If you read the Sydney Morning Herald, you would have seen the photo of three of our girls on the front cover last Friday. Abigale, Rebecca, Sophia and Diadem were all interviewed about the benefits they gain from being in an all-girls school. Recent NAPLAN reports have shown that girls in single sex schools perform marginally better than girls in co-educational environments. The girls were very articulate and clear about what they have experienced at the College and how this has assisted them to grow in confidence and ability over the years. A more detailed report was included on page 5 where the reporter was able to provide some further information and comments from Dallas McInerney of Catholic Schools NSW. I encourage you to access the article.

We are in the midst of farewelling our Year 12 girls from the College. They will have a number of special events that will mark the completion of 13 years of education next week. These include their Year 12 Assembly, Graduation Awards, Graduation Mass and their Formal. It is delightful that so many of their family and friends will be able to join them to mark this very special rite of passage. After the festivities, they will have the two week break and then move immediately into their HSC examinations. We wish them the very best for this period. Many of them will have received early offers for university and further study, however, they will approach their exams with a thirst and desire to do their best. Please keep them and their families in your thoughts as they journey through this very important exam block.

As we make our way through this term, a number of staff will begin to think about their options for the following year. I regretfully need to inform you that Mr and Mrs Nash will be finishing at the College at the end of this year. They will be having a complete sea change by moving interstate and beginning a new chapter in their lives. We thank both of them for the extraordinary contribution they have made to St Patrick’s College over the years and wish them much happiness and success for the future.

When we return for Term 4, Mr Ashkar will be acting as Assistant Principal Students for four weeks whilst Mrs Wright takes a well-deserved break. Mrs Flint will hold the acting Year 10 Coordinator position during that period. I am grateful to both staff for offering to step into these leadership positions for this period. I know they will continue to provide you and your daughter with excellent support.

Are you confused about what to mark at the upcoming referendum on the First Nations Voice to Parliament? Yes or No? Certainly, there is increasing discussion about it in the media and the information can be confusing for some. The Four Corners program on ABC ran a very measured and informative story through the week about the complexities both sides wrangle with as they consider their response. I would like to encourage you to visit the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Statement on the Voice, May 2023, which encourages Catholics to embrace this opportunity, to educate ourselves and actively engage with this referendum and have a say.

This will be the last edition of Inside Out for the term. I wish you a wonderful break and an opportunity to spend some special time with your daughter. I will leave you with a reflection on reconciliation.

Blessings

Sue Lennox

God of all creation,

as we journey together in this Great Southern Land,

we pray for healing, forgiveness and unity,

creating a path of good will, with justice and compassion.

Jesus, through the power of your love, you have given us the courage, wisdom and strength to share our gifts and talents in humility.

In peace and understanding help us to reconcile with each other.

(Catholic Religious Australia)

It was a fun experience that allowed us to listen to a testimony from a young woman who has been through a lot. She let us reflect through song and sung hymns and prayers for us to listen to, join in and help us to reflect on our lives and the experiences we’ve been through. We then broke into small groups and answered questions about our relationship with God. The first game that we did included teamwork which helped us meet new people and build better relationships. Just being there to reflect and think about our relationships with God were some of the best and most memorable experiences that I have had with my friends and it will stick with me for a very long time. After the reflections, we ate dinner and got to spend time with our friends.

Eliza T - Year 8

The School Science Awards foster and encourage an interest in Science among secondary school students, with the goal of promoting careers in STEM as a viable and interesting career path. The awards are targeted at students in Year 11 from local schools who demonstrate a tenacity and commitment to their Science studies. This year, Jorja Gand Alissa Pwere nominated for their outstanding effort and achievement in Biology in the Macarthur region.

The awards evening was held at Campbelltown Arts Centre and began with a presentation by Dr Monique Bax, a scientist working at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. Dr Bax outlined her research into spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a type of heart attack that predominantly affects women. Following her presentation, both Jorja and Alissa were presented with a certificate and were then given the opportunity to speak to Dr Bax about her work and experience as a scientist. 

We celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishment of all recipients of the 2023 Victor Chang School Science Awards, as these students are role models who exemplify the qualities of determination, resilience, and a passion for learning.

Congratulations Jorja and Alissa!

Elizabeth Parsons - Science Coordinator

The girls have been studying the unit Food for Special Occasions this term. We have been exploring the historical and cultural significance of food, reasons for celebrating with food, menu planning, food presentation and service for events. For their assessment the girls had to create and produce a party planning package that included details of a chosen event, food that is catered for, budgets, themed decor, setting, invitation and other important features to events. The girls then chose a cake to produce over two lessons in groups, presenting it professionally and challenging themselves in terms of their skill. We would like to acknowledge the work of Mrs Machuca who came in to run a cake icing workshop for the girls also. 

The girls did a fabulous job and produced some beautiful cakes. Well done

Maree Durrington - VET Coordinator; and Alicia Pollicina - TAS Teacher

Ten schools, twenty students, three adjudicators and lots of great topics.
This was the recipe for a day pulsing with life, hope, optimism and passion.
On Thursday September 31 we welcomed Year 10 students from fellow MISA schools to the annual MISA Public Speaking event.
The energy on the day was fantastic as big ideas were absorbed and new friendships were forged.
In each division – both prepared and impromptu – our two representatives, Oreoluwa A and Holly BurfiBtt, were standouts. The wonderful toastmasters recognised this in awarding Holly third place and Oreoluwa first place. Wow!
Congratulations girls – you represented yourselves, the College and your families with pride and conviction.
Thankyou toastmasters and Deb Littlewood for your great feedback and organisation.
Thankyou also Isabelle S and Ria Kwho chaired and timekept.
Marguerite Pulham - Debating/Public Speaking

Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the Battle of Long Tan that occurred on that day in 1966. This year was especially important because it is the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of Australian troops from the Vietnam War. Students Kaitlyn A, Charlotte D, Summer M and Georgia D of Year 10 and Felicity O and Rebecca M of Year 9 represented the College at the moving service in Mawson Park. We were fortunate to have in attendance Georgia’s grandfather, Roy Corlett who is a veteran who served in Vietnam.

Fran Musico Rullo and Jason Muller - HSIE Teachrs

Along with this amazing achievement, Hannah also represented NSW Gymnastics at the Australian Gymnastics championships in May placing 4th overall in the country for her individual routine and 1st overall for her Trio performance in the international age groups category. Such an amazing achievement and a great reward for all of her hard work and dedication.

Hannah is raising funds to support her journey to the 2023 Plovdiv World Cup in Bulgaria - you can pledge your support for Hannah here: https://asf.org.au/projects/hannah-pulbrook-aus-gym-journey

Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator

Year 10-12 Softball – 1^st Place Division 1 MISA Champions

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 – 1^st Place Division 1 MISA Champions

Jamine S, Emily CS, Charlotte R, Matida G, Lucy S, Hannah J, Elyse G, Alana S, Olivia L and Rebecca N. Coach Ms Cornett.

Year 7-8 Netball – 3^rd Place 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 Quintal.

Year 9-10 Netball – 4^th Place 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 – 3^rd Place Division 1

Hannah S, Isla C, Ellie H, Chloe F, Isabella F, Sienna Z, Cody M, Hannah M, Jemma S, Valentina SM, Olivia J, Annalise E, Olivia C and Amelia C. Coach Mr Nash

Year 10-12 AFL – 3^rd Place Division 1

Ella D, Tumi L, Kiarna H, Jordana N, Jiselle P, Cora W, Fale'ofa AL, Keesha D, Jacqueline C, Grace F, Mia F, Mia L, Annabelle M and Olivia H. Coach Mr Baca

Scott Ashcroft - Sports Coordinator

The library is in the privileged position of crossing paths with all students at numerous times during their College journey.

Whether it be during homeroom visits, class visits, research assistance, reference help, AMOW, study supervision, special functions and displays, or simply on a social level or as a safe haven; the library has a purpose for all.

On Wednesday we had the pleasure of hosting the graduating year 12s. With all of the students resembling Barbie in her many capacities, and with an abundance of delicious food, it was a fun and fitting farewell to year 12 from the Library.

Each girl was gifted a Graduation Keyring; a permanent reminder of their time spent within the library walls.

Good luck as you venture into your future Ladies. Your destiny is yours for the making and we know you will make us proud.

Best wishes from Mrs Feely, Mrs Robertson and Mrs Harradine.

We would like to express our gratitude to Ms Lemeki, Koori Homeroom, and to our wonderful maintenance crew of Mr Mason and Mr Livingstone for the artwork and its installation.

All agree that the artwork is the perfect addition to the College Library.

We’d like to remind all Year 12 students that all current library items on loan, including their prescribed textbooks, are due for return on or before their final HSC exam. To find a list of all current loans:

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.

5 TIPS FOR LAST MINUTE STUDY

1. CLARIFY YOUR FOCUS: Before you dive into your study materials, take a moment to identify what topics and concepts will be tested. Reach out to your teachers or classmates if you're unsure. Understanding the exam format and question style will guide your study strategy. Create a checklist of subjects and topics you need to cover, ensuring you're not leaving anything out.
2. GATHER MATERIALS: Do you have notes, materials and textbooks on everything you need to learn? If not, is there a friend who can forward you the resources you have misplaced? Is there an online portal where material from classes is stored? Can you borrow from the library additional books or textbooks on the topics you need to learn? Are past examination papers available?
3. DRAFT A STUDY PLAN: You only have limited time left so you need to make the most of it. Draw up a grid that shows how much time you have left before your exams to study. Decide if you will spend equal time on each subject or if certain subjects need more time. Allocate subjects to the timeslots you have then decide exactly what you will do to prepare for each subject. For each subject make a list of what sort of study you should do to prepare for that subject. Brainstorm your ideas on how to prepare, ask your parents and teachers for feedback, and share ideas with your friends.
4. CREATE STUDY NOTES: Target your notes to what will be tested. It is best for learning and memory to make your study notes yourself, but if you have run out of time there are options. See if any of your class materials or textbooks have summarised the sections you need, see if there are study guides available in the library on the topics to learn, or make targeted notes yourself on the key areas you have to memorise. You could also see if there is a friend where you could split the topics between yourself and share the notes you make. Don’t spend too long on this stage, it needs to be completed as quickly as possible.
5. STUDY! What does study actually mean? It means memorising the material you need to know so you can recall it in the exams, and practising the skills of the subject so you know how to do the types of questions you will have in the exam. To memorise your notes you need to test yourself over and over on them. You could read a section, see what you can write down without looking then check. Then review the things you didn’t know again. Or you could do the same approach reading things out loud and then seeing what you can repeat out loud. Doing questions, practice essays, and past exam questions will also help you understand what you know, and what you need to spend more time on.

Remember, the key is to get started. Procrastination won't serve you well at this point. Embrace the challenge, and you'll be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you're focused and determined. Your ability to absorb and apply information quickly is stronger than you think.

The Library Team

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

You can donate to or join their team 'Healing Steps' here: https://24hrfight.org.au/campaigns/healing-steps/