MSPC Newsletter - Term 3 Week 10, 23rd September 2022
Principal
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
A Normal Graduation!
I am touching a large piece of wood as I type this, but it looks like we will be having a normal graduation for Year 12. I have not seen this at Mount St Patrick as COVID has forced us to make changes over the last two years. Ms McShane has been running Singing Practice, which in the beginning sounded like we very much needed the practice, but is on the improve. Singing hymns as a Year 9 does not sound like much fun, but for the Year 12 graduates it makes the day special. Hopefully, we can make their day something to remember.
I am always very grateful for the ongoing support of the Sacred Heart Parish and Father Peter Wood and Mary-Ann Thackray have been very accommodating in changing the day from Thursday to Wednesday due to the National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II. Our church is such a special place to celebrate together and we are grateful for their assistance.
The rest of the school formed a Guard of Honour for Year 12 on Tuesday afternoon as they wound their way through the College to their homerooms for the last time. It was a lovely moment and their final preparation for Graduation Day. We wish them well for their HSC examinations and will give them their final farewell at the Formal on 11th November.
Term 4 Planning
To assist with your planning, here are some key dates for 2022
- Monday 10th October - School resumes for Year 7 – 11 students (Day 11)
- Wednesday 12th October – HSC Examinations begin in the Gilbey
- Friday 21st October - Staff Development - Focus on School Improvement
- Wednesday 14th December - Student Presentation
- Friday 16th December - Final Day for Students
Final Thought
This is part of my graduation address to Year 12 and relates to our 2022 theme of choose hope.
The American poet Emily Dickinson wrote that:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all.
In the poem, we are reminded of the power of optimism, that it is always present within us, even in the darkest of times and doesn’t ask anything of us. We need to give it the opportunity to move us, to motivate and lift us. That requires space and stillness, something that prayer offers. I hope that you will find that the formation that has been given to you through your years in Catholic education will be support for you as you move through life.
Be the Good and God Bless,
Paul Reidy
Principal
Assistant Principal - Mission
PARISH PICNIC – SUNDAY 18th SEPTEMBER
Thanks to those families who attended the Sacred Heart Parish Picnic on the College grounds and Gilbey Basement last Sunday. The weather was beautiful, perfect for a picnic with tables in the shade.
YEAR 12 GRADUATION
What a wonderful day for students, staff and parents to farewell Year 12 2022. Wednesday 21st September was special – no rain, no COVID (that we know about!). Mass was a great celebration; the luncheon was delicious and the College Assembly was a fitting end to Year 12 Students’ days in the classroom.
TERM 4
Begins for all students Yea 7 – 11 on Monday 10th October which is Day 11 of the timetable. The HSC Examinations begin on Wednesday 12th October in the Gilbey Centre. Best wishes to everyone for a safe and relaxing break. ‘Choose Hope’.
Mary-Anne McShane
Assistant Principal: Mission
MINISTRY
CATCH THE WAVE 7/9
Well done to all Year 8 students for their excellent participation in their ‘Catch the Wave’ day on Wednesday 7th September. There was lots of fun had by all. Thanks to the ‘Wildfire’ band from Lismore for running the day. All Year 8 students have been emailed a google form in which they can submit their application to be considered to be part of the 2023 Year 9 Youth Ministry class. The Youth Ministry classes do a lot of extra ministry activities and run retreat days for primary schools as well as many other fun things! There are limited spaces so student need to submit their applications ASAP.
FESTA CHRISTI
Festa Christi is a gathering for selected Year 8 students from parish secondary schools in the north
of the Diocese, to celebrate their faith at a Diocesan level. The two-day retreat experience involves activities that focus on ‘walking in another person’s shoes’, having the opportunity to overcome fears and gaining a greater awareness of social justice. Festa Christi allows time for prayer and reflection and concludes with the celebration of the Eucharist. The program has been geared to meet the needs of Year 8 students.
The gathering will be an overnight experience which will allow relationships to be built with other students from throughout the Diocese, as well as a chance for students to talk and share about their faith journey.
What: Festa Christi – a youth gathering for students from every parish school in the northern region of the Diocese.
When: Thursday 3rd – Friday 4th November 2022
Where: PCYC Bornhoffen, Natural Bridge
Cost: Nil. All transport, food and accommodation expenses will be met by the Catholic Schools Office.
We can only offer a limited number of places (7 female students and 7 males students). Any student who would like to be considered is asked to write a brief statement supporting their nomination. Application forms can be collected from Miss Molloy or the YMOs. Attention should be given to the stated selection criteria. Nominations should be handed to Miss Molloy no later than Friday 14th October, the first Friday of Term 4.
IGNITE
Just a reminder that the Ignite Conference is taking place from the 23rd - 25th September (Friday-Sunday).
Students will depart from MSPC on Friday 23rd at 6:30am sharp. Students are asked to be outside the office at 6am to get the bus packed. We are scheduled to leave Brisbane on Sunday at 1:30pm. Students will advise parents on our ETA once we get on our way. If any students wish to be collected or dropped off at St Joseph’s College Banora Point, please email Miss Molloy with parental permission prior to Friday. Further details have been sent via email and compass. We wish these students an enjoyable few days. Thanks to Miss Molloy, Mrs Cripps and Mr Greshem for accompanying the students.
THANK YOU
A big thank you to all the Year 12 students who have participated in the many different ministry events throughout the years. It has been a pleasure to guide you all on your faith journey. A special thank you to our Ministers of Holy Communion, Alexandra Daley, Emma Loughman, Zatalia Gumm, Jordynne Ricciuti, Kimberly Scard, Miranda Larkin and Isabelle Logan. A special thank you also to all the Year 12 students who had a special roll in their graduation mass.
On behalf of the ministry team at MSPC, I wish you all the best on your next adventure and may God bless you all.
Thank you also to all students who have participated in the many wonderful ministry events this term. It's been fantastic!
We thank You Lord, for this term. For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt. Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.
Give us strength and courage to do what is right; to be witnesses of our faith. Help us to be a practical Christian these holidays, to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others, to be peacemakers in our family.
Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun. Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.
We thank You for our classmates, teachers, parents and a community that cares for us. May we always be conscious of You in our lives. Amen
Wishing you all a very safe and enjoyable holiday break!
Grace Molloy
Leader of Evangelisation
God bless
Grace Molloy
Leader of Evangelisation
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
As Year 12 2022 graduated from Mt St Patrick College on Wednesday 21st September I pondered on the achievements of this group. Over their six years at the College they experienced the highs and the lows of schooling. They were the Year 7 class of 2017 so experienced the devastation of the 2017 Cyclone Debbie Floods. They completed Year 10 and 11 during COVID 19 with all the challenges of remote learning. Then 2022 threw them more challenges with another year marred by floods, COVID and navigating the damage to the College. However, on Wednesday they were able to celebrate our first full graduation ceremony since 2019 and they did the College proud.
Congratulations Year 12 2022 for your attribute of resilience. I feel that you will go into the world equipped to take on any challenge that life throws at you and “Live life to the full”. Since the Trial Examinations year 12 have continued to work hard and complete their preparation for the HSC examinations whilst finishing their time at the College with some fun events. The highlight for me was seeing Year 12 lead the College at the Big Day Out fully dressed up as Pirates showing great school spirit and then giving the teachers a hiding in the Touch competition, regardless of my creative refereeing.
It's now time for Year 12 to settle into some good study habits and give it that last ditch effort to prepare for the examinations so that they get the benefit of all their hard work. Many Year 12 teachers have scheduled many tutorial sessions during the StuVac break and look forward to assisting students.
All the best
Narelle Sherrah
Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching
Curriculum
Students in Years 7 to 10 have been busy completing their last assessments for the term, while Year 11 have now completed their final exams for their HSC Preliminary courses.
In Week 10, Year 12 celebrated the end of their schooling with a variety of special occasions, including the presentation of Senior Honour Awards, Graduation Mass and Assembly. Our Year 12 and Year 11 Accelerated students have put in the hard yards and it is now time for them to take a breath before reigniting their sense of purpose to prepare for the HSC. Students are familiar with HSC procedures and can access important HSC information on the Year 12 page of the Assessment Portal. This information has also been emailed to students, parents and carers.
Below are some snaps taken around the college of students engaged in their learning.
I wish everyone an enjoyable and well earned break, and wish our Year 12 and Year 11 Accelerated students all the very best with their final HSC preparations.
Jo McDonald
Leader of Curriculum
Year 12 Entertainment
Year 11 Design and Technology
Music
Year 9 Food Technology
Year 8 Science
Year 7 Music
Faculty News
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
NRCC HOCKEY
Boys
On Tuesday 13th September, Mt St Patrick College sent two teams to the NRCC Hockey Championships at the Lismore Hockey Association Fields, Goonellabah. The boys team were quite excited about having an opportunity to play in a competitive carnival after missing out on the NSWCCC Championships in Bathurst earlier this year.
The team was a mixture of experienced players and some with limited opportunities to play prior to the tournament. Getting them to gel together would be a challenge, although their combined enthusiasm was sure to make that task easier. This certainly was displayed in the first game against St Joseph's College, Banora Point. The boys dominated play throughout the first half and were finally rewarded with a goal to take us into the halftime break at 1-0. The second half saw us add another goal late on, leaving us with a final score of 2-0.
The second game was against Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, Terranora. A solid performance from the boys saw us come away with another 2-0 win, meaning that the third game against a strong and undefeated Trinity Catholic College, Lismore would be a true test of character.
TCC were a much bigger and physical team than MSPC, so the boys were instructed to stick to teamwork, and remembering that skill was the key. In a very fast and furious game, a late goal from MSPC with 2 minutes to go saw us take out the match 1-0. With no break between this game and our next, against Woodlawn College, Lismore, the boys had to find something extra to get their breath back, and their focus. In what was a rather intense game, another late goal from MSPC saw us finish the game 1-0 winners, and NRCC Champions for 2022.
I am extremely proud of the way the boys came together and really competed as a team at this carnival, having never played, or trained, together before. They started to believe in their own ability after initially doubting how they would perform at this tournament.
The team was: Vann O’Keefe (Captain), Patrick Corby, Ty Loughman, Henry Irby, Elijah Byrnes, Zane Booth, Ned Rogers, Jack O’Shea, Tully Fitzpatrick, Simon Smith, Jake Shackell, Tex Mikkelsen, Will Malloy, Fin Kelly and Cooper McKnight.
Mr Hoy (Coach)
LISMORE DIOCESAN NETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
On Thursday 7th September a squad of 29 MSPC students, from Year 7 to Year 12, travelled to Port Macquarie for the Diocesan Netball Carnival. After two years of COVID restrictions and a cancelled NRCC Carnival in Term 1, it was wonderful to be back on the court. Jamie Howitt in Year 9 explained, “I had a great day and it was amazing to be able to meet different students from different schools on the court”. Each MSPC team represented the College with a positive mindset, teamwork and impressive skill. However, they should also be commended for their attitude and behaviour for the entire trip, which was outstanding.
The Junior, Intermediate and, particularly the Senior teams, were extremely competitive in each game they played across the carnival but unfortunately it wasn’t our day for a win. Despite the outcome, I think everybody would agree, it was a memorable experience.
Year 8 student Minnow Glynn reflected on her day, “Although we didn't win all our games, our team definitely worked really hard when playing and all of us got to know each other better over the course of the carnival and really enjoyed it. We all cooperated and worked together as a team and I'm sure all of us are so grateful that the school gave us this great opportunity.”
A highlight of the day was the final senior game, where the Year 12 students took to the court in the last half to enjoy their last College carnival experience. Congratulations to this team for the way that they supported each other, worked as a team and put on a great display of Netball skills. Thank you to the Year 11 players who supported the Year 12s in their last Netball carnival. An extra thanks to those girls who have taken up every opportunity to play in a college Netball team during their six years - Lucy Jones, Abbey Bevan, Jessica Johnson and Halle McClymont. We will miss their enthusiasm, commitment and the positive way that they represent the College.
“That was fun!.. I can’t believe that it is over! I will miss playing sport for the school”
Abbey Bevan
“The netball trips are one of those school memories that I will not forget”
Jessica Johnson
A special thanks to ex-student, Maddison McClymont, who accompanied the teams as an umpire.
Kyllie Bevan, Jody Van Den Driest and Amanda Starr (Coaches)
TERM 4 OVERVIEW
Week 1 – Friday 14th October – Diocesan Volleyball, Coffs Harbour
Week 2 – Monday 17th October – Open Boys Cricket practice match v Woodlawn at Rabjones Oval
Week 2 – Rd 1 of Downie Trophy (Snr) and Berg Shield Cricket play by date 21st October
Week 3 – Lord Taverner’s Cricket T20 Gala Days (7-8 Boys, 9-10 Boys, 7-11 Girls) South Tweed
Week 5 – Diocesan Junior Water Polo Thursday 10th November, Alstonville
Week 6 – Diocesan Golf Tuesday 15th November, Coffs Harbour
Week 6 - Diocesan Senior Water Polo Thursday 17th November, Alstonville
INTEGRATED SPORT OVERVIEW FOR TERM 4
During Term 4, all students will be following their individual year group roster. All will be required to meet buses at 11.10am (halfway through recess) this is to allow travel time to venues for the more recreational type activities being undertaken.
YEAR 9:
Students have been split into three groups and they will rotate through the following Aquatics at the TRAC; Beach walking and Beach sports. Buses will leave at 11.10pm and return to the College at 1.15pm to allow for greater participation time.
When students have a visit to the TRAC, students will need to change at recess and meet their teachers in the Gilbey basement. Please follow College guidelines on appropriate swimwear.
As the TRAC is unavailable in October this group will stay at school and participate in modified games on our oval.
YEAR 10:
Students will be split into groups and rotate through the following activities: Lawn Bowling at Condong Bowls Club; visits to Epic Skating (please bring a pair of long socks each week) and ‘Learn to Surf’ at Hastings Point.
When surfing, students MUST change at school and be “surfing ready” when boarding the bus, taking only a towel and a bag to the venue. Students will participate in body boarding and soft top surfing weekly.
Buses will leave at 11.10am and return during lunchtime to allow for greater participation time at each session.
YEAR 11:
Students will be split into groups and rotate through the following activities fortnightly: Beach walking, Beach sports and ‘Learn to Surf’ at Hastings Point.
When surfing, students MUST change at school and be “surfing ready” when boarding the bus, taking only a towel and a bag to the venue. Students will participate in body boarding and soft top surfing weekly.
Buses will leave at 11.10am and return during lunchtime to allow for greater participation time at each session.
Tim Whitney
Sports Coordinator
College News
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
On a daily basis, MSPC students are participating and excelling in a range of creative and physical events and activiites. We currently have a wonderful student achievement to share with you.
Emily (Em) McCarthy is a wonderfully talented Cheerleader. She has just qualified to compete in Hawaii against teams from all over the world. We congratulate Em on this fantastic achievement and wish her luck in 2023!
Shellae Boss
Awards
Lisieux Co-ordinator’s Awards
Year 7: Will Johnston
Year 8: Billy Smith, Oliver McKay
Year 9: Archie Fairbairn-Gray, Cooper McKnight
Year 10: Gabriella Bennett
Year 12: Lincoln Taylor
Lisieux Principal’s Awards
Year 12: Lincoln Taylor
Loreto Co-ordinator’s Awards
Year 9: Lonnie Maher, Leon Morgan
Year 10: Zayne Chisholm
Loreto Principal’s Awards
Year 10: Zayne Chisholm
Loreto College Awards
Year 10: Zayne Chisholm
Lucan Co-ordinator’s Awards
Year 8: Arielle O’Leary-Hume
Year 9: Hunter Leslight, Noam Litvin (2), Samuel Daley
Nagle Co-ordinator’s Awards
Year 8: Abigail Gilson, Kye Thierjung, Phansachon Phattharapraphakorn
Year 9: Beau Johnson, Ava McCabe
Year 11: Katie Mcdonald
Year 12: Aidan Laybutt
Nagle Principal's Awards
Year 9: Ava McCabe