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.