One of the strengths of St Patrick's College is its diversity. In this community, we have diversity in religious traditions, diversity in culture and diversity in ethnicity. We have a number of different cultures that make up our community. These include girls from Pacific Nations, New Zealand, Philippines, and Britain.  

Throughout my time at the College, we have worked tirelessly to make the community a safe place for all girls so that they can grow and develop to become the best person they can.

All organisations need to be vigilant to ensure they continue to remain focused on this goal. At times we can get it right and other times we find the need to improve. The important thing is that we continue work on being true to our ultimate goal of creating a safe, supportive and respectful environment.

Recently we received some information that would suggest some of the systems and protocols we have in place need refinement. This is distressing for the students, the families and the College and invariably it is the students who would suffer as a result. Having spoken with students, family members and staff, it appears there are things we can continue to improve on. In particular, that the College is informed of a situation of concern, at the time it is occurring.

We are committed to working on these areas so that we continue to do the best for the girls. I have attached a link to our Personal Protection and Respect Policy -(click here) and the Anti Racism Policy - (click here). I invite you to view these policies, refer to them when you need and offer feedback if required.

We want to work closely with parents as we firmly believe in our partnership and value our work together in supporting your daughter. Similarly, it is crucial that the girls have the confidence to share their concerns with their Year Coordinator or a teacher they trust. It is very difficult to intervene and change a situation if the College is not aware. We will put a few structures in place to better facilitate this over the coming weeks but please approach the College and allow us to resolve any difficult or challenging situations so that your daughter feels she is included and safe in the community.

The College does not tolerant nor condone bullying or racist behaviour and given our diversity, it would be the one type of behaviour that would erode the quality of inclusion we have at St Pat’s that all hold dear and a value that would be lost. Please help us to maintain this value. I encourage you to contact the College if this triggers any comment or concern for you or your daughter.

Whilst Harmony Day was earlier in the week, we will celebrate it in the coming week. I think now more than ever we need to join as one community in celebrating our diversity as well as the common connection we have with each other. More information on Harmony Day will follow.

Next Monday, we will be hosting the Parents and Friends AGM. All positions will be up for election. The evening will begin at 7pm in the Benedict Centre. The different roles are included in this edition of the Inside Out. If you would like to join us and meet the current executive or would like to assist in some way, please feel welcome to join us on Monday 28 March 2022 at 7pm.

I will leave you with a prayer taken from Liwara Catholic Primary School, WA for Harmony Day, please see attached.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal

One of the strengths of St Patrick's College is its diversity. In this community, we have diversity in religious traditions, diversity in culture and diversity in ethnicity. We have a number of different cultures that make up our community. These include girls from Pacific Nations, New Zealand, Philippines, and Britain.  

Throughout my time at the College, we have worked tirelessly to make the community a safe place for all girls so that they can grow and develop to become the best person they can.

All organisations need to be vigilant to ensure they continue to remain focused on this goal. At times we can get it right and other times we find the need to improve. The important thing is that we continue work on being true to our ultimate goal of creating a safe, supportive and respectful environment.

Recently we received some information that would suggest some of the systems and protocols we have in place need refinement. This is distressing for the students, the families and the College and invariably it is the students who would suffer as a result. Having spoken with students, family members and staff, it appears there are things we can continue to improve on. In particular, that the College is informed of a situation of concern, at the time it is occurring.

We are committed to working on these areas so that we continue to do the best for the girls. I have attached a link to our Personal Protection and Respect Policy -(click here) and the Anti Racism Policy - (click here). I invite you to view these policies, refer to them when you need and offer feedback if required.

We want to work closely with parents as we firmly believe in our partnership and value our work together in supporting your daughter. Similarly, it is crucial that the girls have the confidence to share their concerns with their Year Coordinator or a teacher they trust. It is very difficult to intervene and change a situation if the College is not aware. We will put a few structures in place to better facilitate this over the coming weeks but please approach the College and allow us to resolve any difficult or challenging situations so that your daughter feels she is included and safe in the community.

The College does not tolerant nor condone bullying or racist behaviour and given our diversity, it would be the one type of behaviour that would erode the quality of inclusion we have at St Pat’s that all hold dear and a value that would be lost. Please help us to maintain this value. I encourage you to contact the College if this triggers any comment or concern for you or your daughter.

Whilst Harmony Day was earlier in the week, we will celebrate it in the coming week. I think now more than ever we need to join as one community in celebrating our diversity as well as the common connection we have with each other. More information on Harmony Day will follow.

Next Monday, we will be hosting the Parents and Friends AGM. All positions will be up for election. The evening will begin at 7pm in the Benedict Centre. The different roles are included in this edition of the Inside Out. If you would like to join us and meet the current executive or would like to assist in some way, please feel welcome to join us on Monday 28 March 2022 at 7pm.

I will leave you with a prayer taken from Liwara Catholic Primary School, WA for Harmony Day, please see attached.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal

The love of Mary’s heart is meant to be a model for the way we should love God. The fact that her heart is immaculate, that is sinless, means that she is the only fully human person who is able to really love God in the way that he should be loved.

The aim of the devotion is to unite humankind to God through Mary's heart, and this process involves the ideas of consecration and reparation. A person is consecrated to Mary's Immaculate Heart as a way of being completely devoted to God. This involves a total gift of self, something only ultimately possible with reference to God; but Mary is our intermediary in this process of consecration.

Therefore, the Pope is consecrating the people of Russia and Ukraine to Mary’s Immaculate Heart and is doing so in communion with bishops and their priests from all over the world. In being completely devoted to God, a person works towards God’s desire for peace. The act of consecration places the warring countries under the protection of Mary, the Mother of Christ, trusting in the power of her intercession. Such an act looks towards God, the source of all peace, and seeks God’s peace through Mary.

Pope Francis will perform the act of consecration in Rome at 5pm, which will be the middle of the night in Australia. People are urged to spend part of their day on 25 March in prayer—attending Mass, praying with family or friends, in silent prayer at a local parish or chapel or in whatever way they can. The Religious Studies and Studies of Religion classes will say the following prayer during classes on Friday.

God of peace and justice,

who change the hardened heart and break the power of violence,

we entrust the people of Ukraine to you.

Protect them in this time of peril;

let them know not death but life, not slavery but freedom.

You are Father of all;

we are brothers and sisters.

Give us the strength to live that truth in love,

choosing peace not war.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Louise Barry - Religious Studies Coordinator

On Thursday 17 March the St Patrick’s community gathered for a day of celebration. We were honoured to welcome Bishop Brian Mascord as the presider of our Eucharist. Bishop Brian also blessed and commissioned the newly installed “Spirit Girl” statue which symbolically captures the essence of what it means to be a St Pat’s Girl. 

The opening commentary to the Mass explained that our Benedictine value focus for this year is Lectio Divina, through the lens of Discipline and Obedience. Lectio Divina is a Benedictine way of prayer applied to the Bible. Lectio Divina is “Divine Reading”—that is, a holy way to pray using stories from the Bible. Therefore, this year is for our College community a Year of Prayer. Also, since there was an extended period of lockdown in 2021, we are continuing from last year our exploration of the Benedictine value of  Stewardship. St Patrick was a great preacher of God’s Word, and with our focus this year on Lectio Divina, we are carrying on St Patrick’s love of the Word of God in the Scriptures. The complementary Benedictine values of Discipline and Obedience tie in well with the practice of Lectio Divina and our Year of Prayer. Prayer is essentially a connection with God through conversation and listening. Obedience begins with listening. Once we have listened, we act appropriately. Appropriate action involves discipline—which is the ability to carry through with one’s convictions.

In his homily, Bishop Brian spoke about prayers as being the way to grow into relationship with our compassionate and loving God. The Bishop also acknowledged that not all members of the St Patrick’s community are believers, however, St Pat’s is a place that allows for encounter with God—an invitation open to all who wish to respond.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Brian led the College community in this prayer of blessing of the “Spirit Girl” statue:

Almighty everlasting God,

in his earthly life, your Incarnate Son, Jesus,

modelled for us what it means to be fully human.

We engage all our human senses

in responding to the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit

alive and active in this St Patrick’s community.

We ask your blessing upon the creative hands that

formed and sculpted “Spirit Girl” into being.

May it please you now to bless and to hallow this statue,

which has been created and now “danced into life”

as a symbol of the abiding presence of you,

our loving triune God, ever-present

in the history, life, and future of this St Patrick’s College community.

In the community’s pondering on this statue,

may it be a testament to the first nations peoples

of the Dharawal land on which we stand and now erect this statue.

May it also be a testament to the contributions made by:

- the Irish community who founded St Patrick’s College

- the charism of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict

- past, present, and future College Members, Board Directors, Principals, leaders, and staff

- past, present, and future students, parents, and partners.

We ask this blessing in Jesus’ name and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Angelo Gattone - Mission Coordinator

Out of 2,805 schools competing globally, St Patrick’s College was ranked 41^th in the world; 22^nd in Australia and 6^th in NSW. In relation to specific languages, our students were ranked as follows:

Japanese - 7^th overall, 6^th in Australia and 2^nd in NSW;

Samoan - 10^th overall and 1^st in NSW

From these languages, students who gained individual recognition in world rankings include:

Olivia L – 5^th in Japanese in the world;

Renae L – 8^th in Japanese in the world;

Caitlyn R – 16^th in Japanese in the world;

Sarah M– 29^th in Japanese in the world;

In our College the top five students were:

Olivia L – Elite Award (18,966 points);

Renae L – Elite Award (15,870 points)

Sarah M – Elite Award (12,298 points)

Caitlyn R – Elite Award (12,061 points)

At last week’s whole school assembly, all 45 award recipients were presented with their awards. We look forward to 2023 for more students to be involved.

Julian Nash - LOTE Coordinator

Employers generally were very impressed with the work ethic and commitment of our girls. Many girls were offered part -time jobs as a result. Jade, who attended MWLP for her Business Services placement, was a highly valued workplacement student and is featured in their promotional material.

Congratulations to all the girls who completed their placements and the  excellent reviews they received.

Maree Durrington - VET Coordinator

Many of our Hopsitality students volunteered to prepare, cook, present and serve food on the day.

It was the first of many catering events that the girls participate in. They all enjoyed the challenge and enjoyed speaking with the guests on the day about what is involved in both the Hospitality and Business Services courses offered at the College. 

Guests were able to watch the girls in action in the specialised room and were treated to homemade chicken sausage rolls, spinach and bacon and vegetarian quiches.  

Maree Durrington - VET Coordinator

Using the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), All My Own Work (AMOW) program, the College has created a CANVAS course that our students begin in Year 7 and complete in Year 10.  NESA mandate that all students prior to commencement of their HSC must complete the AMOW program.

“HSC: All My Own Work is a program designed to help HSC students follow the principles and practices of good scholarship.

This includes understanding, valuing and using ethical practices when locating and using information as part of their HSC studies”.
(NSW Education Standards Authority, 2021).

The AMOW CANVAS course builds on acquired knowledge. By implementing the learning into the students’ class and assessment work, skills and information is retained.  Each year the student builds on the knowledge and skills from the previous year so they begin their HSC studies with understanding and capabilities that are essential to succeed.

Each year, your daughter will work through the modules and complete quizzes. Subject assessments will also establish her understanding and ability into practice.  This ensures that your daughter is building on her known knowledge and will be well prepared for commencement of the HSC studies. The College’s Librarians support any student that requires assistance.

As students complete the modules each year, they receive an online medal.  As can be seen above; Bronze – Year 7, Silver – Year 8, Gold – Year 9, and Platinum – Year 10.

Year 10 students polish their previous learning through revision and by acquiring advanced skills.  St Patrick’s students will be able to:

- reference correctly without online citation aids

- identify fake news

- understand the difference between mis, dis, and mal information

- understand copyright implications in educational and non-educational settings.

This program empowers our students to be lifelong learners and competent community members.

Michelle Feely - College Librarian

As we are nearing the end of our SEPEP program, the Celebration Committee (Chloe B, Neave B, Bethel G, Paris K, Kate W and Laura Z) requested the class bring in money to help supply food and drink for the end of term celebration.

Jade F, coach of team five, says, “Very proud of us and how hard we are working.

It was very hot but it's okay since it's not raining anymore. Our team was on our A-game.”

Paris K (of team two), “SEPEP isn't my cup of tea but it's cool to work with a group and get a goal. I don’t enjoy soccer but ultimate frisbee was super fun.”

Winners:

Ultimate Frisbee: Team One & Team Five

Soccer: Team Five & Team Three

Best and fairest:

Round One: Chloe B & Laura Z

Round Two: Jade F & Ava H

Maira K and Samantha S - Year 10 Students

Photographer: Emily T - Year 10 Student

Ella K in 7F proposed the winning name ‘Phoenix’, as did students from the other two schools. Students from the schools said that it is "a symbol of renewal and rebirth", that the National LAT “is curing the land with its tears by putting out fires”, and that it will allow ‘new life rising from the ashes’. The Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience congratulated the winners in a press release yesterday.

“I thank all of the schools that participated in the naming competition and congratulate the winning schools. I look forward to seeing the new livery on the LAT and this name could not be more appropriate,” Senator McKenzie said.

National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) CEO Rob Webb said that the National LAT is an opportunity to strengthen the resilience of Australian communities against bushfires. “The National Large Air Tanker is a new capability that will work with and supplement NAFC’s existing firefighting fleet. The National LAT provides a significant boost to Australia’s aerial firefighting capability and can be quickly deployed across the country, or to situations that may not otherwise be well served by aerial or ground firefighting resources.

The air tanker can carry and drop 15,000 litres of retardant or water and is important for firefighting in difficult-to-reach areas across Australia.

The Competition received entrants from every state and allowed young Australians to get involved and contribute to Australia’s disaster resilience. AIDR and NAFC would like to thank all the teachers and students who submitted entries to the competition and commend their commitment to Australia’s disaster resilience.

Follow this link to the full media release. 

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

I would like to give a warm welcome to our new guitar tutor, Mr Daniel Myer, who is joining our team of instrumental tutors at the College.

Mr Myer has been teaching the guitar for many years across various schools in Sydney and runs his own business ‘Ultimate Guitar Academy’ in Smeaton Grange.  Here is the website for Ultimate Guitar Academy:  https://www.ultimateguitaracademy.com/

Mr Myer is looking forward to teaching at our school this year.  There are times still available for guitar lessons in Term 2.  Mr Myer is super keen to teach some new students guitar lessons at our College! Both private (one on one) lessons and group lessons are still available.

If you would like your daughter to learn how to play the guitar from a professional guitar Music tutor, please email Mrs Singles vsingles@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au for an information letter about our College instrumental tuition program and for prices of private (one on one) and group lessons.

For more information or any questions on guitar lessons, please send an email inquiry to Mr Daniel Myer at: daniel@ultimateguitaracademy.com

Vanessa Singles - Acting CAPA Coordinator|Music Teacher

It was a very hot day on the pool deck but our girls managed to stay focused and enthusiastic despite the heat. Overall, St Pat's came 2nd in the female point score for the day and 6th overall which includes coeducational schools. We saw some very impressive swims from a number of our girls, with Alex N (Year 7) winning a number of events and receiving the 13 years female overall age champion. We have three girls, Abbie H (Year 12), Olivia K (Year 8) and Alex N (Year 7) progressing to the NSWCCC championships held in April. A special mention to our junior girls 4x50 medley relay Sophie P, Olivia K, Alex N and Hannah W, who won their event and will be progressing to the next level. Overall, our girls did an amazing job on the day and we wish those competing at the NSWCCC championships the best of luck!

Special mention to Mr Ashcroft and Mr Lord who ensured our day ran smoothly and everyone was where they needed to be. 

The 2022 College swim team consisted of Olivia L, Alexandra N, Indianah P, Olivia K, Sophie P, Hannah W, Isabelle S, Sianna F, Caitlin R, Gabrielle V, Annalise D, Amy Y, Abbie H and Sandrine M.

Abbie H - Swim Team Captain|Year 12 Student

400m Timed Final - 1.03.69s - 4th place overall, PB

100m Heat - 13.27s - 2^nd place

100m Final - 13.32s - 4^th place overall

200m Heat - 26.95s - 2^nd place, PB

200m Final - 26.64s - 5^th place overall, PB

Seniors Girls 4 x 100m Relay - 49.65s - 3rd 

Hannah has now qualified for the NSW state team and will compete in the Women’s Under 14 100m and 200m events. Well done Hannah.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator

Did you know the College Library creates an online resource to support assessment tasks? In specifically-designed guides, Library staff curate information for students to access when they are completing assesments and assignment work. As information specialists, the Library team ensure the information in the Guides is authoritative, reliable and current. The Research Guides are not intended to do all the work for the students by any means, but rather offer the students a link to quality research material which they can then springboard from, to further discover and develop their own research skills.

The Research Guides are categorised by subject and year group, and can be found via the College Library website library.saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au. 

The College Library

MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONAL STATE

 If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you know if you are managing those feelings or if those emotions are controlling you.

Ask yourself three questions:

1. How intense is this? Score yourself a number from zero to ten.
2. How often am I feeling this way?
3. How long does this feeling stay around before I begin feeling a little better?

You know if you are managing difficult emotions if the intensity, frequency and duration of that emotional state is getting better or worse.

 Here are three simple tips that can help you “interrupt the pattern” of a difficult emotional state.

1. Story – This is the story you are telling yourself about yourself or the situation or circumstance you are in.

2. State – This is the mental and emotional state you experience with this problem.

3. Strategy - This is the actions and behaviours you use with this problem.

CREATE A BREAKTHROUGH

Have you noticed that you can’t change or control people and events?

Often, the actions of other people and/or events are out of our control. However, despite being on the receiving end of what other people or events bring to you – changing either your story, state and strategy are within your control.

What’s one breakthrough or change you want to make in your life?

 Now identify ONE new:

• Strategy you can implement. What can you do differently?
• Story you can tell yourself that changes the meaning you are putting on this situation.
• State you can bring to this situation.

One of the most powerful, simple and fast ways to change your emotional state is to change your physiology.

Have you noticed that when someone is sad or upset they tend to look down and speak more quietly and softly and their upper body is hunched over.

Compare this to when you see someone happy.They tend to look up and speak louder and faster and their upper body is upright and straight.

To feel better, be sure to move your body the way you do when you are experiencing positive happy emotions.

REMEMBER: We can’t control unfortunate events or how others behave towards us. We can however, control how we react to those events and/or behaviours.

You can access the Study Samurai Library helpful modules through the College Library page.

The College Library

The Children's Book Council of Australia's Sun Project initiative provides young people the opportunity to 'shadow judge' the six shortlisted books for the 2022 Book of the Year award in the Older Reader category. The College Library would love to form a small group of students from Years 9, 10 or 11 who are keen to take part in this shadow judging program, and judge the books based on the actual criteria used by the CBCA Judging panel.

Students who are interested need to be committed to the cause - there are six books that must be read between April and late July, and students would also need to be available to participate in a series of group discussion and reflection sessions within this time frame.

Students in Years 9 -11 who are keen are encouraged to complete the online form which will be emailed in Week 10. If any students have any questions, they can contact Mrs Robertson in the Library.

The College Library

The Uniform Shop will be open the following days during 2022 School Holidays: 

• Wednesday 20 April – 9am to 4pm
• Thursday 21 April – 9am to 4pm
• Friday 22 April – 9am to 4pm

Bookings are no longer required.