Happy Mother's Day to all of our mothers and mother figures, aunties and grandmothers. We hope you had a lovely Sunday last weekend and that the family suitably acknowledged your support and contributions over time. We hosted our Mother Daughter High Tea and once again it was a very enjoyable afternoon. The food was delicious and the stalls were very enticing. Michelle Fox, ex-student, entertained us with music and the photo booth kept guests very busy. I would like to extend our thanks to the P&F for their organisation of the event. Particularly President Denise Egan, who did a great job coordinating everything on the Saturday. 

Last week, we held the College's AGM. As an independent College, established as a company limited by guarantee, we are mandated to hold an AGM. Our members visited the College and were once again impressed with the work of the community and now further impressed with our new learning spaces. It was gratifying to share the successes of 2016 and as well the challenges through the year. They are a very supportive group of people who have the best interests of the College at heart. Sr Elizabeth,  chair of members,  is a strong advocate of the College and is very supportive of the achievements of the girls in all their endeavours. We are very fortunate to have such loyal and committed members. 

Last Tuesday, we hosted Parent Teacher Student interviews for all girls from Year 7 to Year 11. It is always a very constructive conversation, which offers the student both affirmation and support in areas for further development. We have offered two evenings to accommodate the busy lifestyles of our families. I do hope, if you didn't attend last Tuesday evening, that we will see you this coming Wednesday evening. Our staff are very supportive of your daughter's education and are keen to speak with you about her progress. 

This Saturday, we are interviewing Year 5 girls and some Year 6 girls for enrolment at St Patrick's College. We have had a large number of applications this year, which indicates the level of interest in the College from the wider community. If you know of anyone who is interested in sending their daughter to St Patrick's in 2018 or 2019, they will need to put in an application as soon as possible. We have the bus service established from Oran Park Town now if any families are interested. It incurs a nominal fee, however the trip is directly to and from school and is considerably shorter than the time taken by the  other commercial bus companies. 

Please keep the Year 11 girls in your prayers as they come to the end of their half yearly exams. They will notice the greater expectation and demands these exams have of them compared to their earlier years. This is all in preparation of their HSC year, which is just around the corner.  Finally, I will leave you with the acknowledgement of country read by Payton Rae S at the Mother Daughter High Tea on Saturday at the College.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal 

Acknowledgement of Country- Mother Daughter High Tea 2017

Before we begin our special gathering today to remember our mothers, we would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional owners of the land on which we meet; the Dharawal People. This land has been and always will have deep connections for the Dharawal, as it is from this land their Dreaming comes, it is the mother and giver of life to all Aboriginal people. This land is also connected to many other nations such as the Gundungarra and the Dharug people and we pay respect to them also here today, as well as any other nation who is connected to these lands.

We would also like to acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here today and pay respect to our Elders, past, present and future. May their spirits be strong enough to guide and watch over us as we each go on our individual journeys.

We also pay respect and acknowledge all mothers here today. Mothers come in all forms, they too like our land are the givers of life. We acknowledge their love, their support, their knowledge, their teachings and their sacrifices. As we share our time here today with our mothers, may we also pay respect to the knowledge embedded forever within the Aboriginal Custodianship of Country.

The area houses a variety of furnishings designed to create an overall learning habitat that caters to the students' preferred choice of learning environment. For example, the desks are whiteboards that enable students to visually brainstorm ideas during group work (also environmentally friendly) and tall desks for those who prefer to stand and/or move whilst working. The ottomans are used by most classes as a gathering place to break open and recap content at the beginning and end of each lesson. When asked to provide their thoughts about their new learning space, students overwhelmingly commented that they liked the modern look, the amount of space and natural light, the whiteboard desks, the conference rooms and the fresh, green colour that reminded them of the outdoors. It is unanimous - the new space is a hit with students and teachers alike!

Wendy McDonald - Class Teacher

They are offerred a variety of pieces at different levels to suit their ability. We wish them all the best as they approach their assessment.

Elizabeth Samyia - Music Teacher

We have a long history with this Japanese school and during their stay in Australia, the Japanese students will participate in a language, culture and immersion program (Mon-Fri) organised by a Group Coordinator at the College.

The Japanese students are here for an Australian experience and an opportunity to practise their English. If you are interested in volunteering to host a student, please email jnash@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au or send a note to the College with attention to Mr Julian Nash. Knowledge of Japanese language is not necessary. A remuneration of $25 per night per student will be given to each host family to assist with hosting costs.

Julian Nash - Japanese Language Teacher

2017 is an integral year for World War I centenaries.  Australia incurred more casualties in this year than any other during World War I, hence the ceremony focussed on the Western Front battles. Our special guests this year were the Honourable Dr Michael Freelander, Federal Member for Macarthur, Mr Walter Robinson representing the RSL and Mr Jeff McGill, former editor of the Macarthur Advertiser.

Payten S opened the ceremony giving the acknowledgement of country recognising the Dharawal People. Nakia E and Chloe J delivered the ‘Prayer of Remembrance’.  Holly O introduced Amelia A’s multimedia presentation for the 2017 Premier’s Anzac Day Scholarship. Amelia A has been successful in securing the scholarship and will be attending a 12 day tour of the Western Front in September. Amelia also spoke on behalf of the College on Anzac Day at Mawson Park.  Merhawit G and Charlotte F introduced Mrs Lennox.

Mr Jeff McGill, local historian and former editor of the Macarthur Advertiser, was the guest speaker and spoke eloquently about the significance of 1917 and the local servicemen and women from Campbelltown who fought in World War I. Caroline A presented her video interviewing staff and students at the College about what Anzac means to them.

The wreath laying ceremony was commentated by Emma S and Jorja B. Teresa S and Mr Walter Robinson from the RSL presented the College wreath and Tamia J and the Hon Dr Mike Freelander presented a wreath of behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia.   At the conclusion of the commemorations, the wreaths were taken by the official party of the Hon Dr Freelander, Mr Robinson, Mr and Mrs Aguiar and students to the grave of Herbert Kitching  and the memorial stone to Stephen Longhurst in the Congregational Cemetery next door to the College. Kitching was from Campbelltown and was gassed on the Western Front. After a year’s hospitalisation, he returned to Campbelltown where he died in 1919 as a result of his war injuries. Stephen Longhurst was killed in May 1917, aged 21 at Bullecourt in France. While his grave is in France, his family put his name on the Longhurst family headstone here in Campbelltown.

Siana U read her prize-winning poem about Anzac Day at the conclusion of the wreath laying. Sierra M read The Ode and Chloe C played the Last Post.  Nakia E and Yutika P took part in the flag raising video that played during the wreath presentation. Mia K, Aaya A and Yutika P did the closing thanks and presented the guests with gifts. At the conclusion of the ceremony the special guests were joined by students and their families at the Gallipoli Centenary Garden for morning tea.

Fran Musico-Rullo - HSIE Teacher

Can you help?

We are seeking donations of knitted squares. Each square is required in garter stitch using a 4 or 5mm needle with 50 stitches cast on. The group would also appreciate any donations of wool or needles.

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Department

On 1 May we had Angelique H, Natalie S and Amy S travel down to Wagga Wagga to trial for the 15 years girls AFL team. After a full day of trials against some of the best female AFL players in the state, both Amy and Angelique were selected in the CCC team to contest the NSW All Schools Championships to be held in Albury on 5 June.

On 3 May Emily A, Natalie S and Amy S travelled to Olympic Park to trial for the 15 years Netball team. Being accepted to trial on its own is a privilege, especially considering the sheer number of talented girls currently playing netball in NSW.  As a result of their strong performances at the trials, both Natalie and Amy were successful in gaining selection for the NSW team to play in the All Schools Championships later in the year.

Congratulations Amy, Natalie and Angelique and we wish you the best of luck representing NSW.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator

Year 9/10 Netball
Olivia F, Stephanie E, Amy S, Teresa S, Natalie S, Rachel W, Elizabeth C, Rahnisha W, Alysha B, Amelia A and Emily A. Coach: Mrs Lawrence

Year 11/12 Netball
Analysa R, Caitlin M, Sarah M, Caitlin O, Samantha J, Gabrielle M, Tarnee C, Megan B, Natasha T and Mia K. Coach: Mrs Nash

Year 10/11/12 AFL
Dryandra M, Lyliann V, Julia P, Andrea M, Gemma C, Ana C, Eden G, Kiarra B, Monique P, Bridget O, Imogen A, Lily M, Brooke D, Emily M, Michaela C and Joanne S. Coach: Ms Cornett.

Year 7/8 Soccer
Emily A, Chantelle D, Ellie H, Abby L, Elisha L, Christina L, Amelia M, Sandrine M, Tayissa M, Lily M, Ashlee P, Hannah P, Emily U and Ashalea W. Coach: Mr Quigley.

Year 8/9 Oz Tag
Phillipa M, Piper A, Olivia S, Sarah P, Tara B, Ellie F, Angelique H, Elizabeth S, Ruby D, Loretta T, Alex F, Jessica R and Paris H. Coach: Mr David.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator

Mater Dei is a school for intellectually disabled children and St Patrick's College for Girls is a long time supporter. The students, along with Assistant Principal Mrs Karen Wright and I, were treated to the delightful choir of children, which was both moving and memorable. A special highlight was meeting and hearing from Australian TV personality and model Jennifer Hawkins. 

Danielle Grant - Community Engagement Coordinator

To order your Entertainment Membership Visit: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/9n43554

Contact: Catherine Cresswell Phone: (02) 8752 5313

Email:info@goodsamsfoundation.org.au

The full cost for a student to participate: three day program is $150 and the four day program is $200.

The ConocoPhillips Science Experience is a Rotary supported project, and local Rotary clubs are often willing to financially sponsor students.

19 May - CSDA Debating Round 4
20 May - Year 7 Enrolment Interviews
21 May - Year 12 Ext 1 English Excursion
23 May - Mt St Benedicts Social Justice Forum, Year 7 - 12 NAISDA Incursion, Year 12 Meeting with the Bishop Excursion
24 May - Year 7 - 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Evening, Year 10 Sorry Day Service
26 May - Middle School Dance, Year 11 Physics Excursion, Year 9 Drama Excursion, CSDA Debating Round 5
30 May - CCC Football, Science ICAS Competition
1 June - Year 9 Next Generation Expo
2 June - GDay, Year 10 Drama Excursion, CSDA Debating Round 6
7 June - Year 11 "U Turn the Wheel" Incursion
8 June - College Athletics Carnival, Year 11 and 12 Music Excursion
9 June - Year 8 Reflection Day, Years 9,10,11 AIME Excursion
9 - 11 June Year 12 AIS Excursion
12 JUNE - QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY - PUBLIC HOLIDAY
14 June - Dio Football Knockout (Opens), Aboriginal Parent Forum
16 June - NSW CCC Cross Country, CSDA Debating Elimination 1
16 - 17 JUNE - COLLEGE MUSICAL AT ST GREGORY'S COLLEGE
19 June - Year 11, 2018 Information Night, Year 11 and Year 12 Vaccinations
21 June - Year 7 - 9 Cyberbullying Pastoral Incursion 
22 June - Dio CCC Basketball Playoffs, CSDA Debating Quarter Final
23 June - Year 10 Community Service Incursion
26 June - NAIDOC Assembly
28 June - NSW Oztag
30 June - Benedict Day, Mass and Awards Assembly, STAFF AND STUDENTS FINISH FOR TERM 2
17 July - Staff Return for Term 3
21 July - CSDA Debating Semi Final
24 July - STUDENTS RETURN FOR TERM 3