already, now is a great time to make sure you are set up on Schoolbox with a parent account.  Being active in Schoolbox gives you access to your child’s timetable, easy access to notices and other key information, as well as assessment information including due dates, your child’s results and feedback from teachers.  Research shows that family engagement in school improves student achievement and reduces absenteeism. Students with involved parents/guardians earn higher grades and test scores, have better social skills, and show improved behaviour.  At St Patrick’s College Schoolbox provides the opportunity for parents/caregivers to have greater involvement in their child’s learning.

SUBMISSION OF WORK GUIDELINES 

At St Patrick’s College students are expected to complete work and the failure to submit work is not acceptable and will be followed up.  Where a student is unable to meet a deadline, students are expected to speak to the teacher about an extension prior to the due date.  Students who don’t complete set work will be required to attend lunchtime academic catch-up to complete work. If work continues to not be completed, attendance at an after-school academic catch-up will be organised.  If this continues an academic progress meeting with the student and their parents will be organised, along with a part-day internal suspension to complete work.  Parental support for this process would be greatly appreciated. 

I wish every student and family a wonderful year at the College and if we are able to further assist anyone in their learning do not hesitate to contact us.

By Mrs Alanna Stretton, Deputy Principal Learning and Achievement

The National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) was first undertaken as an online test in Tasmania during 2019. Tasmanian schools will again participate in NAPLAN Online in 2023.

NAPLAN Online testing will be held from Wednesday 15 to Monday 27 March 2023. 

NAPLAN Online provides better assessment and more precise results. NAPLAN Online 2023 will include four components; Writing, Numeracy, Conventions of Language and Reading. Online Testing will be available for each of the NAPLAN year levels (3, 5, 7 and 9).

Schools will receive results and reports for participants following the completion of NAPLAN Online 2023. Individual Student Reports will have the same format as in previous years. This format is used for every student in Australia.

NAPLAN is designed to illustrate the range of student performance across the country. Individual student performance is shown on a national achievement scale for each test. The performance of individual students can be compared to the average performance of all students in Australia.

Security and privacy are key requirements for the delivery of national testing. The online assessment platform has been designed to comply with relevant national data security policies and guidelines as well as data encryption standards. It meets the requirements of the Australian Government’s Protective Security Policy Framework and Information Security Manual to protect privacy of data, including any personal student data, required to be used.

In order to access the tests, students will be required to download the NAPLAN Locked Down browser. Students will be assisted in doing this during class and can access additional support through our IT Team. Students also require a set of corded headphones/ earphones for the tests; Bluetooth earphones cannot be used. 

Thank you, in anticipation, for you and your child’s participation in this important national initiative.  

If you have further questions, please contact the Director of Curriculum for your child's school, Ms Deborah Cottle (Year 7) or Ms Sally Angus (Year 9).

Reasonable Adjustments For Students with an Impairment, Disability, Disorder or Medical Condition

By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Director of Curriculum – Senior School & Ms Alexa Headlam, Senior Psychologist, Student Wellbeing Support Services 

The Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) provides students with Reasonable Adjustments to support equitable access and opportunities in the completion of their senior secondary studies and assessments. These adjustments are made with the intention of enabling a student to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills and standards of the courses they are undertaking; thus supporting equitable access and participation. The adjustments provide equity and fairness for all students while preserving the integrity of the assessment process. 

TASC considers the following grounds for eligibility for Reasonable Adjustments are: 

1. Formal Diagnosis condition, impairment, or disability (as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act, 1992). This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Physical disability
• Vision impairment
• Hearing impairment
• Medical condition
• Psychological disorder
• Specific learning disorder

1. Misadventure (e.g. injury, accident) 
2. Refugee student status (length of time in Australia)
3. Personal Circumstances (causing disruption to schooling or cultural obligations, e.g. death of a close family member, religious obligations)  

Further details are available on the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification website, Reasonable Adjustments Policy at https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au 

Applications need to be submitted to TASC by St Patrick’s College by Wednesday, 31 May 2023. Applications for Personal Circumstance/Misadventure open Thursday, 1 June 2023. The College will commence the application process in Term 1 to ensure it is fully prepared by the due date. Students in Year 12 who had Reasonable Adjustments granted for a permanent condition in 2022, will automatically receive the same in 2023 and do not need to reapply. Reasonable Adjustments will apply to arrangements for internal exams and tests.

Please be aware that formal written supporting evidence from a medical or mental health professional is required for an application based on a formal diagnosis of a condition, impairment or disability. This will outline the condition and describe the Reasonable Adjustments requested. In the case of refugee status, a copy of the visa will be required. For a misadventure application, the evidence could be in the form of a  medical certificate, a statutory declaration, a police report or a death certificate. 

Please be aware that some students will need to undergo further psychoeducational assessment. Further information regarding this requirement can be obtained from Ms Alexa Headlam – Senior Psychologist. 

Please contact Mrs Lindsey Hills, Director of Curriculum Senior School or Ms Alexa Headlam, Senior Psychologist, Student Wellbeing Support Services as soon as possible if you believe your young person may be entitled to Reasonable Adjustments for exams and/or assessments for TASC Level 3 and 4 subjects. 

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

We invite students, parents/carers to visit the Future Pathways Centre for career counselling, questions, assistance and resources regarding career pathways, career assessment, subjects, post-school options, apprenticeships/traineeships, Australian School-based Apprenticeships, work experience, volunteering, industry visits, job applications, gap year programs, university applications, scholarships and more!

While it may be the start of the year, Year 12 students will need to start thinking about, researching, discussing, and planning what they are going to do next year. There are many pathways available from university, TasTAFE, apprenticeships/traineeships, employment, Gap Year programs, Australian Defence Force (ADF), Tasmania Police, Tasmania Fire Service and more. 

Students considering a university pathway, whether it be a Diploma, Associate Degree or Bachelor will need to be aware of timelines as early applications open.

ANU is the first of the universities to open their direct applications in March. Early applications for the UTAS School Recommendation Program open at the end of June, with the mainland universities opening at the start of August.

Throughout the year there will be information sessions, workshops, and visits from universities to assist students make informed choices and decisions about their university options and course selection. They will learn about the application process, entry requirements, prerequisites, scholarships, accommodation etc.

UCAT 2023

Any Year 12 students interested in studying Medicine, Dentistry, or clinical science in 2024 will need to sit the UCAT test.

What is UCAT for?

The University Clinical Aptitude Test is the admissions test for entry into medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes in Australia.

What is the test format?

It is a two-hour computer-based test containing 233 multiple-choice questions across five separately timed subtests.

What is the cost of the test?

Tests are $325.00 and Concession $199

Where/When do I sit the test?

The test can be sat in a test centre in Launceston between 3 July – 12 August 2023. The test is sat in the same year that an application is placed. The test can be sat once a year.

How do I get my results?

Results will be delivered to universities by early September.

Where can I find out more info?

The latest study tips, exam advice and free resources can be found at https://www.ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/practice-tests/

When can I register?

Registration and bookings open Wednesday 1 March and close Wednesday 17 May 2023.

Further information - https://www.ucat.edu.au

UTAS will have a UCAT information session at the College for any interested students in April. This is a great opportunity for students to hear first-hand from current UTAS Medical students about the test and how to prepare.

Free UCAT Webinar

Considering a Career in Medicine or Dentistry?

UCAT, Interviews, Med School Applications, Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry (for universities in Australia)

An Excellent Opportunity for Students, Teachers, and Parents 

~ 21 February 2023, 7.00pm – 9.00pm (AEDT) ~

REGISTER NOW

Click here to view this information on the UCAT website

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

ANU Applications open Wednesday 1 March and close Monday 15 May 2023.

Students can start their application online and log back in as needed to complete the process. 

Supporting Documentation

Students need to include their co-curricular activities with appropriate documentation. Learn all about the Co-curricular and Service Participation requirements. 

ANU has supplementary forms available that students can use when submitting their documents (if existing documents are already in the correct format, these forms are not required)

View the Co-Curricular or Service Documentation Template. 

Year 11 Results Form: https://www.anu.edu.au/files/guidance/Year%2011_Supplementary_Assessment_Form.pdf

For further information on courses and 2023 ANU applications for 2024 commencement, please visit ANU Undergraduate Domestic Applications.

Tuckwell Scholarship Application

Tuckwell Stage 1 applications are expected to open on Wednesday 1 March, and close Wednesday 12 April 2023. The following information outlines the application process and requirements:

1. Students will need to complete and submit the ANU Direct Application.

–  The ANU Direct Application will ask if students wish to apply for a Tuckwell Scholarship – the students that want to apply should answer “yes”.

1. Shortly after submitting the ANU Direct Application (allow 24-48 hours), students who have opted to apply will be invited to the Tuckwell Scholarship Stage 1 Application form by email. 

• The sooner the Direct Application is completed, the sooner the Scholarship application will be made available.

1. Complete and submit the Tuckwell Scholarship Stage 1 Application Form by Wednesday 12 April.

For further information about this scholarship, visit https://tuckwell.anu.edu.au/apply 

Relay for Life is a national event held in Australia to raise money for cancer research and support. It has been held in Tasmania for nearly 30 years and brings together people from all walks of life. 

It is a time to connect with friends, family and the community. Relay for Life provides a space to reflect and give thanks to those who have been impacted by cancer and to help bring us closer together as we pray for strength and hope in the fight against cancer. It can be a powerful form of self-expression. Not only is it a way to raise much-needed funds, but it’s also a way to raise awareness, and a source of great comfort to those involved. By participating in Relay for Life, individuals can express their gratitude and appreciation to others while helping to support a great cause. 

The atmosphere is one of positivity, support, and friendship – something that is so needed in the fight against cancer. There are activities and stalls, food and drinks to keep everyone going. 

The money raised goes directly to cancer research and support services, making Relay for Life in Tasmania an event that brings people together while making a real difference.

Join us in supporting those affected by cancer in our community; be a part of our Relay for Life journey to celebrate cancer survivors, honour those living through a cancer experience, remember those we have lost, and raise funds to help save lives. 

We’re inviting everyone to join our team - students, Old Collegians, family, friends, staff, and former staff, you’re all welcome! You can jump on the team page to join or sponsor a team member and show your support. 

Join now at https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/StPatricksCollege 

Let’s come together and #Celebrate #Remember #FightBack

Jordan Enright recently attended the National Mountain Bike Championships in Thredbo NSW to compete in the Australian National Mountainbike XCC and XCO competition. Well done, Jordan!

Good luck to Ruby Howe, who has travelled to Victoria to play basketball. 

Shared by Mr Patrick Moroney, Deputy Principal – Wellbeing and Leadership & Mrs Mallory Schipper, Wellbeing Coordinator

This year, we are excited to bring The Resilience Project into our school community and implement their wellbeing curriculum throughout our classrooms.

Current research tells us:

•  1 in 4 adolescents have a mental illness.
•  1 in 7 primary school students have a mental illness.
•  1 in 5 adults will experience mental ill-health throughout the year.
• 65% of adolescents do not seek help for mental illness.

The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs and provides evidence-based, practical strategies to support positive mental health and build resilience. Presentations will include stories and research on how we can build mental health in our day-to-day lives, and support the mental health of the children in our care.

We understand that as primary carers, you have an essential role to play in building positive mental health with your children. Through this program, teachers and students will engage in weekly lessons and activities around the key principles of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM) to build resilience. To support what we’re doing in the classroom, you will be invited to attend a webinar presentation to introduce you to The Resilience Project, build your own confidence around resilience, and give you ideas to help your children and their mental health throughout the year. The Resilience Project founder, Hugh van Cuylenburg, will deliver the presentation. More information on Hugh can be found on The Resilience Project website at https://theresilienceproject.com.au/about 

The Resilience Project’s School Program has been evaluated by the University of Melbourne, with parents observing positive changes in how children handled home situations.

The evaluation also demonstrated the program had targeted benefits in building:

• Children’s use of daily gratitude strategies and their sense of gratitude.
• Confidence and self-esteem, especially in relation to their peer relationships.
• Relationships at school and home.
• Knowledge and ability to express emotions.
• More supportive classroom environments.

Details about the Parent and Carer presentation will be shared soon. In the meantime, feel free to learn more about The Resilience Project by exploring the ideas, activities and resources which bring Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM) to life on TRP@HOME website by visiting https://theresilienceproject.com.au/at-home.

By Ms Leigh Hart, Head of School – Croagh Patrick

The first two weeks for any campus are normally extremely busy however this year we have had the added pressure of getting our students ready for our Tasman Peninsula Camps, which are held over two weeks. North Esk, Tamar, Meander, Yellowstars and Chocolate Lilies headed out on Tuesday 14 February for a fabulous experience camping in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful scenery. Students will explore Port Arthur, which ties in with their ‘Our Colonial Past unit‘, walk the famous Cape Hauy or Cape Raoul trail, view the Tasman Peninsula from the sea on a Pennicott fast boat, and perhaps the most important experience will be spending valuable quality time with their new Home Group so that friendships can be made. For students left behind in South Esk, Barrow, Ben Lomond, Masked Owls and Wedge-tail Eagles, Ms Angus has prepared a wonderful alternate program, which sees students working with our Future Pathways team to create resumes, research jobs, and undertake a full mock job interview at the end of the week. For the past eight years, Croagh Patrick has invited industry leaders and members of our Launceston community to join us for these interviews so that our students have a totally authentic experience. In Week 3 the program is reversed.

On Wednesday of Week 1, it was wonderful to again be able to throw open our doors and hold our Welcome Tours and The Rite Journey information sessions, an opportunity for students to show their parents their new home for the year and to meet our Home Group and core teaching staff. This year we have two new Home Group teachers Mr Dom Wright and Mr Paul McIver as well as Mr Trent Mclaughlin and Mr Mike Duffy returning to Home Group duties. We also welcomed Mr Shaun James to our campus as our Director of Pastoral Care. 

All at Croagh Patrick look forward to a fabulous year and hope parents and students have a fulfilling and invigorating year away from the main campus. 

By Ms Fiona Mowat, Instrumental Music Coordinator

They say that musicians are a very special kind of person. They are dedicated and reliable. Well, it must be true because, in the recent January holidays, the members of the St Patrick’s College Big Band performed at the Meander Valley Council Australia Day Awards Ceremony and joined the Tasmanian Police Pipe Band for Launceston City Council’s Music in The Park.

The students gave their time for these performances and attended numerous rehearsals at the College. The students were outstanding in their dedication and professionalism, and the standard of music was a credit to them and the College.

By Mr Luke McCormack, 1st XI Coach

TOUR TO VICTORIA SUNDAY 15 – SATURDAY 21 JANUARY

Sunday 15 January vs Mount Lilydale Mercy College

SPC 6 – 89 lost to MLMC 6 – 133

Raymond Phillips 24no, Oliver Viney 3-13, Max Symons 2-6

Monday 16 January vs Yarra Valley Grammar

SPC 8 – 173 def YVG 9 – 136

James Leake 40, Cooper Kedey 24, Tom Chambers 22no, Hamish Bateman 3-24

Tuesday 17 January vs Caulfield Grammar

CGS 140 lost to SPC 4 – 141

Will Siemsen 42, Tom Chambers 40 and 2-25, Brock Whitchurch 29no, Hamish Bateman 3-30, James Leake 2-20

Thursday 19 - Friday 20 January vs St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – for the ‘H.T. Breach Cup’

SPC Ballarat 318 lost to SPC Launceston 9 – 319 

Will Siemsen 86, Brock Whitchurch 63, James Leake 55, Patrick Best 20, Tom Chambers 3-67, Ethan Arnott 2-7

After a five-year gap since we toured Victoria, 15 very excited young men had a week to remember playing games initially in a very hot Melbourne and then a very cold Ballarat!

Mount Lilydale Mercy College hosted us in the first game, a T20 game on the afternoon we arrived. We used this game as an opportunity to give some of our bowlers a bat up the order. So while our total was a bit low, and chased down quite easily, it was exactly the warm-up that we wanted to have. Oliver Viney was the pick of the bowlers with 3-13.

Day two saw us hosted by Yarra Valley Grammar. Principal Mark Merry’s stamp on the school was clear from the start, as the staff and players could not have been more welcoming. Mark was our much respected Deputy Principal in the early years of the House System (the early 1990s). Their side was like we were two years ago, a little young and inexperienced. Our best partnerships were between Captain James Leake and Vice-captain Pat Best (49 runs), and then Cooper Kedey and Tom Chambers combined for 35. We were able to take regular wickets and completed a comfortable 37-run win. As comfortable as you can be when it is 35 degrees, with even hotter conditions predicted for tomorrow! That evening we ventured into the MCG together for a BBL game – a rite of passage for a few of our players who had not visited the famous ground.

Day 3 required a slightly longer bus trip to Caulfield Grammar’s Wheelers Hill campus. At the end of the tour, many players said it was one of their highlights playing on their amazing ground. While there could have been excuses for being a bit tired after a late night, and it being very hot again, our players launched into their bowling and fielding effort brilliantly. CGS slumped from 1-48 to be 5-78. Multiple wickets to Hamish Bateman, James Leake and Tom Chambers meant we were chasing a small total. A 73-run opening partnership between Will Siemsen and Tom Chambers set the scene for our 6-wicket victory. 

Luckily the cool change showers occurred on Wednesday 18 January, our travel day to Ballarat. On our team Manager Adrian Viney’s birthday, we walked the iconic Lake Wendouree (home of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics rowing) and shared a meal together.

The Breach Cup is named after Brother Breach – a former Principal at our College, and long-term staff member at St Patrick’s College Ballarat. It has a long tradition and, where possible, the game is over two days. On day one, we bowled first, sending them into bat on their new wicket and outfield – with damp spots on the wicket from the rain the day before. The wind was strong, cold and from the south. Despite a few balls really misbehaving off the wicket, at 0-146 our decision to bowl first was looking a little silly! We were trying our best – as shown by tight bowling figures. Plus, the outfield was so fast. At 3-264 it looked like they would score well over 350, but we were able to take regular wickets, and we bowled them out in the final over (100th) for 318. Three stumpings and a catch from wicketkeeper Suprim Shrestha was a highlight.

On day two, we needed many big partnerships. It was the 90-run partnership between Will Siemsen and James Leake that really built our belief, as they got the run rate up where we needed it to be. Will was superb in his 86 runs, getting out eventually to an unusual run-out. Brock Whitchurch batted with real intent. However, as the total got closer, the opposition too were lifting and wickets started to fall. When our 9th wicket fell at 298, we still needed 21 runs to win. Suprim went out to join Oliver Woodcock-Davis. As most of the afternoon had been, this was as nerve-wracking as it gets! 

Sneakily run singles, a pull shot for four by Suprim followed by a cover-driven boundary by Olly – and we needed two to win. Suprim tucked one off his hip for a single–scores level. Olly then launched his bat at a short, wide ball – clubbing it over the covers for our winning runs! An incredible win in a high-quality game of cricket. 

Wins like this are simply the icing on the cake. The ‘cake’ was the magnificent way in which every young man on the tour represented themselves, their families, the team and our College. Every adult that spoke with us (e.g. staff at the schools, umpires, bus drivers, staff at the caravan parks etc.) could not speak highly enough of the maturity, friendliness and respect shown to them by our 1st XI cricketers. Thanks so much to the adults that gave their time to guide, encourage, coach and mentor the players: Mr Jono James, Mr Adrian Viney, Mr Anthony Bransden and Mr Joseph Simons. Truly a tour to savour.

ROSTER MATCHES – ROUNDS 1-3

Round 1 Friday 27 & Saturday 28 January

Vs Launceston Grammar

SPC 71 and 9 – 166 lost to LCG 8 - 286

1st innings: Riley Donlon 23 & 2-39, Brock Whitchurch 2-50, Raymond Phillips 2-71

2nd innings: Patrick Best 61, Cooper Kedey 24

Round 2 Tuesday 31st Jan & Wednesday 1st February

vs Guilford Young College

GYC 178 & 3 – 95 def SPC 124

Brock Whitchurch 33, Tom Chambers 2-34, Riley Donlon 2-16 (2nd innings)

Round 3 Saturday 4 February

vs The Hutchins School

Hut 114 (132 after Duckworth – Lewis adjustment) def SPC 8-101

James Leake 25 & 4-5, Tom Chambers 2-12

Returning to our roster season, we were outplayed in the first game against Grammar. An outstanding individual effort from Tasmania’s State Under 17 Captain, Aidan O’Connor, saw him take four wickets in his opening spell. From 5-15 we never really recovered, with Riley Donlon top scoring in his first game for the College. Aidan then scored an incredible 202no in Grammar’s total of 286. Set most of day two to bat, to deny Grammar an outright victory, was always going to be a big task. In a great reply we did just that – just! Credit to our Captain for this match, Patrick Best. He batted for 175 balls in the second innings, after a first-ball duck in the first innings. A true captain’s innings and a testament to his character. He was well supported by Cooper Kedey in their 64-run partnership.

In the second of our two-day games, we were in a strong position after Guilford fell to be 9-125 after winning the toss. However, the last partnership put on 53 runs. Disappointingly we were bowled out for 124, with crucial wickets being lost in the final hour on day one.

Playing in our new colours for our first one-day game against Hutchins, we once again lost the toss. In a brilliant example of blocking out the conditions, we bowled so well in drizzling rain for our whole innings. Tom Chambers was dangerous with his leggies, and Captain James Leake was miserly – taking 4-5 from his seven overs. After a rain delay, the already shortened game went from 42 to 33 overs. Regular wickets fell, and we bowled them out for 114. However, we were unable to chase down the adjusted score, as unfortunately, no partnership was able to push on above 30 runs.

By Mr Harri O’Toole, Sports Coordinator

The Middle School Swimming Carnival will be held next Thursday 23 February at Launceston Aquatic Centre

Transport

All students will arrive at St Patrick’s College as normal on Thursday 23 February. Students do not attend Tutor.  They are to go directly to the bus shelters near the Nano Nagle Gymnasium for attendance at 8:45am. 

Students will be bussed from St Patrick’s College to the Launceston Aquatic Centre. Students meet on the grassed area at the side of the centre on arrival for attendance. 

Students will be dismissed from the centre at 3:15pm. At the conclusion of the day, students/parents will need to organise a way home. 

A bus will return to collect students who need to catch connecting country buses. 

Uniform

Students are to wear their College sports uniform with their house-coloured polo shirt. All participants must wear their house-coloured swimming caps while competing.

Bathers

Girls are to wear either a sports bikini or one piece. No string bikinis are to be worn. Boys are to wear swimming briefs or board shorts. 

Food & Drinks

Students will need to bring a packed lunch and drink as no canteen facilities will be available. It is highly recommended that all students have plenty of drinking water for the day. 

In accordance with pool regulations students are not permitted to wear coloured zinc, body paint or hairspray. 

All students attending will automatically score a point for their House towards the House Swimming Shield.

Parent Help

If you can assist at the carnival for all or part of the day, please contact the Sports Coordinator, Mr Harri O’Toole at the College on 6341 9988 or by emailing hotoole@stpatricks.tas.edu.au. Please note that if you wish to volunteer you must hold a Working With Vulnerable People (Child Related Activity) card.