MSPC Newsletter - Term 4 Week 2, 21st October 2022
Principal
School Improvement Journey
Last Friday 21st October we held a Staff Development Day to map our way forward. In conjunction with the Catholic Schools Office we are being intentional in improving Mount St Patrick College in all its aspects: our pedagogy, the method and practice of our teaching; the wellbeing of everyone in our community; our communications and much more. This will determine where we target our effort and resources for the greatest benefit of all our students.
The headlines about education in Australia are more often than not about doom and gloom and how we are failing. The poor national NAPLAN statistics in writing are an example of this. We should not dismiss poor results, rather learn from the data and adjust our goals and our practice. I am optimistic for Mount St Patrick College, because of the passion and dedication of all our staff. We have been looking at a variety of data; NAPLAN, HSC, Tell Them From Me surveys and the results from the National School Improvement Tool. We have received affirmations and challenges from the results of these varied tools. We seek to look for themes in the results that will set us on a course for improvement. It is fundamental that we believe all students can grow in their learning, and equally we understand that we have to be willing to make changes to achieve this goal.
Initiatives such as having four additional Leaders of Wellbeing to lead our eight houses are affirmed by the results which demonstrated a greater level of support for our students in this area. The Learning Collaborative methodology which is focused on knowing all students' progress and teaching intentionally to meet their needs is another that we feel will help us to address the needs of our students. Our students will have experienced teachers coming into classes and speaking to them about their learning. I encourage you to speak to the student/s in your home about this. We want to see that students look beyond what they are learning to why they are learning it and also that they understand what successful learning is and how they are progressing towards this goal.
It is challenging for all to be moving in our approach, and we have been conscious of taking a steady method towards change that is not jarring but allows time for staff and students to move forward successfully. As ever, I am grateful for your support and encourage you to be part of our journey of school improvement.
Be the Good and God Bless,
Paul Reidy
Principal
Assistant Principal - Mission
Year 12 Graduation Day 21st September
A great day and the weather was kind. We were privileged to be able to have Mass in the Church, a Luncheon in the Gilbey Basement and a celebratory assembly in the Gilbey Hall which had plenty of room for all College students, staff and families. Thanks to all those who made the day so special for Year 12 2022.
Year 12 HSC Exams 12th October – 4th November
As I write, Year 12 are nearly at the mid-point of their exam period. Outwardly, they have been calm and focused but I know that they are looking forward to savouring ‘freedom’ following their final exam. Thanks to the Year 12 teachers for their encouragement and to parents for their care and support of the students at this time.
Breakfast Club 28th October
This free student-driven initiative is continuing in Term 4 operating temporarily out of the College Canteen due to the HSC Exams occupying the Gilbey Hall. The students running the breakfast would be grateful for gold coin donations from regular patrons to go towards purchasing supplies for the following weeks.
Year 12 Formal 11th November
We are looking forward to this celebration of Year 12 2022 students’ end of secondary education. Tickets for Year 12s and their parents, and information about the evening are available by speaking with Mrs Lesa Swift (Phone:Attendance or in person) at the College Office.
The Gilbey Hall will open at 5pm and the formalities will begin at 6pm with the introduction of Year 12 2022. The students usually make their appearance in Queensland Road en route to the Gilbey laneway from 5.15pm, via an assortment of different vehicles.
The College P & F are running a cashless bar from 5 – 11.30pm and are in need of volunteers to either be cashiers (process eftpos transactions and provide order receipts/collect glasses) or bar staff (must be over 18yrs and have a current RSA). NB You can now do an online RSA without having to attend a course in person. The busy period will probably be from 5 – 8.30pm so some volunteers may not need to be present for the entire evening. If you are able to assist please contact the P & F Secretary, Ms Mary-Ann Thackray at mthackray@lism.catholic.org.au
Mary-Anne McShane
Assistant Principal: Mission
MINISTRY
Welcome back to Term 4. Hoping you all had a restful and relaxing holiday.
There are still some wonderful events to come this term for our students to finish off a great year. Thank you to all those students who participated in events last term. Special mention to the 19 students who went to the Ignite Conference in Brisbane at the end of term 3. The students, Miss Grace Molloy, Mrs Cathy Cripps and Mr Tom Gresham, as well as our YMO Mikayala Greenhalgh had a fantastic time.
GRAD MASS
A big thank you also to all the parents and friends, staff and students who attended the Year 12 Grad Mass last term. We were a day earlier than expected, but all the students thoroughly enjoyed the day and the mass itself was wonderful. We were so blessed to have this wonderful part of our College tradition back up and happening. Thank you to all our musicians, readers and singers, as well as Mrs Vanessa Bowe, Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal, Dianne Marshall, Chris Eaton and Milly Keogh. Thank you also to the parish staff and Fr. Peter Wood for their continual support.
HSC PRAYER SPONSORS
Please keep our Year 12 students in your prayers as they continue to complete their HSC exams. Thank you to all the parishioners and teachers who have taken a student prayer card to pray for them during this time. This is a wonderful tradition here at MSPC.
If you would like to say a prayer for a student you know, here is the prayer:
Today I pray for…………..from Mt St Patrick College. During their HSC Exams, give them the strength to complete them to the best of their ability. Help them remain calm and to think and write clearly so that they remember the things they have learnt and studied. Give them the opportunity to show what they know, and to have the acceptance of their efforts after the exam. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
FESTA CHRISTI
Congratulations to the Year 8 students who have been accepted to attend the Festa Christi Gathering this year at Bornhoffen. This event will take place on Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th November 2022. Students will be leaving MSPC at approximately 10:45am on Thursday and will return to school in time for afternoon buses. More information will be emailed to those students attending. Parents are asked to complete the Compass Event consent form by next week.
IGNITE
The Ignite Conference was an eye-opening three day long experience at St Lawrence’s College, filled with great music, new friendships and possibilities of new faith connections. Some key highlights overall were ‘Kim’s Couch’, spending time with Mikayla, night rallies and Fr. Rob Galea singing Olivia Rodrigo. We had break out sessions like Ignite high dance and brave and beautiful, key note addresses as a whole year level, which were filled with icebreakers and conversations about faith.
- Saskia Gray, Year 10
The Ignite Conference 2022 was an eye-opening experience for me as a Year 7 student. The conference was super inspirational and motivating to grow my faith. My favourite part was the night rally which is live worship music, that we got to enjoy as a community of young people all with similar values and ideas, which created the most amazing atmosphere.
- Elsie Wilkinson, Year 7
Grace Molloy
Leader of Evangelisation
Welfare
NEW HOUSES
On Monday 10th October we reshuffled all students into new House groups to include our existing four houses and our additional four new houses. This is a process that our school has been planning for two years. The day generated a good amount of interest and excitement.
A key purpose of this initiative is to have each Leader of Wellbeing responsible for only 100 students. This will hopefully see improved connections with the leader, other students and our school in general. Research shows that if this can occur, positive holistic educational outcomes are improved.
During this term we will have our inaugural, Long House Picnic Lunch, which will coincide with The Great Shave, in support of cancer research and some other activities. House and homeroom members (staff and students), will meet together - this will include the new Leader of Wellbeing, House Leaders and Homeroom teachers.
Four new House crests are currently being manufactured and we are eagerly waiting to have them join the other four crests in the Gilbey Centre. Besides the crest, each new house has a Patron who has an inspiring story, based on values and symbols which will inspire our students. This is a new and exciting improvement to our vertical House structure and it builds on the strong spirit and tradition of our first four Houses.
Wellbeing focus this week is Relationships and Empathy and the Character Strength is Leadership
Louise Shields
Leader of Welfare
Curriculum
It has been a busy start to Term 4. Year 12 and our Year 11 Accelerated students have almost completed their second week of HSC examinations. We have been so impressed by their calm and focused manner, a trait that will serve them well.
Week 2 has seen the rest of the College settle back into their learning schedules. Students were notified of their upcoming assessment blocks as follows:
Term 4 Assessment Blocks:
- Year 7 assessment block is scheduled for Week 5, commencing 07/11/22 to 11/11/22.
- Year 8 assessment block is scheduled for Week 6, commencing 14/11/22 to 18/11/22.
- Year 9 assessment block is scheduled for Week 6, commencing 14/11/22 to 18/11/22.
- Year 10 assessment block is scheduled for Week 5, commencing 07/11/22 to 11/11/22.
- Year 11 (HSC) and Accelerated Year 10 assessment block is scheduled starting Week 8, commencing on 01/12/22 to 09/12/22.
Assessment Policy: A copy of the Assessment Policy can be found on the Assessment Portal. If students require a variation to assessment, they should complete the online Assessment Variation Application Form for each subject. * Please note that students have been informed that a family social event or holiday would not be considered a valid reason for an extension or exemption.
Students can access all information regarding their assessments via the Assessment Portal which is found on the MSPC Moodle Site. Students can access the site using their school email and log in: https://moodle.mursclism.catholic.edu.au/
For Years 10 - 12: If students are absent on the day of the assessment, a Medical Practitioner must complete the Mount St Patrick Assessment Variation Illness Application. This can be accessed on the student’s year page of the Assessment Portal. A zero will be awarded if the completed document is not provided. NOTE: A signed statutory declaration will not be accepted.
Years 11 and 12 should refer to their Senior Handbooks for the MSPC Assessment Policy relating to Stage 6. Years 11 and 12 should be conversant with the NESA HSC Rules and Procedures Guide. All students entered in an HSC course must read the HSC Rules and Procedures Guide. The weblink can be found on the year page of the Assessment Portal.
Students are encouraged to be proactive with their learning and assessment preparation. This is important for building confidence and assessment readiness. Students will be provided with study guides and revision materials by their teachers. If students are unsure of expectations, they should seek advice from their teachers. There are many helpful online resources that can also assist parents to help their child to be organised, confident and assessment ready. Implementing a balanced home study routine can play an important part in this process.
Below is the schedule for assessment tasks for Weeks 3 and 4:
Jo McDonald
Leader of Curriculum
Faculty News
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
DIOCESAN VOLLEYBALL REPORT
Senior Boys Volleyball, Coffs Harbour 14/10
These gentlemen showed great behaviour and team spirit which helped them learn a lot throughout the day. With some more training runs it could have been a different story! Special mention to “Soft hands” Shackell and “Golden Mitts” Mumford for their setting skills. The final score was two wins and two losses.
Chris Eaton, Coach
Senior Girls Volleyball, Coffs Harbour 14/10
The MSPC Senior girls played an amazing first match against St Paul's College Kempsey. The volleyball was high quality and action packed with an amazing save being displayed by Indie Pan and beautiful setting from Sarah Bowers who set up a number of hits for Elizabeth Warne and Isobel Gresham. The final score was 25/24. The rest of the day was filled with a splendid performance from the girls who showed great sportsmanship on the court.
Simone Kendrick, Coach
Junior Boys Volleyball, Coffs Harbour 14/10
With limited opportunities to train, the Junior boys made the long trip to Coffs Harbour to represent the College in the Diocesan Volleyball Championships. MSPC were placed in one of two pools consisting of a total of 10 teams. The boys began slowly losing to McAuley Catholic College Grafton 32-21. However, they were quick to find their rhythm with wins over Xavier Catholic College, St Joseph's Regional College and St John Paul College. Their 3 wins out of 4 games qualified the boys for a semi-final showdown with St Mary’s Casino. Unfortunately the skills and natural athleticism of MSPC was no match for the well drilled Casino team, losing 33-17. The boys are to be commended for their sportsmanship and they were outstanding representatives of our school. A special thanks to Mr Eaton for his coaching expertise on the day.
Rick Van Den Driest, Assistant Coach
Junior Girls Volleyball, Coffs Harbour 14/10
The Junior Girls performed well in the Volleyball Gala held in Coffs Harbour last Friday. The girls demonstrated true grit with a 2 point win (22-20) in their opening game. They fought hard for the remaining 3 games but were unsuccessful in obtaining another win. The girls showed excellent sportsmanship and perseverance throughout the whole tournament. Well done!
Emma McHugh, Coach
DIOCESAN WATER POLO - ALSTONVILLE
Teams have been finalised and compass events will be sent out early next week to our athletes who’ve indicated their interest in competing in Weeks 5 and 6.
DIOCESAN GOLF
We have had 2 students nominate to take part in the Diocesan Golf Championships to be held at Coffs Harbour Golf Club on 22nd November. We wish these boys the best of luck in their event.
TERM 4 INTEGRATED SPORT
Students in Years 9 – 11 have started recreational sports this term. They are visiting Ten Pin Bowling, Skating and Lawn Bowling venues as well as taking part in learn to surf sessions.
Tim Whitney
Sports Coordinator
VISUAL ARTS NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS ELSIE
The Wollumbin Youth Art Award (WYAA) is a biennial award for young artists aged 5 to 18 years. Held in conjunction with the Wollumbin Art Award, the WYAA is open to young people living in the Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Kyogle, Scenic Rim Shires as well as Lismore and Gold Coast City. This year, three students from the College were selected as finalists (from a pool of 198 entries). Congratulations to Elsie Biles of Year 11 and Year 10 students Filippos Mackney and Naomi Jeffrey on their selection. In addition, we were delighted to receive the news during the holidays that Elsie’s acrylic, watercolour and pencil submission titled ‘The Bird Bonnet’ was judged the winner of the 16-18 years category and Naomi’s graphite on paper submission titled ‘Rare Royalty’ was awarded a Highly Commended. All three student’s work is currently on exhibition at the Tweed River Regional Gallery.
A Senior Enrichment Day for Visual Arts was held at the Tweed River Art Gallery this semester. The day is organised for senior students from local high schools, who are deserving and talented and who would benefit from expanding their knowledge and skills in Visual Arts. This year, in conjunction with the exhibition ‘Animal as Object’, Year 10 student Naomi Jeffrey met and worked with artist Deb Mostert. Deb’s work is based on years of observation and research within the bird and mammal collections at the Queensland Museum and her exhibition ‘Animal as Object’ seeks to explore the paradoxical ‘objectness’ of animals in nature through taxidermy and in culture. During the enrichment day, Naomi learnt drawing and observation techniques, as well as key elements of the journaling process integral to art practice.
Clara Cahill
Leader of Learning: Creative Arts
Finalist, Filippos Mackney - A Still Life of Personal Objects
Highly Commended, Naomi Jeffrey - Rare Royality
Winner 16-18 Years, Elise Biles - The Bird Bonnet
Student Enrichment day - Tweed Regional Gallery
INDIGENOUS CORNER
On Tuesday 18th October, the Indigenous students had their last mentoring session with Uncle Jimmy. During lessons 1 & 2 students from Years 7 - 10 participated in painting their totems with guidance from Uncle Jimmy. Over the eight sessions students developed their knowledge about culture, social skills, establishing goals, recognising barriers as well as how to manage bullying.
Madi Van Rosi
College News
Awards
Lisieux Co-ordinator’s Awards
Year 7: Phoenix Alderuccio
Year 8: George Fisher, Jack Bourke, Leonard Egan
Loreto Co-ordinator’s Awards
Year 7: Stephan Pelikan, Zayd Alexander
Year 8: Zane Booth, Minnow Glynn, Sachin Smith
Lucan Co-ordinator’s Awards
Year 8: Olivia Northeast, Annabelle O’Grady, Zoe Gray, Eboni Rawson
Nagle Co-ordinator’s Awards
Year 8: Renten Sasse
Nagle Principal's Awards
Year 8: Renten Sasse
Community News
