Every five years all non-government schools are inspected by NESA. The inspection is of the school’s compliance on Registration and Accreditation for the delivery of the NSW educational credentials of the HSC and the RoSA. For the past year, the College has been preparing for this audit. In March, the College sent to NESA all the relevant policies and made available all the curriculum documentation for each of the Key Learning Areas. Wednesday this week, two inspectors visited the College to view some work samples and further evidence of the College's implementation of its policies. Whilst we have full confidence in our processes and documentation, it is always beneficial to have a non-familiar set of eyes scrutinise the material and then offer suggestions and recommendations on ways of doing things better. At the end of their visit, the NESA inspectors were very pleased with the material and the quality of education provided at the College. I would like to acknowledge the work of all staff in preparing for this audit and thank them for their professionalism and dedicated efforts for the girls.

Last Monday, we celebrated our NAIDOC assembly. The girls in the Year 11 Aboriginal Studies class facilitated the assembly, which had girls dancing, sharing personal experiences and informing the College community of the importance of culture. It was a wonderful event, which I am sure our elders, parents, staff and students all enjoyed. We wish everyone in our community a happy NAIDOC Week next week and that all our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families feel the support and respect we hold for them at St Patrick’s College.

This Friday, we will farewell Mr McGrath, as Mrs Caffrey will be returning next term from maternity leave. He has been a great asset to the College and we wish him well in his career. I would also like to acknowledge the work of Mrs Arena as Acting PDHPE Coordinator during this time. Mrs Arena worked exceptionally well in preparing PDHPE for Registration and Accreditation and led the faculty with passion. Thank you to Mrs Arena and Mr McGrath.

We will finish the term on Benedict Day. It will be a terrific day as we celebrate with a eucharist, then stalls to raise funds for the Good Samaritan ministries and, finally, a talent quest. I wish all the girls a safe and relaxing three week break ahead. I would also like to wish the staff a good break, as they have been very generous and supportive of all the activities and demands made of them this term. We are very blessed to have such dedicated and highly competent staff in all areas of the College at St Patrick's.

Finally, a big congratulations to Jarian of Year 10, who achieved a wonderful lift at the Oceania Championships recently. You can read more about her achievement in the Sport section of this edition.

I will leave you with the Prayer of St Benedict.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal 

Song of St Benedict

Listen and attend with the ear of your heart,
quiet all within you.
Hear the longing of your heart,
and listen to God’s Word, may it find a home in you.
And the truth and wisdom of God will be your guide.

In the spirit of St Benedict,
may we seek peace in all that we do.
May we set the love of Christ above all things.