St Patrick's College Mackay - Term 3 - Week 8 - 5 September 2025

It is wonderful to reflect on what has been another incredibly active and vibrant fortnight for the St Patrick's College community. From sports fields to cultural stages and classrooms, our students have been busy achieving and excelling.

With the end of Term 3 quickly approaching, it's also a great time for students to put their study plans and timetables into action. I hope students take advantage of today’s Student Free Day to plan and prepare. To ensure they can focus on their assessments and upcoming exams, students should consider reducing their extracurricular activities and social commitments over the coming weeks.

Father’s Day
This Sunday, we celebrate Father's Day. It's a special opportunity to show appreciation for our fathers and the father figures who have made a difference in our lives. I'm personally grateful to have had such a kind and caring father. To all the dads in our community, thank you for the vital role you play. We wish you a very happy Father's Day!

Pupil Free Day
St Patrick’s staff came together at the Senior Campus today for a professional development and reflection day focused on staff formation, led by presenter Maria Forde from the FIARE Team. It was a time to stop and reflect from the heart for inner peace and our faith journey.

Book Week
The theme for this year’s Book Week, 'Book an Adventure,' brought a truly magical day to both campuses, with students and staff alike dressing up in a wide variety of costumes.

Matilda the Musical - JR.
Congratulations to everyone involved in our recent musical production! It was a joy to attend and witness our students perform with such energy and skill. Thank you to the cast, production team, staff, and families for dedicating your time to make such a high-quality show possible.

Cultural Showcase
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending our Cultural Showcase where our college ensembles spent the evening entertaining crowds with their dance routines and amazing vocal and musical talent. I watched their performances, in awe of their creative abilities. Thank you to all involved with this special night. A special thank you to the Mackay Riverside Markets for hosting us at the Bluewater Quay with special guests, the Bluewater Big Band.

Parent Engagement Session
Thank you to the large number of parents who attended our last Parent Engagement Session for the year, ‘Digital Learning Tools Unpacked’, which highlighted the software tools used by our teachers. Presenters Ryan Attard, Sarah Krause, Aliceon Ramsay, and Doug Bettington showcased how these tools enable us to use student data to inform our teaching practices and improve student outcomes. It was a most informative evening, enjoyed by all in attendance.

If any parent has any other topic they see a need to explore, please send an email with your suggestions.

Sporting News
A huge congratulations to our Hockey Team for winning their Grand Final last week—a fantastic achievement! Great work!

At our Spirituality Day today, all staff of the College, teaching and non-teaching, gathered for a wonderful and enriching experience led by our presenter Maria Forde. With the theme "Who Do You Say I Am", the day offered a sacred pause from the busyness of College life, inviting us to reflect deeply on our personal faith journeys and the collective mission we share. Maria’s engaging and insightful sessions reminded us that every member of our community plays a vital role in shaping the spiritual lives of our students. As we continue to support the Catholic mission of the College, this day served as a meaningful reminder that our presence, words, and actions all contribute to the faith-filled environment we strive to nurture.

Youth Mass
Our St Patrick’s Youth Mass continues to go from strength to strength with heartfelt prayer, music, and a vibrant spirit of community. Our students lead with passion and faith, reminding us of the joy of gathering together. Thank you to everyone who attended, served, and celebrated with the St Mary’s Parish community this term.

For many years now, the role of fathers has changed and evolved. During the industrial revolution, fathers were often considered detached and distant due to working long hours in factories. However, today things have changed dramatically with many dads being celebrated for being sensitive, caring and more hands-on.

Recent studies have shown that children benefit greatly from having fathers who are present and interacting in everyday activities. This has transformed the understanding of how fathers shape children’s lives from the start, challenging conventional ideas of parenthood and gender.

Research also suggests that fathers influence their sons and daughters in different ways, which is especially true during their transition to adolescence. Engaging in regular physical activities can play a key role in influencing children to learn self-control, face challenges, regulate emotions and take manageable risks.

In this Special Report, fathers will learn about the positive impact they can have on their child’s mental health and wellbeing, whilst also ensuring they indulge in a little self-care.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://stpats.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/celebrating-fathers-day

Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.

R U OK?Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"

Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://stpats.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-r-u-ok-day

This term, Vinnies is excited to support Mercy Works through a special Father's Day fundraising initiative featuring a Father's Day stall and raffle. Mercy Works is a charity committed to empowering marginalised communities and fostering sustainable change. The Father's Day stall offered a delightful range of gifts, all priced under $10, making it easy for everyone to find something special to celebrate Dad. Alongside the stall, a raffle was held, featuring an array of fantastic prizes generously provided by local sponsors.

The Winners of the Raffle were:
1st Prize: Fishing Rod, Tackle Box, Esky, Mug, and Utensils set - Chris Sorbello
2nd Prize: $100 Ma’s Pizza Voucher and $50 Meats on Shakespeare - Billy Gilbert 
3rd Prize: $50 Ma’s Pizza Voucher and Speaker - Catherine Zamparutti
4th Prize: Table Tennis Set, $50 Ma’s Pizza Voucher and Hello World Merchandise Set - Kate Formosa 
5th Prize: Car care kit, and 2 x $20 Ma’s Pizza Vouchers - Tracey McLeod

A huge THANK YOU to the wonderful sponsors who made these prizes possible:
Ma’s Pizza
SuperCheap Auto
Meat on Shakespeare
Hello World
Tackle World
BBQs Galore

On the last day of school, Vinnies will be holding a stall at Mercy Day selling softdrinks, lollies and chocolates for $2. Bring cash or card.

Book Week is designed to celebrate books, to celebrate reading, and to celebrate those characters and stories that make a real impression on us as readers. It is such a joy to see staff and students who have the desire, nay the courage, to come to school dressed up.

Mercy Campus Awardees:
Best dressed - The Predator (Zac Ferris). 

Runners Up – Moses (Dustin Morrow), and Wednesday Adams (Taylor Oxford). 

Best group: Eden Leigh and Ashlyn Pennefather as Death Note.

White Card Course
Students aiming to work in construction-related fields must complete the accredited General Construction Induction Training (CPCWHS1001). A white card is issued upon successful completion. If you are wanting to obtain a White Card, please look at the below links. You will need two forms of ID and some Personal Protective Equipment.

BLUEDOG: $89 online - LINK: https://bluedogtraining.com.au/courses/white-cards/queensland

QTAD: $50 Face 2 Face - LINK: https://courses.qtad.com.au/course-details/?course_id=89376&course_type=w

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SAT)
The Vocational Education and Training (VET) Department prioritises a student-first approach, catering to the diverse needs of our learners. Increasingly, students in Years 10, 11, and 12 are considering alternative pathways through school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SAT).

These programs enable students to embark on their apprenticeships or complete traineeships while still attending school, effectively integrating paid work, training, and academic studies. Participation in SAT provides the opportunity to earn industry-recognized national qualifications and receive credits toward their Queensland Certificate of Education.

SAT and Certificate students will need a USI number to be enrolled into a certificate course or to start a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship. To apply for a USI number or find my USI number: usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi.

For more information or to discuss your child’s options, please contact Helen Moohin at helen_moohin@rok.catholic.edu.au.

St Patrick’s College Career Connections
Career opportunities will be regularly updated on the St Patrick’s College Website under the Community Tab. If you are a local/school-based community business with opportunities for our students please contact Helen Moohin at helen_moohin@rok.catholic.edu.au.

Work Experience
September School Holidays: Application forms needed to be submitted to the College by the beginning of Week 7, Term 3, and the Agreement needed to be signed by all parties by the beginning of Week 8, Term 3. The agreement needs to be signed by all parties for the student to be covered by insurance.

Christmas School Holidays: Students may participate in work experience until 12 December 2025 and also for a week starting 12 January 2026. (Last day of school 22 November 2025 - Year 12, first day of school 2026 is 27 January). Application forms need to be submitted to the College by the beginning of Term 4, Week 7 and the Agreement needs to be signed by all parties by the beginning of Week 8.

Current Year 12 students may only do work experience up to the final day of Year 12. These students are encouraged to participate in work experience on any non-compulsory school days.

2026 Year 10 Career Classes - Work Experience
All Year 10 Career class students will participate in compulsory work experience. Students are encouraged to think about their interests and desired placements for 2026.

Work Experience Guidelines
According to the Education (Work Experience) Act 1996, students must meet the following criteria:
- Must be 14 years old.
- Allowed a maximum of 30 unpaid work experience days per calendar year.
- Must have worker's compensation and liability insurance (Agreement).
- Must obtain necessary White and Blue Cards as required by the industry.
- Complete both school and workplace inductions prior to work experience.

Excluded Activities include:
- Driving of any watercraft exceeding 8 metres in length
- Repair, service, refuelling, maintenance, possession, operation, use or legal control of any aircraft by the Insured Agency, except for the participation in repair, service, maintenance by work experience students of the Insured Agency, who must be under the direct supervision of a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer or Australian Defence Force equivalent at all times
- Air traffic control, except for the observation by Australian Defence Force work experience students of the Insured Agency who must be under direct supervision of a suitably qualified Australian Defence Force member at all times
- Driving of any vehicle on a public road or thoroughfare or any airport runway or tarmac
- Activities associated with railway track laying, track upgrading or track maintenance
- Construction or maintenance of railway locomotives or railway stock, except for the participation by work experience students of the Insured Agency at Queensland Rail workshops and Rollingstock Maintenance Depots, Aurizon workshops or Downer EDI Rail workshops where those work experience students must be under the direct supervision of a qualified and experienced Queensland Rail, Aurizon or Downer EDI Rail employee at all times
- Underground mining
- Oil and/or gas fields and oil and/or gas refineries; except for the participation by work experience and/or vocational placement students of the Insured Agency at Coal Seam Gas (CSG) industry and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry workplace sites where those work experience and/or vocational placement students must be under the direct supervision of a qualified and experienced CSG or LNG industry employee at all times
- Use, handling and storage of firearms and explosive devices
- Abseiling
- Rock and/or mountain climbing (with the exception of indoor rock wall climbing under the direct supervision of a qualified and experienced person at all times as per the minimum qualifications for supervisors outlined in the Curriculum Activity Risk Assessment (CARA) activity guidelines for Climbing (artificial or rock) and Abseiling)
- White water rafting and canoeing
- Bungee jumping and its associated activities
- Underwater diving using either scuba or snorkelling equipment, where the student is not participating in an activity fully supervised driving of any watercraft exceeding 8 metres in length.

Link: Work experience placements for school students procedure

As we approach the due date for finalisation of fee accounts, we’d like to share a clear overview of our billing and payment arrangements.

🧾 Billing Timeline
Annual fee statements are issued by Week 2 of Term 1. Families can choose between two payment options:

🟢 Option 1: Full Payment
- Due within 30 days of the statement issue date.
- Eligible for a 2.5% Prompt Payment Discount.

🔵 Option 2: Payment Plan
- Must be arranged before the Term 1 statement due date (unless enrolment occurs after this date).
- Plans can be weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or term-based.
- Payment plans must be completed by Week 4 of Term 4. For Year 12 students, fees must be paid in full by Week 4 of Term 3.
- Eligible for a 1.5% Payment Plan Discount if all conditions are met.

Payment methods: Parent Orbit App, Parent Lounge, Direct Debit Authority, Bpay, or in person via cash, EFTPOS, or credit card.

Want to spread your payments out? Payments can commence early and credited to your account in advance. Contact us to arrange early payment plans.

🧾 Policy
The College has a policy that will be enforced regarding outstanding college fees. Students will not be permitted to represent the College at events unless fees are paid in full, or a working payment plan is in place, along with full payment for the trip and associated program costs.

🆘 Need Help?
We understand that financial circumstances can vary. Families experiencing hardship are encouraged to contact the College Finance Office to discuss their options.

📞 Finance Office Contact:
Phone: (07) 4994 8700
Email: spcm_finance@rok.catholic.edu.au

On Monday, our St Patrick's College Chess teams played at MCC Junior Campus for their final Gardiner Chess Interschool Competition of the year.

With over 45 students competing across 12 teams, we continue to see chess at our College go from strength to strength. We're incredibly proud to announce that our Premier team has once again qualified for the State Titles in Term 4. They'll be putting their talent to the test against Queensland's best, and we can't wait to see them in action!

A very special thank you to our Year 12 Seniors. Their leadership and dedication have been instrumental in the growth and success of chess at St Patrick's. We'll be sad to see them go but hope they take with them some great memories and well-deserved merits and medals. Well done, everyone!

Throughout 2025, the Year 11 Early Childhood Studies class have made regular visits to the Mackay Childcare Centre, building relationships with children in the Kindergarten and Pre-kindergarten classrooms. As part of their current assessment, students carried out research activities and educational projects designed for children between 2 and 5 years. We then welcomed the children and their carers to St Patrick's College and implemented these creative play-based activities.

This year, National Science Week was organised by Science Ambassadors 2025 (Libby Arnold, Rizen Espino, John Jones-Trifelly, Zoe Kirkpatrick, Trizia Mar, Elena Mathew, Flynn O’Loughlin, Jillian Panganiban, Tess Radke, DeJay Russell and Lorenzo Villon), with support from the science teachers at St Patrick’s College. The theme for the week was "Decoding the Universe – Exploring the Unknown with Nature's Hidden Language." Throughout the week, senior students at St Patrick’s College participated in a variety of engaging activities.

On Monday, students experienced engaging chemistry demonstrations involving liquid nitrogen and the famous ‘elephant toothpaste’ experiment.

Tuesday featured a science quiz during the senior college assembly.

Wednesday's activities included making terrariums in the biology laboratory and participating in a rod casting competition on the College oval.

Thursday involved a science-themed quiz during homeroom, which was well-received, along with an egg drop competition held in the physics laboratory.

On Friday, students took part in a contest for the best science joke and explored forensic science activities.

Additionally, interesting facts related to the Science Week theme were shared daily on student notices.

At St Patrick’s science is not only educational but also enjoyable.

We are excited to announce that five teams from our college will be participating in the Write a Book in a Day competition during Week 10! This unique challenge requires teams to work creatively and collaboratively to write and illustrate an entire book in just 9 hours. Each team must raise $240 to have their book judged. All funds raised go towards supporting vital childhood cancer research through The Kids’ Cancer Project. Not only does this competition encourage teamwork and creativity, but every book created will be shared freely with children in hospitals around Australia, helping to brighten their day and support their recovery. We wish our teams the best of luck as they take on this rewarding challenge that makes a real difference! If you would like to donate to one of the teams, please follow the links below.

Link to sponsor the Gold Team https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=1701
Link to sponsor the Navy Team https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=1715
Link to sponsor the Red Team https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=1716
Link to sponsor the Teal Team https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=1718
Link to sponsor the White Team https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=1717

UNLOCK YOUR FUTURE TODAY | St Patrick's College Senior Campus is now taking enrolments for 2026.
Enquire today for subject offerings.

𝙀𝙣𝙧𝙤𝙡 𝙉𝙤𝙬! https://enrol.spcmrok.catholic.edu.au/secondary.../start

𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍! Receive a financial incentive of $4500 and secure an early offer of full-time permanent employment at St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay.

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1340

Our scholarships aim to support you as you commence your teaching career with us in 2026!

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐨 𝟑𝟏 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Sharks Camp 2025 - September/October. GET IN QUICK LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!! Sharks Camp is a four-day volleyball camp designed to cater to athletes of all skill levels. With elite development opportunities available and pathways into club and state-level volleyball, this camp has something for everyone!

The Dates:
30th September | 1st October | 2nd October | 3rd October

We usually hit capacity pretty quickly, so if you're interested sign up
today to secure your spot!!

Visit our website for more information: 

https://sharksvolleyball.com/sharks-camp