In my last article I mentioned the article Eight Good Reasons for Being Catholic written by Fr Richard Rohr, O.F.M., and Joseph Martos. Last week, I gave the first two reasons why it is good to be Catholic. These included (1) our religion hasan optimistic view of creation and (2) Catholicism has a universal vision.

The third reason is that the Catholic faith has a holistic outlook. According to Rohr & Martos, the Church has always been concerned with holiness. However, our contemporary understanding of this concept is more aligned to wholeness. This means that everyone is called to achieve their fullest potential to be a truly whole and holy person. They suggest that true holiness requires a transformation of the total personality where there is a concern for bodily health as well as spiritual health. Put simply, we need to have a balance between prayer and action. The fourth reason is that our Catholic faith is concerned about personal growth. The Catholic vision of human potential begins with a vision of life as a process of continuous conversion and growth. Rohr & Martos suggest that the Christian life is a process or journey that goes through stages. Each of these stages introduces different challenges, pitfalls and personalities along the way. We learn that personal fulfillment means abandoning ourselves and putting others first. In the Catholic tradition, ultimate satisfaction is promised to those who give up their desire for self-satisfaction.

Over the last three days of this week, some of our Years 6 & 7 students participated in some school readiness tests for the new NAPLAN on-line tests that will be introduced next year. The purpose of these tests was to see how our infrastructure and student laptops coped with the processes and test. The new tests also expect a high level of administration from the teaching staff who oversee the tests. This was also a good opportunity for them to learn how this is done. It turned out that we did find some glitches caused by various means. This meant that some young men had to work with us to sort out the problem and allow us to learn from the situation so that we can cope with it again if it occurs during the real tests next year. This also meant that these young men did not get a chance to spend as much time on the tests as others. I stressed to them that this was not an issue as we do not receive any reports on the answered questions, this was simply a readiness test for us to prepare for the administration and participation in the tests next year. If your son was upset that he did not complete the tests because of a glitch, please reinforce with him that the tests were actually tests for us not him. The good news is that we learned a lot about how we can improve upon our administration and will be well prepared for the real tests next year.

During the first two days of this week, I had the great pleasure of being a part of the Year 11 Leadership Retreat. The retreat was expertly planned by Mr Darren Kearney and Mr Luke Royes and very well facilitated by the team of House Deans. We were also supported by Luke and Hogan from Equip Leadership who ran some great workshops and past student, Simon Patmore, address the students about leadership in his context as a professional athlete. On Tuesday afternoon, parents of each young man attended a ritual where the students were presented with their senior ties. It was a treat for all the young men and our staff to have so many family members join us, especially with their busy working and family schedules. I was most impressed by the young men, not just because of their cooperation, but because of the depth of conversations and relationships that were formed over these days. We are in a very fortunate position to have such a strong cohort lead us through 2019 and I am certainly looking forward to working with them.

We received the sad news of the death of Br Jack (Pius) Dowd on 12 October. He was 81 years of age. Br Dowd was a member of this College community from 1975–1983. He also served as College Deputy Principal during this time and is best known for the great work that he did in planning many of the new buildings that were completed during his time at the College. The Dowd building was named after him.

During our Assembly on Thursday morning, we held a Spirit Assembly to introduce this year’s College Track and Field team. The team will compete in the AIC Championships to be held at QSAC next Monday and Tuesday. Our Year 11 cohort will attend the Championship on Tuesday to cheer the team on through the competition. I would like to thank and congratulate Gum Mabor and Jack Smith for accepting the captaincy of the team. Both young men have done an excellent job to date in leading the team and encouraging each young man within it. I am sure that they will all try to the best of their abilities in their events over the two days.

Next week, we will host three members of the Australian Council of Educational Research (ACER) School Improvement team. They will join our staff for four days and during this time interview staff and students and review our practices and use the National School Improvement Tool (NSIT) to give us feedback to how we are tracking with our improvement agenda. The information that we receive from this review will be integral for the finer details of our strategic plan as well as give excellent information to the new Director – Pedagogy and Learning Innovations who will commence working in our staff next year. To be a highly reliable school, it is important for us to consistently review our practices and look for ways to continuously improve. We will feedback the information to the community once it is received and digested by the College Leadership Team and staff.

During yesterday’s assembly, Harry Lawrence gave his farewell speech as a Student Leader. It was a heartfelt reflection on his time at St Patrick’s and the lessons learned along the way. Over the next two weeks, Jack Smith and Daniel Champness will give their final speeches as well.

Live Jesus in our Hearts!

Mr Chris Mayes – College Principal

Online diagnostics galore

Last week, students in Years 5 - 10 completed approximately 3000 online assessments over three days across a range of domains, as part of our annual ACER online testing. Students completed online assessments in Mathematics, Reading Comprehensions, and General Ability. It is a significant investment of time and energy from teachers, IT and support staff, and students alike. However, we are sure that this is repaid back to us multiple times through the valuable information that informs our teaching, curriculum, and program design at the College. The students are to be commended for their preparedness each day, and more importantly the way that they engaged with the assessments through their effort and application.

This week, we also began preparations for our transition to NAPLAN online in 2019. Students in Years 5, 6, 7A, 7B and 8 were involved in our School Readiness Test, to determine our capacity to implement the tests online next year. The students were excellent; however, we did experience more issues with the software than we had anticipated, largely due to an impeccably (or not) timed software change from the testing authority. Students were very patient whilst we dealt with laptops that refused to cooperate on the first day. The second day ran much more smoothly. At all times, the teachers trained as Test Administrators reacted diligently and calmly and we take much confidence in this moving forward. We certainly applied a growth mindset as we reviewed the issues that arose, and I am confident we will see a smooth and seamless operation next year.

Opportunities for better employability for Year 12 students

As we near the end of the journey for our Year 12 students, we increasingly focus on ensuring that they are linking into appropriate pathways and activities after school. One aspect of this, is finding suitable paid employment. For all students, holding an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) accreditation, or having skills in the art of coffee-making (Barista), could be useful in gaining a range of employment opportunities, including work that complements full time study. Mr Chris Herrod has organised an opportunity for Year 12 students to gain an accreditation for RSA, as well as skills in Barista Basics, over 13 and 14 November. Further details including cost, location and how to RSVP, will be sent to parents of Year 12 students by early next week.

Mr Troy Schultz – Dean of Teaching and Learning

This week Year 11 students took part in their Leadership Retreat over two days.It was inspiring to watch these young men begin their leadership journey as seniors with such enthusiasm. The opportunity to come together on retreat are moments which enrich and renew the identity of our College, and enable staff and students to develop those right relationships which are the basis of our community. It is an exciting time for these young men in recognition that they will begin to take on such an important role within the school. Certainly, there is a level of anxiety amongst them, in the responsibilities they see in front of them, but sure signs that they are taking this role seriously. Their hopes and aspirations are a unifying spirit. As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are committed to leading for liberation; we are called to build relationships of respect with all people.These three days of leadership formation are crucial for our future leaders in understanding what their leadership will look like - to serve with humility, and with respect for one another. The cohort should be commended for their presence whilst on retreat, and in the reverence they paid to the retreat experience.

Wednesday Mass – Fr Liam Chapel

Over the coming weeks there will be many “last time” experiences for our Year 12 students. One of these experiences will hopefully be a visit to the Fr Liam Chapel for Mass, one last time as students. Over the coming three weeks before exam block, students from each of the houses are encouraged to attend. The following dates are set aside for each house, however students may attend at any time, as are all members of the St Patrick’s community to do so. Mass begins with Fr Bryan Roe at 8:00am.

Mr Luke Royes – Acting Dean of Identity

This week, our Year 11 men attended their Leadership Retreat. Term 3 and 4 are important for our Year 11 students. In Term 3, the College Captain and House Leaders for 2019 were elected, and the cohort was set the challenge “We all ASPIRE to LEAD”. It is this challenge that formed the backbone of the leadership retreat program.

A- take ACTION, have a go

S- SERVE, be kind and give others a go

P- PERSIST through struggles and setbacks

I- INFLUENCE others and set the example

R- RESPECT for people, group and equipment

E- ENCOURAGE others

Throughout the retreat, we explored the idea that as a group of men they have the potential to influence the values, attitudes and behaviour of the St Patrick’s community with an effectiveness that we as staff can only dream of. For those Year 11 students who have never considered leadership; for those who rarely engage in any action or activity that results in discomfort; for those who have done their best to escape the hard edges of leadership in order to live a pillowed existence, it was explained that leadership was no longer optional once they put on the white shirt. I congratulate all our Year 11 men for resisting this temptation of laziness; this temptation to cover their light.

The men of Year 11 were also challenged to embrace and celebrate their differences, as it is their differences not their similarities that make them a strong and influential cohort. The Year 11 cohort then explored the notion that leadership isn't about heroics, in fact most leadership is actually covert and unassuming. It was a pleasure to listen to these men talk about leadership being found in the gentle word of encouragement, the helping of another, the steering of a conversation, a suggestion, or some small service.

The retreat also explored the need for them as leaders to:

• Be proactive rather than reactive, heading off emerging problems rather than dealing with the after effects.
• Challenge inappropriate cultures, walk the talk and display the values they wish to encourage in others.
• Seek respect not popularity. Respect that had been earned through the demonstration of boldness, courage, consistency, empathy, energy and service.

The Year 11 retreat concluded with the presentation of the senior ties.This was a wonderful occasion that involved a representative from each family presenting their son or brother with their senior tie.Congratulation to all the men of Year 11.

The motto developed by the senior group for 2019 is Strong Leaders. Strong Men.

Fight the good fight!

Darren Kearney – Dean of Students

Last Saturday night was cold, wet and miserable, a great night to stay home. However, 20 plus St Patrick’s students braved the conditions and raced the annual Sandgate Sunset Run. The running event is a timed relay around the Sandgate roundabout with students in teams of four. Our teams had a most successful night. In the Junior U15 20 minute relay our SPC runners took out 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th! XMen Green where the winning team; Finn Kelly, Spencer Drinkall, Thonjot Mabor and Jayden Morris. In the Open Men’s 2 hour relay our XMen team finished in 2nd place. The team was Callum McFarlane, Lewis Dittberner, Phil Wilkinson and Mick McFarlane (Cullum’s dad, a late replacement). The winning team Dawn Patrol was two laps ahead of our XMen. Ironically Mr Adam McPhee, a St Patrick’s staff member, was part of the winning team. Congratulations to all runners on racing a very tough event.

With the Track and Field practise meets now completed and Spirit Assembly conducted, we look forward to Monday and Tuesday 22 and 23 October for the AIC Championships at QSAC. Attendance on pupil free Monday 22 October is compulsory for student athletes competing on Monday afternoon. Buses will depart the College from mid-day.Students competing only on Tuesday are required (especially 4 x 100m relay) to have a final training session mid-morning on Monday. The students will have catering provided throughout the session.Mr Jake Jennings will communicate with selected students and parents outlining details and requirements for both Championship days.Students must compete in full SPC sports uniform. White or black socks only. Parents are most welcome to spectate at Championships.

Last Sunday, the Sunday Family Tennis Afternoon was unfortunately cancelled due to the weather. Br Pritchard, Tennis Coordinator, was to make presentations to our coaching staff. Thank you to the many community members who worked to make the 2018 AIC Tennis season enjoyable. Special mention to Bracken Ridge McDonald’s for their ongoing support to our program.Students who wish to continue tennis coaching out of season should communication with Br Pritchard to discuss the various options available.

Information has been distributed via email regarding the Roar Year 5-7 Football Clinics beginning Friday 26 October and the start of the 2018 Swimming season in Week 5. Parents and students are encouraged to act on these communications to avoid missing out on sporting opportunities provided by the College.

Trials for Cricket, AFL and Volleyball will take place from Week 5 for the Term 1, 2019 sports. More information to be provided in coming weeks for those students and families signed on.

Contacts for Trimester 4 Sport

• Track & Field Jake Jennings jjennings@stpatricks.qld.edu.au
• Swimming Kelsey Duke kduke@stpatricks.qld.edu.au (begins week 5)
• AFL Dom Crowley dcrowley@stpatrick.qld.edu.au (begins week 5)
• Volleyball Steve Copping scopping@stpatricks.qld.edu.au (begins week 5)
• Cricket Dan Nethery dnethery@stpatricks.qld.edu.au (begins week 5)

Mr Doug Locke – Head of Sport

College Musical 2019

For more information and to download the complete Audition Pack click HERE.

SHOWCASE 2018 Program

There will be live music and food available on the oval from 4:30 pm and will continue serving until 9:00 pm. Doors will be open from 6:00 pm to allow entry by parents, family members and guests only. Entry will be via the doors from Pier Avenue and the stairway from the oval of the Christian Brothers Building. ALL STUDENTS will be seated on the oval and watch the show on a large outdoor screen with concert style speakers. Entry to Showcase will be by gold coin donation.

The program for SHOWCASE 2018 is:

We will have a variety of entertaining acts performing between each House to round out a great night of entertainment.

Food Vans at SHOWCASE

Below is the list of Food Vans that will be at this year's Showcase selling a wide range of foods to tempt your taste buds. Please click on the link beside the vendor's name and have a look at what foods are available. Prices will range from $5.00 - $20.00. Some vendors are “cash only”.

Please note that the Cultural Support Group willbe providing cold drinks, chips and confectionery from the back oval from 4:30 pm and will be a “cash only” venue.

Geoff Samuels - Head of Culture

Opportunity for our budding artists -

Your Bag Design Could Win Your School $5,000!

Coles are giving all primary and secondary school students across Australia the opportunity to design the next range of Coles reusable shopping bags and win fantastic prizes.

The new range of sturdy, durable, multi-use shopping bags are better for the environment because they can be used over and over again. These bags are also great for our community because a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these bags will go to Coles community partners.

Great Prizes for Great Designs

Each selected bag design will be rewarded with $5,000 for your school to spend on an environmental or sustainability project. Plus a $500 Coles Gift Card will be awarded to the student who created the winning design. A minimum of seven amazing bag designs will be selected.

Instructions for Schools

All primary and secondary schools in Australia are eligible to participate. All you need to do is encourage your students to take part and make sure their entries are submitted by midnight on Monday 22 October 2018.

Instructions for Students

Bag Designs

We are looking for original bag designs that are bold, creative and desirable. Your bag design should be based on one of the following themes:

• Nature and our environment.
• Delicious, fresh food.
• Happiness is....?
• Where my imagination takes me....

The design style is completely up to students. Designs could include photography, illustrations, graphic designs or drawings. Students can enter as many times as they like however, each design must be an original. Please refer to the competition full terms and conditions on the Coles website at: coles.com.au/bagdesign

How to Enter

Full details and terms and conditions can be found on our website at: coles.com.au/bagdesign.

Remember the competition closes at midnight on Monday 22 October 2018.
Students can enter the competition as many times as they like.
We look forward to receiving many amazing designs from talented students across Australia.

Mrs Julie Catalan - Art Club Coordinator

Please find below October Tuckshop Roster

Tuckshop Roster October 2018