This week I read an article called “Seven Things our high school daughters want us to know, and what you can do to help” written by Madonna King (taken from her latest book L Platers-how to support your teen daughter on the road to adulthood) – an author who has built expertise on the issues confronting teenage girls. In this article she lists seven important points about what the issues are that are of most concern for teenage girls.

As I read this article, I could not help but nod my head at what I was reading as it clearly aligned with what we are seeing in many of your daughters at the College. World events, especially the pandemic, has changed the way we all now view the world and nowhere is this clearer than with teenagers today. What they saw their present and future to be has been changed and they have had no control over this. With this loss of control comes anxiety of how the world is now for them and what this means for those soon to be leaving school.

The areas she focuses on include:

1. That they are struggling – 700 out of the 1000 teenagers she spoke with said that mental health is their biggest challenge
2. Social media has reduced their lives to a comparison – where she states “they know it is fake, but they can’t help comparing themselves to the images they see on the screen”
3. School can be suffocating -she speaks about how ‘many girls have forgotten how to have fun’-the focus is on gaining the top mark or ultimate ATAR
4. They are the group most affected by Covid – they have suffered in their education as well as socially- they haven’t got to do things their older siblings did
5. They don’t feel ready to leave school – for the older girls as they have lost the art of being independent as this was limited during the many lockdowns
6. Friendship is difficult – even at 16, 17 or 18 – this changed without the face-to-face contact that the lockdowns brought and now many have given up as it is too hard
7. They want your help, but they don’t want to be just like you-they want to find purpose and a place where they ‘fit’ – this generation wants to see work as only one element of their life.

As parents, in partnership with the College, we need to look at what this research is saying and address it in ways that show we support these young women and acknowledge the challenges they are facing.

I will be using this article with the girls during their chapel time over the next two weeks to stimulate discussion and give them a chance to discuss these in terms of what they are feeling and experiencing. We have asked a lot of our children since the pandemic from the sudden onset of remote learning to being in lockdown through to losing all those extra activities they enjoy, and which bring them enjoyment and a routine that brings balance to their lives.

This is the link to Madonna King’s website which has a number of resources you may find useful:https://madonnaking.com.au/

I would like to finish with a reflection that I used at a meeting this week – given how busy all our lives are I think this offers us all something to think about in our daily interactions.

Blessings

Karen Wright - Acting Principal

A smile costs nothing  
But gives much. 
It enriches those who receive,
Without making poorer those who give. 
It takes but a moment,
But the memory of it
Sometimes lasts forever.
None is so rich or mighty that
He can get along without it,
And none is too poor but that
He can be made rich by it. 
A smile creates happiness in
The home, fosters good will in
Business, and is the countersign
Of friendship.  It brings rest to
The weary, cheer to the
Discouraged, sunshine to the sad,
And it is nature’s best
Antidote for trouble. 
Yet, it cannot be bought, begged,
Borrowed, or stolen, for it is
Something that is of no value
To anyone until it is given away. 
Some people are too tired to give
You a smile. Give them one of
Yours, as none needs a smile
So much as someone
Who has no more to give.

Source unknown

The coming of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, is of extreme importance for Christians and our relationship with God. We receive the Holy Spirit first at baptism and again at confirmation. Each of us is provided with gifts often referred to as fruits of the Holy Spirit. The greatest gift of the Spirit is God himself. Pope Francis states, “the Spirit himself is 'the gift of God' par excellence, he is a gift of God.” The Holy Spirit as God, brings God. 

It is not possible to love God, to be loved by Him without the Holy Spirit. Yet it has been remarked that for a large number of people, the Holy Spirit is often forgotten. Pope Francis has warned that the Holy Spirit has become “the Forgotten One”. He stated, “We often pray to Jesus; we pray to the Father, especially in the ‘Our Father’; but not often to the Holy Spirit,” he said.  “The Holy Spirit who has entirely animated the life and ministry of Jesus, it is the same Spirit that today guides the Christian existence, the existence of a man and a woman who say they want to be Christian.” We must not forget the Holy Spirit.

In the days leading up to Pentecost it is Catholic practice to pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit. The word “novena” is derived from the Latin word for nine. Catholics will frequently pray a novena — a prayer repeated once a day for nine days — for a particular intention. This novena asks for the Holy Spirit’s seven gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. The words of the novena are as follows:

O Lord Jesus Christ who, before ascending into heaven, promised to send the Holy Spirit to finish your work in the souls of your apostles and disciples, be pleased to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that he may perfect in my soul the work of your grace and love.  Grant me the spirit of wisdom, that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal; the spirit of understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of your divine truth; the spirit of counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven; the spirit of fortitude that I may bear my cross with you and that I may overcome all obstacles that oppose my salvation; the spirit of knowledge that I may know God and know myself in him; the spirit of piety that I may find the service of God sweet and pleasurable; the spirit of fear of the Lord that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to offend him.  Animate me in all things with your spirit.  Amen.

Louise Barry - Religious Studies Coordinator

YEAR 12 RETREAT
Retreats are times of reflection and slowing down so as to re-treat (see in a new way) life and its joys and challenges.
This year’s Year 12 group entered into their final Retreat experience with one hundred percent commitment and much enthusiasm. They participated fully in each of the activities which collectively explored the theme of love of God, love of neighbour, and love of self, based on a passage from John’s gospel. It is hoped that the lasting memories of this experience reminds the 2022 Year 12 cohort of the value in taking time out to reflect on life and to “re-treat” from time to time.

YEAR 10 COMMUNITY SERVICE
After a long time of not being able to be sent out into the local community, the Year 10 girls are back on track with their Community Service obligations. They have been following a school-based program in the meantime. The school-based program has mostly been focused on awareness raising about social justice issues such as pollution and care for the environment. For one of the weeks, the Year 10 Community Service girls did a clean up of the College grounds. They did this with enthusiasm and a real sense of service.

In preparation for their going into the community, the girls were informed that 90% of their effort while on Community Service is to simply be present. That is, their very presence is what is of most value to the people they serve. If they then can do something constructive as well, then that makes up the remaining 10%.
We wish the Year 10 Community Service participants well for this term and into the following two terms as they resume being of service within the local communities of Campbelltown and Camden.

SOCIAL JUSTICE GROUP
The St Patrick’s College Social Justice Group, led by Benedict Captain, Grace K, has been active and busy attending to a number of issues. One main issue is care for the environment and the pursuit of the Benedictine value of stewardship. All Good Samaritan communities have been invited to participate in the Laudato Si Action Plan. “Laudato Si” is the title of the document Pope Francis has written which addresses the urgent need for all people to care for the environment. Hence Pope Francis has subtitled his document “Care for our common home”. We as the St Pat’s community have committed to undertaking the first stage of a seven year program during which we will progressively increase our strategies for caring for God’s creation. To remind us of this pledge, we will use the words from the popular song: “From little things, big things grow.” This helps us to understand that every little bit of effort helps and that with lots and lots of little efforts, big things will be possible.

Angelo Gattone - Mission Coordinator

One way to use the platter idea is to map out an average day and see what amounts of time you spend in each essential mental activity.

Like a balanced diet, there are many combinations that can work well.

Here is a list of the seven essential mental activities

• SLEEP TIME: When we give the brain the rest it needs to consolidate learning and recover from experiences of the day.

• PHYSICAL TIME: When we move our bodies, aerobically if possible, which strengthens our brain and contributes to our wellbeing.

• FOCUS TIME: When we focus closely on tasks in a goal-oriented way minimising distractions.

• CONNECTION TIME: When we connect with other people, ideally in person, or take time to appreciate the natural world around us. This activates the brain’s relational circuitry.

• PLAYTIME: When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, enjoying new experiences which helps make new connections in the brain.

• DOWNTIME: When we are not focused. Without a specific goal in mind and let our mind wander or rest, which helps the brain recharge.

• TIME-IN: When we quietly reflect on our inner-world of thoughts, feelings, images helps better integrate the brain and bring clam and relaxation.        

                              How much time each day do you give to these essential mental activities?

Vaping, e-cigarettes, or ‘juuls’. These are just a few of the names for the electronic device that are a rising concern among parents as their teens fall for their sometimes sweet, candy-like flavours.

A 2020 Royal Children’s Hospital National Health Poll survey of over 2000 parents found that 73 per cent of parents were concerned their teen might try e-cigarettes, yet 57 per cent had never discussed e-cigarette use or vaping with their teen.

With social media platforms like TikTok glorifying vaping, as another recent study found, many teenagers believe these are a safer alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes.

Experts from The Australian National University have also discovered that ‘young non-smokers who vape, are around three times more likely to take up smoking than non-vapers’.

So what do parents need to know about vaping?

What is vaping?

Vapes, e-cigarettes, ‘juuls’ (pronounced ‘jewels’), electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), e-hookahs, mods, vape pens, alternative nicotine delivery systems (ANDS) are all lithium-battery operated devices. Users of e-cigarettes refer to it as ‘vaping’ or ‘juuling’, but new terms are constantly rising in popularity.

They work by heating a liquid, or ‘juice’ until it becomes an aerosol that users inhale. Some users mistakenly believe that the ‘cloud’ produced from vaping is a vapour, similar to steam, when it is an aerosol, a fine mist of chemicals that enter the body via the lungs.

What are the health risks?

Many e-cigarettes are marketed as ‘nicotine free’; however, as the National Health and Medical Research Council state, users may be exposed to chemicals and toxins such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, particulate matter and flavouring chemicals, at levels that have the potential to cause adverse health effects.

It’s also important to note that there are no quality or safety standards, meaning the manufacture, contents and labelling of e-cigarettes is currently unregulated in Australia.

While there are some health risks we do know, there are still many we don’t.

Are they legal?

They fall under the Tobacco Amendment Act 2016, meaning they are regulated in the same way as tobacco products (traditional cigarettes).

Simply, it means e-cigarettes cannot be used in areas where smoking is banned, displayed by retailers or sold to people under 18 years of age, even if it does not contain nicotine.

Talking about vaping with teens

Dr Anthea Rhodes, Poll Director and Paediatrician at The Royal Children’s Hospital, says: ‘Talking to teens about risky behaviours is a really important way for parents to help keep their child safe. Having a conversation about e-cigarettes will not only help educate them, but help parents to develop an honest line of communication and encourage children to share their concerns.’ She explains more in the video  Click here.

You can start by asking your teen what they know, and then help them better understand the risks. But what happens when your teen tells you that it’s just flavour, water, or not smoking? Paul Dillon of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia has created helpful fact sheets that help parents have these challenging conversations.

Quit also has a range of resources available, including a ‘myth buster’ infographic to explain the risks to your teen.

Ultimately current research points to the use of e-cigarettes best being avoided.

PISA is a sample assessment, and as such, approximately 800 Australian secondary schools have been sampled to participate in PISA 2022. The sample selection process is designed in such a way that ensures there is adequate representation of the states and territories, government, Catholic and Independent schools, as well as metropolitan, regional and remote schools.

PISA has the following characteristics:

Undertaking PISA is important because the results of the assessment can be used:

PISA is one of the international assessments of the National Assessment Program (NAP) and education authorities must ensure that their schools participate in assessments under the NAP as required. The NAP is part of a national strategy to monitor and report on student performance, in a comparable and consistent way. This allows Australian governments to monitor our progress towards Education Goals for Young Australians set out in the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration that Education Minister’s agreed to in December 2019.

For example, in 2018, Australian researchers used PISA results to address questions like:

• where does Australia’s education system sit internationally?
• which countries are doing better than we are and which are doing worse?
• how are we doing internally – across states and territories, between girls and boys, or children from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds?

The 2018 data shows that there has been a long-term decline in Australian students’ reading, mathematics and science skills. Australia also slipped in international rankings with some countries we once outperformed now outperforming us.

These results have prompted governments to examine the school curriculum. Key researchers have highlighted the over-crowded nature of the curriculum that means that the volume of material teachers currently teach leaves little time for deep learning. Researchers argue that a refocus on a smaller range of important knowledge, concepts and principles will enable greater depth and create time for students to see how what they are learning can be applied to a range of different contexts and problems [i].

Students are randomly selected from a list of eligible students provided by the College to the PISA assessment authority. These are 15-year-old students in Years 9 to 11. It is not a curriculum-based assessment. PISA assesses how 15-year-olds can apply their skills and knowledge to real-life problems and situations. Questions are multiple choice or require a short, written response. These are in the areas of mathematical literacy, reading literacy and science literacy.

The PISA testing takes place on Wednesday 17 August and further information will be sent to participating students, their families and teachers in Term 3.

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching

[i] Masters, G. (2019). Focus on basics leaves schoolkids short in essential deep thinking. ACER Discover. https://www.acer.org/au/discover/article/focus-on-basics-leaves-schoolkids-short-in-essential-deep-thinking. Accessed 31 May 2022

The MUNA competition requires students to debate the merits of a range of proposed UN Resolutions in the General Assembly forum. Students from nineteen schools were invited to attend the competition and address the General Assembly. 

Each school team was allocated a nation to represent and argue the case from their nation’s perspective, in favour or against each of the resolutions. The three St Patrick’s students were tasked with acting as diplomatic representatives of Brazil. The challenge for the students was to present their argument from their respective country’s point of view, not their own personal viewpoint of the issue. Tynan C spoke of the need to reform the UN Security Council, Monet C argued Brazil’s stance on its limited action on climate change while Ella W presented Brazil’s case in supporting the plight of international migrants and the need for migrants to retain their cultural heritage.

Although the team did not come away with the trophy, they performed admirably. The organisers commented on how well they represented the College with grace and dignity. One highlight of the experience for Tynan, Monet and Ella was when they each stood at the lectern in the Legislative Assembly to give their speech. The same lectern used by the Premier of NSW and his government. It was a wonderful experience for the girls and we would like to thank Rotary District 9675 for the opportunity to participate in the event. 

Matthew White - HSIE Coordinator

Round 2 of the Competition took place on 29 April, with St Patrick’s College as the defence team in a criminal case based on the possession of stolen goods. The round was conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams against St Edward’s College. Although we presented a strong case for the defence, the opposing team was able to establish that our client should have been aware that the goods in her possession were stolen. We congratulate the other team on their efforts and strong legal arguments. A thank you to the girls who were able to participate in the proceedings and assist on the day, including:

Millie E
Amelia M
Amelia P
Emily J
Abbey C
Tynan C
Monet C
Eleanor 

Round 3 of the Competition took place on Thursday 19 May, with St Patrick’s College playing the defence team again. This case was a civil case surrounding the notion of negligence and duty of care for property owners.  The Mock Trial Team travelled to Mount Annan Christian College. The students involved had a good depth of knowledge of the legal issues in this case and held their positions well throughout the trial. We are proud to say that St Patrick’s won the round by 27 points, as well as winning the case for the defence. We thank Mount Annan Christian College for hosting us for the trial and congratulate them on their efforts on the day. Thank you to the girls who participated in these proceedings and assisted on the day, including:

Alissa P
Amelia P
Millie E
Emily J
Olivia M
Amelia Ma
Amelia Mo
Eleanor C
Emma G
Monet C

We would also like to thank our Mock Trial Coaches Mr White, Mrs Conti and Mrs Soccoro who have been helping us to prepare for each round of the competition. 

We are looking forward to Round 4, which is scheduled to begin in Week 8. We can’t wait to learn more along the way.

Written by Monet C - Year 11 Student

"Duke of Ed for me was time where we could meet new people in the school who we have never met,  hangout with them, and enjoy their company for a couple of days as close friends on a camping trip. This year, going on the Duke of Ed was additionally amazing, with the views of Manly, the experience of watching the Vivid Sydney and just having those once-in-a-life time opportunities to hangout with friends whilst camping.

Nobody was ever left behind as we all supported one another and had a great trip. Whenever someone was tired we all encouraged one another to get back up and keep going and we all made it through together.

As mentioned before you go to places you may not even go again and hikes that you will be sure to recommend others to go do.

This year going to Cockatoo Island was an amazing experience as I have never been there, before and it was breathtaking with the Sydney Harbour Bridge right there going to bed and waking up with those views I will never forget. While walking we would sing songs, play games and our camp leader brought a frisbee so we were never bored while hiking or at the grounds where we stayed. It was one of the best camps and hikes that I have ever done and would highly recommend it for anyone wanting to challenge themselves."

🖊️ Hannah - Year 11 Student

🥾 If your daughter is interested in joining the Duke of Ed Experience or simply wants further information on the program, please contact Poppy Perez who is the Coordinator of the Program, here at the College or email pperez@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au

While the individual performances by some students proved to be a highlight, one of the most notable aspects of the day was the students' willingness to get in and have a go regardless of their ability. The beautiful weather proved to be the perfect back drop for students to engage in both the track and field events and make the most of a fantastic day out with their friends.

A big thank you to all the individuals who contributed to the organisation and running of the carnival as without your support the carnival would not have been such a huge success.

The results from the day and the team selected to represent the College at the Diocesan Championships will be published soon.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator

The girls performed extremely well with Chloe C being the standout of the day winning the 13 years age group and special mention must also go to Amelia B who placed 6^th in the 12 years age group. Both girls will now progress onto the NSW CCC Championships being held at Eastern Creek.

The girls who represented the College on the day were:

Amelia B, Ashley S, Charlize F, Hannah W, Siena B, Isabelle S, Mia L, Chloe C and Victoria S.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator

The girls were exceptional in the way they conducted themselves and their contribution to the running of the day was outstanding. The girls made such a positive impression that the Head of Diocesan Sport, Mr John Sparks, felt compelled to write an email to Ms Lennox to express his gratitude. An extract of the email is outlined below:

I was overwhelmingly impressed with the contribution of the students from St Patrick's. Their school uniforms looked impressive and were worn with pride. The confidence, manner and initiative of the students on the day was fantastic. They were proactive, focused and stayed on task throughout the entire event. The students were great ambassadors for your College and their families and took on all roles with enthusiasm and a high level of competency. 

Congratulations to all the girls involved on being exceptional ambassadors for the College.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator

The Library forwards automated emails every week to remind students of library books that are nearing their return date, or are overdue. Overdue reports are also sent to Homerooms to remind students when books are well overdue for return.

As of Week 7, all outstanding library books and magazines that had a return date during Term 1 will be billed to students' accounts so replacement copies may be purchased. This ensures textbooks that are required for next terms classes are replaced and available, and a relevant Library collection is maintained. Please check with your child if they have any outstanding library items, and (as always) if there are any queries or concerns, students are encouraged to contact Library staff. 

The College Library

Every year, the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) awards the Australian Book of the Year from six short-listed titles for the Older Reader category (12 – 18 years). This year the CBCA is running a program for 'shadow judges' - a group to read, review and discuss all six books and ultimately decide, as a collective, which book should be deemed Book of the Year.

We have nine wonderful students who have volunteered to form St Pat’s CBCA Reading Group – Ava M, Lillian J, and Simra B from Year 9, Vienne S and Cailtin R from Year 10, and Abbey C, Yukiko W, Georgina K, and Charley L from Year 11.

The group, facilitated by Mrs Robertson, will read all six books between May and August and then decide on the winning book based on the actual criteria applied by the CBCA judging panel. So far, the reading group has finished Tiger Daughter by Rebecca Lim and currently reading Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix. The other four books include Girls’ in Boys Cars by Felicity Castagna, How to Repaint a Life by Steven Herrick, Sugar Town Queens by Malla Nunn and The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough.

The initiative is a great opportunity for students to analyse novels from a different perspective, read outside their usual genres and experience what it’s like to be on a book judging panel. We look forward to seeing who the group declares as their winning title in late August.

The College Library

It is a little known fact that in 1986, a dog called Scruffy was a regular visitor to the College. As Scruffy’s owner was a member of staff, Scruffy was present in the staffroom, out in the playground, and often visited classrooms.

There are proven benefits to pets as therapy. Dogs, due to their ability to be non-judging and great listeners, are popular in this role. Below are a few testaments from different organisations.

Dogs attend weekly during school terms to work with students on individual goals as identified in collaboration with Educators. This might include literacy development, pro-social skills, motor skills, to encourage attendance and increase motivation, increase social connectedness, contribute to improved mental health outcomes (Delta Therapy Dogs, 2022)

According to The Alliance of Therapy Dogs, “Therapy dogs have been called ‘miracle workers’ because of their calming effect on students and teachers.” Therapy dogs help with everything from trauma to reading interventions to a positive school climate (Alliance of Therapy Dogs, 2022).

Research has identified that dogs provide benefits to both students and staff. They provide health, social- emotional and psychological benefits. A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) identified that having a dog present in the class improves and encourages a positive mood and provides both physical and emotional health benefits for students. According to one study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), having a dog present in the classroom promotes a positive mood and provides significant anti-stress effects on the body (Mulvahill, 2019). 

Please advise if your daughter has allergies or a fear of dogs. You can contact Mrs Feely directly on mfeely@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au

The College Library

Graphic novels are extremely popular as they provide story telling in a different format, are great for visual readers and can encourage reluctant and struggling readers into the world of reading.

New titles in our Graphic Novel collection include:

Click

Olive wants to get in on the act . . .. . . Any act! Olive "clicks" with everyone in the fifth grade--until one day she doesn't. When a school variety show leaves Olive stranded without an act to join, she begins to panic, wondering why all her friends have already formed their own groups . . . without her. With the performance drawing closer by the minute, will Olive be able to find her own place in the show before the curtain comes up?

Fiction

Brave

In his daydreams, Jensen is the biggest hero that ever was, saving the world and his friends on a daily basis. But his middle school reality is VERY different - maths is hard, getting along with friends is hard...Even finding a partner for the class project is a big problem when you always get picked last. And the pressure's on even more once the school newspaper's dynamic duo, Jenny and Akilah, draw Jensen into the whirlwind of school news, social experiment projects, and behind-the-scenes club drama. 

Fiction

Still Alive

In early 2011, Safdar Ahmed visited Sydney's Villawood Immigration Detention Centre for the first time. He brought pencils and sketchbooks into the centre and started drawing with the people detained there. Their stories are told in this book. Interweaving journalism, history and autobiography, Still Alive is an intensely personal indictment of Australia's refugee detention policies and procedures. It is also a searching reflection on the redemptive power of art.

Senior Non Fiction - only available to students in Years 10 - 12

Noisemakers : 25 women who raised their voices and changed the world

From the creators of the kids' magazine Kazoo, comes a collection of inspiring comics about twenty-five extraordinary women who made a racket, a bang, an uproar! You'll get to know some familiar heroes better, and you'll meet some new ones, too, like a daredevil pilot! A shark whisperer! An undercover spy! All noisemakers, through and through, just like you.

Non Fiction

Anne of West Philly : a modern graphic retelling of Anne of Green Gables

When Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert decide to foster a teenage girl for the first time, their lives are changed forever. Their redheaded foster daughter, Anne Shirley, is in search of an exciting life and has decided that West Philly is where she's going to find it. Armed with a big personality and unstoppable creativity, Anne takes her new home by storm as she joins the robotics club, makes new friends in Diana and Gilbert, experiences first love, and turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. But as Anne starts to get comfortable, she discovers one thing she wasn't looking for: a family.

Fiction

The Girl from the Sea

Fifteen-year-old Morgan has a secret: She can't wait to escape the perfect little island where she lives. She's desperate to finish high school and escape her sad divorced mom, her volatile little brother, and worst of all, her great group of friends...who don't understand Morgan at all. Because really, Morgan's biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets. Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. The two become friends and suddenly life on the island doesn't seem so stifling anymore. But Keltie has some secrets of her own. And as the girls start to fall in love, everything they're each trying to hide will find its way to the surface...whether Morgan is ready or not.

Senior Fiction

To learn more about graphic novels and their benefits for literacy  click here.

The College Library

IMPORTANT INFORMATION | SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,

Thank you for your continued trust and support in permitting us to be a part of your community each year in providing your school photographs.

I know many families and businesses have been affected by so many obstacles in recent months and unfortunately we too have been met by obstacles this year that will undoubtedly result in delays to the expected delivery of school photography packages you may have ordered.

These include:

1. Ongoing Covid-19 cases within schools resulting in over 200 school bookings having to be rescheduled. These include many main days of photography and many additional catch up days
3. Recent extreme weather has also impacted completion of photography
4. Ongoing Covid-19 cases within our own team
5. Ongoing absenteeism within our team caused by close contact regulations
6. A shortage of available extra staff in Australia to buffer illness and isolating staff
7. The extension of ordering dates to give families the longest opportunity to place orders
8. Ongoing delivery delays by Courier services also facing similar issues

We will continue to communicate with the school and will have your completed packages delivered at earliest opportunity.

We are also developing a range of products and technologies that will ensure improvement under these ongoing circumstances and look forward to sharing them with the school and community later in the year.

In the meanwhile you have our sincerest apologies and utmost appreciation for your patience and understanding.

Thank you and kind regards,

Jason Isherwood
Managing Director

Students from Years 7-10 may write an 800-word essay. This year's topic is "What is Science and why do we need it?" Entries close on 19 August 2022. For more details and tips for writing visit THIS WEBSITE

Jessica Thomas - Science Teacher

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation is running a digital colouring competition for students. Entries must be digitally coloured and submitted between 1 July - 31 July. 

For more information visit: https://www.ansto.gov.au/education/secondary/competitions/incredible-insects  

Jessica Thomas - Science Teacher

It truly is a wonderful story. As you read it, you will be taken back into the 19th Century, to simple wooden huts by riverbanks, where women cooked on wood stoves and gave birth at home. Jeff conjures up the majesty of the granite outcrops of the Warrumbungles, the beautiful wildflowers in spring, the dusty hot summers of a drought, and the tall grasses after a good rain.

Rachel became a hugely respected figure in the district, and something of a folk hero for her support of women and men being treated poorly, and clearly, she also looms tall in the McGill family today. We are fortunate that Jeff has pieced together her story, to give us an idea of what life was like for women on the land in the late 19th Century, and how this particular feisty woman made such an impact on her community.