Welcome to term 2. I hope you had a good break and feel refreshed having had time with family and friends. I warmly welcome Mrs McGeachie and Mrs Ibbett back to work. Both had some time away, which had been unplanned but essential. It is fabulous to have them back. A few other staff also had some time away during last term and it is good to have all staff back on deck for the start of the new term.

We have jumped into the term with Year 9 camp, diocesan sports competitions, debating and excursions. Soon Years 11 and 12 will have their retreats, the musical will be in full swing and in addition to all of this, term 2 tends to bring greater assessments as we come to the finish of the semester. It is important that the girls manage their time and plan. They need recreation time, study time and quiet time. Each of these times needs to be approached with discipline so that they are productive and an effective use of their time.

This Saturday is the Parents and Friends Mother Daughter High Tea. This is always a very enjoyable afternoon and I thank Deb Renshaw and the P&F for organising it. During last term Liz Henson resigned from the role as Secretary on the P&F. I would like to thank Liz for her work. Fortunately for us, Stephanie Alchin was happy to take on the role as Secretary, filling the vacancy. I am particularly grateful she has jumped in just before this event and also grateful to Claire Montgomery (Vice President) who will be hosting this Saturday. I look forward to seeing you there.

During the week we held the College’s AGM. At the assembly, the Company Members witnessed the talents of the girls and the various activities that have been happening over term 1. We are very grateful for their generous contributions to the College and their ongoing support of our wonderful community.

Last term we held the Emerald Gala Dinner Dance. It was a wonderful night which raised funds for the Scholarship Fund. I am pleased to let you know that we raised over $55,000. This will be accessed by families who wish to have their daughter at St Patrick’s but will need assistance to make this dream come true. My thanks again to the committee and the sponsors for working on this. One of our sponsors is the Campbelltown Catholic Club. Once again, the venue was fabulous and we are very grateful for their support. Unfortunately, the meal served on the night was not what was expected and a letter from Michael Lavorato, CEO of the Catholic Club, is included in this edition.

Finally, we have finalised the Anti-Racism Policy at the College. Whilst our community is very inclusive and people are made to feel welcome here, we must always be vigilant to ensure all girls have equal access to opportunities and that their cultural difference is celebrated. I will spend time with the year groups in chapel going through the policy over the coming month. It will be available through the portal if you are interested in seeing it. Please work with us in continuing to build a community that says no to racism and discrimination.

On 20 May the Church will be celebrating the feast of Pentecost. I will leave you with a reflection on this significant event. It is my favourite feast as it is a wonderful example of ordinary people doing extraordinary things through faith.

Wishing all mothers a wonderful Mother's Day this Sunday. 

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal 

Christ Jesus, before ascending into heaven,
You promised to send the Holy Spirit to
Your apostles and disciples.
Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our lives the work
of Your grace and love.

Since Anzac Day, 25 April, this year fell during the recent school holiday, the prayer at this first College Assembly of Term 2 focussed on this important day of National Remembrance. Also, in our acknowledgment of the traditional custodians of the land, we paid special respect to appreciate and remember, in particular, those Aboriginals who fought in wars on behalf of Australia, even though they were not recognised as Australian citizens. For this past injustice, we say “Sorry”. We honour their selfless contributions and remember them.

As a symbol of remembering those combatants who have passed away, three candles were lit in our remembering those who have died in the course of defending our country, our liberty, and our way of life: a candle for those who defended on the Land; a candle for those who defended on the Sea; and a candle for those who defended in the Sky.

After recitation of the Ode of Remembrance, the sounding of the Last Post, pausing for a minute’s silence and the sounding of the Reveille, we joined together in praying the following prayer:

A Prayer for Peace (from the Brigidine Sisters in Australia)

God of peace,  
may we become peacemakers by feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger,
planting kindness and nurturing right relationships wherever we are.
God of Justice,
may we become justice makers by sharing goodwill, upholding the rights of all beings,
sharing our gifts and nurturing justice wherever we are.
We pray for these things with humility, because of the hope that is within us,
and because of our faith in the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
We pray because of our love for Creation and because of our trust in a loving God.
Above all, we pray for an end to violence, and for peace throughout the world.

Amen.         

Angelo Gattone - Misson Coordinator

Students studying Japanese at St Patrick’s College participated in a number of activities to acknowledge this special time. One particular event is Children’s Day こどものひ (kodomo no hi) which is held on 5 May. This day is set aside to celebrate the development and happiness of children. Flying Koi kites こいのぼり(koi nobori) are flown outside houses with a kite to represent each member of the family. Special foods like かしわもちKashiwamochi (rice cake wrapped in a maple leaf) is also eaten.

Students in Year 8 studying Japanese made their own koi kites and made their own mochi (rice cakes) to commemorate this day. The kites are on display in the Westview corridor for the next few weeks. The students had a lot of fun making and eating mochi and we hope that all of our students had a great day on Children’s Day.

Julian Nash - LOTE Coordinator

Next week, our Year 7 and 9 students will be sitting the 2018 NAPLAN tests. If your daughter is keen to practise her literacy or numeracy skills with some quick online activities, we have set up Reading, Writing and Numeracy Canvas pages for her to access a whole range of tips, tricks and online tools. A great place to start is with a quick Free Rice vocabulary quiz or a Quizlet to practise her number skills. Whether she has five minutes or fifty to spare, there will be plenty for her to do if she explores the Literacy and Numeracy pages.

Year 10 students might like to visit our Minimum Standards sections, which contain quick links to the sample tests for Reading, Writing and Numeracy.

All feedback is welcome and if you have any suggestions for different tools or websites you would like to see included in our Literacy or Numeracy Courses, please email cmcgillicuddy@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au (Literacy) or mparker@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au (Numeracy)

Claire McGillicuddy - English Teacher and Michelle Parker - Maths Teacher

On each of the three days the tests will commence in Period one.  Please ensure your daughter arrives on time on these days.  The girls will follow a normal program for the day after the testing is complete.

In the writing task students will either be required to write a narrative or a persuasive task.  In the Numeracy task, students will have 50 minutes using a calculator and 10 minutes without a calculator. 

Your daughter will need to bring her own pencils and calculators.  No iPads or mobile phones can be brought into the room and no rulers are needed.

Following is a list of the task dates and equipment your daughter will need to bring with her:

Any additional information on NAPLAN can be found by using the following link:

https://www.nap.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/naplan-2018-information-brochure-for-parents-and-carers.pdf?sfvrsn=2

If your daughter requires the use of Disability Provisions please contact me on the email address below and I will make contact with you to discuss. Email address: ekelly@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au

Eileen Kelly - Learning Enhancement Coordinator

St Patrick’s College has deployed a new communication initiative - the Student and Parent Portal. It aims to provide parents with information about progress, attendance, scheduling and academic reports. Importantly, the portal is the method to book parent-teacher interviews in 2018. Further information about accessing the portal is available from Dr Bourne (elearning@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au). To support families in the uptake of the Parent Portal, the College has organised support sessions on Monday 14 May:

Mon 14 May 7am - 8am School drop-off / before work
Mon 14 May 3:30pm - 4:30pm School pick-up
Mon 14 May 6pm to 7pm After work

Please register your interest in attending a session using the following link: https://goo.gl/4AFCPh or email elearning@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au.

Follow this link to the information package explaining the Parent/Teacher Interview bookings, emailed to families last week. 

Debra Bourne - Leader of eLearning and Library Services

We applied the science knowledge we had gained from previous lessons based on energy and how to create an electric circuit. There was a lot of problem solving and testing. After creating the car, the classes had to participate in a race, where all the cars raced one another to reach a certain point. In Science 9.1 Siena and Muskaan won with their car ‘Ferrari’. Students faced many problems which consisted of cars being unbalanced due to weight being heavier on one side than the other but the class solved this issue by using plasticine on the side to level out the weight. Overall, Year 9 Science enjoyed the challenge and gained more knowledge about electric circuits, alternative fuel sources and the energy created by the sun. 

Brianna C - Year 9 Science Student

The library is currently a hive of activity: running Book Club, Chess Club, Makerspace, Anime Club, J-Pop and K-Pop, as well as Technology Club. Makerspace are currently working on bracelet weaving under the direction of Ms Tanginoa, whilst Technology Club have the challenge of programming a sphero to dance and flash to a chosen piece of music.

When not researching, reading or being involved in the other library activities, many students choose to unwind by way of adding colour to our collaborative mosaic, contributing to the ever-growing jigsaw puzzle, or by working on their own artwork. Jadyn B and Georgia C have been working on their beautiful artworks.

Write4Fun is an Australia wide, primary and secondary writing competition. In 2018, over 10,000 entries have been received and St Patrick’s has been recognised for outstanding writing, with at least 10 students successfully progressing past the initial judging stage. We wish those students good luck as we eagerly await the final judging on 23 May.

Indigenous Literacy Week Book Swap

The library will be holding a book swap during week 6 of this term. It will run from Monday 28 May to Friday 1 June, during Reconciliation Week, and the goal is to raise $1,000 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Students may take any book they like for a gold coin donation.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a nationwide book industry charity whose purpose is to decrease the level of disadvantage experienced by children living in remote Indigenous communities throughout Australia. They aim to achieve this through improving literacy levels and instilling a love for reading. This year, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation aims to raise $300,000 through the Great Book Swap in order to purchase 30,000 new books for those living in remote Indigenous communities.

We encourage anyone who has any pre-loved books of reasonable quality to donate them to the book swap. It is for a great cause as we aim for that $1000 mark. Anyone who wishes to donate books can bring them to the library. 

STUDY SKILLS HANDBOOK 

What do you do when you get a disappointing assignment mark?

We all have times when we think we have done brilliantly then get an assignment back and are really disappointed instead. You could just feel really bad, or you could try these steps:

REVIEW AND UNDERSTAND
The first step is to work through the feedback and work out what went wrong.
- Did you not meet the criteria?
- What feedback were you given from the teacher?

- Do you understand the feedback?

- Can you work out why you got the mark you did?

If you don’t understand why you got the mark you did, it is ESSENTIAL you ask your teacher for further clarification. Otherwise you will keep making the same mistakes.

CHALLENGE OR ACCEPT

Once you understand what the issue was, you can either accept it, or challenge it.

ACCEPT: If you feel now that the mark was actually fair enough, then it is time to move on. There is no point beating yourself up anymore about your disappointing mark. Instead you need to treat this as a learning process. The people who are most successful in life don’t let their mistakes get them down, they see them as a learning opportunity where they can improve and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

However, if you really think your mark was unfair and you had met all of the criteria, you can talk to your teacher and politely explain your point of view and ask if they would reconsider your mark.

LEARN AND CHANGE

The only way to improve, is to work out what you did wrong, then try to fix it. It is actually a really good idea to re-do part of the work and re-submit. Not everyone has the commitment to do this, but if you do - then wow - you will really see the benefit in your results. It might just be a case of re-doing a section of the assignment and asking your teacher to review it. But if you don’t have another go, you won’t know whether or not you have really taken the feedback on board. Some students let a bad mark get them down and start to think they are not capable of succeeding, so they don’t try to address the issue, make similar mistakes again and just feel worse. Don’t be that sort of person! Learn from what you have done and have another try.

Another good thing you can do is to ask to see other students’ work who received top grades for their assignments - to evaluate what was missing in yours or how you could improve yours next time. It would also be a great idea for your next assignment to show your teacher a plan, or a draft early on, explaining how you think you’ve met the criteria, and seek feedback well BEFORE handing it in.

From the College Library

Elise from Caritas Australia came and spoke to us about poverty around the world which opened our eyes to the everyday struggles of many people and what they have to do just to survive.  Elise also shared her own personal experience about her mission in the Amazon and the Philippines working with the disadvantaged communities there.  We also heard about how we can help the communities that Caritas support through donations, fundraisers and mission work.

As well as the presentations on the work of Caritas and the social teachings of the Church, Elise engaged us through participation in activities where we experienced being in the position of a refugee family and the struggles that they encounter.  Overall, we took a lot away from the day, with many ideas on how we as a year group and school can contribute to Caritas’ work.

Despite being confronted by the statistics and stories from Elise, we had an informative and fun day.

Emma F and Jorja G – Year 10 Student 

I was honoured to play a specific role in the Camden Dawn Service this year as a sentry in the Catafalque Party, which required intense training. Traditionally, the Catafalque Party is a guard, usually of four armed sentries, that stands watch over the catafalque (coffin) of a distinguished person or over a significant monument. On Anzac Day, the Catafalque Party stood guard as a symbolic form of respect for those who have served and fallen.

The Anzac commemorations were special this year because women led marches across the nation for the first time. The marches focused on recognising all women who not only provided support for servicemen, but for women who also led on the frontlines. I was the only female sentry in the Catafalque party and as a female cadet in the AAFC, I am happy to see that the number of female cadets is growing.

The AAFC is a youth organisation that is funded by the Royal Australian Air Force and upholds inclusive values including integrity, courage, loyalty and teamwork. The AAFC allows us to be involved in many things that would normally be uncommon for teenage girls. For example, flying an aeroplane or attending survival camps. In addition, developing leadership and being self-disciplined in a military environment teaches us to apply effort and achieve something great. Anzac Day was something great… not just for myself and the other St Pat’s girls, but was great for our country.
(Pictures by Brett Atkins- Capture Camden)

Caroline A – Year 10 Student

NB: After the Dawn Service in Camden the cadet girls joined in at the Campbelltown Anzac March.

As one of the few schools in Campbelltown in 1968, St Patrick’s was given two tickets for students to ride on the re-enactment train. I travelled on the train journey with Year 8 History Club members Grace K and Molly Q in a carriage which went over the Harbour Bridge when it opened in 1932. We were given a tour of the driver’s compartment and a brief history of the train by State Rail representatives.

When we reached Campbelltown we were greeted by flag-waving crowds and a contingent of St Patrick’s College History Club students Sophie I, Candice M, Angelique M, Amelia C, Bianca R, Caroline A, Jarian H and Eknoor G.  Students had a chance to tour the train as it stopped for 8 minutes at Campbelltown Station. Students also had a chance to mingle with local dignitaries such as Greg Warren MP.

Afterwards the students attended a civic reception at Campbelltown Council where speeches were given by the Mayor George Brticevic, Kay Hayes and Michael Chalker of the CAHS. A video showing a montage of historical footage from 1968 was especially interesting. Molly Q and Grace K accepted a special letter commemorating the proclamation of Campbelltown on behalf of the College.

Molly Q recollection of the day – ‘this was certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity as it was celebrating 50 years of the electrification of the Campbelltown railway. Grace K and I were lucky enough to catch the classic red rattler from Glenfield to Campbelltown and get a feel for what it would’ve been like 50 years ago when St Patrick’s girls, just like us, had the opportunity to catch the first electric train from Glenfield to Campbelltown. Another special thing about our carriage was the fact it was the first carriage to go over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which added to the amazing experience. As the train rolled into the station we were greeted with St Pat's girls waving flags and the station almost full, adding to the feel of stepping back in time. The service that followed the trains arrival taught us girls many things about the history of Campbelltown, with actual footage of the event, and Grace and I were proud to receive a certificate from the Mayor of Campbelltown, not only celebrating our journey but commemorating 50 years of St Patrick’s work in Campbelltown.’

Grace K wrote ‘I found the whole day a very moving experience. It was amazing to take a step back in time and ride on one of the first electric trains.  The Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society collated videos taken in 1968 when the train came into Campbelltown. I loved watching this video and I think it was a great learning experience for me. I learnt so much on Friday.’

This was a truly wonderful day of history in action and the students have vowed to be present for the 100^th anniversary (and possibly their 91 year-old teacher!) 

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher

Blessed with beautiful weather, the service was held in Mawson Park led by Campbelltown RSL Sub-Branch Vice President, Warren Browning. The Catafalque party was formed by Naval cadets from the TS Kanimblia. Several St Patrick's College girls also marched with the Air Force Cadets, having already performed the Catafalque party at the Camden dawn service.

Each year a local school student delivers the main address, this year Wollondilly Anglican College student Toby Randall honoured his own World War I ancestor. Last year, St Patrick's College student Amelia A gave the address.

Local dignitaries from the local Council,  Macarthur MP Dr Michael Freelander, Campbelltown MP Greg Warren, Campbelltown RSL Sub-Branch President Dutchie Holland, Captain Vanessa Ganley and Reverend Nigel Fortescue took part in the service.

During the wreath-laying ceremony, School Captain, Natalie M and Lilian F laid a wreath on behalf of the College community. This was followed by a lone piper performing the Lament. After the Last Post, local performer, Nathan Foley (a previous member of Hi-5) performed the Australian National anthem in honour of his grandfather who served in both world wars and the Sweet Tonics group did a lovely rendition of the New Zealand national anthem.

Once again, St Patrick's girls served their College with pride.

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher

Year 7 Oz Tag

Italia M, Krisa K, Tess M, Amelia B, Meg O, Amy Y, Eden G, Lucy G, Annalise D, Darcy E, Ava P and Sophia S. Coach Mr David.

Year 7/8/9 Soccer

Grace M, Emily A, Chantelle D, Olivia H, Isabella W, Sophie M, Sarah P, Christina L, Sienna S, Tayissa M, Charlotte T, Mia C, Jess K, Brooklyn S and Sophie A. Coach Mr McGrath.

Year 9/10 Netball

Alysha B, Alexandra F, Elizabeth C, Rachel W, Piper A, Brianna C, Evana S, Olivia F, Hannah S, Maya B and Chantel S. Coach Mr Baca.

Year 11/12 Netball

Emily A, Amelia A, Teresa S, Amy S, Natalie S, Stephanie E, Emily W, Caitlin M, Sarah M, Mia K, Kelsey Y, Tarnee C and Kayle Green. Coach Mrs Lawrence

Year 10/11/12 AFL

Emily P, Paris H, Julia P, Andrea M, Loretta T, Eden G, Lily M, Tara B, Ana C, Rahni W, Lyliann V, Emily M, Ruby D, Emily F, Emma L, Debra M, Eseter M and Eva B. Coach Ms Cornett

Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator

Saver Plus offers low-income parents a free $500 to spend on education costs such as:

Specialty subject costs

Uniforms

camps/excursions

computers/laptops/tablets

textbooks

and more!

Even better, Saver Plus will help low-income families and individuals to:

Start a small, regular savings habit

Improve their money skills to help manage education expenses, and

Reach a savings goal!

This national, Government funded program is totally FREE, with no costs or catches, and has helped over 1,200 local Macarthur parents improve their money situation.

Eligible parents join, save for 10 months, attend four money skills workshops and then receive up to $500 free in matched savings.  Parents who hold a Centrelink Healthcare or Pension Card (low income status) could be eligible to join. After 10 months of saving, the FREE $500 MUST be spent on education costs.

For more information https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/communities-and-vulnerable-people/programs-services/commonwealth-financial-counselling-cfc/saver-plus-fact-sheet

11 May - Year 11 Physics Excursion, Science/Engineering Challenge Excursion, CSDA Debating Round 2
12 May - Mother and Daughter High Tea
15 - 17 May - Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN
16 - 18 May - Year 11 Retreat
18 May - CSDA Debating Round 3
19 May - Year 7 2019/2020 Enrolment Interviews
21 May - DIO Soccer Selections
22 May - Year 7 - 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Evening
23 May - Year 12 Advanced English Excursion, Sorry Day Service, Year 7 Maths Olympiad
24 May - Year 12 visit with Bishop
25 May - CSDA Debating Round 4, Year 9 -12 AIME Excursion
26 May - Sorry Day
28 May to 1 June - Reconciliation Week
29 May - Year 8 Liturgy
30 May - Years 7 - 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Evening, NAISDA Dance Incursion
31 May - Year 12 Chemistry Excursion, Year 8 MISA Debating
1 June - Middle School Dance, CSDA Debating Round 5
7 June - College Athletics Carnival
8 - 10 June - Year 12 AIS Excursion PDHPE
11 June - Queen's Birthday - PUBLIC HOLIDAY
14 June - Grandparents Day
15 June - CCC Cross Country, Year 10 History Incursion, CSDA Debating Round 6
19 June - Middle School Assembly
20 June - NSW CCC Touch
21 June - College Musical Dress Rehearsal, College Musical 7.30pm
22 June - College Musical 7.30pm, CSDA Debating Elimination Final
23 June - College Musical 2pm and 7.30pm
25 June - Year 11 2019 Information Night
27 June - Year 11 'U-Turn the Wheel" Incursion
29 June - Year 10 Community Service Incursion, CSDA Debating Quarter Final
6 July - Benedict Day Mass, Staff and Students finish for Term 2
23 July - Staff return for Term 3 - Pupil Free Week
30 July - Students return for Term 3