From the Principal
Dear Parents and Friends of St Patrick’s College
At the end of last year the Australian Education Council released the National STEM School Education Strategy for 2016. Research has found that the students most likely to experience disadvantage in future access to jobs and career progression due to their limited engagement with STEM subjects are girls, students from low socio-economic backgrounds, students of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent and students from non-metropolitan areas. There is ample evidence available now to support the notion that STEM skills and knowledge are necessary for success in the future. To this end, St Patrick’s College is hosting a STEM challenge on Thursday 20 October 2016 for teams of Year 5 and 6 girls from our local primary schools. Schools have been invited to field teams and try to win the coveted prize. It will be a very exciting day with the girls from the Science enrichment team assisting throughout the day. For further details, please refer to the attached flyer.
On Wednesday 17 August at 7pm we will be holding the Parents and Friends AGM in the Benedict Centre. At this point Jodie Stuart, who has been President for the past six years, will be stepping down. Our Secretary and Vice President, Monique Keogh, will also be stepping down. We will acknowledge the contributions of these women after the AGM. We will need these two/three positions to be filled by some new parents. As we collect a fundraising levy, the demands of the role are essentially organising the social functions for the Mother Daughter High Tea, Father Daughter Dance and the College dances. There are often many people willing to assist, we just need some generous people to step up and help. I ask that you give this some careful consideration and if you would like further information, please feel free to call Deborah Renshaw, Jodie Stuart or myself. Please see the attached nomination form.
Last term the P&F handed the College $30,000, which will go towards a new electronic message board sign. The one we currently have is manually changed and has limitation around what we can present. The new sign, which will be on the front lawn, has the capacity to display images, can be lit in the evening and can display changeable messages whenever it is required. It will be an important communication tool for our community. Thank you to our parents and the P&F for this generous donation.
Prior to us sending out this edition of the Inside out, the 17 elected Year 11 leaders have been at a leaders camp to discern the leadership positions for 2017. I would like to thank Mrs Wright, Mrs Ibbett and Ms Dunn who have worked with the girls in coming to a strong outcome. The girls were mature and reflective in the process and I must congratulate them as they encouraged each other and offered their services in a most selfless and humble way across the two days. I am delighted to share with you the final outcome of our days together:
College Captain Claire O
College Vice Captain Lindsay C
College Vice Captain Gabrielle M
Gilmore House Captain Samantha J
Lyons House Captain Brooke D
Kenny House Captain Paris B
Chisholm House Captain Michaela C
Sport Captain Joanne S
Environment Captain Tahlia M
Social Justice Captain Emily W
Liturgy Captain Bridget O
Performing Arts Captain Siena H
Year 7 Counsellor Paris S
Middle School Counsellor Ella H
Senior School Counsellor Hannah S
Senior School Counsellor Jeanelle D
Communications Captain Renee P
Congratulations to all these girls and the other girls in Year 12 who will assist them in their leadership mission.
Earlier in the year, Caitlin D (Year 9) was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) . Caitlin has received intensive treatment which has been very successful to this point. Unfortunately one of the side effects is that Caitlin has lost her hair. She will be returning to school next week but will be wearing a beanie or wig. Pastoral advisors have explained this to all classes but it would be helpful for you to be aware should this trigger for your daughter any concerns or fears. Caitlin is doing very well and there is a very good recovery rate for young people who contract this illness. Please support your daughter in supporting Caitlin, her sister Felicity and their family. Ours is a community that rallies together in times of joy and times of struggle. Should you wish to discuss this any further, please feel free to contact myself, Mrs Wright or your daughter’s Year Coordinator.
We bid farewell to our Japanese exchange students this week. It adds such value to the College when the girls are exposed to a culture different to their own. Thank you to all the families who generously hosted the girls and opened their homes to show authentic Australian hospitality. Thank you also to the St Pat’s girls who were excellent hosts to their guests. My thanks also to Mr Julian Nash who ensured the program ran without a hitch.
Finally, we will be hosting a Middle School Parent Forum on Tuesday 23 August at 9.00am and again 7.00pm that evening. We will also host a Senior School Parent Forum on Tuesday 30 August at 9.00am and again 7.00pm in the evening. All events will be hosted in the Benedict Centre. I encourage you to attend. The forums normally only take an hour and there will be some refreshments for all attendees.
I will leave you with a brief reflection on hospitality.
Blessings
Sue Lennox
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in,
I needed clothes and you clothed me,
I was sick and you looked after me,
I was in prison and you came to visit me.
Matthew 25:35-36
Learning and Teaching
Language Lifeboat
English help is available every Wednesday at lunch time in Room LH1.
Image courtesy of Joshua Combes - Creative Arts Coordinator
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
Image courtesy of Joshua Combes - Creative Arts Coordinator
Come along to Room LH1 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.
From the Maths Faculty
Maths Help runs each Monday at lunch time in Room 33. All students from Years 7 to 12 are welcome to come along with any Maths problems and to bring their lunch.
Image courtesy of Joshua Combes - Creative Arts Coordinator
All are welcome to join us for "The Pi Club" every Friday at lunch time in Room 33.
Senior School
Year 10 Mock Mediation Success
Congratulations to our Year 10 Mock Mediation team on their outstanding performance in the Quarter Final of NSW Law Society’s Mock Mediation.
The girls were given a difficult scenario which involved some complex themes involving peer pressure, drinking and how to support one another in the tragic event of a car accident. Christina and Anita professionally guided the mediation and helped to resolve many of the underlying issues. Both parties took on the role of their given characters with enthusiasm and presented their ideas effectively. Kayla and Gemma were direct and confident in their roles and proved to be excellent communicators. Natalie and Kate also role-played their characters well, showing much emotion and empathy.
I would like to thank all of the girls for their hard work in preparing for this round. The results were emailed to us and the Adjudicator scored the team 98/100. A fantastic result!
Jason Muller – Mock Mediation Coordinator
Year 10 Design & Technology
This year, Year 10 Design & Technology has been working really hard to produce some amazing products across a range of different technologies.
Throughout Term 1, the girls had the difficult task of designing and producing a birdhouse that can withstand years of exposure to the outdoor elements. The birdhouses needed to be innovative, functional and manufactured by using a variety of recycled materials. The designs ranged from preloved guitars, vintaged inspired caravans and beach cabanas to birdhouses that could also be used to grow small plants. All birdhouses met the brief and demonstrated how preloved materials can be upcycled to produce decorative and functional products.
Last term the Year 10 Design & Technology students were working on designing their own graphic design of an image they would like to see on an item of clothing in the Cotton On fashion chain. The designs were created for a variety of age groups that ranged from infants to adults and met the needs of a various genders and items of clothing. The girls used their class time to research different textile applications, the requirements of their target market and using computer aided programs to design their final graphic image. The final part of the task was to present their design to the panel of Mrs Lennox, Mrs McGeachie and Mrs Ibbett, who had the difficult task of deciding which design successfully met the brief. Congratulations to Samantha F who had the winning design.
The girls should be commended for the continuous hard work in Design & Technology and their dedication to their studies. For their next task, the girls have an opportunity to design a product of their choice to solve a problem at home, at school or within the community and they have already begun designing some amazing products.
If you would like to see some of their fantastic designs, come to the library on Friday to see the display of the birdhouses and graphic images produced this year.
Olivia Matti - TAS Teacher
Middle School
Premier's Reading Challenge
We have a number of students busily reading for the Premier's Reading Challenge 2016.
Students who have taken part this year need to complete their online reading record by Friday 19 August 2016. To do this students need to go to: https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html and use their Premier's Reading Challenge login details. If students have any trouble recording the books they have read for the challenge, they can come to the library and I will be able to help them.
Claire Stalker-Booth - College Librarian
Co-curricular
Farewell to our Japanese Exchange Students
Fourteen students from Shonan Shirayuri Gakuen recently visited the College for over two weeks as part of their exchange program to Australia. We have a long association with Shonan Shirayuri Gakuen and we hope it will continue for many years to come.
Sincere thanks to the families who hosted the students from Shonan Shirayuri Gakuen during their stay. The students all expressed how wonderful their experiences were with the families and how they felt so welcomed. It is only a very short time that the students are here, but there are many tears when they leave as they become so attached to the host families.
During the students' stay, they participated in mainstream classes and in Year 9 and 11 Japanese classes, which gave the students at St Patrick’s the opportunity to use the Japanese they have learnt in class and also learn more about what life is like in Japan for a girl their age.
The exchange program with Shonan Shirayuri Gakuen is an annual event and we look forward to the next students who will visit us in 2017. Alumni are welcome to host students, as well as currently enrolled student families.
Julian Nash - Japanese Teacher
From the Environment Council - National Tree Planting Day
On Friday 29 July, students from Patrick’s College joined many schools in Australia in a national initiative to plant young native trees.
With land clearing in Australia and NSW still on the increase, this annual event coordinated by Planet Ark, with the support of local governments and Bushcare groups, aims to address the loss of native plants and the environmental issues that arise from this, such as loss of biodiversity and the impact on global climate.
At St Patrick’s, student volunteers from each homeroom, in Years 7 to 11, planted 50 small native trees or shrubs in the Reconciliation Garden. With the support of Mr Smylie, Mr Lord and Ms Boulatsakos, the girls worked enthusiastically as teams to ensure the seedlings were correctly planted, watered and mulched.
The Environment Council
Sport
2016 Athletics Carnival
On Wednesday 8 June, St Patrick’s College held its annual athletics carnival at Campbelltown Athletics Stadium. After a spell of wet weather, we were greeted with a beautiful sunny day which provided the perfect backdrop for a day full of fun, competition and excitement.
Again the participation rates were exceptionally high which can be attributed to the students willingness to get in and ‘have a go', as well as the athletics skills being fostered and developed in PDHPE lessons. These factors, in combination with the supportive environment that St Patrick’s students create, enable all students to step outside their comfort zone to participate and enjoy the day.
A big thank you must go to the senior students, particularly the Year 12s who were setting a great example for the rest of the College in their attendance rates, the way they participated and the way they conducted themselves throughout the day. I must also thank the staff, parent helpers and student helpers who were instrumental in the day running so smoothly and successfully.
Our Age Champions for the day were:
12 Years – Amadee T
13 Years – Darcey M / Piper A (equal points)
14 Years – Ruby D
15 Years – Olivia F
16 Years – Ana C
17 Years – Taylor J
Overall Age Champion for 2016 – Taylor J
The Champion House for the day was Kenny, which was closely followed by Gilmore and Lyons, with Chisholm finishing in fourth position.
Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator
Term 3 MISA Teams
Congratulations to the following girls on their selection in MISA teams for Term 3.
Image courtesy of Joshua Combes - Creative Arts Coordinator
Year 7 Netball
Evana S, Chantel S, Hannah S, Piper A, Amadee T, Amelia M, Maya B, Maggie M and Jazmyn D.
Year 8 Netball
Alexandra F, Alysha B, Rahniesha W, Jessica L, Elizabeth C, Jessica R, Paris H, Rachael W, Bridie B, and Jade W.
Year 7, 8, 9 AFL
Phillipa M, Sarah P, Julia P, Natalie S, Amy S, Rachael T, Lyliann V, Uini V, Lily W, Olivia F, Ester M, Florence V, Marcarious F, Emma L, Angelique H, Stephanie E and Dryandra M.
Year 7, 8, 9 Soccer
Emily A, Alyssa A, Emily A, Tara B, Annalise C, Kimberly C, Chantelle D, Emma G, Darcey M, Lily M, Andrea M, Emily M, Molly O and Cecilia T.
Year 10, 11, 12 Soccer
Paris B, Emma O, Madeline K, Caitlyn O, Tahnee D, Kayla W, Larissa C, Harriette W, Natasha T, Emily B, Taylor J, Alexandra T, Margot V, Natasha M, Ana C, Joanne N, Annie R, Kate R, Shadow players – Payton I, Nicole D and Amelia G.
Year 10, 11, 12 Basketball
Samantha J, Chloe B, Emily K, Georgie N, Monique P, Analysa R, Brooke D, Tahlia M, Jorja B, Joanne S and Kimberly S.
Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator
Diocesan Netball Championships
Congratulations to the following girls on their performance at the recent Wollongong Diocesan Championships. Special congratulations to the Year 7 and 8 Division 1 team and the Year 11 & 12 Division 2 team that were crowned Champions on the day.
Image courtesy of Joshua Combes - Creative Arts Coordinator
These strong performances will now see our three Division 1 teams head to the NSWCCC Championships next week to contest the State Championships. A massive thank you to our staff that accompanied the teams on the day – Mrs Caffrey, Mrs East, Mrs Nicolaou and Mr Quigley. Special mention must also go to our assistant coaches Alicia Stabile and Maddison Kirk (both former students) as well as our umpires Sarah M, Alexandra T, Emily M, Olyvia M and Monique P.
Year 7 & 8 Division 1 Results
1st St Mary’s 23
2nd St Patrick’s 22
Year 7 & 8 Division 1 Team - Paris H, Piper A, Alex F, Elizabeth C, Jessica L, Rhani W, Evana S, Chantel S, Alysha B and Jessica R.
Year 7 & 8 Division 2 Result
1st St Mary’s 25
2nd St Benedict’s 25
3rd St Patrick’s 25 (3rd place based on total points For and Against)
Year 7 & 8 Division 2 Team - Racheal W, Hannah S, Maya B, Darcey M, Minduli T, Miriama K, Jade W, Amadee T, Bridie B and Eilidh C.
Year 9 & 10 Division 1 Result
1st St Patrick’s 22 (1st place based on total points For and Against)
2nd St Mary’s 22
Year 9 & 10 Division 1 Team - Eva B, Natalie S, Christina G, Amy S, Olivia F, Jessica S, Emily A, Hannah R, Amelia A and Stephanie E.
From the Coach: A long and cold day against some very tough opposition that saw the girls win all of their games except for the last, going down by one point. After eight games of netball, you can forgive the girls for being a bit tired but fortunately we had done enough to be declared the Champion Team in first place. We will now progress to Championship Group of the CCC Carnival in Week 5. Well done to all the girls.
Kevin Quigley - Coach
Year 9 & 10 Division 2 Result
1st St Benedict’s 22
2nd Holy Spirit 21
Year 9 & 10 Division 2 Team - Theresa S, Georgia K, Kayla G, Analysa R, Tarnee C, Ana C, Caitlin M, Julia P and Mia K.
From the Coach: A very tough day as well which saw the girls win 6 out of 8 matches to take out 3rd place. A great performance considering the lack of game time for this team before the competition and the fact that some schools will only field a B Division team. Congratulations to both teams, you are a pleasure to coach.
Kevin Quigley - Coach
Year 11 & 12 Division 1 Result
1st Holy Spirit 24
2nd St Patrick’s 22
Year 11 & 12 Division 1 Team - Megan B, Samantha J, Caprice W, Renee S, Hayley M, Sheriden E, Emily K, Rosie L and Jo S.
Year 11 & 12 Division 2 Result
1st St Patrick’s 24
2nd Holy Spirit 19
Year 11 & 12 Division 2 Team - Hayley K, Michaela C, Brontee F, Gabrielle M, Kaylee P, Megan K, Alicia L and Emily D.
Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator
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P & F
You're invited to the Father Daughter Dinner Dance
Join our Parent and Friends Committee
On Wednesday 17 August at 7pm we will be holding the Parents and Friends AGM in the Benedict Centre. At this point, Jodie Stuart, who has been President for the past six years, will be stepping down. Our Secretary and Vice President, Monique Keogh, will also be stepping down. We will acknowledge the contributions of these women after the AGM. We will need these two/three positions to be filled by some new parents.
As we collect a fundraising levy, the demands of the role are essentially organising the social functions for the Mother Daughter High Tea, Father Daughter Dance and the College dances. There are often many people willing to assist, we just need some generous people to step up and help. I ask that you give this some careful consideration and if you would like further information please feel free to call Deborah Renshaw ,Jodie Stuart or myself. Please see the attached nomination form.
Community News
STEM Challenge 2016
Important Dates
What's On.......
Image courtesy of Joshua Combes - Creative Arts Coordinator
15 August - Start of National Science Week, Year 10 Visual Arts Excursion
16 August - Sports Assembly, Year 9 2017 Information Evening, Maths Competition, Year 12 Student Leaders Breakfast with the Bishop
17 August - MISA Debating Round 6, Dio Athletics, Year 10 MISA Public Speaking, P&F AGM
18 August - Year 11 SLR Recreation Day, Year 10 Citizenship Excursion, Year 7 Legacy Public Speaking
19 August - College Assembly, Aboriginal Education Excursion
23 August - Middle School Parent Forum (9am and 7pm)
24 August - Year 8 Italian Excursion, Dio Hockey and Volleyball
25 August - Year 9 Reflection Day, Year 10 Geography Excursion
26 August - G Day, Multicultural Day, Social Justice Excursion
29 August - Start of Literacy Numeracy Week, Year 9 MISA Public Speaking
30 August - Senior School Parent Forum (9am and 7pm)
31 August - HSC Projects Showcase 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Year 11 Hospitality Incursion
1 September - MISA Debating Round 7, Elevate Young Leaders Forum
2 September- Year 12 Business Studies Excursion
3 September - Year 12 Music Performance Rehearsals
8 September - Year 12 Chemistry Excursion
9 September - Father Daughter Dinner Dance
12 - 16 September - Year 11 Preliminary Exams
13 September - Year 9 and 10 Drama Excursion
16 September - Aboriginal Education Excursion
20 September - Year 12 Assembly, Year 12 Graduation Dinner
21 September - Year 12 Graduation Mass
22 September - Year 12 Formal
23 September - STAFF AND STUDENTS FINISH FOR TERM 3
10 October - STAFF AND STUDENTS RETURN FOR TERM 4