MSPC Newsletter - Term 3, Week 10, 26th September 2024

Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers

It is the end of another busy term here at MSPC and sadly we farewelled our amazing Year 12 cohort yesterday. In what was a truly beautiful mass and assembly, our graduating class were sent off in style that truly befitted the great year group they were and the legacy they will leave behind. I have included some excerpts from my speech to the graduating class of 2024 and their families.

My first encounter with this group was at the Year 12 retreat, and I could see straight away the high level of respect they had for each other and the staff in attendance. But more than that, this group showed me early on the extreme care and support they would show each other throughout this final and challenging year. They also knew how to have fun, and that was clearly on display on the retreat and throughout the year as well.

You, our Year 12 graduates, have shown resilience, courage, and leadership throughout your schooling years. You’ve faced challenges in and out of the classroom, including three years of COVID during Yr 8-10 and yet, you’ve continued to strive for excellence. Your academic achievements, participation in extracurricular activities, and commitment to social justice are all testaments to your hard work and the values instilled in you by this community. But, as you’ve learned, success isn’t only measured by grades or awards—true success lies in how you’ve grown as individuals, how you’ve supported one another, and how you’ve lived out the values of our college.

Your achievements—whether they be academic, sporting, creative, or in leadership—are all impressive and worthy of celebration. But perhaps what stands out most is what I mentioned earlier,  your ability to care for one another, to lift each other up, and to work together as a community.As you go forth into the world, you are now called to live this fullness of life, just as Nano Nagle did—by using your gifts to serve others, to stand up for justice, and to lead with kindness and humility.

As you leave this school and step into a world filled with opportunities and challenges, I encourage you to continue living life to the full. Remember that fullness of life comes not from personal gain, but from how you use your gifts to serve others. Whether you go on to become doctors, engineers, teachers, artists, or entrepreneurs, the greatest measure of your success will be the difference you make in the lives of others.

Remember you are always a “Patties” student and we are very proud of you all! 

    Gavin Dykes
    Principal

Dear Parents,

During Term 4 on the 13th November, Mr Gavin Dykes will be involved in a Principal appraisal process as part of  his contract conditions with the Catholic Schools Office.

The appraisal process seeks information from a variety of people associated with the school and uses a number of tools to ensure effective consultation. The process aims to highlight the positive aspects of the leadership offered and identify areas for further development.

A timeline will be constructed to suit the needs of the school community. The appraisal will be conducted by an External Chair assisted by the Regional Service Leader from the Catholic Schools Office.

The full Principal appraisal process involves:

• a survey and self-appraisal statement completed by the Principal
• an interview with the Principal
• input as arranged with the Parish Priest
• surveys of parents, school staff and Catholic Schools Office personnel
• interviews with the School’s Leadership Team
• interviews with a random selection of staff who request an interview with the Chair
• interviews with a random selection of parents who request an interview with the Chair.

The preferred method of survey completion is by the online survey form. A link to this form will be forwarded to your email address. Please ensure your current email address is registered at the school as this survey link will be sent to you two to three weeks prior to the appraisal. 

Parents may express their interest to be interviewed via this electronic form. Not all those who express an interest to be interviewed will be contacted. If not contacted then parents may wish to email the Chair with their comments. Anonymous comments and emails will not be considered.

In writing the appraisal report, the Chair makes use of the information gathered but does not identify sources. The Principal does not sight the original returns. Every family in the school is encouraged to complete a survey.

Your support of the appraisal process is appreciated.

Yours sincerely

Michael Mullaly
Chair

Assistant Principal - Mission

Budding Historians
Murwillumbah RSL Sub-Branch is inviting interested Year 9 – 11 College students to take part in a World War 1 Research Project. This will take place at Murwillumbah RSL from 4 – 5pm on Monday 7/10, 21/10 and 4/11 in order to create a digital honour roll to be showcased on Remembrance Day 11/11/24 at Murwillumbah Services Club. Contact Julian Pennise on Ph. 66 721388 or rsl@msmc.org.au if your student is interested in being involved.

‘Parenting Teenagers in a Digital World’ Presentation
Thanks to the parents who this presentation by Guest speaker, Chris Hudson, on Wednesday 18^th September. There were 40 people in attendance. Thanks to the Lismore Diocesan Parent Assembly who engaged this informative speaker and also provided the refreshments for the evening. 

Year 12 Graduation Day 
We had a fabulous day on Thursday 26^th September in farewelling Year 12 2024 with: breakfast with the staff;  a special Graduation Mass in Sacred Heart Church and a lovely morning tea and a Farewell Assembly in the Gilbey Hall. Best wishes to each Year 12 student for success in their upcoming HSC Exams. We look forward to the Formal celebrations on Friday 15^th November in the Gilbey Hall.

    Mary-Anne McShane
    Assistant Principal: Mission

MINISTRY

Thank you!

 As Term 3 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible ministry events that have taken place at Mount St Patrick College. From the uplifting Ignite and Shine conferences to the spirit-filled Festa Christi, our community has come together in faith, joy, and service. These events would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of both students and staff. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone involved, especially Mrs Cathy Cripps and Mrs Angela Finkel for their invaluable contributions.

A special well done to Year 10 student Olivia Bagnell for her beautiful dance performance at Ignite this year. We also extend our sincere thanks to Mr Thomas McGhee for his dedication and leadership as our College Youth Minister. Gratitude goes to all who contributed to the Year 12 Graduation Mass, including our altar servers Clancy Greenbury, Jack Thornton and Yasmin Van Rosi, and a special thanks to Mikayla Gibb in Year 9 for her wonderful reading. A big thank you to Mrs Vanessa Bowe, Mrs Kaitlyn Rennes Nadal, Mr Mitchel Rice, Miss Milly Keogh, Ms Barbara Grant and Miss Isobel Gresham for their hard work in preparing for the Graduation Mass. It was also a blessing to have both Fr Peter Wood and Fr Anthony Lemon celebrate the Mass.

To our Year 12 students who graduated on Thursday, 26th September, your commitment, from learning your song to serving as readers, musicians, and singers during the Mass, has been truly inspiring. Best wishes to each of you as you embark on the next chapter of your lives. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing you at the formal.

    Best wishes and God bless,
    Grace Molloy
    Leader of Evangelisation

Assistant Principal- Learning & Teaching

I have just returned from 10 weeks working in the Solomon Islands at our sister school Bishop Epalle. This was a very rewarding experience, teaching Science to Form 7 Boys and Girls and conducting workshops for teachers.

Bishop Epalle is a similar school to Mt St Pats with high standards and dedicated staff. I really enjoyed the challenge of teaching Science with limited resources. However, the students had a desire to learn and appreciated the effort their teachers applied to create engaging lessons.

A highlight was accompanying 22 MSPC students on their immersion to the Solomons in August.

The students opened their hearts and embraced every opportunity to learn from the community. I was so proud of both sets of students.

In December this year 21 students and 7 staff from Bishop Epalle will be hosted at the college for 10 days. We look forward to the whole college meeting our friends and showing them the Australian Culture and Patty’s hospitality.

I made sure I returned in time to attend the Year 12 graduation. I would like to wish year 12, 2024 all the best on their graduation festivities and in preparing for the HSC. You have been an amazing group of students and I am sure you will look back at your time at Patty’s with a smile on your face. In the words of Doctor Seuss- “Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened”

    God Bless
    Narelle Sherrah
    Assitant 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. 

This week, Year 12 have celebrated the end of their schooling with a variety of special occasions, including the 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 and via the email that has been sent to them. This information will be emailed again to students as well as to parents and carers just prior to the start of the HSC examinations.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable and well-earned break, and I wish our Year 12 and Year 11 Accelerated students all the very best with their final HSC preparations and encourage them to stay focused and to do their very best in the lead up to their examinations.

    Jo McDonald
    Acting Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching

Welfare

This newsletter features Item 9 of our Online Education on pressures our children face from social media.

Please read the information below and openly speak with your children so we can keep them informed and aware. If any issues arise that you would like support with, please contact me at the College.

Essential Conversation - Giving and receiving help
Sometimes young people may see posts from friends or acquaintances that contain references to self-harm and suicide. If your young person is concerned about someone because of something they posted online, encourage them to always take it seriously and to talk to you.

In these instances, if your young person believes that the person is at immediate risk of harm, you should advise them to do the following:

1. If they are already talking to the person, they could encourage them to call emergency services (000) themselves.
2. If they are not talking to the person, if the person is not open to receiving help, or if there is no time to spare, call 000 immediately.
3. If they or you know the family, you could contact them immediately.
   

If the person is not at immediate risk of harm, and your young person decides to respond, encourage them to:

1. Set boundaries for themselves regarding how much time they have available and the type of support they can and cannot offer.
2. Pick a way of communicating that they feel most comfortable with and is most appropriate for the relationship they have with the person. They could also ask the person how they would prefer to be contacted.
3. Avoid using reactions or emojis that might reinforce unsafe content, or that could be interpreted
   incorrectly.

Watch this short clip: How to respond to someone.

Read more at #Chatsafe eSafety Giving and seeking help in relationships.

If you have any concerns about your young person please contact the college. It is important for the college to know any wellbeing issues that may impact on learning and behaviour at school.

Our college invites all parents to work in partnership with us to keep your young person safe. Should your young person experience a physical or mental health concern, particularly if it results in a presentation at a hospital Emergency Department, we highly recommend that you work with us to ensure that they are supported and cared for when returning to school.

    Louise Shields
    Leader of Pastoral Care

Faculty News

UPDATES FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

BAND DAY OUT
Friday 13th September, over 100 primary school students from the Tweed region  ventured to the College Gilbey Centre to participate in the ‘Band Day Out’. Starting the day off with an impressive performance of ‘High Hopes’ and ‘Happy’ from our very own College Band the students then gathered as an orchestra to practice the pieces ‘Tequila’ and ‘Time Warp’ under the guidance of conductors and our experienced high school mentors. Followed by sectional practice for fine tuning, an afternoon performance was held for the very excited MSPP guests and parents who were able to witness the hard work of all involved. Thank you to the following students for stepping up as role models and for their enthusiasm throughout the day:

Milly Simpson, Cate Wemm, Eva Brzoson, Clara Aitchison, Elijah Jones, Raph Connor, Austin Rockwell, Olivia Bagnall & Lewis Bottle and to those who joined us to perform in the morning; Felix Kos, Josh Hawkins, Lachlan Maclean, Lakota Sutcliffe, and Harrison Bottle.

GRAD MASS
Thank you to all the students of the band and choir for their beautiful playing and singing at our graduation mass and their commitment to rehearsals.  Your hard work is very much appreciated by the school community and especially our Year 12’s for whom it may just be their last time hearing these beloved songs. Pictures are to follow in our next newsletter.

CHOIR
Term 4 is a great time to join Choir! We will be welcoming new members. Bring your lunch (and a friend) to M22/M23 each Monday lunchtime.

YEAR 7 MUSIC
In Year 7 Music lessons we are studying ‘Instruments of the Orchestra’. Attached is an advertisement from Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra for an upcoming event to be held on Saturday 19th October. This would be a wonderful event to attend and would be especially relevant to the learning of our Year 7 Students.

    Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

ALEX GIBBONS CUP STATE FINAL

(GIRLS RUGBY 7’S)

During Week 9, our Under 14’s Girls Rugby team travelled to Riverwood, Sydney, to compete in the prestigious Alex Gibbon Rugby Cup 7’s State Final. Despite facing tough competition and field conditions, the girls demonstrated remarkable grit, teamwork, and determination.

Throughout the tournament, the team had one hard-fought draw and three close losses. Each game was a testament to the skill and heart of our players, with matches decided by one or two tries. The girls showed great resilience, pushing their opponents to the limit in every match.

Although the results didn’t go our way, the team’s performance was nothing short of outstanding. To say these girls are tough is an understatement! They represented the college with pride, showcasing the values of sportsmanship, dedication, and team spirit. We are already looking forward to and planning our trip again for next year - hopefully adding an Under 16’s team as well. Mr Bressan and I would like to thank the support shown by the parents and families of the players. It made for a very memorable experience for all involved.                      

Mrs East and Mr Bressan

NSWCCC Athletics
Congratulations to the Mount St Patrick College students who represented the Lismore Diocese and competed in the NSWCCC Athletics Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park on Monday, 16th September.

Bronze Winners
Yohanna Uhlmann- 14 Girl's Long Jump 4.94m

Willa Hoffman- 15 yr Girl's High Jump 1.57m

Erin Lanyon- 12-15 yr Girl's Triple Jump 10.83m

Cain Twomey- 16 yr Boy's Discus 38.23m

TERM 4 IMPORTANT DATES

Week 2 Friday 25th October - Diocesan Volleyball Coffs Harbour

Week 3 Tuesday 29th October - Lord Taverners Cup Lismore

Week 4 Thursday 7th November - Titans 9’s rugby League Mullumbimby

Week 5 Monday 11th November - Diocesan Golf South West Rocks

             Thursday 14th November - Diocesan Senior Water polo Alstonville

Week 6 Tuesday 19th November - Diocesan Netball Grafton

             Thursday 21st November - Diocesan Junior Water Polo Alstonville

Week 7 Monday 25th November - NRCC Boys cricket Woodlawn

             Tuesday 26th November - NRCC Girls cricket Woodlawn

    Tim Whitney
    Sport Co-ordinator

College News

YEAR 8 PARENTS - ACTIVITY WEEK 2025

Dear parents and guardians of Year 8 2024,

Year 9 have just successfully navigated an activity week which always occurs during week 3 of Term 3. Families can decide on one of the two options available to them: 

1. Camp Drewe Lennox Heads 4 nights 5 days or
2. Snow trip to Perisher 5 nights 6 and ½ days.

All students in the cohort are expected to attend a camp. 

This year the total cost of the snow trip was $2535. An accurate costing for the 2025 snow trip can not be given at this stage but it is expected to rise, hopefully not too much.

The cost to parents for the Camp Drewe excursion was $520.

It is important that we canvas the Year 8 cohort now to try and determine how many students are interested in attending both trips so that planning can get underway.

For this reason, all Year 8 families will receive a Compass event which will ask for a $200 expression of interest in attending the snow trip in 2025 to be paid by the end of Term 3 2024. After this date we will have an accurate list of names interested in attending the snow trip and subsequently those wishing to attend the Camp Drewe excursion.

Please keep in mind that the maximum number of students we can take on the snow trip is 104. If there are more than 104 students express interest then a waiting list will be created.

    Tim Whitney

Awards

Community News