MSPC Newsletter - Term 4, Week 8, 6th December 2024
Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers
We are reaching the end of Week 8 and rapidly approaching the end of the year. This will be our second last newsletter, and I'd like to take the opportunity to say congratulations to all our students. Year 11’s have now finished their assessment period and to be commended for the continued efforts, not only through the assessment period but throughout the whole year. Congratulations and well done.
I'd like to take the opportunity to thank parents for their patience around the changes to the uniform supplier and we look forward to Perm-A-Pleat being a valuable provider of our uniform moving forward. We do want to make sure that the service provided is the best, and if there are any issues or concerns, please feel free to flag them with me.
The Solomon Island students and teachers arrive this evening and we look forward to welcoming them to our community. Mrs Sherrah has done a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure a great itinerary for them, and we relish having them part of our community with lots of different events for them to experience. Parents and families are welcome to come to mass at Sacred Heart Murwillumbah next Saturday night where the Solomons Mass will be celebrated at 6:00pm with the Bishop Epalle students and teachers who will be leading the mass, along with Father Peter Woods. It will be a wonderful opportunity.
Last week we had our Year 7 2025 Parent Information Evening for the students and their parents. On Tuesday and Wednesday the Year 7 2025 students were part of our Orientation Program and it was a pleasure to see the excitement in those classrooms. At the Parent Information Night, we had over 100 people attend who heard about some of our new initiatives that we are trialing next year for assisting our Year 7 students in transitioning to high school life. We look forward to welcoming them and their families in the New Year.
Have a lovely weekend and a final eight days of school for 2024.
Gavin Dykes
Principal
Assistant Principal - Mission
Uniforms - online ordering at MSPC
The new uniform purchasing process is very close to being launched. Please keep an eye on your Compass announcements in the coming week.
Tableau
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of our Parish Christmas Carnival and Tableau. Many of our students, family members and staff volunteered at this community event. It is one of the few times of the year when our three parish schools come together to support our wonderful Parish and community.Generosity and spirit is alive and well.
You Choose
Last Friday, all Year 10 students attended a presentation called “You Choose”. This was presented by Melissa McGuiness, a speaker who we ask to speak to students each year as they prepare to get their driver's license. Melissa is an amazing and brave woman who lost her son when he caused a car accident that took his life and the lives of four innocent people. She shares her painful story to help teenagers realise that their choices have an impact. Whilst the story is difficult to hear, her mission is to help keep our young people safe and responsible.
A truly inspiring woman. Thank you Melissa
Presentation Day
On Friday 13th we invite parents to join us for our Presentation Day, which a special occasion to celebrate the achievements and efforts of our students throughout the year. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to recognize their hard work, talents and dedication across various areas of school life. Your support plays an integral role in their journey.
Louise Shields
Assistant Principal Mission
MINISTRY
Vinnies Christmas Appeal
Thank you to everyone who has generously contributed to the Christmas Appeal.
Students can purchase Candy Canes at school this week and next, with all proceeds going towards funds raised for Vinnies. This year, Vinnies has requested monetary donations to purchase gift cards, which will be distributed to families, allowing them to buy their own Christmas items and presents.
Homerooms are also donating canned food items as part of a can drive for You Have a Friend. To add some festive fun, homerooms have been encouraged to build a Christmas tree using their cans as part of the homeroom decorating competition.
If familties would like to donate any money towards the Christmas Appeal, you are more than welcome. Money can be placed in an envelope, Vinnies Christmas Appeal on the front and given to Miss Molloy or the front office. Thanks for your support.
Tableau/Parish Christmas Carnival
Thank you to all the staff and students who participated in Parish Christmas Carnival. It was a great night. A special thank you to Mrs Vanessa Bowe and her sound, lighting and projection team. Thank you to Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal, Mitchell Rice, Milly Keogh, Matt Aitchison and Anna-Mieke Mulholland and the amazing primary band for their preparation of all the carols and music. Thank you also to the staff from St Joseph's South Murwillumbah and Mount St Patrick Primary for participating.
Ministry events 2025!
We are already looking ahead to an exciting 2025. The Year 12 Retreat will be our first retreat from Wednesday 5th - Friday 7th March. Please keep an eye out on compass for further information.
There will be lots of opportunities for students to participate in the various diocesan ministry events throughout the year.
Year 7 - Transitus (Week 8, Term 1)
Year 8 - Festa Christi (Week 1, Term 3)
Year 9 - Shine Conference (Year 9 and 10 Youth Ministry classes compulsory event - Week 5, term 3 )
Year 11 - LEAD Conference (Week 7, term 1) and Street Retreat
As always, students will need to register their expression of interest to attend these events, so keep an eye out in newsletters, online and in classes.
The Year 10 Retreat is going to look a little different for 2025 and we are excited to launch a new experience. Stay tuned for further details.
Prayer for Advent
We are now in the season of Advent. Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas, a time of preparation and hope. It reflects on three aspects of Christ: His birth in Bethlehem, His presence with us now, and His return in glory.
The Advent Wreath is a key tradition, symbolising eternity with its circular evergreen shape. Each week, a candle is lit, representing Christ, the Light of the World, and highlighting a theme:
- Hope (Purple): God's promises and our hope in Christ.
- Peace (Purple): The peace Christ brings.
- Joy (Pink): Celebrating the joy of Christ’s coming.
- Love (Purple): God's love revealed in Jesus.
As the light grows brighter each week, it reminds us to prepare our hearts for Jesus’ coming—at Christmas and in our lives.
Prayer for Advent
As we gather in this season of Advent, we reflect on the light of hope already shining in our lives. Let us pray:
Loving God,
You are the source of our hope and the light in our darkness.
As we journey through Advent, may the light of the first candle inspire us to trust in Your promises.
Help us prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus,
bringing hope, peace, joy, and love to all.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Grace Molloy
Leader of Evangelisation
Assistant Principal- Learning & Teaching
As we approach the end of the academic year, it is an important time for reflection, particularly as students have completed their examinations and are now in the process of receiving feedback on how they can improve. This is a valuable moment for both students and parents to reflect on achievements and set goals for the year ahead.
Reflection on Achievements and Goal Setting
I encourage all parents to sit down with their child over the next few weeks to review their reports. A few key questions can guide this discussion:
- What is one positive achievement that you can be proud of?
- What strategies did you employ to achieve this result?
- Name one area in which improvement is required.
- What strategy can you use to improve in this area?
- Construct an achievable goal to aim for in 2025.
Having these reflective conversations will help students set a positive, focused tone for the year ahead. It is essential that they leave this year feeling confident about what they’ve achieved and motivated to improve in the areas where growth is needed. This reflection sets the stage for success in 2025.
Start of 2025 School Year
As we look ahead to the start of 2025, here are the key dates for the beginning of the school year:
- Wednesday, 5th February: Year 7 students will attend school all day, dressed in Day Uniform. New students in Years 8-11 will have an orientation session from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and should also wear their Day Uniform. Year 7 parents will receive a link to book a 30-minute interview with their child’s Homeroom teacher to discuss the transition into high school.
- Thursday, 6th February: Year 7, Year 11, and Year 12 students will attend school in Day Uniform.
- Friday, 7th February: All students in Years 7-12 will return to school in Day Uniform.
- Monday, 10th February: The Opening College Assembly will take place, where Year 12 students from 2024 will be awarded medallions and plaques to celebrate their HSC achievements.
We are excited and optimistic about the start of the 2025 school year and look forward to working together with students and families to achieve even greater success.
Welcome Bishop Epalle Students and Teachers!
Today, we are excited to welcome a group of 25 students and teachers from our sister school, Bishop Epalle, in the Solomon Islands. They will be hosted by Mt St Patrick College, where they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Australian culture and experience life at our College. We are thrilled to have them join us in Murwillumbah and be a part of our College community.
Mass and Cultural Celebration
The highlight of their visit will be the Mass on Saturday, December 14, at 6:00 pm at the Sacred Heart Parish. We invite all members of our community to attend this special celebration. The singing will be truly amazing!
After Mass, there will be a sausage sizzle on sale and cultural dancing at the Gilbey Centre, where everyone can enjoy the vibrant culture of the Solomon Islands. We look forward to celebrating this memorable occasion together!
Year 10 Immersion Program
Year 10 students interested in applying for the 2025 Immersion Program are encouraged to attend the Mass, meet the students from Bishop Epalle and make connections with them.
Please note that applications for the Immersion Program are due on Friday 13th December. Good luck to all those applying!
Narelle Sherrah
Assitant Principal: Learning and Teaching
Curriculum
As the year draws to a close, it is with pride that we reflect on the many achievements and milestones our students have reached. This year has been marked by growth, resilience, and a strong commitment to learning, culminating in the completion of end-of-year assessments.
Our curriculum has continued to provide a rich and dynamic foundation, fostering the skills and knowledge necessary for future success. From the sciences to the arts, mathematics to humanities, and technology to physical education, students have embraced opportunities to deepen their understanding, think critically, and apply their learning in innovative ways.
There have been many highlights this year with the integration of real-world learning opportunities, such as the introduction of our Cafe Signo program, Podcasts, Powerwell initiative and Sustainability Project, just to name a few. Whether through project-based assessments, hands-on experiments, or participation in extracurricular academic competitions, students have demonstrated creativity, collaboration, and perseverance.
Our Year 12 HSC cohort deserves special recognition for their dedication throughout their final year. Their focus and determination during the challenging process of preparing for and completing their HSC exams has been truly inspiring. We are confident their hard work will be reflected in opening doors to the next stage of their post-school lives.
Similarly, students across other year levels have worked solidly towards developing their knowledge, skills and understanding. The ability to engage in reflective practices has been demonstrated through our Learning Walk and Talks, peer feedback and self-assessment activities. This approach encourages students to take ownership of their learning, preparing them to adapt and prepare for a rapidly changing world.
Jo McDonald
Leader of Curriculum
Pastoral Care
As the year draws to a close, it’s important we reflect on how we can finish strong and set the tone for an even better year ahead. At Mount St Patrick College, we encourage students to be Safe, Respectful and Engaged with all aspects of College life. Within the Pastoral Care segment of the newsletter, I’d like to touch on three key areas: uniform expectations, addressing bullying and teasing, and finishing the year as we want to start the next.
Uniform Expectations
Our College uniform is a symbol of pride and unity, representing our shared identity as part of the MSPC community. It’s wonderful to see so many students wearing their uniform correctly, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
As we approach the new school year, I encourage families to check that uniforms are complete and meet College guidelines. This includes ensuring shoes, socks, and accessories align with our policies. Maintaining high uniform standards not only reflects well on our students but also prepares them for future settings where presentation matters. On our website we have some images to support parents, students and staff to discern what meets MSPC expectations and what does not. You can find this by click the uniform tab on our website or using the link below: https://www.mursclism.catholic.edu.au/uniform-information
Bullying and Teasing
Recently, I spoke at assembly about the importance of addressing bullying and teasing in our school. This is an issue we take very seriously, and I am proud of the positive steps our students are making towards fostering a safer, more inclusive environment.
Since the assembly, we have seen a number of students come forward to report incidents, share concerns, or simply offer support to peers. These actions show courage and a commitment to upholding the values of kindness and respect that define our College.
Parents and caregivers, please encourage your child to continue this dialogue with us. If they see or experience something that does not align with our values, we want to hear about it. Together, we can ensure every student feels safe and supported at MSPC.
Finishing the Year Strong
The way we finish this year will set the foundation for the year ahead. A key focus for us as a community is maintaining respectful communication between students and teachers. Kind words, active listening and collaboration create a positive learning environment for everyone.
We also remind students to consistently meet our high expectations, whether it’s completing work, being punctual, or adhering to our 3 College Pillars. These habits not only help end the year on a positive note but also position students for success when they return in 2025.
Thank you to our students, families, and staff for your ongoing support in making Mount St Patrick College a place where everyone is valued and strives to be their best. Let’s work together to end the year being safe, respectful and engaged.
Blake Reynolds
Acting Leader of Pastoral Care
Faculty News
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
A big thank you to all students, parents and staff who have had a hand in contributing to the sport program at Mt St Patrick College during 2024. It certainly was a massive year with many outstanding individual and team results proving once again that we are “Better Together”. Bring on 2025!
FORWARD PLANNING
Some important dates for Term 1 2025
- 19th Feb CCC / NSW ALL SCHOOLS Triathlon Penrith
- 25th Feb Dio League (Lismore) and Football trials (Coffs H)
- 27th Feb U14 Boys Aussie Rules trials Warners Bay
- 28th Feb College Swimming Carnival TRAC
- 4th March Diocesan Individual Touch football trials Toormina
- 6th March Diocesan Swimming Carnival Lismore
- 13th March Diocesan Open Basketball Championships Coffs H
- 2nd April Diocesan North Open Football Lismore
- 2nd and 4rd April NSWCCC Swimming
- 4th April Diocesan Netball Trials Coffs H
- 8th April Nick Meaney Cup RugbyLeague 9’s
- 10th April College Cross Country Murwillumbah Showground
2025 SPORT REGISTRATIONS
There are currently opportunities for representative level sports people to register to attend Diocesan and Regional trials and also one ALL SCHOOLS event links below for any interested parties. These events occur extremely early in the year and parents and students should be aware that registrations and applications can occur now, sites are live for 2025
Lismore Dio Sport Registrations (U14 Boys Aussie rules and U15 and Open Touch Footy)
Cricket information
Expression of interest dates close on Monday 20 January 2025.
Event: 19-year girls cricket selections
Venue: Lance Hutchinson Oval
Date: 4-5 February 2025
Event: 19-year boys cricket selections
Venue: Lance Hutchinson Oval
Date: 11-12 February 2025
Tim Whitney
Sport Co-ordinator
MUSIC
MUSICAL UPDATE
Rehearsals for ‘Grease’ are now underway! During Week 7 the very excited lead cast gathered to begin working on Act 1. In week 9, students will have the opportunity to participate in a full week intensive of rehearsals at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre. We look forward to seeing their talents develop and thrive!
Students who have already indicated their interest in being in the Chorus will receive more information before the end of term.
We are desperately seeking someone to take on the role of Costume Design and a team of people to assist in creating and sourcing costumes for the Musical. Please get in contact if you are interested in assisting. kaitlyn.rennes-nadal@lism.catholic.edu.au
TABLEAU
Thank you to the band and choir for their beautiful singing and playing of instruments at our Christmas Tableau. We greatly appreciate you giving up your time to attend our lunchtime rehearsals and the very humid after school rehearsal.
Choir students involved include: Matilda Patterson, Sophia Drew, Hazel Egan, Yashika Hurry, River McClean-Reid, Shanti-Rose Smyth, Tylah Whittington, Stephany Joseph, Lexie Dee, Elkie Hegh, Maddie Shackell and Isabelle Biersteker.
Band members include: Elijah Jones, Harrison Bottle, Lewis Bottle, Clara Aitchinson, Eliza Sonter, Milly Simpson, Austin Rockwell, Eva Brzoson, Olivia Bagnall. Lonnie Maher, Josh Hawkins and Jack French.
Thank you to the following teachers for their time and effort: Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal, Vanessa Bowe, Mitch Rice, Milly Keogh, Isobel Gresham, and Grace Molloy.
Thank you also to the amazing sound and lighting team (Yr 11/12 Entertainment Industry VET class, under the guidance of Vanessa Bowe) for their wonderful work in providing a seamless nativity show. Your work behind the scenes is greatly appreciated!
Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal
Leader of Learning: Creative Arts - Music
