St Patrick's College Mackay - Term 2 - Week 6 - 29 May 2026

Year 7-10 Retreats
Last week, our Year 7 to Year 10 students stepped outside the classroom to take part in a series of retreats and reflection days across the Mackay region. These sessions gave everyone a wonderful opportunity to focus on personal growth, identity, and leadership development. Beyond that, it was a fantastic chance for students and staff to connect and strengthen bonds in a more relaxed environment. I loved seeing our students dive into the team-building challenges, deep reflections, and prayer experiences with such genuine enthusiasm.

A huge thank you to all the staff members whose hard work made these successful days possible.

Year 7 Camp
Last week, the Year 7 cohort enjoyed an unforgettable camp at the Kinchant Outdoor Education Centre, participating in activities focused on confidence, teamwork, and leadership. 

For me, the absolute highlight was watching everyone tackle the Giant Swing. I was completely blown away - not just by the sheer height of the swing, but by the incredible courage of the students facing it. Even more impressive was the strength and teamwork displayed by the rest of the cohort as they supported and launched their peers. It was truly something to behold, and a perfect example of the fantastic spirit of our Year 7 group.

Bikeathon
My sincere thanks to everyone who participated in and contributed to our recent St Patrick’s College Bikeathon. Thank you to the many parents who gave up their time to assist. It was great to see so many smiling faces and so much community spirit out on the track. Thank you for making it such a great event!

School Improvement Team (SIT)
This year, St Patrick’s College will be undergoing a School Improvement Review which evaluates the school’s overall systems, leadership and teaching practices to see what is working well and where changes could be made to improve student learning, engagement and wellbeing. The SIT consists of 9 interrelated domains. Each reviewer will make observations and gather evidence, then focus on the domains.

The goal of the School Improvement Review is to improve outcomes for students which simply means improving on what we already do.

Next week, a team of five reviewers will be visiting the College to conduct interviews with staff and parents, observe our classrooms and school systems. We look forward to welcoming the team to the College and thank you to all involved.

Bishop Daniel Meagher
Yesterday, our Catholic community celebrated the Installation of Bishop Daniel Meagher as the 11th Bishop of Rockhampton. Staff were able to join this special occasion via the livestream. Moments like these are a great reminder of the strength and importance of our Catholic faith and community.

We warmly welcome Bishop Danny to our Diocese and keep him in our prayers as he begins this new chapter. May God bless his path ahead.

We offer our prayerful thanks to Bishop Michael McCarthy, recognising his 12 years of steadfast leadership and service to our Diocese and Catholic community.

Senior Schooling Information Night
Parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend our compulsory Introduction to Senior Schooling Information Evening on Tuesday 9 June 2026 at the Senior Campus Hall, River Street, Mackay. The session begins at 6:30pm (canapés from 6:00pm) and will run for approximately one hour.

This is an important session for all families as we explain the ATAR and Blended Pathway options, what they mean for your child’s future, and how the transition to senior schooling works. Understanding these pathways is essential to help students make informed subject and career decisions.

We will also clearly explain the senior syllabus, outline the transition process, and provide an opportunity for parents and students to ask questions and clarify any concerns.

Last week, students from Years 7 through 10 stepped away from their regular routines to engage in our annual Retreat program. These days of reflection and tailored activities are pivotal moments in the school year, designed to educate, motivate, and provide students with the opportunity to recognise their inherent strengths and their potential for positive impact. The outline of the retreats changed slightly as the presenters reflected on the student engagement, considered the strengths of each cohort and adapted the content to give students the opportunity for reflection, sharing and getting out of their comfort zone.

Years 7 and 8: Discovering Gifts and Building Community
Our Year 7 students were led by Az Hamilton from Just Motivation, focusing on connecting with small ideas that can bring about BIG change. The aim was to help students recognise their inner gifts and strengths, exploring how they are called to use these and the impact they can have through their actions and presence. Activities fostered a sense of belonging to the St Patrick’s College community and helped build stronger peer friendships.

Year 8 students enjoyed a two-day experience at The Event Centre, Mackay Turf Club, conducted by the Brisbane-based team Project Hatch. Building on the theme of recognising inner gifts, the program also explored the vital importance of acting with integrity and authenticity, enabling students to understand how their genuine self can make a profound difference to others.

Years 9 and 10: Purpose, Courage, and Wellbeing
The Year 9 Reflection Days, led by Ms Jo McDade from Retreats by Design, focused on deeper self-understanding, building meaningful connections, and fostering an awareness of God's presence. These days were a ‘sacred’ space - a break from the busyness of daily life - to reflect on "who they are, who they are becoming, and how God is calling them to live with courage and heart."

For Year 10 students, the focus was on mental health and wellbeing, helping them develop a healthy sense of self-worth, purpose, and direction. They listened to the inspiring story and important advice of Glen Gerrayn, applying concepts related to unleashing their full potential, finding direction through goal setting, sustaining healthy relationships, and avoiding the traps of addiction. This time was also instrumental in strengthening peer relationships.

A Lasting Takeaway
While each student undoubtedly gained immediate insights and strengthened friendships during their respective retreats, the true value of these days is often found in the weeks, months, and even years that follow. The Retreat program is fundamentally an opportunity for deep reflection - a seed planted that may not fully bloom immediately.

We encourage every student to hold onto the moments of insight they experienced. Whether it was the realisation of a particular strength, a commitment to acting with more courage, or a clearer sense of purpose, these takeaways are opportunities to reconsider choices and think deeply about their place and impact on the world and the people around them. These days of reflection are an invitation for ongoing personal growth.

On Tuesday 9 June at 6:00 pm, at the Senior Campus Hall, we will host a Senior Schooling Information Night designed to help families navigate one of the most important phases of secondary education: the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and post-school pathways. This evening is a key opportunity for parents and carers to gain clarity on how subject choices in Years 11–12 link to ATAR eligibility, apprenticeships, vocational education, and direct entry to work or further training.

The QCE system can feel complex, with rules about credits, General and Applied subjects, vocational qualifications, and the calculation of ATAR for university entrance. On the night, we will unpack these elements in plain language, step-by-step, so that students and families can make informed decisions that match individual strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Whether your young person is aiming for an ATAR, a trade, TAFE, employment, or is still unsure, this session will help you understand how different pathways work and what supports are available along the way.

“ATAR or Not to ATAR: A Crash Course in the QCE” will also outline key timelines, subject selection considerations, and common pitfalls to avoid in the senior phase of learning. By attending, you will be better equipped to support your student through subject selection, monitoring their progress towards a QCE, and planning realistic and aspirational next steps after school.

All parents, carers, and students in the senior phase (or about to enter it) are strongly encouraged to attend. The session will begin promptly at 6:00 pm on 9 June, with time for questions at the end.

What a wonderful day we shared at our 2026 Annual College Bikeathon! 

Blessed with glorious weather, it was fantastic to see such a strong turnout of students, staff and parent volunteers coming together to support this much-loved event.

Events like the Bikeathon are only possible with the generosity and spirit of our college community, and we extend our sincere thanks to all who contributed. A very special thank you to our Police Parents, Julia and Kerri, whose presence ensured the safety of all participants while offering encouragement throughout the course. We are deeply grateful for your care and continued commitment.
We also warmly thank our incredible parent volunteers who gave so generously of their time. Whether supervising checkpoints, riding or walking alongside students, or supporting behind the scenes, your contribution made a meaningful difference to the safety and success of the day. 

Each year we draw out a $50 Gift Voucher for a parent volunteering on the day and congratulations to Nicole Muscat who is the winner this year!

Our appreciation also goes to the dedicated BBQ crew led by Chelsea, who kept everyone well-fed and energised. Your efforts added to the warm and welcoming atmosphere and were greatly appreciated by all.

We are once again thankful for the continued support of Evan from Corry Cycles, who has generously donated 50% to a brand-new bike valued at over $1,000. This exciting prize will be drawn at our next College assembly and we are very grateful for his ongoing contribution. Some other minor prizes will also be drawn at that assembly which any student who attended on the day is eligible to win.

Finally, we sincerely thank everyone who gave their time and made financial donations in support of the Brekky Van initiative. Your generosity continues to strengthen our community and support student wellbeing by engaging our Year 10 - 12 students in the service to our vulnerable community members.

From early morning set-up through to the final lap, the 2026 Bikeathon was a wonderful reflection of what we can achieve together as St Patrick’s College. 

Thank you to all who helped make the day such a memorable success.

Over the past term, there has been a strong focus on strengthening teaching practice, embracing innovation, and preparing our students for a rapidly changing future.

One of the key pieces of work currently underway is the development of a whole-school Generative AI policy. Earlier this term, a draft of the policy was presented to the Board and shared with staff for feedback to support further refinement. As AI continues to evolve and shape the way we live and work, it is important that we provide clear guidance for both staff and students. This policy will support safe, ethical and effective use of AI in learning, while also helping students develop the skills they need to work alongside these technologies. It also considers clear student authentication processes, providing teachers with guidance on how to confirm the authenticity of student work during submission and assessment, while also highlighting to students the importance of academic integrity.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a breakfast hosted by James Cook University at the Mackay Harbour, which brought together school leaders and industry representatives. The focus of the event was on artificial intelligence and the capabilities students will need for the future workforce. It was valuable to hear from a range of industry leaders about how workplaces are changing, and the importance of skills such as curiosity, creativity and critical thinking, alongside adaptability and collaboration in an ever evolving workforce. These conversations are helping to shape how we approach teaching and learning in our school.

Next week, I will be attending the EduTECH conference. This is one of the largest events of its kind, bringing together education and technology experts from around Australia and the world. It provides an opportunity to explore what is leading practice in both education and innovation, with keynote speakers, workshops and exhibitions from a wide range of organisations. I look forward to bringing back ideas and insights that can continue to support both staff and students.

Another important area of focus has been gathering student voice. Alongside other school leaders, we have been visiting classrooms and speaking directly with students about their learning. We have been asking questions such as: What are you learning? Why is it important? How are you going? What do you need to do to improve? These conversations are extremely valuable, providing insight into student understanding, engagement and progress.

The feedback collected will be used to support intentional planning and ongoing development of our teaching practices. Our goal is to ensure that learning is clear, meaningful and targeted, so that every student is supported to achieve growth and success.

I look forward to continuing to share updates on upcoming events, initiatives and developments in the Educational Innovator space. Please feel free to reach out and contact me if you have any questions, queries or just want to chat about anything innovative at St Pat’s.

Understanding the difference between feelings, emotions and experiences can help young people better understand themselves and communicate what they need. While we often use these words interchangeably, they each describe something slightly different.

An experience is the event or situation that happens to us — such as performing on stage, having an argument with a friend, sitting an exam, or trying something new.

An emotion is the body and brain’s automatic response to that experience. For example, a student about to perform may experience excitement, nervousness or fear as their body reacts with increased heart rate, adrenaline and heightened focus. In our previous newsletter articles, we have explained that emotions are designed to help us respond to situations, whether by preparing us for action, helping us stay safe, or encouraging connection and reflection.

A feeling is the personal interpretation and awareness of those emotions. Two students may have the same experience and similar emotional reactions, but describe their feelings very differently based on personality, past experiences and perspective. One student may feel “excited and ready,” while another feels “overwhelmed and worried.”

We know that emotions exist on a spectrum and can change in intensity. For example, anxiety may begin as attentiveness or focus, which can be useful and motivating, before escalating into overwhelm or panic if left unmanaged. Learning to recognise these differences gives young people greater emotional agency - the ability to notice what they are experiencing, understand why, and choose healthy ways to respond.

As the winter months arrive, many people in our local community are finding it difficult to afford everyday essentials and keep warm. The Vinnies Committee is inviting our college community to support this year’s Winter Appeal and help make a difference to families in need.

We are seeking donations of:

▶ canned food

▶ non-perishable items

▶ warm clothing

▶ new or gently used blankets. 

All donations will support local Mackay families who may be doing it tough this winter.

Donations can be placed at the office (student reception). No contribution is too small - a single item can go a long way in helping someone feel supported and cared for during the colder season.

Together, we can help bring warmth, comfort, and kindness to those who need it most.

Thank you to everyone who is able to contribute and support our Winter Appeal.

James Cook University (JCU)

Conversations with Chemists is a community-focused networking event designed to connect students, educators, healthcare professionals, and industry representatives. It provides an opportunity for students interested in health careers to engage directly with pharmacy students and professionals, and gain insight into future study and career pathways. Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are invited to attend with their parents. See flyer below.

Wednesday, 10 June 2026
🕠 5:30 PM – 7:30pm Dinner is included
📍 JCU Clinical School, Mackay Base Hospital

JCU Open Day Mackay: Sunday 7 June 10am – 1pm, Mater Campus. Click on the following link for more information and see flyer below.

LINK: JCU Open Day Mackay

JCU Open Day for Schools Townsville: Tuesday 23 June. Year 11 students who are interested in further study at university are invited to join the tour to Townsville on Monday 22 June and Tuesday 23 June. Parents are to respond on Parent Lounge to register their child. Places are strictly limited. Year 12 students are welcome to tour JCU campus anytime they are in Townsville. See Ms McKay for contact details.

Brisbane University Tour: 21 students from Years 11 and 12 are travelling to Brisbane to visit several universities, TAFE and industries this week. Students will be hosted by Student Ambassadors from each university. The universities to be visited are University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Griffith University (GU), Southern Cross University (SCU), Bond University, University of Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and Australian Catholic University (ACU).

QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre): QTAC opens on Tuesday 4 August for Year 12 students to open an account and if ATAR qualifying, also open an ATAR account. A presentation will be held for all Year 12 students next term to explain the process of applying to universities through QTAC. Students cannot open an account until 4 August.

Central Queensland University (CQU) has now opened their Principal Recommendation Scheme. Students who are wanting to study at CQU can see Ms McKay to see if they are eligible for the scheme.

Applications are now open!

Hastings Deering are excited to announce that applications are now open for their 2027 Apprentice Intake! This is your opportunity to build real-world skills, earn while you learn, and join a team that values innovation, growth, and community.

Once you have your cover letter, resume and relevant documentation and you are ready to apply.

Click on the link below to start the application process.

https://www.hastingsdeering.co...

Kickstart Your Career in Healthcare with a School-Based Traineeship

Thank you to all schools, students, and families who attended our School-Based Traineeship webinar this week. We really appreciate your time and engagement, and we hope you found the session helpful in exploring this exciting pathway in healthcare.
For those who were unable to attend, or if you would like to revisit the information shared, you can watch the recording below:

Kickstart your Career in Healthcare webinar

What's Next? Apply for a School-Based Traineeship Now!

Students who would like to be considered for a School-Based Traineeship will need to complete the application form:

Click Here to Apply

As part of the application process, students are also required to:

* Submit an application letter and resume to traineeships@connectngrow.edu.au

* Ensure their school provides endorsement of their application

Applications will be reviewed by our team and then shared with the relevant employer for consideration for interview.

Traineeship Locations

Aged Care Traineeships
- Clontarf - Beaumont Aged Care
- Atherton - Carinya
- Ipswich - Villa Maria
- Mackay - Good Shepherd and Kerrisdale Gardens
- Boronia Heights - St Paul De Chartres
- Nambour - Woombye Care

Aged Care First Nations Students
- Maroochydore - St Vincents Aged Care
- Boondall - St Vincents Aged Care
- Toowoomba - St Vincents Aged Care
- Corinda - St Vicents Aged Care
- Bardon - St Vincents Aged Care
- Gympie - St Vincents Aged Care

Allied Health Traineeships
- Logan Village - Complete Allied Health
- Upper Mt Gravatt - Complete Allied Health
- Sunshine Coast - Pitter Patter Physio
- Cairns - Spinal Life
- Brisbane - Spinal Life
- Cairns - Well Balanced Care

Hospital Traineeships First Nations Students
- Kanagroo Point - St Vincents Hospital
- Northside Brisbane - St Vincents Hospital
- Toowoomba - St Vicents Hospital

Ready to Apply?

Fill out the form now!

If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at schools@connectngrow.edu.au or call 1300 283 662. We’re here to support you through the process.
We look forward to receiving your applications!

The Connect 'n' Grow Team

Ph: 1300 283 662

NAVIGATING THE PATH TO SENIOR SUCCESS INFORMATION EVENING

Parents and students are invited to attend our compulsory Introduction to Senior Schooling Information Evening. This session is a vital milestone in your child’s education, providing the clarity needed to navigate the final years of secondary school.

Event Details
● Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
● Location: Senior Campus Hall, River Street, Mackay
● Time: 6:30pm (Canapés served from 6:00pm)
● Duration: Approximately one hour

Why Your Attendance is Essential
Choosing a senior pathway is one of the most significant decisions a student will make. To support this transition, we will be providing a comprehensive breakdown of the two distinct routes available:

The ATAR Pathway: A traditional academic curriculum designed for students aiming for direct university entry via end-of-Year 12 examinations.

The Blended Pathway: A flexible, practical approach combining academic and vocational subjects—perfect for students entering the workforce who wish to keep university options open or those still exploring their career interests.

Empowering Informed Decisions
The QCE can be complex. This session is designed to demystify the process and highlight the specific advantages of each pathway.

It is critical that both parents and students attend to ensure you are fully equipped to make informed choices about the educational journey ahead. Our staff will be on hand to delve into the details, answer your specific questions, and clarify any concerns.

If you have any questions in relation to this transition to senior schooling process, please contact the College office on 4994 8700.

Do you have a passion for science? Now's your chance to show it off! The Queensland Science Contest, run by STAQ, is open to ALL students from Year 7 to Year 10. This is your opportunity to explore something you are genuinely curious about. There are 7 categories to choose from:

🔬 Scientific Investigations

🔬 Engineering & Technology

🔬 Classified Collections

🔬 Communicating Science

🔬 Environmental Action

🔬 Mathematical Investigations

🔬 Rowe Poster Presentation

Work solo or team up with friends in groups of up to three — the choice is yours!

Every student who enters receives a certificate, and top performers can win cash prizes and even compete at a national level.

Entry fees are $17 for individuals and $51 for groups (max 3). Entries must be submitted online by Mrs Shears — closing Thursday 4th September 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Best of all, you won't be doing it alone - Mrs Shears and Ms Miller will be running regular check-ins to help keep you on track and answer any questions along the way. Talk to your science teacher to sign up. Seestaq.qld.edu.au for more details. Good luck!

Calling all student artists! 

There are three fantastic art competitions currently open for entries around the Mackay region. Whether you specialize in painting, drawing, multimedia, or digital art, this is your chance to showcase your talent and win some incredible prizes.

1. Reconciliation Week Art Exhibition 2026 – "ALL IN"
Presented by CQUni Mackay, this exhibition is themed around Reconciliation Week and features primary school, secondary school, and open categories. While submissions for this competition have now closed, everyone is warmly invited to go and view the incredible artwork on display!

◆ Theme: "All In" for Reconciliation and First Nations Themes.

◆ Exhibition Dates: Friday 29th May – Wednesday 3rd June.

◆ Where to View: Gallery.31, CQUni Mackay City Campus, Building 4.

◆ Awards to Spot: Keep an eye out for the Best in Exhibition and vote for your favorite in the People's Choice Award!

2. Mackay Show Youth Art – Section 19
The 147th Annual Mackay Show is calling for youth art entries from students in Grades 7 to 12.

◆ Categories: Painting (19001), Drawing (19002), and Multi Media/Digital Art (19003).

◆ Entry Fee: $2.00 per entry (maximum of 3 entries per person).

◆ Key Deadlines:
  ◇  Delivery of Exhibits: Monday 8th June to Wednesday 10th June (9:00am – 2:00pm) at the Mackay Show Office.
  ◇  Applications Close: No later than 4:00pm on Wednesday 10th June.

◆ Prizes: Cash prizes up to $30.00, High Achiever Awards, and participation ribbons for all entrants.

◆ Requirements: Artwork must be original, mounted or framed, and ready to hang with D-Rings and wire.

◆ Website: www.mackayshow.com.au

3. Art on Show Awards 2026
Presented by the Mackay Art Society, this prestigious competition boasts a massive $12,000 non-acquisitive prize pool and is open to artists turning 16 or older in 2026.

◆ Young Emerging Artist Award (Section 4): Specifically for residents turning 16–25 years old in 2026. This covers all 2D mediums including painting, drawing, digital imagery, printmaking, and collage. Prizes include cash awards up to $500 and TJ Picture Framing Vouchers.

◆ Key Deadlines:
 ◇  Entry Forms & Fees Close: Tuesday 23 June by 12:00 midnight.
 ◇  In-Person Delivery: Saturday 1 August (9:00am – 4:00pm) to the 500 Pavilion, Mackay Showgrounds.

◆ Requirements: Works must be original, created in the 12 months prior to July 2026, and fitted securely with D-rings and wire. (Note: AI-generated works and school workshop projects are ineligible) .

◆ Website: www.mackayartsociety.com.au

For More Information
Interested students and families can find full terms, conditions, and entry forms on the respective websites listed above. Alternatively, you can email or see Mrs. Freda Ferreira at school for more details and guidance on entering!

Congratulations to Carys F who has been selected as a Student Official of 15 Years Netball Team in School Sport Australia (SSA) National Championships following the 2026 Queensland Representative School Sport Netball Titles.

Selection at this level marks a significant step in the national talent pathway – we can’t wait to follow Cary’s journey and wish her every success.

Congratulations to one of our talented students, Loui C, who has qualified for the World Championships 17-24 Mens 24"Cruiser.

Loui will compete in Brisbane for Australia in July this year after two wins in Moto 1 & 2 in Sydney at Macarthur BMX club recently. Having received 7th place in the Cruiser final of the National Series Round 4, he was placed 4th overall in the 2026 National Series for 17-24 Mens Cruiser.

Well done, Loui on this fabulous result!

⏰ Last chance for 2025 Year 12 graduates!

The Next Step survey is closing on 15 June 2026. 

Whether you finished Year 12 last year - or you’re a parent of someone who did - now’s the time to complete it. It only takes a few minutes and there’s a MacBook Air up for grabs 💻✨ 

Please check email/SMS for your survey link. More information: http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.