Year 12 Academic Interviews
Academic interviews started this week for our Year 12 cohort. These discussions inform students and parents about their academic progress to date and how to best prepare for their final internal assessment and external exams.

The 2025 External Assessment exam block has been released by QCAA. This includes the schedule of exams for General subjects. Please access the timetable here - QCAA external assessment timetable 2025.

On Wednesday 11th June, a Year 12 Parent Information night will be held to discuss External Preparation along with QTAC information. To explore the 2026 Year 12 Guide to Further Study from QTAC please click HERE.

University Open Days
Year 12 students and parents are encouraged to take some time to attend a University Open Day. These days are great to explore the campus, meet future tutors and lecturers, be immersed in the student lifestyle, seek answers to your questions and make an informed decision.

• University Sunshine Coast - Moreton Bay Campus - Sunday 20th July
• Bond University – Saturday 26th July
• QLD University of Technology (QUT) – Sunday 27th July
• University of QLD – Sunday 3rd August
• Griffith University – Sunday 10th August

The College's Career Expo will also be held early in Term 3 which all Year 12 students are expected to attend. Further information will be provided after the holidays on this event.

Griffith University Year 12 Academic Bootcamps
These highly effective four-day courses run in the September holidays and are designed to assist Year 12 students achieve their full academic potential in their final exams. These days specifically aim to improve students understanding in senior science and maths subject areas. For more information please visit Academic Bootcamps.

Australian Schools Cyber Challenge
Congratulations to our team of Year 12 students, Sebastian Bilek, Jack Ledger, Isaac Lawther, Archie Hickmott and James Turner, who are in the Top 10 teams in the Australian Schools Cyber Challenge. In this challenge, our boys competed in a series of hyper realistic cyber challenges, learning essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills development to test their cyber security capabilities via an online platform.

Year 7-12 End of Semester Exam Block
The end of semester exam block for Years 7-10 will be held from the 9th to 13th June. During this time students will have exams scheduled across the morning and afternoon sessions. When students are not in a scheduled exam they are in normal timetabled classes.

Year 11 exam block runs from Friday 13th to 16th June. During this time students will be granted flexi leave (to study at home and only come to campus for scheduled assessments). For the remainder of Week 9, students will be in normal timetabled classes.

Year 12 exam block runs from Friday 13th to 19th June. During this time students will be granted flexi leave.

As your sons approach their final assessments for the semester, please continue to encourage them to maintain organisation, adhere to their study plans, and uphold a balanced routine. Ensure they incorporate regular exercise, nutritious meals, and sufficient sleep into their daily schedules.

Celebrating the Spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice
On Friday, 9th May, our College community came together in a spirit of unity and gratitude to celebrate the Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice. The day began with a special Mass led by Fr John Gillen — a moment to pause, reflect, and honour the enduring legacy of the man who inspires our mission and values.

As part of the celebration, our Waterford Waiters offered a powerful reflection on Edmund’s life, inviting us to see the world through his eyes:

“Because gratitude filled my heart, I wanted my life to mean something more — something that would help others to grow and thrive… Let us remember — every act of kindness, every moment of service, helps make the world a better place.”

These words echo the very heart of Edmund Rice’s mission: to uplift, to educate, and to see the dignity in every person. His legacy reminds us that true leadership is rooted in compassion and that each of us is called to make a difference in the lives of others.

As a College in the Edmund Rice tradition, we carry this vision forward — not just in word, but in action — striving every day to live out the values of service, justice, and respect.

Year 8 Retreat: A Day of Reflection and Growth
Last week our Year 8 students recently took part in a transformative retreat experience led by Mr Dave Jorna — a day designed to help them step back from the everyday and look deeper into who they are and how they connect with the world around them.

Throughout the day, students engaged in a variety of activities that encouraged self-reflection, empathy, and personal growth. One of the most powerful moments came when Dave shared a moving story from his time volunteering with the Rosies Van, where he met a man experiencing homelessness who, despite his own hardships, always put others first.

This inspiring story challenged students to reflect on their own values and how they live them out. Each student was asked to choose three words — a personal code that would represent who they are, who they want to become, and how they wish to treat others.

We hope the retreat left a lasting impression, encouraging our young people to carry these values with them and see others — and themselves — through a lens of compassion, purpose, and respect.

Inclusion not Exclusion
During Week 4, our community turned its focus to the Touchstone of Inclusive Community — a core value that reminds us that belonging isn’t just about being present; it’s about being seen, heard, and valued.

Throughout our assemblies and gatherings, we explored the important distinction between diversity and inclusion. Diversity is about recognising and celebrating our differences — in culture, background, beliefs, and identity. Inclusion, however, is about action: it’s the conscious effort to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, respected, and truly part of the community.

Students were invited to reflect on what it really means to be inclusive — not just in words, but in everyday choices, conversations, and actions.

We hope the week sparked meaningful conversations and a deeper understanding of how each of us can contribute to a more compassionate, connected, and inclusive College environment.

Reconciliation Week: Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a powerful time for reflection and action — a chance for all Australians to deepen their understanding of our shared histories, celebrate our diverse cultures, and commit to building a more just and inclusive future.

Each year, from 27 May to 3 June, we mark two defining moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey: the 1967 referendum, which recognised First Nations people in the census, and the 1992 Mabo decision, which overturned the legal fiction of terra nullius and recognised native title.

At our Reconciliation Assembly, we were honoured to welcome Uncle Syl Johns, who shared his wisdom and experiences as he spoke about Australia’s long road toward reconciliation. He challenged the young men of St Patrick’s College to walk that road with courage — to stand in solidarity with First Nations Australians and be agents of change in the pursuit of truth and justice.

We also celebrated the growth of our cultural leadership by welcoming our newest Umbarra members and proudly acknowledging our 2025 Umbarra Leaders (pictured from left to right - Dane Knudsen, Lincoln Ellison, Nate Inglis, Tyrese Healey, Seth Lomas, Samuell Barber and Uncle Syl Johns).

Congratulations to these outstanding young men, and a heartfelt thank you to Uncle Syl for inspiring us with your presence and words.

Let this week be a reminder: reconciliation is not a destination, but a journey we take together — grounded in respect, truth-telling, and hope.

Celebrating Community and Partnership
As we approach the final few weeks of Term 2 I would like to highlight the wonder efforts of many staff and students across the College.

On Tuesday afternoon we held the annual College Open Day to showcase our wonderful community to prospective students. I would like to thank the staff and students for their hard work and dedication that ensured a successful experience for all who attended. Our best advertisers or promoters of the College are our students, and they did not disappoint us.

Over the past few weeks, I have been required to deal with a few matters that involved interaction between parents and staff. St Patrick’s College prides itself on the wonderful community that exist were all feel welcomed. The College developed a document that outlined our shared responsibility to work together in partnership to support the formation of our students into Men of Action.

Working in Partnership to form Men of Action
At St Patrick’s College, a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we prioritise building right relationships as a core value. We are dedicated to fostering respectful relationships and active partnerships between our staff and families. By working together, we share the responsibility of supporting our students' development into Men of Action, enriching their educational journey.

The Working Respectfully in Partnership to Develop Men of Action document outlines how we can collaborate consistently, effectively, and respectfully, highlighting the key expectations for both staff and parents in maintaining respectful and right relationships.

Some key points in the document include:

Ensuring that each student meets the College requirements. 

• Parents and Carers are expected to support the College in ensuring that students understand, respect, and meet the College’s requirements.

Role modelling appropriate behaviour to students.

• All adults in the College community must model the high standards expected of St Patrick’s Men of Action.

Creating a culture of respectful relationships.

• Students, staff, parents, and carers should collaborate to foster a Culture of Respectful Relationships.

Creating trust and effective communication.

• Understanding, trust, and effective communication between College staff, parents, and carers are crucial for building a strong, supportive community.

Ensuring staff and safety well-being.

• St Patrick’s College prioritises a safe and respectful working environment for staff, recognising everyone's right to feel secure. Harmful behaviours that compromise staff safety and professional wellbeing are deemed unacceptable.

Contribution and connection to the community.

• Stay connected by attending key school events and joining councils or support groups. Your involvement and expertise are always valued at St Patrick’s College.

Family law and student care arrangements.

• Parents and caregivers must promptly inform the school enrolment office of any family changes that could affect the relationship between the school and the student or parents.

The full version of The Working Respectfully in Partnership to Develop Men of Action document can be located on our College website or by clicking HERE

College Fundraiser – Shore 2 Gate
The Shore 2 Gate Walkathon will be held on the 20 June which is our last day of Term 2. The day will involve a 10km walk/run, and House BBQs to finish the term. It is designed for students and staff to relax and enjoy a day together as well as raising some money for the College Charities. 

Every student will be given a sponsor card. We are asking every student to raise a minimum of $40. We will provide more information via REALM next week.

Child Protection
The College takes its child protection responsibilities seriously. Please contact the College’s Child Safeguarding Officers if you are concerned about the behaviour of anyone, which is causing you or your son concern. Our Child Safeguarding Officers include:

• Ms Amber Hauff (College Principal)
• Mr Frank Torrisi (Deputy Principal)
• Mr Sean Toovey (Dean of Students)
• Ms Roxanne Rosenberg (Dean of Teaching and Learning)
• Ms Tracey Mortimer (Director of Junior School)
• Mr Matthew Robertson (Director of Student Well-being and Engagement)
• Mr Tim Hoysted (Mooney House Dean)
• Mrs Janet Garside (House Dean Ryan House)
• Mr John Zappala (College Counsellor)
• Ms Chanae Gill (College Counsellor)

It is their responsibility to receive reports from students, parents and/or staff of any child protection matters. This includes reports of abuse, or likely abuse, harm or likely harm.

Year 10 Blazer Ceremony
"In some societies, reaching adulthood is clearly marked by ritual and ceremony at a certain age or on assuming a particular status. In post-industrial societies, attaining adult status tends to be gradual, complex and sometimes ill-defined. Different adult rights and responsibilities are assumed at different ages. Responsibilities may be assumed gradually and unevenly or rapidly and all of a sudden, either through choice or because of some unexpected event."

In a ceremony rich with tradition and meaning, the Year 10 Blazer Presentation marked a significant milestone in the lives of our students. More than just a uniform upgrade, the blazer symbolises a rite of passage—a visible sign of the journey from boyhood to young manhood (pictured).

Held in the CBB, the event was attended by proud families, dedicated staff, and an enthusiastic student body. Each student stepped forward to receive their blazer, not just for the garment, but for the growth, responsibility, and maturity it represents.

We were blessed to hear wisdom and insights from Mr Matt Robertson, Head of Engagement and Wellbeing, Ms Kate Mulvihill, Director of Identity and Formation, as well as current Year 11 student Finn O’Keefe.

For many parents, the ceremony was an emotional reminder of how far their sons have come. Mr Aaron Shepherd (pictured), father of Year 10 student and 1998 Old Boy, beautifully shared the significance of the blazer, and the ‘inner strength’ that it provided him and the memories etched into that fabric.

The ceremony concluded with a guard of honour and a stirring rendition of The Call. We look forward to the continued growth and leadership of this cohort as the year progresses.

Men of Action – Inclusive Community
This week we are shifting to one of our most important Touchstones in an Edmund Rice school…. That of Inclusive Community. The College Leaders have been working with staff to ensure that we spread the message that is so important to all of us in this community (and any community). That of feeling included, respecting the dignity of each person and being that authentic band of brothers.

First and foremost, let us reflect on the importance of being included and connected – connected to each other, to your community, and to the world around us. At St Patrick’s, you are more than just classmates or teammates; you are bound together by a shared sense of purpose. You support and uplift one another, celebrating each other's successes and standing together in times of need.

Equally important is the value of being respected – respected for your character, your integrity, and your commitment to excellence. As men of action, you understand that respect is not given; it is earned through your words and your deeds. We have ambitions for you to hold the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and accountability, knowing that your actions speak volumes about who we are and what we stand for.

Working in Partnership with Parents
On Tuesday, 20 May, the College hosted the first of its biannual Working in Partnership with Parents evenings for 2025, bringing together families for meaningful conversation and shared learning. The evening featured two distinct parent-son events held across different College venues, each designed to support connection and growth.

The Year 7 and 8 Mother/Mother Figure and Son Evening, facilitated by Ms Rachel Dunstan from Time & Space, created a reflective space for mothers and their sons to explore the challenges and joys of adolescence. The event was made even more special by the invaluable support of 26 Year 11 students, who volunteered their time to lead discussions in breakout rooms. A special thank you to staff member Ms Susan Ibrahim, who contributed to the panel discussions and enriched the evening with her insights.

Meanwhile, the Year 9 Parent and Son Evening, led by Mr Dominic Aarsen from Moneyvest, focused on financial literacy—an essential skill for young people. Parents and students were guided through practical advice and smart money habits that could be implemented immediately, fostering financial independence and confidence. A special thank you to staff members Mrs Briellen Bagdonas and Mr Nic Consiglio, whose support helped make the session a success.

With approximately 300 community members in attendance, the evening underscored the vital role these events play in strengthening the partnership between families and the College. We look forward to the second instalment of Working in Partnership with Parents in Term 3 where Years 5, 6 and 10–12 will have their turn to engage in these valuable discussions.

Celebrating Theatresports at St Patrick’s College
This week was a time to celebrate at the College thanks to the incredible achievements of our Theatresports teams, with three out of four of our teams making it through to the semi-finals. Under the expert guidance of Miss Laura McBeath and Mr Jack McLeod, our students are developing into confident, quick-thinking performers through this unique and exciting activity.

For those new to the concept, Theatresports is a fast-paced, improvisational theatre competition where teams perform spontaneous scenes based on audience suggestions or prompts. It’s a blend of comedy, creativity, and collaboration—and it’s as entertaining as it is challenging.

Schools from across the region compete in these events, showcasing their wit, teamwork, and stage presence. Theatresports helps students build valuable skills such as public speaking, creative thinking, adaptability, and confidence under pressure. Some of the school’s that regularly complete in the Youth Theatre Sports (YTS) competition are St Aidan’s, Nudgee College, St John Fisher College, Aspley State High School, Grace Lutheran College to name but a few.

Term 2 saw some outstanding performances from all our teams, which include:

• Senior Mix 1 (Daniel Matson, Jack Goves, Jesse Burgess, and Alex Collins) who took a bold risk by performing a rarely played game, Truth. Their originality impressed the judges and earned them a spot in the semi-finals next term.
• Senior Mix 2 (William Howe, Angus Pitman, Alex O’Malley, and Patrick Clarke) also advanced to the semi-finals. A standout moment came from Angus, who confidently portrayed William Shakespeare with an Italian accent in Party Quirks—despite not knowing who Shakespeare was! His commitment had the audience in stitches.
• Senior Mix 3 (Eli Bock, Seth Donnelly, and Oliver Howe) made Theatresports history by transforming Expert Double Figures into Expert Triple Figures—a feat never seen before. As the youngest team competing that night, they gave it their all and should be incredibly proud of their performance.
• The Junior Mix team (Patrick O’Dea, Ben Ingram, Harvey Bell, Thomas Dearling, and Harry Ingram) also secured a place in the semi-finals. A particular highlight came from Harry, whose perfectly timed delivery of the line “It’s war, mate,” brought the house down.

Congratulations to all our performers for their creativity, courage, and commitment. We can’t wait to see what they bring to the stage in the next round.

Interhouse Chess Competition: A Triumph of Strategy and College Spirit
Over two exciting lunchtimes, the St Patrick’s College Interhouse Chess Competition brought our College community together in a brilliant display of strategy, concentration, and House pride. With an incredible 288 players participating, the competition was fierce, the atmosphere electric, and the camaraderie unmatched.

The event stood out as a true cultural highlight of the year, thanks to the exceptional efforts of Ms Veronica Bannan, Mrs Julie Sutton, and our hardworking maintenance team — your dedication made this event a true St Pat’s success.

However, there can only be one winner and that was Kennedy House with their unwavering teamwork and tactical brilliance, you led your House to a well-deserved victory. Proudly accepting the honour at this week's assembly were Kennedy House Captains Noah Polinski (left) and Austin Tsingos. (right).

In second place was Rice House, followed by O’Rourke House in third place. Thank you to all our young men who participated over the two-day competition. Your efforts by your House Deans did not go unnoticed.

St Patrick’s Shines at Garinder Chess Tournament
Last week, our top chess players made their mark at the Garinder Chess Event, competing against the best from schools across Brisbane’s northside. Held at Brisbane Boys’ College, the tournament saw St Patrick’s College achieve its best results ever!

B Division Highlights:

• Gold Medal: Elias Gillott – a perfect score with 7/7 wins.

• Merit Ribbons: Harrison Lawther & Nathan Mangilit

A Division Highlights:

• Gold Medal: Max Phillips – an impressive 6.5/7 games.

• Merit Ribbons: Isaac Lawther and Braydan Thompson

SPC Team 1 – Bronze Medal Winners:

• Max Phillips
• Oliver Allen
• Isaac Lawther
• Will Jones

A huge congratulations to all our competitors and a heartfelt thank you to our Chess Coordinator, Ms Veronica Bannan, for her ongoing commitment to nurturing the minds and spirit of our students. You’ve made our College proud.

Join Us for the Annual Sports Support Group Golf Day!

Tee off for a great cause at the Sports Support Group (SSG) Golf Day, held at the Sandgate Golf Club on Friday, 6 June.

Spots are still available for the 9-Hole Package, which includes green fees, a delicious burger and a soft drink. All this for just $65 per person or $220 for a team of four (plus booking fee). Alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase on the day.

After the game, join us for the post-match presentation at the Full Moon Hotel at 6:00pm. A complimentary shuttle bus will depart from the golf club starting at 5:30pm.

Hole Sponsorship Packages are also still available — a great way to promote your business while supporting sport at St Patrick’s College. For more information, please contact Head of Sport, Mr Jim Potts at jpotts@stpatricks.qld.edu.au.

Secure your spot today via the QR code or book online using this LINK — places are limited!

We look forward to seeing you on the course!

Support our Men of Culture

The St Patrick's College Co-Curricular Culture Department is holding an exciting raffle to help raise funds for our talented students to attend cultural events, purchase much-needed equipment, and upgrade some of their performance attire. You could win one of three Vivace Music vouchers – $150 for first prize, $100 for second, and $75 for third! 

Tickets are just $5 each, or get 5 for $23 and 10 for $40. Every ticket supports the growth of the Co-Curricular program at St Pat’s and helps our students shine. The raffle will be drawn on Tuesday, 11 June at 12pm, with winners being notified by phone – don’t miss out!

St John Fisher College Presents - The Little Mermaid JR.

Still tapping your feet after our recent musical extravaganza of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? Then why not pop along and support St John Fisher College as their Junior students present The Little Mermaid JR. next week.  It promises to be a great night out for the whole family. Purchase your tickets HERE or via the QR Code below.