St Patrick's College Mackay - Term 4 - Week 4 - 31 October 2025

Festival Friday
Friday 24 October marked a wonderful celebration at the College as Year 12 students, parents, and staff came together for Festival Friday, commemorating the final formal school day for our Year 12 students. A heartfelt thank you to all staff who helped organise this memorable event. It was wonderful to see so many parents in attendance and to witness students farewelling each other and staff in such a meaningful way.

Our Year 12 cohort are presently on their external exam block. We look forward to welcoming all our Year 12 students back for the Final Assembly on Thursday 20 November, followed by their Graduation Mass on Friday 21 November.


World Teacher’s Day – Friday 31 October 2025
Last Friday we celebrated World Teacher’s Day. I would like to thank and acknowledge all our hard-working staff who give their time to support and help our students grow. Every day our teachers strive to create a safe and supportive classroom where students are encouraged to give their best. I wish to thank all our staff for their dedication and commitment to Catholic Education and to their students.

Hats off to teachers this World Teacher’s Day.

Valedictory 
On Tuesday 21 October, we proudly celebrated the achievements of our Year 12 cohort during our Valedictory Evening at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre. The event brought together parents, family members and staff, all to applaud the remarkable academic success of our graduating class. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Most Reverend Michael McCarthy DD – Bishop of Rockhampton and David Paul, Assistant Director: Schools Northern Region for their assistance with award presentations, Father Matthias Ogwo for leading us in the Opening Prayer and a special thank you to Dominic and Claudia Gall for their Vote of Thanks on behalf of the parents to the College staff. Congratulations to the Graduating class of 2025! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off.

AWARD LISTING FOR 2025
Marist Sisters’ Award for Academic Effort
Chase A, Lance A, Libby A, Grace B, Willow B, Harry B, Jake B, Gracie B, Taylah B, Sophie B, Myles B, Sylvie C, Alice C, Tayla C, Lucas C, Kobie C, Tenille C, Amelia C, Eric C, Nate D, Kiana D, Jessica E, Toby F, Evelyn F, Owen F, Amelia G, Anthony G, Sophie G, Mikayla G, Jiajian G, Tage G, Bella H, Isabella H, Hayley H, Caleb H, Elisha H, Oliver H, Claudia I, Eva J, Mya J, Ryan J, John J, Zoe K, Archie K, Olivia L, Logan L, Chloe M, Trizia M, Elena M, Charlotte M, Summer M, Lucy M, Tailor M, Hannah M, Addyson M, Hayden M, Kayla M, Lachlan N, Zanthia N, Gabrielle N, Shaylee N, Ella O, Natalie O, Jillian P, Rebekah P, Oliver P, Georgia P, Maya Q, Tess R, Sara R, Ashling S, Mia S, Caitlyn S, Olivia S, Mia S, Charlotte S, Matilda S, Trinity S, Jake T, Charlee T, Katelyn V, Francesca V, Lorenzo V, Ella W, Mackenzie W, Cassie W, Jayla W, Alexandra W and Katherine Z.

Christian Brothers’ Award for Academic Excellence
Chase A, Lance A, Libby A, Grace B, Harry B, Jake B, Jack B, Joshua B, Jeremiah B, Sophie B, Myles B, Sylvie C, Alice C, Tayla C, Lucas C, Kobie C, Tenille C, Amelia C, Nate D, Kiana D, Jessica E, Rizen E, Toby F, Scarlett F, Evelyn F, Owen F, Amelia G, Anthony G, Connor G, George G, Mikayla G, Jiajian G, Bella H, Sophie H, Isabella H, Hayley H, Caleb H, Oliver H, Mackenzie H, Claudia I, Eva J, Nathanial J, John J, Zoe K, Olivia L, Trizia M, Charlotte M, Lucy M, Bailey M, Jackson M, Tailor M, Hannah M, Lachlan N, Gabrielle N, Shaylee N, Flynn O, Jillian P, Rebekah P, Shaylah P, Georgia P, Maya Q, Tess R, Sara R, Zara R, DeJay R, Hamish S, Micho S, Ashling S, Sophie S, Mia S, Suzannah S, Charlotte S, Trinity S, Reagan T, Katelyn V, Francesca V, Lorenzo V, Ella W, Zoe W, Cassie W, Jayla W and Katherine Z.

Christian Brothers’ Award for Academic Merit
Lily A, Willow B, Gracie B, Taylah B, Lacey B, Charli B, Amarli C, Norman C, Shelby C, Haylee C, Cooper C, Ella C, Bethany C, Matilda C, Michael C, Billy C, Eric C, Eryn D, Ricky D, Elise D, Sophie D, Cianna F, Taylor F, Ethan F, Lars G, Sophie G, Tage G, Connor H, Elliott H, Toby H, Sophie H, Elisha H, Nate H, Nate J, Mya J, Ryan J, Sienna K, Archie K, Paige L, Mackenzie L, Logan L, Keeley L, Georgia M, Marshall M, Chloe M, Alyssa M, John M, Elena M, Darcy M, Riley M, Adam M, Indiana M, Rhianna M, Addyson M, Hayden M, Mark M, Kayla M, Kaidy M, Zanthia N, Natalie O, Emily O, Molly P, Amali P, Ethan P, Zoe P, Elijah P, Oliver P, Lincoln P, Francis P, Victoria R, Gabrielle R, Jayden S, Darcy S, Wyatt S, Jayda S, Jamon S, Olivia S, Mia S, Pollyanna T, Charlee T, Ebony T, Joshua T, Eloise T, Ava V, Jack V, Leah V, Nate W, Mackenzie W, Charlize W, Noah W, Alexandra W, Cyrese W and Alice W.

Mercy Sisters’ Subject Awards
Accounting - Suzannah S
Ancient History - Willow B
Aquatic Practices - Sophie S and Charlotte S
Biology - Gabrielle N, Mia S and Katherine Z
Business - Myles B
Certificate II in Construction Pathways - Caleb H
Certificate II in Engineering Pathways - Anthony G
Certificate II in Hospitality - Charley C
Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) - Clayton W
Certificate III in Business / Certificate II in Tourism - Oliver P and Mackenzie W
Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology - Jake T and DeJay R
Certificate III in Fitness - Elisha H, Sophie S and Toby F
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance - Addyson M and Jayla W
Certificate III in Laboratory Skills - Hayley H
Chemistry - Lance A, Alice C and Lucy M
Dance in Practice - Sienna K and Zoe P
Design - Jillian P
Drama - Evelyn F
Early Childhood Studies - Katelyn V
English - Mikayla G, Zoe K and Trinity S
English and Literature Extension - Mikayla G and Claudia I
Essential English - Jeremiah B, Amelia G and Georgia P
Essential Mathematics - Bailey M
Film, Television & New Media - Oliver P
Furnishing Skills - Wyatt S
General Mathematics - Mia S and Ella W
Industrial Graphics Skills - Anthony G
Japanese - Trizia M
Legal Studies - Katherine Z
Literature - Lucas C and Zoe K
Mathematical Methods - Alice C, Lucas C and Owen F
Modern History - Lucy M
Music - Elise D
Physical Education - Ella W
Physics - Alice C, Lucas C and Jiajian G
Religion & Ethics - Ashling S, Trizia M and Gabrielle N
Science in Practice - Kiana D and Georgia P
Specialist Mathematics - Alice C, Lucas C and Jiajian G
Sport and Recreation - Scarlett F
Study of Religion - Mikayla G
Visual Art - Ashling S
Visual Arts in Practice - Amelia C

SPECIAL AWARDS PRESENTED
AMARLIE CARROLL MEMORIAL SPORTSPERSONS OF THE YEAR AWARDS
This award commemorates the life and work of teacher Amarlie Carroll who died from brain cancer in 2013. Amarlie was an inspirational teacher, friend, mentor and coach for the St Patrick’s College community. Her enthusiasm and passion for sport, especially Basketball was infectious.
It is awarded for:
- Excellent display of sportsmanship throughout the year including respect to coaches, officials and team-mates
- Leadership in the sporting arena
- Balance between their sporting and study commitments

The winners of the Amarlie Carroll Memorial Awards are: Ryan John and Eden Catip

CULTURAL STUDENTS OF THE YEAR
This award is for:
- Outstanding achievement and participation in cultural activities
- Leadership in the cultural area
- Representation of the College through a number of cultural events
- Balance between cultural and study commitments
- Awarded to Year 12 students

The winners of the Cultural Students of the Year Award are: Shaylee Noy and Tess Radke

JULIE DELANEY MEMORIAL AWARD
This award commemorates the life and work of teacher Julie Delaney who died from cancer in 1989. Julie had a particular passion, enormous success and skill for working in the area of vocational education.
It is awarded to a student studying a Vocational Education and Training course, on the basis of:
- Academic results
- Application to set tasks
- Ability to work with peers
- Ability to use own initiative
- Ability to work without close supervision
- Completion of a majority of relevant learning outcomes
- Conduct, manner and bearing of a standard that reflects the good name of the College

The winner of the Julie Delaney Memorial Award was: Reagan Tame

ANTHONY MCNEILL MEMORIAL AWARD
This award commemorates past student and Leading Aircraftsman Anthony McNeill, Airman of No. 77 Battalion, who was tragically killed in a training flight at RAAF Base Williamstown.
It is awarded for:
- Commitment to Christian belief and practice
- Promoting partnership between students, staff and parents as expressed in the College Mission Statement

The winner of the Anthony McNeill Memorial Award was: Kingston Grigg

FRANCIS XAVIER FULTON MEMORIAL AWARD
This award commemorates past Principal Francis Xavier Fulton’s belief in the ‘Renaissance’ student who has an interest, talent and success in all areas – spiritual, academic, cultural, sporting and community service in the spirit of the College Mission Statement
It is awarded for:
- Excellence in academic, cultural and sporting endeavours in the spirit of the Mission Statement of the College

The winner of the Francis Xavier Fulton Memorial Award was: Mikayla Green

BUCAS AWARD
This award recognises the enormous contribution Father Pierre-Marie (Paul) Bucas made to the Mackay Community through his many years of dedicated service to the people of this region. Fr Bucas believed in the model of the ‘servant leader’ who excelled in all areas but served those in need in his immediate community. It is the Supreme Award of the College.
It is awarded for:
- Honourable representation of the College
- Consistently good application in academic endeavour
- Committed service to and concern for others
- Commendable sense and use of initiative
- Excellence in conduct and dress

The winner of the Bucas Award was: Claudia Illguth

Substance use and addiction are complex issues that can affect young people in many different ways. While some may experiment out of curiosity or peer influence, others may use substances as a way to manage stress, anxiety or emotional pain. What may begin as occasional use can sometimes become a pattern that impacts mood, motivation and wellbeing. The developing teenage brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, vaping and drugs, making early use more likely to lead to harm.

For many families, understanding substance use means looking beyond the behaviour to what might be driving it. Risk-taking is a normal part of adolescence, but for some young people, it can also be a signal that they are struggling to cope. Substances can offer temporary relief, but they can also mask underlying issues such as loneliness, low self-esteem or poor mental health. When left unrecognised or unsupported, substance use can interfere with school performance, relationships and emotional development, leading to more serious challenges later in life.

This edition of SchoolTV guides families to help young people develop resilience, self-awareness and the skills to make healthy, informed choices that protect their wellbeing into adulthood.

Here is the link to your Edition https://stpats.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/substance-use-addiction-au

🎟️ TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 🎟️

Join us for the 2025 St Patrick’s College Sports Gala Dinner – a night to celebrate the incredible achievements, dedication, and spirit of sport at SPC. The event will be hosted by John Manning, with special guest speakers Emma Manzelmann and Steve Price.

Enjoy a memorable evening filled with great company, delicious food, raffles, and live auctions, all raising funds to support our 2026 sporting programs and opportunities. 🏆

📅 Date: 14 November 2025
📍 Venue: Goosies
🎟️ Tickets: On sale now via https://www.trybooking.com/DGJOC or by scanning the QR code below.

Let’s come together to celebrate sport, community, and the green and gold spirit of St Pat’s! 🙌

The Vinnies Committee was delighted to welcome Sr Denise this week as she accepted a cheque for $1,500 on behalf of Mercy Works. The funds were raised last term through the Father’s Day Stall and Raffle, the Mercy Day Stall, and the sale of chocolate boxes. A big thank you to everyone who supported these initiatives and to the wonderful helpers who assisted at both events!

This term, Vinnies is focusing on the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, helping families in need during the festive season. We’re asking for donations of hamper items, and the homeroom that collects the most hampers will win a homeroom lunch as a thank-you for their generosity.

Please check the attached image for details about what items are needed. Thank you for your continued support and for living out our school’s values of faith, hope, respect and justice in action.

At our College, we are proud to give students opportunities to think deeply, express themselves with confidence, and engage with the world around them. Initiatives such as public speaking competitions, extended writing projects, and classroom debates help our students learn to analyze, question, and express their ideas with clarity and conviction. These skills are important not just for their studies, but also for the society they will help shape.

This year, one of those opportunities was the 2025 Speech Competition run by the Robert Menzies Institute, which challenged students across the country to explore the question: How important is respectful debate to the health of a democracy? The Institute honours the legacy of Sir Robert Menzies, Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister, whose belief in education, respectful disagreement, and civic participation helped define our nation’s democratic values. His emphasis on open discussion and the free exchange of ideas continues to resonate with young thinkers today.

Our Year 10 student, Khijra, took up this challenge with remarkable insight. In her persuasive speech, she reflected on the enduring importance of free expression and open dialogue:

“Sir Robert Menzies, the longest standing Australian Prime Minister, understood the importance of the absence of such a world, and the vital appreciation of voice and thought that made countries such as Australia a democratic nation. In his radio broadcast on The Freedom of Speech and Expression in 1942, he said, ‘If truth is to emerge and in the long run be triumphant, the process of free debate, the untrammelled clash of opinion must go on.’ And he was absolutely right. As a democracy, we are not blinded or hidden from the truth, as those in totalitarian and authoritarian societies so often are. We are not left in the dark while men in black suits and hats sit around a table plotting their methods of control with low voices and sleight hands. We are given meaning, and reason. A cause to stand for, a chance to give voice to our thoughts, and the opportunity to help shape the way our honest country is run. For just as dawn dispels darkness and reveals the world, open debate brings clarity to issues that were once hidden or misunderstood. We as people of this egalitarian country are its backbone. We are a diverse, flexible, and ever-moving nation. We are clear on how our country is run; there is no concealed truth, no hidden voice, no grand parliamentary suppression. And there is only one way this great democracy has been achieved - through the sanctioning of respectful debate and the mix of honest opinions.”

Reflecting on her experience, Khijra said, “The Robert Menzies Speech Competition is a great opportunity to contribute to and offer your opinion on political matters. Writing this speech, I gained a clearer insight into one of the most important aspects of the way our country is run, and part of what makes a democracy a democracy.”

She also encouraged others to get involved, adding, “I encourage all those interested to participate in this challenge when the opportunity presents itself in coming years; you’ll learn new things, get the opportunity to win great prizes, and be given the inside scoop on one of the largest academic institutes in the country, as well as invites to meet some largely successful and important Australian faces!”

Competitions like this are so much more than a chance to perform, they’re opportunities to grow. They encourage students to explore complex ideas, strengthen their persuasive writing, and discover their own voice while connecting with Australia’s democratic traditions. Most importantly, they remind us that every young person has something valuable to say and the ability to shape the conversations that influence our world.

Parents and students can visit the St Patrick's College website or scan the QR code for student opportunities under the community tab in Career Connections.

Contact Alex Brooks on alex.brooks@afl.com.au for further information. 

ALMAN PARTNERS CADETSHIP PROGRAM
Step into your future with Alman Partners. Are you in Year 11 or 12 and thinking about what comes next? If you're interested in business, finance, or helping people make smart decisions with their money, the Alman Partners Cadetship Program could be the perfect opportunity for you. As a Cadet, you’ll gain hands on experience in the world of financial planning - right here in Mackay at one of Australia’s leading financial advice firms. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, learn valuable skills, and get a real taste of what a career in finance is all about. If you're motivated, curious, and ready to explore a rewarding career path, we’d love to hear from you.

Grade 11 Students
Expressions of Interest for a 1-week Intensive Introduction to Financial Planning Course close 30 November. The Course will be held in our stunning Mackay office from 12-16 January 2026. This will be a highly interactive and educational experience that will be valuable, regardless of whether you embark on a Financial Planning career or not. Limited to 10 students. Contact our Mackay office on 07 4957 2572 to register your interest.

Grade 12 Students
Applications for our Cadetship Program are currently open, closing 7 November. The successful Cadets will be notified after this time, with the program beginning once Year 12 finishes (Dec). Limited to 2 Cadets per year.

For more information and to submit your application, visit our website here or download the Brochure.

For more information please contact:
Kerri Wallace | Creative Director/Executive Officer
Direct Line: 0480 841 232
Mon 8am-4:30pm; Tue-Fri 9am-2:30pm

On the weekend, two teams of Year 7 to 10 students competed in the First Lego League Regional Competition. The Lego League teams prepared to compete by attending weekend, afterschool, and lunch practice times. They competed in the regional competition in Mackay. Teams had to construct and program a robot to compete on a challenge gameboard. They were also required to innovate by creating a solution to an archaeological problem.

The teams were very successful on the day. Our Year 9 team received 1st place for Robot Design for the second year in a row. The Year 9 team were also second overall in the competition and have been invited to compete in the North QLD National Championship at the Gold Coast in 1 month.

Year 7 Team 

Year 9 Team

Robot Design Winners
Heading to North QLD Nationals.

On Friday, 17 October, St Patrick’s College’s top chess team travelled to Brisbane to compete in the prestigious Interschool Chess State Finals. After qualifying at the regional level, our team was eager to test their skills against the best schools from across Queensland.

Representing the College were Owen, Pascoe, Elijah, and Wenlock, who, under the guidance of Mr DeThomasis, demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and pride in representing our community. Mr Bettington also gained valuable insights into the world of high-level competitive chess and a few rank increases on Chess.com.

One of the most commendable aspects of the trip was the way our students conducted themselves. Their respectful behaviour and competitive spirit were exemplary, and they should be proud of the way they represented St Patrick’s College.

A special mention goes to Owen, a long-serving member of our Chess Club, whose leadership throughout the year and during the finals was outstanding. Thanks to the efforts of students like Owen and Oscar, Chess Club participation reached record numbers in 2025, with impressive results both regionally and beyond.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to Mr Larkin, Mr Thorpe, and Mr DeThomasis for their ongoing support of chess at the College. Their dedication has been instrumental in creating opportunities for our students and enabling them to compete at the highest level.

 If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact Annamaria Cappello on annamaria.cappello@svdpqld.org.au.

We’re excited to invite you to our FREE online event happening on 6th November, from 7:15pm to 8.00pm. 

You will learn how to:
- Unlock the Mysteries of the Teenage Brain: What Makes Driving a Challenge?
- Decode Risk Factors for Young Drivers
- Learn the art of Coaching a Learner Driver
- Help you support the transition to solo driving
- Set a plan for collaborating with Driving Instructors
- And much more.

Register for free now.

Thank you and best regards
Neal Downward
Comms@rse.org.au