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Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Graduation Mass

Today, Wednesday 25 October, a group of our Year 12

students are travelling to Rockhampton to attend the

Diocesan Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Graduation Mass. They are accompanied by Mrs Janelle

Agius, Mrs Cathie Williams, Mrs Deborah Miller, Ms Bree

Sinn and Mr Andrew Lamont. The Mass was will be held at

St Joseph’s Cathedral to celebrate the Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander students graduating from all schools

within our Diocese, their families and Diocesan Staff.

The Graduation Mass is an initiative run by the Indigenous Education Support Team

and will be presided over by Bishop Michael.

All Saints and All Souls

Next week, the 1st November is celebrated in the Catholic Church as the Feast

of all Saints (or All Hallows). It is the day after Halloween and the day before All

Souls. All Saints Day is a day in which we remember and celebrate all those who

have attained heaven. Halloween originates from ‘All Hallows Eve’, that is the day

before All Hallows (or All Saints). All Souls Day celebrated on 2nd November

remembers all our departed and in particular those who may still need our

prayers to attain perfection with God. It is good for all of us to remember family

members and friends who have passed away and to pray for them on these days.

Eisteddfod

Congratulations to all students, staff and parent helpers involved with all of our

school groups in the Mackay Eisteddfod. A number of our groups have done very

well and congratulations also to all those who entered the competition privately.

Showcase

On Friday 27 October we have the College’s annual Cultural Showcase and Awards

Night. The evening will be held in the auditorium in the J Block area commencing at

6:00pm. Our students will be providing a great night’s entertainment and it is a

wonderful opportunity to celebrate the cultural successes of the College. Once again

the art department will have an amazing display showcasing their creative talents. I

encourage all parents and family members to attend. Entry to the Cultural Showcase

and Awards Night is free to all.

College Security System

Recently there has been an extension to our existing security camera’s in the tunnel

and additional cameras have been installed in various locations around the College.

This will help with our after-hours security surveillance for our premises. We would

like to thank the P & F Committee for their financial support with this project.

Dates to remember

October 2017

27 Cultural Showcase &

Awards Night

November 2017

1 6:00pm P & F Meeting

7:30pm Board Meeting

2 Year 12 Exams start

10 Year 11 Exams start

Sport’s Award Night

13 Valedictory

17 Graduation Mass

20 Year 11 Exams finish

21 – 23 Leadership Week

23 Orientation Day

24 Year 11’s Last Day /

Semi Formal

December 2017

1 Teaching Staff Finish

8 College Office Close

January 2018

15 College Office Opens

22 Year 11 Students commence

23 Entire College returns

26 Australia Day Holiday

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Annual Sports Dinner

On Friday 10 November we celebrate the sporting life of the school at the annual Sports Dinner. The Sports Dinner will be

held at Souths League Club commencing at 6:00pm. All students, parents and staff are welcome to attend and tickets can

be purchased from the Finance office at the College.

Valedictory and Graduation

The Year 12 Valedictory evening is coming up on Monday 13 November at the MECC commencing at 6:30 pm. The Year 12

Graduation Mass is on Friday 17 November at 9:30 am. I am sending a letter to parents of Year 12 about these events shortly.

Even though the focus of these events are the graduating students, parents of Year 11 students are also very welcome to

attend.

Semi-formal

The Year 11 Semi-formal is coming up on the last day of term, 24 November. This event follows an important series of

leadership days where we elect our College leadership for 2018. Please refer to Ms Kerry Braby’s article for details of the

event.

University of Queensland Young Scholars Program

Congratulations to the following students who have been successful in gaining entry into the UQ Young Scholars Program:

Gabrielle Perkins; Isaac Lange; JunHong Liu; and Riley Nicholas.

Year 12 Exams

Year 12 students begin their exams next Thursday. We wish them the best of luck as they work their way through their

final exams. Please remember that all exam rules still apply. It is important that students finish well. Please refer to the Year

12 exam timetable for a complete schedule for the last week of school for Year 12. There are some important rehearsals

that they are required to attend. There will also be administrative matters dealt with at these occasions. It is important that

all students attend all required sessions.

Research Application from Mr Aaron Drovandi James Cook University Townsville

On Tuesday you would have received an email regarding an online survey. Mr Aaron Drovandi from James Cook University

Townsville, is conducting research on ‘Student Perceptions of Health Warnings on Cigarette Sticks’. This research project

involves the use of a short online questionnaire and aims to gauge the knowledge and understanding of school-aged students

on the dangers associated with tobacco use and to gather their perceptions on the effectiveness of health warnings on

cigarette sticks.

Completing this survey is on a voluntary basis and participation will be completely anonymous, as no identifying

data will be collected and demographical data collected is limited to age, gender, ethnicity and school attended. If

you consent for your child to complete this survey, please pass the following link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/schoolcigarettes to your child. Participating students will go into the draw to

win one of the $10 Woolworths gift vouchers available.

St Patrick’s Family

Congratulations to Lauren Bella, Shenae Murphy and Madison MacDonald who completed in the 2017 AFL

Queensland Under 17 Youth Girls State Championships recently. The team placed third overall in the competition.

Well done girls.

Year 11 students Christian Gilbert and Harry Fordyce have also been selected to in the 2018 Under 18 North State

Basketball Squad.

Congratulations to Connor Lawton on being crowned the Under 19 Wake Board World Champion. What a

tremendous achievement for you!

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When I meet people and hear their stories, I am always amazed as to how they end up where

they are. It is incredible that the difference between living a comfortable life and a difficult life,

always appears to be a small step. Below is the story of a young lady named Paige, who currently

lives in Brisbane.

Paige’s Story Paige was just 15 when she found herself all alone – no one to turn to, nowhere to go.

With a violent and unstable childhood, a series of abusive relationships and subsequent

depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder made even just surviving a huge

feat.

Paige kept going to school but could barely focus. A strong student up until then, she

started falling behind, but kept quiet because she was embarrassed to tell anyone what

was going on – that her family had left her to fend for herself.

In the next couple of years, life threw a series of setbacks her way. Within weeks of

breaking up with her fiancé, Paige was made redundant. As a result, she had a nervous

breakdown and was admitted to hospital. When she was discharged, she again found

herself with nowhere to go.

Thankfully, while Paige was in hospital, she found out about Vinnies who provided

immediate support – from helping her cover ongoing medical costs, through to finding

her a place to live.

Paige’s dream is to get a job as a flight attendant. She is trying to work through her

childhood trauma so she can fulfil her potential and live a full life. Vinnies is helping her

plan towards reaching these goals.

“Without Vinnies, I really do not know where I’d be today. Vinnies has saved my life.” SVDP Newsletter Spring 2017: https://www.vinnies.org.au/content/Document/QLD/MAD_Spring%202017.pdf

The St Patrick’s College St Vincent de Paul appeal for 2017, focuses upon providing a hand up to a group of

Mackay residents who are trying to bring their lives and their families back into some level of stability, just like

Paige. By providing household basics we are enabling them to focus upon other needs such as food. All we ask is

that you drop one item extra in your shopping basket each week and bring it into school so that we can pass onto St Vincent de Paul.

Sheet sets (Single size), Pillows, Blankets

Toiletries (Shampoo, Deodorants, Toothpaste etc.)

Clothes Baskets/pegs, Clothes Washing Powder, Cleaning Products

‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who

are members of my family, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

POSTAL AND ACCOUNT INFORMATION 2018 A reminder that these forms sent home to Year 11 students are to be

checked and returned to the College office by Friday 27 October.

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Readings at Mass, Sunday 29th October 2017 – Thirtieth Sunday in

Ordinary Time

First Reading, Exodus 22:20-26 …. If you are harsh with the widow or the

orphan, my anger will rage against you.

Psalm, 17:2-4, 47, 51 …. I love you, Lord, my strength.

Second Reading, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 ….. You turned away from idols to

serve God and await his son.

Gospel, Matthew 22:34-40 … You shall love the Lord your God, and your

neighbour as yourself.

Readings at Mass, Sunday 5th November 2017 – Thirty-First Sunday in

Ordinary Time

First Reading, Malachi 1:14 – 2:2, 8-10 …. You have strayed from the way, you

have caused many to stumble by your teaching.

Psalm, 130 …. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

Second Reading, 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13 …. We were wager to hand over to

you not only the Good News but our lives as well.

Gospel, Matthew 23: 1-12 … They do not practise what they preach.

Leadership week

Letters will be sent home with students on Monday 30 October regarding expectations during

Leadership week, which will be held from Tuesday 21 November to Friday 24 November. Attendance

during Leadership week is compulsory for Year 11’s and the school uniform must be worn.

Semi-Formal

The Semi-Formal will be held at the Windmill Motel Reception Centre, 5 Highway Plaza, from 7:00pm

to 10:30pm on Friday November 24. Tickets are $40 and will be available from the Finance Office

from Monday October 30 – Thursday November 9. No table bookings are taken for this function.

If anyone has special meal requirements, please mark this on your ticket order form so that you can be

catered for.

The Semi-Formal is only open to current Year 11 St Patrick’s students. Students are not

permitted to leave the function early. Please note that students must attend all activities in Leadership

week to be eligible to attend Semi-formal. The College does not encourage the hosting of any post Semi-

Formal events.

Leadership nominations: Nomination forms will be available from reception for 2018 College Leadership positions from

Monday 30 October and must be returned by Wednesday 8 November.

Please ensure that forms are filled out correctly. From these nominations a short list with student photo will be displayed

outside the Pastoral Coordinators rooms to enable Year 11 students to familiarise themselves with candidates and reflect

on their vote. Voting for Leaders will take place during leadership week.

University of Queensland (UQ) Scholarships

Applications for UQ’s undergraduate scholarships are closing soon. This includes Academic, Equity and

Sporting scholarships, with many closing on 31 October.

Visit the UQ Scholarships website for more information. The website provides details on the range of

scholarships available, eligibility criteria and how to apply.

If you have additional questions, please contact the Undergraduate Scholarships team on (07) 3365 7113 or at

ugscholarships@uq.edu.au.

Southside Cluster

Saturday Vigil Mass

6:00 pm St Francis Xavier

6:00 pm St Mary’s

Sunday

7:00 am St Patrick’s

7:00 am St Therese’s

6:00 pm St Patrick’s

Northside Cluster

Saturday Vigil Mass

6:00 pm St Joseph’s

6:00 pm St Brigid’s

Sunday

7:30 am St Brendan’s

9.00 am St Joseph’s

Weekend Masses

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2017 Term 4 Year 12 Exam Timetable

Students are asked to note the exam timetable below and see Mrs McLeod for

alternative times if they have an exam clash.

All students are required to be in attendance at least 15 minutes before the start

of the exam with all materials. Year 11 students will continue with normal classes.

Year 11 exams commence Friday November 10.

Day Time Year 12 Exam

Thursday

2 November

8:30am 12 MAA (120 min)

11:40am 12 BIO (120 min)

Friday

3 November

8:30am 12 MAB (120 min)

11:40am 12 IPT (90 min)

12 SOR (90 min)

Monday

6 November

8:30am 12 S21 (90 min)

11:40am 12 BCT (90 min)

12 JAP(listening) (60 min)

Tuesday

7 November

8:30am 12 CHE (120 min)

11:40am 12 GEO (60 min)

Wednesday

8 November

8:30am 12 AHI (100 min)

12 PHY (120 min)

11:40am 12 MHI (120 min)

Thursday

9 November

8:30am 12 LEG (120 min)

12 MAC (120 min)

11:40am Make up exams by arrangement with Mrs McLeod

Friday

10 November

8.45am Make up exams by arrangement with Mrs McLeod

6.00pm Sports Dinner and Awards

Monday

13 November

9:00am – 12:00 noon Compulsory Valedictory Rehearsal - MECC

Formal uniform to be worn

6:00pm Valedictory – MECC

Full Academic Uniform

Thursday

16 November

9:00am – 11:00am Compulsory Graduation Mass Rehearsal

Formal Uniform to be worn

Friday

17 November

8:30am Final Assembly – Hall

Full Academic Uniform

9:30am Graduation Mass- St Patrick’s Church

Full Academic Uniform

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Queensland Secondary Track and Field Carnival

Congratulations to Chiquita Fickling (Team Captain), Hayden Connor and Jamie

Sanders who recently represented Capricornia division at the Queensland

School Sport State Championships held at the Queensland Sport and Athletics

Centre in Nathan Brisbane recently.

Sports Awards Night

The St Patrick’s College Sports Awards Night will be held on Friday 10 November at Souths Leagues

Club. Doors open at 6:00pm for a 6:30pm start. All students who have represented the College in a sport this year will be

acknowledged on the night, along with award winners from each of our sporting teams and our representative athletes.

The night will culminate with the presentation of the Year 11 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year awards and the

Amarlie Carroll Memorial Awards for the Year 12 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year.

The night is also a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hard work of all coaches who have taken on sporting

teams at the College this year. Guest Speaker on the night will be Dane Nielsen, professional Rugby League Footballer.

Tickets are now on sale from the College Office for $42 which includes a buffet meal. Tickets are limited so get in early to

avoid disappointment. The dress standard for the night will be Semi-Formal and all parents are more than welcome to

attend the evening. If you have any questions, please contact Mr Buckby via the College Office.

Reef Guardians

The Reef Guardians group has undertaken a number of projects throughout the year. These include

reducing the school’s use of plastic and waste, as well as developing an awareness of local environmental

issues including waste management and weed control. The group meets every Thursday during lunch.

Students discuss environmental issues within the school and ways to deal with these issues.

During an excursion to the Gooseponds earlier in the year, students learnt about issues facing local

freshwater ecosystems including invasive plant and animal species. The school also took part in the recent Great Northern

Clean-up in which students removed two skip containers of rubbish from the Cremorne area.

The school is continuing to reduce plastic waste through the use of recycling bins and has recently purchased eco-friendly

cutlery, plates and straws in the Tuckshop via a generous grant from North Queensland Bulk Ports, who also funded the

schools recycling bins.

The Reef Guardians programme will continue for the rest of the year and will begin again next year. Any interested students

can see Mr Casey or attend the Thursday meetings during second lunch.

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Introduced Species

Last week, we welcomed Melissa Spalding from Pioneer Catchment Group and Mark Oswald from

Mackay Regional Council whose roles are to control and eradicate introduced species. The talk aimed

to inform the Year 12 Geography Class about invasive introduced plant and animal species in the local

area. The presentation focused on Hymenachne, which is an introduced plant found on many local farms

and dams.

Students are currently studying Biodiversity and completing a project on an introduced plant or animal

species of their choice. Melissa and Mark’s expertise greatly assisted students and they are a great resource for further

information.

We would like to thank Mark and Melissa again for giving up their time.

Australian National Chemistry Quiz 2017 Results

In August this year, sixteen Chemistry students participated in a challenging ANCQ for school students.

The ANCQ is a unique chemical education activity. It provides a major focus for secondary school

students on the relevance of chemistry in an exciting and stimulating way.

Congratulations to Isaac Lange who received High Distinction and Brianna Martin, Zachary Hunt and

Brittany Pattemore who were the recipients of Distinction. Well done!

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Positions

Vacant

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Mackay Orchestra and Band

CBC Mackay 1967 Junior Class Reunion

A class reunion is being planned for the 1967 CBC Mackay Junior class students,

and including spouses/partners, for the May Day weekend 2018. If you are aware

of a friend or family member who attended Junior class at “the Brothers” in 1967, it

would be greatly appreciated if you would “spread the word” about this event. Text

names and contact details to Pat Lanigan, mobile 0140 580 452, or Steve Ryan,

mobile 0408 035 378.

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