Welcome to the new school year at St Patrick's and a very special welcome to the new families joining us in 2024.

Our New Year has begun with great gusto and energy.

Bustling with anticipation and huge smiles, our Year 7 girls have begun their journey with us. Managing timetables, room changes, the first week of sport and activities, as well as their lockers, they seem to be finding their St Pat’s “legs” very well. As I walk around the school, I am met with cheerful smiles and “good mornings” from the girls. I am also appreciating the natural beauty of the grounds and facilities of the College on my daily morning walks.

We have held our Distinguished Achievers Assembly celebrating our class of 2023. These young women were very impressive as they spoke, not only about their career trajectories, but also in the very sensible and practical advice they gave the girls on how to achieve success.

We also welcomed a large number of families with their daughters to the all important Year 11 Information Evening. As these young women begin Stage 6 - the last part of their secondary learning journey - there are many NESA regulated rules that parents and students can often find difficult to navigate. My thanks to the staff, led by Dr Bourne and Ms Wright, who coordinated this evening.

The more conversations that I have with parents and families, the more I am discovering our connections through my extended family or circumstances that make the saying “there are only 6 degrees of separation between people” very real. Thank you for making me feel welcome and please do come and introduce yourself to me.

Please know that you are always welcome to be part of any of our school events such as the upcoming very relaxed Picnic on the Playground for students and families at lunchtime on 12 February.

One of the things that I have noticed immediately about St Patrick’s is the sense of it being a genuine community of care. One of the great advantages of being the size that we are, is that every girl can be known as an individual and I have already seen the care and respect that staff show in working with your daughters. It is certainly living out the quote from the Rule of St Benedict that “the strong have something to strive for and the weak have nothing to fear”.

In preparation for Open Day on 24 February, this week I commenced visits to the local Catholic Primary Schools. I have begun to get a feel for the greater Campbelltown community and the new emerging suburbs. Ms Sciffer, our Community Engagement Coordinator, has accompanied me on these visits and has been a font of knowledge! The St Patrick’s students who have also accompanied me have been articulate and very proud, not only of their old primary school, but of St Patrick’s and speak quite eloquently about the many opportunities they have at the College. Parents, you should be very proud of them!  

I would also like to welcome staff who are new to the College in 2024:

Melina Altman      School Psychologist

Nathalie Antoun   Teacher’s Aide

Jessica Esaid        HSIE Teacher

Fiona Johnson      Science/Mathematics Teacher

Chanlina Lam       Languages Coordinator

Makayla Milross    PDHPE Teacher

Carly Orfali          English Teacher

Emily Pedder        Legal Studies Teacher

Christina Silvano  TAS Coordinator

Lauren Tilbury      Pastoral Support Worker

Chloe Waud         Administration Assistant

I feel very lucky to be part of this vibrant community!

God bless you and your families and friends in the coming weeks.

Take care,

Mary Leask

Principal 

Assisted by Mr Duval, Mr Quigley, Mrs Dadd, Mrs Feely and Mrs Robertson, as well as several junior and senior students, the girls thoroughly enjoyed delivering the collections of essential food items to families in need in the Campbelltown area. Altogether, the Mission Council distributed 55 Christmas Hampers and was fortunate for the positive reception from the recipients. The experience of knocking on people’s doors and handing them the large, overflowing hampers was incredibly fulfilling and heartwarming. The recipients of the hampers were especially grateful for the generosity of the St Patrick’s College community and were often overwhelmed with emotion. 

It was smiles all around on the bus trip back to the College as the girls reminisced and swapped stories of their distributions. It was such a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand the effect and impact of mere hospitality on the lives of others, and it is this same attitude and effect that the Mission Council intends to continue extending in 2024. Thank you to the wider College community for their contributions to this very worthwhile cause and to all those who assisted in wrapping and distributing the Christmas hampers. The Mission team at the College have been working tirelessly to prepare several initiatives and programs for students and staff alike to enjoy and reap the spiritual and holistic benefits of, so stay tuned and watch this space!

Holly Burfitt - Year 11 Mission Council Member

After a busy morning farewelling their families and being welcomed into the College, the girls embarked on their first of many Homerooms. Their Pastoral Advisor walked them through some useful information to help them in their day.
On Tuesday the girls were introduced to their Year 11 Big-Sister. There was as much excitement from our Year 11 students who have looked forward to this day since they commenced at the College, as there was from our Year 7 students. The girls completed a campus scavenger hunt together to learn more about the layout of the College, and their Year 11 Big Sisters provided plenty of advice for College life. We look forward to seeing the beautiful bonds of friendship that will unfold this year between the girls.
During the week the students were introduced to their laptops and learnt more about how technology is used at the College. The girls are now familiar with Canvas, the College Learning Management System and are growing in confidence with the system.
The girls were involved in their first (and second) College assembly, with the Welcome to 2024 Assembly and the HSC High Achievers Assembly now under their belts.
We hope the girls have a fulfilling year full of new friendships, learning and opportunities to grow.
As always, the Pastoral Team are available to parents who may have any questions, so please feel free to reach out to your team. We look forward to seeing as many Parents as possible at our Year 7 and New Parent Dinner.

We have welcomed our newest scientists into the laboratories, Year 7, who've been sharpening their observational skills with flame tests, while Year 8 students are engaged in catapult and chain reaction challenges, putting their problem-solving abilities to the test. 

Chemistry classes are exploring the colorful world of indicators, as well as investigating the properties of substances through separation techniques. In the Year 9 Catalyst class, students aren't just studying STEM fields; they have actively applied the catalyst concept through the spectacular Elephant's Toothpaste reaction. They are also honing their communication and creative thinking skills by collaborating in groups to design both a shoe and a low-energy rollercoaster, putting their knowledge into action in innovative ways.

Once again, we look forward to providing a variety of opportunities for students to pursue their passion in Science, including National Science Week activities, the Astronomy Program and the Science and Engineering Challenge to name but a few.

With our laboratories already buzzing with excitement, we eagerly anticipate a year filled with innovation, exploration, and scientific discovery. 

Elizabeth Parsons - Science Coordinator

We acknowledge and thank our staff at St Patrick’s College, and of course, the love and support of our families who have walked alongside our girls in their pursuit of personal excellence in 2023.
Of the 34 courses completed by the 2023 St Patrick’s College Year 12 cohort, 20 courses were above state average, and these courses spanned all Key Learning areas at the College. 18 students, across 11 subjects, were acknowledged in the HSC Distinguished Achievers list. These students achieved in the highest band for one or more courses. Band 6 for two-unit or Band E4 for one unit courses indicates the highest level of performance with students achieving between 90 and 100 percent in these subjects. In 2023, no students at the College received a Band 1 in any subject. This is outstanding and congratulations to these girls.
Congratulations to our highest achievers all receiving ATAR scores of 90 and above. The Dux for 2023 was Caitlin Old. She achieved the College’s top ATAR of 95.85.

2023 Distinguished Achievers

Ten students were nominated for HSC showcase events that celebrate the talent and creativity of 2023 HSC Students, and represented 17 individual nominations for the College. This is the highest number of nominations ever received by the College.

We would also like to acknowledge the following students who were recipients of the Year 12 major  awards:
Ampol Best All Rounder Award – Sophia Skandalis  
Lions Club Community Service Award - Charley Langford   
Reuben F Scarf Award - Jaimee Campbell  
ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award - Amy Younie 
ADF Future Innovators Award - Sarah Ward  
Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award - Cailtin Old 
The College Spirit Award -  Georgia Clout  
The Prize of Honour -  Abbey Clancy   
The Principal’s Award -  Amelia Palazzo

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching

To download the app, please follow these steps:

1. On your mobile phone click this link to go to the app store and download TASS ParentOrbit. If you are on a PC, please scan the QR code with a mobile device. https://parentorbit.page.link/spcg] 

2. Click the Install button. After the app is installed, our school will be loaded as an account.

3. Click on our school name then tap the login button.

4. Enter your Parent Lounge login details into the login screen that appears. 

Below are a list of features in the Parent Orbit App

Push Notifications / Notification History

The College will be able to send targeted notifications via the app, so that parents are only alerted to information that's relevant to your child e.g. attendance information, academic reports. You’ll also be able to acknowledge notifications and view and search notification history. 

Attendance & Absences

You will be able to acknowledge and submit absences, as well as view the attendance history for your children on the go, making it easier for the College to ensure we have accurate and up-to-date information on student whereabouts.

Student Details

You will be able to view your child's information including General information, MCEECDYA information, View and Update Medical Details, Email Class Teachers, View and download Academic Reports, and any other additional customised data the College may make available.

Calendars

You will get access to the College calendar, tailored to the information most relevant to you and your children. This includes a multi-student view for parents and the ability to include/exclude different calendar feeds.

Accounts

You will have the ability to access and make payments for School Fees and Events & Payments via links to Parent Lounge.

Parent Profile 

You will be able to view your personal details, address information and login history, as well as submit updates to the address blocks. This will allow you to make sure that the College always has the most up to date and accurate information for contacting you.

If you have any questions about the new app, please email info@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au

Ben Robson - eLearning and Innovation Coordinator

Along with other data, information from the tests informs strategies and interventions aimed at supporting learners across a range of achievement and need. These results help teachers identify starting points for learning, target teaching and monitor growth.

The College uses an instrument called the Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in numeracy and reading. In each case, the test content is personalised to each student. These online, multiple-choice tests typically take less than an hour to complete. They will be administered in student’s academic class groups.

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching

1. College Choir - Meets on Wednesday mornings from 7:45am in the Drama Room. Come along, no audition necessary and sing a variety of popular songs with a focus on musicals and chart topping fun. First rehearsal 7:45am 7th Feb. 

2. St Pat's Ensemble - If you have at least one year's experience on any instrument you are more than welcome to join the St Pat's Ensemble on Tuesday mornings from 7:45am in the MSC. We have many levels of player and can adjust music to suit your playing abilities. First Rehearsal 7:45am 6 February. 

3. Rock Bands - If you play a rock instrument or have a rock-style voice, come on Mondays at lunch time in J33 and find some like minded students to start a rock band! First Rehearsal Monday lunch 5 February. 

4. Liturgy Band and Singers - For those who love to contribute to College liturgies and Masses through advanced playing on an instrument or singing in the Liturgy Singers. Thursday Lunches in J33. First rehearsal 8 February. 

For any enquiries, please email Mrs Elizabeth Samyia: esamyia@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au

Elizabeth Samiya - Music and Drama Teacher | St Pat's Ensemble, Rock Band and Choir Director

The Carnival was also a celebration of school spirit with many fabulous house dress ups, extreme cheering and students getting involved in a number of non-competitive events including the Points Scramble.  

Congratulations to all of our students for supporting the event, your participation enriches our College culture and your College experience. With the wise words of our recent High Achievers Assembly still fresh in your mind, remember that the memories you made today, whether you were our Swimming Champion or our Best Dressed, or something in between, will be one of the things you cherish most from your time at the College.

Activities Program

Our activities program commenced on 6 February with a flurry of activity and excitement. The College has once engaged the services of a variety of external facilitators to support the running of the program as well as the fact we will continue to run a number of specialty programs including Cheer for students in Years 8–11, an Outdoor Education program for students in Year 8 and a Community Outreach program for students in Year 10.

MISA

Trials for our Term 1 MISA Representative sport teams is well underway with the MISA competition starting on 20 February. Term 1 MISA sports include Indoor Cricket, Volleyball and Hockey for students in Years 7-9 and Oz Tag and Basketball for students in Years 10–12. Information regarding the MISA competition can be found at https://www.misaonline.org.au/

The MISA sports program can be found below

Wollongong Diocesan Sport

Wollongong Diocesan sport kicks off with Tennis on the 7 February followed by the Diocesan Touch on 1 March and Diocesan Swimming on 6 March. Trials for these teams will begin very soon and will be run during lunchtimes. We also have our Year 11 SLR class officiating at the Western Region Catholic Primary schools swimming trials. Information regarding Wollongong Diocesan sport can be found at https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/

Term 1 College and Diocesan Events. *Please note that dates are subject to change

NSWCCC Sport

NSWCCC sport registrations have opened for a number of Term 1 events, and this is the pathway for our elite athletes. Registrations for these selection trials are done online and all students have been emailed information on the process. It is important that students and parents are aware of the requirements to register for these teams as well as the closing dates for each sport. The link to Catholic Schools NSW Sport website is https://csnsw.sport/

*Please ensure you take note of the closing dates as late entries will not be accepted.

College Sports Council

Under the leadership of College Sports Captain Mirae Quintal, the Sports Council is underway and looking to introduce a range of new initiatives throughout the year. The Sports Council is open to all students 7–12 who have an interest in the sports program at the College.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator

No distractions from technology, chatting or games. If you wish to relax with a book, then this area is made for you! In consideration of this, we ask that students treat the library as the indoor space that it is. Running, loud voices or boisterous behaviour will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave.

Tuesdays and Fridays are technology free in the library. Any exceptions to this rule are at the discretion of Mrs Feely. 

STRENGTHS:

• What went well for you at school last year?
• What study and time management techniques worked for you?
• What skills do you have that help you to do your best at school and in life?

WEAKNESSES:

• What were your greatest challenges in achieving your personal best at school?
• What do you struggle with most as a student?
• What do you need the most help or support with?

OPPORTUNITIES:

• What one thing could you do differently this year that would most help you to get better results?
• What skills do you most need to focus on improving this year?
• Who in your life would be able to help you to be a better student?

THREATS:

• What are the biggest obstacles to you making changes in your approach?
• Are there other students you sat with last year who made your learning difficult?
• What is stopping you from achieving the best results you can at school this year?

After you have worked through the SWOT analysis, choose the top 5 changes you want to make this year and write these down. Put these goals somewhere where you will see them every day before you go to school. If possible also write down some specific actions or steps you could take to achieve these goals. A good approach is at the start of each week write down the steps you want to take for that week.

As we begin the new year, we are looking for expressions of interest from students who are interested in running the Anime club. The Anime club runs on Fridays during lunch in D24.  If you think you could fill this role and are passionate and knowledgeable about Anime, please come and speak to Mrs Harradine in the College Library.

Although we will still have some designated Makerspace workshops throughout each term, we would like to offer you the opportunity to unleash your own creativity.

There will be a Makerspace trolley with a variety of Makerspace supplies. You are free to come to the library and create during lunchtime. Our only request is that you pack up and clean up after yourself. The library has cleaning equipment, including a stick vaccuum, so clean up is quick and easy. We look forward to seeing you and your creations.

We also have a wide selection of games which are available to be played. 

If contributing to a communal jigsaw is more your thing, we have plenty of them too.

Be assured that there is something craft or activity related on offer for you in the College Library.

We look forward to seeing you and helping you enjoy the wonderful space that is your College Library.

We are seeking support from our community. 
There are 4 x Corporate sponsorship packages still available - included is a table of 10 tickets. 
Contact galaball@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au to show your interest.  

Support in any capacity would be greatly appreciated, you can;

- donate directly to the scholarship fund

- provide a prize for our silent auction / raffle. Gift vouchers always make great prizes. 

Last year we raised $80,000 and supported 32 students, help us to continue this worthy program. 

Our partnering sponsors have set the foundations for 2024 - we greatly appreciate and thank;

Sponsoring Event Partner - Walker 

Silver Partners - Wakeling Automotive, Campbelltown Catholic Club, Catholic Cemeteries and Crematorium and Wests Group

Bronze Partners - TRN Group, Alleanza, Pan Spraybooths, Dario Consulting, Marsdens, CDF, Macarthur Engineering

Year 7 parents are invited to join from 5.15pm to meet their daughter's Homeroom teacher and learn more about the structures of College life.

All new parents are invited to a sit down dinner in the Mary Sheil Centre commencing at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start. You will have the opportunity to meet other parents, College staff and hear from the Parents and Friends Association. 

We hope to see you all there - please register via https://www.trybooking.com/CNYNR by Sunday 10 March 2024.

Christine and Mary enjoyed a trip down memory lane as they walked around their old school and sat at their old desks. Mary said it was much smaller than she remembered!

Over coffee and sandwiches in the Archives Room, many memories were shared and remembered, many good times and a few not-so-good times, but all were valuable stories to add to our living Archive collection.

We plan to do it again in early 2024. Both Christine and Mary have promised to write down their College memories which will then be catalogued and entered into the Archive holdings.

Joanne Cavallin - College Archivist