MSPC Newsletter - Term 2, Week 4, 22nd May

Principal

Assistant Principal - Mission

Tell Them From Me Surveys
This annual survey of students, staff and parents provides valuable feedback about life at the College. The survey closes next Friday 30^th May and so far 52 parents have completed the anonymous survey. It would be great if more parents could take 15 minutes to express their opinions regarding the College. The login link was sent via compass to all parents on Thursday afternoon 15^th May.

Maningrida Visit
12 students and 4 staff from Maningrida College in the Northern Territory arrived at the College today for a 10-day visit. Plenty of work has gone on behind the scenes to prepare for their visit. We welcome them to the cool caldera!

Year 10 NSW Health Immunization program
All Year 10 students are being offered a free injection against Meningococcal on Wednesday 11^th June at the Gilbey Centre. Information kits including online registration will be given to all Year 10 students next Monday 26^th May to take home to parents. Consent Forms need to be returned to the College prior to the injections which will be administered by trained nurses. No Consent Form = no injection given. The Information Kits will prove to be a good present as they begin their Exam period next Monday 26^th May!

Disrespectful behavior of some Year 8 and 9 Boys
As is always the case, a minority of students are unable to self-regulate and are behaving in ways that show great disrespect to teachers, other students, learning and to College property. This week there have been reported issues about unsafe entry onto buses (pushing and shoving younger students); poor behavior on buses (throwing food and fruit, yelling out) and damage to boys’ toilet blocks at the College.

Parents, please ask your student, particularly a Year 8 and 9 boy, if they have been receiving Detentions, EWS’ or community service consequences and why have they been given them. Thanks in advance!

    Mary-Anne McShane
    Assistant Principal: Mission

MINISTRY

Year 12 Retreat
Next week, our Year 12 students will head off on their much-anticipated retreat at Camp Bornhoffen. This is always a special time for reflection, connection, and personal growth as students take a break from their busy schedules to explore what really matters to them. A big thank you to the staff who are attending and supporting our students on this journey. Your presence makes a real difference. Students are reminded to pack warm clothes, the mountain air can get chilly! Don’t forget your op-shop dress up!

Year 10 Retreat
The Year 10 Retreat will take place on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th June. On Thursday, students will be heading out into the local community to take part in service activities.

The Compass event is now live, and we apologise for the short turnaround time. Students have been sent a Google Form to indicate their preferences for the service activities.

More details will be shared closer to the retreat.

Important Update: 2025 Youth Ministry Programs
Just a quick heads up for families: the Exuro retreat (Year 9 Youth Ministry class) and Year 8 Festa Christi retreat will not be running in 2025. We thank you for your ongoing support and will keep you updated on any new initiatives for the future.

Year 9 Youth Ministry – GLOW Retreat
Our Year 9 Youth Ministry class will be involved in the Primary GLOW Retreat, held here at MSPC on Friday 30th May. A big thank you to the Year 9 students for supporting the day as buddies, group leaders, and helpers. Your leadership and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated and make a huge difference in creating a meaningful and welcoming experience for our visiting primary students.

SHINE 2025 – Year 9 & 10 Youth Ministry
Both our Year 9 and Year 10 Youth Ministry classes will be attending SHINE 2025, a two-day diocesan Youth Ministry event held at St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour on Thursday 21st – Friday 22nd August.

It’s a great opportunity for students to grow in faith, connect with others, and be inspired through worship, talks, testimonies, and prayer.

🚌 Cost: $70 | What to bring: Sleeping bag, pillow, and camping/blow-up mattress
📌 More details to come – please keep an eye out for the Compass event.

    Grace Molloy
    Leader of School Evangelisation

Pastoral Care

Dear Parents, Carers, and Students,

As we move into the exam season, it’s natural for stress and anxiety to rise—but what if we told you that one of the most powerful tools for success and wellbeing is something already within us?

Recent neuroscience tells us that believing in ourselves and actively choosing a positive mindset can actually reset the brain’s neural pathways. This shift doesn’t just feel good—it has a real, physical impact on the brain. Positive thinking releases “happy hormones” like serotonin and dopamine, which help us feel calmer, more focused, and more resilient. In fact, the simple act of changing how we see a challenge—from a threat to an opportunity—can improve our emotional wellbeing and our performance.

This is especially important as exams approach. Rather than seeing them as a source of fear or pressure, we can choose to see them as a chance to grow, to learn, and to show what we know. A positive mindset helps us bounce back from setbacks and approach challenges with hope and confidence.

Here are a few ways we can support ourselves and each other as a family:

• Talk openly about stress– Acknowledge it, don’t hide from it. Sharing feelings can lessen the load.
• Practice positive self-talk– Replace “I can’t do this” with “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.”
• Take wellbeing breaks– Whether it’s a walk, music, or just breathing deeply—small breaks help reset the brain.
• Celebrate effort, not just results– Every step forward is worth recognising.

Together, let’s focus on building strong, hopeful minds that believe in the power of growth. With the right mindset, we can face exams—and life—with resilience, courage, and optimism.

Wishing you all calm, clarity, and confidence in the weeks ahead.

    Lara Thompson
    Leader of Pastoral Care

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 have completed a home study planner and ensure they are doing their homework on a daily basis. Home study planners are available on each year page of the Assessment Portal.

In the lead up to assessments, students are encouraged to be organised and use their Google Calendar to record their homework, assessments and home study. Assignment submission dates should also be recorded in the planner. Please see attached the Year 7 - 10 Curriculum PPT which contains more detailed information.

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 2025 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:

A summary of the Assessment Policy can be found on the front page of the Assessment Portal via 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 Year 9 Accelerated) require an email or a letter from a parent / carer to the class teacher, detailing the student’s circumstances for non-completion of an assessment task. 

Illness / Absence - Assessments: Year 9 Accelerated and Year 10 + 10 Accelerated and Year 11
For Year 9 Accelerated and Years 10 and 11, a medical practitioner or pharmacist 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. Important: Year 9 Accelerated and Year 10 - a family event or holiday will not be accepted as a reason for absence and therefore an extension or exemption will not be granted. See Year 11 Accelerated (HSC) requirements below.

Year 11 Accelerated and Year 12 students require a medical practitioner 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.  Important: a family event or holiday will not be accepted as a reason for absence and therefore an extension or exemption will not be granted.

Illness Procedure - Years 10 Accelerated, 11 and 12: If student is sick on the day of the assessment:

1. Phone the Front Office to advise of illness (02) 6672 2340
2. Student to email Mrs Joanne McDonald to advise of illness and to organise a catch-up session during the assessment block.
3. Year 11 Accelerated and Year 12 require a Medical Practitioner to complete the Mount St Patrick Assessment Variation Illness Application Form. This can be accessed on the Year 12 page on the 

    Jo McDonald
    Leader of Curriculum

Faculty News

HSIE
🎬 Calling All Young Filmmakers! – Parli-Flicks Short Film Award 2025

Do you have a creative child with an interest in film, storytelling, or making a difference? The Parli-Flicks Short Film Award 2025 is now open!

Theme: What do I value about democracy?
Task: Create a 1-minute short film exploring the theme
Entries close: 8 August 2025

🏆 Prizes & Recognition:

• $500 for the overall Parli-Flicks Prize winner
• $100 for each shortlisted entry
• Medals for all shortlisted students
• Finalists are invited to an awards night at NSW Parliament in Sydney (with travel and accommodation assistance for regional students)
  

Award categories include:

• Best Junior Secondary (Years 7–9)
  
• Best Senior Secondary (Years 10–12)
• Best Regional
  

This is a fantastic opportunity to get creative, think critically about democracy, and be recognised on a state level!

📽️ For more information or to submit an entry, visit:
 👉 Parli-Flicks Short Film Award 2025

    The HSIE Team

MUSIC

ANZAC DAY
A belated thankyou to the band and drumline students who played at the ANZAC day march. Your participation and determination in the wet weather was much appreciated. Special thanks to the teachers who assisted and played on the day: Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal, Mitch Rice, Grace Molloy, Sam Priddis, Hamish Bunney, Mikey Minh and friends, Brad Patterson and Paul Hennessy.

Band: Olivia Bagnall, Josh Hawkins, Harrison Bottle, Lewis Bottle, Austin Rockwell, Clara Aitchison, Milly Simpson, Eva Brzoson, Annabelle Wiseman, Paul Hennessy, Grace Molloy

Drumline: Jack Thornton, Mikki Gronholt, Felix Kos, Bailey Lofts, Tully Fitzpatrick, Ollie Mulvey, Felix Twohill, Brad Patterson, Mitch Rice, Mikey Minh, Gabriel Rockwell, Sam Priddis, Hamish Bunney

MUSICAL
A huge congratulations to the cast, crew, band and teachers involved in our musical ‘Grease: School Edition’. We are so incredibly proud of your efforts and the huge amount of work you have all put into the production. Whilst we only performed for three nights, the journey to these moments has been truly rewarding.

Performing to sold out shows, your progress, camaraderie, talent and love of performing was a highlight for our school community and made this musical one to remember. We hope to see many of you back for our next musical in 2027!

A very special mention to the following teachers who volunteered a considerable amount of time outside of school hours to guide and support our wonderful students: Vanessa Bowe, Kaitlyn Judd, Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal, Mitch Rice, Isobel Gresham, Michelle Gill and Grace Molloy. And a HUGE thank you to Desmond James for coming back to direct the show for us. 

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Here are some musical reviews written by the 7C Music class

‘I loved the musical so much. Everyone's singing was so good. I loved everyone’s acting and how close it was to the real movie. The dancers were amazing. Thanks for an amazing performance.’  Vayda Hoade

‘You all did very well, you had great acting, beautiful singing and great costumes. The band did very well and so did the people in the back.’  Brock Sasse

‘Really good dancing, good acting, great singing, I loved the outfits.’  Macy Neville

SECONDARY CHORAL WORKSHOP
On Thursday 26th June, the Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts will be hosting a Secondary Schools Choral Workshop Day for students and their accompanying music teachers. The day will be presented by the amazing Therese Doyle who is an experienced and highly sought-after music educator, choir director and accompanist.  Students will have the opportunity to develop and enhance their singing skills while being immersed in an exciting repertoire. All costs for the day are being covered by the Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts. If you are interested please speak to Mrs Rennes-Nadal or Mrs Bowe, or email kaitlyn.rennes-nadal@lism.catholic.edu.au

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

PIPER BODDIE NSWCCC U16 RUGBY 7’S
Year 9 Superstar Piper Boddie travelled to Sydney on 13^th May for a selection trial for the NSWCCC Rugby Union 7’s team. After being injured for a length of time leading into the trials she was eager to show the selectors what she could do. Piper had a very solid trial and impressed enough to be named in the 12 person squad. Well done Piper!

INTERMEDIATE Q SCHOOLS CUP

Boys 9/10
Our intermediate (Year 9/10 boys) travelled to Brunswick Heads to participate in the Northern Rivers Region of the AFL Q Schools Cup. In extremely heavy conditions (the Byron Bay ground was closed) our boys  were victorious in every game. They defeated Lindisfarne followed by Xavier Catholic College and finally Saint Joseph’s College before progressing to the Grand Final to play against Kingscliff High who also had stood undefeated the entire day. The Patties boys applied relentless pressure and clever AFL tactics to win the game with a final score of 23-13.

All boys are to be congratulated for displaying great sportsmanship in true Saint Paddy’s fashion through the entire day in extremely difficult conditions. Our team now progresses to the next round which will be held in June on the Gold Coast. A special thank you to Mr Matt Aitchison and Sarah Bowers for their help throughout the day.

 Mr Rick Van Den Driest - Coach

Girls 9/10
The intermediate 9/10 girls travelled to Brunswick Heads on Friday 9^th May to compete in the Northern Rivers Region AFL Q Schools Cup. With a change in venue from Byron due to weather and field conditions the girls adjusted to a smaller field and 12 aside.

The first game was hard fought against Lindisfarne, although we were up at half time we fell by two goals at full time. Our second game was against Xavier College. After an even battle in the first half the girls settled and played their own game to take a comfortable victory. Our next pool game was against St Joseph College where the girls went out and had fun, with our less-experienced players having a chance to build their confidence. Unfortunately we missed the finals by count back.

Our last game was against Kingscliff High as the 3rd placed team, this would have been the girls favourite game, they went out, had fun and laughed their way through the game. The girls showed great sportsmanship on the day and were super encouraging of each other. A quote from the girls about the day, ‘It’s ok Miss that we missed the finals, we had fun and made new friends. That was worth it’. A special thanks to Miss Abbey Bevan, Matt Aitchison and Sarah Bowers for your help and support throughout the day.

Amanda Evans - Coach

QLD ALL SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Orlando Wood, William Chant and Lucian de Yong competed at Nudgee in the QLD All Schools Cross Country Championship against some very prestigious and competitive schools and took out the team bronze medal for the school!

The boys competed in this event as a school team for extra training in the lead up to their Diocesan event in Grafton Monday 26^th May. The boys combined well to finish in third place overall on 71pts behind the GPS powerhouses of Churchie and Nudgee College.

Orlando Wood 13th 10.35

Lucian de Yong 24th 11.08

William Chant 34th 11.35

They competed in the U13 division running 3km

JAMIE CHAPMAN CUP

Open Girls
The weather was fine enough (albeit muddy) to allow a great day of footy for the Jamie Chapman Cup. Our Open Girls were a mix of Year 10s, 11s and 12s, most of whom play Rugby League outside of school, although it was great to see a few girls who are quite new to League have a go on the day.

St Joseph’s College were the only other team to enter in the Open division and presented a very strong, talented side. Our girls, led by captain Kate Pryke, played tough in both games. Game 1 saw St Joeys get out to an early lead, immediately putting us on the back foot. However, repeat sets enabled our girls a chance to score and they took it. Two late tries to the opposition saw them run away with the game in the end.

Game 2 was a much more even affair. It was back and forth early on with both teams playing well. St Joeys managed a good try to break the deadlock but we struck back soon after to keep in the competition. An excellent attacking play and strong run from Crystal Vernon saw her get held up over the line. Unfortunately, this was as close as the girls got for the rest of the match. A late chip chase and brilliant individual try to the opposition half sealed their victory.

The girls played some very solid footy with a good mix of creative flair and solid defence. Despite being bettered on the day, they will walk away with more experience and confidence from the effort.

DIOCESAN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
MSPC senior girls' and boys' tennis teams participated in the Diocesan Tennis Competition this week, with highly promising performances, securing victories in over half of their games. They made a strong start to the day, demonstrating skill and teamwork. In the afternoon, they battled through some tough sets, with a few close matches.  Both teams exhibited good sportsmanship, congratulating opponents on their good shots and maintaining a positive attitude even during difficult moments. This respectful and fair play contributed to the overall positive atmosphere of the competition and we were very proud of them. The boys team managed to secure a place in the top 3 teams which was a great effort.

Senior Girls team: Amelia Andrews, Ciara Dwyer, Tara O’Donnell, Hannah Windhorst

Senior Boys team: Harlo Jorss, Jai Kelly-Judd, Finn Shipard-Watson, Michael Windhorst

Ms Cahill and Mr Windhorst

SENIOR Q SCHOOLS CUP & DIOCESAN CROSS COUNTRY

Both events have been postponed due to ground conditions. The Dio Cross country will take place Monday 26^th May and a date is yet to be set for Senior Q Schools Cup.

    Mr Tim Whitney   
    Sports Co-Ordinator

College News

Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) 2025

REMINDER Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) 2025, Applications are NOW OPEN!  

Rotary “Murwillumbah Central” Club would like to sponsor MSPC students to attend.

RYPEN is a residential camp that takes place over 2.5 days. Designed for school students in Year 8-10 (generally aged between 14-16), the program focuses on the development of self-concept, relationships, and will help you develop skills that will assist in the transition into adulthood.

At RYPEN, you will participate in activities that will challenge you on many different levels in areas such as personal growth, teamwork & self-awareness. You will also develop lifelong friendships and connections that will help you later in life. 

NEXT CAMP:

13-15 June 2025

Bornhoffen PCYC, 3510 Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, Natural Bridge QLD 4211

$385 per attendee (sponsorship available).

Applications are NOW OPEN hit the link for further details about RYPEN along with the application form. 

Community News