MSPC Newsletter - Term 2, Week 6, 5th June

Principal

Assistant Principal - Mission

Tell Them From Me Survey

Thanks to all those parents who completed this survey. We should have the aggregated results back in the next few weeks and will circulate some of the graphs and findings.

Year 10 Meningococcal Injections

Will be given next Wednesday 11^th June from 9.30am in the Gilbey Hall. Parents can give consent online. Hard copy Consent Forms need to be handed into the Front Office by Wednesday morning. 

Year 10 Retreat

Next week on Thursday 12th and Friday 13^th June. We are looking forward to a great 2 days together.

    Mary-Anne McShane
    Assistant Principal: Mission

MINISTRY

Thank you!

Last Monday 26th to Wednesday 28th May, our Year 12 students and staff gathered at Camp Bornhoffen for what turned out to be a truly amazing and memorable retreat.

The retreat was a time for reflection, connection, and growth – both individually and as a cohort. Students engaged in a variety of activities designed to deepen their understanding of themselves, each other, and their journey beyond school. From heartfelt conversations to moments of quiet contemplation, the atmosphere was filled with warmth, openness, and a real sense of community.

A huge thank you to all the students for your wholehearted participation, respect, and willingness to step out of your comfort zones. Your presence and positivity made the experience so special.

We’d also like to extend our gratitude to the dedicated staff who supported the retreat – your care, guidance, and encouragement helped create a safe and supportive space for everyone.

Camp Bornhoffen provided the perfect setting, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to spend this important time together.

It truly was an unforgettable few days – thank you again to everyone who made the Year 12 Retreat so meaningful.

Year 12 Comments:

• Year 12 retreat was an above all awesome experience, for the last camp EVER I really enjoyed the time we had, the activities were great, some being hands-on while others being on a deeper level had more meaning.
• It was a great chance to relax with the whole grade in a place that isn't school, so there was less stress and more focus on the activities and each other :)
• Very fun and a great way to connect with other people in the year.

📢 Year 10 Retreat – Thursday 12th and Friday 13th June
A reminder that the Year 10 Retreat will take place on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th June. This is a special opportunity for students to reflect, connect with others, and give back to the local community through meaningful service.

Key Details:

• Thursday 12th June:
  Students should arrive at school at the normal time but do not go to homeroom. When the bell rings, they are to go directly to the Gilbey Basement, where rolls will be marked before boarding the buses.
• Friday 13th June:
  Students will take part in their chosen service activities in the local community. Students need to pack and wear their sports uniform, school hat, and bring a water bottle. This uniform is practical for the day’s activities and ensures they are representing the College respectfully while offsite. After lunch, all students will return to school to finish the day together, in time for afternoon buses or parent collection.
  

A packing list has been emailed to students. Please encourage your child not to overpack. All students must complete the preference form for Friday’s service activities—this has also been emailed.

Retreat is a compulsory school event. Please contact Mr Dykes as soon as possible if there is a reason a Year 10 Student is unable to attend.

If you or your child have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Miss Molloy.

We look forward to a meaningful and rewarding experience for our Year 10 students!

🌟 SHINE 2025 – Reminder for Year 9 & 10 Youth Ministry Students
SHINE is a two-day Catholic Youth Ministry event bringing together students from across the Diocese for faith-filled experiences including music, workshops, testimonies, Eucharistic Adoration, and Mass. It’s a unique opportunity for students to encounter Christ, grow in their faith, and connect with peers.

🗓 When: Thursday 21st – Friday 22nd August, 2025
 📍 Where: St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour
 🚍 Travel: Depart MSPC approx. 9am Thursday, return Friday afternoon (after school hours)
 💲 Cost: $70 – includes food and event resources
 🧳 What to bring: Sleeping bag, pillow, mattress (optional), and money for lunch

🔔 Reminder: This is a compulsory event for all Year 9 & 10 Youth Ministry students.
 👉 Please give consent and make payment via Compass as soon as possible.

🐐 G.O.A.T. Retreat – A Diocesan Experience for Year 10 Boys
We’re excited to announce an opportunity for Year 10 male students to take part in the G.O.A.T. Retreat, a powerful overnight faith experience for young Catholic men from across the Diocese of Lismore.

G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) helps young men explore their purpose and passion through the life of Jesus, the saints, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Through faith-sharing, inspiring talks, outdoor activities and reflection, students will be challenged to live with courage, service, and integrity as young men of faith.

Event Details:
 📅 When: Thursday 24th – Friday 25th July, 2025
 📍 Where: Coffs Coast Adventure Centre, Bonville
 💲 Cost: Free
 🚍 Travel: Students will depart and return with a supervising teacher (exact times TBC)

⚠️ Limited spaces available.
 Interested students should contact Mr Thomas McGhee, our College Youth Minister, as soon as possible to express their interest and secure a place.

This is a valuable opportunity for students to grow in faith, friendship and self-understanding. We encourage all interested Year 10 boys to get involved!

Doyle and Loreto House Mass - Save the date!
Students and families from Doyle and Loreto Houses are warmly invited to attend a special House Mass on Saturday, 14th June at 5:00pm (Winter Time) at Sacred Heart Church.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to come together in faith, join the parish community, and enjoy a cup of hot soup afterwards.

We especially encourage students from these Houses to attend — but of course, everyone is welcome!

We look forward to seeing you there.

Thursday Morning Mass – New Time
A reminder to all students, families, and staff who attend Thursday morning Mass at school: the new start time is 8:00am.

This is a shorter Mass, and all students, families, and staff are most welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

    Grace Molloy
    Leader of School Evangelisation

Year 12 Retreat
Last Monday, the class of 2025 was welcomed to secluded Camp Bornhoffen, located high up in the Springbrook National Park, for the annual Year 12 Retreat. Anticipation had been building in the cohort since the original Retreat had to be postponed due to Cyclone Alfred, and it is fitting that the hilly outdoor education camp’s name can be loosely translated to ‘Spring of Hope’. After a short bus trip we were greeted by majestic hills, fog rolling down the valley and surprisingly warm weather. We jumped straight into action with activities such as a scavenger hunt and blindfolded tent building, which instantly created collaboration in our newly formed small groups, reflecting the College and Retreat theme of ‘Strength in Spirit’.

Following the heat of the activities in the sun, we were grateful for the opportunity to cool off at the waterfall, where we stumbled across a rocky creek crossing and found a python lounging in the warm sun. Thankfully, Year 12 student Fin Kelly channelled his inner Irwin - and knowledge gained from his own father’s teachings - and carefully relocated the stunning serpent out of harm's way. It’s fair to say that one hundred and eleven hot and sweaty adolescents (and a few brave teachers) charging for the inviting fresh spring waters wouldn’t have thought twice about leaping over the sunbaking snake!

That evening saw the introduction of the meal time ‘count off’, and the soft cooing of pigeon sounds accompanying the symphony of clashing cutlery and mirthful chatter. Following dinner, Mr Bunney and Thomas led some energetic dancing to classics like the nutbush, the macarena, and a hokey-pokey inspired mosh pit that probably caused 75% of the grade to catch the flu. Thankfully, we were calmed down before bed with the aid of some relaxing guided meditation.

The next day brought more activities that encouraged us to reflect on ourselves, our hopes and fears, our dreams and aspirations, and what we have gained from our time at school so far. There was anonymous sharing of gifts between buddies, gestures of kindness, and plenty of fun in the process. It was revealed to us that some of our peers had ambitions to be doctors, firefighters, barristers, and even Batman! As night fell we glammed up for our semi-formal dinner, a dress rehearsal of sorts for the big dance in November. This was followed by a solemn opportunity to share light, love and kindness with our classmates.

When Wednesday came it almost felt like time had stood still as we completed our final introspective activities, reflecting on moments from our past, and preparing ourselves for times yet to come. A beautiful Mass was celebrated with Father Peter, and Year 12 student Payten Nash echoed the sentiments of all students that the Retreat had helped them “making friends and memories” for life. And then, standing in the warm sun eating hamburgers before the bus ride back to school, we were left with just one compelling question:

Was it too much ‘Born’ and not enough ‘Hoffen’… or too much ‘Hoffen’ and not enough ‘Born’?

By Year 12 students Leon Morgan, Haylen Fox-Duong, Sean Farrelly, Indiana Wadley, Charlie Twohill and Emelia Thompson, with Mr Holder.

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Year 10 have completed their assessments and are now focussed on preparing for the next exciting phase of their schooling. Each Year 10 has been issued a survey sheet and are gathering information about possible career paths and what is required to follow their dreams. Careers Leader Mrs Flood coordinated teachers to present about the many pathways and subjects on offer at Mt St Patrick College. An information evening will take place next Tuesday 10th June at 6.30pm in the Gilbey centre to inform parents. We encourage parents to take advantage of the opportunity to ensure they are well informed and journey with their child and support them in their choices.

Year 12 have returned from a highly successful retreat last week and found the time to reflect on their progress towards their goals. It was beneficial in resetting their goals and narrowing their focus. The entire cohort participated with enthusiasm and contributed to making the retreat a memorable occasion. The retreat is a highlight for Year 12. The students will now be allocated a mentor teacher who will meet with the students and discuss their journey, offering support and encouragement.

Thank you to the parents and students who attended Teacher/students and parent conferences for both Year 11 and 12 last night. The opportunity for all stakeholders to meet and work together to ensure the students are working to their full potential is valuable.

Mt St Patrick College supports many graduate teachers in the commencement of their career to ensure they develop into high quality educators that enjoy their teaching career. Experienced staff mentor the graduates and impart the wisdom of many years of education. The future of teaching at Mt St Pats is optimistic because of the generosity and role modelling of our great teachers.

    Narelle Sherrah
    Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

Pastoral Care

As a school community rooted in the teachings of Christ, we are reminded daily that our faith calls us not only to love one another but to stand with one another—especially in moments of challenge, injustice, or pain.

In recent weeks, we’ve taken time to reflect on the importance of accountability, courage, and being an up-stander—someone who speaks out and takes action when witnessing bullying, harassment, or disrespect toward others.

Jesus teaches us:

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." – Matthew 25:40

This is not just a call to kindness. It is a call to action. When we witness wrongdoing and choose silence, we allow harm to grow. But when we choose to speak up, to intervene with compassion, and to stand alongside those who are hurt—we reflect the love and justice of Christ Himself.

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Let us be a school where silence in the face of harm is no longer an option. Let us be a community where students feel safe, seen, and supported—not only by teachers and staff, but by each other.

We encourage our students to take accountability for their actions—and to have the strength to own mistakes, apologize sincerely, and make things right. That same accountability means standing tall when others are treated unfairly. Being an up-stander might look like:

• Stepping in and saying, “That’s not okay,” when someone is bullied.
• Comforting someone who feels excluded.
• Reporting harmful behavior to a trusted adult—not to get someone in trouble, but to get someone out of trouble.

This is the courage Christ calls us to. And we want our school to be a place where every student knows that they are not alone.

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." – Nelson Mandela

We ask our families to help us in nurturing this message at home. Talk with your children about the power of their voice and the importance of treating others with dignity and love. Remind them that faith is not passive. It is lived. It is brave.

Together, let’s shape a school culture where: doing the right thing is not the exception, but the expectation.

Let’s raise young people who are not just bystanders, but courageous, compassionate, and committed to justice.

    Lara Thompson
    Leader of Pastoral Care

Curriculum

Year 10 into Year 11 Information Night - 6.30pm Tuesday 10th June 2025:  An important meeting will be held in the Gilbey Centre at 6.30pm on for all parents of Year 10 students intending to enrol in Year 11 at Mount St Patrick College in 2026. At this meeting various presenters will discuss issues pertinent to studying in the senior school at the College. Requirements for obtaining an HSC and the process of selecting subjects to be studied in Year 11 and 12 will be outlined. Our Careers Co-ordinators, Mrs Keeley Flood, will also be present to provide a timeline of events leading up to students selecting subjects and discuss the various careers pathways available at the College.  If you have any questions regarding any aspect of the senior years in general, or at Mount St Patrick College in particular, a question time will be provided at the end of the meeting to enable you to ask questions of any of the speakers. It is important that parents are well informed about study in the Senior School so that a successful partnership is forged between the school and parents for the benefit of your child’s education. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting,

Years 8, 9 and 10 are commended on their focused efforts in completing their assessments. Students are now encouraged to be proactive with responding to feedback on their learning and if they are unsure of the marker’s comments, seek clarification and discuss this with their teacher.

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 languages and practical and performance subjects.  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 Weeks 7 and 8 of Term 2. 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 Assessment Portal.

    Jo McDonald
    Leader of Curriculum

Faculty News

HSIE

Student Success in ASX Sharemarket Game

Congratulations to Charlotte Brown, who has taken out 1st place in the ASX Schools Sharemarket Game at MSPC with an impressive final portfolio value of $59,800.14. Charlotte demonstrated sharp investment instincts and consistent strategy throughout the competition.

Students began with a virtual $50,000 to invest in real-time stocks over a 10-week period. Charlotte’s strong finish earned her top honours – a fantastic achievement!

Honourable mentions go to ‘The Betas’, who came in second with $58,104.27, and Julian Hoelker, who finished third with $57,662.07.

Well done to all students who participated and engaged in this real-world learning experience in financial literacy and market dynamics! Get ready for round 2 later this year!

    The HSIE Team

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

All SCHOOLS SWIMMING

MSPC had three students attend the NSWCCC Swimming championships on Friday 23rd May. 

Alex and Tim Wellm along with Audrey Carroll.

Tim Wellm came third place in all four of his races and achieved a PB in every race. He swam the 50 fly (27.01),  50 back (28.69) , 100 fly (59.43) and 200m fly (2.11.63).

The 200 fly was 15/16 age group combined. Tim was thrilled to get a PB in that because it is his favourite event.

Whilst they haven’t announced the official team, it looks like he will be going up to Brisbane to represent New South Wales at School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Brisbane.

NRCC HOCKEY

GIRLS
I had the pleasure of taking the College Open Girls Hockey team away to Lismore in Week 4 and they did not disappoint! For some of the team, this was their last time representing the College as they end their schooling career this year. They have been an absolute pleasure to coach and to take away as a representative team.

We won all 3 pool games which led to taking home the championship trophy at the end of the day. A special mention to our graduating students - Ava McCabe, Kiani Byrnes, Billi Hutton, Ulani Uhlmann, Bree Puntingham and Ava Parsons - thank you for always playing with the greatest level of sportsmanship and being excellent role models for our younger team members.

We have a tradition of developing our younger players - some from Years 7 and 8 - and we are certainly looking forward to next year's competition!

    Lisa East

BOYS

It was a glorious day in Lismore on Thursday 22nd May. Our boys team had 16 players, a first for many years. We started the day with an easy win against St Mary’s Casino 4 - 0. Our team's captain, Vann O’Keefe led the way with an early hat trick. Harry Harvey, Simon Smith and Ben Hendrikse proved a very strong spine, repelling and then starting many attacking forays. Game 2 against our rivals St Joseph's College saw another comfortable win 8-0. However, man management during this game to rest some of our regular hockey players may have been detrimental to our cause later in the day as goals for and against would once again prove an obstacle.

Game three promised to be a hard prospect. The Trinity team had played some very good hockey and took an early lead which they managed to hold until our last attack of the game when we won a penalty corner which, with time elapsed on the clock, Vann confidently slotted an equalizer after the final buzzer for a 1-1 draw.

Game four against Woodlawn we knew we had a two goal advantage against Trinity and had to get a result, but here is were things went south. Woodlawn played their best game and held off many attacks and on one of their raids on goal managed to get one past our keeper who was superb all day. We quickly equalised but a 1-1 result meant that Trinity had to score on two goals to leap frog us and with an 8-0 result of their own over Casino.

I would like to congratulate the spirit all 16 boys showed throughout the day, 5 first time players were on the team and all played well.

    Tim Whitney

COUNTRY CUP RUGBY LEAGUE

Under 13’s Boys
The Mt St Patrick Under 13s Rugby League team took to the field last week in the highly competitive Country Cup, facing strong sides from across the region. While the scoreboard didn’t go our way with losses in all three of our matches, the boys wore the yellow and blue with pride, showing exactly what the Patty’s spirit is all about.

Each game saw moments of real promise, commitment in defence, and flashes of attacking flair. Standout performances came from Jeffrey Wheeler, who led from the front with powerful runs and fearless tackles; Isaac Lloyd, who controlled the middle of the park and never stopped working; and Luke Thierjung,whose speed and creativity gave our opponents plenty to think about.

Coach’s Player of the Day went to Jeffrey for his relentless effort across all matches, and Isaac took home the Team Spirit Award for his leadership and positivity throughout the tournament.

Though the results didn’t fall our way, the boys walked off the field with heads held high, having learned valuable lessons and grown as a team. There’s no doubt the experience will only make them stronger for the next challenge ahead.

Up the Pats!!

Under 15 Boys
The sun was out for a great day of Rugby League at South Tweed. Despite only having 13 players, our boys stood up to the challenge, going through the day undefeated and progressing to the next level.

Game 1 was against Tweed River High. They put up a strong showing early, however, a quick thinking scoot led to a try for Lucas Bliss and broke the game open. The boys continued the momentum on the back of strong defence and added 2 more tries through a fantastic long range effort of Riley Young and a solid probing run from Liam Monaghan.

Game 2 was against St Joeys and proved to be another arm wrestle. It was a try apiece halfway through the game after an early effort from Liam Monaghan and both teams were showing strong intent. Finally, we broke through with a strong individual run from Wyatt Greenhill. Chase Nash put the game to bed on the siren, hitting a clean hole near the line.

The final game was against Banora Point High who came out firing, trying to out muscle us with an enthusiastic forward pack. Finn O’Donnell and Riley Young both rose to the challenge, taking tough runs and making some strong defensive efforts. Seth Leeson broke through on the edge, passing several defenders to reach the line. This was a confidence booster to the boys who, through the captain Liam Monaghan, put on a hat trick of tries to take the game.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Cochrane Cup (to be played Thursday 19th June)
• Diocesan Cross Country was finally run on Thursday 5th June
• Phil Tobin Shield Open Rugby League Wednesday June 11th
• Diocesan North Open Football (Soccer) June 12th
• Q Schools Seniors Aussie Rules June 12th
• Diocesan Junior Football (Soccer) June 18th
• NRCC Touch Football July 1st
• Country Cup U15 League Regional Finals July 22nd (Wk1 Term 3)

    Mr Tim Whitney   
    Sports Co-Ordinator

College News

CAPTAINS NEWS

Together with the Year 12 leadership team, we’ve been working hard to continue building on our theme of ‘Strength in Spirit.’ A great example of this was seen on ‘Do It For Dolly Day’, when our House Leaders worked together to share a positive affirmation or kind word with every student. It was a simple yet powerful gesture that encouraged compassion, connection, and a strong sense of community at MSPC.

The Year 12 Leadership team, specifically those in the mission and culture stream, worked hard to prepare and run the Year 12 Trivia Night. We are incredibly proud of the collective efforts of our Year 12 cohort and the staff who supported the event, helping raise over $1000 for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal!

Recently, we also completed our Year 12 Retreat; a wonderful opportunity to reflect, grow, and connect as a cohort. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr Molloy and all the staff who contributed to the organisation and smooth running of such a meaningful and memorable experience.

Our House Co-Leaders have also been busy leading a number of successful initiatives since we last wrote to the College community. A big thank you and well done to: Assisi (Project Compassion Easter Raffle), Romero ( Romero Food Drive), Loreto (Do It For Dolly Day), Lucan (Lucan Pet Photo Competition) and Doyle (Pickleball and the Big Doyle BBQ).
Nagle House is currently running a Stationery Drive to support the Solomon Islands Immersion Program. We are encouraging all students to donate a sealed packet of stationery such as pens, pencils, or workbooks. This is a great cause, and all donated items will be taken directly to the Solomon Islands by the Year 11 Immersion team.

As we look ahead to the rest of the term, the Student Leadership Team remains committed to strengthening our school theme of ‘Strength in Spirit’ and is excited to continue working hard to foster unity, positivity, and community spirit at MSPC and we wish all students the best of luck in their examinations and assessments over the coming weeks!

    Kind Regards,
    Makaylah and Ewan
    2025 College Captains

YEAR 12 TRIVIA NIGHT

In Week 4, the annual Year 12 and Staff Trivia Night was held. After walking the ‘Holywood’ red carpet in their themed costumes, students and staff formed teams and competed in four rounds of questions and a number of brain break activities for extra points. The evening was watched over closely by ‘The Judge’ who awarded extra points and dissolved disputes in the marking.

Best dressed was taken out by the ‘Gatsby Girls’ while the best stationary mascot was awarded to ‘The Midhuns’. The winning team, by only two points, was also ‘The Midhuns’.

The evening raised over $1000 for the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. Thank you to all those who assisted in the organisation of a massive event including Mrs Caitlyn Barone, Ms Lily O’Hare, Ms Layla Marr, Ms Lily Yates, Mrs Cathy Cripps, Mrs Narelle Sherrah, Mrs Simone Kendrick and Mrs Jo McDonald, and the 15 or so year 11 students who supported the evening.

Looking forward to the 2026 Trivia night already.

    Mr Hamish Bunney
    Trivia Night Organiser. 

Community News