You will have received a letter from Mr Paul Colyer, Chair of the Board, informing you of the new Principal for St Patricks College, Mrs Mary Leask. Mary will be a wonderful leader for this beautiful community for all the reasons outlined in Mr Colyer’s letter. It is very reassuring that a woman of such experience and wisdom will be taking over this role in 2024. I wish her the very best and know you will warmly welcome her with true Benedictine hospitality when she joins the community in January next year.

I am excited to inform you that the building project in the COLA is nearing completion. It has been impacted by delays in materials and the job that should have been completed by Easter is now finishing at the end of this term. The roofing is being installed in the next few weeks, planter boxes and final fixtures are being completed and then the final clean and painting of the flooring will see it ready for occupancy. We are very grateful for the work of architects Alleanza and builders Cowyn who have been exceptional in their professionalism and collaboration with the College.

After a lengthy process of discernment and consideration, we have settled on the new student leadership team for 2023-2024. The leaders are:

College Captain:  Gabrielle V

Benedict Captain:  Abigail B

Scholastica Captain:  Ava C

Sport Captain:  Mirae Q

CAPA Captain:  Myah B

Community Captain:  Meghan W

This week, we inducted the new leaders into their roles at the College. I would like to express my gratitude to the outgoing team who have been very energetic and committed to their service at the College. To the incoming team, I congratulate them in their new roles and look forward to witnessing the impact they will have in making a positive difference in the community over the coming year.

Finally, the Alumni have two important opportunities they would like to share with the community. You can have your name and the year you graduated from the College immortalised by buying a brick that will be laid in the Alumni Walk in the College grounds. The details are further in this edition and I encourage you to take this opportunity to celebrate your time at the College. The money raised by the Alumni through this project will provide a scholarship for a student entering Year 11. Secondly, the College will be hosting its annual reunion for all years on Saturday 14 October 2023. It will be held at the College from 5pm to 7pm. Further details are in this edition and I warmly invite all alumni to attend this special event.

I will leave you with a reflection, ‘A blessing for one who holds power’ from Benedictus, A Book of Blessings, by John O’Donohue.

Blessings, 

Sue Lennox

May the gift of leadership awaken in you as a vocation,

Keep you mindful of the providence that calls you to serve.

May you have the wisdom to read time clearly

And know when the seed of change will flourish.

In your heart may there be a sanctuary

For the stillness where clarity is born.

May you welcome your own vulnerability

As the ground where healing and truth join.

May integrity of soul be your first ideal,

The source that will guide and bless your work.

We explored so much more than the religious beliefs of the Good Samaritan Sisters; we delved deeper into our own values. We specifically did a deep dive on Homelessness, Diversity and First Nations peoples — completing mission statements in inter-school writing groups.

We were able to meet many people from a wide range of schools in Australia— making lasting friendships and relationships with other colleges. Hearing about their experiences and proactivity within their communities in achieving justice in the form of school initiatives was inspiring, making us grateful for being a part of the Good Samaritan Community.

Being involved in Prophetic Voice was an inclusive experience as we were able to share our own perspectives, open up about our personal beliefs, explore our own ideas, as well being able to hear from a range of backgrounds.

Although there is a lot of work that comes with this role, it is worth the effort as it opened our eyes deeply into the experiences of others. As a Prophetic voices member you not only represent yourself as an individual of justice but rather the nature of initiative within the College, improving all facets of College life through open discussion and ambition. As a member, you are not only able to develop your passions but also your communication skills as you will often be liaising about initiatives between the student and staff body.

By Abigail B, Ava C, Jorja G, Eve M and Gabrielle V

In class, the girls have started the week making jelly models of plant and animal cells, growing crystals and creating Oobleck, while at recess and lunch we have seen some fierce rivalry during the "Minute to Win It" competitions. We look forward to our inaugural Astronomy Evening as well as many more activities on offer throughout Science Week.

Elizabeth Parsons - Science Coordinator

Student reflections:

"Our experience of the ANZAC Memorial was nothing short of incredible. The program's insightful and informative nature, alongside the knowledgeable and friendly staff, allowed us to truly commemorate the selfless sacrifice the ANZACs made in World War One. Through the exploration of the ordinary lives lost at war, we developed an enriched understanding of the horrors of the First World War. If given the chance to visit again, we would accept with an enthusiastic yes!" - Stephanie E and Jacquie C 

"The Anzac Memorial's designs, artworks, and educational spaces provided our modern history class with a comprehensive understanding of Australia's military history. The memorial stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for their countries. We thoroughly enjoyed the inside of the Hall of Memory, where there is a bronze sculpture known as Sacrifice. This sculpture depicts a young dying soldier held up by the three important women in his life, symbolizing the sacrifice made by the ANZACs. Surrounding this central sculpture are several other artworks and memorials dedicated to different aspects of war and remembrance, where we dropped gold stars in remembrance of a soldier in our thoughts." - Mirae Q

"We had the most enjoyable day visiting the Hyde Park Memorial and exploring the lives and experiences of Australian World War I soldiers. We found the ‘20 lives through 20 objects’ workshops, the writing of postcards and the well of sacrifice to be profoundly interesting and touching activities which enabled us to garner the more emotional aspect of the effects of the war." - Ava C and Gabrielle V 

"We thought that the day itself was absolutely amazing, it was very insightful and informative in which we learnt a lot of facts and stories from WWI. Our favourite part would have to be going on the scavenger hunt to find our person e.g soldier or nurse and learn about them and their experiences in the war. This is because it helped uncover so many stories and personal experiences that we were able to connect to. Another favourite moment was in the Hall of Memory, where we thought of someone and dropped a gold star in remembrance of them. We thought this was really deep and meaningful and felt very peaceful. Overall, we heavily enjoyed the whole experience and want to thank everybody there for their warm hospitality." - Hein J and Romina A 

"The most enjoyable part of the day was probably learning from the museum guides and workers. They had so much knowledge that it was nice to listen to them. They also told stories of these soldiers from a personal view not just how what happened and that it was bad but what the soldiers went through all their different personal journeys." - Lauren H, Layla B and Alissa P 

"The part we enjoyed most was the opportunity to share the 20 stories of individuals that played a role in World War I. We appreciate the emphasis that the Memorial placed on the stories of the people as opposed to a focus on the events and the tragedy. We also enjoyed learning about the detail and heavy thought that went into the designing of the Memorial, as it was simultaneously designed in conjunction with an architect and an artist. It was clear that there was a lot of effort placed into making it a special place to remember those who have fallen." - Meghan W, Olivia M and Abbey R

"While there were many enjoyable aspects of the day, we all really enjoyed getting to know the soldiers’ stories and learning about the amazing people and experiences that made up the Anzac legend" - Emily M, Isabelle S. and Bronwyn Z.

"An interactive and historical excursion that was engaging and allowed new knowledge to be taught and learned." - Alana G 

Thank you to Mrs Fetterplace who also came along.

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher

The event was well attended by diplomats from the USA, Japan and New Zealand, State and local politicians and serving members of the ADF. Once again our veterans were delighted at seeing the historic uniforms of the History CLub nurses. Two female veterans approached us saying they had once worn the 1970s uniforms we have in our collection.

Our Year 7 students Alessandra R, Abigael O and Claire F presented the wreath on behalf of the students and staff of St. Patrick’s. Other students attending included - Abigail B, Isabelle S, Emily M, Abigail D, Ava C, Olivia N, Bianca W, Karli G, Jorja G, Emma M, Gabrielle V,  Bronwyn Z and Laura Z.

We were also featured on Channel 9 News on the 14 August and given special mention by the organiser and veteran, Walter Robinson OAM. You can watch the video on our Facebook page.

Fran Musico Rullo - History Club Coordinaotor

Farewell Year 12 2023 Debaters

At the end of Round 6 towards the end of Term 2, our Year 12 2023 debaters took part in their last ever debate against St Greg’s in the final Preliminary Round of the CSDA Competition. This year, our Year 12 teams comprised of: Monique R, Chelsea-Ray H, Synthia M, Ysabelle O, Maham K, Caitlin O, Isabella W, Kawther M, Prapti S and Charley L. Both Year 12 teams won their final debate, and we thank them very much for their years of service to the St Pat’s Oratory Community!

8B and 9A make the CSDA Quarter Finals

All 12 of our teams from St Pat’s that competed in the CSDA had wonderful seasons, competing against some extremely strong competition across the preliminary rounds against schools such as Rosebank College Five Dock and Santa Sabina Strathfield, with 4 of our teams being just one win short of making the final series. Our 8B team managed to win all six of these debates and so progressed directly to the Quarter Finals held on the last Friday of the school holidays before Term 3 started. The girls took on Oakhill College Castle Hill in a high quality debate. Whilst their season came to an end at the Quarter Finals, this was the team’s best result in the CSDA, and we thoroughly look forward to the team having many more successes over the next few years! The 8B team this year was: Lily H, Hayley E and Laticia M – well done girls!

Our 9A team also fought their way through to the Quarter Finals, after winning 5/6 Preliminary Round Debates, our girls had to take on Domremy College Five Dock in an Elimination Round debate at the end of Term 2. The girls were victorious in this debate, which also represented their best result in the CSDA competition. This meant that the Quarter Final became a showdown with Marist College Eastwood on the last Friday of the school holidays before Term 3 started. The girls competed in a very high quality debate, which will hold them in good stead as they enter Senior School Debating next year, and we are so very proud of their efforts throughout the season in reaching the Quarter Finals! The 9A team this year consisted of: Zali B, Annaliese E, Natalie S, Lyla F, and Rebecca M, well done girls!

10A wins the CSDA Championship – first Championship for St Pat’s since 2013!

Our 10A CSDA team of Mackenzie Q, Orlaith B and Holly B (supported by squad members Ava M and Grace Q), had a truly miraculous run through the CSDA competition. The girls won 5/6 Preliminary Round debates, and then had to argue the less obvious side of most of their topics in the run up to the Grand Final. The girls argued the following topics in the final series:

Elimination 1: That there should be a quota for women in parliament (Negative) - defeated Bede Polding Windsor South

Elimination 2: That teacher's pay should be linked to student results (Affirmative) - defeated St Andrew's Marayong A

Quarter Final: That the internet should be censored (Negative) - defeated Chevalier Bowral

Semi Final: That climate change should be the government's main priority (Affirmative) - defeated Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta B.

This led our girls to the 2023 CSDA Debating Grand Final held at Christian Brother’s Lewisham on Friday 4 August, becoming the first team since 2019 from St Pat’s to compete at this level. The girls debated against Rosebank College, Five Dock on the topic “That we should have a quota of young politicians in parliament” and received the Negative side of this topic. Mackenzie Q expertly established that politicians need to have a balance of education and experience in order to be effective parliamentarians, and that it would be unfair to expect this of young people, which Rosebank defined as being aged 18-35 years old, and that it would be better to offer other opportunities for young people to be involved in government. Orlaith B then defended this stance by arguing that one’s pre-frontal cortex is not fully developed until the age of 25, and thus it would not be beneficial for the fate of our nation during a crisis, to be left in the hands of a teenager. Holly B then wrapped up the St Pat’s case with eight solid minutes of refutation, attacking everything the opposition had ranging from their definition, to each example brought forward, and simultaneously defending what had already been presented by St Pat’s. In front of approximately 75 people (around 50 of which were supporting St Pat’s!), the panel returned and on the grounds of having superior refutation, awarded our girls the CSDA Metropolitan Championship! An absolute roar of support came from the very pro St Pat’s crowd, and Mackenzie, Orlaith and Holly have become the first team from St Pat’s to win a CSDA Championship since 2013, in a competition which is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere for High School students. To say that we are proud of the girls is a significant understatement. The calibre of knowledge, wit, and tactical nous they were able to display regularly throughout the season was something truly special, and especially with the pressure of a Grand Final, to pull out such an amazing effort, is something that will go down in St Pat’s history as one of our best nights in a very long time!

The girls will now compete in the CSDA State Final, and this will be held after the HSC has concluded in Term 4. They will be the first team since 2013 to compete at this level, and we wish the girls the very best as they prepare for this debate!

Throughout the CSDA Season, a big thank you must go out to Mrs Bryannie and Ms Bella who both assisted with the coaching of our teams, as well as adjudicating throughout the season. Many thanks to Mrs Musico Rullo for her energetic support of our girls and for attending a variety of the away debates we had throughout the season. We also had some of our ex-students adjudicate for St Pat’s this year, a big thank you to Olivia L, Bianca R and Grace K (Graduating Class of 2022) for adjudicating throughout the season. Finally, a big thank you to Ms Lennox for her wonderful support of our girls as they travelled across Sydney throughout Terms 2 and 3, as well as myself as coordinator, and to Dr Bourne for attending the Grand Final at Lewisham.

Christopher Duncan - CSDA Debating Coordinator

Our squad this year consists of: Ava M, Orlaith B, Holly B, Oreoluwa A, Grace Q, Eliza F-C, Hannah B, Natalie S, Rebecca M, Ria M and Veronika M, and have been wonderfully supported by Charley L from Yr12. At the end of Term 2 they competed against Northholm Grammar, Arcadia Hills Adventist College as well as Trinity Catholic College Lismore. The girls were successful in progressing to the Finals Series in this competition, which makes it four years in a row that St Pat’s has progressed to the finals in this competition! On Thursday 10 August our girls debated against All Saints Catholic College Liverpool/Casula, arguing the affirmative side of the topic “That the English Monarchy retained true power despite signing the Magna Carta in 1215”. The girls were successful in winning that debate, and now progress to the Round of 16 where they will debate against Tara Anglican North Parramatta for a spot in the Quarter Finals. A big thank you to both Mrs Bryannie and Ms Aboud for their assistance in coaching our History Debating squad this year!

Christopher Duncan - J.A Thompson History Debating Competition Convenor

Students are able to check their current loans 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).

Students must ensure the books in their possession have their name on the paper slip on the front page of the book, and also match the barcode number listed on their record. Sometimes students swap textbooks with classmates and then return a book that is not their own, which causes confusion and concern (especially when an account is subsequently billed for the cost of a replacement). 

As always, any questions can be directed to the Library Team. 

The College Library

These subscriptions were kindly donated by local library supplier James Bennett, and funded by generous community members during the Emerald Ball scholarship fundraiser earlier in the year. The subscriptions will mean three deserving students will receive books of their choice over a 12 month period. Congratulations to Amelia S., Armeet K., and Lillith M. We hope they enjoy the new additions to their personal libraries. 

As the amazing advances in Artificial Intelligence are showing us, the ways in which we work and collaborate in all industries around the world are changing by the day. For today's students and educators, it is both an exciting and a challenging time, with many of the traditional employment roles, industries and occupations we expect to see in the future evolving to work with machines in new and different ways.

This week in our Careers lessons, our Year 10 students are exploring 100 Jobs of the Future - a joint research project that was conducted by Deakin University, Griffith University and Ford Australia in 2019.

This incredible website takes users on a journey through possible worlds of future human endeavour and helps us to reframe the way we view our human skills, talents and abilities.

Take the quiz and explore the occupations you could be suited for - there are some incredible speculations and possibilities for future careers to be found!

And if you are interested in reading the research behind this website, visit this page.

Claire McGillicuddy - Careers & Pathways Adviser 

For more information and details on how to register, view this flyer

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

30 August 2023, 7pm - Senior School Parent Forum

13 September 2023, 7pm - Middle School Parent Forum

All funds raised through Trivia and the Raffle will go directly to the fund. You can purchase raffle tickets HERE and you do not need to be present on the night to win!
There is something for everyone:

• Shopping vouchers for everything from Macarthur Square, Ed.Square, Narellan Town Centre and Coles
• Golf Days thanks to Camden Golf Course and Wests Group and Hotel Stays thanks to Rydges
• Food vouchers for venues including Wests Group, Gregory Hills Hotel
• Days of adventure with prizes from Luna Park Sydney, Raging Waters and Fastlane Karting