This morning, we received the news that Br Chris Pritchard was admitted to hospital last night. He had done some routine tests and there is some concern regarding his blood platelet count. At this stage, Br Chris is resting peacefully in the Holy Spirit hospital and will spend some days there whilst undertaking further tests. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days.

We started today with our Opening Mass and Leadership Induction of the Senior students. I would particularly like to thank Fr Gerry Heffernan for celebrating our Mass with us. His assistance in a very busy time for him was very much appreciated.

During the Mass I spoke about messages given by Pope Francis at this year’s World Youth Day in January. The massages were aimed at the whole assembly audience, particularly, the young people as well as to the senior leadership body. I have included sections of the address below…

At the World Youth Day in January this year, Pope Francis warned of young people being stuck in a paradigm that makes them feel that their life is a promise far off into the future, having nothing to do with the present. As if being young were a kind of waiting room, where you sit around until you are called. And in the “meantime”, adults or the young people themselves invent a “hygienically sealed” future, without consequences, where everything is safe, secure and “well insured”. Pope Francis described this as a laboratory kind of future. He called it “make-believe” happiness, not the happiness of today, of what is concrete, or of love.

He adds that we need to learn to love because whatever you fall in love with, it will win over not only your imagination, it will affect everything. It will be what makes you get up in the morning, what keeps you going at times of fatigue, what will break open your hearts and fill you with wonder, joy and gratitude. If we lack the passion of love, we will have nothing. Love is found in the now, we cannot plan for future love. Love is about raising up rather than knocking down, about reconciling rather than forbidding, about offering new changes rather than condemning. It is the quiet love of a hand outstretched to serve, a commitment that draws no attention to itself.

But what do these words of love and living in the now mean to each of us at St Patrick’s?

We have all heard the saying …. Don’t miss the journey to get to the destination. Let us all not get caught too much into what will happen by the end of the term, semester or year and forget about the great things that we see and do on a daily basis. For this will cause us to hold onto a hygienically sealed future without taking consequence of what is happening now. Planning for the future is not a bad thing, but do not make it your sole purpose or the only thing.Enjoy the now … everything that you do to get to the end of the plan and work on loving the things that you do. What do you have to be grateful for each day and how do you use your love to build up others around you. Take the challenge of sitting in silence for three minutes each morning to be in touch with God and consider what you have to be grateful for in your life and what you can do during the day to make your life and those around you better. At the end of the day when you go to bed take another three minutes to think about what made your day amazing and what you did to build up others. There are 1440 minutes in a day, I am suggesting that we each use six of these or .4% of your day to remind ourselves to celebrate the now.

To the Senior students who will be inducted today, Pope Francis reminds us that, we didn’t come into this world to “vegetate”, to take it easy, to make our lives a comfortable bed to fall asleep on. No, we came for another reason: to leave a mark.” He warns that we should not confuse happiness with comfort. Pope Francis explained. We must follow “the path of the ‘craziness’ of our God, who teaches us to encounter him in the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the sick, the friend in trouble, the prisoner, the refugee and the migrant, and our neighbours who feel abandoned.” Wherever our lives take us, we must actively share our faith with those around us. God “wants to turn your hands to continue building the world of today. We are not called to be “couch potatoes” or “bench-warmers,” but rather strong witnesses of faith who will leave “a mark on history.”

Each of you will play a key role in ensuring that all students, especially those that may feel most marginalised and left out, within our College feel valued that they are Paddy’s Men.

It is by your example and through your interaction that all students of the school will feel that they too are an integral part of what happens here. Your induction today is more than a recognition or rite of passage, it is an acceptance on your behalf of taking the responsibility of servant leadership. A leadership modelled by Jesus Christ for the greater good of others. Let your mark be how well you treated others and how well you built up this great community.

Your motto for 2019 is Strong Men, Strong Leaders.

Strong men are also Gentle…men, they are not weak men, but they are quite the opposite. Gentlemen have no need to resort to throwing tantrums or bullying to get their own way. They have no need to belittle, disrespect or abuse women for the sake of power in relationship and they have no need to fear diversity in others. They are men who are kind in thought, thoughtful in action and concerned for those around them. They have values that are firm and non-negotiable and have an integrity that ensures such values guide them throughout their lives. Every relationship is a right relationship based on love, compassion and care.

Strong leaders are hope-filled and want to turn their hands to continue build the world of today and make a positive difference throughout their lives. They are not “couch potatoes” or “bench-warmers,” but rather strong witnesses of their faith who will leave “a mark on history by making the world a better place.”

It is my hope that you each find that love that makes you get up in the morning, that keeps you going at times of fatigue, that will break open your hearts and fill you with wonder, joy and gratitude. And you can say at the end of this year, this community is a better place because we were here.

I hope that everyone has enjoyed a wonderful week and I look forward to seeing many of you over this weekend’s sporting fixtures and next week’s parent information events.

Live Jesus in our Hearts!

Mr Chris Mayes – College Principal

The end of Week 2 normally signifies routines and habits forming for the academic term ahead. Usually, by this time work has commenced with vigour in classes and homework is set and assessment dates discussed.

Over the past week I spoke at the Parent Information Evenings and shared information regarding our mentoring processes here at the college. These processes provide students with the opportunity to focus on the academic requirements that lay ahead for the semester:

On Thursday 14 February our Year 6 to 10 students will participate in their first Tutor Group Mentoring Program for 2019. During this time, they will reflect on their results from the previous year and set achievable yet aspirational goals for the semester ahead. They will record these in their Student Planners and record them electronically via a link I will share with them. This then allows me to forward their targets both to their teachers and parents. Can I ask that parents prepare boys for this process beforehand; ask them to reflect on what they did well last year, what they were proud of, what they would like to improve on this year.

Boys will also use this time to make note of any assessment they have in Term 1. They, along with parents, can access this via REALM (Due Work). It is useful for them to record these in their Student Planners.

A reminder to parents of Year 11 and 12 students that your sons should have responded by now to their Academic Mentor to arrange their first meeting for the year. Could I ask that you please have a conversation with your son about his meeting and ask him:

• to show you his subject goals for the semester (Year 12)
• to show you his Unit 1 goals (Year 11)
• what his OP Estimate is (if Year 12 and OP eligible)
• if he is on track with his Certificate courses (where applicable)
• how he is going in his QCS lessons so far, this year (Year 12)

Students are required to complete the online surveys (accessible via the link shared in an email from me) after they have their meeting with their Academic Mentor. Please ask your son if they have completed this yet.

Ms Elizabeth Gaber – Dean of Administration and Business Intelligence

Please find below Paddy's Van Roster

Paddy's Van Roster

In June 2018, the NSW Minister for Education, commissioned an independent review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools. Although this review has come from south of the boarder I believe it will certainly have an impact on Queensland school in the new future.

The review was led by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, and supported by other independent experts as well as many students, parents and guardians, teachers and principals who were consulted in the process. As a result, the use of mobile devices during school hours will certainly be under the microscope.

Currently, school policies around the use of electronic devices during school hours vary widely. Technology does have a role to play in the classroom, but this needs to be facilitated. Personal smartphones, on the other hand, are proving to be a distraction for students in terms of their access to social media sites, as well as potentially being a source of bullying activities.

In this Special Report, parents and guardians will learn about the importance of helping their kids find a balance to get the good parts out of technology. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered here and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about your child, please contact a College counsellor for further information.

Here is the link to your special report https://stpatricks.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-smartphones-schools

The St Patrick College list of expectations regarding the use of mobile phones is below.

Mobile Phones

• The College recognises that many students own a mobile phone.
• The College recognises that some parents/guardians request that their son(s) bring a mobile phone to school for before and after school safety/security reasons.
• Our core business of teaching and learning needs to be conducted in an environment free from unnecessary distractions or disruptions.
• The College is prepared to allow mobile phones on the premises but only within the parameters of this policy.
• A mobile phone will be used inappropriately if it disrupts or is likely to disrupt the learning environment or interfere with the operation of the school; or threatens or is likely to threaten the safety or well-being of any person; or is in breach of any law.
• Mobile phones are not to be in student possession during school hours. During the hours of 8:00am and 3:05pm, they are to be secured in student lockers. Students may check their phones during lunch breaks in the school day, but only inside their locker area. Students may not loiter around the locker or be on their phone for a consistent amount of time. If a student needs to make a phone call, they must seek the permission from their House Dean to collect their phone. The call must occur outside their House Dean’s office.
• It is a criminal offence to use a mobile phone to menace, harass or offend another person. The College may consider it appropriate to involve the police.

Consequences of Misuse - procedures:

• If a student is seen with their phone or failing to comply with the conditions set out above, the teacher is to confiscate the student’s phone and hand it into the Student Office. The phone will be stored for the day and can be collected following the completion of period 7. The student will receive a 45min detention at that time.

Class use of Phones

If teachers require phones to be used for teaching and learning, they are to communicate this to their class, with students to return their phones to their locker after class.

Mr Darren Kearney - Dean of Students

Welcome to the 2019 sporting year. I hope the New Year has started positively for you and your family. For any of you trying to find us, the Sports Department office is located within the College gym.

Congratulations to the following young men who were announced as Captains of Term 1 sport at Tuesday's Spirit Assembly:

• Ben Evans - Cricket Captain
• Cooper Grinlaubs - Volleyball Captain
• Angus Wagner - AFL Captain

Friday night will see the first competition fixture for AFL in the new AIC competition. The action will kick off at 4:30pm with the Year 9 team and our open team will play at 5:45pm. All matches are at Sandgate Hawkes. All other AFL matches are on Saturday. Please refer to the draw for times and venues.

Friday night, is the first of our AIC Swimming meets at St Peter’s Lutheran College. All swimmers are encouraged to attend each Friday night meet throughout the season. A bus sign on sheet is in the College Gym.

This Saturday our Round 1 AIC Cricket and Volleyball season commences. After last week’s trial games students are enthusiastic to start the season. Student attendance at training is very important in the coming weeks to ensure coaches consider them for team selections. Contact details for the coordinators are listed below should any questions arise. Volleyball players in Years 7-12 are reminded that white SPC socks are the ONLY colour to be worn on the court. Cricket players have been told only SPC hats (green floppy or white sports cap) or wide brim white fielders hats are to be worn. AFL players need to purchase an AFL uniform from the Uniform Shop as well as the AFL shorts and football socks. All Cricket, Volleyball and AFL players met this week to discuss player expectations. Other than uniform topics, respect for fellow players, opposition and officials was discussed. Parents are asked to have a conversation with your son regarding the outcomes of this meeting.

Years 7-12 students are encouraged to visit the Metropolitan North School Sport website and peruse the calendar to identify sports (dates and venues) they must attend to gain Regional representation. Bramble Bay representative teams are for Year 5 and 6 are internally advertised via student notices. Students are encouraged to regularly check notices for these representative opportunities.

Term 1 Sport Coordinators

• Swimming Coordinator - Kelsey Duke kduke@stpatricks.qld.edu.au
• Cricket Coordinator - Matt Ingram mingram@stpatricks.qld.edu.au
• Volleyball Coordinator - Steve Copingscopping@stpatricks.qld.edu.au
• AFL Coordinator - Dom Crowley dcrowley@stpatricks.qld.edu.au

Mr Dan Nethery – Head of Sport

Chess

SPC Chess Club

The SPC Chess Club starts up next week, all students are welcome.

• Junior Chess Club (Years 5 to 8) - Mondays at 3:00pm W201/2
• Senior Chess Club - Tuesdays at 3:00pm in W201/2

However, come along on what ever to day suits you best.

We are currently accepting enrolments for Year 7, 2021. Interviews will occur in March and Letters of Offer will be emailed on the last day of Term 1. To apply, lodge an expression of interest Enrolment Registration or phone 3631 9000.

Mrs Stacey Bishop - College Development Manager