MSPC Newsletter - Term 4 Week 6, 11th November 2021
Principal
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
HSC EXAMS
Our Year 12 students began their final exams as Mount St Patrick Students this week. I believe that the stoic manner in which they have met every challenge this year will come to the fore and they will make the College, families and themselves proud.
INTEGRATED SPORT
In 2022 Tuesday will no longer be sports day for all students. The College is moving to a system of integrated sport, which is common in secondary schools across the Diocese. Students will no longer select their sports, rather they will follow a programmed sequence of activities.
The benefits include:
- better qualified instruction
- smaller groups for improved participation and engagement
- equity of access to activities and
- more time actually doing sport.
Practically it means that:
- Years 7 and 8 will have sport integrated into their timetable and allow smaller groups to access facilities and instruction
- Years 9 and 10 will have a designated sports day each.
- Year 11 will continue with a sports day once a cycle, while creating time for student wellbeing
- There will be one fee based on the cost of the sport for the year.
We believe that this model will provide more opportunities for students both in a wider range of activities and in developing skills and interest. Being active is one of the important habits that can help wellbeing and keep us healthy.
MASK SUPPLY AND WEAR
I wish to thank parents and students for reacting positively to my email requesting that students bring masks into the College. The compliance to this NSW government requirement has improved dramatically.
Paul Reidy
Principal
Assistant Principal - Mission
HSC EXAMS UNDERWAY
Year 12 have begun their long-awaited written examinations with aplomb. So far they have completed two English papers and Music 1 Aural Skills. Twelve Modern History students will complete their paper this afternoon from 1.55 to 5pm
in the Gilbey Hall. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Our retiring Leader of Evangelization, Mr Michael O’Donohue, prepared a fitting ceremony to honour those who have suffered or lost their lives as a consequence of war. He prepared a power point slide prayer/reflections which was
played in all classrooms at the end of Period 2 yesterday, culminating with a minute’s silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. We remembered College ex-students who have died in the service of their country. Lest We Forget.
Year 11 RRISK SEMINARS
Next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings all Year 11 students will have the opportunity to view 90 minute webinars prepared by very skilled and experienced presenters. In the past our students have attended the Murwillumbah
or Tweed Civic Centre for a day long presentation by the RRISK team, with students from other secondary schools, which helped the young people understand the consequences of risk-taking behavior and strategies to deal with them.
COVID-19 protocols have meant that this event has had to be modified for the past 2 years.
Mary-Anne McShane
Assistant Principal: Mission
Welfare
This fortnight's Wellbeing forcus for the week is Health & Strengths. The character strength is Love of Learning.
Below is a resource that as parents, may help us.
Louise Shields
Leader of Student Welfare
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
The term is flying past with all the students focussing on final assessments and finishing off a difficult year in the best way they can. For Year 12 the HSC has finally arrived and we were so proud to see the cohort, with face masks firmly attached enter the Gilbey centre to complete the English Examination on Tuesday 9th November. Looks of relief were evident as the students felt they were well prepared for the questions and were happy with their responses. They now continue on to the rest of their exams and in true Mt St Pat’s fashion just do their best under these difficult circumstances. Good Luck Year 12 the whole community is praying for you.
On Monday 1st November the staff were involved in a Development Day where we focussed on our School Improvement Goal for 2021 to improve student writing using the work of Lynn Sharratt. The staff learnt about the use of data to know where our students are in their learning and which students need assistance to grow. Staff constructed Data Walls which put faces on the data. In the afternoon our focus was on spirituality.
We are confident that this continuing work will help our students to grow in their learning.
Year 11 students have commenced their first term of their HSC courses. It is important that Year 11 maintain focus for this entire term and then enjoy a well- earned rest for the holidays. Their current studies are very important in preparing for the HSC. We look forward to Year 11 leading the College in 2022 and participating in all the fun activities that take place during year 12 without interruption!
Narelle Sherrah
Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching
Curriculum
Week 6 has finally heralded the start of the Higher School Certificate Examinations for Year 12. It has been a long and arduous journey but Year 12 has held up magnificently, despite the setbacks. Week 1 of the HSC will see the completion of; the two English exams, Music and Modern History. We are very proud of the efforts and resilience of our young men and women.
Years 7 and 10 have now completed their assessment block and Years 8 and 9 are completing theirs this week. Students have spent time consolidating their knowledge, skills and understanding of the challenging content and concepts they have studied. It is important that students carefully consider the feedback they receive from their teachers and be proactive in seeking advice on ways they can improve their learning.
A reminder that should a Year 10, 11 or 12 student be ill during an assessment or examination, they are required to have a medical practitioner complete the MSPC Assessment Variation Application form. Students can access this on the Assessment Portal.
Assessment Term 4 - Weeks 7 and 8: The following table is an overview of assessments:
Jo McDonald
Leader of Curriculum
Faculty News
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
2022 SPORT DATES
I recently had the pleasure of reconnecting with the other 10 Sports Co-ordinators (via zoom of course) to plan the sporting year ahead. There was much optimism during the meeting and all expressed their collective excitement for the recommencement of such a vital aspect of many of our students schooling lives – sport. Of course, no one can predict the future and what it will bring but lets just hope that the worst is behind us and we can move forward and once again provide wonderful experiences away from the classroom for all our students to learn commitment, resilience, teamwork, communication, to be humble in victory and learn from defeat.
2022 INDIVIDUAL TOUCH FOOTBALL NOMINATIONS
Applications will open shortly for talented Touch Football players to apply to attend the Diocesan Trials in Coffs Harbour early next year. Trials will be held on Thursday 3rd March. Students MUST apply via the Lismore sports webpage: https://sport.lism.catholic.edu.au/?doing_wp_cron=1544140477.4038619995117187500000
Applications will open soon. So, if you are a talented Touch player making representative teams please fully complete one of the application forms for either the U15 or Open teams and submit. Applications will get sent to the coaches of the sides who will sift through all applications and invite a squad to the trial. Sports Co-ordinators will let you know if you have been successful in the process and then you will be asked to attend.
BOLT FOR GOLD TERM 4 CHALLENGE
When students returned from lockdown after successfully entering into the two Bolt for Gold challenges we set up during our time at home, there were many requests from both staff and students alike. Checking into this challenge there are some magnificent efforts from our students who have maintained their exercise. Staff also are getting a little competitive, so are some siblings!!!
Anyone is free to join if you would like to join the challenge. Just download the app. Set up your profile and tap the “school” tile to access the MSPC Challenge. Select a distance and off you go. There were Champion House points up for offer for the House group that accumulates the most distance. The Challenge will finish on 3rd December. Get out and get active. Chase your teachers and get in front of them for bragging rights in the classroom.
SWIMWEAR FOR T.R.A.C SESSIONS
Now that it has warmed up and we can participate in a somewhat normal version of sport under current guidelines, students in Years 7, 8 & 9 are on a rotational roster to attend the pool. This is a friendly reminder about the College’s swimwear policy. A picture below may say it more eloquently then me as to what is acceptable at school for boys and girls. Parents can you please be conscious of sending appropriate swimwear to swim sessions for the remainder of the year. Each year group will have 2 sessions. If you cannot follow the swimwear policy, please send along a rash shirt or oversized tee shirt to provide adequate sun protection. Thanks for your understanding.
Tim Whitney
Sports Coordinator
CAPA
KALEIDOSCOPE DANCE WORKSHOP
On Wednesday 3rd November 15 students participated in the Kaleidoscope Dance Workshop as part of the current co-curricular program running at the College.
‘Kaleidoscope’ is centred on the transformative potential involved in the art of storytelling. Focused on collaboration and enrichment, students will be challenged to expand their understanding of the creative process - drawing inspiration from the narrative, visual, instrumental and dramatic worlds.
The Project is called 'Kaleidoscope' because it is reminiscent of the toy whereby you look towards rays of sunlight and experience the wonder of the colours, reflections and patterns changing before your eyes. ‘Kaleidoscope’ is a fitting metaphor for the project and our dancers focused on creating movement to the four elements (earth, water, fire and air).
It was a long day and the girls did the most fantastic job under the direction of both Miss Molloy and Georgia Baker, who is an ex-student of the College. The dancers managed to choreograph, learn and perform a 10 minute routine to music, which is quite a long dance. The performance is set to be performed at the Kaleidoscope showcase (date to be announced). Congratulations to Zatalia Gumm, Lara Wegemund (Year 11), Elsie Biles, Kloe Mills (Year 10), Sophie Haywood, Sarah Bowers (Year 9), Olivia Bagnall, Georgia Biskup, Kaulana O'Farrell-Carter, Arielle O'Leary-Hume, Eden Petrie, Elissa Hawkins, Erin Lanyon, Charli Riviere and Charlize Harper-Green (Year 7). There is certainly some amazing dance talent at the College and all our performers are to be congratulated for their huge effort and outstanding routine.
Miss Grace Molloy
Kaleidoscope Dance Teacher
College News
COMPASS AT MSPC IN 2022
This week at MSPC we have been discussing the elements of Compass an electronic administration system we are introducing in 2022; and therefore, what will be available to parents through the Parent Portal. Although Compass provides a wealth of options, we think the most important thing is to make the platform as practical as possible for parents, students and staff at Mt St Patrick College.
Our hope is to make the Parent Portal your one-stop link to everything at MSPC. The portal will allow parents to view calendars, reports and awards; view and pay for excursions and fees; access links to educational websites; notify the College of absences, and communicate efficiently with staff. In addition, many of the programs parents have become familiar with, such as Flexi-Schools, will remain in 2022, but will also now be accessible easily through the Parent Portal.
If you are interested in finding out more about Compass and the Parent Portal, please follow the link:
COMPASS - A Guide for Parents and Families
Ms Michelle Gill
SRT Leader
ST VINNIES CHRISTMAS APPEAL
This Christmas, the St Vincent de Paul Society has emphasised their need for the donation of cash and vouchers. This means there will be no donation boxes in Homerooms this year. Therefore, MSPC’s Vinnies group will be running two initiatives this term to gather money for the less fortunate in our community.
Throughout Weeks 6 and 7 lunchtimes, Candy Canes ($1) and Gingerbread Men ($2) will be available for purchase in the Canteen Basement. Students can share good wishes and Christmas cheer by buying them for their friends. Vinnies members will then deliver the sweets to homerooms in Week 9.
Additionally, the infamous Coin Line will return this year, where MSPC Houses will be put head to head. Each House is designated a line in the Canteen Basement and the House with the longest line of coins' wins. This initiative will also run throughout Weeks 6 and 7. So, don’t forget to bring in those spare coins, 5c coins and all!!!
YEAR 12 FORMAL VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers needed - Bar & Cashiers for Year 12 Formal Friday 3 December 2021
Helpers required to set-up from 3:30 pm. Cashiers needed from 4:30 pm - EFTPOS machines & a ticket system will be used. Bar staff from 4:45 pm till late - must have a current RSA. Food and drinks will be provided for our volunteers. If you can help, please contact P&F Bar Coordinator, Mary-Ann Thackray, E| mary-ann.thackray@lism.
P & F MEETING
Save the Date - final P&F meeting for 2021 to be held Tuesday 16 November at 5:30 pm. Zoom link will be shared prior to the meeting date.
Puzzle Corner
Can you solve the puzzle below?
Aileen has $23 more than Bruce and Bruce has $18 less than Cheryl.
Emily has $12 more than Denis and Cheryl has $2 more than Emily.
Bruce and Emily have $40 between them.
How much money do they have in total?
If you think you have the solution, please see/email Mrs Bevan. The first 5 correct answers will receive a prize.
Last week’s solution : 19 (add the two previous numbers together)
Awards
CO-ORDINATOR'S, PRINCIPAL'S AND COLLEGE AWARDS
LISIEUX CO-ORDINATOR'S AWARDS
Year 7: Lucy Grant, Samuel Hynes
Year 8: Dallas Browning, Ella Cracknell, Ellody Doman, Sid Longhurst, Estella Wong
Year 9: Austen Capner, Madeleine Holliday
LISIEUX PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS
Year 7: Samuel Hynes
Year 8: Ella Cracknell, Sid Longhurst
LORETO CO-ORDINATOR'S AWARDS
Year 8: Kiani Byrnes, Charlotte Kilgariff, Honey Royle, Trisha Sharma
Year 9: Cailey Baker, Saskia Gray, Chloe Martin, Ruby Trueman
Year 10: Dylan Gale
LORETO PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS
Year 9: Saskia Gray, Chloe Martin
LORETO COLLEGE AWARDS
Year 9: Chloe Martin
LUCAN CO-ORDINATOR'S AWARDS
Year 7: Hunter Chapman, Brayden Drabowicz, Xavier Elliott, Grace Johnston, Luke Leach, Milana Mutton, Arielle O'Leary-Hume, Samantha Zambelli
Year 8: Ewan Bourne, Jai Brennan, Bailey Buchanan, Amelia Carr, Kayla Cotelli, Sophie Forsyth, Oscar Stevens,
Year 9: Kai Mumford
Year 10: Amaya Scard
LUCAN PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS
Year 7: Arielle O'Leary-Hume, Luke Leach
Year 8: Bailey Buchanan, Kayla Cotelli
LUCAN COLLEGE AWARDS
Year 8: Kayla Cotelli
NAGLE CO-ORDINATOR'S AWARDS
Year 7: Matilda Dunnachie, Abigail Gilson, Tien Hogan, Erin Lanyon, Cooper Leeson, Arturo Molinari, Liam Thomas, Ryan York
Year 8: Jackson Annarino, Maya Howard, Felix Morin-Graue
Year 9: Jacob Lanyon
NAGLE PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS
Year 7: Erin Lanyon, Cooper Leeson,Liam Thomas
Year 8: Felix Morin-Graue
Year 9: Jacob Lanyon
NAGLE COLLEGE AWARDS
Year 8: Felix Morin-Graue
Canteen Roster
The following roster will only come into affect if restrictions remain lifted. If we are in lockdown due to COVID 19 and restrictions are in place then no volunteers will be permitted onsite until further notice. Thank you for you support.
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