St Patrick's College Mackay - Term 1 - Week 2 - 6 February 2026

Welcome back to all our students and families as we begin 2026. We also extend a very special welcome to the new faces among our student body and staff. Thank you for placing your trust in St Patrick’s College; we look forward to a successful year of learning and growth together.

St Patrick’s Community
As we commence the 2026 school year, I am honoured to continue my service to the St Patrick’s community. I feel incredibly fortunate to collaborate with such a dedicated Senior Leadership Team. My thanks go to Scott McSherry, Tracey McLeod, Brendan Gunning, Christopher Sorbello and Dean Andric for their ongoing expertise. I am also delighted to officially welcome Andrea Crocker to the team this year as our Acting Assistant Principal Mission.

Please join me in welcoming our newest staff members for 2026. Joining our teaching staff are Amy Benson, Claudia Cristaldi, Jake Riley, William Pembroke and Juliet Marshall.

We also welcome our new Teacher Assistants; Shaylee Noy, Laura Connolly, Ryan John, Willow Barrett and Grace Schembri, alongside our new auxiliary staff member Carissa Morgan. Welcome!

I would also like to acknowledge Fr Matthias Ogwo and the broader St Patrick’s Parish. We value our ongoing partnership as we work together to nurture the faith and spiritual growth of our students.

As a college, we remain dedicated to our long-standing traditions and to strengthening the bonds between our students, staff, and families. Your perspectives are vital to us, so please reach out if you have any questions or ideas. We truly value your feedback as we plan for a successful future.

Long Service Awards
Congratulations to Tracey McLeod (Assistant Principal Administration) and Stephen Crocker (Teacher / Librarian Mercy Campus) on the remarkable career milestone of 30 years of service to Catholic Education. Both were presented with their CEDR Long Service Award at the Regional Opening Mass. We thank them for the care and dedication they continue to bring to the St Patrick’s community.

Opening College Mass
On Thursday, 12 February, we will gather as a community for our 2026 Opening Mass. It is a privilege to welcome Bishop Michael McCarthy, along with Fr Matthias Ogwo and Fr Sijo, to lead us in this celebration.

This will be a dual celebration of achievement and service, as we award the 2025 McGarry Bursaries and officially induct our College Leaders for the year ahead. We welcome all families and friends of the College to attend and share in this milestone event.

Respectful Relationship Education
All families would have received an invitation from Michael McCusker (Diocesan Director Catholic Education) and Kellie Jenkinson (Assistant Director:Mission) to join an information session at St Patrick’s College Senior Campus next Monday 9 February, 6:30pm – 8:00pm. This ‘Parent Partnership Session’ will provide clarity around the structure, content, and delivery of RRE within our diocese. I look forward to seeing as many families as possible in attendance.

Bishop’s Inservice Day
On Friday, 20 February, our staff will join colleagues from across the diocese for the annual Bishop’s Inservice Day. This day of reflection and learning is a student-free day, as all staff will be participating in the workshops. The College office will remain closed. We appreciate your support in allowing our staff this time for professional and spiritual growth.

Parent Engagement Committee (previously P&F)
I would like to invite all families to attend our Parent Engagement Evenings which will be held at the Senior Campus throughout the year:

* 17 February    Meet the Teacher’s BBQ followed by PEC –  Parent’s Survival Guide
* 5 May              Academic Success
* 21 July             Wellbeing
* 1 September   Apps/AI

Fees and Concessions
College fee statements will be issued on Friday 13 February 2026.
Fees are billed annually and there are two payment options:
Pay in full within four weeks of statement date
Enter a payment plan to pay throughout the year

Please note that fees for Yr 12 students are due by 7 August 2026, with fees for all other students due by 31 October 2026. Please contact the Finance Office staff, if you wish to establish a payment plan.

If parents hold a current Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card, please provide a copy to the Finance Office staff, to confirm eligibility to receive the concession card discount.

Attendance Matters
Consistent school attendance is fundamental to every student's success. At St Patrick’s College, we have established a 90% attendance benchmark to ensure our students remain engaged and on track. It is also important to remember that our community events—such as camps, retreats, and carnivals—are essential components of our curriculum and not 'optional' days. These experiences are central to our identity and the bonds we build as a College.

We certainly understand that circumstances like illness or family emergencies are unavoidable. In these instances, please keep your House Coordinator informed so we can provide the necessary support for your child.

As the graphic below illustrates, even missing one day a week adds up to 2.5 years of lost learning over a student's journey. If you are experiencing challenges with school attendance, I encourage you to reach out to our House Coordinators or Counsellors so we can work together to find a solution.

The Power of Belonging: Why Connection Matters for Student Attendance
A strong sense of belonging is one of the most powerful influences on student wellbeing, engagement and achievement. When young people feel connected to their peers, to their teachers and to their wider school community - they are far more likely to attend regularly, participate fully and thrive both academically and socially.

Our Pastoral Strategic Goal for 2026 is to further develop student connectedness to improve attendance.
At its heart, St Patrick's College is a community. It is a place where students learn about themselves, build relationships and develop the confidence to take on challenges. But this can only happen when they feel safe, supported and valued. Research consistently shows that students who feel a strong connection to their school are more motivated, more resilient and more likely to come to school each day ready to learn.

Why Connection Influences Attendance
For many students, feeling connected is the difference between seeing school as something they “have to” attend and something they “want to” attend. When young people experience positive relationships, opportunities to contribute and staff who genuinely care about their success, attendance improves naturally.

Conversely, students who do not feel this sense of connection are more likely to avoid school, experience anxiety about attending or become disengaged. Consistent attendance isn’t just about compliance - it’s about belonging.

What Helps Students Feel Connected?

1. Strong relationships with caring adults
Students are more likely to attend school when they know that teachers and support staff see them, know them and care about their progress.
2. Opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities
Sport, arts, clubs, leadership roles, and service programs provide identity, pride and motivation so we encourage students at St Patrick's to get involved.
3. Supportive peer relationships
Friendships are a significant predictor of wellbeing. When students have peers they trust, they feel more secure and confident at school.
4. A safe and inclusive school culture
Students must feel respected for who they are. A culture that values diversity, wellbeing and positive behaviour strengthens student confidence.
5. Clear routines and high expectations
Young people thrive when expectations are predictable and consistent. When students understand the routine of learning and the value of attendance, they are more likely to show up.

What We’re Doing at St Patrick's College
At our college, we continue to invest in The Resilience Project Program and initiatives that strengthen student connectedness, because we know it directly supports improvement in attendance and engagement. From wellbeing programs and student leadership opportunities to targeted support and meaningful relationships with staff via our Berry Street Training, we are committed to creating an environment where every student feels they belong.

How Families Can Help
Parents and carers play a vital role in reinforcing connection and supporting regular attendance. Encouraging positive routines at home, maintaining communication with the College and celebrating the value of education go a long way. Most importantly, letting young people know that school is a safe, supportive place which for them makes a significant difference.

Together, We Can Make Every Day Count
Attendance is not just a number - it is a reflection of how connected, supported and engaged our students feel. By working together as educators, families and a community, we can build strong relationships, foster belonging and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

The new school year is well underway at St Patrick’s College, and it has been a pleasure welcoming our new Year 11 students to the Senior Campus as they begin their senior journey. This includes a number of students joining us from other colleges, and we are delighted to have them become part of our community.

Our Student Representative Council helped set a positive tone for the year by cooking and serving a welcome BBQ during the first week. Their enthusiasm and leadership created a warm, friendly atmosphere that helped students settle in quickly.

Across all homerooms, students are already forming connections, supporting one another, and embracing the opportunities that the senior college life offers. It has been wonderful to see how well they have adjusted and how much they are enjoying getting to know their peers and teachers.

We look forward to a fantastic year ahead and to watching our students grow, learn, and thrive.

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up!

However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Here is the link to your Edition https://stpats.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions

Welcome back to St Patrick’s College for the 2026 school year. We have already begun our Mission journey with a staff formation day on the 19th January with Michael Fitzpatrick. Michael has a long history with St Patrick’s College and is a regular facilitator at our student retreats. This year, teachers were encouraged to think about faith and what that looks like in our college, and to consider the juxtaposition of humour and spirituality. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect after the Christmas break and to think about how our Catholic Identity is an integral part of how we provide a holistic education for our students.

The Year 7 students have begun their year with our Candle Ceremony. This spiritual celebration welcomes students to our College and reminds them that we are here to support them on their faith journey - wherever that starting point may be. Every student was presented with a candle and copy of our college prayer by their Homeroom teacher and House Coordinator during a special liturgy in St Mary’s church led by our assistant pastor, Fr Sijo. The reverence and respect shown by the students was commendable and I look forward to them continuing this at our Opening Mass next week. More information about the mass has been sent to all families via the Parent Orbit app.

We have also had our first two weeks of the Brekky Van and our first Youth Mass at St Patrick’s church on Sunday. Thank you to the students and staff who have taken time out of their day to give back to our community - your generous spirit is very much appreciated.

I hope that you have all had a blessed and enjoyable start to the school year.

As our students move through their final years of schooling, we are focused on ensuring every individual is equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed—not just here at school, but in their future careers and tertiary studies.

A critical part of this journey is understanding Academic Integrity. This is more than just a set of rules; it is a commitment to honesty, respect, and the value of one’s own hard work. These guidelines are the standard for all students throughout their two years of senior education.

Year 12 Focus: The QCAA Academic Integrity Course

To ensure all current Year 12 students meet the mandatory requirements for the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), it is essential to complete the Academic Integrity course via the QCAA portal.

I will be speaking with Year 12 students at our upcoming assembly on Tuesday 10 February to walk through the process and explain the gravity of these requirements.

- The Goal: We aim to have all Year 12 students complete the QCAA course by the end of Term 2.
- Direct Support: If a student hasn't managed to finish the course by the beginning of Term 3, we will be reaching out to them directly to provide support to ensure they meet this requirement before the final QCAA deadlines.

Why Integrity Matters: High Expectations for All

Whether a student is in Year 11 or Year 12, the implications of academic misconduct in the senior system are serious and often jeopardise future pathways. It is vital that families understand the technical requirements:

* QCE Requirement:
Completion of the QCAA Academic Integrity course is a mandatory condition for the awarding of the QCE.
* ATAR Eligibility:
Because a QCE is a primary requirement for tertiary entrance, failing to meet these integrity standards will result in a student being ineligible for an ATAR score.
* Authentic Achievement:
Beyond the certification, academic integrity ensures that every result a student receives is a true, protected reflection of their own effort and learning.

Looking Ahead: Year 11 Academic Integrity

Please Note:
Students currently in Year 11 should NOT log in to the QCAA portal to complete the Academic Integrity course this year. We are excited to be developing a bespoke Academic Integrity course for next year that meets all mandatory QCAA requirements while being specifically tailored to our school needs, students and the ever-evolving AI landscape.

We look forward to partnering with you to ensure our students' hard work is protected and their achievements are held to the highest standard.

We are pleased to introduce our School Counselling Team, who play an important role in supporting the wellbeing and mental health of our students.

Danika Hurley - Lead Counsellor, Senior Campus
Dee Trannore - Lead Counsellor, Mercy Campus
Ebony Rix - Counsellor, Mercy Campus
Molly Bettridge - Counsellor, Senior and Mercy Campus.

School counsellors are trained professionals who work alongside students, families, and staff to help young people feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. They provide a calm and confidential space where students can talk about challenges they may be experiencing at school or in their personal lives.

What Do School Counsellors Do?

Our school counsellors support students with a wide range of social, emotional, and learning needs, including:
* Managing feelings such as anxiety, stress, or sadness
* Navigating friendships and peer relationships
* Building confidence, resilience, and coping skills
* Supporting behaviour and emotional regulation
* Assisting with learning difficulties and school engagement
* Helping students during times of change or transition

Counsellors may work with students individually, in small groups, or as part of a wider support team. They also collaborate closely with teachers, school leadership, and families to ensure students receive consistent and appropriate support.

How Can Students Access the Counselling Service?

Students may be referred to the counselling team by teachers, parents/carers, or they may self-refer if they feel they need support. Parent consent is always sought where required, and confidentiality is respected within professional and child safety guidelines.

If you would like more information about the school counselling service or have concerns about your child’s wellbeing, please contact the school for further guidance.

At our school, student wellbeing is just as important as academic success. That’s why we are proud to continue our partnership with The Resilience Project, extending the curriculum to most year levels.

The Resilience Project is a nationally recognised wellbeing program that supports students to develop positive mental health through simple, evidence-based strategies. At the heart of the program are three key practices: Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM).

What is GEM?

- Gratitude encourages students to notice and appreciate the good things in their lives, helping to build optimism and perspective.
- Empathy supports students to understand their own emotions and the feelings of others, strengthening relationships and kindness.
- Mindfulness teaches students to slow down, focus on the present moment, and manage stress or big emotions.

Through classroom discussions, activities, and everyday conversations, students are learning practical tools to help them navigate challenges, build emotional resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies.

If you would like more information regarding The Resilience Project, please contact Dee Trannore (donnetta_trannore@rok.catholic.edu.au) at the Mercy Campus, or Sam Nutt (samantha_nutt@rok.catholic.edu.au) at Senior Campus.

On behalf of the library staff, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new and returning students. I would also like to reinforce the many benefits students gain by engaging in and interacting with the library and its resources.

Our library can be seen as a sanctuary and an opportunity for some quiet reading. It can also be a busy, active hub that caters not only to the learning needs of our students by offering research facilities, homework facilities, and tutoring but also providing for students’ social needs where they can gather and enjoy a whole host of school activities such as board games, card games, the Chess Club, and the Book club.

The Mercy Campus Library is open from 8am - 4pm every day except Friday, when we are open until 3pm. Therefore, if your child needs to stay at school for whatever reason until 4pm, then you can be rest assured that the library can cater to their needs. There is always something to do in the library!

JOIN US!

We would like to extend an open invitation to everyone in the St Patrick’s College community for our upcoming Parent Engagement Session and Meet the Teacher BBQ being held on Tuesday 17 February at the St Patrick's College Senior Campus Hall located in River Street, Mackay.

Join us for an enjoyable evening beginning with canapés served at 5:15pm. At 5:30pm, we will host a brief Parent Engagement Session titled Parent’s Survival Guide. The evening will wrap up with a complimentary BBQ, providing a relaxed atmosphere for you to mingle with our staff.

Navigating St Pat’s should not feel like a puzzle. The Parent Engagement Session titled Parent’s Survival Guide is designed to empower parents to master the College app, reporting systems and unlock the best ways to partner with our staff. Get the tools you need to build a seamless support system for your student’s success.

We kindly ask that you indicate your attendance by clicking on the following link: Meet the Teacher BBQ . Please RSVP the total number of adults and children attending by Wednesday 11 February for catering purposes.

We strongly encourage you to come along, enjoy some delicious food, ask questions, gain insights about the College, and forge connections that are vital to your child’s educational journey.

Come hungry, and prepare for an evening filled with conversation, connection, and community spirit!

If you haven’t downloaded Parent Orbit from the app store, now’s the time! Stay connected, view reports, receive notifications, book Parent/Teacher interviews, manage absences, check timetables, pay fees, respond to excursions, top up tuckshop funds and more.

You will need the school code ‘spcm’ (all lowercase) and your Parent Lounge username and password. Contact the office if you need any further assistance.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

Applications are invited for the position of 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 at St Patrick's College Mackay. This rewarding role supports students throughout their school day and contributes to the smooth running of our College. If you enjoy being part of a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you.

𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1599

Applications close Friday 13 February 2026

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝕐𝕆𝕌! 

Applications are invited for the position of 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 (𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐦) at St Patrick's College Mackay.

𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1591

Applications close Friday 13 February 2026.