By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

Opportunities

As Term 2 rapidly rolls on, I continue to feel privileged to have a ‘job’ (or come to school each day) that enables me to share in the lives of young people.  Over the last two weeks, these are just some of the things that have occurred at the College that, in addition to the excellent learning and teaching that occurs, add value to our young people to give them the opportunity to be the best version of themselves.

Year 10 Camps
Post School Options Expo
The Ethics Olympiad Competition
Senior Girls and Boys Football
Senior Badminton
Netball
Launceston Competitions
Science and Engineering Competitions
From Gumnuts to Buttons
Book Week Parade
Tasmanian All Schools Mountain Bike Championships

Two reasons I list some of the activities that I know have occurred. Firstly, to thank our staff who I feel go above and beyond their daily work requirements to support our students and provide opportunities, and secondly to encourage you as parents to have conversations with your own young people to reach out and take the many opportunities that are offered to them outside of simply turning up to school each day.

Validation

During Week 3 our College underwent two days of Validation. Validation is a point-in-time check of what celebrations have occurred in a school over the period of a Strategic Plan, and a chance to review and look forward to the next period of time. This process involved looking at the data that had been collected for staff, student and parent surveys and many different groups from the community meeting with the panel. As a College, we look forward to receiving our feedback report in the coming weeks to support us in working on our Strategic Plan 2024-2028. Thank you to all involved in this valuable process – staff, students and parents/guardians. 

STEM Heart Project

As we are well into Term 2 of 2023, I wish to give you an update on where we are with the STEM Heart Project. Demolition is now complete, and the majority of digging for footings has been completed. We currently have a slight delay as Tas Networks work to move the substation at the front of the College to allow power for the site to be secured and the removal of a mini substation on the building site. During this period of delay, we are hoping to complete some work on an internal courtyard which will allow us to install some ‘play equipment’ for our Middle School students. 

Senior College Ball

We look forward with excitement to our Senior College Ball, which is being held tomorrow evening. Students have been practising their dancing, and I believe are really looking forward to the evening. Parents/guardians, please ensure that you have read the letter regarding the night that was shared earlier in the term, and please share this with your child.

Saturday should be an excellent celebration of community, friendship and connection we all have to the College.

Uniform Expectations

Part of accepting a position at St Patrick’s College is a commitment to our policies and protocols.  There are many students who are meeting the College's expectations in regard to wearing the correct uniform and I thank them for this.  There are also some students who are consistently not wearing our uniform correctly.  Please ensure that you have a conversation with your child/ren about what meeting our College expectations means.

Uniform Protocol Link - https://stpatricks.co/UniformP...

By Henry Carls, Ethics Captain

Since the inception of the College’s Ethics program in 2019, the Tasmanian Senior Olympiad title has been a coveted achievement. This year, hard work truly paid off, and we’re thrilled to announce that our teams secured first and third places!

Ethics Olympiads encourage groups of students to develop robust and applicable perspectives on contemporary issues, which are presented in a competition setting and judged by qualified professionals. This year, assigned cases revolved around issues such as the ethics of neurotechnology, anger in politics, and the merits of national service. Under the exemplary guidance of Dr Rebecca Seward, two teams of fervent thinkers (and fast talkers) competed against schools from across Tasmania on Friday 5 May. Some of us have been involved with the Ethics program since 2020, while others have never competed prior to this Olympiad. Clearly, the future of Ethics at the College is in good hands!

Both teams are now preparing for the Australasian Championships, which will see the College facing competition from New Zealand, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the rest of Australia. This is a significant achievement for the College, and I am immensely proud of our teams.

Team Pink – first place:
Henry Carls
Daniel Douglas
April Bristol
Gabriella Smith

Team Aqua – third place:
Lainey Carter
Elena Darby-Rodriguez
Emily Reardon
Sophie Reardon
Georgia Chant

A special thanks to Sebastian Holland for providing technical support throughout the day. Online competitions have become the modus-operandi since the pandemic began, and seamless operation of technology is essential for team presentations.

By Ms Tracey Owers, Learning Leader - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Success

Reconciliation Week begins on Saturday 27 May, marking the 1967 referendum to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.  It concludes seven days later on June 3, commemorating the 1992 Mabo decision, which led the way to Native Title but also recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the original custodians of the land - hence Reconciliation Week is focused on actions that advocate for and achieve increased acknowledgement and rights for First Nations’ people. 

Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to consider the steps we can each take in bringing healing to our First Nations people for the pains inflicted on them in the past and continuing today.

The 2023 Theme of Be a Voice for Generations calls on Australians to consider how they might lend their voice to the reconciliation movement.  With the upcoming Voice to Parliament fast approaching, it is important for us all to listen to the voices of Aboriginal people in their requests from The Uluru Statement from the Heart and educate ourselves about how we can contribute to a reconciled future. Alongside the Voice to Parliament discussion groups being held for interested staff, students and parents (see advertisement), we encourage families to have discussions over the next few weeks about how you will ‘Be a Voice for Generations’. Students will be asked this question in Chapel, in Tutor groups, in classes and at lunchtimes, and we invite you to help them find their voice on the topic of Reconciliation. 

Well done to Jasper Lee, who has been selected to represent Tasmania at the National Indoor Cricket Championships, to be held in Ipswich in June. Best of luck, Jasper!

Congratulations to Gabriella Smith, who has been successful in her application to participate in the University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, International Science School Program. This is an annual two-week residential program, held in July, that brings together secondary students from around the world to participate in a series of lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities.

Stay warm this winter. Beanies and scarves are now available at the College Uniform Store. 

Beanies – $25

Scarves - $15

As as reminder to families, all clothing, bags, books, equipment and personal property must be clearly marked with the owner’s name. Name tags may be ordered through the College Uniform Store.

College Uniform Store 

The College Uniform Store is located on the main campus and can be accessed via the front of the College. It is located on the lower level of the Administration building near the entrance to the Middle School Tenison Woods Centre. The College Uniform Store may be contacted on 03 6341 9933.

Midford City Store

The Midford City Store is located at 132 Charles Street, Launceston. The Midford City Store may be contacted on 03 6331 4622.

Online Ordering

College orders can be made online at www.midford.com.au, with registration details and instructions provided on Schoolbox under the Uniform tile.

By Ms Georgia Steller, Teacher

After a wonderful first term of learning about our College Founders, it is time for our Year 7 students to embark on their next unit of Meaning, Values, Purpose and Spirituality (MVPS). Our focus this term will be the power of real prayer in our lives. But before diving into the limitless world of prayer, we thought it would be fitting to explore the concept of stillness. 

The students were quick to admit that stillness is something many of us find hard to do. So to help them better understand the positives of building stillness into their lives, they were tasked with the project of creating a short podcast that explored the benefits of stillness for young people. Three MVPS classes took part; Ms Stellar’s, Mrs Hamilton’s and Ms Soule’s.

We as their teachers are of course biased, but think that they did a great job! It was not an easy task and took many takes and effort, as well as a few giggles over the mistakes. 

Here are two of the products created by our Year 7 students, Joshua Stacey from 7C and Jessica Fraser and Isabel Perry from 7E. If you want to hear one that your student created but is not here, I am sure that they would be happy to share it with you.

Please click on the buttons below to listen to their work.

By Mrs Belinda Chapman, Retreat & Reflection Day Coordinator

The Year 8 Reflection Days concluded this week.  Each class has spent a day together to reflect on the College value of Individuality.  Through games, stories, discussion, activities, deep pondering and creativity, students have the opportunity to discover how they are loved and accepted as themselves.  Students are invited to notice how sometimes we think we need to be like someone else and how some messages in society would like us to think that we need to change ourselves.  From this, students explore the idea that our individuality is found within community when we see and accept ourselves as unique, special and worthy, and see everyone else’s individuality in the same way - all threads in a beautiful tapestry.

The Catholic Standard is the official print publication of the Catholic Church in Tasmania. Produced monthly, the Catholic Standard reports on local, national, and international issues of importance to the Catholic Church and community. 

View the Latest Issue Online

By Fr Ben Brooks

Dear Parish family, 

In today’s feast of the Ascension, Jesus’ mission of establishing God’s Kingdom on earth enters a new phase. As he is raised up from them and covered by a cloud, he promises the eleven that the Holy Spirit will come to them and give them power so that they will be his witnesses throughout the world. 

In today’s Gospel, he commands them to “make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. It must have been a daunting prospect to be given this mission – no wonder the Acts of the Apostles tells us they remained staring into the sky, as if they were paralysed while waiting and looking for some direction from where Jesus had disappeared to. It is only when the men in white called them to attention that they came to. This experience is something many of us may have faced at some time in our lives – being paralysed due to fear or being overwhelmed by life leaves us unsure about what to do next or where to go and so we find it hard to do anything. 

Thanks to Jesus’ promise of the advocate, the disciples could be assured of his ongoing presence among them. That’s all they needed to be raised above those situations which threatened to pull them down. 

Last Tuesday, about 30 young parishioners participated in the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) for the first time at Sacred Heart Church, Newstead. It was an uplifting celebration of healing grace given by God, and an occasion to reflect on the presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit in the lives of individuals, families and the whole community. Please pray for our young parishioners, some of whom will continue to prepare for the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist this year, while others will continue that journey at another time.  

As we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, let us be renewed in the assurance of Christ’s presence among us all, including in these youngsters and their families, raising us above all obstacles, and be unafraid to proclaim the Good News in our daily lives.

Have a blessed week!

Read the latest issue. (PDF – The Ascension of the Lord (Year A) - 21 May 2023)

By Mr Jonathon Ray, Acting Head of Learning – VET

An anticipated event on the calendar of many Tasmanians is Agfest.  On Thursday and Friday last week, a busload of excited Year 10, 11 and 12 Hospitality students left the College to participate in a work placement at Agfest. Students assisted stall holders for two days. Tasks such as food preparation, customer service, taking orders, cooking and barista coffee making were undertaken.  

For the second year running, the Year 11 and 12 students assisted the Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) in the THA shed, putting their barista skills and coaching capabilities to the ultimate test, training members of the public to use the espresso machine and making mocktails.

THA and all the other stallholders commented that our students did a great job, and they appreciated their professionalism and enthusiasm.

By Mr Ryan Wiese, Acting Assistant Director of Senior School Curriculum

This year, Year 10 students will have mid-year examinations for English, Mathematics, HaSS and Science.  These examinations will be held on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 June. A timetable is available below. 

Students will attend Tutor period in the morning and wear the College uniform, as usual, each day. Students will be given specific information about the examinations in the coming weeks and can also make enquiries with their teachers about the content of the examinations.  

Reasonable Adjustments 

Reasonable Adjustments will be made for students who are unable to be assessed in the same way as other students due to an impairment, disorder or disability. Students we are aware of with a diagnosis and/or professional reports will be contacted regarding their examination arrangements in the coming weeks.  

Year 10 Mathematics Methods Students 

Year 10 students enrolled in Mathematics Methods will sit their examination for this subject with the Year 11/12 students on Thursday 22 June at 9:00am. These students will not attend Tutor on this day as they will be required to be at the Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) at 8:40am. Attendance will be taken at this time. Students will be afforded an extended lunch break after their examination and return to class in periods 5-6. More information will be provided to these students in the coming weeks. 

Year 10 Physical Sciences Foundation Students 

Year 10 Physical Sciences Foundation Level 2 students will complete their examination during the timetabled Science block on Tuesday afternoon. 

TASC Year 11/12 Mid-year Exams 

Students will not be able to access the Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) for heating food, toasting sandwiches etc during the Year 11/12 mid-year examinations (Wednesday 21 June - Tuesday 27 June). For those Year 10 students with a locker in the ERC, alternative access arrangements will be made during the Year 11/12 Exam period. These will be outlined in the exam assembly and on the relevant Schoolbox group page. 

Further information about the Year 10 exams can be found on the Year 10 Schoolbox page or by clicking the following link (Schoolbox login required) https://stpatricks.co/3LsA9NU  

If you have any questions regarding the Year 10 mid-year examinations, please contact me by emailing ryan.wiese@stpatricks.tas.edu.au. 

By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Director of Curriculum - Senior School & TASC Liaison Officer

Our TASC mid-year examinations will be held from Wednesday 21 June until Tuesday 27 June. Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 June are study days for Year 11 and 12 students. No formal classes will be held on the study days or during the mid-year examination period, however, students are permitted to utilise the College Library for study purposes. As the Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) will be an examination centre, all students who wish to study at the College must sign in at the main reception. Please also note, after school tutoring will not run during this period. 

Students are permitted to wear neat, casual clothing to their examinations and all College rules apply at all times. Students are required to be fully equipped with pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, calculators, dictionaries etc which are to be placed in a plastic zip-lock bag. They are not permitted to bring paper, notes, food, drinks (with the exception of an unmarked bottle of water), mobile phones or smart watches into the examination.   Students will be provided with further examination instructions in the coming weeks.  

Alternative Arrangements/Illness  

If students are absent due to illness, they are required to obtain a doctor’s certificate on the day of their examination and notify the College. If appropriate, the examination will be rescheduled for later in the examination period in consultation with the relevant teacher.  

Reasonable Adjustments 

Reasonable Adjustments will be made for students who are unable to be assessed in the same way as other students due to an impairment, disorder or disability. Students we are aware of with a diagnosis and/or professional reports will be contacted regarding their examination arrangements in the coming weeks.  

Year 10 Mathematics Methods 

Year 10 students enrolled in Mathematics Methods will sit their examination for this subject with the Year 11/12 students on Thursday 22 June at 9:00am. These students will not attend Tutor on this day as they will be required to be at the Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) at 8:40am. Attendance will be taken at this time. Students will be afforded an extended lunch break after their examination and return to class in periods 5-6. More information will be provided to these students in the coming weeks. 

Exam Study Tips and Resources 

Study tips and further resources can be found on Schoolbox by navigating to the Exams page or can be accessed by clicking the following link (Schoolbox login required) https://stpatricks.co/40VYul3. 

 If you have any questions regarding mid-year examinations, please email lindsey.hills@stpatricks.tas.edu.au. 

By Mr Harri O'Toole, Sports Coordinator

Soccer

This week we have the first of our junior Soccer matches, beginning with the boys playing at home with SPC White vs SPC Red and SPC Green vs SPC Gold. The girls had a bye in Round 1 of their roster and play Scotch Oackburn today. Best of luck to our teams, and a big thanks to Mr Andrew Agardy for his work in the lead-up to this roster. 

Netball 

Round 1 finished up with six wins and four losses, plus an SPC Gold vs SPC Green clash in the Year 8 competition which finished 12-14. Big thanks to all the parents, staff and coaches for helping get the teams going on the cold Saturday morning.

Badminton 

The Badminton roster has commenced with our 1sts picking up a win over Launceston Christian School (15/330 def LCS 1/230) in Round 1. Our 2nds team has played two games against Grammar (8/298 def SPC 8/281) and SOC (13/323 def SPC 3/266) both games at home. 

This week, in the 1sts competition, Scotch Oakburn came away with the win in a close game (SOC 9/293 def SPC 7/273). 

The 2nds had a convincing win over Scotch Oakburn (SPC 14/320 def SOC Gold 2/227).

Football 

Our Senior 1sts Girls had a tough first game against a strong Scotch Oakburn College side, losing 72 - 16 but bounced back nicely yesterday afternoon with a 92 - 0 win led by Aya Cottam (Year 8) with seven goals. 

Our 1sts Boys in Round 1 took on an undermanned Grammar side, winning with a very inefficient 7.19.61 - 0.2.2, with Max Roney kicking three and James Leake with a strong game. This week they had a great win against Marist Regional College in Round 2 (126 - 15) with 11 individual goal-kickers. Great work, and thank you to Senior Boys 1sts Coach, Mr Nicolas Roney. 

Our 2nds Boys had a bye in Round 1 and in Round 2 had a dominant win over Scotch Oakburn (31 - 106) with 10 individual goal kickers, with Henri Bergamin and Jaxon Owens leading the way, kicking three each. 

SENIOR GIRLS 1ST XVIII GAME RESULTS

Round 1: Wednesday 3 May
SOC 11.6.72 def SPC 2.4.16

Round 2: Bye

Round 3: Wednesday 10 May
SPC 14.8.92 def MRC 0.0.0

Round 4: Saturday 13 May
SPC 3.4.22 def LCGS 2.8.20
Best: Steward, Nation, Cresswell, Robinson, Morrison, Gartrell
Goals: Cottam, Nation, Karas

Round 5: Wednesday 17 May
SPC 7.7.49 def LCGS 2.4.16
Best: Cottam, Steward, Nichols, Robinson, Milne
Goals: Cottam 4, Milne 2, Nichols 1

SENIOR BOYS 1ST XVIII GAME RESULTS

Round 1: Wednesday 3 May
SPC 7.19.61 def LCGS 0.2.2
Goals:  Roney 3, Crisp, Leake, Leonard, Matthews
Best: Leake, Pfeiffer, Roney, Woodcock-Davis, Crisp, Dwyer

Round 2: Wednesday 10 May
SPC 19.12.126 def MRC 2.3.15
Goal: Faulkner 3, Leonard 3, Masiya 2, Harper 2, Dwyer 2, Luttrell 2, Beaumont, Whitchurch, Shea, Crisp, Cowley
Best: Woodcock-Davis, Roney, Pfeiffer, Faulkner, McCormack, Luttrell, Dwyer

Round 3: Wednesday 17 May
SPC 14.16.100 def GYC 9.1.55
Goals: Cowley 3, Graham 2, Roney, Presnell, Masiya, Clay, Whitchurch, Crisp, Sullivan, Pfeiffer McCormack
Best: Sullivan, Roney, Cowley, Presnell, McCormack, Crisp

SENIOR BOYS 2ND XVIII GAME RESULTS

Round 1: Bye

Round 2: Tuesday 9 May
SPC 16.10.106 def SOC 5.1.31
Goals: Bergamin 3, Owens 3, Siemsen 2, Beshir 2, Morrison, Bateman, McCormack, Todd, Kirkman, Barker
Best: Bateman, Owens, Colgrave, Spencer, Bergamin, Morrison, Siemsen

Round 3: Saturday 13 May
SPC 20.11.131 def LCGS 1.1.7
Goals: Beshir 3, Owens 3, Arnott 3, Page 2, Bateman 2, Mineall 2, Waterhouse, Morrison, Bergamin, McCormack, Saltmarsh
Best: Page, Bateman, Waterhouse, Beshir, Morrison, Mineall, Owens

Our Year 7 teams kicked off yesterday, with the girls taking on Queechy High School here at the Old Boys' and the boys taking on Riverside High School at Riverside.
 

COLLEGE CROSS COUNTRY 

This coming Thursday (May 25) is the big day for Cross Country. This is the last of our House sporting carnivals for the year. Who will win the coveted House Cup for 2023?