honor auro pretiosio r st patrick’s college townsville · 2018. 2. 13. · 1 newsletter honor...
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Newsletter
HONOR AURO PRET IOS IO R
Issue 1 2015
Principal’s Welcome
Townsville St Patrick’s College
St Patrick’s College Townsville 45 The Strand (PO Box 721) Townsville QLD 4810
T 07 4753 0300 F 07 4753 0336 E [email protected] W www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au
CRICOS No 03317K
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which St Patrick’s College Townsville stands, the Wulgurukaba and the
Bindal People – past, present and future
The start of the school year has begun with a flurry of activity. For me, it has been fabulous to meet our girls and I
have found them to be both welcoming and warm. Similarly, I have really enjoyed meeting the staff and I feel
blessed to be working with such an incredible group of people whose priority is the wellbeing and education of our
students.
During the school holidays, the College has undergone a transformation with the completion of the A Block
extension, now offering six extra classrooms to cater for the introduction of Year 7 into the College. The Central
Courtyard has been landscaped to provide a beautiful eating and meeting space for the girls and we have also
relocated the gymnasium to a new space. The new 20 bed dormitory has been completed in the Boarding House
and the common rooms in boarding have also been refurnished to create a homely environment.
I would also like to welcome new staff members who have joined the College this year:
Ms Helen Spina – Head of Boarding
Ms Julie Plath – Community Relations and Marketing Officer
Mrs Natasha Walker – Curriculum Leader – English, Languages and The Art
Ms Benita Bowles – Middle School Pastoral Leader
Miss Carissa Murphy – English & Humanities Teacher
Miss Katherine Murphy – Program Leader: Music
Mr Michael Whiting – Science/Math Teacher
We are planning some exciting initiatives for the College including a rebrand, new website and a suite of new
marketing materials. Stay tuned throughout term 1 as we release these new materials!
I am looking forward to the Parents and Friends welcome function tonight on The Verandah.
It will provide the perfect opportunity for parents and teachers to meet in an informal setting to welcome in the
new school year.
Best wishes
Paulina Skerman
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UPCOMING
EVENTS
P&F Welcome Drinks
Friday 6 February
5.30pm - 7.30pm
The Verandah
World Challenge Info Night
Thursday 12 February
6pm
Beginning of Year Mass
Friday 13 February
9am St Joseph’s Church
St Patrick’s College
Swimming Carnival
Monday 23 February
Long Tan Pool
P&F
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 3 March
5.30pm - 7.00pm
P&F Dinner
Tuesday 10 March
Details TBA
Principal’s Commissioning
Ceremony & Mass
Tuesday 17 March
St Patrick’s College
Open Day
Tuesday 17 March
Term 1 concludes
Wednesday 1 April
Term 2 commences
Tuesday 21 April
Assistant Principal’s Update
Religion Matters
The theme for this year is the Mercy Education value of COURAGE. For 2015
Courage will be our catch-cry. As Catherine McAuley said, “Speak as your mind directs
and always act with courage.” More on this to follow!
Our Welcoming Mass for 2015 will be held on Friday 13 February at 9.00am. This year
for the first time, our mass will be celebrated in the Sports Complex to allow for a
cooler environment and more guests. So please, if you are available, come along and
celebrate the beginning of the year with us. Our College leaders will be inducted and
the Senior class of 2015 will be presented. Morning tea will follow.
We are about to come into the season of Lent beginning with Ash Wednesday on 18
February. Prior to this of course we will have Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday.
There will be pancakes on sale at morning tea with money being raised going to Caritas.
More information will follow on Project Compassion and the season of Lent.
Pastoral Matters
Welcome back everyone and the warmest of welcomes to our new students, especially
those in Years 7 and 8. I believe these girls have enjoyed their first week at the
College. For the new girls, there is a lot to get used to but with the assistance of our
Pastoral Co-ordinators, Ms Catherine Rentoule (senior school) and Ms Benita Bowles
(middle school), the transition has been fairly smooth. If you feel your daughter is hav-
ing any problems with their move to the College, please do not hesitate to contact me
or the appropriate Pastoral Co-ordinator. Don’t forget we are most fortunate to have
Mrs Mirella Pallanza and Ms Larissa Chandler at the College as our Student Counsellors.
The Year 12 students have already conducted their interviews with Ms Rentoule and
Ms Chandler (Careers Counsellor) over this last week. The purpose of these
interviews were to touch base with the girls and to check on their progress as they
move into their final year of secondary school. I have been most impressed with how
well the Year 12 cohort has taken on the mantle of College leaders. They have been
most supportive and helpful with new students as well as showing diligence and
enthusiasm toward their studies. Some of our Year 12 leaders will be involved in
Leadership programs over the next two weeks. They will attend these with
Ms Rentoule and be able to participate in workshops and sessions focusing on the skills
of good leadership. They will have the opportunity to meet and work with student
leaders from other Colleges.
The Year 7 and 8 students have settled into the routines with great excitement. They
are finding their way around the campus and we are pleased to say we haven’t lost any!
The girls are looking forward to their Retreat program which begins with the Year 7
students being away from Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 February, and the Year 8
students from Monday 2 March to Wednesday 4 March. These information and
permission notes went home this week. Copies are available from the office.
This Friday the girls will have the opportunity to listen to Chris Hallsal from World
Challenge speak about our proposed trek to Thailand at the end of the year. A Parent
Information evening will be held in the Drama Theatre at the College on Thursday 12
February at 6.00pm. The program is aimed at girls in Years 10 and 11, (see flyer).
I am really thrilled to take on my new role at St Patrick’s College and am looking
forward to a joy-filled and rewarding year for all of us.
God Bless
Anne-Marie Hammond
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Boarding Update
It has been a very busy start to the school year! The girls have arrived back to find a
’new look’ boarding college with new furniture, rugs and cushions to make it a brighter
and more homely environment. The bookshelves have also been filled with wonderful
books, board games and puzzles.
Some of the highlights of the last week and a half in the boarding house have been:
Friday night ‘fish and chips’ on the Strand – even the rain didn’t dampen our
spirits!
Saturday night Mass with the Head of Boarding, the Principal and Professor Sue
McGinty (Chair of St Patrick’s College Townsville Board)
Sunday morning walk to the markets
Our boarders are also waiting in anticipation to get in and start working out in the new
gym. It’s been a great start to the year and we thank you for the warm welcome you
have extended to us as your new Head of Boarding and Deputy Head of Boarding.
Best wishes
Helen Spina (Head of Boarding)
Karina Blackman (Deputy Head of Boarding)
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UPCOMING
EVENTS
P&F Welcome Drinks
Friday 6 February
5.30pm - 7.30pm
The Verandah
World Challenge Info Night
Thursday 12 February
6pm
Beginning of Year Mass
Friday 13 February
9am St Joseph’s Church
St Patrick’s College
Swimming Carnival
Monday 23 February
Long Tan Pool
P&F
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 3 March
5.30pm - 7.00pm
P&F Dinner
Tuesday 10 March
Details TBA
Principal’s Commissioning
Ceremony & Mass
Tuesday 17 March
St Patrick’s College
Open Day
Tuesday 17 March
Term 1 concludes
Wednesday 1 April
Term 2 commences
Tuesday 21 April
Calling for Expressions of Interest
St Patrick’s College Townsville Board and/or its Committees Mercy Partners is seeking Expressions of Interest in membership of the Board and Board
Committees. People with expertise particularly in Finance, Law, Building/Construction, Education (particularly Boarding), Mercy Ethos and/or Public Relations are particularly sought. An information session will be held at St Pat’s on Thursday 19 February from 6.30 -
9pm. This session will include a light meal. If you would like to be part of St Patrick’s College in this way, please attend the information session and send a letter/email outlining your
interest and expertise, with contact details and 2 referees to the Board Chair, Sue McGinty,
through email: [email protected] by Monday 9 February.
Professor Sue McGinty - Board Chair
Welcome from our Counsellors
A warm welcome to students, families and staff as we begin the 2015 school year. The
School Counsellors, Larissa and Mirella offer a professional counselling service to all
students on any issue including those not related to school. It is a confidential service,
however, if there is a concern that the student will cause themselves or others harm
or is at risk of significant harm, the Counsellors are required to report these matters to
the School as a duty of care to students. Both Counsellors work part-time with Larissa
also working with students on Careers this year.
Students can make their own appointments to see the Counsellor through Student
Services at the School Office or be referred by staff, family or friends. There are times
when we struggle to manage the stressors of life and can benefit from confidentially
talking this through with the Counsellor.
The beginning of a school year brings many changes and it is normal for us to simultane-
ously feel both excited and nervous. It helps to remember that we are all experiencing
this.
Imagine how grateful we would feel if someone smiled and spoke to us and helped with
these new experiences. So, why not show our courage and be the one to break the ice
with others.
Let’s try and focus on the positives in our day and help others do the same.
Get involved in School activities to keep busy in breaks and meet new people.
If you are worried about something, talk it through with someone you trust.
Have confidence in yourself and make the most of the opportunities this school
year brings.
Most of all, give it time as change brings great adventures to enjoy.
We welcome Parent contact regarding Student wellbeing.
Just call us at the College or email:
Larissa Chandler [email protected] OR
Mirella Pallanza [email protected]
Mirella & Larissa
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Expressions of Interest
Bus route to include a pick up at North Shore
We have included a bus stop point for our morning and afternoon service near St Clare’s Catholic School at Burdell.
If you may be interested in using this service and require further information, please email [email protected]
Welcome from our College Leaders
We would like to welcome back all the
students and teachers for
another year here at St Patrick’s
College Townsville.
We would also like to say another big
welcome to the Year 7 and 8 students
and any new students. We hope the
past two weeks here have been very
welcoming and hope you girls have
settled in well.
As College leaders for 2015, we have
two main goals we would like to
achieve by the end of year. These goals include, improving the way we wear our
uniforms and how we present ourselves to the community and improving relationships
between students by bringing in what we call, ‘Random Acts of Kindness’.
We would like to wish you all a great year!
Tiffany-Ann & Solange
St Pat’s in the Media
WIN Television visited on the first day of school to talk to our Year 7 and 8 students
during their orientation day. We also made the front page of the Townsville Sun
(28.1.15) and a story in the Townsville Bulletin (27.1.15). In today’s Townsville Bulletin
there is a gorgeous photo of some of students to support a story on healthy eating.
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UPCOMING
EVENTS
P&F Welcome Drinks
Friday 6 February
5.30pm - 7.30pm
The Verandah
World Challenge Info Night
Thursday 12 February
6pm
Beginning of Year Mass
Friday 13 February
9am St Joseph’s Church
St Patrick’s College
Swimming Carnival
Monday 23 February
Long Tan Pool
P&F
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 3 March
5.30pm - 7.00pm
P&F Dinner
Tuesday 10 March
Details TBA
Principal’s Commissioning
Ceremony & Mass
Tuesday 17 March
St Patrick’s College
Open Day
Tuesday 17 March
Term 1 concludes
Wednesday 1 April
Term 2 commences
Tuesday 21 April
Music News
We warmly welcome all of our new and continuing Music students at St Patrick’s
College Townsville. Our Music Centre offers a range of musical activities for students
to develop their musicianship skills in a challenging and enjoyable environment.
Combined Schools Musical – Peter Pan
This week, 30 of our girls took part in auditions for the Combined Schools Musical,
Peter Pan. Our girls represented the College with pride as they took part in auditions
for dancing and lead roles at Ignatius Park College. I was also impressed with the
musicality and enthusiasm of all of our girls who auditioned for the chorus here at St
Pat’s. Well done to all of our girls for taking the courage to prepare and audition for
this production. The cast list will be released at the first rehearsal next week on
Tuesday afternoon at Ignatius Park College. Good luck, girls!
Co-Curricular Music Program
We are pleased to be offering lessons on a number of instruments, as well as host a
variety of music ensembles directed by our highly skilled and experienced Vocal and
Instrumental Music teachers. Lessons are now offered on Voice, Piano, Guitar,
Percussion, Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet, and Saxophone), and Strings (Violin, Viola,
‘Cello).
Enrolment forms are available from the office and should be returned to the College as
soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions
regarding the Co-Curricular Music Program at the College.
It is the vision of the College for all students to participate in joyful, challenging and
rewarding music making experiences. We are looking forward to a wonderful year of
Music at St Patrick’s College Townsville.
Katherine Murphy - Music Program Leader
Biology News
Year 12 Biology students are studying Genes and DNA this term. Pictured below are
the students working on extracting DNA from kiwifruit.
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Scholars’ Assembly We welcomed back a group of our top academic achievers for the annual St Patrick’s
College Townsville Scholars’ Assembly on Friday 6th February. The girls shared with
students their reflections on what it takes to achieve at school and outlined their future
plans:
Gabrielle Dore: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
James Cook University
Kaitlyn Little: Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science
University of Newcastle
Brittany Duggan: Bachelor of Advanced Sciences
James Cook University
Lily Guthrie: Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Sports Exercise Science
James Cook University
Maddison Sheenan : Bachelor of Graphic Design
Melbourne
Jessica Waterson: Bachelor of Business & Law
James Cook University
“The difference between winning and losing is most often,
not quitting.”
Walt Disney
30 Year Reunion- Class of 1985 St Patrick’s, St Margaret Mary’s & Ignatius Park
The classes of 1985 from St Patrick’s College, St Margaret Mary’s College and Ignatius
Park College are looking at holding a reunion on the weekend of September 18-20,
2015. Contact details are being collected so please send your email address to:
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UPCOMING
EVENTS
P&F Welcome Drinks
Friday 6 February
5.30pm - 7.30pm
The Verandah
World Challenge Info Night
Thursday 12 February
6pm
Beginning of Year Mass
Friday 13 February
9am St Joseph’s Church
St Patrick’s College
Swimming Carnival
Monday 23 February
Long Tan Pool
P&F
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 3 March
5.30pm - 7.00pm
P&F Dinner
Tuesday 10 March
Details TBA
Principal’s Commissioning
Ceremony & Mass
Tuesday 17 March
St Patrick’s College
Open Day
Tuesday 17 March
Term 1 concludes
Wednesday 1 April
Term 2 commences
Tuesday 21 April
COLLEGE NOTICES
YEAR 8 IMMUNISATIONS
Year 8 immunisations are scheduled for Wednesday 25th February. Information has been sent to parents/careres and it is important that forms are returned.
REPRESENTATIVE SPORT - TOWNSVILLE CLUSTER TRIALS 2015
Cluster trials for Townsville Representative Sport will take place on Tuesday 10th Febru-ary. Trials for tennis and netball (U15 & U19) will take place from 12noon - 3pm at Mur-ray Basketball (for netball) and TLTA (for tennis). Students who wish to trial should com-plete and return the permission note and medical form (sent home) to the college office by Thursday 5th February.
BLOCK SPORT
Season 1 will begin the week of Tue 17th February (week 4) and will finish Fri 27th
March (week 9). The following sports are on offer. Students who wish to participate in
Season 1 Block Sport must complete the Permission Slip and the Medical Form/Code of
Conduct Form (sent home) and return it to the school office on or before Fri 6th Febru-
ary 2015. Students will not be permitted to participate until the permission form is re-
turned.
INDIGENOUS YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Indigenous Youth Leadership Project is a Secondary Scholarship program that is offered to students in Years 7 to 12. For further information or to download an Application form please visit the Townsville Catholic Education website www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/about_us/our-departments/indigenous-education/iylp_overview.php
Applications close on the 20th February 2015.
Please send out this information to your networks or to anybody that maybe interested in applying, thank you.
Note: The Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMC) can only guarantee funding for 2015. Therefore, Townsville Catholic Education can only offer a one-year scholarship for 2015.
CYCLONE & SEVERE WEATHER - PROCEDURES
At this time of year it is important to be familiar with our College procedures for sev-
er weather events. We follow the Townsville Catholic Education procedures and this
information is available on the home page of our website. It outlines what will happen
in the following situations (due to severe weather).
1. A decision is made the day before to close the college the following day
2. A decision is made overnight to close the college the following day
3. A decision is made during school hours to close the college
Please take some time to read over this information and do not hesitate to contact us
if you have any questions.
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COMMUNITY NOTICES
SCIENTISTS IN SCHOOLS - MATHEMATICIANS IN SCHOOLS
Are you a scientist, IT professional or an engineer? Would you enjoy inspiring teachers
and students in science, maths or information technology? Would you like to become a
volunteer scientist, mathematician or IT professional?
We’re looking for scientists, mathematicians, engineers or IT professionals who are
Interested in working with staff and students – it would be great to have someone from
our local community.
Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools use a broad definition of 'scientist' which
includes professionals working in a science, maths, IT or engineering-related area,
encompassing research and applied scientists, technologists and engineers, medical and
allied health professionals and mathematicians.
There are no fixed hours – it’s up to you and the teacher to decide how you can
contribute. Register or find out more information online at
www.scientistsinschools.edu.au
Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools is an Australian Government initiative, man-
aged by CSIRO Education and Outreach.
If you’d like to contact the Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools in your region,
they’re on 47538635 or email them at [email protected].
81st TOWNSVILLE MASONIC CHARITY DEBUTANTE BALL
Saturday 30 May, 2015 - Debutantes wanted - Young Ladies 16 years and older
Please register by Thursday 2nd April, 2015. Further information and registration
forms are available at www.townsvilleeisteddfod.org.au/tsvdebs
Or telephone Anne 47889535 or email [email protected] (Subject: Deb Ball)
THURINGOWA BRASS BAND
Thuringowa Brass Band invites brass and percussion players of all ages and abilities to
come and join us. We are your local community band, serving the community through
music. Enjoy the music, enjoy the company! Visitors welcome. Rehearsing Monday
nights (excluding public holidays) at the Thuringowa Soundshell (behind the Council
offices) 7:15 for a 7:30pm start. For more info, phone the Secretary on 0419667933,
email [email protected] , or just show up. All Welcome!!
EFFORTLESS TECHNIQUE - FLUTE LESSONS
Individual Private Flute Lessons. AMEB and Trinity College Examinations. Effortless
Technique focuses on efficient learning of repertoire through practice skills, strategies
and techniques. Lessons $80/hr. Contact Cassandra M:0423 626 501
HAVE SOMETHING YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
If you have a notice you would like to share in our fortnightly St Patrick’s College
Townsville newsletter, please email the information to:
Please check the timing of our newsletters for date dependent events.
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