St Patrick's College Mackay - Term 4 - Week 6 - 14 November 2025

Recently our College Board and Parent Engagement Committee held our final meeting and end of year dinner. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members for their dedication to our College. They have all been a great support for our community. We will publish our dates for 2026 Parent Engagement sessions in the coming weeks.

Semi-formal
The Year 10 semi-formal will be held on Wednesday 26 November. Tickets should now be purchased. We look forward to seeing all students attend what promises to be a memorable event.

Sports Awards Presentation
Junior Sports Awards were held at a special assembly on Wednesday 05 November. Congratulations to the huge number of students who participated in the various carnivals and competitions throughout the year and those who received awards on the day.

Fees and Textbooks
Please ensure that all fees are finalised as soon as possible. Year 12 students should have returned all their textbooks prior to Friday’s graduation.

End of Year Celebrations
The end of the year is fast approaching. Our Year 12 students will celebrate their Final Assembly this Thursday and Graduation Mass on Friday. These activities will be filled with mixed emotions, not only for the students, but also for their parents and families. I welcome all parents and families of our Year 12 students to attend. I wish all our graduating students the best as they continue their journey into the next stage of a wonderful life and I invite them to visit anytime. 

Remembrance Day
Monday was Remembrance Day and as a school community we paused at 11am for a minute’s silence in memory of Australians who have died or suffered in wars and armed conflicts. We hold in prayer, those who have sacrificed so much for us, so that we may continue to enjoy the freedoms we have today. May we look to live our lives in a way that honours their sacrifice.

From 10 December 2025, new laws will take effect in Australia to protect young people online by restricting access to social media for those under the age of 16. This important change reflects growing community concern about the impact of early social media use on children's mental health, wellbeing and development.

Research shows that social media can expose children to unrealistic comparisons, online pressure and harmful content long before they are emotionally ready to manage it. While regulation is a positive step forward, real safety begins at home. Families continue to play the most powerful role in helping children build confidence, resilience and awareness in the digital world.

These new regulations provide an opportunity to talk openly with your child about their online experiences and what these changes mean for them. It's also a chance to review family technology habits, reinforce healthy routines, and explore age-appropriate ways for young people to connect, learn and express themselves.

This Special Report explains what the new laws mean in practice and offers practical guidance to help families prepare for the upcoming changes.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://stpats.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-new-social-media-regulations-what-you-need-know

Change is a natural part of growing up. Whether it's the start of a new school year, moving between year levels, or stepping beyond the school gates for the final time, each transition brings a mix of emotions, presenting both opportunities and challenges. These shifts call on young people to adjust to new routines, navigate unfamiliar environments and develop emotional flexibility. While some may embrace these changes, others may find the disruption unsettling and struggle with the loss of predictability.

Research shows that periods of transition are often linked to heightened anxiety, reduced academic engagement and changes in peer relationships. For families, these periods can also bring added stress. Recognising the emotional and psychological impact of change helps us respond more effectively and supportively.

While change can feel daunting, it also offers valuable opportunities for young people to learn and grow. By normalising uncertainty and encouraging open conversations, we help young people face new beginnings with curiosity rather than fear. When children are surrounded by guidance, encouragement and consistent structure, they're far better equipped to manage life's transitions with confidence and resilience.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://stpats.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-embracing-change-new-beginnings-au

To celebrate the efforts of our Vinnies Committee this year, students recently gathered for a break-up lunch, enjoying pizza and soft drinks, a well-earned treat after a year of wonderful service. A special thank you goes to our Year 10 members, who will move on to the Senior Campus next year. Your hard work and compassion have left a lasting impact.

Members of Vinnies and other student helpers have also been busy putting their skills to good use, sewing handmade bags for the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Christmas Appeal. It’s fantastic to see students sharing their time and talents to help others in creative ways. A big thank you also goes to the staff who generously gave up their time to help out with this project, your support and encouragement made a real difference.

Our Christmas Appeal is well underway, and it’s heartwarming to see the generosity from all homerooms this year! At the moment, an Oraya homeroom is in the lead — but with the amazing level of giving happening across the school, it’s anyone’s game. Another homeroom could easily take their place very soon!

There’s still time to donate and make a difference this Christmas. Please take a look at the list below for suggested items. Every contribution helps spread a little more kindness and joy this festive season.

Finally, a special shout-out to our Committee Chair, Dustin M, for his incredible contribution to both Vinnies and the wider school community. Dustin has shown outstanding dedication, always ready to assist, leading with enthusiasm, and tirelessly selling chocolates every day to support fundraising. His commitment and generosity have truly set an example for others, and we hope to see another like him in the years to come.

On Monday 3 November, our Year 11 Legal Studies students participated in the McKay’s Solicitors Local High School Mooting Competition. Two of our students took on the challenging roles of Crown Prosecutors in a mock trial, showcasing their legal knowledge and advocacy skills with confidence and professionalism.

After winning their initial round, the students advanced to the Grand Final, which was presided over by a local Magistrate. The Magistrate ultimately ruled in favour of the prosecutors, and although our team finished as runners-up in the competition, they received valuable and constructive feedback on their courtroom etiquette and presentation skills.

As part of the day’s experience, students also visited the local Magistrates Court to observe real court proceedings and took part in an engaging Q&A session with legal professionals. This provided an excellent opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world legal practice.

A sincere thank you to McKay’s Solicitors for organising such a rewarding and educational event for our students.

I am once again jubilant to receive another impressive total of 18 entries in our Mercy campus Art Bursary this year. What a wonderful opportunity to showcase our amazingly talented students. My sincere appreciation goes out to Bradley Short of Milton Street Picture Framers for his continued support, and art vouchers! Prize winners are:

DIGITAL ARTWORK
First prize ($150) – Mackenzie B
Second prize ($50) – Levi M

TRADITIONAL ARTWORK
First prize ($150) – Chyler F
Second prize ($50) – Eden A
Packing Room prize ($50) - voted by library staff – Chloe M
People’s Choice Award ($50) - voted by staff and students – Chloe M
Highly Commended ($30) – Kisora T

Work Experience Information
Year 12 students may continue to access work experience until 21 November 2025.

Christmas Holiday Work Experience Program
Students 14 years and older may participate in work experience:
- Until 12 December 2025, and
- Again in 2026, during the week before school resumes
(The first day of school in 2026 falls in the week of 27 January.)

To attend work experience and be covered by insurance, students must submit:
1. Work Experience Application Form, and
2. Signed Work Experience Agreement

Application forms must be submitted to the College by Term 4, Week 7.
The Agreement must be signed by all parties by the beginning of Week 8.

2026 Year 10 Career Students
Students who have chosen Career as a subject in Year 10 (2026) will complete compulsory work experience.

Please begin considering:
- The type of work experience you would like, and
- Where you would like to complete it.

You are encouraged to arrange placements with our local community ahead of time.

Work Experience Dates
Semester One Careers:
- Term 2, Week 4: 11–15 May 2026

Semester Two Careers:
- Term 3, Week 7: 24–28 August 2026

2026-Certificate II VET Blended Pathways – Enrolment Reminder
Students enrolled in Certificate II in Engineering Pathways and Certificate II in Construction Pathways have been emailed an enrolment link. We ask that these students complete their enrolment as soon as possible so they can commence their studies at the beginning of next year.

Once the enrolment form has been submitted, parents/guardians will receive an email from Bluedog Training requesting confirmation of the enrolment.

We hope our students enjoy their learning in these subjects and look forward to seeing them engage positively in their chosen pathways.

St Patrick’s College – Career Connections
Current career opportunities are regularly updated on the St Patrick’s College website under the Community tab.

For further information, please contact:
VET Coordinator – Helen Moohin
📧 Helen_moohin@rok.catholic.edu.au

St Patrick's College Mackay is an Aerospace Gateway School. The Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) through the Australian Helicopter Industry Future Foundation (AIFF) is coordinating a program of helicopter engineering workshops aimed at exposing high school students to potential careers in helicopter maintenance engineering.

The Hangar Experience Days will provide students with a hands-on experience within an operating helicopter maintenance facility in multiple locations. These include Southport, Caboolture, Brisbane airport, Archerfield, Cairns, Mackay, Proserpine, Townsville, and Dalby.

Please read the below information and contact Lucy Mellor at admin@austhia.com as soon as possible to lock it in.

The Virgin Australia Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship Program is a unique opportunity to play an integral role in the evolution of Australia’s most loved airline, and to become a part of a dynamic company that genuinely believes and demonstrates that its people are its greatest asset.

A career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer requires a high level of dedication and passion. In return you will be placed in a world class maintenance organisation and will receive the benefits of training in a large Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Part 145 maintenance organisation.

Once you successfully complete the program, you can look forward to an exciting career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with the Virgin Australia team.

We recommend you review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) prior to commencing an application to ensure you understand the requirements of the course and the role.

For more information please click on the LINK: virginaustralia.careers/apprenticeship-program/

Year 11 students Myf and Lucas attended a three day camp hosted by QMEA Oresome Trades Camp at Pioneer State High School. They were divided into different groups with other students from the Mackay region. These students showed a lot of initiative and contributed to their groups to design a rolling scale model of a mine spec vehicle with working lights. They received information about the industry, what's expected of their apprentices, and what they look for during the interview process. Thank you QMEA and Philip Moller and P.S.H.S.

For more information please click on this LINK Next Step 2025

Cross stitch isn’t just about making something beautiful. It’s about spending time with friends, focusing on each stitch, and growing in confidence as a result.

As fine motor skills increase, cross stitch is simultaneously beneficial for the mind. The mindful focus of repetitive hands-on stitching helps to clear mental clutter.

Cross stitch also invites us to switch off from screens and reconnect with real, tactile experiences.

Every week has seen students creating beautiful and lasting projects with their own hands. I’m very proud of their achievements. 

Kate Formosa

⭐ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐖! ⭐Applications are invited for the position of 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 at St Brendan's Catholic Primary School Mackay Northern Beaches

👉 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 - https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1524

In support of the Vinnies Christmas Appeal 2025, our school is assisting the Mackay Vinnies team by collecting items for local Christmas Hampers. These hampers are distributed to individuals and families in need within our community.

Christmas Hamper Donations
Mackay Vinnies has provided a list of suggested items that go into each hamper, along with some optional extras. They are also seeking new gifts for children and teenagers (both boys and girls of all ages). Your generosity will help brighten Christmas for local families.

Volunteers Needed
Vinnies is also seeking volunteers to help sort and pack the Christmas Hampers. If you can spare even an hour or two, your support would be greatly appreciated.

Volunteer Dates:
Saturday 6 December – Sorting Donations | 8:30am–12:30pm
Saturday 13 December – Packing Hampers | 8:30am–12:30pm

To volunteer, please contact the Mackay Vinnies office with your name and details:
📧 office.mackay@svdpqld.org.au

📞 4840 0800 (Mon, Wed & Fri | 8:30am–1:30pm)

A staff member will follow up to confirm your availability.

Thank you for supporting this important community initiative. Together, we can help make Christmas a little brighter for those in need.