St Patrick's College Mackay - Term 4 - Week 2 - 17 October 2025

Welcome to Term 4 – The Final Term of 2025
I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing holiday break and that all students have returned refreshed and ready for a final burst of effort to close out the year.

During the holidays, I attended the ACEL School Improvement Tool (SIT) Reviewer Training. As I reflected during the training, I felt reassured that what we offer at this college meets high standards of expectation, comparable to our colleagues from other states.

Our staff have been working meticulously, marking and preparing submissions for our senior students. Year 12 students have a relatively short term, with their final external examinations through the ATAR system commencing on Monday 27 October. Year 11 and Year 10 students will begin their examination timetables in November. It is essential that all students understand the importance of finishing well, in every regard. For Year 12s especially, this is a crucial time to maximise their results. I wish all Year 12 students the best.

If any Year 12 students have not yet registered for QTAC and are considering tertiary study next year, they should do so as soon as possible. I also encourage any student who has not yet spoken with Ms McKay about careers and tertiary courses to please see her early this term. Also, if there are any students who are interested in securing a Traineeship or Apprenticeship, please register your interest with Ms Moohin, VET Coordinator.

Important Dates this Term
21 October – Year 12 Valedictory Evening at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC)
24 October – Year 12 Celebration Activities on the College grounds
25 October – St Mary’s Church Youth Mass
27 October – Year 12 External Examinations commence
02 November – St Patrick’s Church Youth Mass
12 November – Year 11 Awards Night, St Patrick’s Hall, River St
17 November – Year 10 Examinations commence
20 November – Final Year 12 Assembly and Graduation Mass rehearsal, St Patrick’s Hall, River St
21 November – Graduation Mass, St Patrick’s Hall, River St
22 November – St Mary’s Church Youth Mass
24 November – Year 11 Examinations commence
26 November – Year 10 Semi-Formal
27 November – Orientation Day for Year 7 and Year 11
28 November – Year 10 Thanksgiving Mass, Mercy Campus Pavilion

Valedictory Evening
Our Valedictory Evening will be held on Tuesday 21 October in the Auditorium at the MECC. We warmly invite all parents and guardians of Year 12 students to join us in celebrating the achievements of our Graduating Class of 2025. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed. Please use the following link: St Patrick’s College Valedictory 2025. This link is also available on the College App.

Year 12 Celebration Morning
On Friday 24 October, we will host a morning of activities to celebrate our Year 12 students’ final day. Parents of Year 12 students are warmly invited to join us for this special event. Year 11 students will be having a study day in preparation for their Year 11 exams.

Master Plan Update
Visible progress continues as our Master Plan unfolds. Renovations to Mercy Hall are expected to be completed within two weeks. Below are some photos showcasing the transformation of the new Hall.

On the final day of last term, our college community came together in a spirit of gratitude and reflection to celebrate Mercy Day 2025, a cherished tradition that honours the life and legacy of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy.

The day began with a reverent Liturgy of the Word, setting a reflective tone for the celebrations. In the afternoon, students and staff enjoyed a vibrant program of activities at Harbour Beach, embracing the spirit of community and joy that defines our Mercy values.

Honouring Catherine McAuley
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Catherine McAuley was a woman of deep faith and unwavering compassion. She dedicated her inheritance to founding the House of Mercy, a sanctuary for the education of children and the support of women in need. Her vision lives on through the global mission of the Sisters of Mercy, whose work continues to inspire generations.

We were honoured to welcome Sister Denise, Sister Kerry-Ann, and Sister Marise to our celebration. Their presence was a meaningful reminder of the enduring impact of Catherine’s mission.

Celebrating Mercy in Action
A highlight of the day was the presentation of our annual Mercy in Action Encouragement Awards, recognising students who exemplify kindness, service, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.

Congratulations to our 2025 award recipients:

Year Level Award Recipient
Year 7 Kye Bath
Year 8 Navomi Nobi
Year 9 Cara Donnelly
Year 10 Dustin Morrow

These students remind us that living with mercy means acting with purpose, compassion, and courage every single day.

“We must strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.” - Catherine McAuley

As we reflect on this special day, may we continue to carry forward the Mercy spirit in our actions, our words, and our hearts.

Welcome back. This term our cultural ensembles still have a few performances to get through, including our Valedictory to send off our senior students, Dance Exchange State Finals, Rotary fair and our Graduation masses, as well as workshops with Hot Potato Band and Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Notes with event specific information are all on the Parent Orbit app, so be sure to check regularly and accept these events. From Week 4, our ensembles will begin rehearsing repertoire for next year. If your child is not yet involved in one of our groups but has shown interest or would like to give it a try, they are encouraged to attend a morning rehearsal or introduce themselves to one of our ensemble directors. This is a great opportunity to get a head start on their cultural journey.

This week, we also had our senior cultural awards at assembly. I would like to congratulate the following recipients for their hard work and dedication to our cultural program:

The Ensemble Award recognises students who have consistently applied themselves across St Patrick’s College’s various ensembles, demonstrating commitment, growth and teamwork.

Concert Band - Lars Gall
Drum Corps - Izaac Noy
Strings - Tess Radke, Jillian Panganiban
Handbells - Tess Radke, Shaylee Noy
Stage Band - Myles Bryan
Choir - Nerida Hansen, Ashling Scanlon
Dance Award - Katelyn Vassallo, Sara Reid, Sienna Kugis, Shelby Campbell

The Cultural Recognition Medallion honours students who have shared their talents with the local community and embraced performance opportunities, whether as soloists or ensemble members, proudly representing St Patrick’s College with distinction.

Elise Doherty
Lars Gall
Myles Bryan
Lauren Gray
Adyson Ruddick
Gabriella Ruggeri
Charlotte O'Brien

The Father Stephen Hanly Encouragement in the Arts Award is for a Year 11 & 12 student who has shown outstanding promise in the arts and is encouraged to continue their creative pursuits throughout their professional and personal life. These students have also proudly represented St Patrick’s College through active involvement in a wide range of cultural activities.

Izaac Noy
Jaxon Anderson

Our St Patrick’s Cultural Student of the year award will be presented at Valedictory.

The Vinnies Committee is thrilled to announce that we have raised an amazing $1,500 for Mercy Works! This incredible result was made possible through the Father’s Day Stall and Raffle, the Mercy Day Stall, and the selling of chocolate boxes. A huge thank you to everyone who supported these events, and a special shout-out to all the helpers who gave their time to make both the Father’s Day Stall and Mercy Day such a success. Presentation of the cheque to Sister Denise will occur later this term due to a clash of calendar events.

This term, Vinnies is proudly supporting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. We’re asking for donations of hamper items to help families in need during the festive season. The homeroom that donates the most hampers will win a homeroom lunch!

Please see the below image for details about the types of items we’re collecting. Thank you for your generosity and for helping us spread joy this Christmas!

Once you have confirmed the required dates with Mackay Sugar, please complete an application form and a Term time form and submit it to Ms Moohin or Mrs Prentice.

Work Experience including Ergon Energy Expression of Interest closes 5pm 19th of October 2025.
IMPORTANT: This Expression of Interest is for work experience for placements between Monday 2nd February and Friday 15th May 2026 only.

Requirements
• For trade-based placements, you must obtain a General Construction Induction Card (White Card) from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO); unit of competency = CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
• If accepted for a work experience placement, you must turn up for work at specific times and comply with instructions from your Workgroup Leader and/or supervisor. Travel to and from the worksite is your responsibility.
• Your placement can end at any time due to misbehaviour, poor attendance, not following instructions, risk to staff, or if resources to manage the placement become unavailable.

How to apply?
Click the APPLY button when you're ready to start your application. You'll need to attach a copy of your White Card and resume so please have these on hand before you start. Once submitted, a member of our Early Careers team will assess your application and, if successful, we will provide you with a Work Experience Agreement Form to be signed by yourself, your school/TAFE, and your parent/guardian (if you are under 18 at the time of the placement).

More information
If you can't find what you're looking for, complete our online enquiry-form and one of our team members will get back to you.

How to apply:
• Go to Energy Queensland - Jobs List - Trade and Technical
• Start your application by clicking the "begin" button.
• Login to an existing account or reset your password
• Preview application form

3-day, non-residential, minicamp hosted at Pioneer SHS. Wednesday, November 5 - Friday November 7.

You are still able to apply the closing date has been extended.

For more information please click on the LINK : https://qmea.org.au/oresome-trades-minicamp-mackay/

If you have trouble please look on our website at Careers Connection found under the Community Tab. LINK: stpats.qld.edu.au/alumni/careers-vocational-education

Any questions please contact helen_moohin@rok.catholic.edu.au or
Phil Moller
VET Project Officer
Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy
m: 0457 768 298 p: 07 3316 2521
Level 29, 12 Creek St. Brisbane Q 4000
GPO Box 181, Brisbane Q 4001

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

The annual Next Step survey captures post-school destination information from students who complete Year 12 in Queensland. Insights gained from Next Step assist schools to improve their services for senior students and improve students’ transition from school to further study and employment.

All students completing Year 12 in 2025 in Queensland will be contacted to take part in the Next Step survey. Students will be asked what they are doing after they leave school – this could be studying, working or other activities. You will be contacted by mail, email or phone. Please check that contact details in your QCAA learning account are correct with your home email address. https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/

Year 12 students will be invited to participate in the Next Step Year 12 Completers survey between March and June 2026. Your voice helps schools improve their services for future students and you could win a laptop!

A huge congratulations to one of our talented students, Loui, who has just returned from a commendable performance at the BMX Nationals, held at Macarthur BMX Club in Western Sydney.

Loui competed in two challenging categories:
20” – 16 Years Boys (44 riders)
Cruiser 24” – 16 Years Boys (22 riders)

He impressed by leading a moto, winning his third race, and qualifying for the semi-finals in the Cruiser category!

A slip at the start gate during the semis meant he narrowly missed out on the finals. But Loui had an incredible experience, even getting the chance to see elite riders in action, including Olympic Gold Medallist Saya Sakakibara, fresh from her Paris 2024 victory.

To top it off, the event was broadcast live on SBS On Demand, what an amazing experience and achievement! Well done, Loui.

Year 12 Early Childhood Studies students recently visited St Mary’s Catholic Primary School to present play-based learning activities to the Prep children. The students enjoyed the experience of developing and implementing indoor and outdoor games and learning experiences. They especially loved the interactions they had with the Prep children.

🌿 Get $100 Off a Compost or Worm Farm Bin!

We’re excited to share a great opportunity for community members in the Mackay and Whitsunday region to start composting at home!

Thanks to local funding, households can receive $100 off the purchase of a compost or worm farm bin through Compost Revolution. Simply enter the coupon code REEFCATCHMENT100 at checkout.

🪱 Only 50 discounted bins are available, so be quick!

This is a great chance to reduce food waste, enrich your garden, and make a positive impact on the environment.

Where to order:
🔗 compostrevolution.com.au/products
Coupon code: REEFCATCHMENT100

Happy composting!