MSPC Newsletter - Term 2, Week 2, 10th May 2024.
Principal
Hi everyone, and welcome to the start of Term 2. I hope you all had a lovely and restful break and spent some quality time with family and friends. We've had a busy start to Term 2 with an assembly for Nagle House and Cross Country being the two main events that dominated our first week.
At the Nagle House Assembly we reflected on the life of Nano Nagle and her impact across, not only the Presentation Sisters, but also our school and our wider community. I reminded students of the bravery and courage of Nano Nagle in educating the young people of Ireland back in the 1700’s when it was outlawed to teach Catholic students. Nano would provide education to students of primary or secondary and she risked imprisonment and or death as a result. Nonetheless, Nano had the courage to not only provide that education at night, with only a lantern guiding her, but also reaching out to tend the sick, the poor and the uneducated, as well putting herself at risk.
I talked to the students about how Nano did all of that as a young woman and what a great role model she is in that space. I used a quote from Sister Rapheal Consedine, who is a Presentation Sister and made this statement in one of her books about Nano Nagle;
“In the face of fear she chose to be daring, in the face of anxiety she chose to trust, in the face of impossibility she chose to begin, what will you choose to do?” I asked students to reflect on that very last question about what you choose to do with your life, with the opportunities that happen to you on a day to day basis, whether it’s the situations you face in the yard or where you see injustice in the classroom; at home or out in wider society, how do you stand up for what is right and to ensure you know that right has been done.
Finally, the Cross Country was held last Friday and it was a wonderful celebration of our school community as students, some more serious than others in attempting the course, sought to not only win the race but also achieve points for their House. It was a lovely afternoon and well received by all. Have a great Week 2 and remember and let's be “better together”.
Wishing all our Mother's and significant women in our life a wonderful Mother's day.
Gavin Dykes
Principal
Assistant Principal - Mission
Anzac Day
Mount St Patrick College was well-represented by a large number of students and staff at the Murwillumbah March and Remembrance Ceremony. There were 20 in the Drumline and Band; 4 Year 12 girls who led the Ceremony; 40 in the College Marching corps and 6 students involved in either the 225 Army Cadet Corps/ Adventurers Group.
Year 12 Ignatius co-leader Sarah Bowers chaired the ceremony and Saskia Gray (Lucan) and Imogen Andrews (Doyle) said prayers and laid wreaths. One of our College Captains, Gabriella Bennett, delivered the Anzac address. These young women were confident and poised in their presentation and gave great credit to their parents and the College.
College Cross Country
We were lucky to get the Cross County in between showers last Friday afternoon 3rd May. Loreto House were victorious with the most students running. There were 12 Age Champions and 12 Runners Up.
Mother’s Day Breakfast
This special celebration held this morning, 10th May, was well-attended and a great success. Loreto House and Hospitality/Barista students and staff did a great job in providing delicious breakfast fare.
Term 2 Staff Development Days 28/5/24 5/7/24
Tuesday 28th May is the Staff Proclaim Day where all Murwillumbah Catholic school staff are required to be at St Joseph’s College, Banora Point for the day.
Friday 5th July is a Staff Spirituality Day.
On both of these days’ students are not required to be in attendance at the College.
Tell Them From Me Surveys for students, staff and parents Weeks 3 & 4
Over the next 2 weeks College students, parents and staff are being asked to take part in the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Surveys. These anonymous surveys provide us with valuable feedback on what our students, teachers and parents think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them.
A letter of explanation regarding how student and parent involvement will be sent to parents on compass next Monday 13th May.
Relaunch Event for the College Parent Group 5.30pm Tuesday 14th May
Parents interested in being part of this ‘event’ please be at the College Learning Hub next Tuesday 14th May from 5.30pm for 75 mins of fun with a mystery guest presenter. You will leave having acquired a new skill, with something to take home during which time you will have had time to provide input about what agenda you’d like in the future.
Mary-Anne McShane
Assistant Principal: Mission
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Term 2 has started well for students. Each week members of the learning collaborative, complete learning walks around the College. The group spends time in the classrooms asking students about their learning. Five questions are asked:
- What are you learning?
- Why are you learning the topic?
- How is your learning progressing?
- How do you know you are learning?
- Where do you go for help?
The student responses are feedback to our staff to help teachers be more effective in the classroom. Members of the team have been very impressed with the articulate answers from the students. The CSO initiative of the learning collaborative based on the work of Lynn Sharratt has been highly effective in improving the pedagogy of the College.
Staff Development Day
The first day of Term 2 commenced with a professional development day for staff. Our focus was the new curriculum reform, with an emphasis on literacy across the curriculum. New syllabuses are being rolled out over 7 years. This year, a new syllabus has been introduced in Year 7 and 10 English and Maths. Year 8 Japanese also has a new syllabus focus.
Members of the Learning and Teaching team presented workshops on the literacy focus of the new curriculum.
The staff will continue to build their knowledge of literacy throughout the year to assist the students with growth in reading and writing.
I hope the students have a productive and engaging Term 2.
Narelle Sherrah
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Curriculum
Term 2 is well underway and students are busy engaging with their studies. Students are encouraged to be proactive with their learning and if they are unsure of content or expectations, they should discuss this with their teacher to seek clarification. Students should now have completed a home study planner and ensure they are doing their homework on a daily basis. Home study planners are available on the year page of the Assessment Portal.
The start of term is always an important time for reminders. Students are encouraged to be organised and use their study planner to record their homework, assessments and home study. Assignment submission dates should also be recorded in the planner.
Planning ahead for Term 2, students can access all information regarding their assessments via the Assessment Portal which is found on the MSPC Moodle Site. Students need to use their school log in to access this.
Year 12 students and Year 11 Accelerated students have been advised that the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has published the 2024 HSC Timetable and this is available on their website, along with information for practical and performance subjects and language oral examinations. Students can find important information and web links on the year page of the MSPC Assessment Portal.
PLEASE NOTE: The following is an assessment overview for the upcoming Term 2 Assessment Weeks. Students should check their assessment calendar on the portal for accuracy and to ensure that changes have not been made since publishing this guide.
Upcoming assessment blocks are as follows:
The Assessment Policy is detailed on the front page of the Assessment Portal which can be accessed on the MSPC Moodle Page. Information Handbooks are on the Portal.
Illness / Absence - Assessments: Years 7, 8 and 9
If a student is sick and unable to complete an assessment on the due date, Years 7, 8 and 9 (see below for 9 Accelerated) require a letter from a parent / carer or email to the class teacher, detailing the student’s circumstances for non-completion of an assessment task.
Illness - Assessments: Years 9 Accelerated and 10, 11 and 12
For Years 9 Accelerated, 10, 11 and 12 a medical practitioner is required to complete the MSPC Assessment Variation Illness Form. A copy of this document can be found on the student’s year page of the Assessment Portal.
Jo McDonald
Leader of Curriculum
Faculty News
ENGLISH
International Women’s Day Writing Competition
We are delighted to share the results of our inaugural English Department Writing Competition, held in celebration of International Women's Day. We would like to thank all the participants for their wonderful submissions. We were impressed by the diverse range of narratives, poems, and essays spotlighting inspirational women. It is great to see the enthusiastic participation from entire classes. While the task of choosing winners was challenging, we are pleased to announce one main prize recipient and two runners-up.
Winner: Alexis Pelikan (Year 12)
Runners Up: Sophia Drew and Shanti Smyth (both of Year 8)
These students took home a Booktopia voucher each.
We are going to publish the winning entry and runner up entries over the next three newsletters.
Please enjoy reading an extract from the winning entry by Alexis Pelikan (Year 12) below:
Medusa’s Soliloquy
Can i see me?
Outside this shell of flesh and fear
with omnipotent eyes and broken legs
caught in the net of two Gods
Eel and Owl
both claiming possession of my corpse
i am a dead girl to be
eaten raw
by this maned beast of the sea
Those jaws have taken all of me
i still breathe
despite the abuse
Bite. Bruise. Bloody. Use.
There's a trident through my throat
i can’t scream
skewered below golden skin
Lion of the sea
Parasite inside these stones
Devastating God there are cracks in the stylobate
and my skull
Giver of life eat my soul
taste its blamelessness
Cherries drip
down
my
chin
sweetness abandoned
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
BILL TURNER TROPHY – U15 GIRLS SOCCER
On Thursday 11th April our Round 1 game in the Bill Turner Trophy finally took place after two postponed matches due to wet weather. It was a thrilling encounter, with both teams displaying excellent skills and determination.
After conceding a goal early into the second half, the girls wasted no time in coming back with an equaliser. A fantastic build up play with Daisy Scullion making a run down the line and putting in a great cross for Mya Andrews to rocket into the back of the net. We were still in it and playing hard.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw after full time, leading to double overtime. Despite our best efforts, the score remained unchanged, and we ultimately lost 3-1 in the penalty shootout.
Nevertheless, our team showed remarkable spirit and effort throughout the match. They should be very proud of their performance. We look forward to another opportunity next year!
Coach: Miss Withers & Mr O’Brien
BILL TURNER CUP – U15 BOYS SOCCER
In Round 2 of the Bill Turner Cup, our boys showcased their exceptional skills and sportsmanship against Tweed River High School, winning the game 11-0.
A highlight of the match was the stellar performance of Harry O'Brien, netting an impressive total of 7 goals. Among these, his seventh goal, a spectacular bicycle kick, left his team mates roaring with excitement.
Stephan Pelikan also contributed with an impressive hat-trick, showcasing some quality finishing in front of the goal. Additionally, Donovan Eadsforth contributed to our victory with a well-timed header, adding to the team's impressive goal tally.
The collective effort displayed by the team throughout the match underscored their spirit and determination. Each player's contribution, whether in attack or defense, played a crucial role in securing our victory and advancing to the next round of the tournament where we will face Lindisfarne.
Congratulations to our boys for their outstanding performance, Go, Mt St Patrick College!
Lindisfarne Anglican awaits.
Coach: Mr Dean Bressan
Q - SCHOOLS CUP AUSSIE RULES JUNIORS
Junior Boys
After just getting back to school from the Term 1 holidays, 24 Year 7, 8 and 9 boys ventured to Byron Bay for the Annual QLD Schools Cup Competition on Wednesday 1st May. MSPC was one of eight secondary schools, competing in one of two pools throughout a wet day, playing in muddy conditions. Although we had narrow losses to Lindisfarne Anglican School and Kingscliff High School in our first two games, the boys rallied to record a convincing win in their final match against Maclean High School 9 goals to nil. Interestingly, both Lindisfarne and Kingscliff played off in the Grand Final.
All players displayed sportsmanship at all times and were great ambassadors of the College, while giving their best at every opportunity. Best players - Sunny Waters, Harry O’Brien, Lachlan Thomas, Lawrence Kee.
A special thanks to Assistant Coach/Runner Mr Matt Aitchison.
Coach - Mr Rick Van Den Driest
Junior Girls
On Wednesday 1st May, 22 Year 7, 8 and 9 girls travelled to Byron Bay for the Annual QLD Schools Cup Competition. We had a mixture of experienced and first time players in the team and it was great to see them all support each other and play as a team.
MSPC was the only team, out of the five secondary schools competing in the girls competition, to win all their pool games. The girls displayed great defence to shut-down both Lindisfarne Anglican School and Xavier College’s running games. Unfortunately, the girls lost the Final by 1 point to Lindisfarne. Although the day saw the girls play each game with heavy rain at times, they displayed great sportsmanship and represented the school proudly. The best players on the day were Sienna Lockwood, Paige Johnston, Stella Lindsay and Liv Andrews.
Coach - Amanda Evans
NRCC RUGBY LEAGUE
Under 16 - CHAMPIONS
The U16 Rugby League team representing MSPC showcased their talent and resilience in the NRCC tournament held on 2nd May in Casino, securing a thrilling victory in the final. The team displayed remarkable skill and teamwork throughout the tournament, culminating in a well-deserved win.
In a series of intense pool games, MSPC faced formidable opponents and emerged victorious in each encounter. Their journey to glory commenced with a commanding performance against St Mary's Catholic College Casino, where they secured a convincing 3-0 win.
Building on their initial success, the lads from MSPC continued their winning streak in the subsequent matches. Against Xavier Catholic College Ballina, the team engaged in a closely contested battle, ultimately prevailing with a narrow 2-1 victory. Their determination and tenacity shone through as they overcame their opponents.
In the final round of pool matches, MSPC faced off against Trinity College Lismore, maintaining their stellar performance with another impressive 3-0 triumph. Their consistent excellence on both offence and defense showcased the depth of talent within the squad, as they demonstrated their ability to adapt and excel under pressure.
The climax of the tournament came in the eagerly anticipated final showdown against Woodlawn College. In a fiercely contested match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, MSPC exhibited remarkable resilience and composure. Despite the intense competition, the team delivered a stellar performance, ultimately clinching victory in extra time with a hard-fought 2-1 win.
The team's triumph in the NRCC Cup final is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and skill. Their impressive display of athleticism and sportsmanship has not only brought glory to their school but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes at MSPC. Congratulations to all the young men involved.
Coach: Mr Priddis & Mr McGhee
Under 14
Our team displayed remarkable determination, sportsmanship, and skill, showcasing the true spirit of Rugby League at the recent NRCC event held in Casino. Under the guidance of our dedicated coaches and the unwavering support of parents and fans, our players exhibited outstanding teamwork and resilience in every match they contested.
The team performed well all day linking plays and almost scoring at will. The Grand Final showdown arrived with the highly anticipated match up against St Marys College. It was a fiercely contested battle, filled with heart-stopping moments and incredible displays of athleticism from both sides. Despite a valiant effort from our team, St Marys College emerged victorious with a final score of 4 tries to 2.
Although the result didn't go in our favour, we are immensely proud of the effort and determination shown by every member of the team. Each player contributed their utmost, leaving nothing on the field and representing Mt St Patrick College with honour and integrity.
A special mention of the stand out players who demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership during the final match: Seth Leeson, Isaak Arnold, Wyatt Greenhill and Lucus Hall showcased their talent and determination, inspiring their teammates and leaving an indelible mark on each game.
Coach: Mr Campbell
COLLEGE CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL RESULTS
Under the threat of a dark sky, the College Cross Country was held at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds on Friday 3rd May. A fabulous display of College spirit and excitement. Congratulations to all runners/ walkers who made it home inside the cut-off times. A reminder to all involved with the Diocesan team that consent and payment needs to be completed by Friday 10th May.
PARTICIPATION WINNERS
1st - Doyle - 58 runners
2nd - Ignatius - 50 runners
3rd - Lisieux - 50 runners
4th - Loreto - 49 runners
5th - Nagle - 47 runners
6th - Assisi - 46 runners
7th - Romero - 45 runners
8th - Lucan - 41 runners
CHAMPION HOUSE
1ST - LORETO - 150pts
2nd - Assisi - 149pts
3rd - Lisieux - 141pts
4th - Doyle - 134pts
5th - Lucan - 133pts
6th - Romero - 119pts
7th - Ignatius - 114pts
8th - Nagle - 101pts
DIO CROSS COUNTRY
All successful runners will have the opportunity to attend the Diocesan Cross Country event in Grafton on Friday May 17th. All parents of runners who qualified for this event will should have received a Compass notification for this event. Please indicate if your child will be attending this event as soon as possible to assist our organisation. There is now only one week before the Diocesan event.
STATE OF ORIGIN ATHLETICS
Both Erin Lanyon and Chloe Martin competed in the Australian National Athletics Championships during the holidays. Erin having a good meet finishing 12th (in Australia) in Long Jump and 8th in Triple jump. Chloe ran in the 400m hurdles and finished 11th in Australia.
Great meet girls.
Tim Whitney
Sports Coordinator
College News
