From the Principal
Dear Parents and Friends of St Patrick’s College
Throughout the month of May the College processes the applications for girls seeking enrolment at St Patrick’s College. Last Friday a number of staff assisted with the interviews of Year 5 and 6 students. On Thursday and Saturday we held auditions, interviews and tests for those students applying for scholarships. When asking why the girls want to come to St Patrick’s it is inspiring to hear of their desire to achieve their best in their studies, they speak of the opportunities offered at the College and they speak about the best chance they have to become the young women they wish to become.
Last Friday we hosted the debating for the CSDA competition. It was delightful to see so many of our ex-students return to assist with adjudicating and coaching the younger teams. They stood out as articulate, responsive women who have the world ahead of them. These young women are a credit to their families and the College.
Six years at St Patrick’s College produces women who are confident, self assured and competent. I see this regularly in the various arenas around the community. Whilst at St Patrick’s they can develop without pressure or bias into the person they truly can become. They are given support and encouragement and develop resilience to meet the challenges of the years beyond school. This is what the young girls I have interviewed see and want. They are girls of determination and have a clear understanding of where they want to be when they grow up. These girls will be a great asset to our community and I hold great optimism for the ongoing strength of the College as it continues to offer programs that enable the girls to bloom.
Last week Mr Scott Ashcroft competed in the Australian Ironman Triathlon Championships held in Port Macquarie. The Ironman Triathlon consists of a 3.8km swim, a 180km ride and a 42.2km run. He achieved an outstanding result finishing in 9 hours and 15 minutes which placed him 8th overall in a strong field that included at least 15 full time professional athletes. Being the first male to finish in the 35-39 year age group means that Mr Ashcroft now wears the title of Australian Ironman Champion for the next twelve months and has qualified to represent Australia at the World Ironman Championships in Kona, Hawaii in October. Mr Ashcroft is still an amateur competitor and has prepared for this event whilst holding down a full time job, as well as family responsibilities. Well done Mr Ashcroft and we wish you good counsel as you decide your next direction with this.
Year 7, 9 and 11 students have been very busy of late. Year 11 have just come out of an examination period and will enjoy the balance and space only a retreat can offer. Please keep them and the staff in your thoughts during this time. With the staging of the NAPLAN exams this week, the girls in Years 7 and 9 have been busy writing, reading and calculating across the three days. I hope the girls have found the examinations clear and straight forward and that their results will reflect their capacities accurately.
Last Saturday we hosted the annual Mother Daughter High Tea. It was again a great event with over 300 people attending. The food was plentiful and delicious and the stalls provided many last minute Mother’s Day gift items for the girls to purchase. This year we also had entertainment which was well received by many of the audience. I would like to extend my thanks to the P&F executive Jodi Stuart, Monique Keogh, Fiona Evans and George Gatt for their excellent work over the year and for this event. Sadly, Secretary Fiona Evans will be retiring effective immediately from the P&F and President Jodi Stuart will be finishing at the end of the year. I would like to thank Fiona for her work over the years and wish her the best as she finishes at the College. If we are unable to fill these roles by the end of the year, we will not be able to run the High Tea, Father Daughter Dinner dance, College Dances or BBQ support in 2016. These events are not hugely difficult if you have a few parents who are prepared to assist. I ask that you seriously consider your ability to assist the P&F at this time and that you contact me or Jodi Stuart for some further information.
I will finish with a Mother's Day prayer. I hope all of our mothers and mother figures had a lovely day last Sunday and that the family continue to show their love and appreciation to you for the remainder of the year.
I may not pray often, and I may not pray enough but when I do, this is all I ask of you…
God, please give me a heart just like hers
She loves unconditionally, no matter what, no matter who…
God, give me courage to be like her
She's very brave, she makes me unafraid…
God, give me wisdom just like hers
She knows everything, big and small, she's there to help through it all…
God, give me strength just like hers
She's been knocked down, Yet she stands strong for another round…
God, give me beauty just like hers
When she smiles it gives me that feeling that everything will be okay,
And all my problems disappear for awhile…
God, give me generosity just like hers
She helps the helpless, She never thinks of herself and she's so unselfish…
God, someday, if I'm at least half the mum she was to me,
I'll know that you were listening
On the day that I prayed.
Amen
Sue Lennox
Learning and Teaching
From the Assistant Principal Curriculum
This week concludes Week 4 of Term 2. It isn’t any wonder that time flies with the busyness of our College. We were able to learn together the Anzac story and commemorate these significant events in history at the beginning of the term. Many activities were evident in all classrooms with a whole school focus engaging with the Anzac story.
Students at ASAP enjoying the new flexible furniture
Students also were given the opportunity to participate in or to be a spectator for the College Cross Country event. We are fortunate to have beautiful grounds and a safe environment to facilitate such an event on site. Congratulations to the participants.
Year 9 have recently participated in their camp, with many of the girls conquering some fears and challenges. Many felt the three days wasn’t long enough. Presently, along with Year 7, they are participating in NAPLAN assessments. The data from these assessments will allow us to determine a program of teaching that identifies and addresses some of the gaps for our students in the areas of literacy and numeracy.
Currently, teachers are carefully preparing reports for Year 12 students. Year 12 are at the midpoint of their HSC courses and this feedback is most timely. These reports will be posted at the end of the week. I encourage the girls to really engage with the feedback and suggestions and to embrace the many supportive structures provided for them as we proceed through the final HSC units and assessments. Next week, Year 12 will participate in their final College Retreat. A time to reflect, rejoice and renew. I know many girls are looking forward to this event.
Year 11 have just completed their Half Yearly Examinations and teachers are keenly marking these assessments to inform the progress that the girls have made in their studies to date. While many have settled exceptionally well into
the Preliminary Course, some have not. It is imperative that we all work together to support these girls in their learning and as they continue their secondary education. The marks for this assessment and others will inform students' RoSA grade
at the end of the Preliminary Course. Successful completion of these courses will allow students to continue their studies into the HSC year. Reports will follow in week 8.
Each year, the P & F provide funds to the College to be used on resources that will benefit all learners. The funds from last year have recently been spent on furniture and the refurbishment of a number of Middle School classrooms including Learning Hubs 1,2, 3, 4 and 5. We are most grateful to the P & F for their efforts as donation that assists us in ensuring our learning spaces are suited to our young learners.
A note for your dairies is the upcoming Middle School Parent/Student/Teacher interviews. These will take place in the MSC on Tuesday 26 May from 3.15pm to 7.15 pm. The online booking system is open and I encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment.
Finally, all of our staff model lifelong learning. As a learning community, we are constantly trying to source new and innovative ways to engage our 21st Century learners. Staff participate in professional reading and learning outside of the College. We also support opportunities for our staff to learn from each other. This occurs on a Tuesday afternoon in the form of Professional Learning Bytes. Some of the Bytes planned for this term include Student Engagement in 77 minute lessons, Building Resilience, Unpacking the College Mission, Eight Ways of Learning, Sharing Successful Pedagogies and HSC Marking and Understanding the Standards.
Anzac Day Assembly
St Patrick's College held a special ceremony on 27 April to commemorate the Anzac Centenary in the presence of more than 50 special guests. Our theme focused on the diversity of the Anzac experience.
Special guests at our Anzac Day assembly
In the week leading up to the ceremony, students engaged in Anzac themed lessons in all faculties. RE students looked at the symbols of Anzac, indigenous perspectives and the role of army chaplains; English students studied the role of nurses and Anzac picture books; Maths students examined the statistics of Gallipoli; Science students researched the Lone Pine; Food Technology students made Anzac biscuits; Italian students created posters about Anzacs from diverse backgrounds; Japanese students studied about the Ibuki; 11 Ancient and Modern History studied the Turkish perspective of Gallipoli; Geography students have been studying the geography of Gallipoli; PDHPE did an ‘army boot camp’; and Visual Arts created a multimedia artwork called ‘What Anzac means to me’.
In homeroom, every student in the College created one of the craft activities used to decorate the MSC. Years 7 and 8 made paper poppies which were used to spell out ‘1915’ and ‘2015’ in the MSC. Year 9 completed slouch hats which had the individual name of an Australian who was killed in the Vietnam War. Year 10 created the paper rose wreaths which had the names of Australians killed in World War I. Years 11 and 12 made crosses, each colour represented a different conflict from the Boxer Rebellion right up to Afghanistan and each has the name of a serviceperson who was killed in that conflict. The girls also participated in "swap an Anzac fact for an Anzac biscuit" on the Friday before Anzac Day.
Our ceremony was attended by a large contingent of veterans, Mr Kenneth Kerrigan, Sergeant Kenneth Gibb of the Australian Army, Uncle Roy Mundine, Uncle Charles Mundine, Mr Ken Foster, National President of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, Mr Ernie New and Mr Dutchy Holland (President) of the Campbelltown RSL Sub-Branch, Mr Robert Dunn Ingleburn RSL Sub-Branch and former staff member, Mr Bernie Egan. Sr Kerry Mcdermott and a large contingent of Aboriginal Elders, including Uncle Ivan Wellington attended. Politically, we were represented by Mr Russell Matheson MP, Federal Member for Macarthur, Mr Greg Warren, MP, State Member for Campbelltown, Councillor Paul Lake, Mayor of Campbelltown City Council and Councillor Penny Fischer representing Camden Council. Mr John Greene, previous Principal of St. Patrick’s College whose family spans a military heritage of three generations, and many other former staff attended.
Our ceremony began with an Acknowledgement of Country by Tahlia of Year 10. This was followed by a multimedia presentation called a ‘Song For Grace’ a true story about a girl whose brothers went off to the war. Eleanor, the College Captain, did the official welcome, followed by the Anzac Requiem read out by Year 11 student, Shai, and Lois from Year 9. Year 10 student, Kate, whose grandfather is a Vietnam veteran, read out the ‘Prayer for the Anzac Centenary’. A multimedia by Caroline from Year 7, then played which outlined the history of the Gallipoli campaign, the diversity of the soldiers involved and brought the story up to the current conflict in Afghanistan. Mrs Lennox gave the Opening Address and introduced veteran, Mr Kenneth Kerrigan who gave the Address. Year 11 student, Charlotte, then introduced ‘Our Anzac Ancestors', where staff and students said a short piece about their ancestors involved in World War I. These were: Brittney (Year 11) Ashleigh (Year 8), Kammeryn (Year 8), Kendall (Year 10) Nellie (Year 12), Analysa (Year 9), Maisie (Year 12), Margot (Year 11), Hayleigh and Georgia (Years 11 and 9), Payten (Year 10), Mrs Jackie Irwin – Staff, Mrs Eileen Norris – Staff and Mr Charles Lincoln – staff, who gave his speech in a Turkish soldier’s uniform.
St Patrick's College Campbelltown ANZAC celebrations flag raising ceremony from St Patricks College Campbelltown on Vimeo.
Year 11 student, Lauren then talked about the research the College has undertaken into the two diggers, Mr. Herbert Kitching and Mr Stephen Longhurst, who are buried in the Congregationalist Cemetery next to the College. This was followed by a multimedia presentation by Lauren and Amy on the men and women from Campbelltown involved in the Gallipoli Campaign. Students from Amity College, introduced by Fatima (Year 9), read out a tribute to the Turkish soldiers killed and Ataturk’s speech in Turkish and English. The College Choir sang 'Here You Lie' , a song based on Ataturk’s speech.
Mr Ken Foster, President Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, introduced by Caroline (Year 7), read the official Prayer of Remembrance. This was followed by the wreath laying ceremony narrated by Karen (Year 11). The first wreath represented those who are currently serving in the Australian military and our veterans. It was presented by Sergeant Kenneth Gibb of the Australian Army who has served in South-East Asia, the Middle East and Afghanistan and his daughter Kendall in Year 10. The second wreath commemorated all the Aboriginal people who have served in the Australian Forces and was presented by one of our Aboriginal Elders, veteran Uncle Roy Mundine and Year 12 student, Tara. The third wreath was brought up by students from Amity College, representing all the Turkish soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. The St Patrick’s College wreath was presented by Payten (Year 10), whose ancestor fought at Gallipoli and Rhiannon (Year 10), whose cousin, Corporal David O’Connor, an English Royal Marine, was killed in Afghanistan in 2012, Eliza (Year 10), whose great uncle was a ‘Rat of Tobruk’ and Kaitlyn (Year 10), whose ancestor, Douglas William Howell, was a POW at Sandakan and died on the 2nd Ranau death march in World War II. This wreath also paid tribute to those servicemen who attended St John’s Prep School for Boys, which operated on this site until its closure in 1969.
Mr Ernie New, of Campbelltown RSL Sub-branch, read ‘The Ode’ and ‘The Last Post’ was played by Chloe from Year 7. The flag raising was followed by Emily (Year 7), poem recitation of ‘True Heroes’. The College Choir concluded the service by singing the New Zealand National Anthem in Maori and English, then the Australian Anthem in Dharawal and English.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Lone Pine sapling and Gallipoli rosemary were planted by all the girls with an Anzac ancestor in the special ‘Anzac Centenary’ garden developed by Mr Tony Smylie. Mr Russell Matheson and Mr Greg Warren unveiled the plaque.
Fran Musico Rullo - History Teacher
St Patrick's Anzac Centenary Competition
To create an awareness of the Anzac Centenary, the HSIE Department devised a competition where students could either design a poster, logo, write a poem or create a multimedia presentation. The bulk of the entries received were logos and poems and the standard was commendable.
1st Prize Winner - Caroline - Year 7
Our best entries came from Year 7 who received the bulk of the prizes. Caroline won 1st place in the Logo design section with her wonderful entry combining the key features of the rising sun and poppies with a St Patrick's College school girl and the Celtic cross. Her design was used on the official invitation and booklet to the College's Anzac ceremony. Caroline's winning entry can be read here. Second prize went to Sophie for her beautiful poppy logo and third to Emily with her logo incorporating a light horse. These logos were displayed on powerpoint at the Anzac ceremony.
The 1st Prize for poetry went to Jessica, whose poem 'True Heroes' reflected the futile nature of World War I and took a sophisticated approach to the effects of war. Emily read out her poem at the school Anzac Day Ceremony in the presence of veterans and special guests. We also awarded a 'Highly Commended' to Rory for her soldier letter poem.Mr East presented the girls with their prize vouchers the week preceding Anzac Day.
Gallipoli Centenary Competition Winning Entry
In my emblem, I included numerous symbols representing Gallipoli and our school, St Patrick's College. On each side of the emblem, I wrote 1915 and 2015, indicating the 100 year anniversary of the Anzac's landing at Gallipoli.
My Emblem
I added two poppies to the emblem because it is a symbol of both Gallipoli and sacrifice. In Gallipoli there are poppy fields just near Anzac Beach, and we now use the poppy on Anzac
Day and Remembrance Day in commemoration of the men and women who served there. Poppies usually bloom around early spring in Turkey, so when the soldiers were battling in Gallipoli, the poppies had newly bloomed.
In the centre of the emblem, I drew a cross. The cross represents all the people who died while fighting for Australia and New Zealand in Gallipoli. The cross is in a unique shape. It is the same shape of the cross displayed with the school prayer in each of the classrooms at the College. This cross is to symbolise our College and local connectedness with the Anzac's. It is also a reminder to all of us to pray in solidarity that there may be world peace, not war, today and in the future.
Above the cross, I drew a girl. The girl is wearing the St Patrick's College uniform. This student is representative of all of us in our school community who remember and celebrate all those who served and died in World War I, particularly in this year's centenary anniversary.
In the background of the emblem, I included the Rising Sun Badge, worn by the Australian Army.
The badge is worn on the Army slouch hat and is nationally identified with the enduring spirit and pride of the Anzacs.
Caroline - Year 7 Student
Campbelltown Council ANZAC Commemoration
On 24 April, the choir represented the College and performed with other schools in the Campbelltown area for the centennial ANZAC commemorations.
Side Stage as the students sing "Here you Lie, Side by Side"
The choir sang 'Here You Lie, Side by Side' at the service as a tribute to the Veterans. The Middle School Leaders also received a plaque commemorating the event for the College. We had the chance to view historic presentations that educated us on Australian history. It was a great experience for all involved.
Abbey - Performing Arts Captain
Language Lifeboat
English help is available every Wednesday at lunch time in Room 37
Bring your assessment tasks, homework, class notes or questions. Dedicated English teachers are available to help. All students from Years 7 to 12 are welcome.
Literature Club
Come along to Room 27 on Wednesdays at lunch time. If you love reading and are ready for a challenge, launch into the world of the classics and join the Literature Club. All students from Years 7 to 12 are welcome to join. Drop in next Wednesday and ask our mentors for a starter pack.
Middle School
Year 9 Camp
You could hear the laughter and excitement from all the Year 9 girls, eager to arrive at Belanglo State Forest on 29 April.
Year 9 Campers with Ms Louise Glase
We had two spacious coaches to transport us to our school camp. Several of us were quite apprehensive to the idea of no decent toilets and no showers for the three days but as we arrived, we were greeted by a group of friendly staff from the camp who alleviated our fears.
Within our Year 9 group, several people had signed up for the Duke of Edinburgh award, and they were doing their practice expedition. During the three days, we learnt how to hike, abseil, orienteer, build shelters and work together as a team. Carrying all of our gear and equipment on our backs made the journey a lot harder. Some of these activities were challenging and everyone was encouraging to one another.
Camp was a great way to interact with other people and build stronger relationships with our teachers and peers. Although I really enjoyed camp, when I arrived home I appreciated a hot shower and sleeping in my own bed! Overall, I was grateful for the opportunity to learn and interact with others and thankful for the teachers that went with us and supported us.Select this link to take you to the Year 9 Camp Gallery to see more images.
Co-curricular
College Knitting Group
With the cold weather setting in, the Knitting Group have been furiously working to get some blankets made for the homeless in our community.To date this year we have made 10 blankets and have another 5 close to completion.
Zoe with a beautiful blanket made by her grandmother
Each Thursday lunchtime, students meet in the Library to knit squares. For many students this is their first time knitting! We currently have 32 members ranging from Years 7 to 12. Some of our keenest members are Bridie 7C, Toni 7C, Crystelle 7E, Stephanie 7D and Emily 7C. We continue to get new members each week.
Mrs Maureen McCann is the driving force behind teaching the girls to knit and fixing up those dreaded dropped stitches. She has also been administrating and organising the knitted squares.
We are indebted to retired staff members, Lorraine St John and Maxine Evans who kindly donate their time to come to our weekly meetings, assist students and knit/sew for us in their spare time.
We are also very appreciative of the number of grandparents who have knitted squares for us. We would like to acknowledge Zoe's grandmothers Pam Poole and Jan Vacchini and Crystelle's grandmother, Jan Ellery, for their bags of beautifully knitted squares. A special mention is to be made of the continuing donations of squares from Mrs Judith Andrews, the grandmother of former student, Kimberley. It is lovely to see families of graduated students still involved in our College. Mrs Andrews has supported the Knitting Group for many years.These squares have enabled the Knitting Group to get some blankets assembled in time for the cold conditions.
We continue to welcome donations of wool and knitted squares! Every stitch counts!
Sport
College Cross Country 2015
On Wednesday the 1st of April we ran the annual cross country carnival in an attempt to select our representative team to contest the Diocesan Championships in Nowra in Term 2.
We again used the College grounds to host the event which proved to be challenging for all students involved. Having the entire school out on the course supporting the runners is a structure that is working very well and one that we would like to continue with into the future. The support and encouragement given to the runners really motivates them to achieve personal bests and is an excellent example of the school spirit that exist at St Patrick’s.
The overall winner for the day was Joanne S (16 Years) in second place overall was Ruby D (13 Years) and in 3rd place overall was Darcey M (12 Years). The future of cross country at the College is looking extremely good with so many talented runners coming through in the younger years.
The Age Champions for the day were as follows
12 Years – 1st Place - Darcey M, 2nd Place - Tara B, 3rd Place - Jermaine D
13 Years – 1st Place - Ruby D, 2nd Place - Amy S, 3rd Place - Jarian H
14 Years – 1st Place - Rory M, 2nd Place - Amelia A, 3rd Place - Olivia F
15 Years – 1st Place - Madeline K, 2nd Place - Ana Cornett, 3rd Place - Gemma C
16 Years – Joanne S, 2nd Place - Isabelle M, 3rd Place - Margot V
17 Years – Alexandra S, 2nd Place - Taylor J, 3rd Place - Emily K
18 Years – Laura W, 2nd Place - Nicole M, 3rd Place - Mollie B
Term 2 - MISA Teams
Congratulations to the following students who gained selection in Term 2 MISA teams.
Year 10/11/12 Netball
Georgia B, Megan B, Kerrie D, Chelsea D, Sheridan E, Samantha J, Emily K, Hayley M, Nicole M, Monique P and Mikaela Z.
Year 9 Netball
Samantha F, Annalise Mc, Emily Mc, Tarnee C, Kayla G, Cailtlin M, Anita P, Halle P, Analysa R, Hannah R and Jessica S.
Year 7/8/9 Hockey
Ana C, Zoe V, Caitlyn S, Ellie F, Amelia C, Natalie S, Amy S, Olivia F, Emilee O, Eden G, Tara B, Maria B, Charlotte M, Angelique H.
Year 10/11/12 Softball
Lauren B, Tahlia Mc, Britney H, Catherine S, Alexandra Mc, Samantha S, Joanne S, Michaela C, Lindsay C, Brooke D, Briget O.
Wollongong Diocesan Representatives:
Congratulations to Laura W, Isabelle M and Margot V who were recently selected as part of the Wollongong Diocesan Touch football team that will be travelling to Port Macquarie to contest the NSW CCC Championships.
NSW CCC Representatives:
Congratulations to Alexandra S, Niamh G and Tia B who qualified to represent NSWCCC at the NSW All School Swimming Championships.
Congratulations to Margot V who has gained selection in the NSWCCC AFL side.
Congratulations to Catherine S (Rugby Union), Chloe B (Basketball), Margot V (AFL) and Mikaela Z (AFL) who have all been gaining high level representative honours in their respective sports.
Scott Ashcroft - Sport and Activities Coordinator
Wollongong Diocesan Cross Country
The St Patrick’s College Cross Country team once again headed to Wilandra in Nowra to contest the Wollongong Diocesan Cross Country Championships. Unfortunately we were not at full strength due to illness and injury as well as the timing of the Year 9 camp, however the girls that were in attendance performed extremely well and did the College proud.
12 Years team - Darcy, Jermaine, Alyssa and Tara
The results were as follows:
12 Years:
- Darcey M finished 1st and has qualified to represent the Wollongong Diocese at the NSW CCC Championships.
- Tara B finished 5th and has qualified to represent the Wollongong Diocese at the NSW CCC Championships.
- Jermaine D finished 24th.
- Alyssa A finished 29th.
13 Years:
- Ruby D finished 2nd and has qualified to represent the Wollongong Diocese at the NSW CCC Championships.
- Amy S finished 7th and is first reserve.
- Jarian H finished 18th.
- Eilah C finished 34th.
- Natalie S finished 39th.
- Emily M finished 32nd.
14 Years:
- Rory M finished 4th and has qualified to represent the Wollongong Diocese at the NSW CCC Championships.
- Amelia A finished 7th and is first reserve.
- Olivia F finished 14th.
- Julia P finished 22nd.
- Andrea M finished 16th.
15 Years:
- Madeline K finished 17th.
- Lauren B finished 36th.
- Kayla W finished 35th.
16 Years:
- Joanne S finished 2nd and has qualified to represent the Wollongong Diocese at the NSW CCC Championships.
- Isabelle M finished 7th and is first reserve.
- Margot V finished 12th.
- Caitlyn O finished 30th.
- Caprice W finished 27th.
- Jeanelle D finished 28th.
- Paris B wasn't required to run on the day as the top 6 all ran.
17 Years:
- Alexandra S finished 2nd and has qualified to represent the Wollongong Diocese at the NSW CCC Championships.
- Taylor J finished 6th and has qualified to represent the Wollongong Diocese at the NSW CCC Championships.
- Emily K finished 9th.
18 Years:
- Laura W finished 7th and is first reserve.
- Chelsea D finished 12th.
A big thank you must go to Mrs Tacca-Baudana and Mrs Tesoriero for the role they played in the lead up to the event and also the work they did on the day. I would also like to thank the parents who made the trip to Nowra to support their daughters and the College.
Wollongong Diocesan Swimming Championships
On 12 March St Patrick’s sent a very strong swim team to contest the Wollongong Diocesan Swimming Championships. St Patrick’s has been the Champion Girls’ School for the last 4 years however some significant rule changes implemented at the end of 2014 meant that it was going to be tough for us to regain the trophy for a 5th straight year. Our strength at this carnival was the depth and consistency of our swimmers, however the fact that we could only enter one student per race was going to play a crucial role in our title defense.
St Patrick's Diocesan Swimming Team
Our depth across all age groups was again highlighted by our outstanding relay results. We were able to finish on the podium in our junior intermediate and senior 4x50m freestyle relays as well as our 4x50 medley relays. We also finished a close second to St Mary’s in the All Age relay.
At an individual level there were again some outstanding performances with Alexandra S, Joanne S and Kayla G all winning individual races. Jarian H, Tia B, Lauren B and Niamh G were also strong with each girl picking up a top 3 finishes in their events. These individual results contributed significantly to the overall points score as well as Individual Age Champion points. At the conclusion of the carnival, Alexandra S was named 17 years Overall Age Champion, Jarian H was 3rd place overall in the 13 years division and Lauren B was also 3rd overall in the 15 years division.
The team was ably led by Alexandra S in her last Diocesan swimming carnival. Leading from the front, Alex entered every event she could and was a great support to the younger girls in the team. We will seriously miss this champion but fortunately we have a number of girls willing to step up and take her spot. Thank you for your effort and dedication to the team over the years.
The St Patrick’s swim team consisted of Lauren B, Tia B, Niamh G, Taylor J, Charlotte M, Chloe S, Caitlyn O, Joanne S, Alexandra S, Jasmin W, Laura W, Jermaine D, Kayla G, Jarian H, Emilee O, Gabrielle P, Mikaela Z and Samantha J.
I would like to acknowledge the support of our parents who attended on the day and also Mr Lord for his expert management of the team.
Congratulations to the following girls who will now go onto represent the Diocese of Wollongong at the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Championships: Kayla G, Jarian H, Tia B, Niamh G, Alexandra S and Joanne S.
P & F
Mother Daughter High Tea and Upcoming Events
"I would like to extend my thanks to the P&F executive Jodi Stuart, Monique Keogh, Fiona Evans and George Gatt for their excellent work over the year and for this event. It was again a great event with over 300 people attending" Sue Lennox - Principal
Mother Daughter High Tea Parent Reflections:
"We waited with great anticipation for the Mothers Day High Tea, ensuring that we got our tickets early. The day came and none of us were disappointed, particular mention to Miss Tanginoa who welcomed us all in native tongue, a welcome that gave us goosebumps.
I attended with my daughter Stephanie, her Aunty Liz and Gran. The food served was absolutely divine and the cups of tea and coffee that were 'on tap' were just as nice served with a smile. The lovely entertainment provided by Daryl and Harmony was enjoyed by all. It was great to catch up with some other mums and staff and have such a beautiful opportunity to 'play ladies', thanks to all of the P and F organisers and we can't wait until next year".
Anne-Marie Nott - Parent
"The 'Mother Daughter High Tea' was an enjoyable way to spend last Saturday afternoon, with grandmothers, mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, cousins and friends attending. The Mary Sheil Centre was filled to capacity, as the high tea was a sell out again this year. It is always nice to catch up with those you may not have seen, all that often, during the year.
Our family has attended this event every year, since it started and have seen it grow from a small gathering to the success it is today. It is a credit to Jodi's original idea, the support of the P & F and St Patrick's Staff, who again produced another deluxe setting in which to enjoy the food, beverages and fantastic entertainment, which this year was the father-daughter team of Darryl and Harmony Lovegrove. We were to hear them sing some of the most wonderful songs from the stage and screen, a real delight.
The other entertainment for the afternoon was a 'Movie Guessing Competition' between the tables and a raffle with some great prizes. There was also some great stalls for purchasing some last minute gifts, or for mums to buy themselves something special and cupcake decorating which the girls enjoyed, decorating cakes for their mums.
Of course, I can't say enough about the delicious food we were served, both savoury and sweet, hot and cold. There was something yummy for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to all the dads, sons and brothers, who volunteered to wait on the tables, making sure we all had plenty of hot tea and coffee.
The afternoon was another memorable event in this year's busy school calendar. Well done and thank you to all those involved, I know all our family enjoyed themselves".
Liz Martel, mother of Maisie, Year 12
RAFFLE WINNERS
Nectar Day Spa – Charlotte Mayo
Panarotti’s $100 Voucher – Beryl Purcell
2 x Emerald Ball Tickets – Fiona Muscat
2 x Emerald Ball Tickets – Angela Rao
1 x Jewellery Pouch – Deb Renshaw
1 x Jewellery Pouch – Denise Harding
Nutrimetics Gifts – R D Parker
“So Jealous” Gift – Betty Dick
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!
SAVE THE DATE
THE NEXT DANCE WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY 22 MAY 2015
WE WOULD AGAIN APPRECIATE ANY PARENT HELP TO ASSIST WITH RUNNING THIS POPULAR EVENT!
TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE SOON…
