St Patrick's College Mackay - Term 3 Week 2 - 24 July 2026

Welcome
A very warm welcome back to Term 3, especially to the new families who have joined our college this term. It is great to see our campuses full of energy again as we move forward into another term of learning, growth and success.

QISSN & Confraternity Carnivals
A highlight of my holidays was accompanying our talented sporting teams to the Confraternity and QISSN competitions in Brisbane where both campaigns were highly successful. In the Open Boys Confro, our team came up against some strong competition on the first day in wet conditions, but bounced back, winning the Bob Lindner Trophy.

The girls’ Rugby League team finished an impressive fourth in the highly competitive Division 1 competition, and our QISSN netball girls took out a Grand Final win in their division, taking home the Candice Adams Trophy. It was great to see past students and families coming to watch and support our teams.

We also celebrated several individual honours, with two of our boys selected in the Queensland merit team and one netballer named in the QISSN Rising Stars team, a testament to the strength of our programs. Congratulations to Eli C, Bailey S and Alley S.

Thanks to the effort and dedication of many, our teams achieved a level of excellence.

Parent Engagement Evening
Our Parent Engagement Evening - "Parenting Teens with Insight and Empathy," held on Tuesday 21 July was very well attended by our parent body. The session, facilitated by our College Counsellors, covered peer dynamics, cyberbullying, and adolescent stress management.

Thank you to all who attended. Your feedback was very positive and I hope the information received was valuable.

NAIDOC Mass
On Tuesday, I had the privilege of joining members of our Leadership Team and student body at the NAIDOC Mass at St Joseph’s Church. Guided by the theme “Fifty Years Deadly”, the ceremony commemorated fifty years of NAIDOC history, celebrating pride, culture and, and achievements of First Nations. We will be continuing to celebrate NAIDOC throughout this term with various extra activities.

Catholic Education Week
Next week, we will join Catholic schools across Queensland as we celebrate Catholic Education Week with this year’s theme, “Share your light, inspire others”. Catholic Education Week runs from Sunday 26 July to Saturday 1 August 2026. The College will enjoy various activities throughout the week on both campuses.

I wish to congratulate Mrs Kacey Noy who was our nomination for the Catholic Education Week Award. Kacey has been a strong support as President of the School Board and has volunteered much time to the College.

Year 7, 8, and 9 Subject Selection Evening
An information evening will be held at the Senior Campus Hall on Tuesday 28 July on subject selection for Year 9 and 10 for 2027. The session will unpack how the Queensland Senior Curriculum works and give you the opportunity to talk to, and ask questions with our Heads of Department regarding the subject choices available for your child.

Year 7 parents are invited to attend to see how your child can lay the groundwork for achieving success in their senior years.

Mercy Campus House Day
We look forward to celebrating House Day with our Mercy Campus Year 7-10 students on Wednesday 29 July. I remind parents that this is a compulsory school day for all students and attendance is expected.

Senior Campus Parent-Teacher Interviews
Appointments can now be made via Parent Lounge for our Senior Campus Parent Teacher Interviews on Thursday 30 July. Bookings are open until Wednesday 29 July, 10:30am. 

We look forward to seeing our senior parents there.

A group of our student leaders recently had the privilege of attending the ACTS Leadership Camp, where they joined students from Catholic schools across the region for several days of learning, reflection and connection.

The central question that guided the experience was, “What does this moment require of me?” Rather than focusing on leadership as a position or title, students were encouraged to see leadership as a daily choice to respond with courage, compassion and humility. This powerful question challenged them to consider how they can best serve others in every situation, reinforcing the principles of servant leadership.

Throughout the camp, students participated in workshops, team-building activities and reflective experiences that encouraged them to recognise the impact they can have within their school and wider community. They explored the idea that authentic leadership begins with listening, showing empathy, building relationships and placing the needs of others before their own.

One of the most memorable aspects of the camp was the affirmations session. Students spoke warmly about the genuine encouragement they received from their peers and the meaningful friendships they developed with students from other Catholic schools. These moments of affirmation fostered a strong sense of belonging and reminded our students that leadership flourishes in communities where people are seen, valued and supported.

Experiences such as the ACTS Leadership Camp play an important role in the formation of young people as both students and leaders. By embracing a servant leadership approach, our students are developing the confidence, compassion and integrity needed to lead with purpose and to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

This experience reflects the rich charism of St Patrick’s College and the enduring legacies of Catherine McAuley and Edmund Rice. Both believed that education should form not only capable learners but also compassionate people committed to serving those around them. Their example reminds us that leadership is lived through kindness, justice, respect and a willingness to respond to the needs of others. As our students return to school, they do so with renewed friendships, strengthened faith and a deeper understanding that true leadership begins by asking, “What does this moment require of me?” and then responding with generosity and service.

As our current students prepare to step into Year 9 and 10 next year, they are entering the final four years of their schooling journey. To help you and your child navigate this exciting milestone, we encourage you and your child to attend our Subject Selection Information Evening.

This session is designed to unpack how the Queensland Senior Curriculum works and provide practical strategies to set your child up for a fulfilling, rewarding career path post-school.

Event Details
● When: Tuesday 28 July 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
● Where: Senior Campus Hall, River Street

What We Will Cover
● The Big Picture: The importance of making informed subject choices and how they impact senior schooling and future career pathways.
● Going Digital: A step-by-step guide on how to select elective subjects online using our Web Preferences Program.
● Elective Showcase: A look at the diverse and exciting elective subjects available for Year 9 and 10 students in 2027.
● Strategies for Success: An overview of the senior schooling landscape and how to support your child over the next four years.

You will also have the opportunity to speak directly with our Curriculum Heads of Department to ask questions and gain tailored advice, ensuring your child makes the best possible choices for their future.

How to Register
To confirm your attendance, please log onto the Parent Lounge, head to Events and Payments, and accept the invitation.

We look forward to partnering with you at this important evening!

On Wednesday July 29, our Mercy Campus Years 7–10 students in all Houses will come together to celebrate House Day during Catholic Education Week.

House Day is designed to build connections and foster that vibrant House Spirit we all value. Please note that this is a compulsory school day for all students, and attendance is expected. A quick reminder that unexplained absences may impact invitations to future milestone events like Semi-Formals, camps, excursions, and representing the College in sporting or cultural events.

Here is everything you need to know to get ready for the day:

Schedule:
9:00am – Mass: We will commence the morning with a whole-campus Mass at the Mercy Campus. Parents and guardians are warmly welcome to join us for this celebration.
10:30am (approx.) – Off-Site Activities: Following Mass, Houses will travel by bus to various venues for a day of activities and lunch.

Students will spend the day at the following locations:
Argos and Badila: Seaview Park, Bucasia
Midas and Oraya: New Mulherin Park, Mackay Harbour
Pindar and Triton: Illawong Leisure Centre, Mackay

What to Wear and Pack:
Uniform: Students should wear their House shirt and sports shorts, or their full sports uniform.
Footwear: Closed-in sports shoes must be worn at all times (unless a staff member gives specific instructions otherwise during an activity).
Essentials: Don’t forget your college hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
Safety Note: Please note that no swimming is permitted at any of the locations on the day.

Lunch and Snacks:
A limited selection of pizza and a can of soft drink will be provided for lunch. However, students are more than welcome to bring their own additional snacks and lunch if they prefer.

We look forward to having a fantastic day and enjoying each student building on the enthusiastic House Spirit that is so valuable.

Mental health is an essential part of a young person's overall wellbeing, influencing how they think, feel, learn and interact with others. Yet many of us can feel uncertain about how best to identify concerns, start conversations or access appropriate support.

Mental health literacy is not about becoming an expert. It's about recognising when something isn't right, knowing how to respond and understanding where to seek help when needed. By building this awareness and capability, we can play an important role in supporting wellbeing, reducing stigma and encouraging early help-seeking.

This Special Report explores how we can strengthen our mental health literacy and includes a Mental Health Literacy Reflection Tool. By completing a series of questions, you can reflect on your own understanding, confidence and readiness to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

It is an opportunity to identify your strengths, recognise areas where you may wish to build your knowledge and take positive steps towards feeling more confident in supporting children and young people.

Here is the link to this topic http://stpats.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-mental-health-literacy-guided-reflection-au

This week our Year 7 students have commenced participation in the Our Futures Vaping Education Program during their Pastoral Care lessons. Presented by College Counsellor Molly Bettridge, this innovative program uses a social influence and harm-minimisation prevention approach across four lessons, with each featuring:
- A realistic and engaging illustrated cartoon story
- Activities, including class discussion prompts, role plays, quizzes, and worksheets
- Summary sheets to reinforce key content
- Teacher resources to support delivery

Over the next three weeks, students will learn about:
- The harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes
- Prevalence and patterns of vaping/cigarette smoking
- Short and long term consequences of vaping
- Reasons young people choose to, or not to, vape
- The positive portrayal of vaping on social media
- Nicotine and the developing brain
- Where to seek help
- Assertive communication and refusal skills
- Vaping/smoking and the law

Each lesson also includes a detailed parent summary for continuing the conversation at home. The first module summary is below for your reference.

What are e-cigarettes/vapes?
E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that hold and heat liquids, called ‘e-liquids’, to create an aerosol which the person breathes in. Although they’re often called vapes, it is not water vapour that is being inhaled.

E-cigarettes are also known as vapes, vape pens, vaporisers, electronic cigarettes, e-cigars, epipes, STIGs, pods, Juul, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), puff bars, e-shisha and e-hookah.

What is in a vape?
● Vapes contain hundreds of chemicals, many of which are toxic.
● Flavouring is added to hide the taste of the chemicals. Even though some flavourings may be safe to eat or drink, they are not safe to inhale.
● When a vape heats up it can even leak heavy metals into the aerosol which can get stuck in the person’s lungs.
● Many vapes also contain nicotine, even if it’s not listed on the label. Nicotine is the chemical that causes addiction. The amount of nicotine in a single vape can be the same as 50 cigarettes, sometimes much more!

How many young people are vaping and smoking?
The 2022/23 Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drug Survey (ASSAD) found that among those aged 12-15 years old 76% had never tried vaping and 90% had never tried tobacco cigarettes.

It is important to emphasise to your children that although it seems common, the majority of people their age have not tried vaping or smoking. They may also question the accuracy of these statistics and it is important to remind them that this is the most recent (2022/23) survey and the largest (more than 10,000 young people) in Australia, which means it is the most accurate representation of Australian youth. It may also help to share that the survey is conducted anonymously to ensure participants can respond honestly.

Why are some young people trying vaping?
Some of the main reasons young people report trying vaping include:
- Peer pressure
- To fit in or impress others
- Curiosity or experimentation
- Believing it can help to relieve stress or negative feelings
- Believing it is a safe alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes

What are the effects of vaping?
Research has linked vaping with numerous short- and longer-term physical, mental, social and environmental effects, such as:

It is important to note that, because vaping is so new many of the longer-term health impacts are still unknown.

What about passive or second-hand vaping? Passive or second-hand vaping refers to the unintentional inhalation of aerosol that has been exhaled by a person vaping nearby. This second-hand exposure is associated with some of the same harms of actually vaping, since the exhaled aerosol still contains dangerous toxins e.g., nicotine, ultra-fine particles, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propylene glycol, glycerol, and heavy metals. Additionally, passive vaping increases the likelihood of smoking or vaping initiation.

Useful Links

For general information about e-cigarettes:
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-vaping
https://positivechoices.org.au/teachers/electronic-cigarettes-and-vaping-factsheet

For general information about e-cigarettes and young people:
https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/kids-health-hub/risky-behaviours-children-and-adolescents/vaping-and-smoking-kids-and-teens

For information and statistics on e-cigarette use among Australian adolescents:
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/australian-secondary-school-students-use-of-tobacco-and-e-cigarettes-2022-2023?language=en

For resources for parents, teachers and teens explaining the risks associated with e-cigarette use among teens:
https://www.quit.org.au/articles/teenvaping#anchor-name-1

For information about health impacts of e-cigarette use for young people:
https://www.quit.org.au/articles/teenvaping#anchor-name-1

For information about passive vaping:
https://theconversation.com/passive-vaping-an-impending-threat-to-bystanders-157072

QTAC
Qld Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) opens for Year 12 on Tuesday 4 August, 2026. All Year 12 students who are considering applying to university in 2027, can open a QTAC account from this date. If students are ATAR qualifying, they must also open an ATAR account to receive their ATAR score in December. A representative from QTAC will be presenting to Year 12 students during assembly on Tuesday 4 August. This is an important presentation, as students will receive information on how to open their QTAC account, how to apply for courses, key dates and how to respond to an offer. Students can be researching their desired courses in the meantime while waiting for QTAC to open.

Accommodation
Year 12 students who are leaving Mackay to study in 2027, are urgently encouraged to apply to residential colleges now as places are filling quickly.

Scholarships
Numerous scholarships are now open. To apply, students need to go onto each university site and search for scholarships. Each university has their own pathway and requirements to apply. Students are encouraged to apply at each university they are considering studying at.

The annual Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival is one of the highlights on the Mackay Festival of Arts calendar. Last week, students from the Year 10 English Extension classes, members of the Mercy Book Club, along with students from the Senior Campus were entertained and informed by Luka Lesson – Poet & musician, Shane McCarthy – Writer & Comic book creator, Jelena Dokic (the Keynote speaker) - Author, Broadcaster & former world class tennis player, and finally, Terry Whidborne – Author & Illustrator.

Always a worthwhile experience, this year’s presenters had both unique and varied messages for the students, yet each complemented the other well. Resilience and courage from Jelana taught students to not just survive but thrive. Luka’s poems were deep, personal and provocative. Whilst Shane was fun and stimulating, someone who achieved his dream of writing for both Marvel and DC comics, with such well-known characters as Batman and Deadpool! Lastly, Terry was a quietly spoken man who enthralled us with his artwork and his stories.

Overall, an enjoyable day was had by all and it was a thrill to witness the positivity amongst students while they engaged in an environment that celebrated and promoted literacy and literature.

Welcome to Term 3, 2026

Welcome back to what promises to be one of our busiest and most exciting terms of the year! Our ensembles have hit the ground running, with rehearsals already well underway as students prepare for a packed calendar of performances, workshops and competitions.

This term brings some of our biggest events of the year, including the Instrumental and Choral Eisteddfod, the Dance Exchange Competition, State Honours Ensemble Program and our much-loved Cultural Showcase to close out the term. There is a lot to look forward to, and a lot of hard work ahead to get there.

It is crucial that all students in the relevant ensembles are available on the required dates below, and that everyone attends rehearsals prepared and on time, as we have limited sessions left to polish and memorise our repertoire before these major events.

Letters and further details for most of these events will be distributed via Parent Orbit/Events and Google Classroom, so please make sure you and your child check the relevant platforms regularly.

Also, we are still awaiting payment of several cultural member fees. As outlined in the Fees and Levies section of the Terms and Conditions, all fees are billed in Term 2 and are payable via the Parent Orbit app, so I ask that any outstanding Cultural Membership or Instrumental Lesson Levy amounts be settled as soon as possible. A reminder will be sent to all parents with fees still pending. Families experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact the College for support or payment plans.

Feel free to contact me for any further information at marcus_mcconnell@rok.catholic.edu.au.

Thank you sincerely for your support of our Cultural Ensembles.

At St Patrick's College, we love celebrating the achievements, learning and experiences of our students through our website, social media, newsletters and other external publications and news media outlets. Student privacy is always our highest priority, and we are committed to respecting every family's media preferences.

Parents and carers are encouraged to take a moment to review their media consent selections in Parent Lounge to ensure they still reflect your wishes. Consents can be updated at any time and take effect for future College communications.

As a reminder, when students are featured in College publications or on our social media channels, we do not publish student surnames.

Thank you for helping us share the wonderful stories of our College community while ensuring your family's preferences are respected.

Congratulations to Louis C, who proudly represented Australia at the UCI BMX World Championships held in Brisbane.

Racing against some of the world's best BMX athletes, Louis took on the challenging "Boneyard" track, renowned for its length and technical features. Despite difficult wet conditions, he produced a strong performance, demonstrating impressive skill, determination and resilience throughout the competition.

Representing Australia at a world championship is a remarkable achievement and reflects the countless hours of dedication Louis has invested in his sport. Our college community is incredibly proud of his efforts and congratulates him on this outstanding accomplishment. 

We look forward to following his BMX journey and celebrating his future successes.

Congratulations to Miguel A, who entered the Mr and Miss NAIDOC competition run by Murri Court Mackay, where he was crowned Mr NAIDOC for 2026. 

Conditions of entry required Miguel to submit his application via video, covering the selection criteria which included education and training, cultural knowledge, youth leadership, sports, and this years NAIDOC theme ‘50 Years Deadly’.

After winning the competition, he represented the community at various events throughout the week, most notably the NAIDOC Family Day at Queen's Park. In a significant moment for his family, he stood alongside his great-grandfather, who was honoured with raising the Torres Strait Islander flag on behalf of the NAIDOC committee. 

2026 AEROSPACE INDUSTRY EDUCATION AWARDS – APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

Are you ready to soar to new heights?

Exclusive to Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools, these annual awards celebrate outstanding students, teachers, and school communities. As a partnered school, all of our students and staff are eligible to apply, or be nominated, in a range of exciting award categories.

Why apply?
• Fantastic prizes and networking opportunities
• Every finalist receives a prize and an invitation to a special ceremony where winners are announced
• Be recognised for your unique ideas, talent and hard work

These awards are proudly supported by industry and education partners who are passionate about recognising excellence and inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals.
To explore each award category and submit an application, or nomination, visit the Aerospace Gateway Schools website: LINK

For enquiries, contact Mr Edward Keogh or info@aerospacegatewayschools.com.au.

Applications close: 8:00am, Monday 24 August 2026.

AVCAT scholarships are tertiary scholarships for the children and grandchildren of Australian ex-serving veterans. Scholarships are $4000–$6000 per year, for up to three years.

Apply online at avcat.org.au from 18 August 2026, Vietnam Veterans' Day. Applications close at midnight AEDT on 31 October 2026.

Applicants Must Be:
● Enrolled, or planning to enrol, in a full-time course for one or more academic year’s duration at a university, TAFE, or RTO in 2027
● The child, stepchild, foster child, or grandchild of an Australian ex-serving veteran
● An Australian citizen or permanent resident
● The Long Tan Bursary is sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Sponsored Scholarships are sponsored by a variety of sponsors including ex service organisations, corporate and private donors. View the complete list of AVCAT Scholarship sponsors here.

Find information about scholarships, the application process or scholarship eligibility at avcat.org.au.

*** Of specific interest to you this year is the R.W.Hill Aviation Scholarship for 2027. The Hill Family is partnering with AVCAT to assist children and grandchildren of Australian Veterans towards the cost of gaining their Commercial Pilot’s Licence.