St Patrick's College Mackay - Term 3 - Week 2 - 25 July 2025

Welcome back! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break and are feeling refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 3.

Confraternity Shield Champions
A highlight of my holidays was accompanying our talented sporting teams to the Confraternity & QISSN competitions in Rockhampton and Bundaberg respectively. As you would have seen on our social media, St Pat’s reclaimed the Confraternity Shield with a thrilling grand final victory by our Open Boys over Padua College, Brisbane – ending a 22-year drought! It was an incredible achievement for the team and a moment of history for our College community.

Our Open Girls did us proud coming third overall in the carnival, having lost only one game. A fantastic campaign by the team who showed tremendous effort and spirit throughout.

QISSN - Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball
On the netball courts, our QISSN Open Girls showed grit, determination and teamwork in each and every game and come away with a well-deserved 3rd place. As President of QISSN, I was extremely proud to see our girls perform, showing our Patties spirit.

Thank you to all the coaching staff, families and supporters for making this such a memorable time for all involved. Next year, both carnivals will be held in Brisbane. I will again be the QISSN President in 2026.

Parent Engagement Session
On Tuesday 22 July, the College held our third Parent Engagement Evening which focused on teen mental health, risky behaviours, sleep patterns and the impact of technology. This valuable session was well received by the parents and caregivers who attended.

Thank you to our College Counsellors who presented and to all the parents and guardians who joined us.

Our next Parent Engagement Evening will be held on Tuesday 2 September. Topic details to be given closer to the time.

NAIDOC Week Mass
On Tuesday, I accompanied our students and members of our Leadership Team to a special NAIDOC Mass which was celebrated at St Joseph’s Church, North Mackay, led by Bishop Michael. This year’s NAIDOC theme, ‘Next Generation: Strength, Vision, Legacy’, asks us all to honour those who came before us and recognise the important role our young people play carrying that legacy forward.

Catholic Education Week
Next week, we will join Catholic schools across Queensland as we celebrate Catholic Education Week with this year’s theme, “Communities of Faith, Hope & Love.” Catholic Education Week runs from Sunday 27 July to Saturday 2 August and the College will enjoy various activities throughout the week. It will be wonderful to come together and acknowledge all the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day.

Festival of STEM
It was great for me to witness our students proudly represent the College at the Festival of STEM Robotics and Drones competition yesterday. There was so much creativity and problem solving from our students. 

Our Senior Robotics Team achieved an outstanding result, finishing as the highest scoring group in their division for Senior Rescue - earing a perfect score by collecting 100% of the points available in the finals. They also received the Spirit Award. 

Congratulations to all our teams who competed. I thoroughly enjoyed watching you all!

St Patrick’s College Musical – Matilda the Musical – Jr.
On our Pupil Free Day last term, I was excited to see firsthand, one of our musical practices taking place. I am looking forward to seeing the show in August which will highlight the cultural talent of our students.

Information regarding the performances went out today and tickets will be on sale on Friday 1 August.

I am delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Year 7 and Year 9 students in the recent NAPLAN assessments. A number of our students have performed exceptionally well, achieving results in the "Exceeding" category—an accomplishment that highlights their hard work, dedication, and academic excellence.

To honour these high achievers, we will be presenting commendation awards during the upcoming assembly in Week 3 and we will be inviting parents of the recipients to join us in acknowledging and celebrating these students’ remarkable success. Your support plays a vital role in your child’s educational journey, and we look forward to sharing this special moment with you.

In other important news, Year 11 subject selection interviews have commenced. This process will run over Week 2, 3, and 4 of this term for our Year 10 students. Subject selection interviews will provide invaluable guidance as students prepare for their senior studies and future career pathways.

To make the most of these interviews, students are encouraged to complete some preparatory homework. This includes exploring prospective careers, researching university courses, and reflecting on the subjects they intend to study next year. Thoughtful preparation will ensure they make informed decisions that align with their goals and aspirations.

We look forward to supporting our students during this transition and celebrating their continued success at St Patrick’s College Mackay.

Sibling relationships are often a child's first and longest-lasting social connection. These bonds can offer companionship, support and opportunities to develop important life skills such as empathy, negotiation and conflict resolution. However, like all close relationships, sibling dynamics can be complex. Differences in temperament, age, needs and parental attention can all contribute to tension or rivalry. It's not uncommon for children to compete for attention, especially during times of change or stress.

As a parent or caregiver, your role in shaping the tone of sibling relationships is vital. Creating a home environment that celebrates each child's unique strengths and avoids direct comparisons helps reduce rivalry and fosters mutual respect.

By listening without judgement, teaching emotional regulation, and supporting each child's individuality, you can create a family culture where siblings feel secure and valued. This edition of SchoolTV offers insights to support young people in developing positive, lasting sibling bonds that can remain strong well into adulthood.

Here is the link to your Edition https://stpats.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/sibling-relationships-au

Giving Back to Our Community
We are proud to announce our recent cheque presentation to the Mackay St Vincent de Paul Society. Thanks to your generosity, our fundraising will support vital local programs for those doing it tough. St Vincent de Paul representatives expressed their sincere appreciation to our school community for this meaningful contribution.

As part of Catholic Education Week, our “Cookies for Kindness” event will take place in Week 3. Our students will bake delicious cookies to donate to community helpers, such as local paramedics, firefighters, and volunteers, as our way of saying thank you for all they do.

More Key Dates to Remember:
Father’s Day Stall & Raffle (first week of September): Students can choose gifts for the special men in their lives and enter to win exciting raffle prizes!

Mercy Day: Enjoy a fun celebration with soft drinks, lollies, and treats for sale. This term, the proceeds will support Mercy Works and their important projects.

Thank you for supporting our ongoing efforts to build kindness and community spirit here at school!

“Why are we studying this?”
“How is this relevant to me after school?”
“This is boring. It’s not even English”

The Year 12s grumbled as they made their way into the English classroom. The beginning of the end to their schooling. The Externals. “We must be prepared but Shakespeare, come on Miss, surely there is something better. What about The Summer I Turned Pretty?”

Studying Shakespeare in school is not just an academic exercise; it is a journey into the very heart of human experience. His works are busting with drama, wit, and timeless truths that continue to dazzle audiences centuries later.

Immersing students into his worlds sharpens critical thinking, as deciphering his clever wordplay and unravelling intricate plots demands creativity and depth. These literary adventures nurture empathy, inviting students to see to the world through the eyes on kings, fools, lovers, and villains from ages past.

Shakespeare’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. His phrases echo in daily conversations, while his explorations of ambition, jealousy, love, and betrayal mirror challenges we all face. By grappling with his characters’ triumphs and tragedies, students gain the expressive power and imagination to navigate real life’s unpredictable stage. Studying Shakespeare is not just honouring traditional it is about equipping yourself to write your own story.

Parents can play a vital role in helping students engage with Shakespeare by initiating thoughtful conversations at home. Asking questions like, “what is motivating this character’s decisions?”, “how would you feel if you were in their place?” or “What is happening in this scene, and why is it important to the overall plot?”.

Last Thursday, the Year 9 students had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s classic play, Romeo and Juliet, through an engaging adaptation by Bell Shakespeare in the St Mary’s Hall. This performance featured key scenes from the original play, linked by scenes performed in modern English. Students were highly engaged throughout the performance, particularly when Mr Larkin was invited on the stage to take on the role of the Prince. Through this experience, students were able to make clear connections to the plot, themes, and characters, facilitating a richer understanding of Shakespeare’s exploration of love’s power and peril.

If you require teachers to complete forms/questionnaires for your child’s paediatrician, GP or psychiatrist, please forward these documents directly to your child’s case manager. This helps us coordinate with staff, manage timeframes effectively, and ensure that all necessary information is collated and passed on appropriately.

Yr7 - Sonja James
Sonja_James@rok.catholic.edu.au

Yr 8 - Chana Sticklan
Chana_Sticklan@rok.catholic.edu.au

Yr 9 - Sarah Krause
Sarah_Krause@rok.catholic.edu.au

Yr 10 - Natalie O'Neill
Natalie_ONeill@rok.catholic.edu.au

Come and see our talented students present Matilda the Musical – Jr. Showtimes for the public are Friday 29 August at 6:00pm, followed by two shows on Saturday 30 August at 2:00pm & 6:00pm. 

Tickets will go live on Friday 1 August, so pencil it in and join The Revolting Children!

The annual Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival is one of the highlights on the Mackay Festival of Arts calendar. Last week the Year 10 English Extension class, and members of the Junior Campus Book Club, were entertained and informed by renowned authors Amie Kaufman, Miles Merrill, J.D. Donellan, and Amy Doak.

Whitsunday Voices is always a worthwhile experience, with students learning the power of the pen and its cathartic effect. Each of the four presenters were distinct but complemented each other well, providing a grounded experience for all students and teachers alike. Interestingly enough, two of the authors referenced J.R.R. Tolkien’s analogy of gardening and the "leaf-mould of the mind", when describing the creative writing process. Tolkien posited that stories grow from a deep, unconscious place within the mind, drawing from everything one has seen, thought, or read, much like how a compost heap decomposes and nourishes new growth. This "mould" is a mixture of forgotten experiences and conscious influences, which writers can then draw upon to create something unique and original.

This concept was applied in full by Amie with her various degrees in arts, law and creative writing; Miles and his experiences as a Chicago native arriving upon our shores; James and his travel experiences (especially at high altitude in the snow-capped mountains of India); and Amy with her varied writing career as a freelance writer. The students were especially looking forward to Amy Doak’s session as they had studied her book, 'Eleanor Jones is not a Murderer' for their English assessment. Amy entertained the audience with a classic whodunnit, where members of the student audience got to show their acting skills!

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.

St Patrick’s College was thrilled to welcome a group of students from St Francis Xavier Primary School for a special Auslan learning experience. The primary students joined our Auslan Club to learn a chorus of a song in Auslan for Catholic Education Week celebrations.

It was a joyful and collaborative session, with both primary and high school students working together to bring the lyrics to life through Auslan. The enthusiasm and teamwork on display were a wonderful reflection of the spirit of Catholic Education Week. It was a meaningful opportunity for students to come together, share in learning, and recognise the values that unite us.

Last term, our budding innovators had the exciting opportunity to take part in a robotics workshop led by renowned professional coder and educator, Dr Damien Kee. Dr Kee is known internationally for his engaging robotics education and extensive work with schools around the world, and we were thrilled to welcome him into our learning space.

During the workshop, students worked in pairs to program a robot capable of completing a rescue challenge — a task that required not only technical skill but also communication, creative thinking, and problem-solving under pressure. The hands-on session gave students a deeper understanding of coding logic, sensor use, and autonomous decision-making.

This experience has equipped our students with essential skills as they prepare for the upcoming Robotics Rescue Competition. With their newfound confidence and teamwork abilities, we are excited to see how they perform in a competitive setting and demonstrate what they’ve learned.

We wish all of our participating teams the best of luck and thank Dr Kee for his inspiration and guidance!

The St Vincent de Paul Society, Mackay are holding a Vinnies Youth Info Session for young adults aged 18+ or people young at heart - the chance to change lives, starting with their own.

Whether it’s lending a hand, lending an ear, or standing up for what’s right, we believe compassion in action is powerful.

Come and discover how the Society of St Vincent de Paul supports people in our local community and how you can make a real difference too. Explore how your actions can have a tangible impact by learning more about the difference we make and the lives we touch.

Together, we can create positive change and transform the lives of individuals and families facing adversity.

You can do this by connecting with others, sharing your ideas, asking questions, and being part of creating practical solutions together.

Come and see how you can be part of something bigger!

This session will be held on: 
Saturday 9th August 2025
The Jubilee Community Centre – Sarina Meeting Room
258 Alfred Street, Mackay QLD 4740
10:00am – 12:00 pm
Refreshments provided.

Catholic School Parents Queensland (CSPQ) invite all Catholic school parents and carers to a national Karen Young live webinar on Strengthening Young People Against Anxiety.

Click on the link to register:
Webinar Registration - Zoom

The Link for Ticket Sales is: https://www.trybooking.com/DDVYR

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌! We are currently seeking an 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥: 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐦 to join the leadership team of St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay.

𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 - https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1395