Welcome back to term 3. I hope the last break was enjoyable for you and your family, and that you have returned to the term with vigour and energy. The staff and I are very grateful for the week of professional learning that we had in the final week of the girls’ break. In many independent schools, staff and students have three weeks’ holidays. At St Patrick’s College, the staff are at the College in the third week and participating in vital professional learning that will have an impact on your daughter’s learning. Bringing all the days together in one week reduces the disruption across the year for the girls when having a day here or a day there. Having the professional learning after their two week break means that staff engage with the professional learning in an energised and engaging way. Our work is far more productive at this time of the term than if it was at the end of term 2.

Our focus this year was on writing programs to embed the many changes we are experiencing across all KLA curriculum. We also spent a day on the Child Safe Standards and the new wellbeing app that we will use with the girls in the coming months. We spent a day looking at how to identify the high potential and gifted girls in our classes and then how to differentiate the lessons and programs so that they are enriched. This has been a priority for the College this year and I will be able to share more in the coming months. Finally, we had a wonderful staff spirituality day which focused on the Benedictine theme for the year of Love of Neighbour. We cannot engage in this essential professional learning without your support, so thank you.

This week, our Year 12 girls began their Trial exams. The Trial period goes for just over two weeks. They have worked hard preparing for this exam period and will now get their first experience of what the HSC exams will be like. We have the same invigilators who will be used for the HSC and all the processes and requirements of students will be the same. We hope this will provide some familiarity for the girls for when they are back in October. Please keep the girls and their families in your prayers during this time. When a household has a Year 12 student in it, the whole household is living the HSC.

Through the term, we surveyed parents in regard to the Parent Forums. Last term, we hosted them at 9am at the College and whilst we had a good number attend, parents asked that we reschedule them to the evening. Therefore, we have scheduled two more forums for Semester 2:

Senior School Forum on Wednesday 30 August beginning at 7.00pm

Middle School Forum on Wednesday 13 September beginning at 7.00pm

For both forums, the agenda will be:

1. AI and its implications for schools

2. Gifted and Talented Program

We hope you will be able to attend. We are exploring the possibility of zooming the evening as well so that all parents are able to attend in some way.

Finally, I was invited to the Campbelltown Catholic Club’s Communion Mass and luncheon on the weekend. The Catholic Club is always very generous to the Macarthur Catholic schools and other organisations that reach out to people in need. The Club has given the College a very generous donation that will be put towards the scholarship fund. The scholarship fund assists families that experience adversity and hardship and need some assistance so their daughter can continue to attend St Patrick’s. In this time of increasing cost of living expenses and, in many situations, loss of health or employment, this has been very much appreciated by many families. I have included a photo of Gabi and Abigail who attended the mass with me.

I will leave you with a short comment taken from the Rule of Benedict which very much informs our call to love our neighbour ( RB 36,1-2).

Bessings 

Sue Lennox

The sick are to be cared for

Before and above all else,

For it is really Christ who is served in them.

He himself said:

I was sick and you visited me, and

Whatever you did to one of these little ones,

You did to me.

Some important and relevant reflections for us as Catholic community can be highlighted using the wisdom of two of our Popes. Firstly, the story reminds us of the light of Christ, important for us as indicated by our motto ‘The Lord is My Light’. We can consider what this means for us, in guiding our values and the way we live our life. In his address before the Angelus on August 6, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI described how the events of the transfiguration display Christ as the “full manifestation of God's light.” The Pope stressed that the feast of the Transfiguration is an important opportunity for believers to look to Christ as “the light of the world,” and to experience the kind of conversion which the Bible frequently describes as an emergence from darkness to light. “In our time too,” Pope Benedict said, “we urgently need to emerge from the darkness of evil, to experience the joy of the children of light!”

Secondly, the Transfiguration reminds us to see the light of Christ in others too. This is especially relevant given our charism guided by the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the fact that the Benedictine value of focus this year is Neighbour. Pope Francis reflected earlier this year on the Gospel reading from Matthew on the Transfiguration. Francis said that we must “see the same beauty on the faces of the people who walk beside us every day,” such as family, friends, and colleagues. “How many luminous faces, how many smiles, how many wrinkles, how many tears and scars reveal love around us,” the Pope said. “Let us learn to recognize them and to fill our hearts with them. And then let us set out in order to bring the light we have received to others as well, through concrete acts of love diving into our daily occupations more generously, loving, serving, and forgiving with greater earnestness and willingness,” the Holy Father said. “The contemplation of God’s wonders, the contemplation of God’s face, of the Lord’s face, must move us to the service of others.”

Lastly, it is an opportunity to consider how God created us as beings who change and develop their identity and sense of purpose over time. Uniting Church minister Jo Inkpin shared her interpretation of the Transfiguration and stated “For, as human beings, as Christians, we are never fixtures but loved works in process.  What we shall be is not what we are now.  All that is loving in our past and present is indeed taken up into what we shall be.  In the glory of God however, we are, and will be, so much than we can ever imagine.  This is part of the gift of the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ” which we celebrate this weekend.

Louise Barry - Religious Studies Coordinator

The piece spotlights the medical condition of diabetes and suggests how this debilitating disease might be eradicated through ‘battle’ which is expertly explored through the concept of a video game. The piece was modern, exciting and thought provoking. 

Candy invited our Senior Drama students to the opening night of her performance on Wednesday 26 July. It was a wonderful event and the students had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with some incredible talents in the arts world. 

The group stayed behind after the show to enjoy canapes, chat with other attendees and witness Candy’s passionate speech where she shared the story behind her show and how the performance came together through her collaboration with professionals in the arts. It was an inspiring night of drama and education. 

Stage 5 Drama went to see a school performance with a Q&A session, which they absolutely loved. Candy took the time to explain the facts behind the piece of theatre and the personal struggle she has experienced as a result of a family member experiencing and becoming ill due to diabetes and how this disease preys on particular cultures and demographics. 

Some thoughts from our students:

‘I really liked how the performance was funny and colourful but still tackled an important issue about a disease we don’t know much about. The performance was both educational and engaging through song and dance to evoke an emotional response’. Sophia S

‘I loved how she was a one woman show. She did everything. Like, everything!’ Lillian J

‘The play felt really personal. It was so wonderful to hear music that reflected her culture as well as costumes that played homage to her South African roots. I learnt so much from this play’. Timia B

‘She wasn’t afraid to show the effects of diabetes. This was portrayed through humour but was still very confronting and real.’ Sta O

We thank Candy for her incredible artistry and her willingness to collaborate with us at St Pat’s. We’ve been very fortunate to see a lot of her while she’s been in town and are extremely grateful for her generosity and expertise as she spends time with Drama students at our College and shares her experience of the arts industry with them. 

Catherine McLaren - CAPA Coordinator

You can read the full article on The Parents Website below:

https://theparentswebsite.com.au/how-to-support-children-with-adhd-from-andrew-fuller/

Presented by a guest presenter Lee Ursino, the session delved into the world of generative AI and its potential impact on our College community. AI, once the stuff of science fiction, has quickly evolved into commonplace, unseen tools supporting various aspects of our lives.

We see the potential educational benefits these generative AI tools can bring to teaching and learning. These tools can automate routine administrative tasks and even provide real-time feedback on student performance. By reducing administrative burdens, teachers have more time and energy to focus on what matters most: inspiring and guiding their students. There is also the potential for students to use these tools to support their learning.

Whilst there are many positive uses of these tools, there was plenty of discussion about the potential negative impacts this disruptive technology can bring to education. Issues such as academic malpractice, bias in algorithms, unethical use, privacy concerns, and loss of original thought and creativity were all discussed during the session.

At St Patrick’s, we believe that embracing technological advancements is essential to prepare our students for the world they will inherit. By empowering our teachers with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI in their classrooms effectively, we can equip our students with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The Professional Learning session on Artificial Intelligence was just the beginning of our journey. Our staff will continue to explore and experiment with AI applications, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability in our school community.

We are committed to keeping you informed about our progress in integrating AI into our educational practices. As we move forward, we welcome your feedback, thoughts, and suggestions. Together, we can ensure that our students receive the best possible education, preparing them to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Benjamin Robson - eLearning Coordinator

Entry is free, but we ask that you register your attendance through TRYBOOKING to ensure sufficient seating is provided on the night.

We look forward to welcoming you to the College.

Benedict Day provided another opportunity for our Hospitality and Business Services students to showcase their talents. The Business Services girls, under the guidance of Mr Muller, skillfully executed the marketing campaign, handling the advertisement of the event and the sale of tickets. Meanwhile, the Hospitality girls were in charge of preparing and serving over 150 meals.

This year's theme, "Pattie Goes International," added an exciting touch, with dishes served from various regions across the world. The event offered a delightful culinary journey for all the attendees.

Maree Durrington - VET Coordinator

In the first half of the incursion, Students watched an outstanding performance called ‘Dusted Off’ by Brett Hunt, the son of Frank Hunt, a Vietnam veteran.  Brett’s father is famously mentioned in Redgum’s song ‘I Was Only 19’ as  'Frankie kicked the mine the day mankind kicked the moon'. Brett’s performance was a combination of song, words and sound effects based on his Dad’s experience and those of the veterans Brett has known and spoken to over the years. Brett shared his parents and family’s stories and spoke about the long term effects of the war on the families of veterans. The performance was gripping, engaging and every student took something powerful from the play.

For the second half of the incursion we were fortunate to have three Vietnam veterans from Campbelltown RSL sub branch, Denis Wass, Ray Ezzy and Colin Noonan who generously gave up their time to speak to the students about their experiences. The History Club in April had interviewed these veterans about their experiences as part of the Anzac Day Schools Competition. At the incursion, Year 10 had the opportunity to ask questions of the veterans. The veterans explained how they were conscripted into the army, the nature of combat and their treatment on return.

The following are some student reflections:

‘Listening to Brett’s play taught me and all of my peers about the real struggles about war and what his father went through in a very creative perspective that engaged everyone. It not only brought out the soldier's perspective, it also brought out the family's perspective and what they went through. We also got a chance to listen to actual veterans who fought in the war listeningto their point of view and then answering questions. Hearing from actual veterans helped to understand the different aspects of what each soldier experienced. We also learnt a lot of new things that we did not touch upon  in class, such as  soldiers having to use metal detectors and bayonets to feel for mines in the ground. It was an honor meeting the veterans and Brett and it would be amazing if we got to meet them again to learn even more about their experiences and stories in the war.’    Simra B, Year 10

‘This experience was one that I will not forget. Brett's creative play really made the Vietnam War and people's stories come to life with the use of his electric guitar and his passionate voice. There were times when some of us jolted by the noises and it made me think about how those people who experienced the Vietnam War were always on edge and always had some fear even when the war was finished. In their dreams, it was still alive and vivid. It really was an eye-opening experience and gave me a different view of the Vietnam War. Meeting veterans deepened my understanding of the War and I had an insight into individual stories, for example, their scariest experiences, how they handled all the grief and pain and more. I just want to say thank you to everyone who was involved in making this incursion happen to the teachers, veterans and Brett who performed for us.’  Jessica T, Year 10

‘For us, experiencing the veterans’ talk today provided us with more information and gave us a first-hand experience of the events that happened during the time. Hearing from Brett Hunt and the Veterans was greatly appreciated by the whole year 10 cohort. For many in year 10, hearing about these very personal experiences and events helped others gather a deeper understanding and appreciation of all those who have served our country. Some of the students have had family members be sent off to war, so these talks and performances really related to us and showed us just how emotional and just how much these stories relate to us. Hearing of the tragedies of war they had faced and the mistreatment they received once they returned was overwhelming. We are so thankful for the veterans’ giving their time to talk to us, and we are so appreciative of everything they shared. It was an enlightening experience and formed a deeper understanding of how they had served in the war. We thank them for their service and for having the courage to share their stories with us.’  Amelia R, Zarah-Jane A and Sophia W

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher and History Club Coordinator

We are starting the first St Patrick's Market Garden Club! We are thrilled to be a part of this community of gardening enthusiasts. We may not have a green thumb, but we are here to share knowledge, offer gardening tips, and assist with any gardening-related questions as well as make food insecurity scarce in our School Community.

Gardening in our St Pat's Market Garden is a wonderful and rewarding hobby that brings joy, beauty and a sense of connection with nature. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, we are here to support you and learn together.

If you are interested we meet once a fortnight in F17 on Friday DAY 5. First half of lunch. Bring your lunch. All welcomed.

Dale Reader - TAS Coordinator

Bronwyn was  assessed throughout the entire week completing assessments including displaying leadership skills, leading a section on a navigation leg, teaching a lesson on first aid, delivering orders and the management of an observation post in a military environment.  Brownyn reflected,  ‘The course gave me a clearer understanding of who I am as a leader and helped me develop my own leadership style that I could use in my everyday life. I learnt that I don't have to demand my subordinates to follow my orders because I have seniority over them, however, to treat them with kindness and therefore they will be willing to follow me as their leader. A quote that was frequently used on the course was "As a leader, you should never ask someone to do something you wouldn't do yourself" meaning that as a good leader, you should exhibit compassion towards your team and show them respect by holding their values in high regard.’ 

Well done to Bronwyn!

Fran Musico Rullo - History Club Coordinator

Year 10-12 Softball Division 1
Jordanne M, Valentina V, Abigail B, Gabrielle V, Lillian M, Isabelle S, Ava C, Bronwyn Z, Laura Z, Abigail R, Maya M, Grace G and Sienna W. Coach Mrs Lawrence.

Year 7-8 Netball Division 1
Jamine S, Emily C, Charlotte R, Matida G, Lucy S, Hannah J, Elyse G, Alana S, Olivia L and Rebecca N. Coach Ms Cornett.

Year 7-8 Netball Division 2
Payton F, Caitlyn S, Sienna V, Erin W, Ava M, Amelia K, Sophia D, Indianah P, Lily H and Elizabeth J. Coach Mirae Quintall.

Year 9-10 Netball Division 1
Eve F, Lexi V, Georgia T, Sophie P, Amelia F, Charlize F, Chloe C, Mahlia L, Mackenzie Q and Abbie H. Coach Ms Wallin.

Year 7-9 Soccer Division 1
Hannah S, Isla C, Ellie H, Chloe F, Isabella F, Sienna Z, Cody M, Hannah M, Jemma S, Valentina S-M, Olivia J, Annalise E, Olivia C and Amelia C. Coach Mr Nash

Year 10-12 AFL Division 1
Ella D, Tumi L, Kiarna H, Jordana N, Jiselle P, Cora W, Fale'ofa A, Keesha D, Jacqueline C, Grace F, Mia F, Mia L, Annabelle M and Olivia H. Coach Mr Baca

Scott Ashcroft - Sport & Activities Coordinator

All girls gave their best and performed extremely well on the day which saw the College achieve highly overall. It also saw a number of individual students being acknowledged as Age Champions at the end of the day. Congratulations to Charlie H who was the 15 years Overall Age Champion, Hannah S who finished 3^rd in the 15 Years age group, Cora W who also finished 3^rd in the 16 Years age group and Amy Y who was the 17+ Years Overall Age Champion.

These championships also acted as a pathway event and saw five St Patrick’s students qualify for the Wollongong Diocesan athletics team that will contest the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Championships later in the term. Congratulations to Charlie H (Long Jump and High Jump), Olivia L (Shot Put), Hannah S (100m 200m and 400m), Cora W (200m and Long Jump) and Amy Y (Javelin and Triple Jump) on their selection.

A massive thank you must also go to team manager Mr Duval for his work with the girls on the day.

The 2023 College athletics team consisted of
Aurelia A, Siena B, Euphemia C, Olivia C, Chloe C, Tayla F, Isabella F, Charlize F, Myllie G, Charlie H, Ellie H, Olivia L, Dakoda L, Tapenisa M, Ava M, Ava M, Jordanne M, Isabelle S, Valentina S-M, Alice S, Hannah S, Jemma S, Valentina V, Lexi V, Cora W, Hannah Wand Amy Y.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports & Activities Coordinator

This is an outstanding achievement and will provide Alexandra the opportunity to compete against the best swimmers in Australia. Alexandra will be competing in the 50m butterfly, the 100m butterfly, the 4x50m medley relay and the 4x50m freestyle relay. This achievement comes off the back of a very strong performance at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships where Alexandra was awarded the NSW Age Champion.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports & Activities Coordinator

The College had a wonderful response to the 2023 PRC, with 42 students signing up to take part.

With 3 weeks remaining until the completion of the 2023 challenge, Thursday recess saw Mrs Harradine catch up with the participants for a morning tea and to touch base. The girls spoke about their progress and any challenges they have faced along their journey.

It was exciting to discover that of the 42 participants, 19 have already completed the challenge. Congratulations to Victoria S., Meredith P., Abigael O., Hannah T., Abigail D., Harshpreet S., Srinika P., Zahra E., Alessandra R., Hannah B., Clara B., and Simra B.

Sue Harradine - Senior Library Technician

If you tend to work alone most of the time, there are a few aspects worth considering:

It's commendable that you are self-sufficient and confident in your abilities. However, it's important to recognise that at times, not asking for help when needed can make things more challenging for yourself. Don't hesitate to seek assistance when you are facing difficulties or struggling to comprehend something. Asking for help is a valuable skill that contributes to academic success. Become more aware of your tendency to avoid asking for help and make an effort to reach out when needed.

• Engaging in discussions with others often offers fresh perspectives and the opportunity to clarify your thoughts. By collaborating and exchanging ideas with another person, you may enhance the development of your own concepts and uncover potential issues that a new perspective can identify. If you haven't explored collaboration extensively, consider giving it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised by the value it adds to your learning experience.

On the other hand, if you already enjoy working with others, here are some points to keep in mind:

Ensure that you contribute equally in group work and avoid relying on others to do all the work for you. Fair and balanced participation leads to a more productive and fulfilling collaborative environment.

• Remember that collaboration is distinct from cheating. While discussing an assignment and sharing thoughts on its approach is acceptable, it is not appropriate to jointly write the assignment or submit similar pieces of work. Maintain academic integrity and respect the boundaries of collaborative efforts.

• Stay focused and avoid wasting time during collaborative sessions. It's easy to get sidetracked, so make a conscious effort to remain on task and avoid distractions when working with others.

• Occasionally, challenge yourself to tackle tasks independently. If you consistently rely on your friends to complete your Maths homework, you may not truly gauge your own abilities. This lack of self-assessment can become problematic during tests or exams. Consider whether collaboration will genuinely enhance your work or if it is more suitable to attempt certain tasks on your own.

• Allocate specific time for independent work each night. If you prefer to collaborate while working from home, establish dedicated periods for collaboration and separate blocks for independent work. Avoid spending the entire evening on video calls with friends and instead create a balance between collaboration and individual effort.

By reflecting on these points and adapting your approach to learning, you can maximise your potential and create a well-rounded academic experience. Embrace the strengths of both solitary work and collaboration and use them accordingly to foster personal growth and academic achievement.

Sue Harradine - Senior Library Technician

There may be an exception for some prescribed textbooks. Your daughter can find a list of all library items on her record by following these steps:

1. Go to the Library catalogue.
2. Click 'login' at the top of the page, then click on the blue bar
3. Click on 'My Stuff'
4. Choose 'Checkouts' to view items currently on loan (due dates are presented in MM/DD/YY format).

We encourage students to contact the Library if they have any concerns or questions. Students can return items in the chute located outside the Library.

The College Library

The Bound Together program was very well recieved when it was launched last term. It not too late to sign up for the program or if you would like a second book to read together complete this form. For those who currently have Bound Together books, they are now due. If you are still reading your books, please ensure your daughter sees a Library Team member and we’ll happily renew the books for you.

The College Library

30 August 2023, 7pm - Senior School Parent Forum

13 September 2023, 7pm - Middle School Parent Forum

This immersive walking experience unveils the rich 53 year history of our campus.

The "Footsteps" brochure will be used by College students, staff and the broader community to actively engage with our beautiful campus, its many hidden secrets and little-known history facts.

Congratulations to the following students who entered the Tour Quiz on Benedict Day:

1st place - Elizabeth W

2nd place - Team of Abigail D and Hannah L

3rd place - Team of Sophie M, Brooke F and Armeet K     

Many thanks to students Eve M and Charley L who spent many lunch hours and recess breaks planning for the official launch day. Their hard work and creative ideas made the day a tremendous success.

Joanne Cavallin - College Archivist

Every year, students from schools across Australia are invited to put pen to paper and enter their original song.

There are some amazing prizes to be won!

Entries close 30 September 2023.

To learn more visit https://acmf.com.au/national-songwriting-competition/