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)