From the Principal
Dear Parents and Friends of St Patrick’s College
This week we celebrated St Patrick's Day. We had a beautiful mass at St Paul's Church in Camden followed by a sausage sandwich, cooked by our loyal parents and friends and then were entertained by Irish dancing and later Chris Glynn. It was a great day, prepared and orchestrated by many generous people and enjoyed by all. Thank you for sharing parts of it with us if you were able to join us.
Last Saturday we hosted our Gala Ball. I would like to thank the committee Julie O’Keefe (chair), Peta Borg, Marion Windle, Katherine Power, ably assisted by Deborah Renshaw and Nina Henderson. It was a great night which raised much needed funds to go into the scholarship fund that can be accessed by families. To all the parents and staff who attended I would like to express my sincere appreciation and thanks. Once we have finalised the expenses we will be able to share with you the total amount raised.
Over the holidays, glass operable doors were installed between four rooms, 35 to 38. These have made a great difference to the learning spaces and the activities that can be held in these rooms. I would like to thank our parents as this was constructed with the funds donated by the P&F last year. Some photos have been included in this edition for you to view.
Sadly Sr. Marilyn Kelleher passed away earlier this week. Sr, Marilyn taught at St Patrick’s for a period of time and was also a member of the company. She developed cancer around 10 years ago and has spent the decade in a constant fight against this. Last year Sr. Marilyn visited the College with other sisters who had been on staff. It was a blessing that several girls had the opportunity to chat with her and see this dynamic and intelligent woman recall facts and details with such precision and accuracy. Sr. Marilyn will be sadly missed by all in the Good Samaritan network. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.
We are currently in an enrolment period and for many parents with year 5 or 6 children they will be tossing up the benefits of a single sex girl’s school as opposed to a co- educational school environment. Some of the statements parents have heard from advocates of co-ed schools are: "an all-girls environment is an unrealistic environment", that “girls will struggle to adjust to working with men when they get into the real world", "that girls don't know how to communicate with boys". Marise McConaghy , Principal of Strathcona Girls Grammar recently wrote an article on the benefits of single sex girls schools in The Australian.
She made the observation that these comments overlook the fact that most girls, whether in a co-educational or single sex school, have healthy relationships with male relatives, family friends and boys they meet through co-curricular activities, as well as other connections beyond the school gates. They fail to recognise that social media has changed the way young people interact so that to be physically present is no longer required to have a conversation and be connected. There is no evidence to support the fact that graduates from single sex schools have difficulty working with men.
In fact many woman who attended single sex schools excel in traditionally male dominated fields. They leave their school feeling confident and competent to pursue any areas of interest without any gender bias because they have been free of this discrimination for the last 6 years. This 'unrealistic environment' has emboldened them to recognise the strengths and interests they have, based on their ability, not gender and then pursue them inspite of potentially working in a male dominated field. Research has shown that girls studying STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) at single sex schools have outperformed their counterparts at co-educational schools.
Ms McConaghy also went on to note one further thing that a girls' school offers that a co-educational one cannot, that is the presence of a girl in every student leadership role. From College captains, to sport captains to leaders of bands all are held by girls. That inevitably colours a girls' perception of her place in her world and you can't be what you can't see.
At St Patrick's the girls can be themselves and focus on their studies. They learn to hold their place in society as an equal because during their formative years their contributions and offerings to the community were deeply valued and respected. We don't believe the choice between single sex or co-ed is a difficult one as we see the benefits of a single sex education every day in the development of the girls. I wish the parents well as they come to a decision for their daughter and hope she will be happy in her future high school.
I will leave you with the prayer “St Patrick's Breastplate".
Sue Lennox - Principal
Christ be with me, Christ within me,Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
(St Patrick’s Breastplat
Learning and Teaching
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)
In Week 5, I began my adventures at St Patrick’s College, a first week that culminated in the College Open Day. It’s unique to get the opportunity to experience a showcase of the talent and commitment of the teachers you’ll be working with, in a large event, on your very first week. It was clear to see the passion these teachers exude for their subjects. It instantly made me feel excited to work alongside such creative professionals. The vibrancy of the Creative and Performing Arts department at St Patrick’s College is testament to the incredible work Ms Margaret Glynn has done in leading such a thriving and passionate department. I am lucky to get the chance to carry this glowing torch into the future and I look forward to complementing the strong past with new creative adventures.
Image by Joshua Coombes - Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator
(Below: A collaboration with Open Day participants, where they were encouraged by our Visual Arts teachers, Ms Louise Glase and Ms Tarna Tannous, to “Make Their Mark on St Pat’s.” One of the many fun activities on Open Day 2016)
On Open Day, I was tasked with showcasing a rehearsal for our upcoming musical production, Annie. Coming soon to a Mary Sheil Centre near you in June 2016. The production was already rolling forward when I jumped in as director. Ms Margaret Glynn and Ms Elizabeth Samyia (seen here, showcasing the dynamic energy of the St Patrick’s Ensemble in fine form as conductor – encouraging year 5 students to join the percussion section)…
Our production is seen through the eyes of Annie, an orphan who, despite her challenging upbringing, has faith that one day things will be brighter. Annie’s world is a more hopeful tomorrow, with a new president welcoming a new dawn for America. It is a rags to riches story which focusses on Annie’s attentive optimism. It is a lesson on how the mind can free you of the negativity surrounding you. Annie has faith in humanity and if things aren’t perfect just yet, there is always tomorrow.
Mr Joshua Combes
Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator
Congratulations Lucy (Class of 2015)
We are very proud of our Textiles and Design Student Lucy P (Class of 2015). Lucy was selected as one of 25 exemplar projects from the 2015 HSC to have her Major Project ‘Pachajar’ doorstop, on display at the Power House Museum in 2016.
Shape 2015 is a new showcase for Major Projects in Textiles and Design, Design and Technology, as well as Industrial Technology. Lucy's work can be viewed at the Power House Museum until 8 May.
Language Lifeboat
English help is available every Wednesday at lunch time in Room LH1.
Bring your assessment tasks, homework, class notes or questions. Dedicated English teachers are available to help. All students from Years 7 to 12 are welcome.
Literature Club
Come along to Room LH1 on Wednesdays at lunch time. If you love reading and are ready for a challenge, launch into the world of the classics and join the Literature Club. All students from Years 7 to 12 are welcome to join. Drop in next Wednesday and ask our mentors for a starter pack.
From The Maths Faculty - Pi Club, Maths Help, Puzzle Corner
The Maths faculty has started "The Pi Club". All are welcome to join us every Friday at lunch time in Room 33.
Scholastica Term Two
Co-curricular
Anzac Assembly 2016 - Do you have a grandparent/relative who served in the Vietnam War?
Anzac Day this year will not only focus on the 100th anniversaries of the Western Front battles of Fromelles and Pozieres, but also on the 50th anniversary of The Battle of Long Tan
We intend to particularly commemorate the sacrifices of those Australians who were involved in the Vietnam War and would like to make contact with families in our College community who have connections to the Vietnam War. As we did last year with Gallipoli, we would like those students who have a grandparent or relative who served in Vietnam to share their story at the College Assembly.
CSDA Metropolitan Public Speaking Grand Final
Karen D (Year 12) achieved the outstanding success of winning the CSDA Public Speaking Grand Final on Friday 11 March.
Karen was a standout in a room of articulate, bright young people from right across greater Sydney. Congratulations Karen, we are all very proud of you. Thank you to the gentlemen of St Gregory's College for hosting this event.
Marguerite Pulham - Debating/Public Speaking
Sport
2016 Diocesan Swimming Championships
7am saw the team on the bus with our new driver Mr Rixon for our annual pilgrimage to Corrimal pool and the Diocesan swimming carnival. This year we had a team of 21 including some College representatives to fulfill Key carnival duties. The team consisted of Alysha G, Taylah M, Hannah P, Chantel S, Zoe D, Jarian H, Gabrielle P, Emilee O, Rory M, Jermain D, Tia B, Niamh G, Lauren B, Samantha J, Jasmin W, Rebecca E, Kayla G, Caitlyn O, Joanne S, Charlotte M and Jeanelle D. Team representatives were Eden G and Ana C.
Some members of the 2016 College Swim Team
The day started off well and showed some of our depth with a second in the intermediate and senior medley relays. This was followed later by a third in the all age relay. Some other standout performances were Joanne S with first in the open 50m and 100m breaststroke, Tia B second in the 15 years 50m butterfly and third in the 100m butterfly, Kayla G second in the 16 years 50m breaststroke and second in the 50m backstroke, Alysha G third in the 12 years 100m freestyle and Jasmin W second in the open 100m freestyle. As a result Joanne S will now go onto represent the Wollongong Diocese at the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Championships.
Special mention of Rebecca E who competed in her sixth carnival and continued the tradition of girls keeping their St Patrick’s swimming cap as a memento of their six years swimming for the school, well done Rebecca.
On the day we had a few girls who were suffering with the flu. One of the impressive things was the way other girls would put their hand up to swim extra races and do it with a smile on their face, ensuring we had competitors in every race we could.
Throughout the day the girls were gracious in their victories and supportive of those around them, true ambassadors of the College.
Stuart Lord - Swim Team Manager
Diocesan Tennis
The Diocesan tennis tournament was played at Beaten Park, Wollongong with teams consisting of four players. Throughout the day the girls played a series of singles and doubles matches.
Diocesan Tennis Team
During the first match of the day the girls played Magdalene. Both double teams were successful however a narrow loss during the singles matches meant that we finished 1 point behind Magdalene. This meant that we progressed to the consolation cup. We then played John Therry to decide who would continue through to the consolation cup final. Both doubles had very close games and when the scores were combined it was revealed that the girls would have to return to the courts for a tie-breaker (first to 10). With an outstanding match we were successful and progressed to the consolation cup grand final. This again presented a very close match with Corpus Christi. The girls ended up being defeated by merely 1 point and consequently finished in 2nd place. The girls showed outstanding talent and maturity throughout the day and truly were exceptional representatives of the College. Congratulations girls.
The team consisted of: Diasha P, Samantha S, Natasha T and Rahniesha W.
Diocesan Touch
The U13s team started the day off with a bang. With three wins in the first three games, an entertaining team war cry, runaway tries and 10 touch enthusiasts it was clear that an excellent day was ahead of us.
College Open Touch Team
U13’s Diocesan Touch
After three convincing wins, followed by a draw the girls were then defeated by Holy Spirit 1-0. Following this game some simple yet very effective attacking plays were established and the team structure shuffled. The girls adapted quickly to these adjustments and followed through with two more wins and a draw. The final match was a close game against St Mary’s. The girls persevered the heat and exhaustion for the entire game however were defeated 2-1. Throughout the entire day the girls showed exemplary determination, passion and teamwork. They had a very optimistic outlook towards each and every game. This was reflected through their confidence on the field and team unity both on and off the field. With 5 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses the girls finished in 3rd place overall. It was a joy to coach these girls throughout the day and I look forward to seeing their talent blossom.
The team consisted of: Piper A, Tara B, Maya B, Angelique H, Miriama K, Darcey M, Phillipa M, Taylor M, Sarah P and Hannah S.
Open Diocesan Touch
After a slow start to the first game of the day, the senior team were able to produce a piece of magic after the final siren to score a try and win their opening game 1-0. Unfortunately this slow start continued into the second game where the girls forgot how to catch and pass which ultimately led to them losing to a much weaker team 1-0. Fortunately from then on thing improved dramatically and the girls started playing to their potential and easily accounted for the next few teams. The next big challenge for the girls was to play tournament favourites Holy Spirit. The girls played an excellent brand of touch football to lead 2-1 until a very controversial try was allowed leveling the score at 2-2. This gave the girls great confidence going into the final games where they had a number of wins and a draw. Unfortunately the loss early in the day cost the girls a position in the top 2 however finished in third place over. It was an absolute pleasure to work with the girls throughout the day. The team consisted of Emma O, Kayla G, Ana C, Margot V, Paris B, Emily K, Hayley M, Kayla W, Brooke D, Joanne S, Ella H, Adriana H and Taylor B.
Congratulations to Margot V (Opens) and Amy S (15’s) who were selected in the Diocesan Representative team to contest the NSW CCC Championships in Dubbo next term. Congratulations must also go to Hayley M (Opens) and Eden G (15’s) who were selected as shadows.
Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator and Sarah Bowen - Teacher
NSW All Schools Triathlon
On 2 and 3 March a number of students from St Patrick’s traveled to the International Regatta Centre at Penrith to contest the NSW All Schools Triathlon in both the individual and teams events.
The gold medal winning Joanne S on her way to the finish line.
In the individual event we had Georgia M (Year 7), Jarian H (Year 8), Charlotte M (Year 10) and Joanne S (Year 11). All students performed extremely well on the day and should be very proud of their effort, but special mention must go to Joanne S who won the Gold Medal in the Senior Open Division. This is an amazing effort as Joanne hadn’t been doing any real training for the event and is still developing her racing skills on a road bike. She has a big future in the sport if she chooses to explore this as an option in the years to come.
We also had a number of teams contest the relay division of the championship. We had 2 Junior teams including Jarian H, Gabrielle P and Ruby D as well as Georgia M, Ellie F and Emilee O. In the Intermediate division we had 3 teams consisting of Eden G, Kayla G and Ana C, Amy S, Natalie S and Julia P and Amelia A, Sam J and Charlotte M. Unfortunately due to the extreme weather our 2 senior teams were unable to race on the day after their event was cancelled at short notice. The senior teams consisted of Emily K, Caitlyn O and Jasmin W and Madeline K, Tia B and Kayla W. The stand out team of the day was the Junior team consisting of Gabrielle P, Jarian H and Ruby D who finished in second place in the CCC division and scored themselves a silver medal. Congratulations girls.
Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator
Community News
St Patrick's Gala Ball
Swinging out for something 'a bit different,' St Patrick's College Annual Gala Ball 2016 was themed Jersey to Motown. A stage lit by the signature letters of the icon, Lovegrove Entertainment singers covered the musical era while the attendees laughed and danced and had a magnificent time.
Jersey to Motown Theme for 2016 Gala Ball
Treasury Wines launched the evening with a complimentary beverage for everyone. Class of 2009 Captain Tanya Dendrinos entered the stage with grace and beauty and guided the audience through an evening of fun. Tables decorated beautifully by the Gala Ball committee connected every guest to the era. Carefully selected entrees delighted the senses while some guests perused the Silent Auction Packages from everything from "Hire a Hubby" to "Spa Escapes" and then some. Every table had raffle tickets to purchase as well with fantastic prizes for the lucky dip winners.
The committee, friends of St Patrick's and staff brought together great items donated by regional businesses appreciative of the value of the all girls' College in the community. The goal of the Gala Ball is to raise funds for scholarships so that students in need are able to attend the College. These students are never revealed but often contribute greatly to the life of the community.
One of the highlights of the evening was Principal Sue Lennox's interview with the women of the Scott Family. Three generations of St Patrick's students took to the stage to share their memories and encouragement for the College in its 176th year of educating young people in the Macarthur area.
Sponsors, in order of value of contribution, include the Campbelltown Catholic Club, Macarthur Engineering, Wakeling Automotive, the TRN Group and the Development Effect.
The Bland Family
BuzzSaw 0408 018 358 Mittagong
C91.3 http://c913.com.au/
Camden Hire http://www.camdenhire.com.au/
Camden Valley Inn http://www.camdenvalleyinn.com.au/
Campbelltown Catholic Club http://www.kingofclubs.com.au/
The Chef & I http://chefandicatering.com.au/
Crown Hotel Camden http://www.crownhotelmotel.com.au/
Deli D’Lish http://www.delidlish.com/
Eden Day Spa http://www.edenspas.com.au/
Flowers by Shardan 02 4773 3028 Luddenham
Furniture One http://www.camdenfurnitureone.com.au
Hello World 02) 4655 7077 Camden
Kings Swimming School Macarthur Square http://www.kingswim.com.au/macarthur-square/
Macarthur Chronicle http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur
Macarthur Engineering http://www.macarthureng.com.au/
MEK Cookies & Cakes https://www.facebook.com/MEK-cookies-and-cakes-1546194802369927/
Miracle Skin Therapy Camden https://www.facebook.com/miracleskintherapy/
Mitre 10 Camden http://shop.mitre10.com.au/locator
Nectar Day Spa http://www.nectardayspa.com.au/
The O’Keefe Family
Otis Grill https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/campbelltown/food-and-drink/otis-grill/
Pequeño Florist https://www.pequenoflowerco.com.au/
PJ’s Food Distributors https://www.facebook.com/pjfoods/
Pretty Picnics http://www.prettypicnics.com.au/
Rydges http://www.rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/campbelltown/welcome/
Sammy & Lola http://www.sammyandlola.com.au/
Symphonie's on Argyle Boutique Camden https://www.facebook.com/symphonysonargyle/
Tankworks http://tankworks.com.au/
The Development Effect https://www.facebook.com/thedevelopmenteffect/
The Tranby Family
Treasury Wine Estates https://www.tweglobal.com/
TRN Group http://www.trn.com.au/
Wakeling Automotive http://www.wakelingautomotive.com.au/
Wavelearning - First Aid Course http://www.wavelearning.com.au/first-aid_2.html
West’s Leagues Club http://www.westslc.com.au/
Xtend Barre https://www.xtendbarre.com/
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Congratulations Lauren
Lauren's Success at the Camden Show!
Lauren D - Year 9
Congratulations to Lauren D of Year 9. Lauren is part of the College's Stage Crew and a talented photographer.
She recently entered herself into the Camden Show Photography Competition and came first and second with two of her images in the Juvenile 12-15 years section.
Lauren has been taking photos at the College for over a year and her talent is evident in her work. Congratulations and well done Lauren!
Julian Nash - ICLT Coordinator
Year 5 Workshops
Micro Open Day
Important Dates
What's On.......
21 March - Year 8 Creative Arts Day
22 March - Year 9 Camp Information Evening
23 March - Year 12 Drama Excursion, Easter Liturgy
24 March - Holy Thursday, COLLEGE CLOSED
25 March - Good Friday, COLLEGE CLOSED
28 March - Easter Monday, COLLEGE CLOSED
01 April - Year 5 Workshops
8 April - Staff and Students finish for Term 1
25 April - ANZAC Day, COLLEGE CLOSED
26 April - Staff and Students return for Term 2, ANZAC Day Assembly
27 to 29 April - Year 9 Camp