St Patrick's College Mackay - Term 4 - Week 9 - 5 December 2025

As this is our last newsletter for the year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, parents and staff for all their contributions and hard work this year. It has been a privilege for me to lead the College, and I look forward to working with our Leadership Team in 2026 to serve you again. May you and your families have a Holy Christmas.

I would like to introduce our 2026 Student Leaders – Mercy Campus.

Congratulations to all our St Patrick’s College Student Leaders. I look forward to working with all in 2026.

Class of 1975 Reunion
The St Patrick's Christian Brothers College Class of 1975 celebrated its 50 Year Reunion recently, with former students returning from across Australia to reconnect and reminisce. Over the weekend, the "old boys" caught up and shared stories after half a century, with a booklet created sharing 'Where are You Now'. A highlight of the weekend was a guided tour of the College campus, providing a nostalgic look at familiar areas and classrooms, sparking memories and storytelling from their school days. The celebration culminated with a formal dinner, filled with laughter, speeches, and the rekindling of life-long friendships. It was a wonderful experience for me to hear their stories and the passion they still have for the college after so many years.

College Office
The office closes Friday 12 December 2025 and will reopen on Monday 19 January 2026. If you have any queries during the time the office is closed, please email: spcm_enquiries@rok.catholic.edu.au.

IMPORTANT DATES 2026:
Commencement Date
Tuesday 27 January - Year 7, Year 11 and all new students in Years 8, 9 and 10.
Wednesday 28 January - All students attend.
Photo Day
Thursday 29 January – School photos – Mercy Campus
Friday 30 January – School photos – Senior Campus
Investiture Mass
Thursday 12 February – Opening Mass

Year 9 Leadership Camp
Our Year 9 Leadership Camp was held at Cool Waters Yeppoon this week and was great success. The camp activities focused on team development to enhance best leadership practices, such as valuing people and building relationships. Students were challenged to step out of their comfort zones and discover new strengths within themselves and their peers. They returned with new skills and great memories. Thank you to all the staff who accompanied the student on this journey.

Departing Staff
I wish to farewell and thank the following staff who have contributed positively to our St Patrick’s College Community and wish them all the best on their future pathways:

Cathy Le, Zachary Sehl, Chris Dunn, Michael Howard, Alexandra Shephard, Brianna Cameron, Harrison Holmes, Stacee Comelli, Nicole Meloni. I wish to also acknowledge staff taking LSL in 2026, Warren Bolton, Rose Bolton, Sarah Neivandt and Jodi Zahmel. A special mention to Jodi who after taking LSL in Term 1 will retire. Jodi has played an import role in our College life and has made a great impact to many. She has dedicated herself to teaching for an incredible 23 years. Jodi will be formally recognised at the end of Term 1, 2026.

Year 12
As 2025 draws to an end we wish our Year 12's the very best as they undertake the next phase of their journey through life. This year’s seniors have been a fine group of young men and women, who have been great role models for our younger students. Whilst their relationship with school as a student concludes, we would like to think that they can reflect on their experiences and appreciate the opportunities their parents, teachers and coaches have given them. We wish them all the best.

On Tuesday 18 November, we gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Year 11 students, who have dedicated themselves to their studies and personal growth over the past year. Each of them has faced challenges, embraced opportunities, and demonstrated resilience in the pursuit of their goals.

On the evening, we recognised not only academic accomplishments but also the hard work, creativity, and determination that has defined their journey so far at St Patrick’s College. As they prepare to transition into the final stage of their secondary education, Year 12, we congratulate all award recipients for their Year 11 studies. The hard work and dedication to your studies has paid off.

AWARD LISTING FOR 2025
Marist Sisters’ Award for Academic Effort
This award honours the contributions of the Marist Sisters in education within the Mackay District, continuing the legacy of their founders, Jeanne-Marie Chavoin and Jean-Claude Colin. The Marist Sisters always valued effort in all aspects of education.

Awardees must show a majority of the criteria below in five subjects as judged by the teacher of that subject.
- Completing set tasks (class time / homework)
- Shown perseverance
- Shown interest and attention
- Ability to work with peers / teachers
- Ability to work without close supervision
- Actively cooperative

Dayle A, Rourke B, Earl B, Elizabeth B, Grace C, Flynn C, Levi C, Lanz Gabrielle C, Ruby D, Eanae de G, Bailey D, Emma G, Miriam G, Poppy G, Indie G, Wenlock G, Lani G, Charlotte G, Chloe G, Lauren G, Arddun G, Maddison G, Charlie H, Kelsi H, Eva H, Myfanwy H, Amber J, Kade J, William K, Masey K, Yolanda K, Dannah L, Michael M, Mackenzie M, Milly M, Olivia M, Rexjan M, Jaida M, Jayeda N, Ayla N, Izaac N, Charlotte O, Mia P, Ava P, Cynthia P, Cassian R, Matthew R, Adysen R, Oscar S, Madeleine S, Aston S, Stephanie S, Stevie S, Bridget S, Mili S, Dominic S, Rafe S, Brooklyn S, Aimee T, Tahlia V, Braden V, Lachlan W, Isabella W and Matilda W.

Christian Brothers’ Award for Academic Excellence
This award acknowledges and celebrates the faith, commitment and work of the Christian Brothers, who followed in the tradition of their Founder, Edmund Rice. The Brothers educated thousands of students at St Patrick’s since 1929, always demanding excellence in all areas from their students. Students receiving the Academic Excellence Award must achieve greater than or equal to 23 points over five subjects.

Awardees will be determined by academic results.
A, B, C : 5, 4, 3 points; over best five subjects.
Excellence: 23, 24, 25 points.

Kyrah A, Rourke B, Earl B, Adyson B, Elizabeth B, Lilly-Anne B, Cooper B, Lachlan B, Grace C, Montanna C, Levi C, Eanae de G, Mac D, Chloe D, Bailey D, Eva D, Tate F, Poppy G, Indie G, Charlotte G, Lauren G, Arddun G, Maddison G, Kelsi H, Josiah H, Myfanwy H, Masey K, Duke L, Tayla L, Michael M, Mackenzie M, Milly M, Bella M, Rexjan M, Jaida M, Ayla N, Izaac N, Charlotte O, Ava P, Cynthia P, Tayah P, Maya P, Cooper P, Adysen R, Oscar S, Madeleine S, Stephanie S, Bridget S, Mili S, Dominic S, Bella S, Brooklyn S, Maggie T, Paige T, Aimee T, Braden V, Charlie W, Lachlan W, Charlise W and Matilda W.

Christian Brothers’ Award for Academic Merit
This award acknowledges and celebrates the faith, commitment and work of the Christian Brothers, who followed in the tradition of their Founder, Edmund Rice. The Brothers educated thousands of students at St Patrick’s since 1929, always demanding excellence in all areas from their students. Students receiving the Academic Merit Award must receive between 20 to 22 points over five subjects.

Awardees will be determined by academic results.
A, B, C : 5, 4, 3 points; over best five subjects.
Merit: 20, 21, 22 points.

Marlee A, Cooper A, Dayle A, Jessica A, Lucas A, April B, Sara B, Bella B, Cheyenne B, Keenan B, Cassidy B, Summer B, Skyla B, Lara C, Charles C, Treyce C, Flynn C, Summa C, Eli C, Mikaela C, Lanz Gabrielle C, George C, Gabrielle C, Tayla C, Ruby D, Jayda E, Darcy E, Piper E, Mia F, Nayte F, Sebastian F, Emma G, Benjamin G, Wenlock G, Lani G, Chloe G, Amos G, Jake H, Noah H, Eva H, Lachlan I, Amber J, Tahlia J, Kate J, William K, Matilda K, Jack K, Dannah L, Abigail L, Hanyu L, Aidan M, Mason M, Isaac M, Hunter M, Lainey M, Skye M, Madison M, Lucy M, Aleegra M, Connor M, Noah N, Jayeda N, Lilah N, Elena P, Mia P, Matthew P, Zoe P, Cassian R, Calvin R, Cooper R, Charlotte R, Myah R, David R, Meeka S, Aston S, Adeeba S, Georgia S, Alley S, Amity S, Bailey S, Rafe S, Riley T, Archy T, Ellie T, Tahlia V, Lainey W, Matilda W, Cooper W, Ruby W, Addison W, Ayla W, Isabella W, Grange W, Sharnika W, Jackson Y, Daintton Z, Zoe Z and Elizabeth Z.

Mercy Sisters’ Subject Awards
This award recognises the contribution of the Mercy Sisters to the education of young women on the St Patrick’s College site – the work that now continues at St Patrick’s College in the tradition of their founder Catherine McAuley. Students receiving this award must achieve the highest result for each subject.

Accounting - Masey K
Ancient History - Maddison G
Aquatic Practices - Elizabeth Z
Biology - Milly M
Business - Dominic S
Certificate II in Construction Pathways - Myfanwy H
Certificate II in Engineering Pathways - Cooper W
Certificate II in Hospitality - Elizabeth B and Poppy G
Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) - Jackson Y
Certificate III in Business / Certificate II in Tourism - Eanae de G and Cynthia P
Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology - Abigail L and Shilan S
Certificate III in Fitness - Ava P and Lainey W
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance - Kelsi H and Aimee T
Certificate III in Laboratory Skills - Adyson B
Chemistry - Izaac N
Dance in Practice - Milly M and Adysen R
Design - Ava P
Early Childhood Studies - Aimee T
English - Milly M and Matilda W
Essential English - Grace C and Indie G
Essential Mathematics - Myfanwy H
Film, Television & New Media - Cynthia P and Rafe S
Food and Nutrition - Alley S
Furnishing Skills - Lachlan B
General Mathematics - Ava P
Industrial Graphics Skills - Flynn C and Connor M
Legal Studies - Maddison G
Literature - Stephanie S
Mathematical Methods - Braden V
Modern History - Stephanie S
Music - Abbey G
Physical Education - Dominic S
Physics - Bailey D
Religion & Ethics - Cassidy B and Masey K
Science in Practice - Chloe G
Specialist Mathematics - Michael M
Sport and Recreation - Lauren G
Study of Religion - Milly M and Dominic S
Visual Art - Charlotte R
Visual Arts in Practice - Indie G

On Friday 21 November, we gathered to celebrate the achievements and farewell our graduating Year 12 students - young men and women who have grown in wisdom, courage, and character during their time at our College. Their journey has been marked by perseverance, curiosity, and a deep commitment to one another and to our community.

As they step forward into the next chapter of their lives, we hope they do so with confidence and gratitude, carrying forward the lessons learned within these walls. The words of Maya Angelou resonate well at this moment: “You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been.” Let these words remind our graduates never to forget where they come from - the friendships, values, and faith that have shaped their path at St Patrick’s. As we know, once you are a St Pat’s scholar, you will forever be a St Pat’s scholar.

Final Year 12 reports are now available for students and families to view on the usual college platforms and portals.​

Students are wished every success as they await their external examination results, which are scheduled to be released on Wednesday 17 December at 9:00 am. These results, together with your school-based achievement, will contribute to your final certification and tertiary entrance processes.​ Students have been instructed on how to access these final results and their ATAR scores.

To our newest alumni, we wish you every success and blessing as you pursue your goals and dreams. Stay in touch, visit often, and continue to be part of the life and spirit of our College. You will always have a home here.

To our Year 11 students, we encourage you to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before you, set high standards, support one another, and lead with integrity. The example of this Year 12 cohort shows what can be achieved through vision and teamwork. May you take up that challenge as you prepare to become our next senior leaders.

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2025.

Our Year 9 students recently returned from a memorable and enriching Leadership Camp that brought out their best qualities while creating lasting memories. The camp, held at the idyllic location of Kinka Beach with stunning weather and great food, was a fantastic opportunity for students to bond, challenge themselves, and develop vital leadership skills.

From the moment they arrived, students were immersed in a series of fun and engaging activities designed to strengthen teamwork and build trust. One of the highlights was the raft-building challenge, where students worked together to design and construct their own rafts. Not only did they have to combine their creativity and problem-solving skills, but they also had to collaborate closely to ensure their raft was seaworthy – all while navigating the calm waters of the camp's lake.

Another exciting activity was kayaking, where students took to the water in teams, paddling in sync to achieve their goals. This activity not only taught them the importance of cooperation but also helped them develop resilience and perseverance as they faced the challenges of manoeuvring in the water. The stunning weather made the experience even more enjoyable, allowing everyone to fully appreciate the beauty of their surroundings while working together as a team.

Throughout the camp, students also participated in various house activities that fostered camaraderie, school spirit, and friendly competition. These activities encouraged students to work together in teams, helping them build strong relationships across different peer groups. The house challenges brought out the best in every student, with laughter, cheering, and high spirits echoing through the campgrounds.

At the heart of the camp was the opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zones and grow as individuals and leaders. The Leadership camp provided a perfect blend of adventure, teamwork, and leadership development in an environment that encouraged students to bond with one another, push their limits, and create memories they will cherish for years to come.

On Wednesday night, all students discerned who they believed would be the best and capable junior House and Homeroom Captains along with Committee Chairs at the Mercy Campus for 2026.

A huge thank you to all the staff from both campuses who attended and our Mercy Campus House Coordinators - our camp organisers for making this event a great success. We can't wait to see how these experiences shape our Year 9s as they continue their leadership journeys in 2026!

As of the 10th of December, 2025, there will be Government enforced changes to protect children under the age of 16. From this date social media platforms will be held accountable to ensure children under this age cannot create their own personal accounts to access apps like TikTok, YouTube, SnapChat and Messenger, due to the mental health risks attached to their use. Children under the age of 16, will not be permitted to create their own individual accounts until they are over the age of 16. This will give them time to develop emotionally and build resilience against the negative impacts these platforms can encourage.

One platform that might have an impact on student learning from the upcoming ban is YouTube. A lot of teachers across the country and the world access educational videos and resources from this platform as a means to make learning more engaging and accessible. The upcoming ban should not directly impact students and their learning at our college, but we want to make the St Patrick's College community aware of these considerations. An additional visual-media resource the College subscribes to is ClickView which provides student friendly, advertisement free educational videos and resources that can support the learning of our students across a range of subjects and topics. Not only can this platform provide quality safe videos for students it also has associated interactive resources, worksheets, transcripts and more. We are always looking for ways to promote student outcomes with quality teaching and learning strategies, while providing access to resources to help students better understand content and learning experiences in a visually appealing manner. A link to the ClickView website can be found when accessing Student Cafe, along with student Google credentials to sign in.

For more information about these resources, feel free to let me know and we will work in unity to ensure all the students at our College are engaging in quality learning and educational resources. For more information about the upcoming Social Media ban, please access resources at our College SchoolTV website (link here) for current events and information from experts.

Have a wonderful Christmas break and I look forward to promoting growth and innovation at St Patrick's College in 2026.

2026 Account Information and Discounts
Account Information forms have been sent out to all families. We kindly request these forms be returned ASAP and if you hold a current Health Care/Pensioner Concession card, please email a copy of the card so we can calculate any discounts available to your family. Please note that this form must be completed even if you only have 1 student in Catholic Education.

2026 Payment Arrangements Now Open
Families can now set up payment plans for their 2026 school fees in advance. Starting payments early helps spread the cost over time and reduce the size of individual repayments.

Flexible options are available, including weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or per-term schedules. Please contact the Finance Office to arrange your preferred plan.

For families with only a Year 12 student enrolled in 2026, fees must be paid in full by 7 August 2026. All other payment arrangements must be finalized by 30 October 2026.

The Finance team will be available until Thursday 11th December.
Contact Finance either by email or phone:
Email: SPCM_Finance@rok.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 49948700

Our Vinnies Christmas Hamper Drive was a huge success once again this year, thanks to our generous College community. Hampers were collected from students in Homerooms and our College staff.

Thank you to our College families who have contributed this year. Your support exemplifies the values of our College community and is a testament to the Christmas spirit here at St Pat's.

There are people in this world who dismiss reading, belittle reading and think everything is boring and unworthy of their time; however, there are also people who recognise the true power of recreational reading. And it is those people, those students here at the Mercy campus, who ought to be encouraged, cherished, and congratulated for their efforts.

Literature teaches you about yourself. Literature cultivates wisdom and a worldview. Literature entertains. The library’s mission is to provide resources that nurture and support the development of the staff and students of the Junior campus and as a result, the following students were recognised for their reading achievements recently on school assembly:

The Epic Reader Award for 2025 went to Ashton G and Leo D, with both students receiving a $100 book voucher from QBD each. Amazingly, their sum total of books read this year was 238!

The Dedicated Reader Award went to Jessica S and Angeline G. Both students received a $75 book voucher each.

The Avid Reader Award went to two more students this year, each receiving a $50 book voucher from QBD. Congratulations to Kaheira W and Gavin G.

And on a final note, hopefully you will find a good book under the Christmas tree this year.

How the program works
The Link and Launch officers at participating host schools support young people who have completed Year 12 but have not transitioned to further study, training, or work. They assist in exploring options such as free apprenticeships for under 25s, fee-free TAFE programs, Skilling Queenslanders for Work, alternative university entry, employment opportunities, and government participation programs like Transition to Work. More details can be found at education.qld.gov.au/students/student-engagement/link-and-launch.

St Patrick’s College Career Connections can be found under the Community page on the St Patrick’s College website and through Parent Orbit. Career opportunities will be regularly updated.

Work Experience - Christmas Holiday Work Experience Program is now closed.
work-experience-placements-for-school-students-procedure.pdf

2026 Year 10 Career Students
Students who have chosen Career as a subject in Year 10 (2026) will complete one week of compulsory work experience.
Semester One Careers classes: Term 2, Week 4: 11–15 May 2026
Semester Two Careers classes: Term 3, Week 7: 24–28 August 2026

Pre-arranged placement information that is required:
- Work Experience Provider:
- Confirmation of the dates:
- Contact person:
- Contact position:
- Contact Phone number:
- Business address:
- Email address:
- Occupation:

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.
Bluedog Training
QTAD
QLD Master Builders

Blue Card Application:
To work, volunteer or operate a business with children you may need a blue or exemption card.
Applying for a Blue card
QLD_blue-card/required

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SAT)
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) provide students in Years 10, 11 and 12 with employment-based training while continuing full-time enrolment in a school program and study towards a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA).

Sats must work at least 75 hours/50 days (or 600 hours/80 days for every 12 months of your training contract).

Electrotechnology apprenticeships have passes in Year 10 English, Maths and Science and must be in Year 11 or 12. School-based electrotechnology apprentices must complete at least 600 hours (80 days) of paid work for every 12 months of their training contract.

Find out more about how SATs can help you accelerate towards your chosen career.
school-based-apprenticeships-and-traineeships-procedure.pdf

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

2026 - Year 11 Blended/Certificate Pathway students Enrolment Reminder Bluedog Training:
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.

Required information:
- USI number – How to find or create a USI number Please don’t use your school email address
- LUI number – Found on Student Cafe
- School ID Letter – Previously emailed to all students’ school email 13th November.
- Additional ID - Birth certificate or Colour copy of your green Medicare card (you can also upload photos)

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

Connect n Grow:
Certificate II In Health Support Services (2026) and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (2027) have been emailed a link. We kindly ask that your child completes their enrolment as soon as possible to avoid any delays to the commencement of studies in 2026.

Required information:
- USI number – How to find or create a USI number Please don’t use your school email address
- NOTE: It is recommended that parents/Guardians assist students have with the enrolment process to ensure there is no delay with access to the course content. Entering information incorrectly, especially email addresses, can prevent emails being sent/received.
- Students who will be enrolling into the course are advised to complete the LLN course
in preparation for 2026.
- To avoid any delays to the start of 2026, please ensure you enrol as soon as possible, and no later than 12 December 2025. A class list of all students enrolled to date, along with a VETiS/Guarantee of Service form, will be sent to the Program Manager during the first week of school in 2026. Once this documentation is reviewed, signed, and returned, students will be granted access to the Term 1 units.

You’re also welcome to contact me directly at helen_moohin@rok.catholic.edu or by calling the College Office on 4994 8700.

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

Acknowledgements
A special thank you to the supporting businesses and organisations, who continue to offer our students valuable work ready skills through Traineeships/apprenticeships and work experience opportunities.

Wishing all families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

When you volunteer in a Tuckshop you become part of a special community that is both unique and welcoming. Working in a team encourages new friendships and connections within the school environment, and you may even learn new skills and expertise. 

To volunteer your time at the Tuckshop, please email us at spcm_enquiries@rok.catholic.edu.au or contact the College on 4994 8700. Any amount of time would be greatly appreciated.

Our Army Cadet Unit is conducting a final Public Information Session for 2025, for anyone interested in joining Army Cadets in 2026.

Attached is a Poster with the relevant details. It would be appreciated if the school could provide publicity to students for this session.

The Cadet Unit has already conducted a session this week, and we had a good mix of schools represented in student attendance with their parents.

We are currently working to secure Army approval for 5 Information Sessions to be conducted during the school holidays in January. As soon as these are confirmed, we will forward information for those dates.

Holiday Pass 2026 - January Summer School Holidays. GET IN QUICK, LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!! Holiday Pass gives you access to 8 x 1.5-hour sessions per location across a 3-week training period!

Keep your skills sharp over the holiday period and get a head start on your 2026 volleyball goals. While everyone else is resting, you’ll be building momentum! Holiday Pass is designed to offer high-quality training, flexible scheduling, and an affordable way to stay on court. Attend all or as many sessions as you like, and register for the school grade you’ll be entering in 2026.

The Dates:
Week 1: 5th, 7th, 9th January (sessions run on these dates — please find the timetable on our website for more details)
Week 2: 12th, 14th, 16th January (sessions run on these dates — please find the timetable on our website for more details)
Week 3: 19th, 21st January (sessions run on these dates — please find the timetable on our website for more details)

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

Visit our website for more information Holiday Pass | Join the Frenzy — Sharks Volleyball