The girls have made a very positive start to the new school year and should be proud of how they have settled into the College. Already I have met some very talented students and I look forward to seeing what every member of Year 7 is able to contribute. Below are some reflections of the students on their first day:

My first day in Year 7 - by Sophia E

"I was excited to be starting a new stage of school but at the same time felt butterflies and a little overwhelmed with all the unfamiliar faces, teachers and uniforms. After meeting our Year Coordinator Mr Power and Principal Ms Lennox we went to Homeroom with our Pastoral Advisors. As the day went on I met new friends and caught up with old ones and by the end of the day we all felt that the nerves were gone and that we had made a great start to Year 7".

My first day in Year 7 - by Katie B

The first day of the new school year was exciting, nerve wracking and of course tiring. We the new Year 7 students were all so excited to begin our high school journey. The proper school day began shortly after the countless photos and hugs. We gathered in the Mary Sheil Centre and were introduced to our pastoral advisors, year coordinator and our fellow peers! Once the formalities were over we went to our pastoral lesson in our homeroom, whilst there we found out our classes, received our lockers, diaries and timetables and went through what is expected of us here at St Patrick’s.

Finally, Recess! Since it was extremely hot the Mary Sheil Centre was open for the girls who wanted to sit and chat. Recess was a lot faster than I expected. Year 7 met at the sheltered seating areas at the beginning of each lesson and waiting for our teachers to come and pick us up. Some of the activities we played included Bingo, partner activities and played all sorts of fun games which made the day enjoyable! Year 7 ended the day early to learn how to catch the bus. Looking around I could see lots of smiling faces from my fellow peers and I could tell everyone was looking forward to seeing new friends, going to new classes and enjoy the rest of the 2017 school year.

Over the next couple of weeks myself and the Pastoral Advisors will be encouraging the girls to find a co-curricular activity that interests them. This could be Debating, Public Speaking, Choir, MISA Sport or Chess Club, just to name a few. We will be introducing the girls to many of these and they should feel very welcome to become a part of these groups. 

The swimming carnival is next Friday 17 February and it is an expectation of the College that all students attend and all students participate. I look forward to seeing Year 7 getting involved at their first College carnival.

A reminder that the Year 7 Parent Dinner will be held on Thursday 23 February. This will give you an opportunity to meet the Year 7 Pastoral Team and learn more about the Pastoral program that we have in place for your daughter.

Finally, just a reminder that the Year 7 Camp will be held at Teen Ranch Cobbitty from Monday 27 February to Tuesday 28 February. A permission note will be sent home this week with full details of the camp. The College will have a staff member at Teen Ranch from 8am if parents wish to avoid Narellan Road and take their daughter straight there. I hope that your daughter has had a positive start to the new school year and they are enjoying their new environment.

Chris Power - Year 7 Coordinator