By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal

As we wrap up Week 8 of Term 3, there is so much to talk about surrounding the recent events at the College.  

Last Friday, I was lucky enough to spend some time with the Girls Rowing Squad as they completed a 24-hour team rowing challenge. The 13 girls worked together for the duration, having two girls rowing on the ergo rowers for half hour blocks. The challenge aimed to raise awareness around mental health, RAW (Rural Alive and Well) and Gottcha4Life, while also building up the dynamics of being a great team. This challenge was a great demonstration of commitment and showed how working together to grow as individuals through hardship, can help to develop a strong team.

Last Friday, also saw many of our contemporary bands perform in the northern heats of the Tasmanian Rock Challenge. Tonight (Friday 15 September) St Patrick's College will be represented in the state final by Meg McClintock, Molly Spurway, Emmaleigh Groeneveld and the 'Legacy of Lunatics' (Molly Spurway, Maggie Hodgman, Jack Miller, Marshall Richards and Cassie Robottom). We wish them all the best for their performances. 

Lap It Up is done and dusted for another year.  After 15 years, this event continues to inspire our Year 12s to step out of their comfort zones to run, walk and swim over the 24 hour period. This year, our students raised over $23,000.00 to support our College charities locally, nationally and internationally. Founders' Day is also quickly approaching on Friday 29 September, where our students have an opportunity to celebrate our College's past, and support our charities one last time in 2023.

In the sporting area, we have had great success during the Term 3 rosters. Soccer, Netball, Swimming, Hockey and Volleyball have all seen excellent rates of participation and success in both the Senior and Junior rosters and events. We wish all students who still have finals to play in, all the very best.

I personally would like to thank all staff, parents/guardians and students who involve themselves in supporting our co-curricular endeavours. All of these generous people ensure that our individuals, groups and teams are able to compete and participate in the many opportunities that the College is able to offer.

As we quickly approach the end of Term 3, our Year 11 and 12 students have limited time left of formal classes. I encourage all our senior students to ensure they remain focused and committed to their studies, the expectations and culture of the College. I look forward to celebrating with our College families on Tuesday, 12 December at our End of Year Mass and Graduation Ceremony. This event will allow us to celebrate, as a whole community, another successful year and our Year 12 students as they complete their journey with us.

Kind regards,

Mrs Liz Illingworth

Principal

By Ms Kate Rockliffe, Director of Catholic Identity & Mission and Head of Learning - Religious Education (Yrs 11-12)

Year 12 Valete Mass and Dinner 2023

The high school journey of our Year 12s will be honoured at their Valete Mass and Dinner on Thursday 26, October 2023. 

The evening will commence with the Year 12 Valete Mass in the St Patrick’s College Chapel, celebrated by Archbishop Julian Porteous. All Year 12s are asked to arrive at 5:30pm in their full school uniform for a 6:00pm start. Parent/Guardian attendance at this mass is not permitted, due to restricted numbers at the venue.

Following Mass, both students and parents/guardians are invited to the Valete dinner, commencing at 7:00pm in the Nano Nagle Gym. The Valete Dinner cost is $40.00 per person, including students, and must be made in full by Thursday, 19 October. Payments can be made online via the Schoolbox Parent Portal by accessing the Events tab located at the top of the home page. Payments can also be accepted in person via the College Accounts Office. Please RSVP by Monday, 16 October via the link emailed to all Year 12 parents/guardians on Monday, 11 September. Please contact the College if you have not received this correspondence. 

End of Year Mass and Year 12 Graduation Ceremony

Our End of Year Mass and Year 12 Graduation Ceremony will be held on Tuesday 12 December at the Silverdome, opening at 6:00pm for a 6:30pm start. This event is for all students and their Parents/Guardians. It is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to join together and celebrate the achievements of many of our students across the College, and honour our graduating Year 12s.

Founders’ Day (Last Day of Term 3 - Friday 29 September)

Have you purchased your Founders’ Day Giant Raffle tickets yet?

Fancy the best sleep of your life, or the most comfortable pair of uggs you will ever own? How about a relaxing weekend away, or the chance to have a shopping spree at Baxter’s Supa IGA Prospect? The Founders’ Day Giant raffle is the perfect opportunity to win fantastic prizes, with tickets starting at five for $5. 

Purchase your tickets here. 

Your support will make a huge difference locally and internationally. Funds raised will support the Mary MacKillop Today's Literacy and Teacher Training Program in Timor Leste (60%), Vinnies (10%), Eddie Rice Camps (10%), Strike it Out (10%), and Magnolia Place/Karinya (10%). This split ensures the funds contribute to the House charities as well as our chosen charity for 2023. 

Please support our raffle by purchasing your tickets, and sharing the link with family and friends. The raffle closes on Friday 29 September, at 2:45pm, and will be drawn immediately following this time.

Founders Day

The arrangements for Founders’ Day are as follows.

• Students wear their PE uniform to school
• Period 1-4 classes run as normal
• Students have an extended lunch
• There will be stalls selling a variety of food, with profits going to our charities
• Students have the opportunity to purchase food tokens in the lead up to and on the day
• The canteen will also be open with a limited menu
• There will be lots of free activities during the extended lunchtime, including: musical acts, golf, handball competition, football longest kick competition, and Mario Cart contests, along with a sponge throwing event
• The day will conclude with a whole school assembly and the drawing of the Founders’ Day Giant Raffle

Founders’ Day food options 

Vinnies Hampers

At the end of 2022, St Patrick’s College was involved in the Vinnies Christmas hamper program, with families asked to make donations. Our contribution was combined with all other donations from schools in the north, enabling Vinnies to provide 350 hampers to 280 families in our region - helping around 850 people have a special Christmas. Thank you so much for your generous support!

A number of our students were involved in the packing and distribution of these hampers, giving up their own time at the beginning of the Christmas holidays. These wonderful students had the opportunity to meet with and assist many members of the community. Thank you to Emily Reardon, Sophie Reardon, Amelia Mason, Charlotte Cox, Xavier Duffy, Ava Lockwood-Roden, Gabriella Smith, Owen Millar, Olivia Brown, Grace Campbell, Jaime Jones, and Charlotte Brunning for your time and compassion.

Without the participation of St Patrick’s College, Vinnies would not be able to provide this level of assistance to our community. This support helps the Society tremendously and makes a huge difference to those most at risk.

St Patrick’s College is supporting the Vinnies 2024 Christmas hamper program, with students across each Tutor invited to contribute to Christmas Treats Bags (see table below). Your child’s Tutor will communicate more details about this over the coming weeks.

Click Here to read the full ParishBulletin

Youth Group

Looking for something fun to do on a Thursday night? Come along to Youth Group for some music, sport, adventures, social work, good conversations, faith and just a fantastic time together. Run by Fr Chatty, sessions occur on the second and fourth Thursday evenings during term time. 

Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Location: St Ailbe's Hall, 46 Margaret Street

Open for all young people from Years 5 to 12, come give it a try!

Young Adults Group

Run by Fr Chatty, Young Adults Group sessions run every second and fourth Sunday at 12:00pm, at the Pastoral Centre. 

For further enquiries, please contact Fr Chatty on 0469 661 578

By Mrs Alanna Stretton, Deputy Principal – Learning & Achievement

We are thrilled to share details regarding our students' performance in the recent NAPLAN tests. Our school has achieved some impressive results, showcasing the dedication of our students and teachers. The results paint a picture of excellence and growth.

There were a few changes to the NAPLAN test in 2023. These changes included:

• The test was held in March instead of May.
• Results are now reported against four levels of achievement, not the previous 10 'proficiency bands'. The four levels of achievement are exceeding, strong, developing and needs additional support.

These can be defined as:

• Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing. 
• Strong: the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing. 
• Developing: the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
• Needs additional support: the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes that are expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.

Year 7 NAPLAN

In Year 7, many of our students showcased their potential. In numeracy and reading, our students' performance was not only impressive but also closely aligned with similar schools. This demonstrates that our commitment to building strong foundational skills in our primary schools is paying off, with only a slight 0.6% difference compared to similar schools. While we are proud of this achievement, it is important to highlight that we have surpassed Tasmanian schools by an astounding 13.6% in numeracy and reading. Our students' reading performance, in particular, stands out with a remarkable 6.1% lead over Australian Schools.

Year 7 writing and spelling results reveal an encouraging trend. Our students outshone Tasmanian schools by 6.4% in writing and an impressive 13.8% in spelling. These results underscore the nurturing environment we provide for developing strong literacy skills.

In addition, our students' performance in Grammar and Punctuation, while slightly below Similar Schools, surpassed Tasmanian schools by a substantial 7.6%, demonstrating our students' ability to compete at a high level.

Year 9 NAPLAN

As we move to Year 9, the achievements of our students become even more pronounced. In numeracy and reading, our students have outperformed Similar Schools by a significant margin of 11.6% and 9.5%, respectively. These results reflect their strong mathematical and reading abilities, setting a high standard for excellence.

In writing and spelling, our Year 9 students have once again excelled. Their writing skills are 13.1% ahead of Similar Schools, showcasing their ability to communicate effectively and persuasively. In spelling, they continue to shine with a 4.5% lead over Similar Schools, demonstrating their mastery of language.

Also their grammar and punctuation results are nothing short of exceptional, with an outstanding 14.8% lead over Tasmanian schools and a remarkable 4.5% lead over Australian schools. These results reflect not only their knowledge but also their dedication to achieving excellence in every aspect of their education.

Data was also released regarding the gains made by our Year 9 students. This data demonstrated strong growth compared to students from Similar Schools and Tasmania across all tests.

Celebrating Excellence and Commitment

These outstanding results are a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students, the expertise of our teachers, and the support of our parents and guardians. We are immensely proud of our students' accomplishments, which highlight their academic prowess and determination to succeed.

As we celebrate these achievements, we also acknowledge that they provide a solid foundation for our students' future endeavors. These results are not just numbers; they represent the bright futures our students are carving for themselves.

We do acknowledge however that some students have not reached the new NAPLAN benchmark and we will work with these students to improve in the areas identified by the NAPLAN testing as they continue their journey through the College.

For our Year 7 students the challenge is to build on these solid foundations and put the students into a position to demonstrate solid gains in all areas when they are tested again in 2025.

The table below shows the difference between SPC and Tasmanian results. 

By Mrs Lindsey Hills, Director of Curriculum - Senior School 

The TASC end of year external assessment dates, including the exam timetable, have now been published. This can be accessed via the links below. 

• 2023 written exam timetable
• 2023 folio, oral, practical and display external assessment dates and the Student Folio Declaration Information Sheet
• 2023 language and English oral schedule
• 2023 practical exam timetables – practical assessment times for each school

Students will receive their copy of the 2023 TASC Student Exam Guide in our exam assembly at the beginning of Term 4. This contains key information about the exams including appropriate conduct and what to do in the event of illness/emergency during the exam period. 

Students also receive a Notice of External Assessment (NoE) (aka their ‘pink slip’ as it is printed on pink paper) which details their enrolments, and where and when they sit their exams. More information about the exams is available at Preparing for Exams on the TASC website. 

Students are also able to locate SPC specific information about the exams on their Year Level Schoolbox page. This includes a Q&A and resources on study planning, memory techniques, exam tips and strategies, dealing with exam stress and time management/procrastination. 

TASC has also provided some resources that may be of value to students: Exam-ready Study Tips, Managing Exam Stress, Tips for Staying CALM during Exams and Exam Rules – A Student Guide. 

In preparing for their final assessments Year 11 and 12 students have also been briefed on how their final internal marks are determined, re-testing against criteria to demonstrate improved learning, where to find course information about final awards and how to review internal marks if required. Students should speak with their teachers about their final grades and how they can best prepare for their external assessments. Year 10 Maths Methods students will also be provided with information about the exams in the final weeks of this term. 

More information about the end of year exams, tutorials with teachers in the lead up to exams, and final internal mark sign offs will be available in the coming weeks. 

By Mr Shon Mountney, Head of Learning - HASS (9-12)

Year 10 Geography Excursion to Hollybank Forest Reserve

As part of our commitment to providing enriching educational opportunities for our students, we are thrilled to share details about the recent Year 10 Geography excursion to Hollybank Forest Reserve. This immersive experience allowed our students to delve into the world of forest management and sustainability.

Under the guidance of experts from the Forest Education Foundation, our Year 10 students had the unique opportunity to learn about the importance of forest management. Throughout the day, our students were introduced to the concept of sustainability and the three interconnected 'pillars' - environment, economics, and society/culture.

Equipped with their newfound knowledge, students embarked on a mission to collect data at various sites around Hollybank Forest Reserve. From measuring tree diversity and density to analysing abiotic conditions, our students actively engaged in hands-on activities that deepened their understanding of environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, the excursion served as an important component of their Year 10 Australian Curriculum Geography assessment. Students were challenged to apply their knowledge and understanding to reflect on future management strategies for Hollybank, ensuring they incorporated the pillars of sustainability. This hypothetical task not only fosters critical thinking skills but also empowered our students to become active participants in shaping a sustainable future.

The Year 10 Geography excursion to Hollybank Forest Reserve was not just a excursion, but an invaluable learning experience. By immersing themselves in the rich natural environment and collaborating with experts, our students were able to contextualise their classroom knowledge and witness firsthand the relevance of geography in the real world.

We are immensely proud of our Year 10 students' enthusiasm and engagement throughout this excursion. Their outstanding efforts in data collection and analysis demonstrated their commitment to becoming responsible and informed citizens who actively contribute to sustainable practices.

As a school community, we value such opportunities that enable our students to explore, learn, and shape a better future. We extend our gratitude to the Forest Education Foundation for their expertise and support in making this excursion a resounding success.

St Patrick's College Triumphs in the Australian Geography Competition

The students of St Patrick's College have once again showcased their exceptional talents and knowledge in the recent Australian Geography Competition. With participants from all year groups, the College emerged as the top-performing school in Tasmania, proving students' commitment to excellence in geography. 

Year 11 student, Otto Middleton, has earned the grand prize of a trip to Darwin to participate in the prestigious Geography Big Week Out. This opportunity will enable Otto to broaden his knowledge and experiences, engaging with experts in the field and gaining a deeper understanding of Australia's intricate geography. 

Stephanie Gardner, deserves special recognition for her exceptional performance finishing in the top 1% nationwide. This is an outstanding accomplishment, highlighting Stephanie's profound understanding of the subject and her dedication to academic excellence. 

Well done Stephanie and Otto!

The achievements of our students in the Australian Geography Competition demonstrate the commitment to educational excellence at St Patrick's College. We extend our warmest congratulations to all participants for their hard work and achievements. Through our dedicated teachers, we remain committed to nurturing a love for geography and providing opportunities for our students to thrive and excel in this important field of study.

Mr Simon Austen, Head of School – Middle School

Boys @ Work

On Tuesday, 29 August, the Middle School hosted the annual Boys @ Work event at the College. The title of the event symbolises both how our Year 7 and 8 boys themselves are a work in progress as they journey into young adulthood, but also described what the night was about, working and doing things. 

Thirty young men, accompanied by a significant male in their lives, embarked on an evening filled with opportunities to connect, communicate and spend quality time together. The boys and their significant male figures put their skills to the test and built a range of items, completed trust activities, and participated in a drumming rhythm workshop. 

A big thank you to Nate who taught the participants the power of rhythm in helping express feelings and reduce stress. Watching the boys and men create their own rhythms and hearing the bellowing sounds of the drums was truly inspiring. 

It was wonderful to witness the beautiful moments of teamwork, perseverance and boys being supported by their role models. In a world full of influences and distractions, the role of significant male figures in a young boy's life cannot be underestimated. These mentors, whether fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, teachers, or coaches, play a crucial role in shaping the character, values, and aspirations of the boys they interact with. 

A big thank you to the significant males who came along and supported our Middle School students. A special mention must also go to Mr Jonathan Ray and the VET Hospitality students for the amazing supper provided, the male staff members who assisted throughout the evening, and the Student Executive representatives. 

Items for Sale

As a result of the evening, the College has a number of wheelbarrows and 2x3 cube storage units for sale. Money raised from the items will be donated to the JCP Youth Beast Program. Beast is a responsive, outreach mentorship program for at-risk and vulnerable young people in Tasmania, founded by former College Captain, Will Smith.

If you would like to purchase an item, please complete the following form (https://stpatricks.co/45qXO9V) and a member of the Middle School Leadership team will be in touch. 

Tas Police Cyber Safety Workshop

On Thursday, August 24, our Year 7 students attended a Cyber safety presentation by Constable Annabel Shegog from Tasmania Police. This has been an annual event for Middle School students for the past five years as part of the BeSPC curriculum. 

This presentation included information predominantly focussing on the safe use of phones and social media, but also importantly covered the laws pertaining to these areas. 

Firstly, students were reminded and informed of ensuring they are safe by correctly managing their privacy settings on mobile phones and social media accounts. This included making sure their accounts are set to private so that they are better protected from hackers and any requests from people who they do not know. Furthermore, in any situation where young people receive nasty, abusive or unwanted messages from people, they should block the person and report it both to the social media site, a trusted adult and the eSafety Commissioner. 

Constable Shegog spoke about the legal guidelines around sharing of images. That is, she highlighted that possessing and/or sharing of nude or semi-nude images of a person under the age of 18 is against the law. Tasmania Police advised that if a person receives an image of this nature, they should delete it and NOT share it with anyone else. Similarly, if anyone is sent requests for images, they should ignore, block and report that person immediately. 

In addition to this, sharing of images or videos of members of our St Patrick's College community (staff and students) is a breach of that person’s privacy as well as the College's ICT code of conduct. These are school related matters and should be reported to College leadership. 

The most important message given was how students can stay safe, seek help, and report inappropriate behaviour or content that occurs via social media. 

Some key tips included:

• Ensure privacy settings are reviewed regularly
• Only accept friend requests or invites into groups from people who you know well enough to have a face to face conversation with
• Think twice before posting and responding
• Ignore and block 
• Report to the social media site
• Report to the eSafety Commissioner (they work with police to investigate and remove abusive posts and inappropriate images)
• Follow the Be Share Aware guidelines:
  • Appropriate - is the information/image appropriate?
  • Who - who is it from, do I know them?
  • Accurate - is the information accurate or am I just sharing other people's opinions?
  • Respectful - is it respectful?
  • Environment - are there clues in the environment that tell me if the image/information is real or not?

Please continue to have conversations with your children about these issues. We certainly encourage you to regularly monitor their phone use and social media accounts. Setting clear boundaries about when and where they can use their phones and devices is essential to supporting your children with the safe use of technology. 

Contacts and Resources

The eSafety Commissioner - https://www.esafety.gov.au/ 
Tasmania Police - https://www.police.tas.gov.au/ or Phone 131 444 (for non-emergencies)

Harry French recently competed in the Gymnastics Tasmanian State Championships and came first overall, making him a state champion for MAG Level 3. Harry came 1st in parallel bars, 1st in high bar, 2nd in floor, 2nd in vault, 3rd in rings and 1st overall.

Ethan Chapple has been selected to represent Tasmania in the U14 Basketball Club Championships in Casey, Victoria.

Benjamin Hay was awarded runner up in the best and fairest for the Launceston Football Club U14 Division 2.

Leigh Coker was awarded both the Northern Hockey League U16 Boys Best and Fairest and Northern Hockey League U16 Boys Top Goal Scorer at the Northern Hockey League awards last weekend.

We congratulate our students on their wonderful achievements!

By Ms Jodie White, Future Pathways Coordinator

Tasmanian Building Group Apprenticeship Scheme – TasBGAS  

Year 12 UTAS SRP APPLICATIONS – APPLY NOW

Last week, 109 Year 12 students received guaranteed UTAS offers for study in 2024, with more students to receive offers at the end of September when Round Two admissions conclude. Applications are still open until October 6, and we strongly encourage Year 12 students to take advantage of this program.

Open Days

UTAS OPEN DAY - Launceston

UTAS Open Days are a great way to explore campuses and get a taste of life at the University of Tasmania. The events are packed with exciting hands-on activities, demonstrations, delicious food, live music and more. It’s also a great opportunity to hear all about the courses available, career pathways, accommodation, scholarships, social clubs, and sporting teams directly from their expert students and teaching staff.

UTAS will offer a free shuttle bus to drop attendees off at other specialised education centres such as the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in Newnham on the day. 

Date: Sunday 1 October 
Time: 10am-2pm Location: Inveresk Campus

If you would like to attend an Open Day, please register your interest here.

OPEN DAY - Jane Franklin Hall Residential College – Hobart

Enrolments are now open on their website https://jane.edu.au/

2024 Jane Franklin Hall Scholarships Now Open

Jane Franklin Hall wishes to advise they now have three new scholarships on offer for 2024. With a combined value of $100,000 the new scholarships are:

Scholarship in Health Sciences: Worth $15,000 for three years, equalling $45,000 

Dr Karla Fenton OAM Scholarship in Medicine: Worth $15,000 for three years, equalling $45,000

Marcus Freeman Scholarship in Business: Worth $10,000 for one year

All three are open to all Australian residents and are provided as a remission of fees.

On top of that, they have increased the amount for the Jane Community Scholarships from $9,000 per year to $10,000 per year for up to three years, equalling $30,000. This will be awarded for 2024 to two Tasmanian Year 12 students.

Information as well as application forms are available on their website at https://jane.edu.au/fees-scholarships/scholarships/  

Mainland University Applications Now Open For 2023

To apply to mainland universities, you need to apply in the state where you want to go to university – NOT in the state where you live. 

For mainland university applications, you need to go through a University Admissions Centre for each state and make an account before you apply. There are one off application fees for each Central Admissions Centre which vary from each state.

The good news is that applying in more states can INCREASE your chances of getting a place, because you can nominate the maximum number of preferences in each state. This is particularly important if you’re considering a competitive course, like medicine or law.

Mainland School Recommendations/Early Offers – Apply directly to universities BUT you are still required to create an account at specific University Admissions Centres for each state. Check prerequisites, entry requirements and closing dates as they all differ. 

Resources – The Good Universities Guide, The Good Careers Guide and Course Seeker

Rotary Club of Deloraine Tertiary Scholarship

Employment Opportunities - Service Technician Midland Tractors

Employment Opportunities - Statewide Independent Wholesalers

Tasmanian State Service - School-based Traineeship 

Applications for School-based Traineeship roles in the Tasmanian State Service are now open for students who will be studying in Year 11 or 12 in 2024. There are 14 traineeships available, set to commence in early 2024. These traineeships cover various fields, including business administration, ICT, visitor services, laboratory services, and animal care. Please explore all the available traineeships here.

Please note: of these traineeships, only one is based in Launceston at Mt Pleasant, while the remainder are located in Hobart.

What is an Australian School-based Traineeship?

An Australian School-based Traineeship in the TSS allows Year 11 and 12 students to:

• Continue attending school.
• Work 1 to 2 days a week in the TSS.
• Earn money.
• Undertake a nationally recognised qualification, typically at the Certificate II or III level.

For more information about the TSS program, including its operation, the application process, frequently asked questions, and videos showcasing previous traineeships, please visit the Tasmanian Government Jobs website at https://www.jobs.tas.gov.au/school_based_traineeships

Who should consider applying?

School-based Traineeships are open to students who will be in Year 11 or 12 in 2024 and who are interested in acquiring valuable, paid employment alongside a qualification offered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

A School-based Traineeship is advantageous for any student, and we have already witnessed the program's significant success. It has not only directly contributed to increased employment opportunities but has also inspired students to pursue further education or careers aligned with their chosen pathway.

What steps should you take?

Details of the available traineeships are listed here.

The job advertisement to apply for a traineeship can be viewed here.

Applications will remain open until September 30, 2023. 

By Maggie Hodgman

A few weeks ago, selected contemporary music students had the privilege of working with the super-talented Michael Dolce, a guitarist from The Voice Australia. Michael imparted a crucial lesson to the bands: when covering a song, you must fully immerse yourself and make it your own. It's not just about faithfully playing your part to make it sound good; it's about truly owning it and infusing your unique style to make it stand out.

During his time with us, Michael also conducted two masterclasses. He delved into the significance of scales in improvisation within a song. Furthermore, he emphasized that even simplicity can result in a phenomenal musical composition. Overall, it was an incredibly enjoyable day that prepared us for the Rock Challenge and future events.

By Ross Clippindale

On the August 4, 12 students travelled to Hobart to experience the music opportunities available in Tasmania. This included Frying Pan Studios, located at the Museum of Old and New Art, and the Hedberg Performing Arts Precinct, which showcased the University of Tasmania’s music courses and studio. 

Our first stop was Frying Pan Studios which is a professional recording studio with excellent equipment and technicians. We were given a tour of the studio and then the opportunity to ask questions and play the studio's collection of high-end instruments. 

We then travelled to the Hedberg where we were greeted with a tour of the facility and a concert, performed by UTAS students and a national act. We then boarded the bus and returned to the College with a stop at Mood Food on the way. This trip provided a firsthand experience to view professional artists and possible pathways to continue our studies of music after our time at the College. A huge thank you to Mr Wadley and all the other staff members who were involved in organising this trip.

Ms Rachael Holloway, Head of School – Senior School

Now in its 15th year, our Year 12 students showed amazing camaraderie as they walked, ran, swam, and rode for 24 hours for Lap It Up XV on Thursday, 31 August to Friday, 1 September. And after the very wet and muddy LIU XIV, it was wonderful to experience such mild weather.

There were many weary bodies as they came together for the final hour, but we could not be more proud of them, raising over $23,000 for Mary MacKillop Today, Karinya, Magnolia House, St Vincent de Paul, Edmund Rice Camps, and Strike It Out.

Thank you to Kirsten Ritchie, of Strike It Out, who spoke to our Year 12 students about the direct impact their funds would have, during Everybody Hour 2 on the Thursday night.

Congratulations to the winners of the House Cup, MacKillop More, who raised an average of $290 per person. And a massive shout out to our Eyles-Jackson 500 Challenge recipients, who each raised over $500 individually: Jorjah Bailey, Isabella Berry, Jayden Donovan, Shannon Kelly, Emma McLeod, Amelia Saunders, Elyse Sharpe, Scarlett Thomas, Kaleb Watts, Emily Watts-Heazlewood and Imogen Williams.

We would like to thank the following business sponsors and donors for their support of Lap It Up XV:

With the COVID-19 risk recently raised to a moderate level, we encourage parents/guardians to collect RATs from our main campus Reception for your family. These will be available until our stock runs out. Stock will not be replenished.

Please note Croagh Patrick Reception does not have any stock.

Our Principal, Mrs Liz Illingworth, has decided to shave her head for Bandanna Day upon reaching her fundraising goal of $3000.

Any support is greatly appreciated, and we encourage our community to donate to this fantastic cause if they are able to. Donations can be made by using the link: https://www.bandannaday.org.au/s/278/16921 

St Patrick’s College Uniform Store will close on Thursday, 28 September 2023 at 4:00pm for the school holidays. It will re-open on Monday, 16 October, at 9:00am 2023. 

Extended Trading Hours

Monday 16 October 2023: 9.00 am - 3.00 pm

Normal Trading hours

The uniform store will return to normal trading hours from Tuesday, 17 October 2023.

Tuesday: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Wednesday: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Thursday: 8:00am - 4:00pm

You are welcome to purchase from the online Uniform Store at your convenience. Your order will be filled when the Store is next open. 

For online orders: Log onto www.midford.com.au and use the passphrase: SPC1873

Please find attached additional important information about Metro Tasmania’s timetable changes for St Patrick’s College at the start of term 4.  

The College is currently developing classes for 2024. As part of the planning process, we ask that families notify the College if their child(ren), in Years 7-11, are not returning. This may be because they are transitioning to another educational institution or a workplace. This notification is required by Friday 22 September 2023. If notification is not received by this date, the 10-week late notification fee (as noted in the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment) will be imposed unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as students leaving for full-time employment. Waiving this late fee will be approved at the discretion of the Principal. 

Notification Form: https://stpatricks.co/3ODDrPT

A response is only required if your child is not returning to St Patrick’s College in 2023. The enrolment of students continuing at St Patrick’s College next year will be progressed automatically. We do, however, request you read the College’s Terms and Conditions of Enrolment and Student Health and Safety Agreement to ensure you remain familiar with these important documents. 

Please find the links to these documents below. 

Terms of Enrolment: https://stpatricks.co/3o2CRz1

Health and Safety Agreement: https://stpatricks.co/21HaSA

R U OK? Day 

R U OK? is a public health promotion charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives.

On Thursday, 14 September, St Patrick's College dedicated a day to inspire and empower our staff and students to meaningfully connect with people around them, by asking the simple question of 'Are you OK?'. We gathered together during the day with several activities to equip our staff and students with the correct strategies.

The work of this organisation focuses on building the motivation, confidence and skills of the help-giver – the person who can have a meaningful conversation with someone who is struggling with life.

Students were encouraged that if they have a feeling that someone they know or care about isn’t behaving as they normally would, that they should trust that gut instinct and act on it.

By Mr Harri O'Toole, Sports Coordinator

Soccer

Senior Soccer – 1sts

Girls - Semi-final vs LCS @ SPC - September 6

In a thrilling showdown, our Senior Girls faced LCS in the semi-final, right here at SPC on September, 6. Despite a great effort, our girls succumbed to a 2-0 defeat. The match witnessed several exciting moments, especially in the first half, with players such as Grace Wood and Estelle Tomkinson leading the charge. Despite the challenging opposition, our girls showcased their fighting spirit throughout the match.

The standout performer of the day was defender, Isabella Taylor, who displayed remarkable ballwork and distribution skills. Although the result didn't go our way, the team's determination and effort were truly commendable.

Boys - Semi final vs SOC @ SPC  - September 6
In a highly competitive match, the Senior 1sts faced SOC in the semi-final, hosted here at SPC. Our team emerged victorious with a convincing 4-1 scoreline. SPC controlled the game for the most part, showcasing excellent periods of possession. What stood out was the team's collective effort, with four different players scoring. Now, our focus shifts to the upcoming clash against Grammar, where we aim to rectify last year's final defeat.

NSATIS 1st Boys final will be held here @ SPC on September 20.

Senior Soccer – 2nds

SPC Gold vs. Grammar @ Faulkner Park 

In an anticipated showdown, SPC Gold took on Grammar at Faulkner Park. Early on, SPC faced difficulties finding structure through the middle, allowing Grammar to create promising opportunities. However, our determined defense and brave goalkeeping efforts kept Grammar to just a 1-0 lead going into the second half.

After regrouping during halftime, SPC found their stride, displaying improved structure and quality passages of play. Although we struggled to find the decisive final ball, our relentless effort paid off. Despite being two goals down with 30 minutes left, SPC Gold mounted a spirited comeback, dominating the heavily guarded Grammar defense. Maxx Rawlings displayed exceptional individual skill, winning and converting a penalty. Unbelievable goalkeeping from Tom Allen saw him take out the best on ground title. Unfortunately, despite the late surge, we couldn't find the second goal to force extra time.

Football 

Last Thursday, our Year 8 girls, who were placed fourth, faced LCGS in a semi-final. LCGS had narrowly defeated them the previous week. In an impressive upset, our girls secured a victory, earning a place in the Grand Final against Brooks High School.

Unfortunately, our Year 8 boys, due to a lack of games played, didn't make the finals. However, they are still gearing up for exciting matches against St Brendan Shaw College (winners of the North West competition) and Mackillop College (winners of the SSATIS competition).

NSATIS Netball 

Monday evening (11 September) witnessed a thrilling lineup of NSATIS Netball Grand Finals right here at SPC, featuring our 1sts and 2nds Green and Gold teams.

1sts
In a highly-anticipated match against LCS, our 1sts got off to a strong start, leading 15-5 at the end of the first quarter. Coach Jacinta Siemoni and Manager Amy Soule provided crucial motivation to maintain the momentum. SPC continued to assert their dominance, ultimately clinching an impressive 44-30 victory, marking their eighth consecutive championship win. Asha Lowe's outstanding performance as wing defense earnt her the player of the match title.

2nds 
In an exciting rematch from Round 5, SPC Gold faced off against SPC Green. This time, SPC Gold emerged victorious with a score of 27-19. Ally Wilson's exceptional goal-shooting ability played a pivotal role in securing SPC Gold's victory, earning her the player of the match award.

These exceptional games were played in great spirit, marking a high note in the NSATIS season. Congratulations to all teams for their outstanding performances, and we eagerly anticipate seeing our 1sts Girls compete in the SATIS Championships on Monday, the 18, here at SPC.

Volleyball 

It was an action-packed week in Volleyball, with both our Senior Boys and Junior Mixed teams showcasing their skills and determination.

Senior Boys Results - September 11
Our Senior Boys gave a fantastic performance, with SPC Green triumphing over Marist and Marist managing to secure a victory against SPC Gold.

SPC Green vs. Marist

Sets: SPC Green 2 - 0 Marist

• Set 1: SPC Green 25 - 22 Marist
• Set 2: SPC Green 25 - 14 Marist

Total Points: SPC Green 50 - 36 Marist

 SPC Gold vs. Marist 

Sets: Marist 2 - 0 SPC Gold

• Set 1: Marist 25 - 16 SPC Gold
• Set 2: Marist 25 - 22 SPC Gold

Total Points: Marist 50 - 38 SPC Gold

Junior Mixed Results - September 12
In the Junior Mixed category, SPC Gold dominated the semi-finals, securing a decisive win against SOC Navy. Their impeccable skills and unity on the court were commendable.

SPC Gold vs. SOC Navy (Semi Final)

Sets: SPC Gold 2 - 0 SOC Navy

• Set 1: SPC Gold 25 - 16 SOC Navy
• Set 2: SPC Gold 25 - 11 SOC Navy

Total Points: SPC Gold 50 - 27 SOC Navy

We would like to congratulate all our players for their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship. These results reflect the effort and commitment they have put into their training and matches.

Hockey 

Congratulations to our U16 Hockey Girls for their outstanding performance at the Finals on Friday 1, September. They showed true dedication, teamwork, and passion for the sport, and it paid off with a well deserved win.

Congratulations to the U16 Boys who also made the finals. Despite not being able to secure a win, they played an exceptional game.

Swimming 

Well done to all students who competed in the NSATIS and SATIS Swimming Carnivals over the past two weeks. They showed great determination and teamwork in and out of the pool.

NSATIS - Tuesday, 5 September
SPC took home two Shields for both Junior Boys and Girls, as well as Pennants for the U13 Girls, U13 Boys and U14 Girls.

SATIS - Wednesday, 13 September
SPC took home the shield for the Junior Girls division. They were also awarded a number of pennants, including U13 Girls, U13 Boys, U14 Girls and U15 Girls. 

Congratulations to all our swimmers for their outstanding achievements!

By Molly Spurway

The Future Sounds SPC Rock Challenge 2023 was absolutely amazing and inspiring. We truly impressed everyone with our performances at the Australian Italian Club. The atmosphere was lively, and the crowd was ecstatic to be there. I'm incredibly proud of everyone who had the courage to take the stage and showcase their talents.

None of this would have been possible without the support of everyone involved, especially Mr Wadley, Mr Harry Mills, Lukas Maric, our judges (Den, Rob Richards, Mr Casimir Douglas, Mrs Meredith Morrell and Cam Illingworth), as well as our supportive teachers, family, and friends.

A special thanks goes to Tim Broxton and his team for professionally recording the show in great detail. We are confident that the results will be of a very high standard, and we feel blessed to have the support of such amazing people.

Keep an eye out for the Year 7's bands – they are future superstars in the making!

By Elsie Wylie

During the week leading up to the Rock Challenge, the Junior bands from Years 7 and 8 had the opportunity to participate in an all-day mentoring session. This experience profoundly helped us polish our songs and ensure we were prepared for the Friday show. Not only did it prepare us for this event, but it also provided us with valuable tips for future performances.

Without the additional support, it would have been tough for us to perfect our songs. We all extend our gratitude to the SPC leaders for funding this fortunate and supportive opportunity. We hope to continue these mentoring workshops for future Rock Challenges and performances.

By Isabelle Whatley

Last Wednesday, September 6, those who qualified for the Rock Challenge Northern Heat had the opportunity to spend a day working on their songs with some incredible mentors, including Miss Denni Sulzberger, Mr Jo Bound, and Andrew Holt. Let's not forget Mr Alex Wadley and Mr Maurant, who were working alongside them. Together, they provided advice on all aspects of music production and performance, helping us to polish and perfect our work. We learnt how to leverage people's strengths to showcase our talents effectively.

Each mentor brought different but extremely beneficial advice, ranging from where to start when composing an original piece to recognising areas where changes could be made to enhance our work. They also offered helpful rehearsal tips to ensure we are fully prepared for the transition from the studio to the stage.