This morning, we held our opening Mass and Induction of our senior students. In my address to the whole school and parents of the senior school, I set out our vision for this school as a learning community into the next decade. I have included the contents of the speech below so that all of our families have the opportunity to hear of our preferred future into the new decade.

On January 1 this year, we did more than celebrate the beginning of a new year. We also celebrated the end of a decade. 

In our staff week earlier this year, I spoke of a vision of a preferred future for St Patrick’s for the next five years. This morning I would like to share some of that with you and articulate the implications that this will have on each of us as members of this community. It is also timely because this year is also the start of another decade of history at this College. 

Rather than wonder what might be said about the College in 2030, we can plan for what we would like to be said. We call this our preferred future. Before this can be done, it is essential that we develop a vision. The first step to do this is to ensure that we have a shared understanding of our purpose as the St Patrick’s College community. Yes, we are a school and the core purpose of a school is offer teaching and learning. So, we certainly gather here in community each day to learn. Therefore, we are a learning community. But every school is a learning community and they do not all do the same things the same way.

So, what is our point of difference as a learning community? What sort of learning community do we want to be… now we are starting to form a vision for our preferred future? 

We can all agree that St Patrick’s is not just any school, we are a Catholic School and a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition. Consequently, our purpose needs to be reflective of who is invited into our community (are we truly inclusive), how we deliver our teaching and learning (Liberating Education), our commitment to the broader community around us (Justice and Solidarity) and how we make sure ensure that the good news of Jesus Christ is entrenched into our culture (Gospel Spirituality). So, you can see that a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition is committed to more than simply excellence in the courses and subjects that we offer to students. Our commitment as a learning community is to the holistic formation of the students who take these courses and subjects. 

With this in mind, our first consideration as learners together is that we seek to encounter the person of Jesus Christ in everyone that we meet. In that way, we truly get to know the person we teach or share a classroom with. Our preferred vision is that St Patrick’s College be recognised as a learning community that has Jesus Christ at the heart of what we do. But what will that look like?

Interactions with others, be it staff or students, happen in this place daily. When we interact with another, we form a relationship with them. The type of relationship that we form with others is dependent on us and own attitudes, expectations and judgments. It is our attitude to another that dictates how inclusive we choose to be. A Christ-centred community calls us to form right relationships inclusive of all others. We do this by using Jesus Christ as our model and forming relationships based on love, care and compassion. This is how we see Christ in another, we look at each person we meet through a lens that filters everything that is good about them. In a Christ-centred learning community everyone feels valued, cared for and loved. It embraces the notion of growth mindset where each person feels that they can learn, want to learn and want to support and bring out the best in each other. We will not always agree with one another and there will be times of conflict. But resolution of conflict is done in a manner that is respectful and compassionate to all concerned.

In a Christ-centred learning community, teacher and learner have a shared responsibility to one another and right relationships founded on mutual respect, compassion and a passion and love for learning with each other.

If we lack passion or love, we may as well be a school that gathers just for the purpose of a school of teaching and learning in a common space, we are not a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition. 

Christ-centred communities use passion and love to raise others up rather than knocking them down, they reconcile rather than forbid, they offer changes and opportunities rather than condemning new things. At St Patrick’s, this is what we mean by being a Men of Action, we offer outstretched hands to serve, and a commitment to humility where no attention to drawn to our self but to all others around us.

Each of us gathered here play an integral key role ensuring that all students feel that they can grow and develop into a Man of Action. Our relationships with each other are the building block for this to happen.

Therefore, our preferred vision is of a learning community recognised by the passion and love we hold for holistic education and right relationships based on care, compassion and love for one another.

The senior students who are being commissioned today have the great privilege to not only demonstrate this to us in their own relationships but also keep each of us to account for our own actions. Your hands are outstretched to this community.

This commissioning is more than recognition of your position as senior students or rite of passage to mark the end of your schooling, it centres on your acceptance of the responsibility to exemplify servant leadership. That is leadership that accepts our Gospel’s claims about the way in which human beings should engage in our world, about justice, about the way in which we are expected to relate to one another and about the dignity of every human life. Knowing that in the end, it is not what we have done in our lives that is of ultimate importance. Rather, it is whether or not anything we did was worth doing. Has it made a positive difference in the lives of others? Has it contributed to greater good of others?

Servant leaders are people of good character; strong in their convictions. They need not be perfect but commit to authenticity and a passion for self-realisation. They learn from their mistakes and grow through their failures. Not perfect but authentic; consistent with their inner moral compass.  

It is our wish that each of you to discover the love and passion that makes you get up in the morning, that keeps you going during times of challenge and fatigue and use it to open your hearts to everyone that you meet and serve. We hope that this love and passion fill you with wonder, joy and gratitude for what you have and what you can do. We all want to see this love and passion in each of you and exclaim at the end of this year, we were well served and are a better place because you were here.

Live Jesus in our Hearts!

Mr Chris Mayes – College Principal

The sense of excitement that was certainly evident on Day 1 of the 2020 Academic year has certainly begun to disappear as the young men establish their daily routine. I would like to thank all those that have attended information evenings. The final of these will occur on Monday Night with the Year 12 and Year 9 Rite Journey Information Evening commencing at 6:00pm. Today, we celebrated as a community the Induction of the Year 12 Seniors into their roles as College Leaders. It was certainly wonderful to see the large number of parents that were present at this celebration.

The Café has been going from strength to strength. The initial technology issues have been resolved and we have appreciated the patience that has been displayed by the young men. Student have certainly embraced the new style and very quick service that is occurring. The healthy initiative of free fruit has been very successful. If you would like to volunteer please contact the Café by the following email cafe@stpatricks.qld.edu.au

PARKING

Parent please, I am asking for your cooperation and assistance for the safety of our students, with this historical problem, PARKING. In particular, with the volume of traffic around the College during drop off and pick up. The safety of the students is paramount, if we can follow a few simple rules:

• No double parking
• No Parking on the Pedestrian Crossing
• No dropping off and picking up in driveways or bus zones
• Use the two-minute areas on Park Parade
• No access to the College through Twamley street
• No parking on the yellow lines

The Brisbane City Council and Queensland Police are doing patrols and issuing fines to people who are not following the traffic rules. 

UPCOMING FEBRUARY EVENTS

• Monday 10 February - Year 12 Leadership Afternoon and Year 12 Parent and Son Information Evening
• Monday 10 February - Rite Journey Parent Information Evening
• Tuesday 11 February - College Scholars Assembly
• Monday 17-Friday 21 February - Men of Action Week
• Thursday 20 February - Year 5 Retreat
• Friday 21 February - Inter-House Swimming Carnival
• Monday 24 February – Wednesday 26 Year 5 and Year 7 camps
• Tuesday 25 February - Spirit Assembly Music and Debating 

Mr Frank Torrisi - Deputy Principal

Term 1 school fee accounts were emailed out on 5 February 2020.  The due date for payment is 19 February 2020 - unless you have a payment arrangement in place.

It is still possible to set up a direct debit payment scheme. The form can be obtained on REALM.

If you did not receive your account please contact Judy Kelly via email finance@stpatricks.qld.edu.au or jkelly@stpatricks.qld.edu.au

Thank you

 

College Foundation: Paddy’s Van and Trailer Appeal

The College Foundation team extends a warm welcome back to our St Patrick’s College community and a very special welcome to our new families, as we start 2020 with good news!

In addition to the funds raised by our generous College community throughout 2019, the Foundation has been successful in securing a $20,000 grant as part of the Stronger Communities Program via our local Federal Member for Lilley, Ms Anika Wells, to put towards our Paddy’s Van and Trailer upgrade project.

The College is now progressing with our plans to replace the Paddy’s Van and Trailer, so our students can continue to provide this important service in the local community for many years to come.

Watch this space for the new-look Paddy’s Van and trailer, coming soon!

The Foundation team would like to thank the St Patrick’s community for your outstanding support in donating money, your time and services, and attending Foundation events, to help raise the money needed for this appeal. Every donation makes a difference, and with your ongoing support we can continue to make worthy projects like this, happen.

If you would like to know more about the Paddy’s Van program, visit Identity on the REALM page and click on the "Justice and Solidarity" tile.

If you would like to know more about the College Foundation or to make a donation, visit the Foundation’s webpage here:

St Patrick's College Foundation

#FormingMenofAction #AnikaWellsMP

STARTING THE YEAR

Welcome to the 2020 academic year. To those joining the community for the first time, I hope that the first week or so has lived up to your expectations and that your sons have come home filled with eagerness and excitement about their experiences and learning so far. To those returning, I am hopeful you will see the College continue to deliver quality teaching and learning and that we celebrate wide ranging and widespread academic success this year.  

The detail that follows is intended to orientate you towards the most important pieces of information required to start the academic year. 

THE STUDENT PLANNER AND HOMEWORK

The Student Planner has been designed for student organisation, with a specific focus on homework including assignments. 

This year we are working towards a College wide language around learning outside of the classroom. This year, we refer to SET HOMEWORK, STUDY, and ASSIGNMENT WORK. Anecdotally, the areas for improvement for our boys are within the study and assignment work areas.

Study refers to the independent work that students use to extend their learning. It is not work directly set by the teacher rather it is learning that students proactively decide to do to improve their understanding. There is a section in the student planner that is provided for students to identify the work they will do for study. Over the year, we will also develop study skills for students via REALM and study lessons within formation and tutor group. 

This year we are asking parents to sign the planners each week and give a rating for their son’s use of the planner. Group tutors will check planners each Monday and provide a rating and support students to use the planner effectively. 

To view a draft copy of the 2020 Homework Policy, please visit the Teaching and Learning page on REALM.

Assessment dates within REALM 

The REALM learning management system is an invaluable learning resource for all students and parents. The Due Work part of REALM is a key area as it shows all the assessment for a semester for a student. 

The Due Work function will be fully functional and available by the end of Week 3. Please visit the Due Work area of your son’s REALM space and ensure that he records his assessment in Student Planner. Time will be spent in Tutor Group to also organise this aspect. 

Scholar’s Assembly

Next week we hold one of my favourite events in the College calendar. On Tuesday, we welcome back our graduated scholars who have achieved an OP 1-5 in the historic final OP year of 2019. The senior group were a pleasure to work with and the fact that 26% of the OP eligible students achieved an OP 1-5 is something worthy of significant celebration. We will hear from our 2019 College Dux, Thomas Irwin as well as a special invited guest. 

We also celebrate many students who have achieved academic medallions and that have achieved significant learning gains. Parents are invited to attend this significant College event. 

On behalf of the teaching team at St. Patrick’s College, welcome again to the new school year. We look forward to working with you and your son as he develops into a Man of Learning. If at any time you require support or wish to discuss your son’s progress in his learning, please do not hesitate to get in touch with his teacher. 

Mr Troy Schultz – Dean of Teaching and Learning

A warm welcome back to everyone in our St Patrick’s community. By the time the students returned, I had been at work for close to three weeks, so I was keen to get back into the classroom and develop some good habits and routines with my students. I am extremely fortunate this year to be working back in Year 10 (Mathematical Methods) after ten years of teaching Year 12 Mathematics B and C.  Year 10 is one of my favourite year levels to teach; I argue that it is the year level where you see the most emotional and academic maturation from the start of the year to the end. It can be quite challenging for some of them to grasp the expectations of the senior phase of schooling but eventually they all get there! My class is also very luck to be in one of the new classrooms in the position of our old tuckshop.  

At the start of each year, I always ask my class to complete a reflection for me; it helps me get to know them as individuals and as learners. Many of my boys have expressed in these reflections they are a little nervous about Year 10 in general, and then more specifically the demands of Mathematics Methods. I always say a healthy amount of nerves/anxiety is a good thing. It means we value whatever it is we are doing, and we want to do well, and it can keep us focused. My role is to help these boys manage that by breaking the year into manageable chunks for them. At the parent Information Evenings this week I spoke about how ‘expectancy’ plays a role in whether we are going to be motivated to achieve our goals. If a goal is too big a jump or too overwhelming, we are not going to be motivated to work towards it.

When our students set their goals for the semester ahead, it is important we (student, parent, teacher) keep this mind. That is why we always ask boys to use their most recent results as a starting point. For example, if I received a C+ in Maths last semester, I am more likely to accomplish a goal of B then A+ for the semester ahead. That is not to say I will never get to the A+, but I need to be mindful of the timeframe I am setting the goal for. We refer to this as ‘aspirational yet achievable’.

Our Years 6 to 11 students will do their goal setting on Thursday, 13 February.  Our Years 6 to 10 students work with their Tutor Group teachers and the Year 11s work with their academic mentors throughout the semester.  Year 12 students have already set goals for Unit 3 and 4 so they are at the stage of reviewing these with their mentor. Year 5 students do not participate in the program until Semester 2. 

Can I ask that parents discuss with their sons the goals they would like to set. These of course are not just subject based goals. Almost every boy I speak to has something outside of the classroom they want to achieve (a team they would like to make, a leadership position they would like to attain, securing part time work are a few examples). 

By all means, celebrate achievement of goals but be mindful of providing extrinsic motivation (‘carrot’). The research suggests that other than for basic technical tasks, providing reward does not work and in fact can have the opposite effect. Dan Pink has written an excellent book called "Drive" that provides the evidence around this. Alternatively, he has done many Ted Talks discussing this concept that are quick and easy to watch.

Please ask your son to show you where he has completed his Goal Setting in his Student Planner.  These are shared with all classroom teachers, so they too are aware of what each student hopes to achieve by the end of the semester.

Ms Elizabeth Gaber – Dean of Administration and Business Intelligence

United Nations Youth Association State Conference:

• Are you in Years 9-12?
• Are you passionate about global issues?
• Do you want to be part of a group of like minded people who voice their concerns about our country, and the world?

If you answered yes to all of the above questions, and if you are available from Friday 28 February – Sunday 1 March, then you may wish to look into getting involved in the UN Youth Association State Conference.  UN Youth believes that young people have an important contribution to make to their community, state, country and the world.  This state conference aims to equip you with leadership skills to make a difference, creating change in our world. 

The cost is $285.00 per student.  You need to click on the link below to register, and learn more about this conference. United Nations Website

If you would like to know more information, then please speak with Mrs Tilley.

Mrs Katerina Tilley - Head of Faculty - Humanities and Social Science

Moving to a New School

Moving to a new school is a big deal! Your child is going to meet lots of new people and be thrown into new situations. That’s bound to make them feel lots of different emotions. They may feel worried and anxious, but also excited and happy – all at the same time! It is considered to be one of the most important transition periods of a student’s life and can present some significant psychological challenges for both students and parents.

Making new friends, learning new routines, discovering new environments, accepting new cultures and adjusting to new learning practices is all part of the process. Some children will sail through this period of change, whilst others may need a bit more guidance. It is important to give your child the chance to feel comfortable in their new space. This may take a few months, but ensure you keep the lines of communication open and check in regularly with your child to see how they are settling in.

In this Special Report, parents and care givers will be presented with a number of strategies that can be deployed to help ensure a smooth transition. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the College Counsellor or your son's House Dean.

Here is the link to your special report https://stpatricks.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/moving-new-school

Fight the Good Fight

Mr Darren Kearney - Dean of Students

Surviving the Final Year

It’s no secret that the end of school can be a huge source of anxiety for both students and parents alike. Studies have shown that over 40% of final year students suffer from high-level anxiety or stress, with some even suffering from depression. It is important to prepare a student’s brain for success. Studies show there is a clear link between students taking care of their health, and their overall productivity during the final year of school. 

Understanding how best to support your child’s health and wellbeing during this time will help them perform at their best. The student brain has a lot going on, so understanding how it works will help them get the most out their brain power. Acknowledge that not all stress is bad. The art is in finding the right balance. Having the right amount of stress can encourage students to be at their optimal level of alertness, and improve behavioural and cognitive performance. It helps tune their brain and focus.

In this Special Report, parents and care givers will be presented with a number of strategies on how best to support their child during the final year at school. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the College Counselor or your son's House Dean.

Here is the link to your special report https://stpatricks.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/surviving-final-year

Fight the Good Fight!

Mr Darren Kearney - Dean of Students

Please find below a Parenting Ideas article on Making New Friends and Staying in Touch with Old Classmates

Making New Friends

As we approach the end of Week 2, Sport for 2020 is now well and truly underway. Last weekend our teams played trials against Villanova in Cricket and Volleyball. There were a number of positive performances and certainly a lot for the coaches to build on. 

In Cricket the 9As, 6As, 6Bs and 6Cs all recorded solid wins. Special mention to Ethan Rowan in the 9As who took 4 wickets (all clean bowled) in his first 5 overs! In a freakish coincidence, the 8As and 7Cs not only both drew their games, they both recorded exactly the same score of 107 runs.

The Volleyballers showed some promise but will need to step up their performance this week if they want to be competitive against St Laurence’s. The 11As had a convincing win while the 1st team showed a glimpse of what they are capable of in a very dogged third set against a well drilled Villanova side.

AFL is now entering its second year as a trial sport in the AIC competition. Mr Adrian Brown, Co-Ordinator of AFL reporting on the trials from week 1 had the following to say:

“The AFL trial games presented coaches and players with a great opportunity to put their training and planning into practice. The 1sts team played against Villanova and St Edmund’s on Friday night with strong performances against both schools. Some strong individual performances from fringe players provided the coaches with a selection dilemma going into Round 1 with a full strength side ready to take on St Laurence’s this Friday night. The Year 8/9 team had a number of boys who were playing AFL for the first time and they will continue to develop and grow in the game as their understanding progresses. I am really looking forward to seeing what this team can achieve this year. The Year 7 team headed down to Runcorn and battled manfully to win the last quarter against a strong Villa team despite missing a few players. Any year 7 boys keen to give AFL a go, please come along to the sports office to sign up as we have a few spots in the team available.”

St Patrick’s Athletes fly high at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships
In the first week of December, Year 12 students Callum Crossnan and Will Boland represented Queensland at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships that were held in Perth. Callum was competing in the Long Jump and Will in the High Jump. To qualify to compete at this level is a significant achievement in itself and both boys did their families and Queensland proud.

In the High Jump William had an outstanding championship and placed 2nd overall in Australia with a finishing height of 2.06m. Both athletes will be young enough to compete again in 2020 so it will be an exciting year for them both as they continue with their training in preparation for the AIC Athletics Championships later in the year.

AIC Round 1

This weekend the AIC competitions start in earnest with St Patrick’s facing off in Round 1 against St Laurence’s. The AFL teams will kick things off with the 1st XVIII and the Year 8 and 9 team playing on Friday evening. On Saturday the Junior AFL, Cricket and Volleyball teams will all take the field.

Please refer to the draws on REALM for respective times and venues. 

Sports uniforms:

• AFL players need to purchase an AFL uniform from the uniform shop as well as the AFL shorts and football socks. 
• Cricket players have been told only SPC hats (green floppy or white sports cap) or wide brim white fielders hats are to be worn. 
• Volleyball players in Year 7-12 are reminded that white SPC socks are the ONLY colour to be worn on the court. 

Student’s attendance at training is very important in the coming weeks to ensure coaches consider them for team selections. It is important that all students sign up to the relevant groups and teams on REALM so that they are aware of the most current information. Contact details for the coordinators are listed below should any questions arise.  

Representative trials
Year 7 to 12 students are encouraged to visit the Metropolitan North School Sport website and peruse the calendar to identify sports (dates & venues) they must attend to gain Regional representation. Bramble Bay representative teams 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 - Dan Nethery dnethery@stpatricks.qld.edu.au
• Volleyball Coordinator - Steve Coping scopping@stpatricks.qld.edu.au 
• AFL Coordinator - Adrian Brown abrown@stpatricks.qld.edu.au
• Sports Administrator- Kate Grainger kgrainger@stpatricks.edu.au

Mr Jim Potts – Director of Sport

Cultural News

Junior Art Club

Monday 3:15 – 4:30,  B1A2 (Ms Julie Catalan jcatalan@stpatricks.qld.edu.au )

Creative art-based fun for years 5 – 7. 

Senior Art Club

Monday 3:15 – 4:30,  B1A1 (Ms Eloise Svendsen esvendsen@stpatricks.qld.edu.au )

Creative art-based activities for year 8 – 12.

Junior Chess Club

Tuesday afternoons 3:00 to 4:15, W202 (Ms Rosemary Butt rbutt@stpatricks.qld.edu.au 

Senior Chess Club

Monday afternoons 3:00 to 4:30, W202, (Ms Rosemary Butt rbutt@stpatricks.qld.edu.au)
Please Note: If chess players have training conflicts on the designated club day, they are invited to attend either Monday or Tuesday afternoons irrespective of age.  Afternoon tea is provided.

QDU Debating

QDU information and draws may be found HERE. Trials and training commences in week 3.  
QDU Summer School, Feb 16 @ Brisbane Boy’s College (No cost) See Mr Clough to register
Training times will be set in consultation with team members. Sign-on will close next week
(Mr Dennis Clough dclough@stpatricks.qld.edu.au )

Senior Film Crew

Tuesday / Thursday 3:15 – 4:30, B1T1 (Mr Hamish Teitzel hteitzel@stpatricks.qld.edu.au)

This club is intended to help students develop their film-making skills as they produce short films and document college events.

Junior Film Crew

Friday 3:15 – 4:30pm, B1T1 (Mr Thomas Hahne) culture@stpatricks.qld.edu.au
Years 7 & 8 students learn camera techniques and complete photography and film projects.

Theatresports

Wednesday 3:15 – 4:30pm, W205 (Mr Duncan Moir dmoir@stpatricks.qld.edu.au )
Experienced and novice players come and learn the games, practice performing in the lead-up to YTS competition.

Junior Musical

“Disney’s Aladdin Jnr”. Wednesday 3:15 – 4:30, W203. (Ms Fiona Engwirda fengwirda@stpatricks.qld.edu.au)
Students in years 5 – 9. Performances in early May.  This is a conducted as a project for our “Junior Voices” choir.

All details are found on the relevant REALM pages or general cultural enquiries may be directed to culture@stpatricks.qld.edu.au

Mr Geoff Samuels – Head of Culture

Cultural Support Group News

Save the Date

St Patrick’s College Cultural Support Group – Trivia Night 2020

Saturday March 14th 6.00pm for a 7.00pm start

Theme is “Hollywood” – come dressed for the red carpet or your favourite movie character! 

We are also looking for prize donations for our door prizes and raffle. Please contact the Cultural Department if you would like to donate an item and a Committee member will be in touch to collect the donation. 

Tickets $20 each

Tables of 8

Tickets on sale soon! 

on Behalf of the Cultural Support Group

YEAR 10 BLAZER FITTINGS took place on Monday 3 February. If you require a blazer to be ordered for your son, it is necessary to pay $65 deposit to confirm your order. This will need to be done by Thursday 13 February. Blazers take approximately 6-8 weeks to manufacture and are required wear for Term 2. There are some secondhand blazers in store but not available in all sizes.

TERM 1 SPORTSWEAR – Uniforms are in stock for all sports in all sizes. These can be purchased on line or at the store.

VOLUNTEERS are still required for the hours listed below on a monthly roster basis. If you are available to help, please let me know.

Interviews for Year 7, 2022 will occur in March with letters of offer being sent prior to the Easter holidays.  If you would like a formal application or further information regarding the enrolment process please contact our Enrolments Office on 3631 9052 or enrolments@stpatricks.qld.edu.au

Dear St Patrick’s Year 5-9 Students and Parents 

Unfortunately, due the current COVID-19 government restrictions, the Easter Holiday Camp on Monday 6 April to Thursday 9 April has been cancelled.

Camps for the June, September and Christmas holidays have not been cancelled at this stage.

Mr Heath Mackintosh