Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday and this marked the beginning of the season of Lent for all in the Christian community. The reading of the day, from the gospel of Matthew, reminded us of the need to give alms, to pray and to fast.

These three actions, however, were given a caveat – they are to be done in private so as to not “show off” one’s generosity, or prayer life or fasting or to make a big fuss.

In a social setting, the notion of fasting is more often associated with dieting to lose that extra kilo, or three. However, the idea and practice of fasting is an ancient one and can be found in every major religious tradition across the world, for example, our Muslim friends observe the month of Ramadan and our Jewish friends fast at various times throughout the year, most notably at Yom Kippur.

While it is easy to see fasting in a negative sense, in 2021, Pope Francis reframed the idea of fasting so that it could be seen not only as a giving up of some negative behaviour but, more importantly, taking up a more positive approach to the way we treat people.

Finally, I am reminded of the opening word of the Rule of St Benedict: “Listen”. During Lent, we are called to listen – with your ears, with our eyes and with our hearts so that we can respond in love to those whom we meet each day.

May the God who hears all of our prayers be with you and your loved ones in the week ahead.

Mr Gary Livingstone

We pray at this time particularly for the repose of the soul of Mr Gary Livingstone, one of our Maintenance Team who passed away last week and pray that his family will be supported by our community and consoled by a God who welcomes Gary into eternal rest and peace.

Open Day

Preparations are well underway for our annual Open Day on Saturday 24 February and I thank in advance the many students who have volunteered their time to act as tour guides and helpers on this day. My experience tells me that Open Days are a very relaxed way for prospective parents and their daughters to visit a school. I am very confident that those families who come on Saturday will find, as I have found, a warm welcome waiting for them.

God bless you and your families and friends in the coming weeks.
Take care,
Mary Leask
Principal

It was a heartwarming experience as we were graciously welcomed by Fr Michael Healy and the K-2 classes. Each Mission Council member had their role to play in the service and helped to guide them through prayers, understanding Ash Wednesday and reflecting on the ashes placed on our foreheads. It was a wonderful experience filled with beautiful hymns and singing. The Infants were very respectful and we were deeply honoured to have the opportunity to guide the students through Ash Wednesday. Being able to share this important aspect of our faith with the younger generation was both a privilege and a joy. 

Thank you to Fr Michael Healy, staff, and the students of S Thomas More for their warm hospitality and for allowing us to be a part of their Ash Wednesday Liturgy! 

Maddison P - Year 11 Mission Council

Bishop Brian and the students of John Therry held a beautiful liturgy, introducing us to the theme of Project Compassion this year, which is For All Future Generations. It involved sharing stories of those to whom all donations will be going, and just how far the donations go to improve the lives of so many people worldwide. 

Addison N and Grace Q- Year 11 Mission Council

In the First Reading (Joel 2:12-18), we were urged to turn to God in times of despair and struggle, “for he is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and ready to relent.”

Similarly, our Second Reading (2 Cor 5:20-6:2) called us to be ambassadors for Christ, for he is appealing to and through us during this sacred time of Lent. We were reminded that “Now is the favourable time; this is the day of salvation.” On Ash Wednesday, we began the journey of consciously practising and nourishing the three key components of Lent; Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting. 

Earlier in the week, at our Mission Assembly, we were called to go into Lent with intent. This may look different to everyone, whether it involves giving up a luxury or guilty pleasure or taking up a new habit and positive, spiritual mindset. But as we were reminded in our Ash Wednesday Gospel passage (Mt 6:1-6. 16-18), we must not parade our good deeds for the validation and approval of others. Lent is an incredibly spiritual time in which we are rewarded by God and God alone for our motivations and intentions. We are invited to make our prayers personal and our fasting discrete, for 

“no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.”

After receiving ashes from our Year Coordinators and participating in song and worship guided by our beautiful St Patrick’s College Liturgy Band, we were sent out with love and goodwill in our hearts. So, in this period of immense temptation, remember to look towards Jesus as a source of inspiration and guidance as we navigate the great journey of Lent.

Holly B - Year 11 Mission Council

Our College wanted to mark this occasion by selling pancakes to mark the commencement of Project Compassion who seek to raise money for those in need. We supplied mini pancakes with topping options such as whipped cream and strawberry jam. We had a long line, so we knew that this fundraiser would be a success. 

Thanks to our College community who came together and supported this event. We are excited to share that we raised almost $200 for  Project Compassion through our Shrove Tuesday activity - which is outstanding as this was the first time we have hosted this event as Mission Council. Our pancakes were a sellout, which means we can hope to raise even more money for Project Compassion in 2025! 

Ebony P - Year 11 Mission Council

For their first Design task the students are challenged to rethink and redesign the library space and reimagine what it could be turned into. Some ideas include youth clubs, music spaces and sporting hubs.

The amazing staff at the library were very welcoming and the girls were able to engage with the local community about the needs of an adolescent target market and the services they believe would better service the local area. We were able to see the original architectural plans of the site from 1991 and learn about more sustainable architectural practices.

Students will showcase their concepts through a scaled 3D model using a combination of traditional architectural model making techniques as well as utilise the advances of clean technologies such as laser cutting and 3D printing available at our College. 

It was wonderful to observe and note the already expanding services Campbelltown library offers its community and we were fortunate to learn all about its well kept archives and history.

Jacqueline Flint - TAS Teacher

During the first week of the immersion, our students visited many famous and exciting landmarks and locations in and around Tokyo. These included:

🔹 Tokyo Skytree - ascending 450 metres to view a 360 degree view of Tokyo

🔹Asakusa Kaminari Kannon - one of Tokyo’s oldest and most vibrant temples

🔹Team Labs Digital Art museum - experiencing digital art engaging all 5 senses

🔹Yoyogi Park -  famous for its beautiful serenity within the busyness of Tokyo

🔹Tokyo Disneyland,

as well as visiting some of the most famous cities such as Shibuya, Shinjuku and Harajuku for shopping, eating and exploration.

After a busy first week, the middle weekend of the immersion saw the students participate in a 3-day homestay with families from our sister school Shonan Shirayuri. During this time, our students had the opportunity to spend time within a Japanese household, using their language skills and developing life long friendships. This was a highly rewarding experience for which our students were especially grateful.

Emmalyn D of Year 11 summarised the trip by saying, “I think my favourite experience throughout the whole trip was the homestay. I genuinely never thought I would feel so comfortable in a Japanese family household having only met them the same day! I'm so thankful to my host sister and her family for taking care of me. They fed me so well and took me to such beautiful places. They took me to one of the Chinatowns in Yokohama, where we got to eat some of the best Zhao Long Bao (Soup dumplings) I had ever had in my life! Not only that but also the famous Chinese Tanghulu (Candied Fruit skewers). The Chinatown was themed in such a way that I felt like I went to both Japan and China on this trip. Later that same day for dinner they took me to a sushi train restaurant where we got to order via a little iPad and there would be these little animations on the actual sushi conveyor belt that would announce the food that was coming to us. The day after, they took me to a Christmas market that was held both outside and inside Yokohama’s Aka-Renga Soko (Red Brick warehouse) where we got to eat German sausage platters and Dutch hot chocolate. After this they took me shopping at a nearby shopping centre where Miyu and Mayu (my host sisters) took me to an old Japanese candy store. I bought so much candy that I couldn't even finish it all! This was also when I found out that Japan has two extra Chupa Chups lollipop flavours, coffee pudding flavour and Ramune drink flavour! While at the shopping centre, we also went to the games area where we could do Purikura (a Japanese photo booth that lets you customise your photos with makeup, filters and drawings) Purikura doesn’t suit foreigners but it does for Japanese girls!

I don't think I will be able to recreate my experience both with my host family and with my teachers and friends. It was such a wonderful opportunity to be given and I miss Japan and the people very much, so if you ever have an opportunity similar to this, I advise you to take it. Even if your nerves are wrecked, you'll never be able to experience something like this ever again!”

In the second week of the immersion, the group shifted from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, taking a 2-and-a-half-hour bullet train ride south to the beautiful old capital of Japan, Kyoto. The students gained a genuine appreciation of the differences of Japanese culture, notably the beautiful distinction between traditional and modern Japan. The students visited some amazing cultural locations such as Hiroshima (including the Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Dome and Museum), Nara (famous for its deer), Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), and Himeji Castle.

The immersion was an incredibly successful opportunity for the students. A huge congratulations must be given to Mr Nash for his tireless effort and energy into making sure the trip ran smoothly. Another huge thank you must be given to Ms Randell for her amazing support of the students during the trip.

Bring on the 2025 Japan immersion!

Jared Baca - Japanese Teacher

On Thursday 13 February, Campbelltown experienced heavy rain, damaging winds and hail as a powerful storm cell descended. The College was impacted by lightning strikes early that evening that caused a loss of power and temporary flooding. 

The storm occurred during the scheduled Year 12 Parent / Student / Teacher Interview sessions and part way through, an SMS text was sent to families to inform them that the sessions were cancelled. This meant that families who had appointments scheduled later that afternoon were not able to attend.

Teachers were asked to contact families who they were unable to meet in person. Please contact your daughter's teacher if you are still waiting for feedback following the cancelled sessions.

Year 12 families will be invited to attend the end of term Parent / Student / Teacher Interview sessions that are normally reserved for Year 7 to 11 families. Further information about these sessions will be sent closer to the date.

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching

NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their daughter is progressing against national proficiency standards.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.

NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are achieving important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.

How the tests are administered

NAPLAN tests are undertaken by students in the Mary Sheil Centre (MSC). Each student will use their laptop to complete four online tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The questions assess content linked to the Australian Curriculum: English and Mathematics.

ACARA supports inclusive testing, so all students have the opportunity to participate in the national assessment
program. Adjustments are available for students with disability who have diverse functional abilities and needs. Contact the Learning Enhancement Coordinator, Mrs Benney for further information on disability provisions for NAPLAN.

What is needed for the test?

Each student must have a fully charged laptop computer and wired headphones or earphones. Note that Bluetooth headsets do not function with ACARA's application that is used for testing. Our IT team will help students install ACARA's Locked Down Browser, which is the application needed to undertake the tests. Further information will follow regarding the download and installation of this application.

Students are not expected to study for NAPLAN. Parents can support students by reassuring them that NAPLAN is a part of their school program and reminding them to simply do their best. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the types of questions in the tests and will provide appropriate support and guidance. See the types of questions and tools available in the online NAPLAN assessments at NAP - Public demonstration site.

NAPLAN results

NAPLAN results are reported against proficiency standards. There is a standard for each assessment area at each year level. Proficiency standards provide clear information on student achievement. They are set at a challenging but reasonable level expected for the child at the time of NAPLAN testing, based mainly on what has been taught in previous years of schooling. Student achievement is shown against 4 levels of proficiency: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support. A NAPLAN individual student report is provided by the College later in the year.

Further information is available on ACARA's website https://nap.edu.au/home. 

^{Source: adapted from NAPLAN information for parents and carers brochure.}

Debra Bourne - Assitant Principal, Learning and Teaching

The course involved nine days at Holsworthy Barracks which involved 5.30am starts, rifle drills for 3 days straight and completing other complex assessments throughout the week. The course was as much a mental challenge as it was physical and Bronwyn has said 'it was really good preparation for the Army and I think it has made me a lot more mentally resilient and mature.'

Last week, our Year 11 and 12 Dance girls attended the event called Callback while our Year 12 drama girls went to Onstage. 

Watching Callback, the annual showcase where 2023 HSC students present their best dance performances, was a source of great inspiration for our current HSC dance students. Witnessing the dedication and skill of the performers provided valuable insights into the standards and expectations of HSC Dance assessments. Inspired by the talent on display, the St Pat’s HSC Dance students are motivated to strive for excellence in their own performances, aiming to reach Callbacks themselves next year. 

Attending Onstage, where HSC Drama students showcase their top performances and projects, was eye-opening for our HSC Drama students. They were drawn into the world of theatre, watching engaging performances and strong characters come to life on stage. Seeing their peers' dedication and talent gave them a better idea of what's expected by the HSC markers. Inspired by what they saw, our St Pat’s HSC drama students are excited to bring their own passion and skill to their performances. 

As the new school year unfolds, our CAPA co-curricular activities have resumed their lively cadence.

Last week, our Liturgy Band led the singing for our Ash Wednesday Mass, lifting the school community prayer to God.

Exciting news this year is the launch of Glee Club, happening every Friday lunchtime in J34. It's a place for students who enjoy performing to sing and dance together, adding a spark of fun to their Fridays. 

And let's not forget our existing clubs, always on the lookout for new members to share their talents. Rock Band meets on Mondays at lunch in the music rooms, the St Pat’s Ensemble rehearses on Tuesday mornings at 7:45, the College Choir gathers on Wednesday mornings at 7:45, Drama Club convenes on Wednesday lunchtime in the Drama room, and the Liturgy Band meets on Thursdays at lunch in the music rooms. Don't be shy! Join us for some enjoyable times ahead.

We look forward to sharing more information about our classroom learning and cocurricular groups with our wider community at our Open Day this Saturday. 

Have a wonderful week ahead!

CAPA Student Council

The main focus of our group is to make blankets and other warm items for the less fortunate in our local community. Over 70 students attend each Thursday lunchtime in H12 to knit squares to be sewn into blankets for those less fortunate. We have a band of ex staff members and friends of the College that come in to assist and teach the students.  Some students have also perfected their sewing skills and assemble the squares into blankets.  Each blanket has a ‘Handmade with love by St Patrick’s Knitting Group’ label sewn on to them to make the person receiving the item feel special and loved. Our blankets are distributed through the local branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Students will need a pair of size 8 (4mm) needles and 8ply yarn of their choice (polyester/acrylic or natural wool). They will cast on 50 stitches in garter stitch to create their first square.

Any members of our College community who would like to knit squares for us are most welcome - any donation of wool or needles are most appreciated. Please contact me for further information - fmusicorullo@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au. 

Fran Musico Rullo - Knitting Club Coordinator

Learn valuable skills, make new friends and represent the College at a number of community events. We meet every Monday in Room H13. This year we have an exciting line up of activities planned, including:

Be sure to see our display on Open Day in H13!

Fran Musico Rullo - History Club Coordinator

St Patrick's College has a long tradition of many successful students being selected for this scholarship, our College Captain, Gabrielle, being the most recent.

The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship gives NSW Year 10 and 11 History students the opportunity to travel on a study tour to develop their knowledge and understanding of the history of Australians at war. Accompanied by a military historian the tour includes visits to significant historical sites to learn about and commemorate the service of Australian men and women in the World Wars and other conflicts.

In 2024, the PAMS study tour will take place in the Terms 3 school holidays (30 September to 10 October 2024).

APPLY NOW

Applications close 3 March 2024 at 11.59pm.

For more information see https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/education/premiers-anzac-memorial-scholarship/

Any queries please see Mrs Musico Rullo

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher

Year 10 / 11 / 12 Basketball

Annalise E, Skyla S, Chloe C, Isabella K, Mia A, Valentina S, Hope M, Mahlia L, Phoebe H, Mia F, Jacqueline C, Siena B

Coach: Miss Young

Year 10 / 11 / 12 Oz Tag

Charlie C, Keesha D, Mirae Q, Charlie H, Scarlett N, Amelia C, Charlize  F, Ella D, Mia L, Abby D, Mariah A, Cora W

Coach: Mr Baca

Year 7 / 8 / 9 Indoor Cricket

Lucena O, Ivy M, Isabella F, Jasmin S, Matilda G, Emily J, Hannah J, Emma R, Alana S, Lily S, Eliza T, Ruby F, Alexis M, 

Coach: Ms Wallin

Year 7 / 8 / 9 Volleyball

Patressa A, Olivia L, Mahlia L, Fiona S, Benyapa N, Indianah P, Ana M, Amelia T, Stevie J, Emily C, Jasmin A, 

Coach: Ms Cornett

Scott Ashcroft - Sports & Activities Coordinator

On Thursday 8 February the College held its annual swimming carnival at the Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre. We were presented with a beautiful day and the energy and enthusiasm the students and staff brought to the venue was amazing.

Our College swimming carnival is a community focused event that provides the opportunity for every student to be involved and connected regardless of skill, experience and ability and is the reason why it is so well supported by students and staff alike.

While the carnival always has a very ‘social’ and ‘fun’ feel to it, the level of competition in the pool was extremely high and it never ceases to amaze me at the wealth of talent that is unveiled each year.

Our top performing students (Age Champions) on the day were,

12 Years – Jennifer Bartlett (Chisholm)

13 Years – Sophie Knox (Kenny)

14 Years – Chloe Poll (Lyons)

15 Years – Alexandra Nothdurfter (Chisholm)

16 Years – Olivia Knox (Kenny)

17+ Years – Caitlin Reynolds (Lyons)

Joint Overall Age Champion – Alexandra Nothdurfter (Chisholm) & Caitlin Reynolds (Lyons).

For the first time ever, we had joint Overall Age Champions as Alexandra and Caitlin could not be separated with both students maxing out on 180 individual points. To achieve 180 points, a competitor has to win every event they enter. An outstanding performance by both girls.

The 2024 Aquathon was once again hotly contested with Emma Reynolds of Year 9 going back-to-back and taking victory for the second consecutive year. Emma’s sister Caitlin was once again runner up and took 2^nd place with Isabelle Saliba of year 11 finishing in 3^rd place. Congratulations to all girls that took part in the event.

For the second year running Lyons house were crowned the Overall Champion House for 2024. While very dominant in the pool, they did not have it all their own way and were pushed all the way to the finishing line by a very strong Chisholm house. Kenny finished in 3^rd place and Gilmore in 4^th. 

A massive thank you to all staff, students and spectators for the energy and enthusiasm you brought to the day.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports & Activities Coordinator

The Premier's Reading Challenge for 2024 is about to begin. The challenge begins on Monday 26 of February and runs for 6 months, ending on Friday 23 August. Whether you are a seasoned Challenger or a first timer, please come to the library, grab a form and join The Challenge. There will be regular catch-ups and lots of support so join in the fun of the challenge.

Mrs Harradine explains more about the Premier's Reading Challenge - Premier's Reading Challenge welcome video

SPECIFIC: Make goals as detailed and specific as possible. Avoid vague goals like ‘I want to do better in Maths’, instead make them very detailed and specific. Exactly what do you want to achieve?

MEASUREABLE: A crucial aspect of goal-setting is having a way to measure your progress. Define clear indicators that signal achievement, enabling you to track your success along the way. This could involve setting specific targets, such as achieving a certain grade or completing a set number of tasks.

ACTION-ORIENTED: Your short-term goals should be the action steps you need to take to achieve the medium and longer-term goals. 

RELEVANT & REALISTIC: Goals change, so if your goal is no longer relevant, you need to change it too. Although your goals should stretch you beyond your comfort zone, they need to still be based in reality. Create challenging goals by all means, but not totally unrealistic ones.

TIME-BASED: Your goals need to have a ‘to complete by’ date to give you something to aim for. Assigning deadlines to your goals provides a sense of urgency and direction.

INTERESTING: Choose goals that genuinely interest you and align with your values. Pursuing objectives that are personally meaningful increases motivation and commitment. When you find your goals interesting and worthwhile, you're more likely to stay dedicated to achieving them.

EMOTIONAL: Express the emotion behind your goals using powerful language. This emotional connection enhances your commitment and helps you stay connected to the purpose of your objectives. When you can articulate the significance of your goals, they become more compelling and personally resonant.

SUCCESS ORIENTED: Frame your goals in a positive and success-focused manner. Instead of focusing on what you want to avoid or improve, emphasise the positive outcomes you aim to achieve. A positive mindset fosters resilience, optimism, and a greater likelihood of success.

By incorporating these SMARTIES guidelines into your goal-setting process, you increase the likelihood of turning your aspirations into tangible achievements throughout the school year. Remember that the journey of goal-setting is as valuable as the destination, fostering personal growth, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment.

As the Careers and Pathways Adviser for the College I am committed to working with you and your daughter as she transitions through the Senior School and beyond into the world.

In this role, I look after students in Years 10-12 who are considering and/or undertaking:
🔹 Subject selections and course changes
🔹 Research into further education and career pathways
🔹 Work experience opportunities
🔹 Job seeking, applications and interviews
🔹 External TAFE/VET/Distance Education courses
🔹 University and scholarship applications
Alongside working with the Senior School Academic Care team to promote and support student inquiry into post-school study and employment options, I am available to meet with students by appointment to discuss their aspirations and needs. These meetings may be held during break times, study periods or after school in ASAP.

Additional priority areas for each year group include:
Year 10
Timetabled Careers lessons once per fortnight, exploring opportunities for future study, work experience and/or employment 
Year 11
Careers and Pathways advice
Year 12
Post-school planning and applications for further study and/or employment.

Throughout the year, I will be communicating with you and your daughter via email and newsletter updates, so please keep an eye out for my bulletins. 

I will be in touch again soon, but in the meantime please feel free to email me directly on cmcgillicuddy@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au if you have any particular questions I can help you with as your daughter settles into the new academic year.

Claire McGillicuddy - Careers & Pathways Adviser

We look forward to sharing a wonderful evening with you all!

Calling on our community for support, if you are unable to attend the Gala Ball,  perhaps you can help by chossing an option below:

- Purchase Raffle Tickets HERE  

- Make a monetary donation, any contribution is greatly appreciated - Donate to Scholarship Fund HERE

- Donate a prize to our Silent Auction (Gift vouchers to Resturants, experiences or attractions are greatly appreciated). 

Contact: galaball@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au

Our partnering sponsors have set the foundations for 2024 - we greatly appreciate and thank;

Sponsoring Event Partner -Walker 

Silver Partners - Wakeling Automotive, Campbelltown Catholic Club, Catholic Cemeteries and Crematorium

Bronze Partners - TRN Group, Alleanza, Pan Spraybooths, Dario Consulting, Marsdens, CDF, Macarthur Engineering

Year 7 parents are invited to join from 5.15pm to meet their daughter's Homeroom teacher and learn more about the structures of College life.

All new parents are invited to a sit down dinner in the Mary Sheil Centre commencing at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start. You will have the opportunity to meet other parents, College staff and hear from the Parents and Friends Association. 

We hope to see you all there - please register via THE BOOKING LINK by Sunday 10 March 2024.

The show runs from 19-28 April 2024.

Show your support for the girls. Tickets can be ordered here.