There is once again material in the media about the benefits of both single sex and co-educational schools. There is available a plethora of research material that supports the benefits of an all-girls' education, but this is regularly dismissed by the advocates of the co-educational context. Over the last year a number of high profile boys' schools in NSW have announced their transition from all boys to co-educational. Why is this?  Why would you change if you are providing a product which has demonstrated strong benefits? Why would an advocate of an all-boys' educational institution, having promoted all-boys' education for decades now promote the benefits of the co-educational structure? The headmaster of one such school was quoted in the media saying this was a future minded approach. He went on further to say that gender is no longer the determining factor in a young person's life choice. This is certainly in conflict with the current data that reflects significant correlation between gender and career directions due to biases. One of the overriding strengths for girls' in an all-girls educational setting is the liberty they experience in being given the permission to enjoy and fully experience any course, irrespective of their gender. For the girls who join us after having been in a co-educational school, they are unanimous in celebrating their new liberties in the all-girls setting.  Moving from single sex to a co-educational setting is a very significant shift and one that I imagine the  parents of the children enrolled in the single sex school would find rather perplexing. I find it very reassuring to know that at St Patrick's we continue to dedicate ourselves to the education of girls as we have done since the sisters began this in 1887. Through this focus, we offer a different service to the other schools in our community that is both valued and well regarded. Our girls achieve and succeed because of our capacity to tailor a modern education that has supported their growth and development into competent young women over time and into the future.

The last two weeks have provided many opportunities for the girls to be active and involved. Last Friday, the big sister little sister Big Night In held in the Drama space was very well supported by the girls, see pictures below. The Year 10 Social Night held in the MSC was also a very well organised and supported evening. During the weekend a group of girls entered the Fisher's Ghost Fun Run and were awarded the best represented school. On Tuesday we hosted local migrant and refugees for a dinner and on Thursday we were delighted to hold Orientation Day with our 2017 Year 7 girls. The 6 aside soccer championship is becoming very exciting with the finals looming and, as you read this edition, on Friday afternoon many middle school girls will be frocking up for the dance that will be hosted at the College that evening with the young men from St Gregory's College. I would like to acknowledge all the staff who are marking, reporting and programming at this point, as well as attending these many events for the enjoyment of the girls. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated and hardworking staff. I hope the girls show their appreciation.

Sadly, I must inform you that Ms Anita Lusby will be retiring at the end of the year. Ms Lusby has been at the College for 17 years and previously held the English Coordinator's position for a few years before going part time. We wish her a very happy retirement and thank her for her long service to the girls at the College.

I will leave you with a poem written by Mother Teresa. 

Blessings
Sue Lennox 

People are often unreasonable,
illogical and self-centred;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind,
People may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful,
you will win some false friends and 
some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank
People may cheat you
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building,
Someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,
People will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis.
It is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

Poem by Mother Teresa