Over the last two weeks we have seen you at the College either attending your daughter's Parent Teacher Interview or attending the Year 11 Information Evening. Thank you to those parents who were able to attend. There is a plethora of information which proves that children, whose parents are engaged in their child’s education, achieve at much higher levels than those who do not have engaged parents. It is not always easy to come to the school after a day at work or when you have to balance numerous commitments to have the flexibility to be able to attend. Your daughter will benefit from your efforts. If you were unable to attend on this occasion, due to other commitments, please feel free to contact the teacher to get some information. This will demonstrate to your daughter that you are interested and want to know how she is progressing. Together we will secure the best outcome for her. At the conclusion of this term, if your daughter is in Year 7 - 10, you will receive a report and there should be no surprises for you. If you have any queries, please contact the College as we will be available at that time.

Year 12 girls are currently completing their HSC exams. They have been very focused as they enter these final stages of Year 12. We hope they have clarity of thought and expression so that they are able to respond to their exams with intelligence and precision. Please keep them in your prayers during this time. 

We are delighted to inform you that the building project has been finished ahead of schedule. This means that, in a few weeks, when we receive occupancy from the builder, the girls will be able to use the classrooms to the end of the year. We hosted the Year 11 Information Evening in the new spaces and the general feeling was it was a beautiful, modern space. The Year 10s will have their exams in this area and we may be able to move a few other classes in there after that exam block. We are very happy with the outcome. The official blessing and opening will be Friday 16 March 2018. You will receive an invitation in the coming weeks and I encourage you to claim the date for this special event. 

On 8 November we have Madonna King, author of ‘Turning 14’, speaking at the College. There has been a lot of interest in this presentation, so I encourage you to register for the event as it will help us with catering and seating. Bring your friends and family to hear this engaging and well respected speaker on girls.

Sadly, a few in our community have experienced the grief of death recently. We keep these families in our prayers and wish them God's gentle presence and love during this difficult time. 

I will leave you with a reading from the Carmelite Monastery Waterford, Ireland.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal 

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever we were to each other we are still.
Call me by my own familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way you always used.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort.
Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.
Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval somewhere
very near just around the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before -
only better, infinitely happier and forever - 
we will all be one together with Christ.

SAVE THE DATE - EMERALD DINNER DANCE - 17 MARCH 2018 

The aim of the tour is to immerse students in the Japanese language and culture and provide them with a first-hand experience to apply all the knowledge and understanding gained prior to leaving in real life situations. It also gave the students great insights into a different way of life and what it means to be a global citizen.

The first week was spent in busy Tokyo where the girls had to negotiate trains and ask for directions. They visited places like Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shubuya to experience the busy shopping and business districts. They went to the Ghibli Museum which showcases the work of the Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli. The remainder of the first week was full of adventures such as going to Disneyland, going to the Tokyo sky tree tower, going to Miraikan and seeing the famous Asimo, and visiting Asakusa Shinto shrine, all while practising their language skills.

The middle weekend was spent at Shonan Shirayuri Gakuen where the students were able to immerse themselves in the Japanese school life. On the first morning, the students went to the Shonan Shirayuri Primary School. The students were very popular here and were amazed at how organised and structured everything was. While at the primary school, students were split up into different classrooms where they had lunch and experienced clean up time with the children.

During the weekend, the students stayed with families from Shonan Shirayuri Gakuen High School. This part of the trip is what students gain the most from. The families from Shonan are amazing and do everything possible for our students. Over the weekend, Sonan Shirayuri Gakuen had their “Bunkasai”, a two day Open Day Festival that showcases everything the school has to offer. The students were lucky enough to be a part of it with their very own Australian presentation where we all gave our self-introduction and taught people about life in Australia.

After the weekend at the school, the students said goodbye to their host families and caught their first bullet train to Kyoto. Kyoto is renowned for its history and temples. Students also realised how much more relaxed the area is compared to the crowded and very busy Tokyo. Students first travelled to Nara to see deer and the great Todaiji Temple and later did sightseeing throughout Kyoto, full of many temples and castles which allowed them to gain a greater insight of the spirituality and history of Japan. The highlight of the students' week at Kyoto would have to be the Maiko makeover and their experience at Hiroshima. In Hiroshima, the students were able to listen to a presentation from an 80 year old A-Bomb survivor who witnessed some of the damage and devastation that was caused by the world’s first atomic bomb. This was a truly eye-opening and sad experience none of us will forget.

The Japan Study Tour was an amazing life experience for the girls. As their teacher, it was amazing to see the girls use their Japanese language and develop a deeper appreciation of the customs and culture. I would particularly like to express my gratitude to Mrs Karen Wright for joining us on this tour and ensuring the girls had a great experience.

Julian Nash – Languages Coordinator, Japanese Language Teacher

The Year 12 students also took the opportunity to express their gratitude to the College, distributing a range of gifts to staff and a beautiful framed photographic print of a waratah was given to Mrs Lennox to be hung in the new Student Services area.

The evening of Tuesday 19 September was the Graduation Dinner held at the Cube. Speeches and awards were given and the many achievements of the grade were acknowledged. It was fascinating to hear the plans and aspirations of the grade as they were presented to the room.

Wednesday 20 September was the Graduation Mass, which saw the Mary Sheil Centre filled to capacity. A standout moment was the inspiring homily given by Fr Michael Healy.

The celebrations were capped off with the Formal at the Novotel Wollongong on Thursday 21 September. It was a great evening and I had many compliments from the Novotel staff about the behaviour and attitude of our students.

The beginning of this week saw the start of the HSC Exams. The students were understandably nervous but keen to get underway. We wish them well for their remaining exams and look forward to hearing of their future paths and successes.

Louise Glase - Year 12 Coordinator

After a morning of connecting through shared conversations with Year 10 girls from Amity College, Mater Maria Warriewood and Mercy Chatswood, the girls enjoyed a multicultural feast.  The highlight of the day was the Assembly where we performed Tahitian and Samoan dances to the delight of our hosts. Thank you for your wonderful conduct and participation and special thanks to Mrs Tacca Baudana who popped in to support the girls.

Mrs Marguerite Pulham - Teacher

Dear Parents, 

I am pleased to announce that St Patrick's College will be involved in the 2018 Space School International Study Program. Through our partnership with the Alliance of Girls Schools Australasia, our students have the unique opportunity to join other students from participating Alliance of Girls Schools Australasia schools on this once in a lifetime, STEM-based experience at NASA in the USA.

Recognising the challenges facing young students today, where the change of pace in society over the next 30 years will outpace the change we have experienced in the past five thousand years. Seventy five percent of the fastest growing occupations in Australia will require STEM related skills and an expected 50% of current jobs will disappear.

By empowering students through this unique STEM program, they will master the STEM related skill set to prepare them for their future. Students become more focused, inquisitive to pursue the subject they are interested in through the unique access to NASA facilities, inspiring guest speakers and training programs, while learning a foundation of personal and leadership skills to apply through their school years and beyond.

This program is designed to develop leaders for the next generation, aims to inspire and ongoing interest in STEM; empowering and preparing our students for the fastest growing and most sought-after occupations of the 21st century.
A fantastic opportunity to learn beyond the classroom in the most inspiring environment.

There is a one-hour information session about this international study program to be held on Thursday 2 November at The Science Lecture Theatre, TARA Anglican School for Girls or Monday 13 November 2017 at The School Hall, Domremy College (Host School). To RSVP CLICK HERE

Highly recommended by previous students and parents whom have participated in this international study program, view their testimonials and insight into the experience at Space School.

Junior Space School Expedition
Senior Space School Expedition
Testimonial
actura.com.au/alliance

This is a once in a lifetime experience. I encourage you to attend this evening information session and I look forward to your attendance.

Sue Lennox
Principal

To this end, a recruitment weekend will accompany masses  on 21 and 22 October at St Thomas More Church, Ruse. We ask for your prayers and encouragement as we seek new members to assist with this most important and rewarding work. If you would like to learn more, please feel welcome to attend the 6pm vigil or the 9am Sunday mass at St Thomas More Church, this weekend.

Bill George - Secretary - Ruse/Airds Conference - St Vincent de Paul Society

16 October to 7 November - HSC Examinations
20 October - Mock Trial Quarter Finals
21 October - 24 Hour Walk for Cancer
26 October - Year 7 Religion Excursion
27 October - Year 9 Visual Arts Excursion
28 & 29 October - Choir Performance
30 October - DIO Basketball, Peace Day Excursion
2 November - Year 9 Music Excursion
3 November - Year 7 & 11 Big Night In
6 November to 8 November - Yer 10 Examinations
8 November - Guest Speaker Madonna King
8 to 10 November - Year 8 Camp
10 November - Year 11 Chemistry Excursion
13 November - Year 7 Vaccinations
14 November - Year 7 2018 Pre-Orientation Day, Year 12 Sign Out Day
15 November - College Assembly
16 November - Year 7 2018 Orientation Day
17 November - Year 10 Social, Annual CDF Sports Awards, Year 7 - 12 AIME Excursion
21 November - Sports Assembly 
24 November - Year 10 Community Service Incursion, Middle School Dance
27 November - Year 10 Readiness Program "All My Own Work"
28 November - Year 9 Middle School Ceremony (Year 7 - 9)
29 November - Creative Arts Night
30 November - Year 10 PDHPE Excursion
4 December - Parent "Thank you" evening
5 December - Awards and Assembly, End of Year Mass, STUDENTS FINISH FOR 2017