MSPC Newsletter - Term 2, Week 6, 6th June 2024.
Principal
At the last assembly, we were wonderfully led by the students of Loreto House. They reflected beautifully on the significant role the place Loreto played in the life of Mary the Mother of Jesus.
We also had representation from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who led us in a reflection on Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. They spoke about the injustice’s our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have faced and about the instrumental role Eddie Mabo played in obtaining land rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In my address, I discussed the inspirational figure, Eddie Mabo, and his importance for all of us in how he refused to accept the status quo, fought against the many inequities and injustices facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This work culminated in the landmark High Court ruling overturning the centuries old terra nullius statement that was part of our Constitution, and which meant essentially, Australia did not belong to anyone at the time of Captain Cook's arrival in 1770. I also spoke to our students about how Mabo’s actions can speak to us today, we can choose not to accept the status quo of issues that face us in our own lives, whether that be at school, home or wider society and we shouldn't accept things that we see as being unjust, unfair or wrong.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who responded to the staff, students and families “Tell Them From Me Survey”. The results are in and we are starting to process them and will feed back to you the results in the coming weeks. Thank you again for your time in contributing and helping make our school a better school.
Finally, just a reminder that our Creative and Performing Arts - CAPA Presentation is on Wednesday 12 June, we'd love you all to be there as a great celebration of the many talents of our students. Thank you and have a great Week 7.
Gavin Dykes
Principal
Assistant Principal - Mission
Tell Them From Me Survey
The aggregated data, including lots of statistics and graphs is now available to the College. Mr Dykes will soon be presenting some of the trends to students, staff and parents.
Term 2 Staff Development Day Friday 5th July
The last day of Term 2, Friday 5th July, is a Staff Spirituality Day. College students do not need to be in attendance on this day.
Year 8 Adventure Camp 5 - 7th June
By the time you read this, Year 8 students (and 14 staff including myself) will have returned from their outdoor adventure challenge. Hopefully we will all return fit and healthy and energized by completing activities outside of our comfort zone. I am hoping that the Blues win the State of Origin on Wednesday night and that it is not too cold in Queensland’s Redland Bay area!
CAPA Showcase Wednesday 12th June, Gilbey Hall
Put this date into your diary now! Everyone is invited to a feast of our students’ creative and performing arts endeavours this year, which has free entry. The doors of the Gilbey Hall will open from 5.15pm for Café Signo to provide refreshments. There will be pre-concert acoustic entertainment as you view all the wonderful artworks on display. The concert will begin at 6pm and will feature Music and Drama performances, with all technical aspects being controlled by the Year 11 VET Entertainment Industry class. See you there!
Parish/House Mass and Morning Tea 9am Sunday 16th June, Sacred Heart
Loreto and Doyle Houses invite all members of the College community to share Mass and Morning Tea from 9am on Sunday 16th June. Wear blue or pink (the colours of Loreto and Doyle).
Mary-Anne McShane
Assistant Principal: Mission
MINISTRY
Festa Christi Girls Retreat (Year 8)
Retreat dates: Thursday 8th - Friday 9th August
Thank you to all the Year 8 girls who applied to attend this retreat. There were so many great applications, but we were only able to take six students. Those who are attending have been notified. Please keep an eye on COMPASS for the event to appear. Consent needs to be received by Friday 14th June.
Festa Christi Boys Retreat (Year 8)
Retreat dates: Tuesday 6th - Wednesday 7th August
There are still places available if boys are interested in attending this retreat. Please see Tom or Miss Molloy. Festa Christi is an adventure camp style retreat.
Save the date! Doyle and Loreto House Mass 16th June
Loreto and Doyle House will celebrate mass on Sunday 16th June, beginning at 9am and provide morning tea after mass. Please save the date if you are in these houses. As always, all are welcome. It is such a wonderful opportunity to come together as a school and parish community.
Adoration Opportunity
On Thursday 13th June, the Sacred Heart Parish will be welcoming the Wildfire Worship Team to our church to lead prayer and provide music for Adoration. Any students wishing to attend are most welcome. Please be aware this is commencing at 5:30pm which is out of school hours. A BBQ will follow the prayer time.
SHINE Conference Year 9 and 10 Youth Ministry Classes
The annual SHINE Conference is on again this year for our Year 9 and 10 ministry students. This is a wonderful two day event of music, games, workshops and faith formation.
Just a reminder to parents and carers of Year 9 and 10 Youth Ministry students, that the Compass event will soon be live and to please consent and pay asap! Students will receive more information soon!
Prayer and Church opportunities for students and staff
On Tuesdays, our College Youth Minister, Tom, has started running a Rosary group in the church from 11am (during recess). This has been a wonderful opportunity for students to come and spend some quiet time in the church to either pray the rosary with Tom and Miss Molloy or just to sit in the space. All welcome to attend.
Just a reminder as well that there is mass each Thursday at 8:15am which is open to students, parents and staff.
Grace Molloy
Leader of Evangelisation
Welfare
Last newsletter we shared an item about consent for sharing photos and videos online. This was the first in a series of Newsletter items which will address Online Safety. This is an important topic facing our young people today. This week’s topic is on the pressures our children face from social media.
Please read the information below and openly speak with your children so we can keep them informed and aware. If any issues arise that you would like support with, please contact me at the College.
Online Safety Essential Conversations: Pressures from Social Media
While social media offers a convenient way to stay connected with friends, it can also foster feelings of comparison and the need for constant connection. Curating online personas, whether it's through filtered selfies, staged 'candid' photos, or embellished descriptions of experiences is widespread and can cause young people to fall into the trap of believing that the posts they see reflect reality, when in fact, they often present an idealised version of life akin to a movie set.
The widespread use of filters and editing tools on social media platforms can also distort perceptions of beauty and contribute to unrealistic beauty standards. Teens may feel pressure to use these tools to alter their appearance in photos.
Understanding and recognising the link between body image and social media among young people is crucial for parents in supporting their young person’s wellbeing in the digital age. Negative comments or messages about appearance on social media can have a significant impact on teens' self-esteem and body image.
On the flip side, social media also provides a platform for body-positive movements and diverse representations of beauty. Young people who follow accounts promoting body acceptance and self-love may experience positive effects on their body image.
Foster a supportive and open relationship with your young person where they feel comfortable discussing their experiences on social media. Encourage them to share any concerns or challenges they may be facing.
Conversations with your young person regarding social media pressures could include:
- Teaching your teen about the potential pitfalls of social media, such as unrealistic beauty standards and the impact of constant comparison. Help them develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the content they encounter online.
- Model healthy social media behaviour by being mindful of your own usage and interactions Avoid engaging in negative or judgmental comments about appearance and demonstrate positive self-image.
- Encourage your teen to cultivate a strong sense of self-worth and self-esteem that isn't reliant on external validation from social media. Focus on their strengths and achievements outside of their online presence.
If you are concerned about your young person’s sense of self-image, talk to NSW Parentline for free counselling and a referral service.
Read more at eSafety Pressures from social media
If you have any concerns about your young person please contact the school. It is important for the school to know any wellbeing issues that may impact on learning and behaviour at school.
Louise Shields
Leader of Pastoral Care
Curriculum
Year 10 into Year 11 Information Night - 6.30pm Thursday 13th June 2024: An important meeting will be held in the Gilbey Centre at 6.30pm on Thursday 13th June 2024 for all parents of Year 10 students intending to enrol in Year 11 at Mount St Patrick College in 2025. At this meeting various presenters will discuss issues pertinent to studying in the senior school at the College. Requirements for obtaining an HSC and the process of selecting subjects to be studied in Year 11 and 12 will be outlined. Our Careers Co-ordinators, Mrs Keeley Flood and Mrs Amy Simpson will also be present to provide a timeline of events leading up to students selecting subjects and discuss the various careers pathways available at the College. If you have any questions regarding any aspect of the senior years in general, or at Mount St Patrick College in particular, a question time will be provided at the end of the meeting to enable you to ask questions of any of the speakers. It is important that parents are well informed about study in the Senior School so that a successful partnership is forged between the school and parents for the benefit of your child’s education. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting,
Years 8, 9 and 10 are commended on their focused efforts in completing their assessments. Students are now encouraged to be proactive with responding to feedback on their learning and if they are unsure of the marker’s comments, seek clarification and discuss this with their teacher.
Year 12 students and Year 11 Accelerated students have been advised that the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has published the 2024 HSC Timetable and this is available on their website, along with information for practical and performance subjects and language oral examinations. Students can find important information and web links on the year page of the MSPC Assessment Portal.
PLEASE NOTE: The following is an assessment overview for Weeks 7 and 8 of Term 2. Students should check their assessment calendar on the portal for accuracy and to ensure that changes have not been made since publishing this guide.
Upcoming assessment blocks are as follows:
The Assessment Policy is detailed on the front page of the Assessment Portal which can be accessed on the MSPC Moodle Page. Information Handbooks are on the Portal.
Illness / Absence - Assessments: Years 7, 8 and 9
If a student is sick and unable to complete an assessment on the due date, Years 7, 8 and 9 (see below for 9 Accelerated) require a letter from a parent / carer or email to the class teacher, detailing the student’s circumstances for non-completion of an assessment task.
Illness - Assessments: Years 9 Accelerated and 10, 11 and 12
For Years 9 Accelerated, 10, 11 and 12 a medical practitioner is required to complete the MSPC Assessment Variation Illness Form. A copy of this document can be found on the student’s year page of the Assessment Portal.
Jo McDonald
Leader of Curriculum
Faculty News
VISUAL ARTS
Regional Arts Exchange Program – Forest Fantasia
Congratulations to Year 10 students Amelia Andrews, Eva Barlow, Keesia Close, Ciara Dwyer, Lucy Grant, Danielle Kee, Maddison White, Poppy Williams and their teacher, Louise Devine, on their contribution and involvement in the Regional Arts Exchange Program. A joint initiative by Sydney Catholic Schools and Catholic schools from regional NSW, the installation was a collaborative effort by schools from across Sydney and regional NSW. Using recycled materials, students created artworks around the theme ‘Forest Fantasia’. Their work was sent to Sydney and assembled and installed in the foyer of World Square at George Street, Sydney, with the works of six other Catholic schools.
I was fortunate enough to attend the unveiling of the installation in Sydney with visual arts teachers from McAuley College, Grafton, Xavier College, Ballina, MacKillop Catholic College, Port Macquarie and the Sydney Catholic schools. Well done Mount St Patrick College and all the northern rivers Catholic schools.
Clara Cahill
Leader of Learning: Visual Arts/Photography
ECONOMICS
Recently Amelia Keyes attended The UBS HSC Economics lectures held at the Wesley Centre, Pitt St, Sydney. These annual lectures are delivered by experts in the field of Fiscal and Monetary Policy, and they give the students valuable insights into how economic policy is influenced by current events. As an indication. the Consumer Price Index figures that came out on the day will probably have ruled out an interest rate cut in the near future!
There was also a very useful workshop on HSC preparation techniques that will give Amelia strategies as she prepares for the forthcoming exams.
Chris Core
Online Economics Teacher
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
COCHRANE CUP RUGBY LEAGUE
Our U14 Boys Rugby League team travelled to St John's College, Woodlawn, on Wednesday 22nd May to compete in the first round of the Cochrane Cup.
Their first game was against Xavier College, Ballina, who started strong, scoring early. Momentum soon swung our way and the team piled on a total of 6 tries, winning 28-6. Isaac Buchanan scored a hat trick of tries with a couple of long range efforts. Sachin Bandini-Dawson and Lincoln Barlow were also standouts on the edges, making multiple line breaks and holding solid in defence.
Our second game was against the home side, Woodlawn. They started the game with more energy and we were playing catch ups from very early on. Our 14’s dug deep in the second half holding the homeside at bay with a relentless defensive effort from our captain Liam Monaghan. However, Woodlawn’s explosive start proved to be the difference in the end. Special mention to our two hookers, Isaac Arnold and Lucas Bliss, who embodied the Patties spirit, tackling all day and leading from the middle.
Michael Forrester and Sam Priddis - Coaches
JAMIE CHAPMAN CUP
The Under 14 girls had a great day at the Jamie Chapman Cup.
The girls had two wins against Maclean which led them into the Grand Final against St Joseph’s, with a huge win
4-1.
We had some top play makers on the day, Milah Irby and Sophia Levings.
Our top try scorers were Reign Walle with seven and Piper Boddie with four!
All girls played extremely well and ended the day off with a photo with Jamie and a signed footy!
The U16 Girls Rugby League team made the trip to Ballina on Friday 24th May to compete against Murwillumbah High School and St Joseph's College, Banora Point. Ten girls were fit for competition with two succumbing to injuries during the week leading into the event. As there were only three teams in the U16 division, each team had to play each other twice.
The MSPC squad was stacked with talent and won all games they played. They beat Murwillumbah High School 4-1 and 3-1 in their matches and St Joseph’s 4-3 and 3-2. It was a fantastic result for the girls given the numerous disruptions leading into the event and the injuries that they encountered on the day. All members of the squad should be proud of their efforts and were fantastic representatives of the college. Notable mentioned go to Kate Pryke for her leadership on the field and Tanesa Browning as the teams leading try scorer.
The Open Girls only had one other team in their competition, St Joseph’s College Banora. With only the bare minimum, 9 players, it was going to be tough against a team with multiple reserves. The girls started their first game well, with every player contributing. A strong St Joseph's team crossed the line for two tries to win the match 2-0. The team was ably steered around the park by Imogen Andrews who tirelessly led in both attack and defence. Ruby Randazzo and Phoebe Piticco were staunch defenders and played a huge part in ensuring the score remained close.
With some injuries sustained in the first and second games, Kate Pryke, Matilda Mitchell and Tanesa Browning all stepped up and helped out the Opens team. Bree Puntigam made a number of significant runs, giving the girls numerous opportunities to cross the try line. These runs were often made on the back of solid charges by Molly Dean and Maia McGrath in the middle of the field. It was Tanesa who was able to cross for a fantastic solo try in the second half, off the back of some solid lead up play by Phoebe.
Coaches: Opens - Dan Anderson, Under 16 - Sam Priddis and U14’s - Kharis Birney
COUNTRY CUP RUGBY LEAGUE
Under 13 Boys
On Thursday 30th May, an eager squad of 20 boys went to South Tweed to contest the Under 13 Country Cup carnival. In their first match, they faced off against a strong team from Tweed River High who had a large pack of forwards. It did not deter the team from MSPC as they got up in the face of their opposition and met them with strong defence led by Hubert Jackson and Cory Hockley. They defeated Tweed River 14-6 before taking on Xavier Catholic College in their second match of the day. Xavier scored early off the back of a number of handling errors made by MSPC. Throughout the entire first half, the team continued to put themselves under pressure with dropped balls, inviting the Xavier team to attack our try line.
Eventually, the MSPC composed themselves and on the back of some strong running by Wyatt Greenhill, the boys were able to come home over the top of Xavier and secure their second victory of the day, 10-4. The MSPC team will now progress to the next stage of the competition which will take place in Ballina on Tuesday 18th June.
Tries on the day were scored by: Hubert, Wyatt, Lucas Singh and Darby Piticco.
Under 15 Boys
The under 15 boys started their day strong with a 22-0 win over St Joseph’s College. The boys got in an arm wrestle early, but eventually wore the opposition down with tries going to Liam Monaghan, Zane Godbee, Ali Ryan and Hayden Charman.
Our 2nd game was against a fired up Kingscliff High team. Knowing that a win would get them through to the next round, our boys lifted scoring 2 early tries off the back of some strong runs down the left edge from Sunny Waters and Zane Godbee. Kingscliff stayed in the game and hit back in the back end of the first half. Our boys kept their heads and eventually sealed the game with a strong running effort by Reuben Levings, taking the final score to
16-6.
Opens
The MSPC Opens Rugby League team came together for a fantastic day of Rugby League. The team was made up of players of varied experience who showcased a vast array of talent. They played well together and represented the college in fantastic fashion.
Led by Ewan Bourne the team began their day with a 6-6 draw against Kingscliff High School. Some solid defence by Hunter East and strong carries by Kai Mumford got the team back in the game after going down by 6 early on. A great team play was finished off by Riley Monaghan to even the score 6-6 just before the final siren.
The second and final match was against St Joseph’s Banora. Although the boys played well they eventually went down 8-0. Angus Lindsay, Archie Fairburn-Gray and Ned Rogers all had strong games.
Congratulations to all players involved in what was MSPC’s first senior Rugby League team in many years.
Coaches: U13 – Sam Priddis, U15 – Michael Forrester and Opens – Dan Anderson
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Our annual Athletics Carnival will once again be held at Walter Peate Oval in Kingscliff on Friday 26th July which is the end of Week 1 in Term 3.
For students who live in the towns East of the M1 it may be easier for parents to drop students to the Oval on their way to work than kids catching a bus to school to catch a bus back to the oval and reverse in the afternoon. I would ask parents to start giving it some thought. I will be sending a survey out to parents to get clear numbers on this to be able to book enough buses to transport the students across to the Oval who will be travelling to school.
Staff will be at the venue and will be supervising from 7am on the morning of the carnival.
Q SCHOOLS CUP AUSSIE RULES
Open Boys
MSPC Senior Boys represented the College in tremendous spirit, displaying great skill and teamwork to win the Q Schools AFL Cup in Byron Bay on Monday 3rd June. They secured convincing wins against Lindisfarne, Maclean High School and Ballina Coast. They then clinched the Grand Final victory against Kingscliff High School, advancing to the next level at Southport next Friday. Standout players of the day were Tex Mikkelsen, Harrison Bugg, Theo Parsons, Angus Lindsay, Jai Brennan, and Will Malloy. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey and good-luck in Southport boys!
Open Girls
The Senior Girls' team from MSPC showcased their talent and sportsmanship at the Q Schools AFL Cup in Byron Bay. Despite facing tough competition, they represented the college with great spirit and determination.
With two impressive wins under their belt and only one loss through out the day, the team secured a spot in the Grand Final based on their impressive percentage. Though the final match against Lindisfarne was fiercely contested, MSPC narrowly missed out on the title, ending the tournament as worthy runners-up.
Coaches - Jake Hetherington and Emma McHugh
MISSING UNIFORMS:
Parents can you please search cupboards for uniforms that look like the following jerseys. We are missing the numbers below each set and we need them for upcoming games. If you find them can you please call the office or send them in to school please.
Missing: #2 Open Rugby League
Missing: #12 & 17 U15 Rugby League
Missing: #4, 11, 12, & 14 U13 Rugby league
UPCOMING EVENTS
Week 8, June 19th, Diocesan Junior Football, Coffs Harbour
Week 10, July 7th, NRCC Netball (Boys and Girls), Grafton
Tim Whitney
Sports Coordinator
College News
Breakfast Club
Last Friday 31st May, a proactive group of students helped to relaunch the 'Breakfast Club' initiative. Breakfast Club was started at the College by one of our former students, Ella Larkin, who decided that she wanted to serve others in a meaningful way. She wanted to make sure that everyone had the chance to start the day with food in their stomachs so that they could concentrate in class.
Programs like these are quite popular in schools now and it has been shown that they can:
- enhance student engagement
- improve your sense of belonging/connectedness with a school
- positively impact student academic performance
We are looking to make ‘Breakfast Club’ a space for boys to make a meaningful, positive contribution to College life. For the special relaunch, the students cooked and served pancakes.
I would like to say a big thank you to all of the students involved and also to the teachers and support staff who work behind the scenes to ensure these initiatives run smoothly. I look forward to seeing more students there this Friday 7th June.
