MSPC Newsletter - Term 1, Week 4, 23rd February 2024.
Principal
Dear Parents
Welcome to the end of Week 4!
I have been blessed to be part of the Year 12 Retreat this week, from Wednesday 21st February until this afternoon, and have seen first hand the amazing calibre of students we have here at MSPC. Since Wednesday morning they have participated in every opportunity presented from ice breaker activities to group discussion sessions that were challenging, both personally and spiritually.
There were also lots of fun activities in between with trips to the waterfalls, karaoke, dancing and an op shop mini formal. I think it shows how committed these students are to their faith, their friends, families and peers, and their school. I am sure they will all return energised and enthused to keep up the challenge of completing their HSC to the best of their abilities, but also a tad exhausted (like I am feeling!). A big thanks to Ms Grace Molloy and her team for the wonderful organisation of the retreat, and all the staff who generously gave up their time (and sleep) to help be part of such a memorable time away.
Last Friday 16th February, there was spontaneous Karaoke at lunchtime co-ordinated by Mr Rice and Mr Reynolds. It was a very wet day so the crowd was large, probably around 250 students, but the singing was fantastic. Amongst the many songs, some highlights were the Year 11 boys who belted out a first class rendition of the Neil Diamond classic “Sweet Caroline”; Year 7 girls who did a fantastic cover of Taylor Swift’s “Shake it off” and with some pretty significant persuasion, some staff sang AC DC's “A long way to the top”. A great display of MSPC school spirit - better together!
Have a lovely weekend!
Gavin Dykes
Principal
Assistant Principal - Mission
VALE Allan Cocks
In early February we received the sad news that Mr. Allan Cocks, a former principal of Mount St Patrick Regional High School, had died in Coraki on 29th January 2024. Mr. Cocks was Principal from 1990 – 1993 at the time when Mount St Pat’s was expanding to include senior students and there was building, planning and hiring of experienced staff to be done. The first Year 12 cohort completed their HSC in 1993. We extend our sympathy and prayers to his wife, Gabrielle, and their family.
Year 7 Treetops Challenge, Currumbin
Three Year 7 Learning Groups (G, M, O) are having a fantastic day at Currumbin today despite the 35-degree heat. Unfortunately, on last Friday 16th February, the B, C and D Learning Groups had their challenge postponed at the last minute due to poor weather conditions. Luckily, we were able to secure a booking for them for next Friday 1st March and hope that they will have glorious weather for this fun day.
Mount St Patrick P & F Meeting
All interested parents and friends are invited to the first meeting of the College P & F for 2024. The meeting will begin at 5.30pm next Tuesday 27th February in the Learning Hub (Library) with some light refreshments. One of the main agenda items will be a vote to determine which model of parent body is the best fit for our college now and into the future. Please come along and meet other parents. You WILL NOT be given a job or a position on a committee!
College School Photos
These photos will take place next Wednesday 28th February, Day 3 of the timetable. All students are to be in their full-dress uniform on this day, even if they have a practical PE lesson. If necessary, students can bring PE clothes and shoes in their bags.
Photo envelopes from ‘advancedlife’ were given to all students in homerooms on 8th February. The whole ordering and payment process can be completed by parents online. More envelopes and Sibling Photo Envelopes are available from the Front Office. Every student will be photographed even if parents are not intending to purchase photos. There are order forms included in the newsletter.
Immunisation Programme for Years 7 & 10
All students in Years 7 and 10 were given a leaflet about the free immunizations offered by NSW Health to take home to their parents. (There is a copy of the leaflet included in this newsletter).
Parents can use the QR code on the leaflet to provide permission online. There are some hard copy Information Kits available from the front office. The immunisations will be given by trained nurses who will visit the College on Thursday 7th March – Year 10 injections and on Friday 14th June for Year 7.
Mary-Anne McShane
Assistant Principal: Mission
MINISTRY
Year 12 Retreat
Thanks to all the staff and students who are attending the Year 12 retreat this week. A full write up about all the fun and adventures will be in the next newsletter.
Year 10 Retreat
Just a reminder to the Year 10 parents/carers that the Year 10 Retreat is fast approaching. Please complete the online compass consent form and payment. The last day to do this is Friday 22nd March. Parents and carers of Year 10 students have been emailed some additional information and instructions. The Year 10 Retreat is at Tyalgum Ridge Retreat this year from Wednesday 3rd to Friday 5th April. A reminder that this is a compulsory College event.
LEAD
Senior students, LEAD is fast approaching. Please make sure the compass event consent form and payment is completed. If you are interested in attending, please contact Miss Molloy or Tom McGhee our College Youth Minister. LEAD is a ministry leadership program for senior students and is being held in Grafton on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th March.
Year 11 Retreat Day - Week 5
Year 11 will be having their retreat/reflection day next week, Friday 1st March. We are excited to welcome back the Passionist Youth team who have done retreats for us before. The day will focus on team building, friendships, fun, games, music, leadership and faith development. Year 11 students may wear their sports uniform on the day. This is a compulsory school day for all Year 11 students.
Grace Molloy
Leader of Evangelisation
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
The students are settling into their learning groups and getting to know their teachers. Last Wednesday night we were delighted with the number of parents who attended the Year 7 Information evening for 2024. At the night parents were addressed by Principal Gavin Dykes, Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching Narelle Sherrah, Assistant Principal Mission Mary-Anne McShane and Leader of Wellbeing: Assisi Katherine Swift about their various areas of concern in the College. The parents then divided into the learning groups of their students to meet the teachers who teach their children. This was an initial meeting to begin the teacher / parent relationship which is paramount in maximising educational outcomes for the students. Thank you to the parents who attended. Click on the link to access the information booklet that was handed out on the night.
Learning Groups are the classes that the students attend most of their lessons in. The Year 7 learning groups are constructed based on the available data provided by the primary schools. The classes are created based on educational needs. One class contains the students with the highest Literacy results to focus on their strengths and challenge the students. The remaining classes are mixed ability with a range of students. Quality differentiation is then employed to cater for the different needs.
At the end of term 1, the Year 7 Maths classes will be altered to divide students into the differing Maths abilities based on the formative tasks that they will complete during the term. The Year 7 English classes will also be modified to ensure students are being catered for at the appropriate level. Small group intervention classes are created to focus on improving literacy and numeracy skills. These changes of classes will also enable to students to mix with other students while maintaining the stability of remaining in their learning groups.
Year 8 Learning Groups have been created based on the performance of students across a range of subjects. Once again one advanced learning group has been formed to challenge the students at their level. The remaining classes are mixed ability and the combinations of students to ensure a good learning environment is the main focus. The Maths classes are a different grouping based on the summative tasks in 2023.
Parents sometimes request changes to classes. Please be aware that considerable effort is applied to creating the learning groups. Requests are considered but changes only occur if necessary.
Please do not hesitate to contact me or Leader of Curriculum Joanne McDonald if you have any concerns or suggestions about learning and teaching.
Narelle Sherrah
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Welfare
Dear Parents,
In the last newsletter, I spoke about the College Pillars which are based on safety, respect and engagement. As the school year progresses, we will be reminding everyone about the importance of a peaceful and safe school environment. During this time, we're particularly concerned about the impact that violence and fights could have in our school, especially if they are incited by the students.
To prevent these situations from happening, we invite all parents to collaborate with the school staff and contribute in creating an atmosphere of respect and education. Here are some helpful tips to help avoid violence and prevent incitement:
1. Empower your children to solve conflicts in constructive and peaceful ways. Teach them empathy, forgiveness, and communication skills;
2. Encourage your children to report and inform their teachers about any kind of bullying or violent behaviour they may perceive or experience;
3. Talk to your children about the consequences of violence, both legally and socially;
4. Monitor your children's online activity and teach them about responsible and respectful behaviour online.
By having a united front, we can continue to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff and facilities in a positive and encouraging way.
Thank you in advance for your support
Louise Shields
Leader of Student Welfare
Curriculum
It is Week 4 and students have met their teachers and settled into their learning routines. This is the time when good study habits should be formed. No doubt you will have heard the maxim that the key to effective learning is to ‘work smarter and not harder’. Students are encouraged to be organised, focused and regularly complete their coursework and homework to the best of their ability. They should be recording their homework and assessment details on a daily basis into their online calendar. There is also a blank Google School Calendar on the Assessment Portal which students can download to record their study commitments. Students should regularly check the Academic Calendar on the Assessment Portal to ensure that dates have not changed.
Students are encouraged to set personal goals to improve their learning. Setting realistic goals such as planning a regular home study routine and sticking to it, or focusing on a key learning area could be a realistic goal. Year 7 and 8 have a copy of Bindaree Publishing’s Assignment and Research Skills Handbook, which provides helpful steps for how to plan and approach an assessment task.
Students are encouraged to be proactive and seek advice from their teachers if they are struggling or unsure of what is required. Sending an email to a teacher can be an effective way to ask for clarification or ask for assistance.
There is an electronic study planner that can be downloaded to help students keep track of their coursework, homework and assessment tasks for each of their subjects. They can detail their commitments on a daily, weekly and term basis. Students can find planners on the MSPC Assessment Portal on their year group page.
The Assessment Policy is detailed on the front page of the Assessment Portal which can be accessed on the MSPC Moodle Page. Assessment / Information Handbooks are located on the year page of the Assessment Portal.
If a student is sick and unable to complete an assessment on the due date, Years 7, 8 and 9 require a letter from a parent / carer detailing the student’s circumstances for non-completion of an assessment task. See below for Year 9 Accelerated.
For Years 9 Accelerated, 10, 11 and 12 require a medical practitioner to complete the MSPC Assessment Variation Illness Form. A copy of this is located on the student’s year page of the Assessment Portal.
Below is the schedule for assessment tasks for Weeks 5 and 6:
A copy of the Assessment Rules is included below for your information.
All Years: Students are to complete ALL Assessment Tasks for each subject. If there is a valid reason e.g. prolonged illness or approved leave, the student may be awarded a mark based on a substitute task or the Curriculum Coordinator may approve an estimated mark being awarded.
Years 11 and 12
- Years 11 and 12 should refer to their Senior Handbooks for the MSPC Assessment Policy relating to Stage 6. All HSC students should read and comply with the NESA HSC Rules and Procedures Guide. All students entered in an HSC course must read the HSC Rules and Procedures Guide. The weblink can be found on the NESA Webpage and the year page of the Assessment Portal.
Extensions: Only the Leader of Curriculum can grant an extension for tasks and they must be applied for at least 3 days before the task is due.
Late submissions and malpractice
- If a student fails to hand in/seriously complete an assessment task by the due date, a zero will be awarded. However, the task must still be completed by the student to fulfil NESA requirements.
- Late submissions of hand-in tasks have 20% of the mark achieved for that task deducted per day late and will receive zero after 3 days. For example, if a student obtained 60% for a task and it was 1 day late they would have their mark reduced by 20% and their mark would be 48%.
- If a task is designated to be handed in at a particular time e.g. 9.00 AM Tuesday, 20% will be deducted after that timeg. 9.30am Tuesday. The same will apply to late arrival for an in-class task.
- If plagiarism, malpractice or the gaining of unfair advantage is identified, a zero will be awarded.
What is malpractice?
Malpractice is any activity undertaken by a student that allows them to gain an unfair advantage over others. A student found to be committing malpractice may receive a zero; a loss of some marks or may have to resubmit an alternate, yet comparable task. In this case, parents/caregivers would be contacted by the relevant Leader of Learning. It includes, but is not limited to:
- plagiarism or the copying of someone else’s work in part or in whole, and presenting it as their own using material directly from books, journals, CDs or the internet without reference to the source
- building on the ideas of another person without reference to the source
- submitting work to which another person such as a parent, coach or subject expert has contributed substantially
- using words, ideas, designs or the workmanship of others in practical and performance tasks without appropriate acknowledgement
- paying someone to write or prepare material
- breaching school examination rules
- using any Artificial Intelligence tool eg ChatGPT, to write assessment responses
- using non-approved aides during an assessment task
- contriving false explanations to explain work not handed in by the due date
- assisting another student to engage in malpractice
[Source: HSC Assessment In A Standards-Referenced Framework – A Guide To Best Practice, Educational Resources NESA, www.arc.nesa.nsw.edu.au/go/hsc ]
What if you are absent for an Assessment Task?
- Year 7-9 students: a note from the parent is required upon the student’s return. On return to school it is the student’s responsibility to take the parent / carer note to the subject teacher and organise to do the task at the earliest possible time.
Year 9 Accelerated students: a Medical Practitioner must complete the Mount St Patrick Assessment Variation Illness Application. This can be accessed on the student’s year page on the Assessment Portal. A zero will be awarded if the completed document is not provided. NB/ A signed statutory declaration will not be accepted. Documentation is to be submitted to the Leader of Curriculum. Please note that a family event or holiday would not be considered a valid reason for an extension or exemption.
- Year 10-12 students require a Medical Practitioner to complete the Mount St Patrick Assessment Variation Illness Application. This can be accessed on the student’s year page on the Assessment Portal. A zero will be awarded if the completed document is not provided. NB: A signed statutory declaration will not be accepted. Documentation is to be submitted to the Leader of Curriculum. Please note that a family event or holiday would not be considered a valid reason for an extension or exemption.
- On the day of their return to school, it is the student’s responsibility to see the subject teacher and organise to complete the task at the specified time.
Catch-up tasks
- It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to report to their teacher or the appropriate Leader of Learning, before homeroom, on the FIRST day of their return and arrange a time to complete the task. If they fail to do this, a 20% penalty may be awarded and the task must still be completed.
- During the Years 7-9 examination / assessment blocks, a catch-up period will be specified on the examination timetable. However, the student should still report to their teacher with a note and/or Medical Certificate.
- During the Years 10-12 examination / assessment blocks, a catch-up period will be specified on the assessment timetable. A Medical Practitioner must complete the Mount St Patrick Assessment Variation Illness Application to include the catch up period, should the students still be absent due to illness. This form can be accessed on the student’s year page on the Assessment Portal. A zero will be awarded if the completed document is not provided.
- For other tasks, students will have the opportunity to complete the task within a subject set timeframe for example:
Assessment Tasks Completed on Computers
To minimise issues with computers and printers around the time of the assessment due date, students should:
- save their work frequently as they progress.
- print draft copies as substantial additions are made to the assessment.
- have a backup copy of their assessment on their personal Google ‘My Drive’ and should email drafts of their assessment to themself via their school email periodically.
- Students who complete their assignments on computers at home should ensure:
- assessment is submitted as specified on the Assessment Task Notification.
- that any programs used are compatible with the College system.
NB computers or printers that are not working will not be accepted as a valid reason for a late submission, or for an extension.
If relying on printing in the Learning Hub (Library), it is the student's responsibility to check that programs are compatible with the school system.
Hand in Submissions: Requirements
For all hand in assessment tasks, students are required to keep a digital copy of their assessment that
is time and date stamped. For example, the copy could be a PDF copy, scanned copy, or a
photographic copy of the assessment task. The copy must display the date and time the assessment
was completed and should not be altered past the due date and time.
— ooo —
As always, we encourage open communication between parents, students, and teachers. If you have any concerns or questions about your child's progress, please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the teaching team. We are here to support your child's learning and wellbeing.
Jo McDonald
Leader of Curriculum
Faculty News
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY HUB
Inclusion and Diversity Tips
MUSIC
The music department welcomes back Mitch Rice who will join Vanessa Bowe and Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal in teaching Music this year. The college continues to embrace its long standing music traditions in the form of the Spes Mea College Choir and College Band and we are looking forward to welcoming new members, particularly year 7 students.
The Choir rehearses Monday lunchtimes in a relaxed environment. Students bring their lunch to the music rooms and eat and catch up before the singing gets underway. The choir learns a wide variety of repertoire for different events throughout the year. To start the term the choir sang beautifully at both the Inaugural Mass and Ash Wednesday Liturgy. (See photos below). The focus for the next few weeks in choir will move to learning more popular repertoire in preparation for the CAPA Showcase which will take place next term.
The College Band has also started back (with a fun feast of chocolate biscuits and lollies) and have been introduced to the new digital notation software (Noteflight) that will help students learn their parts. They will get practice tracks and be able to control aspects like the tempo/speed while they are learning. It is expected that they learn their parts outside of the Music room (we encourage them to take their music to their own teacher or join in the group lessons the school provides) and come to our Wednesday lunchtime rehearsal ready to enjoy the sound the instruments can make when played together.
Such extracurriculars are open to all years and skill levels and offer a strong community in which music and performance skills are fostered and showcased. All are welcome to attend our weekly lunchtime band and choir rehearsals and become involved in the many events these activities have to offer including CAPA Showcase, Masses and Choir Intensives . In addition, we hope to build upon our strong musical reputation through our Rock Band Mentorship Program and Drumline Program. (More information regarding these in the next newsletter).
Lastly, along with our music staff we are also joined by our peripatetic team who provide students with instrumental music lessons in the following areas:
Jake Bryant- WOODWIND/BRASS (Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Trombone)
Alison Fletcher-STRINGS (Violin)
Mikey Minh- ROCK BAND (Drums, Guitar, Keyboard, Bass (+ The MSPC College Drumline & Rock Band Mentorship)
Helen Bub-Connor- PIANO and VOCALS
Barry Singh- STRINGS (Viola and Cello)
Further contact Information can be found in the note below. Instrument hire is also available through the school for $25 a term with the first term free. Please contact Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal for more information.
kaitlyn.rennes-nadal@lism.catholic.edu.au
2024 Instrumental Music Lessons note
2024 Hire of Instrument Form.docx
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
DIOCESAN NETBALL TRIALS
On 5th April, the Diocese will be holding trials for interested representative netball players at Coffs Harbour. The aim of the day is to gather our U15 and Open representative netballers in one spot to trial to make a Diocesan team to compete in Term 2 in the NSWCCC Netball championships. Registrations will open soon on the Lismore Diocesan Website’s registration page Lismore Dio Sport registrations
Interested players will be asked to register and coaches will sift through the applications before inviting players to attend.
DIOCESAN TOUCH FOOTBALL TRIALS
Congratulations to the 5 MSPC students who were selected to participate in these trials to be held in Sawtell in Week 5 (27/2): Bailey Kirby Yr 12, Ayla East Yr 10, Tanesa Browning Yr 9, Willow Seamer Yr 8 and Alexander Cooper Yr8.
DIOCESAN WINTER SPORTS TRIALS
Applications have now closed for the U15 & Open Boys Rugby League trials, Girls U16 & Open Girls Rugby League and Open Boys and Girls Soccer trials.
Athletes will be informed shortly if they will be invited to trial. The trials take place in Lismore (Woodlawn for League and Thistles Soccer Club for soccer) on Tuesday 5th March.
SCHOOL GIRLS CHALLENGE
An overwhelming response to an ‘Expression of Interest’ meeting and trials saw 5 teams selected. So 64 students will now be representing the College at the Schools Girls Challenge League Tag day to be held at Brothers field in Murwillumbah on Wednesday 6th March.
DIOCESAN SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Mt St Patrick has 20 students travelling across our Diocese to Port Macquarie to compete in the Diocesan Swimming Carnival on Thursday 7th March. We wish them all the best as they continue their training in the lead up to this event.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Diocesan Tennis Week 7
- Diocesan Open Basketball Week 7
Tim Whitney
Sports Co-ordinator
College News
Indigenous Sports Shirt
If you are interested in ordering an Indigenous sports shirt, please complete this expression of interest below. Please fill it out before the 19th of March, no later. Payment requests will be sent at a later date via Compass. The Indigenous Sports shirts are for everyone in the school. The shirts are to be worn with the sports uniform on the allocated sports/PDHPE practical days, they are not to be worn on school excursions unless told differently. $40 per shirt
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OgBrES8jvlh18prbw4NLkU7aVjV5f_IH6PPz1OmIQAg/edit
Community News
If you're looking to earn 20 Logbook hours towards your NSW Learner License, then this 5-hour Course is for you, and if you book with a friend, you can do your Module 2 component together.
The Safer Drivers Course aims to provide learner drivers with the knowledge they need to reduce road risks and prevent accidents by becoming a safe driver.
As an Accredited Provider of the transport for NSW Safer Driver Course, PCYC NSW know that our students will complete the course with a greater understanding of how to be a safe P-plate driver.
Students are required to have completed 50 Logged Driving Hours prior to signing up to the Course.
The Course Fee is $140.
PCYC Tweed Heads is running Safer Drivers Programs for February 2024 and March 2024 on the below dates:
Date - Saturday 24/2/24 (Limited Spots Available, BOOK NOW)
Time - 8:00am - 11:00am
Location - PCYC Tweed Heads
Date - Saturday 2/3/24 (Limited Spots Available, BOOK NOW)
Time - 8:00am - 11:00am
Location - PCYC Tweed Heads
Date - Saturday 16/3/24
Time - 8:00am - 11:00am
Location - PCYC Tweed Heads
Date - Saturday 23/3/24
Time - 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location - PCYC Tweed Heads
PCYC Tweed Heads “Safer Driver” courses for February 2024 and March 2024 are now LIVE on our website!
Simply click on the below link and Type in Tweed Heads 2485 and book in to the course!
https://www.
