Welcome to the new year. I hope your break was refreshing and the year has started well.

Last week, we hosted the HSC High Achievers Assembly. It was inspiring to have the girls who achieved Band 6 or an ATAR of 90 or above on the stage. They were interviewed about their work and the lead up to the HSC. Without exception, they spoke about their dedication to achieve their best, their desire to achieve the target they had decided on and the support they received from their teachers and friends in achieving their goals. Many girls achieved personal best results. It was delightful to read the number of girls who achieved very high Band 4 and Band 5 in their courses and the ATARs over 80, all of which was almost double the State average. Girls received early offers in their preferred courses and were on their way to study in a diverse range of courses in a number of different universities. We wish them all the very best and know that they will continue to be exceptional contributors in our local and global communities.

One of the factors that has enabled our girls to achieve their best is the strong support and capabilities of the teachers. They are highly experienced and knowledgeable of their content and very skilled in being able to extract the best from the girls. They balance the support and care with the push and demands so that the girls achieve the results they feel proud of.

Another important factor at the College is the learning environment. Last year, we made changes to the structure of the classes and began clustering like girls into classes. This has enabled girls to work to their best and be challenged and extended with other girls who have similar drives. Girls have expressed a love of the new structure as they can see themselves learning and expanding their understanding in a safe environment.

Finally, we are an academic school that prides itself on providing the best for the girls. There is excellence in all of its forms at the College. The environment is supportive and the education is holistic. Our broad range of courses meets the needs of our diverse learners and we place value on providing many opportunities so the girls can grow their skills and expertise in many areas. Through these experiences, the girls can flourish into the young women they have the potential to become.

At St Patrick’s College, girls stand out in the community because of this education. They are articulate, confident and aware. Many in our broader community comment on how our girls are great ambassadors of the culture and education at the College. Thank you for your support and partnership in building this wonderful school for the girls in the Macarthur area.

Recently, Good Samaritan Education released a statement on what it means to be a Good Samaritan School. It is a wonderful document speaking to the inclusive nature of our schools and how they reflect the essence of the parable of the Good Samaritan and our Benedictine values. I have included it in this edition, and I strongly encourage you to read the document named Schools Of Welcome.

Finally, I welcome all of our new students and staff to the College. The Year 7 girls have enjoyed their first week in high school and our new girls in other year groups are settling in quite quickly. I would like to introduce our new staff to you. Their photos are included for your reference.

Mr Joel Duval – Mission Coordinator
Ms Elizabeth Parsons – Science Coordinator
Mrs Catherine McLaren – CAPA Coordinator
Ms Elizabeth Dadd – English Teacher
Ms Jacqueline Flint – Design and Technology Teacher
Mrs Natalie Wagstaff – Religious Education Teacher
Mrs Michelle Lemeki – Aboriginal Education Assistant
Mrs Susan Sciffer – Community Engagement Coordinator
Mrs Simone Simmons – Registrar
Mr Alan Cross – Property Manager

We also welcome back to the College Ms Stephanie Dunn and Mrs Elizabeth Fenton.

I am confident they will be a great asset to our community.

As we come to the middle of February and we have a distant memory of a New Year’s resolution made over 30 days ago, I offer you this prayer by Christian D Larson on the Optimist’s Creed.

Blessings
Sue Lennox - Principal

The Optimist’s Creed

Promise yourself –

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every creature you meet a smile
To give so much time to improvement of yourself that you have not time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

The key topic areas for each year group in Term 1 are outlined below:

• Year 7: What it Means to be Catholic
• Year 8: The Teachings of Jesus
• Year 9: The Search for Meaning
• Year 10: Catholic Social Teaching

All students in Stage 6 undertake Studies of Religion, and while this is an academic course of study, our students benefit from learning about and understanding different religions as well as Christianity in more depth.

The key topic areas for each Stage 6 course in Term 1 are outlined below:

• Year 11 Studies of Religion I: The Nature of Religion
• Year 11 Studies of Religion II: The Nature of Religion & Religions of Ancient Origin
• Year 12 Studies of Religion I: Christianity & Religion in Australia Post 1945
• Year 12 Studies of Religion II: Judaism, Religion in Australia Post 1945 & Religion and Non-Religion

Religious diversity and tolerance are important concepts at St Patrick’s and the value of Love of Neighbour certainly requires us to love those who are “other”. Students in all year groups and courses should develop a strong understanding of the importance of such love and ways that they can be more loving. This includes the idea that our earth is our neighbour. The Laudato Si Action Group will continue to work towards goals to respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.

Louise Barry - Religious Studies Coordinator

Our Year of love of neighbour brings into focus Jesus’ concept of having a family-like relationship to all we meet and encounter, even those we are tempted to ignore, be rude to or dismiss. Living as neighbours challenges us to not just look but to see ‘the other’ and to live with hearts that welcome the stranger and shatter all barriers. 

Through the lens of humility, humble people are cooperative rather than competitive. They make space for others and experience genuine empathy with them. They have the capacity to recognise and admire the gifts of others, as well their own and they are willing to be at the service of the community and beyond. 

Conversatio is a commitment to engage in practices that over a lifetime bring about conversion into the likeness of Jesus and in particular, Jesus’ giving of self for others.

Through the lens of humility and conversatio we are challenged to open and grow in relationship and awareness to explore what it looks like to be in right relationship with God and with all, including the Earth, as we respond to the call to love our neighbour. 

UPCOMING MISSION EVENTS
14 February - 10.1 start their Community Service
17 February - Year 7 Reflection Day
22 February - Ash Wednesday Liturgy

Joel Duval - Mission Coordinator

According to the Japanese Lunar calendar, Setsubun marks the change in season to Spring. People eat and throw soybeans outside their house to rid the house of bad luck and bring in good luck. People also make a large sushi roll and eat it while thinking of their goals for the year.

Whilst our students did not throw soybeans, they were able to eat some instead. The soybeans were freshly roasted, and students enjoyed the crunchy, almost popcorn like taste. The girls were also given the opportunity to make their own sushi roll. These rolls are called “Eho-maki” which is a good luck sushi roll that you are not allowed to cut. The roll represents your wishes and goals for the year. Cutting up the roll will cut up your luck. Students ate the rolls without cutting them, thinking of their goals for the year.

It was a great experience for all students and we look forward to a year of great luck in 2023.

Julian Nash - LOTE Coordinator

Congratulations to our highest achievers, all receiving ATAR scores of 90 and above. The Dux for 2022 was Grace Kendall. She achieved the College’s top ATAR of 97.1. Other students receiving ATAR scores of 90 and above were Tavara Sofa, Sinead Foster, and Eknoor Ghuman.

Fourteen students, across eleven subjects, were acknowledged in the HSC Distinguished Achievers list. These students achieved in the highest band (Band 6) for one or more courses. Band 6 for two unit courses indicates the highest level of performance with students achieving between 90 and 100 percent in these subjects. This is outstanding and congratulations to these girls.

2022 Distinguished Achievers

Student Name                Course Name

Christabelle Adina         - Mathematics Standard 2
Katie Brunetta                - Hospitality Examination (Kitchen Operations and Cookery)
Ella Cooley                      - Mathematics Standard 2
Layla Elali                       - Community and Family Studies
Sinead Foster                 - Business Studies
Keira Gardner                 - Mathematics Standard 2
Eknoor Ghuman             - Mathematics Advanced
Chloe Jacobs                  - Hospitality Examination (Kitchen Operations and Cookery)
Grace Kendall                 - Biology
                                          - Mathematics Advanced
Tahlia McCarthy-Cox     - Dance
Sienna Moss                   - Food Technology
Chelsea Perriman          - Community and Family Studies
Anielle Saminaden         - Music 1
Tavara Sofa                     - Drama
                                          - Music 1
                                          - Studies of Religion II

Three students were nominated for HSC showcase events that celebrate the talent and creativity of 2022 HSC students.

2022 HSC Showcase Nominations

Student Name                Course Name

Tavara Sofa                      - OnStage - (Drama) Performance 
Tara Greenrod                  - OnStage - (Drama) Performance
Tahlia McCarthy-Cox      - Callback - (Dance) Major Study Performance
Tahlia McCarthy-Cox      - Callback - (Dance) Choreography 

We thank the many teachers, families and friends who encouraged and supported our students throughout their studies this year. We are very proud of the achievements of each student and thank them for the contributions that they have made to the St Patrick’s College community.

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching

It is worth your time to educate yourselves about AI technology and its impact on society. This will enable you to make informed discussions with your children and help you understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI.

In addition to understanding AI’s potential impact on children, you can set guidelines and rules for your children to use AI tools responsibly. Guidelines like the ones the school uses for Academic Integrity are a great starting point. AI tools like ChatGPT can be used to support their understanding of a topic, but students should be aware that copying and pasting content from any source and presenting this as their own work is plagiarism. They should be encouraged to critically evaluate the information they receive from AI tools. By doing so, you can help your children understand the importance of using AI tools in a way that benefits society and enhances their personal growth and development.

If you were unsure how far AI tools have changed in the past few years, this article was partially written by ChatGPT. The image for this article was also created by an AI software. Here is an excellent article by Professor Matt Bower from Macquarie University that discusses AI tools in education.

Ben Robson - eLearning and Innovation Coordinator

There were many excited smiles and a few nerves on the first day. The students enjoyed meeting new friends and catching up with some old friends. It was lovely to see their happy faces as they begin high school and settle into College life.

Each blanket has a special label sewn on which reads ‘Handmade with love by the St. Patrick’s Knitting Group’. The Vinnies volunteers always tell us our blankets bring a smile to the faces of the recipients saying that, ‘the person feels loved, that someone cared enough about them to make this blanket’. This is the Good Samaritan parable in action. 

Our students are taught to knit and sew by a legion of ‘Knitting Ladies’, a dedicated cohort of ex-staff, grandparents, parents and friends of the College. Our oldest volunteer is 92!  This year our seniors will also be involved in mentoring our new members.

If students would like to be involved there are several different roles - they can learn to knit, sew squares together into blankets or sew on labels to blankets. Students can either knit using one of our kits or bring size 8 (4mm) needles to school and 8 ply wool, although we have lots of donated wool they can use.

We also welcome donations of knitted squares from parents, grandparents and friends of the College. If you would like to knit for us we cast on 50 stitches in garter stitch using 8 ply wool and 4mm needle or therabouts.

For more information contact Mrs Musico Rullo fmusicorullo@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher

During the break, we were fortunate to have the Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society visit the History Club's display about the 100th anniversary of the Benedict Performing Arts Building. The Society members were most impressed and also visited the College Archives.

Our first task for 2023 is to get ready for Open Day making some Ancient Egyptian artefacts out of clay for our prospective students to take as souvenirs. We will also plan out the rest of the year including Anzac Day.

We encourage lots of new members to join, especially our new Year 7 students.

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher

Charlie achieved a personal best and placed 1^st - Gold medal in her high jump event.
Hannah placed 2^nd - Silver medal in the 4 x 100m girls relay and 3^rd- Bronze medal in the 4 x 200m mixed relay

We are very proud of both Charlie and Hannah's achievements, Congratulations girls!

Scott Ashcroft - Sport and Activities Coordinator

For the Representative Sports Program Calendar please click here . For instructions on how to register, please click here. Registration information can also be found on the CSNSW Sport Website

Scott Ashcroft - Sports & Activities Coordinator

The College Library is a popular, welcoming and vibrant space. The Library team - Michelle Feely, Lisa Robertson and Sue Harradine - are dedicated to ensuring it is a special place for all students. It's wonderful to have students from all cohorts, back in the Library again.

The Library is open from 8am - 4pm daily, including recess and lunch (except Friday recess). Students can borrow books and magazines, (we love helping students find a book they'll really enjoy), access assignment and research assistance, request referencing help, play board games and puzzles. We also allow eating and drinking in the Library - so long as everyone cleans up after themselves!

The Library also creates Research Guides for all subjects. These guides are topic-specific, with information curated to support your daughter's assessment tasks. The guides include authoritative and reliable website links, listings of related books in the Library collection, podcasts, summaries, videos and academic articles.

Additionally, the Library provides free eBooks and audiobooks across two platforms, and printing, photocopying and scanning facilities are available. Students can also borrow a laptop for the day from the Library, should there be a temporary concern with their own. Most importantly, on Wednesdays and Thursdays we have a special guest - Freo the Labradoodle who loves a cuddle. 

Find more information about what we have to offer on the College Library website. We look forward to a fantastic year ahead, supporting your daughter throughout 2023.

The College Library

Tuesday 14 February is Library Lover's Day -  a day to remember that our libraries are a place where we can get lost in an idea we are following, find an adventure we are seeking in a book, discover more about an issue we feel passionate about or get help from someone about something we want to know. These are just some of the reasons to celebrate the role the College Library plays in the lives of St Pat's students. We always encourage students to come in and borrow a book, or take the time during recess or lunch to read a little, but we're especially keen to see them on Library Lover's Day and share the love!

The College Library

Research shows that people who set goals and use them effectively not only perform better, but suffer less stress and anxiety and are happier and more satisfied with life. In 1953, a Harvard University study showed that 3% of the students graduating that year wrote down their specific career goals. Twenty years later, a team of researchers interviewed the class and found that the 3% who had written down their goals were not only happier, but were worth more financially than the other 97% combined.

Here are some more reasons why you might like to set some goals for the year:

• Setting goals gets you to think about possibilities.
• Goals give you a direction to work towards.
• Goals give you a clear picture of where you want to go.
• Goals help you to push yourself just that little bit more.
• Goals help you have a more fun and fulfilled life.
• Goals can give you motivation and focus.
• Setting goals helps you do all the things you want to do in life!

You have probably set many goals already without even realising it – not every goal has to be written down but it certainly helps you to stay on track if you do write it out. You can set goals for all the different aspects of your life.

Remember, if you don’t set goals you’ll find that life just sort of happens to you rather than you actually deciding what you want out of life then making what you really want happen!  So get in the driver’s seat of your life and take control with your goals this year – both personal and academic. 

Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. 

How to provide consent:

1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school
2. Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one. 
3. Update or confirm your personal details in ServiceNSW as required. 
4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:  
   1. Enter your child’s personal details 
   2. Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child  
   3. Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement
   4. Provide consent  

If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form directly from your child’s school.

Charles Camilleri - Admin Coordinator

Mater Dei is a co-ed K-12 setting for students with a Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disability. Further information regarding Mater Dei's Open Day, please click here.

Dont forget to book your table for our annual Emerald Gala Ball. Grab your friends and enjoy a night among the stars while supporting the College Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are limited, and this is a night you don't want to miss!