St Patrick's College Mackay - Term 1 - Week 2 - 7 February 2025

Welcome back to our returning students and families in 2025. A special welcome to the new students and staff who have joined our St Patrick’s College Community. I thank you all for your decision to entrust us with the education of your child/ren.

St Patrick’s Community
I look forward to serving the St Patrick’s Community again in 2025. It is a privilege to work with such a professional Leadership Team consisting of Scott McSherry (Deputy Principal), Tracey McLeod (Assistant Principal – Administration), Brendan Gunning (Assistant Principal – Mission/Welfare Senior), Christopher Sorbello (Assistant Principal – Welfare/Mercy) and Dean Andric (Acting Assistant Principal - Curriculum). I would officially like to welcome Dean Andric to our Senior Leadership Team this year.

I wish to welcome the following new teachers to our staff: Annie Mills, Freda Ferreira, Lindy McQuaker, Michelle Dodds, Tina Connors, Olivia Drochmann, Harry Thorpe, Patrick Hoare, Sally Redfern, Krystal Hyde and Ashlee Barons. We extend a warm welcome to our new Teacher Assistant: Jamiey Doevendans, Emily Bella, Karen Burns, Katie Wood, Chelsea Meigan, Fallon Tass, Hayley O’Neill and Mason Khalu. Finally, welcome to our new Auxiliary staff: Jamison Mifsud, Tanya Redman, Sylvia Fay, Nikki Bounden, Selena Hickmott, Jack Dwyer, Debbie Goodwin and Rebecca Lamont.

We are very happy to have you at St Patrick’s College.

I wish to acknowledge Fr Matthias Ogwo of the St Patrick’s Parish community. We look forward to continuing to work closely with St Patrick’s Parish as we develop a faith commitment within our student body.

We all share a strong commitment to continue with the proud tradition of St Patrick’s College, enhancing relationships between students, staff, parents and the wider community. Please do not hesitate to contact myself if you have any queries or suggestions. We appreciate feedback to assist in future planning and improvement.

Opening College Mass
I look forward to celebrating our 2025 Opening Mass on Thursday 13 February. Our mass will be presided over by Most Reverend Michael McCarthy, Bishop of Rockhampton, together with Fr Matthias Ogwo and Fr Anthony Nguyen.

This mass includes the presentation of our 2024 Year 12 McGarry Bursaries and the Investiture of our College Leaders. I invite all members of our St Patrick’s College community to join us.

Bishop’s Inservice Day
This year’s Bishop’s Inservice Day will be held on Friday 21 February. This is a student free day as all Catholic school staff will be attending the Bishop’s address and workshops. Our College office will be closed on this day.

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:
- 18 February Meet the Teacher’s BBQ followed by PEC – Parent       Pass: Your All Access School Experience
- 6 May 
- 22 July
- 2 September

Fees and Concessions
School Fees will be issued next week. If parents have either an eligible Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, please bring them into the Finance office to be sighted and copied to receive the concession card discount.
Fees are billed annually and there are two payment options:
- Pay in full within 4 weeks
- Enter a payment plan to pay throughout the year.
Please contact our Finance Office should you wish to establish a payment plan.

Teaching and Learning
This year, the Leadership Team has set goals such as improving the consistency of practices and expectations for staff and students across both campuses. We will focus on Responsive Teaching, including Writer’s Toolbox and AI. There will be a stronger emphasis on trauma-informed practices, including Resilience, Switch4Schools, and Berry Street models. Another strong focus this year will be the importance of attendance at the College. Pastoral Care teachers will supply parents/carers data for any period of absence that is higher than expected. With this focus on attendance, academic achievement, well-being, and inclusivity, we aim to create a supportive environment that aligns with our Mission Statement.

Our staff Inservice Days centered on the “Berry Street” educational model. Berry Street instruction provides practical, classroom-based strategies to increase engagement of all students. The concept of engaging in a whole school approach enables us to be consistent across both campuses and to build strong, positive relationships with our students, benefiting our whole college by fostering calm, orderly learning environments.

St Patrick's College is due for our Enhancing Catholic Schools Identity (ECSI). It is planned that, in Week 6 of this term, surveys will be open to staff, parents, and students. I encourage you all to complete the surveys. The results of these surveys will guide our direction in the development of our faith and Catholic identity at the College.

Attendance Matters
As mentioned before, it is extremely important that students attend school. At St Patrick’s College, we have set a benchmark for students to achieve an attendance rate of 90%. Our special days, including carnivals, camps, retreats etc are also compulsory school days and not ‘optional extras’. These days form a part of how we are as a community.

I do understand that there will be times when being absent from school is unavoidable, as in the case of serious illness etc. It is important that our House Coordinators are well informed of any special circumstances so that we will be able to support and assist families.

Attendance at school is vital for a good education. I draw your attention to the flyer below that shows how just one day away per week will calculate to 2.5 years away from school over a 13 year period. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s attendance, please contact our House Coordinators or Counsellors so we can assist.

Masterplan
The Masterplan buildings are still underway. It is expected that the toilet project on the Senior Campus will be completed, with handover planned for 14th February. The Mercy Campus Hall project should be finished by the end of Term 3, after which the D Block project will commence. Exciting times are ahead!

Just One Thing
Parental involvement in your child's education provides positive benefits and improved outcomes for the students. By attending Parent Engagement meetings, volunteering for social/fundraising ventures or assisting/coaching extra-curricular activities, you build a connection with the College and the wider community. 

I invite all families to complete a short questionnaire to nominate ‘Just One Thing’ you would like to assist with throughout the year to support the College. To register your interest, please click on this link Just One Thing and complete the Google form by Friday 21 February 2025.

Welcome to a brand-new school year! We are excited to embark on this journey of learning, growth, and success with each of you. Whether you are returning to our school community or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of our family.

This is my first year as Deputy Principal of the entire College, having previously been mainly based on the Mercy campus. This year I will work across both, and I am very much looking forward to the challenge and seeing first-hand the growth of our students from Year 7 to Year 12.

At St Patrick's College, we are committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment where students can reach their full potential. As we begin this academic year, we want to share some key tips to help students stay on the path to success:

1. Stay Organised: Keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and important dates will help students manage their workload effectively. Using planners, digital calendars, or school-provided resources can be helpful tools.

2. Develop Strong Study Habits: Setting aside dedicated time each day for studying and reviewing class materials can make a big difference. Finding a quiet space, minimising distractions, and practicing active learning strategies will enhance understanding and retention.

3. Communicate and Ask for Help: Teachers, counsellors, and staff are here to support students. If a subject becomes challenging, don’t hesitate to ask questions in class, attend tutoring sessions, or seek guidance from mentors.

4. Get Involved: Joining clubs, sports, or school activities can help students build friendships, develop leadership skills, and create a well-rounded school experience.

5. Maintain a Healthy Balance: A good night’s sleep, nutritious meals, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices contribute to overall well-being and academic success. 

We look forward to an exciting and productive school year ahead. Let’s make 2025 a year of achievement, growth, and memorable experiences!

I am delighted to introduce myself as the Acting Assistant Principal, Curriculum, for 2025. It is an honour to join this vibrant leadership team, and I am excited to contribute to the academic journey of our students.

As we begin this new year, my initial focus will be on supporting our Year 11 students, ensuring that they feel safe and secure in their senior pathways. I am committed to providing guidance throughout their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) journey. This includes helping them navigate the complexities of subject choices and suitability, and academic expectations.

Later this term, I will be working closely with our Year 7 and 9 students to help them prepare for the upcoming NAPLAN tests. These assessments, scheduled to take place from March 12, are an important part of their educational experience. My goal is to demystify the NAPLAN process, ensuring that our students feel confident and well-prepared for these tests. By understanding the format and content of the assessments, we can work together to make this experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

I am looking forward to collaborating with the entire St Patrick's College community—students, parents, and staff alike—to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. If you have any questions or would like to discuss how we can work together to support our students, please do not hesitate to reach out.

I am eager to embark on this new chapter with all of you.

The St Patrick’s College Community warmly welcomed our 2025 Year 7 students on their first day with a Welcome and Candle Ceremony held at St Mary’s Church. Thank you to Father Matthias for presiding over our service. We look forward to Father Matthias being a part of our College community again this year.

Youth Mass
Thank you to our SRC members who supported our first Youth Mass at St Patrick’s last Sunday.

Brekky Van
The St Patrick’s Brekky Van has already been busy this year, supporting members of our community requiring additional support. Argos House is leading the way, being the first house rostered on to staff the Brekky Van for the term. Offering a warm breakfast and good conversations, students get a real opportunity to live out our school motto in a practical way - To Seek and Serve Christ.

Opening Mass
Finally, we warmly invite all parents and friends of the College to attend our Opening Mass and Investiture of Student Leaders. The mass will be held at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Thursday 13 February at 9:15am.

Welcome back to 2025! We are ready and have hit the ground running in our first 2 weeks of Term 1. Our Counselling team is expanding, and we are excited to welcome Sylvia Fay to the Senior Campus part-time this year. Please don’t hesitate to contact the counselling team for any support throughout the year.

Launching Switch4Schools with Year 7!
We were very excited to launch Switch4Schools with the Year 7 cohort in Week 2. Switch4Schools is a simple platform that aims to improve emotional intelligence by helping students clearly identify what emotion they might be feeling, as well as ‘switches’ that can help to dial up or down this emotion. The year 7 students will be completing daily check ins during Homeroom that take approximately 1 minute. These check ins will improve their own ability to self-regulate but also provide their Homeroom Teacher and House Coordinator with data to identify improvements we can make as a College to support our youngest students.

Switch4Schools begins with a question of tiredness. You might be wondering – is being tired an emotion? No, tiredness is not an emotion. You do FEEL tired, but it’s important to separate tiredness from emotion. Tiredness is more like an amplifier of emotion because you have less energy to inhibit or manage the intensity of your emotions when you are exhausted. The more tired you are, the more likely you are to bounce between more extreme emotions. Sleep is a really, really good thing when it comes to managing your emotions.

So why do we have emotions? Wouldn’t life be easier without them? Emotions are actually designed to help us. They are like our very own superpowers that have helped us become the most dominant species on the planet. They help us identify danger, leap to action, give us energy, attract us to others, and help us work together. They are not good or bad, they just are. The better we can understand and manage these emotion superpowers, the better we will be! The first step in mastering the superpower of emotions is to be able to label them. Our brain needs words in order to think about things, and we can do this using the Switch Emotion Wheel.

The Switch Emotion Wheel is helpful, because our brain needs words and language to be able to think about anything. Try thinking about something now that you don’t have a word for. It’s pretty much impossible! Words are the conceptual vessels that allow us to think. Saying you’re furious is one thing, but knowing that it is the most extreme form of anger helps us think about fury in a new way. Language and intensity levels work together to become a conceptual framework that allows us to better understand and manage emotion. It’s also helpful when we have to use words to better communicate with each other about how we are feeling. Saying you’re happy is good, but how happy? Being able to say “peaceful” is more descriptive and better articulates your emotional state to others. Similarly, apprehensive intuitively suggests low level anxiety, frustrated medium level anger, and disappointed only a little bit sad.

Often when we don’t want to get into a big conversation about how we’re feeling, we say: “fine” or “good”. It’s kind of code for, “I have no interest in telling you how I feel” or “I have no idea, please don’t make me think about it - I’ve got too much to do”.

This is learned behaviour from previous experiences of articulating how we are feeling using simplistic high level emotional descriptors (happy, sad, angry, anxious, scared or excited), making people feel like they need to ask further questions as these high-level descriptors fail to indicate how intense the emotion is. In the absence of intensity, people assume a more extreme emotion is likely and therefore feel compelled to dig deeper. Therefore, to communicate a feeling without prompting an unwanted inquisition, we need to use words that better articulate feeling and intensity.

By using this program, our aim is that students will improve their ability to clearly articulate their feelings and the intensity of these feelings, as well as identify ways in which they can work to improve the intensity of their feelings. All Year 7 Parents should have received more information via email from Molly Bettridge on Friday 31 January.

This year St Patrick’s College, Mercy Campus is excited to introduce The Resilience Project to our new Year 7 cohort, along with our senior campus, who began this program in 2024.

St Patrick’s College and The Resilience Project are committed to teaching positive mental health strategies to prevent mental ill health and build young people’s capacity to deal with adversity.

St Patrick’s College is proud to be implementing TRP’s evidence based whole school wellbeing program to support positive mental health in the classroom, staffroom and wider community.

Students will engage in regular lessons to understand and strengthen their practise of GRATITUDE, EMPATHY, MINDFULNESS and EMOTIONAL LITERACY, with regular opportunity for parent/carer involvement.

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 the Senior Campus. Alternatively, scan the QR code below to find out more and what you can do at home.

Feedback and ‘Brisk’
Researchers have long espoused the virtues of feedback to improve results with educational pioneer John Hattie conducting extensive research into feedback and the influence on student learning outcomes. With an effect size of .079, the evidence is overwhelming that feedback is among the top ten factors which increases educational success. Using this evidence-based approach, St Patrick’s College is now a pilot school in the diocese for the software program ‘Brisk’. Acting as an educational assistant, the program crafts high-quality, personalised feedback in minutes. Crucially, the feedback is teacher derived, specific and timely, which means that it has a substantial impact on learning.

It is essential to recognise that the program employs artificial intelligence to analyse Google Documents, thereby assisting educators in identifying specific elements within students' work. However, the interaction between the teacher and the program is significant. The teacher is responsible for setting the parameters and specifying the focus areas for analysis. It is ultimately the educator, not the AI tool, who must review, approve, and modify every comment, adding further insights as necessary. When utilised effectively, this program enables teachers to generate feedback in moments that would otherwise require hours of effort which limits feedback fatigue in staff. Operating through Google Docs, the program ensures student privacy by limiting interactions to Google Classroom, thereby safeguarding student data. Additionally, ‘Brisk’ acts as a teaching assistant by generating exit tickets to assess student learning, allowing lessons to be adapted accordingly. The evidence clearly supports the notion that feedback is vital for helping students achieve their educational objectives, and ‘Brisk’ presents a valuable opportunity to support students in reaching their full potential.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Erika Brauer (Erika_CarlyleBrauer@rok.catholic.edu.au) 
Educational Innovator- Teaching and Learning

Reference: From Sutton, R., Hornsey, M.J., & Douglas, K.M. (Eds., 2011), Feedback: The communication of praise, criticism, and advice. Peter Lang Publishing: New York. Feedback in schools John Hattie

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 can 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; or a busy, active space 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. They could make use of the various facilities on offer, all in a safe and secure environment. There is always something to do in the library!

Work Experience Overview
A work experience program provides a formal arrangement whereby students, while enrolled at a school, participate in activities at a place of paid or voluntary work. Work experience is the short-term placement of students with businesses and organisations to provide insights into the industry and the workplace in which they are located, and is unpaid. Whilst undertaking work experience, students will observe different aspects of work within their chosen industry and may assist with tasks allocated by their supervisor, but should not undertake activities which require extensive training or expertise. Students must be at least 14 years old, and enrolled in an educational establishment. Students can be placed on work experience up to a maximum of 30 days in a calendar year. The principal, in consultation with the parent/carer and student, may approve work experience of more than 30 days for a student with disability. The decision to implement a work experience program rests with the school principal, in consultation with students, parents and work experience providers. For the student to be covered by Insurance all parties need to sign the Work Experience Agreement prior to attending work experience. For more information on work experience click on the below LINK.

Work experience placements for school students procedure

2025 Year 10 Work Experience
All Year 10 students will participate in compulsory work experience during Term 2. Application forms have been given out and are due back 7 February. All students wishing to participate in work experience will need to complete a school Work Experience Induction prior to going.

St Patrick’s College Careers - Watch this space
The St Patrick’s College app has been decommissioned; Career Connect opportunities will be regularly updated on the St Patrick’s College website.

Work Experience - Ergon Energy
Ergon Energy has recently changed their work experience application process. Applications are now open until 21 February 2025 for placements from 5 May 2025 to 1 August 2025. Please click on this LINK to apply: workexperience_energyqld.nga.net.au 

You will still need to complete all schoolwork experience processes.

Welcome to 2025! I thought that I would start the year explaining what my role entails.

At the Senior Campus, I will schedule a one-on-one meeting throughout the year with each Year 11 and 12 student.

The meeting with Year 11 students will focus on how they are settling into Senior studies and discuss any difficulties they are having with their subjects. If a student is considering changing a subject, we will discuss how this change will impact their career pathway. I will also refer students to Mrs Helen Moohin, the VET Coordinator if they are interested in or need to do work experience.

The focus for Year 12 students will be on investigating courses they may qualify for at university. Students who are not wanting to pursue further study, the discussion will be around how they can apply for traineeships, apprenticeships or explore employment opportunities.

University of Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is again holding its “The Best Fieldtrip in the World” Competition. One of our Year 12 students from last year qualified to attend and reported that she had the most amazing experience. Please click on the follow link for more information and how to apply.

UniSC Best Field Trip In The World 2025

Central Queensland University (CQU) still have openings in their START TAFE NOW (STN) Program. If your student is interested in any of the following, please apply through the CQU website:

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care - this course is ideal for entry to support roles in the animal care and management industry.

SHB20216 - Certificate II in Salon Assistant – if you have students who have a creative streak and dream of being a stylist, this course is a great career starter. Students may be eligible to obtain credit towards a hairdressing apprenticeship.

To meet requirements for the March intake, applications must be submitted by 17 February 2025. The final day to complete the BKSB and supply supporting documents is 20 February 2025.

More information on 2025 STN Course Options and how to apply can be found on their website.

Oxford Royale Academy Summer School Opportunities
Oxford Royale, is a leading provider of high-quality summer school programs in the United Kingdom. Their programs offer a unique opportunity for students to experience life at some of the most prestigious universities in the UK and the USA. Oxford Royale have recently had a confirmed booking from a student from our College for the 2025 session.

Please click the link below if you would like to learn more about what they do and their programs.

Oxford Royale Academy Summer School

Music and performance are at the heart of student life at St Patrick’s College. Our Co-Curricular Cultural Program offers an incredible opportunity for students to develop their artistic skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing. Whether you love to sing, play an instrument, or be part of a dynamic dance troupe, there’s something for everyone.

Cultural Ensembles Available in 2025:

🎺 Concert Band

🥁 Drum Corps

🔔 Handbells

🎤 Choir

🎻 String Ensemble

🎷 Stage Band (audition based)

💃 Dance Troupe

🏆 Dance Competitive (audition based)

Encourage your child to be part of the excitement. Sign up today by following the link below and logging in with their school username and password.

https://forms.gle/miKA7K24ozD18gbj8

For any further information, please refer to the email sent to all families on Wednesday 5 February 2025 with our Cultural Program Welcome Letter attached. 

This term, the Vinnies Committee is proud to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, helping communities in need across the world.

Each homeroom will have a donation box, and we encourage students to drop in any spare change or take the change to the finance office – every little bit makes a difference!

In addition, we will be selling chocolate boxes to raise funds, so keep an eye out for those sweet treats. And don’t forget to visit our stall at the Aquatics Carnival, where we’ll be selling soft drinks, chocolates, and lollies to support this important cause.

Together, we can make a real impact. Thank you for your generosity!

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌! Applications are invited from suitable applicants for the position of Tuckshop Assistant to join the staff of St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay.

𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 - https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1248

Applications close February 13 2025.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

We are seeking a 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐫 to support the students of St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay.

𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 - https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1190

Applications close Monday, 17 February 2025

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 18 February at the St Patrick's College Senior Campus Hall located at 2 River Street, Mackay.

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

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.

The Parent Engagement Session titled Parent Pass - Your All Access School Experience is designed to empower parents with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in your child’s education, enhancing the overall college experience for both students and families. You’ll discover ways to engage more fully with the College community and learn how you can contribute to your child’s academic success.

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

The Mocktail is a unique, annual, interschool, drug and alcohol-free dance party run by The Seniors Club Inc., for Year 12 students attending local high schools in the Mackay and surrounding districts. This wonderful event that has operated in Mackay for the last 32 years will be held again this year at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Friday 14 March from 7-11pm. Teacher supervisors from each school will be present throughout the night and security is provided inside the building as well as in the car park area surrounding the venue. Year 12 students only, may purchase tickets from their school. As numbers are limited, only one ticket can be purchased per student. Listen to student notices for more details or see Ms Le for further information.

Any Year 12 students interested in finding out more about the Mocktail are invited to come to an all schools Student Meeting on Wednesday 12 February in J1 auditorium at St Patrick's College from 3:30pm to 4:30pm approx.