Dear Parents and Friends of St Patrick’s College community

We are almost at the end of the term and the anticipation of the break ahead can be seen in the girls and the staff around the College. By now, you will be receiving your daughter’s report and will be having conversations around her successes and the areas for future work. Those conversations are very important, as a parent’s engagement in their child’s education strongly correlates with that child’s success in their learning. Please feel free to contact the College if you have any questions or queries as we are very happy to provide any clarification you may be seeking.

This Friday, we will be celebrating St Benedict’s feast day. We will have a mass and then a number of events and activities that will enable us to raise funds for the ministries of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. It is always a great community day that sends the girls to their break in a positive and joyful way. I am grateful to all the girls and staff who have worked to ensure we have a wonderful day.

Last Monday, we celebrated our NAIDOC assembly. Many of our Elders and Aboriginal families were able to join us for lunch and then a very moving assembly that had a focus on the NAIDOC theme of “For Our Elders.” It was wonderful to see the girls participate in their Aboriginal dance and see so many speak at the assembly with such confidence and poise. Other guests included Mrs Karan Taylor, Aboriginal Professional Officer for the Wollongong Diocese, and some young men from John Therry Catholic High School who played the didgeridoo as the rest of the community moved into the Mary Sheil Centre. It was a great celebration and I thank all the girls and staff who contributed to its creation.

As we finish the term, I would like to wish the best to Mrs Bryannie who will be starting her parental leave. We wish her the very best as she prepares for the birth of her baby and look forward to seeing photos of this new addition to her family. In her place, we have Ms Caroline Farrell who will begin in term 3. We warmly welcome Ms Farrell to the College.

I wish you and your family a well-deserved break over the coming weeks. Thank you for your support and collaboration in our partnership over the term. Staff will have a professional development week from 17 July and will welcome the girls back to the College for regular lessons on 24 July.

I will leave you with this short reflection:

The Present

"Today is a gift, that is why we call it the present.

Right now,

Somebody is very proud of you;

Somebody is thinking of you;

Somebody is caring about you;

Somebody misses you;

Somebody hopes you are not troubled;

Somebody is thankful for the support you have provided;

Somebody wants you to be happy."

I encourage you to find some space for yourself over the coming weeks.

Blessings,

Sue Lennox

As part of the program, we were called to take up action in our own College community for the benefit of the wider community. As a Catholic all-girls school, it was fitting that our focus for our school initiative was to give back dignity to women within our local area who lack access to the necessary hygiene products. This was done through the Period Poverty drive that occurred from 14 to 23 June.

According to Medical News Today, Period Poverty refers to “a lack of access to menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, waste management, or a combination of these”. This issue not only relates to our wider community but also breaks down the  stigma within our school community surrounding menstrual issues. For the duration of the drive, staff and students brought in pads and tampons, all of which will be donated through St Vincent De Paul’s to women and girls in our local area. We, as the Prophetic Voices Group of 2023 are grateful for the effort and compassion the girls
have shown through their generosity and thank everyone who donated. We hope this initiative has inspired you all to start those conversations within your own communities to break down the stigma that surrounds the topic of menstruation and hygiene.

Abigail B, Ava C, Jorja G, Eve M and Gabrielle V - Prophetic Voices 2023

I am so pleased to announce that our St Patrick's community has donated 5 shopping bags and one box of socks, totalling a massive 545 pairs of socks to the school children of Mantamaru!

We will be posting these socks to Mantamaru within the next few days.

Aboriginal Education is so grateful to our staff and students who so kindly donated.

We are definitely doing our part in keeping childrens feet warm and free of bindies.

Michelle Lemeki - Aboriginal Education Coordinator

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. 

Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920′s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

In 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney. The congress which followed this protest was attended by over a  thousand people and is recognised as one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world.

The Day of Mourning continued to be held on the Sunday before Australia Day from 1940 to 1955 and was referred to by the wider Australian public as Aborigines Day. 

In 1975 the decision was made to make the NAIDOC events and celebrations last over the entire week.

NAIDOC continues to be held annually and each year is assigned a theme intended to shed light on important issues and events within Indigenous communities.

The NAIDOC Week Theme for 2023 is ‘For Our Elders’. Our Elders play an extremely important role in our lives. They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and most importantly, our loved ones. 

Our loved ones who pick us up in our low moments and celebrate with us in our high ones. Who cook us a feed to comfort us and pull us into line, when we need them to.

To celebrate our Elders, our Aboriginal students created a beautiful Assembly to share with our school community.

I would like to thank all who attended, and those who were involved, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students and staff, as we celebrated the significant impact our Elders have had on our families and our communities. 

We would like to thank our special guests, our Elders and families who were present at the assembly and to those who have gone before us for paving our path, for guiding us, for loving us and for fighting for us.

I encourage you all to explore NAIDOC Week events in your area. Please have a blessed holiday and Happy NAIDOC Week.

Michelle Lemeki - Aboriginal Education Coordinator

Throughout our time at the facility, we were able to design and test a rocket, view a planetarium space show with a guided tour of the Solar System, interact with the many hands-on museum exhibits and engage in a fantastic liquid nitrogen show.

We all found it worthwhile and a wonderful exposure to how our studies of STEM subjects apply to real-life phenomena. Thank you to Mrs Thomas for organising this amazing experience and for our accompanying teachers Miss Parsons, Mr Robson, Mrs Lahood and Mrs Fenton.

"The Year 8 class trip to UOW Science Space was an incredible and unforgettable experience. It provided a unique opportunity for us to delve into the amazing world of science in an engaging and interactive manner. The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the visit to the planetarium, where we embarked on a mesmerizing journey through the cosmos. Through the use of cutting-edge technology, we witnessed the wonders of the universe unfold before our eyes, leaving us in awe and igniting our curiosity. It was an adventure of a lifetime that enabled us to appreciate and comprehend the vastness of the cosmos in a whole new light.

From their first note the students were transfixed as they played a variety of pieces from Star Wars to Justin Timberlake.

Anastasia O wrote of her experience "The NSW Police Band visited our school and they were amazing! This experience opened my eyes to not only an array of different genres, but careers and opportunities in music. This concert was very exciting and I thoroughly enjoyed the music put on display."

Elizabeth Samiya - CAPA Teacher

The day gave students the opportunity to be immersed in the Japanese language and culture with a variety of activities including Taiko Drumming, Sumo Wrestling, Japanese Food and Koinobori Kite painting.

Students in Year 8 have been learning Japanese for two terms and their progress in the language has been excellent. The day was an important learning experience as it provided students with an opportunity to experience more of the Japanese culture. The day was a great success. Thank you to the Year 9 Elective classes for their support.

We look forward to offering students more experiences in using their Japanese skills in the coming semester.

Julian Nash - Languages Coordinator

Students worked individually on a project creating a World War II museum in their classroom. Each student was allocated a topic ranging from Australians involved in theatres of war such as North Africa, Europe and the Pacific, to the Australian experience on the homefront such as the Japanese attack on Sydney Harbour and rationing. Students also examined the experience of Australian POWs under the Germans and Japanese. 

Students were given the option to use whichever medium they wished, from cardboard posters to models and digital presentations. Each Year 10 class did a tour of their class' exhibition and filled out a worksheet detailing the information they gained from other displays.

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher

The Art of Smart team offer an example plan for English:

This provides you with an organised To Do list for each subject. 

A study plan will help to reduce that overwhelming feeling as we move towards the examination block. It will structure your time so that you do not spend too much time on any one subject. 

Use the Term 2 break as an opportunity to practise studying, to get into good habits and to focus in on where your strengths and weaknesses are, so you are well and truly ready to nail the final exams in October.

Follow this link to a Google Sheet to help with your planning. Copy the sheet and personalise it with your study goals.

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

HSC Trial Examinations 2023 Monday 31 July – Monday 14 August 2023. The Presiding Officer, Mrs Humphreys, oversees conducting the Trial HSC on behalf of the College and the HSC written examinations on behalf of NESA. She manages the preparation, conduct and supervision of the Trial (and HSC) examinations.

Students must behave politely and take tasks seriously. They must arrive early and be prepared for each exam. Special Consideration can not be granted for students who misread timetables. 

There will be no Homeroom for Year 12 during the exams. Year 12 students only attend school if there is a scheduled examination. Between exams students can go to the Library or Shelter Shed for private study.

Illness misadventure process

Students are reminded not to put themselves in danger by attempting to attend an exam, for example during bushfires or floods. Students should not attend an exam if they have COVID or they are sick.

Tell Dr Bourne or Mrs Wright immediately if you are ill or have a misadventure

If students can not attend an examination because of illness or feel unwell during an examination, they must see a doctor and complete the Illness and Misadventre Forms A and B. The process and froms can be downloaded from the library website https://library.saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au/assessment/year12. 

Follow this link to the Trial Examination procedures that explains processes related to the examination block.

All the best to our Year 12 students as they prepare for the Trial HSC examinations.

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

VETsteddFOOD is run by the non-profit organisation MWLP and supported by Camden Council to bring together VET students and entertainers across a number of schools to put on an event which includes a 2 hour show with a 2 course meal and entertainment. 

St Patrick’s provided the entertainment for the Friday afternoon show and the girls did a phenomenal job, not only by showcasing their craft, but in serving their local community. The audience was made up of local senior citizens who thoroughly enjoyed the performances and made a point of meeting the girls and congratulating them. We heard many stories of audience members who used to love to dance and sing and we were able to reminisce with the special community members we met. 

A big thanks to Mrs Randell for attending the event and organising our dancers and to the music staff who helped us pack our gear and lead us towards phenomenal talent. We had 23 music and dance students assist us on the day. 

To our performing arts students, a massive thankyou and well done on a successful performance and your willingness to engage in this service learning opportunity.

We are extremely proud of you all. You brought such joy to the event and your work is greatly appreciated!

Catherine McLaren - CAPA Coordinator

The production was joyful, colourful and fun to watch and be part of. Our Munchkins, Jitterbugs, Ozians, Winkies, Monkeys and principal dancers brought much conviction and energy to their roles.

Our cast was led by our lead cast which included Grace Q as Dorothy, Cody D as Scarecrow, Ebony P as TinGirl, Angus L as Lion, Monique R as The Wicked Witch, Alana G as Glinda, Joe L as Oz and Jordanna N as the Oz Guard. Congratulations to these students for taking on such big and impactful roles.

All students in the cast displayed leadership and perfected their roles through their many hours of rehearsal and preparation. 

We thank our core staff production team from St Patrick’s including Emma Randell, Catherine McLaren, Elizabeth Samyia, Vanessa Singles, Claire McGillicuddy, Tarna Tannous, Ellen Davis and Jacqueline Flint who began this process in February with students and worked tirelessly to create an incredible show that we could all be proud of. Many staff and students jumped on board Team Oz throughout the process to assist with tech, construction, lighting and behind the scenes work which we are incredibly thankful for. A special thanks goes to our property and IT staff, Susan Sciffer and Julian Nash who took on crucial roles in set preparation, administration and tech. 

We couldn’t have got all the way to Oz without the incredible support of the St Gregory’s staff who gifted their time with supervision, rehearsal assistance and production week support. Many thanks to Natasha Patao, Kristy Falas, Joshua Redmayne, Adrienne Phillips, Lauren Ambruster and Tammy Dooner for giving up their time and helping our students shine. 

We thank everyone who joined us at any of our three performances. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoyed the show! Now that we’ve been to Oz, we can’t wait to discover where we may head next year!

Catherine McLaren - CAPA Coordinator

Towards the end of Term 2, our 10B MISA Debating team had been anxiously preparing for their Grand Final debate against Broughton Anglican College. This team consists of Ava M, Ruby K, Holly B and Grace Q. In training, the squad had been researching the general topic area of ‘Growing Up’, and had been working on applying their feedback from previous adjudications.

At the debate, our girls proposed that one’s genetics were merely a starting point that could easily be swayed by environmental factors, using examples of Atticus from To Kill a Mockingbird, as well as real life examples such as privileged Nepotism babies, and disadvantaged marginalised communities. Broughton’s case centred around the essential nature of genetics in determining your temperament and health, arguing that this has a greater impact on overall outcomes than environment. 

After the third negative gave their closing speech, it was decision time. Every person in the room turned to the screen, hearts pounding, as they listened to the feedback. The adjudicator asserted that this was an excellent grand final debate, with impressive ideas and rebuttals from both teams. She suggested that avoiding generalisations be areas for improvement, but was overall incredibly impressed with the quality she saw from our young speakers. She announced that our 10B were the winners of the debate, crowning them Grand Champions of the 2023 MISA Debating Season.

Congratulations to Ava M, Ruby K, Holly B and Grace Q for their wonderful achievements in MISA Debating. It has been a pleasure to watch each of them grow together as a team. Thank you to all students and staff present for their support of our debaters - it means the world to the team. We are ecstatic with what this team has achieved.

Laura Bryannie - Debating Coordinator

Another exciting milestone was also achieved during the term which saw our Year 11/12 netball team taking out their 6th consecutive MISA netball championship title. The majority of these girls have been playing in the MISA netball team together since Year 7 and it was an outstanding finish to their MISA netball careers to go through the competition undefeated.

Year 11/12 Netball – 1^st Place – Division 1 MISA Champions
Monique G, Lucy G, Helen T, Amy Y, Charlie C, Krisa K, Annalise D, Grace G, Mia F, Mirae Q and Ilori P. Coach Ms Cornett

Year 10/11/12 Indoor Cricket – 5^th Place
Eve F, Shreya M, Isabelle S, Venentina V, Lexi V, Laura Z, Jordanne M, Lillian M, Amelia M, Ava C and Gabrielle V. Coach Mrs Lawrence.

Year 7/8/9 Basketball – 3^rd Place
Chloe C, Isabella K, Mahlia L, Valentina S, Olivia J, Kaitlin Kand Jasmine S. Coach Mr Nash.

16 Years Rugby League Division 1 – 2^nd Place – Division 1 MISA Runners Up
Patress A, Sophie P, Ava S, Lofia A, Ella D, Evie R, Olivia L, Scarlett N, Tapenisa M, Mariah A, Cora W and Amelia C. Coach Mr Baca. Assistant Olivia H.

16 Years Rugby League Division 2 – 3^rd Place
Emily C, Charlie H, Aliyah E, Peyton F, Charlize F, Ivy M, Hannah W, Tumi L, Elizabeth G, Manaseni V and Gabriella L. Coach Mr Ashcroft. Assistant Olivia H.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator

This is a reminder that the College Library will be open to Years 11 and 12 students between 8am - 3pm during the school holidays on the 3 to 7 July (inclusive). Senior students will be able to study, research, access the HSC collection and use the usual photocopier/printer facilities. 

The College has had an impressive take up for the challenge this year, with 56 girls participating. I recently emailed all of the participants, touching base and including a Google Form for them to complete to indicate their progress.

The coming term break is a perfect opportunity to catch up on the Challenge reading.

A special congratulations to Clara B of year 7 who has completed all of the required reading for the challenge, including logging all of her titles on the site's electronic reading log. Clara met with Mrs Feely to receive a small prize and certificate for such an impressive effort. Well done Clara!

We know that there are other students who are close to completion. 

We will be having a catch up morning tea during the first week of Term 3 to see how we managed during the break and to cheer each other on.

Happy reading everyone.

The College library tries to accommodate all literary tastes but we can't have everything you may want or need. This may be because, as a school, our content must abide by specific rules. Not everything is appropriate for a school library. We also have a budget to adhere to.

Did you know however, that Campbelltown and Camden councils have more than one library, and that these libraries are free to join and offer a vast array of items?

Campbelltown Council has four libraries to choose from: Campbelltown, Eaglevale, Glenquarie, and Ingleburn.

These libraries offer physical books, e-books and Audio books, CDs, magazines, and movies. They have free wifi as well as computers and printers for use. They also offer classes in technology, storytime and craft for children, HSC study workshops...

The libraries have cake tins, discovery kits, sewing machines, 3D printers, podcast equipment, Adobe Creative Suite, a Green Screen and more. All these tools are free and available for your next class project or creative endeavour.

Camden library has 3 locations: Camden, Narellan, and Oran Park. Just like Campbelltown libraries, there is much on offer. Large print books, movies, a vast array of magazines, study nooks, knitting classes, homework help...

It is free to join your local library. 

Campbelltown Library gives you access to all four libraries.

Camden Library gives you access to all three libraries.

Go on! Join your local library. You will be glad you did.

A short note to remind you that students can still access books over the school holidays through the College Library’s two platforms:  ePlatform and axis 360.

Instructions on how to login and borrow eBooks and Audiobooks can be found here on the Library website. As always, the Library Team is here to help or recommend a student's next great read. 

The College Library Team

G-Day is a special opportunity for our community to come together and share in the journey of our Year 7 students and discover more about the College.

The day will start at 10am, with a short assembly to share the talents of our Year 7 students. Grandparents and Good Friends will then be taken on a tour of the College by their Granddaughter and will be able to explore the learning environment. The event will conclude with lunch served in the Mary Sheil Centre to be enjoyed by our Year 7 students and their special guests.

A shuttle bus will also be available to transport Grandparents to and from Campbelltown station.

We ask that you register your attendance for the event for catering and transport requirements via: https://www.trybooking.com/CJNPA

Please contact community@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions about the event.

Susan Sciffer - Community Engagement Coordinator

Adele, Astrid, Ebony and Holly will be taking to the stage in Frozen Jr. 

You can support our students and purchase tickets here: https://www.ctgi.org.au/frozen-jr