Over the past few weeks, our staff and Year 11 students have been involved in a series of ballots for the new Student Leaders for 2020. The shortlisted students were interviewed by Mr Darren Kearney and myself. Last week, at our Well-Being Day Assembly I had the great pleasure of announcing the College Student Leaders for 2020 to staff and students. The Student Leadership Team for 2020 are:

• College Captain – Dominic Graham
• College Vice Captains – Jasper Simmons and River Brunsmann

We look forward to working with these young men into the future and witnessing the contribution they will make to the leadership of the College in 2020.

As we move into the second half of the term, it is hoped that the young men are working to their potential. Over the next few weeks many students will be submitting drafts or preparing final submissions of assessment. It is important that students are committing themselves to regular study on a nightly basis. Mr Schultz refers regularly to the amount of study is indicative of the year level. A Year 7 student should be completing seven hours per week as compared to a Year 12 student who should be completing three hours per night. As parents, we certainly become attuned to the ebbs and flows of emotions of our children around this time of the term. It is important that we support our children, making sure they are able to cope with the added workloads around this busy time. Simple ways to assist them are making sure they are getting enough sleep, making sure they are keeping up their nutrition by eating well and hydrating themselves with plenty of water.

The Queensland Catholic Music Festival is the largest Catholic school students’ musical festival in Queensland. St Patrick’s College were represented by a large number of young men performing in a range of ensembles over the four days. The experience and feedback gained by the students will provide an opportunity to continue to master their talents over the next 12 months. The College is certainly grateful for the dedication and talent of all the young men, but also the commitment of the parents in making sure that they are present at rehearsals and attending the various performances throughout the year. We can be extremely proud of the achievements of the talented young men we have here at St Patrick’s College. A special thanks to the following staff members who generously give up their time to develop our musicians:

• Mr Kane McNally
• Ms Kate Albury
• Ms Kelly Jensen
• Ms Ann Wuu
• Ms Fiona Engwida
• Ms Kristin Cadoo-Dagley
• Mr Nathan Gatenby
• Mr Andrew Reginato
• Mr Andrew Humphreys
• Mr Kent Windress

In addition, a special thank you to Mr Geoff Samuels and Mrs Carmel Moir for all the behind the scenes work that is completed to bring it all together. 

On Wednesday, Mr Tim Kenny and me had the privilege of meeting the new Sandgate Parish Priest, Fr Joseph Kannatt. It was an opportunity to show Father Joseph our wonderful school with a short tour of the College campus. We have been invited to attend and participate in his Installation Mass on Saturday, 24 August at 5:00pm, which will be celebrated by Archbishop Mark Coleridge. We also have six young men receiving the Sacrament Confirmation on Tuesday night at Sacred Heart Church. We sincerely congratulate these young men. 

During this week, our Year 9 students have been involved in their camp and retreat program. Both these experiences are aligned to the Rite Journey program that they are undertaking this year. It has been a very reflective time for them, we appreciate that this is not always easy to do for a young adolescent man and commend them on their efforts. We hope that they have found this experience to be beneficial. 

This weekend we have many students competing in various sports. Our Tennis, Basketball and Rugby League teams are competing against Iona College. It is important that with a few rounds remaining, all young men fulfil their commitments to their nominated sports teams. We also have our Mooting Team competing over the weekend, we wish all teams the best of luck over the weekend.

Have a great weekend.

God Bless!

Mr Frank Torrisi - Acting College Principal

Please see below the upcoming events at the College..

Subject Selection processes finishing up…

Students have now completed their subject selection processes for Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 for 2020. We now move into a process of quality assurance around student choices. For our current Year 9 and 10 students, I sent letters out yesterday via email to students who may have chosen subjects without having met the recommended entry grade, or who have chosen a subject lower than their ability suggests they are capable of. These letters do not direct that a student needs to change their choices, rather they can initiate a dialogue if necessary. 

The College is hopeful that the information shared in the lead up to students selecting subjects was informative and helpful. We are always looking to reflect on and refine our processes and parent input and feedback is important in achieving this. To this end, I will be sending home a Parent Feedback Survey regarding this year’s subject selection processes. It would be appreciated if parents could take the time to complete the survey so that we can continue to refine and enhance our processes each year. The survey will be sent by email before the start of next week.

Students who are yet to hand in their signed receipt to the curriculum office must do so immediately. These are now overdue. 

The Year 12 journey gets closer to the final stages…

On Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 8, our Year 12 QCS students reach another significant milestone in their journey towards graduation and life beyond the walls of the College. The QCS tests will run over two days on 3 and 4 September, after a long and successful preparation program which started in Term 4 last year.

During the preparation program, students participate in a variety of workshops at a cohort level or in classes. The program is run by a specific team of QCS teachers comprising of Mrs Chelsea Parakas, Mr David Crewe, Mr Dennis Clough, Ms Elizabeth Gaber, Mrs Liz Skinner and myself. However, it is the combined efforts of both Year 12 subject teachers, and the teachers that students have had since they started at the College, that contributes to their ability to go into the test with the confidence to do well. The program is enhanced significantly by the work of Mr David Crewe (Program Leader – Student Data and Performance) who provides expert data analysis on both student and cohort performance as well as identifying areas of strength and weakness. There have been many workshops and sessions run that are informed directly by the practice testing results of the group and this has ensured consistent and continual improvement over the program. Our most recent analysis indicates that the boys can be confident but not cocky going into the tests, and that they have the potential to achieve some very good results. I wish them well.

In the lead up to the testing days, we are asking that boys are well rested and ready to do their best over the two days of testing. We have deliberately removed assessment from the QCS week and ask that students start to freshen up from Sunday onwards and ensure they sleep well and are relaxed. This means no late nights completing assignments or study or on social media. We will be providing some resources for students to prepare and each night before the testing days, they should be reviewing their strategies and have a clear plan and picture in their mind about how they need to behave over the two days. Parent support in preparing this way is appreciated.

Students sitting the test are expected to be at school by 7:30am both days. We would appreciate if parents could support us each morning with the preparation and serving of breakfast (as well as sharing some warm well wishes). Please contact Mrs Samantha Churchill at schurchill@stpatricks.qld.edu.au if you are available to assist on either morning.

Students not sitting the test are expected to attend school as per normal (unless they are on work placement) and are invited to share breakfast with their peers. Mr Chris Herrod and Mr Doug Locke have organised an excellent program for the two days around their transition into the work force and will be meeting with each student to identify what plans they have for getting themselves into work or training. Each student needs to bring an editable copy of their resume as this will be a valuable opportunity to receive some expert advice.

Mr Troy Schultz – Dean of Teaching and Learning

 

Last week, I shared the affective data (satisfaction with results, average happiness and sense of belonging) collected through our Tutor Group and Senior Mentoring programs. 

This week, I have shared the data collected regarding our boys’ engagement with social media, gaming and the internet during the week and on weekends as well as sleep patterns on week nights and weekends.  More screen time occurs on the weekends which seems understandable, however we must be aware of the impact this is having on the quality of your sons sleep if they have been up all night or into the early hours of the morning. 

Having done many mentoring meetings this year, I now have a greater awareness of just how much phones are distracting our boys from uninterrupted study time.  Often, they will say they sit at their desk for a couple of hours a night, and this is an honest answer, but a large proportion of that time is looking at Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube.  As part of my mentoring conversations I have been recommending that boys leave their phones outside their study space – A small change that will have a significant impact on your son’s ability to focus and avoid multi-tasking and being distracted by their device.

Mr Troy Schultz, Dean of Teaching and Learning, highlighted the impact smart phones have on student learning in his Week 4 article in the Calling and shared the following video There is a cell phone in your students head

The interesting note below is the spike in limited sleep for our Year 9 boys. While there is a critical mass in the 7-9 hours which is appropriate for adolescents, there are a group of boys who are recording at or below 6 hours. It’s a bold move, however there is a school in Western Australia that has purchased alarm clocks for willing students and families who are replacing their phones with alarm clocks to take technology out of the bedroom as a response to improving the sleep patterns of their students. 

Have a great weekend.

Mr Adam McPhee – Acting Dean of Administration and Business Intelligence

Education Perfect Science Championships 2019

A number of St Patrick’s College students recently took part in the Education Perfect Science Championships, answering 17,347 questions giving us a global ranking of 288th out of 1,561 schools, 30th overall in Queensland (out of 221 Queensland schools) and 10th in Queensland for a school of 1001 to 2500 students.

The following young men have received awards for this competition. Congratulations on your impressive ability to answer so many Science questions.

• Ethan Rowan – Silver Award. Ethan answered 3,647 questions and was in the top 5% of competitors around the world. Ethan also won a $20 gift voucher from Education Perfect.
• Hayden Bartley – Bronze Award. Hayden answered 1,754 questions and was in the top 10% of competitors around the world.
• Benjamin Rowan – Credit Award. Benjamin answered 831 questions and was in the top 20% of competitors around the world.
• Oscar Smith – Credit Award. Oscar answered 793 questions and was in the top 20% of competitors around the world. 

Science Week Quiz Competition

Last week was Science Week and hopefully you were able to enjoy some of the activities that Brisbane hosted. The Science Faculty ran a Science competition during the week and we have two winners that will each receive a prize.

The winners are:

• Kane Bailey Year 8 
• Emmett Bonnell Year 6

Congratulations to you both. Your Science teacher will deliver the prizes to you.

A big thank you to Mr Geoff Whiting for putting the Science Quiz together.

Mrs Karen Cantwell – Head of Science

Next Wednesday, 28 August we will be celebrating Stella Fella Day at the College hosted by our ERA for Change students.

So what does it mean to be a Stella Fella?

• A Stella Fella is a man of character and strength who stands up for the rights of women and children.
• A Stella Fella is a man who chooses to act with integrity, compassion and respect.
• The Stella Fella campaign is about educating men and boys about the role that we each play in recognising and standing up for the rights of women and children in our lives and around the world.

On Wednesday, we ask all members of our St Patrick's College community to wear a bow tie. Bow ties will be on sale on Monday and Tuesday in the Student Office for $3, they can be purchased with student ID cards or EFTPOS. For those parents and students attending the Father Son Breakfast, we ask that you wear a bow tie as a mark of solidarity for the rights of women in children in our lives and around the world.

Mr Tim Kenny - Dean of Identity

Wearing a Bow Tie is a commitment to be strong, to respect other people and especially to be a Man of Action.

Please find details of the 2019/2020 Sacramental Program commencing with a Parent Night on Monday 29 July.

Preparation And Mass Dates Program 2019 2020

Please find below a Parenting Ideas insight article on Encouraging Healthy Attitudes Towards Women.

Encouraging Healthy Attitudes Towards Women

Mr Darren Kearney - Dean of Students

The College Tennis Championships where held last Saturday.  Semi-final and Finals games were played in beautiful weather at the Coops Tennis Centre. The below students participated in the finals for each division.  Congratulations to the 2019 Age Champions.  Age Champions will be awarded with their medal during the last Sports Awards ceremony held in October.  Special thanks to all the coaches and parents who attended throughout the morning.  Special mention to Henry Swan on his victory to be crowned SPC 2019 College Tennis Champion! This is two years in a row for Henry.  

• Year 5 Samuel Noud
• Year 6 Steven Hogan     
• Year 7 Craig Welch
• Year 8 Lachlan Silver-Thomas   
• Year 9 Jules Campbell  
• Year 10 Kushank Gulati
• Year 11 Bradley Welch
• OPEN Henry Swan

Sign on for the 2020 Term 1 Sport program will open next week. Full details regarding all sports can be located on the sport specific REALM pages. Please note that senior AFL played on Friday nights will involve parents travelling to Yeronga. Students have been briefed on the various activities and how playing multiple sports is possible in some instances. Please keep an eye out for the notification on REALM next week.

St Patrick’s College Half Season Cricket is a subcommittee of the SPC Sport Support Group (volunteer parent group of St Patrick’s). Rob and Luci Davey have volunteered to coordinate in 2019. Students will participate in BNJCA competition up until Christmas holidays. Rob and Luci would like to hear from any parents who would be prepared to work (coaching, managing, scoring, BBQ set up, trophy presentation etc) in a small committee group to assist in the running of the Half Season competition.  They can be contacted on davey.4@bigpond.com Sign on information for both the Half Season (October-December) and the AIC cricket season (January–March) can be located on the REALM Cricket pages.  Please note to play in both competitions requires two separate sign-on procedures. 

Contacts for Trimester 3 Sport 

• Basketball Coordinator - Mr Steve Copping scopping@stpatricks.qld.edu.au 
• Tennis Coordinator - Br Chris Pritchard cpritchard@stpatricks.qld.edu.au 
• Track and Field - Dan Nethery  dnethery@stpatricks.qld.edu.au 
• Rugby League - Brian Polich bpolich@stpatricks.qld.edu.au

Outstanding Student Achievements 

• Fletcher Dudley, represented Queensland in the U14 Water Polo Inter State Championships in Tasmania
• Cael Armitage Finished 3rd at the State Championships in the 10yrs Boys Discus

Mr Dan Nethery - Head of Sport

On Saturday, 17 August the St Patrick’s College Closed Tennis Championships were held. The semi-finals and finals took place for all ages at Club Coops, using nine and then eight courts, organised through Head of Sport, Mr Dan Nethery, Coordinator Br Chris Pritchard, our Coaches and Managers, and our Professional Tennis Coach, Brad Harbottle, of Xcel Tennis.

The day was a glorious, fresh, clear early warm spring morning with a scrumptious morning tea provided by Years 6, 8, 10 and 12. There had been many participants and some 132 students had taken part. All the earlier rounds to the semi-finals had been played in the three weeks prior to the ‘Finals Day.’ All coaches, managers, parents and siblings were present to assist, encourage and console all players during the final stages of competition with thanks to our professional photographer, Mr Paul Neil. Special mention is made of those players who missed out in earlier rounds due to injury or sickness. The basic format was a set (first to 6 games) with a tie breaker, if necessary, at 6 – 6, (first to 7 points) while the Opens used the formula for 1st IV AIC Tennis; two sets. The results do not reflect the closeness, enthusiasm and keenness of the competition. Congratulations to all competitors and the eventual College Champions, of which six were last year players as Champions but with new opponents in their respective Finals.
 
The Finals results were:

• Year 5 - Samuel Noud def Jake Hackett 6 – 1
• Year 6 - Steven Hogan def Patrick Dalton 6 - 2
• Year 7 - Craig Welch def Danny Robinson 6 – 1
• Year 8 - Lachlan Silver-Thomas def Will Affleck 6 - 2        
• Year 9 - Jules Campbell def Sebastian Combrinck 6 - 2        
• Year 10 - Kushank Gulati def Jordan Harris 6 – 3       
• Year 11 - Bradley Welch def Liam Fitzgerald 6 – 4
• OPEN - Henry Swan def Thomas Irwin 7 – 5; 6 – 1 

Br Christopher Pritchard - Tennis Co-ordinator

Theatresports News

Both the Firsts and Seconds Theatresports teams will be competing in the YTS Semi Final at SPC this Thursday (29 August) in the Waterford Building at 7:00pm. Both these teams have put in a tremendous amount of effort throughout the year to make it this far so please take some time to come along and see them. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Theatresports Training: This term, the training is only open for those students selected to compete in one of the three YTS competition teams. Please consult the schedule below:

TUESDAY

3:15pm - 4:30pm
DRAMA ROOM - W205
Mr McPhee & Mrs Garside

WEDNESDAY

3:15pm - 4:30pm
DRAMA ROOM - W205
Mr Moir

MR DUNCAN MOIR - THEATRESPORTS COORDINATOR

Cultural Support Group News

Father's Day Stall

The Cultural Support Group will be holding this year's Father's Day Stall on Wednesday 28 August.  Student ID Cards, EFTPOS sales only will be available on the day.  

As the College has gone 'cashless' there will be no CASH sales!

Please note that the stall will be for one day only.  Should there be stock left over after Wednesday, these will be available for ID Card / EFTPOS purchases only.

If you have any queries please contact Mrs Carmel Moir in the Cultural Office on 3631 9042.

2019 | 2020 Entertainment Book

Make his day and support St Patrick’s College Cultural Support Group!

It's smart, dynamic and fun, just like Dad. The Entertainment Digital Membership is more useful than a tool kit, fits neatly in Dad's smartphone and has great offers for dining, movies, activities and travel - all the things he loves to do with you :

Purchase now and go in the draw to win the ultimate Father’s Day gift. When you purchase a Membership online during August you will go into the draw to win 2 tickets to the AFL Grand Final, along with accommodation at Melbourne Shortstay Apartments, flights from Jetstar and dinner for 2 at Red Spice Road. 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY

If you have ordered a print Book version they are now ready for collection from the Main Office (Morven Building).

MRS CARMEL MOIR ON BEHALF OF THE CULTURAL SUPPORT GROUP

Parent Volunteers

Thank you to all those who have volunteered to help at our breakfast next week. We are still seeking a few more mums/parent volunteers to help with serving breakfast, and packing up after the event. If you can assist after the event to help with clearing away and packing down our auditorium, your help is also greatly appreciated!

If you would like to assist, please don’t hesitate to contact our Foundation Officer, Joanne Wareham on 3631 9000 or email jwareham@stpatricks.qld.edu.au.

2019 SENIOR JERSEYS – There are two spare jerseys available in sizes S and M. They are available for purchase @ $90 each. Student name on the back can be done and is included in the price.
 
2017 SENIOR JERSEY – One of these in size XL is also available. There is no exit year on this jersey so would suit any past student who would like a St Patrick’s College Senior Jersey. SENIORS is printed on this jersey. This jersey is available for the mark down price of $50.

FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS  

Merchandise Store Opening Hours

• Tuesday - 12:00noon to 4:00pm
• Wednesday - 12noon to 4:00pm
• Thursday - 7:30am to 11:30am

The Edmund Rice Foundation Australia (ERFA) is an international aid organisation which supports sustainable community-based education programs in developing countries. As an EREA school we support the work of the ERFA through our fundraising throughout the year. On Sunday, 13 October The Foundation will be hosting an event to support programs that empower women through education in Australia and overseas.

DETAILS

The Montague Hotel, West End for Sequins and Sandshoes on 13 October 2019.
2 hour food and drinks package, live music and entertainment.
Tickets limited to 250 people so be quick! Purchase Tickets

Calling all kids with a love for music and singing! 

We’re excited to announce that Voices of Birralee are launching their first Holiday Music Program this September school holidays!

The five-day program, running from Monday 30 September to Friday 4 October, will provide children in Grades 3 – 6 with the opportunity to explore a diverse range of musical genres, build self-confidence and lifelong friendships, discover the magic of music in a fun and encouraging environment, and develop an appreciation for the arts.

The children will enjoy workshops in jazz/gospel music, classical music, folk/world music, musical theatre/pop music, as well as movement and improvisation, led by a faculty of reputable music professionals. Plus, all participants will be lucky enough to travel to Southbank on the fourth day of the camp to see the highly acclaimed production of Laser Beak Man at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). 

Early bird registrations are now open – get in quick to save 20% on fees.

For more information and to register, visit Holiday Music Program

All enquiries to holidaymusic@birralee.org or 3367 1001.

St Dympnas Spring Fair