dates to remember april 2019 · 2019. 4. 4. · page | 3 mass readings readings at mass, sunday 7th...

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NEW PHONE NUMBER FOR THE COLLEGE The phone number is 4994 8700 May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Easter. I pray that this year’s Easter will bring you new faith, new hope and new goals – “May the joy of the Risen Christ be yours”. I invite you all to take time in your very hectic lives to take the opportunity to attend one the many Masses that are being offered throughout our local parish churches during Holy Week, the Easter Vigil on Saturday night or the Easter Sunday Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord. It is a time of renewal and awakening for all. I would also like to wish our community a safe and happy holiday. I remind parents and students, that the first day of Term 2 is Tuesday 23 April. ATAR 2019 I am very happy with the progress that students and teachers have made in the transition to The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). There can be no doubt that the new system promises to be very fair to all students. If anyone has any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me personally. Diocesan Principals’ Conference Last week, myself and Mr Geoghegan took part in the Diocesan Leadership Conference which was held in the Kevin Castles Centre in Rockhampton. The conference was excellent, with speakers and workshops about: The Leadership Framework; Growing Great Leaders; and Catholic Perspectives in the Curriculum. A highlight of the conference was attending the Mass of Chrism, which was celebrated by Bishop Michael, together with priests, religious, parishioners and students representing our diocese. Sharing and meeting as a community enables us to reflect on our purpose and commitment to Catholic Education. Fees and Levies All parents are reminded that it is an expectation of the College that all fees and levies are paid in a timely fashion. If families are having difficulties in meeting payments, they are encouraged to speak to myself or Mrs Gail Gibbs (the College Bursar), so that alternative arrangements can be made. Dates to remember APRIL 2019 1-5 Year 12 exams 2 Rats of Tobruk Service 5 Industry Placement finishes 19 Good Friday 21 Easter Saturday 22 Easter Sunday 25 Anzac Day 26 Reports uploaded 26 ECSI survey closes MAY 2019 1-3 Year 11 Hamilton Island Camp 1-3 Year 12 QCS preparation 6 Labour Day Holiday 7-9 Year 12 Indigenous Camp 10 Rice House Day 15 School Photograph Day 16 Parent Teacher Interviews 17-19 CEY Pilgrimage NUMBER FOR SMS The number to send SMS Messages regarding student absence is 0416 906 288

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  • NEW PHONE NUMBER FOR THE COLLEGE

    The phone number is

    4994 8700

    May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy

    Easter. I pray that this year’s Easter will bring you new

    faith, new hope and new goals – “May the joy of the Risen

    Christ be yours”.

    I invite you all to take time

    in your very hectic lives to take the opportunity to

    attend one the many Masses that are being

    offered throughout our local parish churches

    during Holy Week, the Easter Vigil on Saturday

    night or the Easter Sunday Mass of the

    Resurrection of the Lord. It is a time of renewal and awakening for all. I would

    also like to wish our community a safe and happy holiday.

    I remind parents and students, that the first day of Term 2 is Tuesday 23 April.

    ATAR 2019

    I am very happy with the progress that students and teachers have made in the

    transition to The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). There can be no

    doubt that the new system promises to be very fair to all students. If anyone has

    any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me personally.

    Diocesan Principals’ Conference

    Last week, myself and Mr Geoghegan took part in the Diocesan Leadership

    Conference which was held in the Kevin Castles Centre in Rockhampton. The

    conference was excellent, with speakers and workshops about: The Leadership

    Framework; Growing Great Leaders; and Catholic Perspectives in the Curriculum.

    A highlight of the conference was attending the Mass of Chrism, which was

    celebrated by Bishop Michael, together with priests, religious, parishioners and

    students representing our diocese. Sharing and meeting as a community enables

    us to reflect on our purpose and commitment to Catholic Education.

    Fees and Levies

    All parents are reminded that it is an expectation of the College that all fees and

    levies are paid in a timely fashion. If families are having difficulties in meeting

    payments, they are encouraged to speak to myself or Mrs Gail Gibbs (the College

    Bursar), so that alternative arrangements can be made.

    Dates to remember

    APRIL 2019

    1-5 Year 12 exams

    2 Rats of Tobruk Service

    5 Industry Placement finishes

    19 Good Friday

    21 Easter Saturday

    22 Easter Sunday

    25 Anzac Day

    26 Reports uploaded

    26 ECSI survey closes

    MAY 2019

    1-3 Year 11 Hamilton Island Camp

    1-3 Year 12 QCS preparation

    6 Labour Day Holiday

    7-9 Year 12 Indigenous Camp

    10 Rice House Day

    15 School Photograph Day

    16 Parent Teacher Interviews

    17-19 CEY Pilgrimage

    NUMBER FOR SMS

    The number to send SMS Messages

    regarding student absence is

    0416 906 288

  • Page | 2

    Tuition fees and levies are a priority over co-curricular excursions and trips. To be eligible to attend sporting or cultural

    tours, families are expected to be meeting tuition and levy requirements as a first priority.

    Student Protection Contacts

    St Patrick’s College has four Student Protection Contacts who are available at any time to speak with students. These

    contacts are:

    Year 11 Hamilton Island Foundations of Learning Camp

    In the second week of next term, Year 11 students will be involved in a three day camp on Hamilton Island. Please

    check that your student is aware of all their requirements for the camp. If they are unsure, they can see Ms Braby for

    verification.

    Rats of Tobruk Ceremony

    On Tuesday, Mrs Rose Christensen, Mr Marcus McConnell and myself

    accompanied students to the Rats of Tobruk Ceremony held at Queen’s Park.

    This event is a commemoration of those brave soldiers from Mackay who were

    involved in Tobruk during World War II. These men held on against all odds and

    endured impossibly harsh conditions for an incredibly long period of time.

    We paid tribute to their great sense of patriotism, their constant mateship and

    also acknowledged how they kept faith when all faith and hope seemed lost. Our

    students are involved in the service on a biannual basis with the three other

    ‘Rats’ schools in Mackay. A big thank you to the students who participated and

    proudly represented us at this event. As the next generation, we owe a debt of

    gratitude to the Rats of Tobruk. Lest we forget.

    P & F News

    The P & F provide financial assistance to the College in a number of ways. At this week’s meeting, the committee agreed

    to assist with funds for: ANZAC Parade Breakfast; Meet and Greet BBQ; Year 11 Hamilton Island Camp; Swimming Carnival

    – bus levy; Student Drink Bottles; and the Opening School Mass Morning Tea.

    Without this support, these events and College improvements would not be possible. I would like to take this opportunity

    to thank the members on our College Board and P & F who volunteer their time to enrich and improve our College

    community for which we are truly grateful.

    2019 Macrossan and Amiet Mackay Eisteddfod

    A reminder that entries for the Mackay Eisteddfod are now open and can be completed online. Go to the website at

    https://mackayeisteddfod.com.au/ for the full schedule (under resources) and the link to the comps online entries page.

    If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Mackay Eisteddfod on [email protected] or call

    during office hours (Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9:00am to 12:30pm. Entries close Wednesday 15 May (no late

    entries).

    Mrs Janelle Agius Principal

    Mr Sean Geoghegan Deputy Principal

    Mrs Tracey McLeod Assistant Principal

    Welfare/Administration

    Mrs Tracey Duthler College Counsellor

    https://mackayeisteddfod.com.au/mailto:[email protected]

  • Page | 3

    Mass Readings Readings at Mass, Sunday 7th April 2019 – 5th Sunday of Lent First Reading, Isaiah 43:16-21…. God has done and will continue to do great things. Psalm 125, The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. Second Reading, Philippians 3:8-14 …. God has done and will continue to do great things. Paul forfeits all for Christ. Gospel, John 8:1-11 … The Pharisees confront Jesus with an adulteress. Readings at Mass, Sunday 14th April 2019 – Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord First Reading, Isaiah 50:4-7 …. Despite rejection, Isaiah does not abandon his call. Psalm 21, My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Second Reading, Philippians 2:6-11 …. Jesus made himself lowly and was exalted. Gospel, Luke 23:1-49 …. The Passion.

    Anzac Day 25 April 2019

    Just an early reminder that St Patrick’s College has a proud tradition of marching in the Anzac Day Parade commencing

    from the Gregory Street Car Park at 8:35am. The College tuckshop will be open at 7:00am for breakfast for all students

    and staff. Students are required to wear full formal uniform.

  • Page | 4

    Euthanasia Submissions

    The Queensland Parliamentary Health, Communites, Disability Services and Domestic and Family

    Violence Prevention Committee (the Health Committee) has called for submissions on aged care,

    end-of-life and palliative care and voluntary assisted dying.

    Voluntary assisted dying, also known as euthanasia is assisted-killing. Cherish Life QLD encourages

    you to send in a personal submission on this critical matter. Submissions are due by 15 April. Please

    visit https://www.cherishlife.org.au/issues/euthanasia-in-queensland for information on how to

    send yours. Every submission counts.

    New Diocesan Website PLEASE NOTE: the new Diocesan website is now live. The address is the same as the old one: www.rok.catholic.net.

    Academic Achievements of Year 11 Students

    On Thursday 21 March, the College celebrated the Academic Achievements of Year 11 students in 2018.

    Students were acknowledged for their hard work and academic achievements. Listed below are the

    results from the night.

    Academic Effort Award Recipients:

    Joly Albarracin, Dempsey Bella, Alex Caruso, Ayla Cotter, Oliver Downes, Zoe Hall, Lilly-Anne McNichol,

    Annabelle Orrah, Slater Pearce, Macy Say, Melody Siphuma.

    Academic Merit Award Recipients:

    Oscar Bankie, Aiden Benincasa, Alex Bogna, Abbie Brown, Sidney Connor, Luke Dunn, Cale DuRietz, Molly Gofton, Kate

    Graham, Joshua Harding, Molli Johnson, Lachlan Kelly, Ethan Kerr, Lindley Kerr, Abby MacDonald, Nikki McKeiver, Jael

    Mezieres, Breana Mifsud, Nikita O'Neill, Brock Oxford, Eden Pantall, Jakob Pemberton, Charlee Presland, Pierce Searle,

    Kiara Sinn, Adam Smit, Zahlee Taylor, Thomas Vandenberg, Chloe Venz, Jack Wehmeier, Jake Weston, Finn Zamparutti.

    Academic Excellence Recipients:

    Riley Bampton, Kaylah Brache.

    Academic Effort Award and Academic Merit Award Recipients:

    Bridget Benson, Quin Berry, Bridget Brand, Eylar Dobbie, Bridie Fenech,

    Jasmine Fenwick, Cara Gibson, Shouvik Hasan, Mikeely Kelly, Nadia

    Matthews, Alice Rutland, Jean Sanderson, Kai Wesche.

    Academic Effort Award and Academic Excellence Award Recipients:

    Michael Manera, Hannah Price, Cameron Wegner.

    Academic Effort, Merit, Excellence or Subject Award Recipients:

    Lahni Edwards Certificate II in IDMT

    Alyssa MacLeod Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care

    Jessica Tilbrook Japanese

    Danielle Gutschlag Accounting, Certificate III in Christian Ministry &

    Theology

    Mary Di Francesco Effort, Certificate III in Christian Ministry & Theology

    Nadia Chinn Merit, Geography

    Callum Etelaaho Merit, Science 21

    http://www.rok.catholic.net/

  • Page | 5

    Gabrielle Hay Merit, Pre-Vocational Maths

    Amber Hemmens Merit, Information Technology Systems

    Andrew Vella Merit, Information Processing & Technology

    Murphee Foley Excellence, Physical Education

    Harrison Kelly Excellence, Furnishing Studies

    Imke Brand Effort, Merit, Home Economics

    Jacinta Goode Effort, Merit, Business Communication & Technology

    Phoenix Kretschmer Effort, Merit, Ancient History

    Blake Stott Effort, Merit, Mathematics A

    Caitlin Brazil Effort, Merit, Certificate II in Hospitality,Religion & Ethics

    Caleb Cappello Effort, Merit, Certificate II in Business, Recreation

    Justin Cameron Effort, Excellence, Graphics

    Abbey Deguara Effort, Excellence, Mathematics B

    Meg Lamont Effort, Excellence, English Communication

    Kathleen Moroney Effort, Excellence, Drama

    Thomas Rebetzke Effort, Excellence, Aerospace Studies

    Teya Smith Effort, Excellence, Legal Studies

    Marita Bolic Effort, Excellence, Biology, Study of Religion

    Hannah Wanstall Effort, Excellence, Information Technology Systems, Visual Art

    Sarah Hicks Effort, Excellence, Biology, French, Physics

    Madeleine Francis Effort, Excellence, Chemistry, Mathematics C, Physics

    Zodie Bolic Effort, Excellence, English, Film, Television & New Media, Modern History,

    Study of Religion

    Evan Keating Effort, Excellence, Aquatic Practices, Industrial Graphics, Certificate II in Engineering

    Pathways, Certificate I in Construction

    Excursion to Mackay Base Hospital (P.A.R.T.Y. Program)

    St Patrick’s College students have been invited to participate in an excursion to Mackay Base Hospital

    as part of a trauma prevention program. The P.A.R.T.Y. Program (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related

    Trauma in Youth) exposes students to an experience of life post trauma with the view to altering their

    perceptions of risk-related activities such as drink driving.

    Young people are grossly over represented in trauma statistics in terms of both death and

    disability. Programs such as the P.A.R.T.Y. Program aim to change behaviour and assist students to

    identify risks and make safer choices.

    The date for the excursion is Friday June 7 from 8:50am to 3:05pm at Mackay Base Hospital. Students will be transported

    to and from the venue by the College Bus. Only twenty-five students will be attending, accompanied by two to three

    school staff. The first 25 students who register their interest in this excursion will be eligible to attend. Nominations are

    being taken this week and interested students are asked to register their interest at the College Reception. Students are

    required to be at College to catch the bus at 8:30am and will return to the College at approximately 3:20pm.

    During the day, students will meet emergency service professionals, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and

    people who have experienced trauma - and survived. This program is offered to all interested students and may be

    particularly beneficial for students interested in studying medicine and healthcare sciences.

    I would encourage you to seriously consider your child's participation in the P.A.R.T.Y. Program. However, in spite of

    overwhelming evidence to support its positive impact on those who attend, the material covered at the hospital is of a

    serious and sometimes confronting nature. It is important that your child be excluded from the excursion if you feel they

    have experienced a recent traumatic event (within the last two years) that would make participation in the P.A.R.T.Y.

    Program difficult.

    Please contact Mrs McLeod or Mrs Duthler for more information.

  • Page | 6

    Important Dates for Report Cards and Parent Teacher Interviews

    Friday April 26: 8:30am Report Cards uploaded to Parent Lounge and Student Café. Bookings open for Parent

    Teacher Interviews.

    Wednesday May 15: 9:00am Bookings close for Parent Teacher Interviews

    Thursday May 16: Parent Teacher Interviews

    Wednesday May 22: Year 11 exam block commences

    Friday May 24: Year 11 exam block ends

    Monday May 27: Unit 2 commences for Year 11

    Wednesday June 5: Last day Year 11 students can submit subject change forms

    Parent Teacher Interviews

    Appointments for Parent Teacher Interviews must be made through Parent Lounge. All parents are welcomed and

    encouraged to make appointments. The proximity to Year 11 exams and the start of Unit 2 makes it especially important

    for parents of Year 11 students.

    This Month on SchoolTV - Trauma

    Children and teens will experience events during their lives that will affect them emotionally and physically. How they

    react to these events depends on their age, personality and past experiences. Children can experience strong feelings of

    fear, sadness, guilt, anger or grief, making it difficult for them to cope with everyday life.

    There are a number of ways that parents and caregivers can support children after a traumatic event. Your reaction to an

    event, will impact your child’s ability to cope and recover. Children will look to the adults in their lives to help them better

    understand a traumatic event so it is important to ‘tune in’ to their fears and provide them with the comfort and support

    they need. In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn how to gain a better

    understanding of trauma and how it affects children of all ages.

    We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s

    edition, and we always welcome your feedback. If you do have any concerns

    about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the College for further

    information or seek medical or professional help. Here is the link to this

    month's edition https://stpats.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/trauma

    The Mater Hospital is undertaking its annual Healthcare Careers Expo for school students in Years 10,

    11 and 12 who may be interested in a career in Healthcare.

    In previous years, this has been a highly successful event with both parents and students, satisfied and

    encouraged by the information provided by Health Professionals. This year, the evening is scheduled

    for Tuesday 14 May 2019 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm.

    The evening will be an ‘Expo’ format to allow the participants to browse through the stands at their own leisure

    throughout the time stipulated of 5:00pm – 7:00pm, and enjoy the advice that will be available through the Healthcare

    professionals. A flyer is included in Community Notices section of this newsletter for more details.

    Getting down to Business – Year 11

    All students in the Business Department have now completed their first piece of formative assessment for Unit 1. With Unit 1 due for completion on the 24 May, students are reminded of the importance of regular study, even during the holiday period. Students should take this opportunity to revise concepts, re-read class notes and relevant textbook pages. A summary of upcoming assessment for Unit 1 is below:

    https://stpats.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/trauma

  • Page | 7

    Accounting Exam (during the exam block – commencing 22 May) Business Feasibility Report (given 29 April and due 24 May) Digital Solutions Project – Digital Solution (given 23 April and due 21 May) Legal Studies Inquiry Report (given 29 April and due 24 May) Cert II in Business In-class, continuous assessment Cert II in IDMT In-class, continuous assessment

    Cross Country

    On Thursday 28 March, St Patrick’s College held their Cross Country event, where the challenge was on

    to win the House trophy. The boys had a 5km run on the Blue Water Trail, while the girls had a slightly

    shorter distance of 4km. The Mackay weather turned on a very sunny and humid day and it was great

    to see so many students participating in the event.

    The boys started first and set a very fast pace, with the first four students to finish belonging to Rice

    House. The girls started next with the McAuley House girls taking the top five positions.

    At the end of the event after tallies had been added up, Rice House

    came up triumphant, winning by the smallest of margins of three

    points. McAuley House came in second with Colin House in third

    position and Chisholm House placing fourth. Well done to all

    participants on a tremendous effort. Cross Country results are in the

    table attached.

    The top six students from each age group are invited

    to represent the College at the Mackay District Cross

    Country which is being held at Harrup Park Country

    Club on Tuesday 30 April. Please make sure all

    paperwork is returned by Friday 5 April. Good luck to

    all students selected.

    Cross Country House Results

    1st Rice House 148

    2nd McAuley House 145

    3rd Colin House 81

    4th Chisholm House 69

    Boys Girls

    1st Callum Whitaker 1st Layla Sanders

    2nd Corey Shephard 2nd Hayley Said

    3rd Bailey Wilkie 3rd Dana Hallinan

  • Page | 8

    Year 11 news in the Science Department

    All Year 11 Biology and Physics students have started working on their second formative assessment

    item which is worth 25% of the student’s mark. Biology students have been given the Student

    Experiment for their assessment and Physics students have been given a Research Investigation for

    their assessment.

    These items are due in Week 5 of term 2 which is the week starting on 20 May. The students are

    encouraged to work on these tasks during the holiday period, as Term 2 begins with the first three

    weeks being very busy in the school calendar.

    Students who work continually on the task, will find it very beneficial at

    the end of Unit 1, when they are going to have the added pressure of

    exams. Chemistry students will start work on their Student Experiment in

    Week 1 of the next term.

    All the General Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) students should

    be frequently revising the covered topics as they will be tested on Unit 1

    and 2 at the end of term.

    Flexible Seating Room Introduction

    This year, a double room in B Block has been arranged to accommodate flexible seating options for

    students. Students in these classes have been negotiating where they sit for some tasks and have

    enjoyed using the lounges, cushions and beanbags. The group seating arrangements has created

    productive group work and discussion circles. Plants in this area are also being looked after by

    students.

    A special mention to Mr and Mrs Bolton, who have donated two red leather lounges to the room, and

    to those students and staff members who have assisted with arranging the furniture. I hope to eventually incorporate an

    adjustable height table and ‘wobble chairs’ or ‘wobble boards’ to further extend student options.

    Students have made themselves at home in the large space and are benefitting in a number of ways. Here are just a few

    ways flexible seating can advantage your child’s learning:

    Students practise making decisions around their learning, such as where best to sit to complete a task, who to sit

    with and how they should use the options available to them (metacognition).

    Students have choice and comfort, while demonstrating a sense of ownership of the space. This reduces stress

    levels and the brain is more open to learning - they are calm, focused and productive (engagement, receptivity

    to learning).

    Students have more conversations about what they are learning and their understanding of issues discussed.

    Open communication is evident and they learn from each other (social learning).

    Students are able to change seats, improving blood flow and allowing brain breaks – this contributes to

    improved brain function and engagement.

  • Page | 9

    Art Workshop

    Year 11 and Year 12 Art students had the opportunity to workshop with International artist’s Alfredo

    and Isabel Aquilizan. These artist’s have worked with communities around the world creating complex

    installations that explore narratives of displacement, change, memory and community. Alfredo and

    Isabel emigrated from the Philippines to Australia in 2006. Their work often reflects on these

    migratory experiences.

    Using cardboard, students were involved with making their own inspired creations with the assistance and guidance of

    Alfredo and Isabel. Sculptures assembled by the students included houses, trees, personal items and objects that

    represent, to the student, a sense of place.

    Alfredo and Isabel will return to Mackay to open their community exhibition, ‘Take Root’ (Colony) display from the 14

    June to 14 of August at Artspace Mackay. This collaborative work will feature handmade objects (cardboard houses) and

    personal mementos that explores our rich history of place.

    This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain an insight into how artists use personal objects to communicate

    and educate us about culture, identity and a sense of belonging.

    Students will be attending a meeting in Week 1 of Term 2, to receive specific information regarding

    travel times, food, activities/program, expectations and rules. In the event of a serious breach in

    behaviour, students will be removed from the camp and sent home at the parent/guardian’s expense.

    Students should have indicated special dietary requirements on their medical form. If you have not yet

    notified Ms Braby of these requirements, could you please do so as soon as possible.

    Important dates & times:

    Departure from the College, Wednesday 1 May:

    Girls’ buses: Female students need to be at the College by 5:30am to have names marked and collect information. The

    bus will depart at 6:00am arriving Port of Airlie 8:00am. The ferry will depart at 8:30am, arriving at Hamilton Island at

    approximately 9:30am.

    Boys’ buses: Male students need to be at the College by 8:00am to have names marked and collect information. The bus

    will depart at 8:30am arriving Port of Airlie 10:30am. The ferry will depart at 11:00am, arriving at Hamilton Island at

    approximately 12 midday.

    Arrival at the College, Friday 3 May:

    Girls’ buses: Female students depart Hamilton Island at 9:30am, arriving Port of Airlie 10:30am. Bus departs Port at

    11:30am arriving Mackay 1:30pm. Girls may then be collected or leave the College.

    Boys’ buses: Male students will depart Hamilton Island at 12:00pm - arrival time at Port of Airlie 1:00pm. Bus departs

    Port at 1:30pm arriving Mackay 3:30pm in Mackay. Boys may be collected or leave the College.

  • Page | 10

    # Please note: The bus CANNOT wait for late students and unfortunately, there will be no reimbursement of costs if

    students fail to attend camp.

    Certificate Courses

    With the end of Term 1 fast approaching, I can report that certificate courses both through the College

    as RTO, and through outside providers are running smoothly.

    There are currently six Year 12 students and nine Year 11 students under contract as School Based

    Apprentices or Trainees, in a variety of occupations including Mechanical, Construction, Diesel Fitting,

    Electrical, Plumbing, Bicycle Mechanic, Business, Retail and Hairdressing.

    School Based Apprentices generally work one day each week with their employer and they complete

    block release for work experience throughout the year.

    For the two weeks from 25 March to 5 April, Year 12 Vocational Education & Training (VET) students have had the

    opportunity to go out on work experience. The College has received some very positive feedback from employers and

    hopefully this experience leads to job prospects in the students’ chosen fields.

    Year 11 Work Experience

    Year 11 VET students will have received their application for work experience this week. Work experience for Year 11 VET

    students will take place in the last week of Term 2, from 24 to 28 June. If you feel it would put too much pressure on your

    students’ studies, they may go out on work experience during the school holidays but it is not compulsory for them to

    participate in work experience. If students are interested in the work experience program, they are encouraged to return

    the paperwork as soon as possible.

    The employers of those students with a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship will be contacted to confirm that

    students are able to work the hours in this week towards their Apprenticeship/Traineeship.

  • Page | 11

    St Patrick’s College Choir

    The St Patrick’s College Choir members recently performed at the 27th Regional Choral Festival for the

    Mackay Chapter of the Kodaly Music Education Institute of Australia (KMEIA) QLD at the Mackay

    Entertainment Centre Complex (MECC).

    Conducted by revered Choralist, Dr Anthony Young, our students performed in an ensemble with over

    150 members; including primary & secondary students, teachers and community members. The

    repertoire contained Baroque, Folk and Contemporary Choral pieces that provided great learning

    opportunities for our choir, featuring inspiring musical moments.

    Thank you to all who attended and supported the students on this night.

    The next exciting night on the Cultural calender is the Central Queensland University (CQU)’s Jazzfest. Students are very

    busy rehearsing for the upcoming CQU Jazzfest on Saturday 3 August and Sunday 4 August.

    I would like to thank our Year 11 Choral students and the new singers who participated in the Rats of Tobruk ceremony.

    The next Rats of Tobruk Ceremony will be on August 30 and I look forward to seeing all of our new singers there again.

    A reminder to all Cultural students to continue practicing over the holidays. I really appreciate all the hard work and

    dedication you have put into learning your pieces and arriving early for the rehearsals. Our first performance next term

    is the percussion ensemble, which will be marching alongside the College members/community on ANZAC day.

    Reef Trip

    As part of the Aquatic Practices program, the Year 11 students visited ‘Hardy Reef’ on the 29 March.

    This was a successful day excursion for all students, with four staff members and forty students

    involved in the trip. It was an early morning start with the bus departing the College at 5:15am and

    returning at 8:00pm.

    Conditions at the reef were better than expected, with only very light winds and ten metre plus visibility

    which made for a smooth ride out to the reef. There was an abundance of reef fish species on offer for

    viewing. The water temperature was also very good despite the rain showers early in the morning.

    Everyone involved in this trip enjoyed the day out of the classroom. Thanks again to Mr Martin Hollis, Mrs Tania Anderson

    and Mrs Veronica Muscat who assisted the students on the day.

  • Page | 12

    St Patrick’s College Z-Club

    On Sunday 31 March, students from St Patrick’s College Z-Club helped sew and pack breast

    cushions. Over 150 women a year are diagnosed with breast cancer in the Mackay region. These

    cushions provide comfort for Mackay women who are going through treatment for breast cancer. The

    cushions can be used in a number of ways, including as support while sleeping or alleviating the pressure

    of a seat belt. They are made by members and friends of Zonta Clubs in Australia.

    There was much activity on Sunday, with a production

    line of volunteers ironing on the Zonta decals, weighing

    the stuffing to fill the cushions, stuffing the cushions,

    sewing the cushions and packing the cushions ready for

    delivery to hospitals.

    This day was a great success; with students from a

    number of schools working together, to demonstrate

    how many hands really do make light work to assist the

    members of our community.

  • Page | 13