This week we hosted interviews of girls seeking enrolment to the College. What an absolute delight it is to see them chatting with staff about their hopes and dreams and imagining themselves at St Patrick’s for high school. We will continue the interviews on Saturday and I thank the girls and their parents for their preparation and conversation. I also appreciate our staff who have stayed back for interviews or will be attending on Saturday to support this very important activity.

The College hosted its Annual General Meeting last Tuesday. Our very dedicated Company Members and a number of our Directors were able to attend. The reports associated with the meeting were very well received and the College received some very affirming feedback from the Members. I would like to thank and acknowledge Mrs Anne-Maree Creenaune who attended the AGM in her last official duty as Chair of the Board. Anne-Maree has been a Director and then Chair for over ten years. She has been enormously supportive of the College and has been courageous and innovative in her leadership. She has been active in building up the governance structures of the Board and enabled the College to grow and improve over the decade. She has left the College in a very good position. I wish to express my thanks to Anne-Maree for her leadership.

Recently I read an article on “How to Parent Teenagers” by Dr Arne Rubinstein. It was very interesting in that he provided five main points that would assist parents in enabling them to nurture their relationship with their children and still provide the boundaries and expectations that would assist them in their development into responsible and accountable young people. I have listed them below:

1. Spend regular one-on-one time with your child. Turing off your mobile phone and doing something that you both enjoy is a great way to increase emotional attachment and build their sense of security.
2. Acknowledge and encourage your child for their individual gifts and qualities and ensure they know you see them.
3. Share stories with your children. Really listen to their stories and share stories of when you were their age.
4. Connect privileges with responsibility. Create a list of tasks with your child that they are responsible for and decide on appropriate rewards for doing the tasks properly. This will encourage a teenager to understand personal responsibility.
5. When discipline is required, separate the person from the behaviour. Be gentle on your child and firm on the behaviour. While certain behaviours are not acceptable, your child is always loved and can learn from the experience.  (ritesofpassageinstitute.org)

Raising children is not easy and it has become increasingly difficult and complex over the years. We all need to be supportive and encouraging of each other as we do the best we can. Guidance such as this and information from other experts in the field are there to provide information and some options for our parents in this very important responsibility.

Finally, this Sunday is Mother’s day. We wish all of our mothers and mother figures the very best on that day. My hope is that your sacrifice, kindness and the unconditional love you extend to your family will be acknowledged in some way during this time. I will leave you with a prayer “In Gratitude for our Mothers” taken from Jesuit resources.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal

Good and Gentle God,
we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women of theory who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life. You who became human through a woman, grant to all mothers the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings.
Give them the strength to live and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly.

In this season of peace, let us pray that peace reigns in the hearts of all people. We especially pray for the people of Ukraine. We, as the St Patrick’s community, are committed to offering the people of Ukraine our continuing prayerful support. In pursuit of this commitment to prayer, let us daily pray together the Peace Prayer of St Francis:

Lord, make us instruments of your peace,

Where there is hatred let us sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

And where there is sadness, joy.

O divine master grant that we may

not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love

For it is in giving that we receive-

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned.

And it’s in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

Angelo Gattone - Mission Coordinator

The Holy Week Prayer Service was planned to be led by the Year 12 girls who were in pairs and were designated a classroom to conduct the Prayer. However, due to severe weather conditions, the event reverted to being delivered online via Zoom. The Year 12 girls had prepared for their leading of the Prayer Service and were disappointed that this opportunity was lost. Nevertheless, we extend our thanks to Year 12 for accepting the challenge and for being prepared to show their leadership in this way. Perhaps there will be another opportunity later in the year for a similar event.

The Holy Week Prayer Service called to mind the key events of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and the Last Supper, and Good Friday and the Crucifixion of Jesus. We recalled that Palm Sunday was the occasion when Jesus was received by the people as their King. They shouted “Hosanna!” which means “Rejoice in our Saviour”. The people saw Jesus as a conquering king, ready and willing to fight the Romans and save his people. How wrong they were about the type of King Jesus is. Within a week, the same people who laid palm branches on the road and hailed Jesus as their king were now ready to have him arrested. Knowing this, Jesus called his friends together for a final meal which we now know as the Last Supper.

The gift of the Last Supper is now our eucharistic meal, which is the gift of Jesus—his very self, offered to us in the form of bread as spiritual food. In offering himself to us in the form of eucharistic bread, Jesus urges us to “Be not afraid”. The Fr Kevin Bates song “Take and Eat” was recorded by the Year 12 Music class for this occasion. Their rendition of “Take and Eat” is absolutely beautiful and delivered a reverent tone to this part of the Holy Week Prayer Service.

Following our recollection of the events of Holy Thursday and the Last Supper, we focused on the next day of Holy Week which is Good Friday. It is strange that the day on which humanity put Jesus on the Cross to die is referred to as a “good” day. Perhaps it is because very soon afterwards, God made something very good come from Jesus’ death. Christians understand that Jesus’ dying on the Cross is a powerful expression of God’s compassion and God’s capacity to forgive.

Good Friday, however, is not the end of the story. We eagerly anticipated Easter Sunday, the great celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, the Christ.

Upon our return to Term 2, we celebrated Easter and Christ’s resurrection with resounding “Alleluias” and with much joy. On this occasion we were able to gather as a worshipping community in the College MSC. We were able to sing together in praise of our Risen Lord. Reflecting on the meaning of Easter, we understood that the word “easter” is believed to be an ancient word for “springtime”. Easter is a time of newness—a time for being reborn; a springtime. The Christian message at Easter is all about life, being alive, being reborn, coming to a new state of being. The Easter message is a message about all of life, as life is the cycle of birth and rebirth; the cycle of dying to our past self and rising to a new self as we constantly evolve and change. This cycle of dying to an old self and rising anew to a better self is the dying and rising dynamic in all of life.

Let us live Easter in our hearts all the days of our life.

Angelo Gattone - Mission Coordinator

 The students were escorted through the museum on guided tours to observe the many exhibits and learn about the horrors of the Holocaust and its catastrophic impact on the Jewish people through a variety of primary sources. One of the most moving experiences of the visit was listening to a Holocaust survivor recount his story of survival under Nazi control.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff members of the Year 10 History team for supporting the girls on their learning experience at the museum. The team leaders, Mrs Fetterplace and Mrs McDonald, deserve to be congratulated for all the work that went in to organising the excursion and planning a most valuable unit of work.  

Matthew White - HSIE Coordinator

The booking system will open shortly and parents/carers will require access to the Parent Portal to book times with teachers. A letter will be sent to families when the portal bookings become available.

If you have any further questions about the interview sessions, do not hesitate to contact Dr Debra Bourne (dbourne@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au). We look forward to seeing you at the Parent/Student/Teacher interviews.

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

The excursion began with the girls enjoying the surrounds of Hyde Park where they became familiar with the city and completed worksheets related to their course.

They experienced an insight into many of the areas involved in the operations of Sydney Tower. This was followed by a buffet lunch in the newly renovated revolving restaurant – Skyfeast.

A magnificent view of Sydney and surrounds could be seen from the revolving restaurant and the girls were treated to a vast array of foods celebrating diverse cultures and authentic flavours.

After the buffet lunch the girls participated in a Q & A session with a Chef and Business Manager who explained the many aspects involved in both the Business Services and Hospitality departments.

It was a very successful day with many of the girls still excitedly talking about their experience on the way home and exclaiming it was one of the best excursions they had been on.

Thanks to Mrs Tanya Robertson and Mr Jason Muller for accompanying the girls and I on this great day.

Maree Durrington - VET Coordinator

The College has developed information packages to assist families with their decision making. The Preliminary and HSC Course Selection Guidelines booklet was issued to Year 10 students this week. At that time, students were presented with information the course selection process and the HSC eligibility criteria.

The second resource is a Careers microsite (https://careers.saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au/subject-selections) that brings together information about choosing career goals, HSC and University (ATAR) eligibility requirements, and the stages in the Year 11 Subject Application Process that continue throughout Term 2. Soon, Year 10 students will submit an expression of interest in studying particular Year 11 courses. Together with student achievement data, this provides a starting point for academic counselling sessions later in the term.

In Week 7, the formal Subject Application Process begins. This week begins with the 2023 Year 11 Subject Information Evening for Year 10 students and families – 6 June, from 6:30pm, onsite at the College. KLA Coordinators, the Careers Advisor as well as College Leadership will provide further information and will be available to speak with students and their families.

St Patrick’s College is proud to work with Year 10 students in designing a program of senior secondary study through holistic education in the Good Samaritan Tradition. Any questions on decisions related to selecting a program of study can be directed to Dr Debra Bourne, Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching or Mr Damien Williams, Careers Advisor. Queries related to specific courses should be directed to the KLA Coordinator and their contact details are available on the Careers microsite (https://careers.saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au/subject-selections).

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is the culmination of schooling and the highest educational award students can achieve at school in New South Wales. The HSC examinations are what students work towards throughout their HSC year and they contribute 50 percent of their final HSC mark, with the other 50 percent coming from the school-based formal assessment program. Year 12 students continue with their school-based assessments throughout Terms 2 and 3. 

Students will sit written exams at the same time as everyone else in the state studying the same course. Students who study a course with a practical or performance exam are required to submit a major work or performance in Term 3, prior to the written examinations.

The HSC exams for the following courses include performance exams or submitted works:

• Dance
• Design and Technology
• Drama
• English Extension 2
• Languages
• Music
• Society and Culture
• Textiles and Design
• Visual Arts.

See hand-in dates for all submitted works.

There is a range of resources available to help students prepare for exams including study tips and materials, what to expect in the exam and the exam papers and the previous year's marking guidelines.

Bringing the right equipment to examinations

Students should bring the equipment they need and know what equipment is allowed for each Trial and HSC examination. Make sure that equipment is in good working order, because misadventure applications will not be upheld for equipment failure.

Students can bring the following items into their exams:

• black pens (no pens with ink that can be erased )
• pencils (must be at least 2B), erasers and a sharpener
• a ruler marked in millimetres and centimetres
• highlighter pens
• a clear bottle of water with no label
• a non-programmable watch, which you must take off, place on your desk in clear view and not touch during the exam.

You need to bring certain equipment (like a calculator) for some exams. Check the list of equipment for specific exams on Students Online or the NESA website. When equipment is listed for an exam, it means that you might need it to answer some questions. If equipment is listed as optional, it is not essential for answering any questions, but you can bring and use it if you wish.

In December, your HSC results will be available on Students Online and sent to you by email and SMS. The first page of your Record of Achievement will list each HSC course you completed and the corresponding results. 

NESA will provide credentials and VET qualifications as free PDF documents on Students Online in the Certificates/eRecord section until 30 June 2023. Credentials  be printed directly from these PDFs, or students can apply for a printed copy from NESA for a small fee in the Results Services section. If students are eligible for the HSC, they will receive a hard copy testamur in the mail in January.

Year 12 Student Checklist

Term 2

• Get my personal HSC exam timetable from Students Online.
• Check that all my exams appear, including performance and optional exams.
• Check my exam centre location(s).

Term 3

• Confirm my dates for project submissions, performance exams and oral exams.
• Submit projects on the due dates.
• Attend performance and oral exams.

Term 4

• Check my exam timetable and the equipment I need.
• Attend and make a serious attempt at every exam.
• Submit an illness/misadventure application if required.
• Check my assessment ranks in Students Online after the last exam.
• Check that my Students Online account Personal Details section:
  • uses my personal email address, not my school email address, and change to personal email address if required
  • has my correct home address for the HSC testamur to be posted to and correct the address if required.
• Note my NESA student number and NESA PIN so I can get my results online.

If students or families have any questions regarding their HSC examinations please speak with Dr Bourne or Mrs McGillicuddy.

Source: NSW Education Standards Authority

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. All NSW schools will sit NAPLAN online in 2022.

Our school will be participating in NAPLAN between 10 and 20 May 2022.

Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not recommended. Students can use the public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) to familiarise themselves with the types of questions and tools available in NAPLAN.

Further information for parents and carers is available here: https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support

If you have any further questions about NAPLAN, please contact Mrs Claire McGillicuddy at the College.

Claire McGillicuddy - Curriculum Administrator

At the Campbelltown March, our History Club members, Stevie J, Emily M, Isabelle S, Bronwyn Z, Laura Z, Gabrielle V dressed in war nurse outfits ranging from World War I to the 1980s. The students held the banner from our 2019 Fisher’s Ghost Parade which had photos of our Anzac nurses commemorating ‘Our Local Heroes’. After marching down Queen St, the students attended the service in Mawson Park. Our College leaders Tavara S and Tara G, with History Club members Bronwyn Z and Isabelle S (dressed in World War I nurse outfits) laid the wreath on behalf of all students and staff. My thanks to Ms Lennox and Mrs Bella for their assistance and Mr Nash for taking the photographs. Students took part in the Camden March carrying the College banner along Argyle St ending at the RSL Rose Garden. A wreath laying ceremony took place at the RSL as the scheduled service in the Bicentennial Park was cancelled due to weather conditions. Our Year 12s  Madison M, Charlotte F, Grace K and Lucy B presented the College wreath. I wish to thank Mrs Pollicina, Mrs Durrington, Mrs Pereira, Mrs Tannous and Ms Samiya for coming along to assist.

Due to the Easter Liturgy and Year 9 camp, our College Anzac commemorations were delayed and the History Club did a short service over the loudspeaker in homeroom on 2 May. Laura Z introduced the commemoration and Kiara M highlighted the important military anniversaries this year such as the 80th anniversary of  Japanese attacks on Australia in 1942. These included the bombing of Darwin, submarine attacks on Sydney Harbour, the Battles of El Alamein, the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Kokoda Track. We also paid tribute to the 22 Australian Army nurses and 60 Australian and British soldiers and crew members who were machine gunned down by the Japanese in the Banka Island Massacre. This year also marks 50 years since Australians withdrew from the Vietnam War.

Isabelle S  and Bronwyn Z paid tribute to a friend of the History Club, Mr Bert Collins, who died in February this year at the age of 105. Mr Collins was a World War II veteran who worked closely with our group. He attended the launch of our Anzac nurses display  and took part in our Fisher's Ghost Parade contingent in 2019. Bronwyn and Laura Z also interviewed Mr Collins about his wartime experiences and we are fortunate to have video taped these interviews.

The Anzac Requiem written by Charles Bean was read by Abigail B and Gabrielle V. Emily M read the Ode and students stood for The Last Post, One Minute's silence and The Rouse. We also thank Emma Mc for her technical assistance. 

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher

Questions! Let’s try one. What colour is your house? You thought about the colour of your house, right?

Here are more fun questions. What are you proud of? What makes you most happy? Take a moment, think about that.

When you ask yourself a question, your brain is focused on that question. In fact, it works to answer the question.

Questions are a powerful way to focus your mind. When you hear a question, it momentarily hijacks your thought process on the question.

You didn’t consciously tell your brain to think about the question and answer it; it just did so automatically.

Questions are powerful. Hearing a question affects what our brains do in that instant It can also shape our future behaviours.

Questions trigger a mental reflex known as “instinctive elaboration”. When a question is posed, it takes over the brain’s thought process, and when your brain is thinking about the answer to a question, it can’t focus on anything else.

If you are solving a problem asking, “why is this happening to me?” may not be the best question to ask.

Perhaps a better question could be, “what do I need to make this situation better”?

3 Powerful Focus Questions.

Here are three questions to help focus your mind on solutions rather than problems.

The first question is about Vision or the Outcome you want.
What do you want? (What are your goals?)

The second question is about purpose and reinforces your focus on the first question.
Why do you want that? (Why is it important to you)?

The third question is about action.
How will you get what you want? What’s your plan?

These three broad-based questions are beneficial in refocusing your mind away from over-thinking problems and more on what’s required to help you take the next best step toward a solution.

Have these questions or others you may come up with on a poster in your room or perhaps on your computer or phone.

Have a visual prompt of powerful questions that steer your focus and attention toward feeling better and toward positive actions.

The College Library

Our Term 2 challenges are in the library windows now. Each fortnight during Term 2 we will be challenging you to solve some maths puzzles and guess some book quotes. To go into the draw for a chance to win a prize all you have to do is email your answers to Mrs Denford in the library (sdenford@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au).

We are also running a colouring-in competition this term. To enter take a colouring sheet from the library entrance and once completed return it to the library for a chance to win a prize. There will be a new colouring-in sheet available each week.

Prizes for each competition will be drawn at the end of the term. 

The College Library

There is a club for everyone with nine different clubs to choose from including:

Anime, Chess Club, Creative Writing, Junior Book Club, K-Pop, Makerspace, Movie Club and Senior Book Club.

Plus there is a new club called 'Ideas on the Table' and it's for students in Years 10 - 12 to come together and discuss opinions relating to current topics and social commentary, a bit like Twitter, but face to face and in a non-judgemental environment!

Students can join a club at any time by accessing the Library homepage and clicking on the Join a Club button.

The College Library

Here’s how you can join in:

• Bring in a book you would like to swap between 23 – 27 May. (Note: We know you love your Colleen Hoover books but please keep them to yourselves).
• Alternatively, if you don’t have a book to swap just bring in a gold coin donation on the day.
• You will receive one ticket to the book swap for every book you bring in and for every gold coin donation you make.
• In addition to being able to swap a book every student who participates will go into the draw to win a prize.

The Great Book Swap will run on the following days at lunch time in the library:

Thank you for your support of this fundraising activity that shows a commitment to social justice, and a belief in the vision that reading opens doors to future opportunities and choices.

You can also donate online here.

The College Library

Raisingchildren.net.au, provide free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help your family grow and thrive together. They are funded by the Australian Government, reviewed by experts and non-commercial, so you know you can trust them.

They advocate that screen time and screen use can be part of a healthy lifestyle as long as children balance screen time with other activities and use quality digital media. 

Follow this link to read the full article. 

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

This webinar will cover:

- the benefits and limitations of parental controls
- how to safely set up iOS and Android devices
- how to safely set up popular games and apps, like YouTube, Roblox and more.
- Using family tech agreements and other parenting strategies to manage online risks
- How eSafety can help when things go wrong

The webinar will include practical tips, demonstrations and advice for parents and carers to help keep young people safer online.

This webinar is offered several times. Follow this link to register for the webinar.

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching