MSPC Newsletter - Term 4, Week 2, 24th October

Principal

Assistant Principal - Mission

INVITATION TO A SPECIAL MASS THIS SUNDAY (26^th October)
College students, parents and staff are invited to join Sacred Heart parishioners at

9am this Sunday 16^th October. Mass, and a delicious morning, will be hosted by Assisi and Lucan Houses. So get out your aqua and/or green outfits and come along!

TERM 4 STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS
Next Monday 27^th October
College students are not required to be in attendance. The Front Office will be closed. HSC Exams will continue in the Gilbey Hall. The staff focus for the day will be ‘unpacking’ the results of the recent NSIT and Mission Reviews.

Friday 7^th November
College students are not required to be in attendance. The final HSC Exam (Physics) will take place in the Gilbey Hall. The focus of the day will be on program-writing for new curriculum mandated by NESA.

PARENTS OF SENIOR STUDENTS
The CSO wants you, and your student/s, to be aware of available study pathways in the Diocese and in partnership with universities with regional campuses such as SCU, CSU and ACU. More information below.

A new way of preparing teachers comes to our schools

From 2026, our Catholic Schools in Tweed Heads, Pottsville
and Coffs Harbour will be part of an exciting new program with Southern Cross University that reimagines how teachers are trained.

The Reimagining Teacher Education (RiTE) initiative will see Master of Teaching students learning in classrooms from the very first week of their studies. Instead of waiting until the end of their degree to gain experience, these Associate Teachers will spend two days a week in schools throughout their training.

What this means for our Catholic schools:

• Extra support in classrooms for teachers and students.
• Fresh energy and ideas from aspiring teachers.
• Strong mentoring links between experienced staff and the next generation of educators.

Adam Spencer, Director of Catholic Schools, says our schools are looking forward to welcoming these student teachers. “Our students and staff will benefit from the added support and new perspectives, while these future teachers gain valuable experience in a real school community.”

Thinking of becoming a teacher?
If you’ve ever thought about teaching, this could be the time. Enrolments in the Southern Cross University Master of Teaching opens on 11 November 2025 with classes commencing early March 2026. With the RiTE program, you’ll not only study but also gain practical experience in our Catholic schools from the start.

Find out more at: SCU Master of Teaching

FREE FURNITURE STILL AVAILABLE: Good quality tables, hutches, filing cabinets and chairs. Available from the College/Church Car Park at your convenience (and transport). We don’t want them to be sent to landfill!

2026 STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM      
Congratulations to the following Year 11 students who were recently inducted as ‘badged’ leaders at a special mass last Thursday 16^th June.  However, as I said to Year 11 on the day, all of them (badged and unbadged) now become the leaders of the College and are called to step up to be positive role models of a true MSPC student for those following.

As promised 2025 GRADUATION DAY PHOTOS

    Mary-Anne McShane
    Assistant Principal: Mission

MINISTRY

A Warm Welcome Back to Term 4!
Welcome back to what promises to be an incredibly vibrant and fulfilling Term 4! We hope you all had a restful break and are feeling refreshed and ready for an exciting few weeks ahead. As we embark on this final term of the year, our College's commitment to mission and service continues to shine brightly, with many wonderful opportunities for our students to grow in faith, leadership, and community spirit.

2026 Leaders Induction Mass: A Celebration of Service and Leadership
Last Thursday 16^th October marked a truly special occasion as we gathered to commission our new College Captain and House Captains for 2026 in a beautiful and inspiring Induction Mass. The ceremony was a profound moment, affirming the call to service and leadership within our community. It was wonderful to witness our newly inducted leaders embrace their roles with such grace and commitment, promising a bright future for our student body.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our newly inducted leaders for their active participation and to the incredibly talented Band and Choir, led by Mrs Bowe, Mrs Rennes-Nadal, Mr Rice and Mr Aitchison, whose musical contributions elevated the celebration. We also extend our gratitude to our newly appointed Ministers of Holy Communion and our dedicated Altar Servers, as well as everyone who contributed to the preparation of the Mass, especially Mrs Finkel and our College Youth Minister, Thomas. A special thank you to all our guests for attending on the day and sharing in this significant event and to Mrs Wilcox for the beautiful morning tea that followed. Thank you to Fr Peter Wood for Celebrating Mass with us.

Year 12 Formal: A Night to Remember
The much-anticipated Year 12 Formal is fast approaching! To ensure all arrangements are in place, the COMPASS event for Year 12 parents and Year 12 students is now live. Please ensure this is completed by Wednesday 29^th October. The Year 12 Formal will be held on Friday 14^th November commencing promptly at 6:00 pm in the Gilbey Multipurpose Centre. We look forward to a memorable evening celebrating our graduating class.

Parish Christmas Carnival and Tableau: A Community Celebration
Get ready for some festive cheer! The annual Parish Christmas Carnival will be held on Saturday 29^th November (Week 7). This wonderful event sees our three schools come together with Sacred Heart Parish in a beautiful display of community spirit and collaboration. Our students will once again have the special opportunity to participate and perform in the Nativity Tableau, bringing the Christmas story to life for all to enjoy. There will be an abundance of stalls, delicious foods and exciting games for everyone. This year, we're thrilled to announce an open mic opportunity for our talented students! Please see the attached poster for more information and how to get involved.

Mass on Thursdays - 8:00 am: A Weekly Invitation to Reflection
Just a friendly reminder to all college students and staff that a shorter parish Mass is held each Thursday morning in the Sacred Heart Parish Church at 8:00 am. All are most welcome to join us for this peaceful start to the day. Students are back on campus in time for homeroom. It is a beautiful way to connect with our faith community during the week.

Assisi and Lucan House Mass - This Sunday 26^th October at 9am
Parents and students of Assisi and Lucan Houses are warmly invited to attend Mass this Sunday morning at 9am in the Sacred Heart Church. There will be a morning tea after. All are welcome.

Top End Youth: Connecting, Growing, and Inspiring
Please keep an eye out on our College Facebook page and ministry pages for a date for the next Top End Youth Night! Our launch night was a fantastic success, filled with energy, fellowship and inspiration, and we are eagerly looking forward to continuing this wonderful event. Top End Youth provides a dynamic space for our students to connect, explore their faith and build meaningful relationships. If students would like to know more or get involved, please come and speak to Thomas McGhee, our College Youth Minister.

    Grace Molloy
    Leader of Evangelization

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

The Year 12 students have begun their HSC exams calmly. Thank you to the teachers who have prepared the students well and provided extra tutorial sessions in the holiday break. On Sunday 14^th October I visited the school after Mass to find Mrs Finkel, Mrs Swift and 35 Year 12 students involved in a tutorial for Studies of Religion. It was great to see them all collaborating in preparation for the exam.

The HSC exams are a culmination of 6 years of a highly successful and established academic program. Students gradually build up knowledge and skills. It is a developmental process. It is important that in Year 7 students gradually increase the time they devote to homework and study.

Why is homework important?

• Homework time in the early grades facilitates the development of study skills (Cooper et al.,1998).
• There is a positive association between time spent on homework and student achievement (Cooper et al., 2006).
• Homework time is most closely associated with achievement in secondary schooling (Cooper & Amp; Valentine, 2001).
• Beside homework time, the amount of effort students put forth towards homework is also an important factor related to student achievement (Trautwein, 2007).

In a recent survey of all students at the College a concerning piece of data was that students were spending excessive amounts of time in paid employment. The recommended time for secondary school students to complete paid work is 10 hours per week. Exceeding this time impacts life balance. As Year 11 students begin the HSC course this term they should evaluate their availability of time for homework and study. The College recommends 2 hours a night 4 times a week for Year 11 students.

Congratulations to ex-student Edie Thurtell who featured on NBN news recently.

Edie is an aspiring mechanic who has been named in a 39 strong squad of tradies and professionals, with the aim of showing off Australia’s expertise in Shanghai next year at the World Skills Competition.

Edie is a Mt St Patrick College ex-student who has taken up an auto mechanics apprenticeship. Congratulations Edie and good luck in China!

Solomon Islands and Maningrida Immersions Year 11 2026
Last week, Year 11 students who attended the 2025 Immersions presented to Year 10 students about the value of attending these programs. Every student indicated that it was a life-changing experience as they were immersed in the culture and built strong relationships. Students who wish to apply for the programs do so by completing the google form sent out after the meeting. The form will close on November 1st. No response will be taken after Saturday 1^st November.

Our Sister School Bishop Epalle is coming to Mt St Patrick College from 5^th – 15^th December. The students will be staying in the College and hosted by Year 11 students. During their time they will be involved in many activities to immerse themselves in the Australian culture. A highlight of the program is Mass at the Sacred Heart Church followed by cultural dancing on Saturday 13^th December. Students, staff and families are all welcome to attend.

    Narelle Sherrah
    Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

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 mature, calm and focused manner, qualities that will serve them well.

Week 2 has seen the rest of the College settle back into their studies. Students will be notified of their upcoming assessment blocks as follows:

Term 4 Assessment Blocks:

• Year 7 assessment block is scheduled for Week 5, commencing 14/11/25 to 21/11/25
• Year 8 assessment block is scheduled for Week 5, commencing 10/11/25 to 14/11/25
• Year 9 assessment block is scheduled for Week 5, commencing 10/11/25 to 14/11/25
• Year 10 assessment block is scheduled for Week 6, commencing 17/11/25 to 21/11/25
• Year 11 (HSC Task 1) and Accelerated Year 10 (HSC Task 1) assessment block is scheduled starting Week 8, commencing on 01/12/25 to 05/12/25.

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.

A summary of the Assessment Policy can be found on the front page of the Assessment Portal via 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 Year 9 Accelerated) an email or a letter from a parent / carer to the class teacher, detailing the student’s circumstances for non-completion of an assessment task. 

Illness / Absence - Assessments: Year 9 Accelerated, Year 10 + Accelerated and Year 11
For Year 9 Accelerated and Years 10 and 11, a medical practitioner or pharmacist 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. Important: Year 9 Accelerated and Year 10 - a family event or holiday will not be accepted as a reason for absence and therefore an extension or exemption will not be granted. See Year 11 Accelerated (HSC) requirements below.

Year 11 Accelerated and Year 12 students require a Medical Practitioner 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.  Important: a family event or holiday will not be accepted as a reason for absence and therefore an extension or exemption will not be granted.

Illness Procedure - Years 10 Accelerated, 11 and 12: If student is sick on the day of the assessment:

1. Phone the Front Office to advise of illness (02) 6672 2340
2. Student to email Mrs Joanne McDonald to advise of illness and to organise a catch up session during the assessment block.
3. Year 11 Accelerated and Year 12 require a Medical Practitioner to complete the Mount St Patrick Assessment Variation Illness Application Form. This can be accessed on the Year 12 page on the Assessment Portal.

A guide for students - preparing for your assessment:

In preparing for examinations it is important for you to:

• Comply with MSPC Rules and Assessment Procedures found in the Stage 4 5, and 6 Handbooks on the Assessment Portal. A summary of the Assessment Rules can be found on the main page of the Assessment Portal.
• Read the Assessment / Exam Notification for each of your subjects on the Assessment Portal.
• Use study planners available on the Assessment Portal to plan your revision / home study.
• Prepare for assessments and exams by reading over coursework notes, completing revision questions and revising summaries.
• Ask your teacher for assistance if there is something you do not understand.

Illness:

• If you are sick and cannot complete your assessment, fill out an Assessment Variation Assessment Form for each subject missed. This form can be found on the year page of the Assessment Portal.
• Years 7 - 9: If a student is absent in Years 7-9, the parent/carer must inform the College Office by 9am of the student’s absence due to illness. Failure to do this will result in a zero grade for an in class assessment completed on the day, or a penalty deduction for a hand in assessment.
• Year 9 Accelerated, Years 10 and 11: must have a medical practitioner or pharmacist complete the MSPC Assessment Variation Form: Illness. Students can access this from the Year 10 page of the Assessment Portal. NB. Please note that a family event or holiday would not be considered a valid reason for an extension or exemption.
• Year 12 must have a medical practitioner complete the MSPC Assessment Variation Form: Illness. Students can access this from the Year 12 page of the Assessment Portal.
• Years 7 - 10 Catch Up Assessments / Examinations: It is the student’s responsibility to complete the catch up assessment / exam as scheduled at the bottom of the assessment timetable.

On the day of the assessment - Years 7 to 10:

• Each assessment / exam session will begin with silent study, therefore bring study notes with you.
• Students are to place all writing materials in a clear plastic sleeve.
• Before the assessment begins, all study notes to be placed at the front of the room as directed by the teacher.
• No talking or communicating during silent study period or during assessments / examinations.

Years 11 and 12:

• Years 11 and 12 should refer to their Senior Handbooks for the MSPC Assessment Policy relating to Stage 6. This is available on the Assessment Portal.

All students entered in an HSC course must read the NESA HSC Rules and Procedures Guide. 

I wish students all the best with their Term 4 assessment preparation.

     Jo McDonald
    Leader of Curriculum

Pastoral Care

Finding Calm in the Chaos: Supporting Our Students Through Exam Time
As exams approach, it’s natural for students—and families—to feel a little more tension in the air. The combination of study, assessments, and the desire to do well can create stress and anxiety for even the most organised young person. In these times, it’s important to remember that managing stress is not just about academic success—it’s about nurturing the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”(Matthew 11:28). This invitation is a beautiful reminder that rest, faith, and balance are not luxuries—they are essential to wellbeing and learning.

The Power of Rest and Routine
Sleep is often the first thing sacrificed during busy periods, yet it is one of the most important tools for managing stress. Teenagers need around eight to ten hours of sleep each night to function at their best. A well-rested mind can focus better, retain information more effectively, and regulate emotions more easily. Encourage your child to power down devices at least 30 minutes before bed and to keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule throughout the exam period.

Breathing, Stillness, and Prayer
Deep breathing and mindfulness practices can help calm racing thoughts and relieve tension. Encourage students to take short breaks during study sessions to close their eyes, breathe deeply, and refocus. Even a few moments of quiet prayer or reflection can centre the heart and mind. As St. Francis de Sales wisely said, “Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever.”

The Importance of Movement
Physical activity is a natural stress reliever. A short walk, a stretch, or some gentle exercise boosts mood, improves concentration, and releases built-up tension. Encourage your child to step outside for fresh air, feel the sun on their face, and reconnect with God’s creation. Balance between study and movement helps maintain perspective and prevents burnout.

Time Management and Self-Discipline
Good planning reduces panic. Students can map out their revision schedule in manageable chunks, with time set aside for meals, rest, and recreation. Working in focused sessions (for example, 45 minutes of study followed by a 10-minute break) can help sustain energy and concentration. Encourage them to start with the subjects they find most challenging, celebrating each small achievement along the way.

The Role of Family Support
Families play a vital role during exam time. A listening ear, a calm household, and encouragement can make all the difference. Remind your child that their worth is not defined by a mark or grade. Help them keep perspective and trust in the gifts God has given them.

As we journey through this exam season, let us hold our students in prayer—that they may find peace in preparation, courage in challenge, and rest in God’s loving presence.

    Lara Thompson
    Leader of Pastoral Care

Faculty News

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

NSW ALL SCHOOLS ATHLETICS

Four students from Mt St Patrick College — Erin Lanyon, Yohanna Uhlmann, Orlando Wood, and Cain Twomey — recently competed at the 2025 New South Wales All Schools Athletics Championships in Sydney during the school holidays. All four students delivered outstanding performances, achieving sensational results throughout the Carnival.

Over the four-day event, Cain participated in discus, shot put, and hammer throw, performing exceptionally well. He placed second in the hammer throw, with a distance of 38.77m, earning qualification for the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships. Cain has been selected to represent New South Wales at the national carnival, which will be held in Melbourne this December.

Yohanna Uhlmann was also successful in winning a silver medal in the 15 years 200m hurdles running a new PB of 31.95s.

A THRILL FOR GOUT GOUT
A busy Gout Gout took time out of his busy schedule over the holidays to come and say hi to some of Mt St Patrick College’s up and coming runners who were attending the QLD State Championships. Bit of a thrill, fresh from his first world athletics championships.

SWIMMING SUCCESS

During the recent holidays Year 8 student Audrey Carroll competed in the Australian National Short Course Swimming Championships in the Open Women's division. This is an outstanding achievement to compete at the open level especially at 13 years of age. In the 50m backstroke Audrey swam a PB of 29.82 making her the fastest 13 year old in QLD and 2^nd fastest in Australia.

Timothy Wellm also competed in the 50m backstroke with a PB of 26.51 and placing 28^th in the Open Men's.

TITANS 9’S REGIONAL FINAL

Last week the 16s Boys travelled to Coffs Harbour for the regional final of the Rugby League Titans 9's competition. Despite the early start, the team started well, downing one of the strong local sides, Toormina High. In a sluggish first half, the locals took the lead, however, through some spirited defence and inspired playmaking, our boys took the lead and sealed victory with a late try.

Game 2 was against a classy St Joseph’s (Port Macquarie) side. They took the lead after an early error and didn't look like losing from there. A consolation try late in the game saw us bridge a 3 try margin, but it was too little too late.

In the 3rd and final game of the day we were up against a spirited Woodlawn side. They took the lead early and, despite our best efforts, went into the half 13-0, having kicked both conversions and scoring the first try (5 points). We came into the second half with a strong tail wind and scored in our first attacking set. Another try soon after saw us bridge the gap to 13-8 after missing both conversion attempts.

The clock continued to tick down and Woodlawn pulled out every trick to slow the game, but it still wasn't enough to stop us scoring as the final siren went. Unfortunately, the conversion to seal victory just missed to the right of the posts and Woodlawn took the win 13-12.

This group of boys have tasted success in many competitions over the past 4 years at MSPC and are to be commended on another stellar achievement in making it to the regional final.

RUGBY LEAGUE SUCCESS
Congratulations to Tanesa Browning (Yr 10) who was recently selected in the U16 QLD Murri Rugby League Squad. She will now play a State of Origin-style clash against the NSW Kurri’s. Whichever side of the State of Origin fence you sit on, lets get behind Tanesa in this one.

CRICKET CHAMPIONSHIPS

Keen readers of “From the Sports Desk” may recall the exploits of talented cricketer Sophie Buckley. Sophie competed in the U19 Championships as an U16 player over the recent holidays. Sophie used this event as a pathway for further representation and her performances against girls 3 years her elder were commendable.

YEARS 9 - 11 SPORT CONSENTS

Parents have received compass notifications about weekly (and bi weekly for Yr 11) sports sessions for Term 4. These need to be given consent as a priority. During Term 4 we are active in more recreational sports and are often off site.

UPCOMING

• Diocesan Volleyball
• Lord Taverners Cricket
• Downie Trophy Cricket
• Junior Water Polo

    Tim Whitney
    Sports Co-ordiantor

College News

'O Captain, My Captain'  (W. Shakespear)

Hi everyone! We’re Clancy and Peppa, your School Captains for 2026 and we’re so excited for everything that’s happening at the start of this term.

We began the term with our Leaders’ Induction Mass, a special event where we officially welcomed our new leaders and reflected on what it means to serve our school community.

This term, we’ve also introduced a lunchtime opportunity for students in the junior years to play games across the road at Queens Park. A brand-new activity where we play games like soccer and touch footy. It’s been awesome seeing so many students join in, show great sportsmanship and just enjoy being active together.

Our Breakfast Club is also back up and running. It’s the perfect way to start the morning — good food, good friends, and a great atmosphere to get ready for the day ahead. During the HSC Exams it is being held at the Learning Hub (Library).

And of course, one of the biggest things we’re looking forward to is our Leadership Camp coming up in Week 4. It’s going to be an amazing experience filled with team-building, challenges, and plenty of fun as we grow as leaders and classmates.

We’re really happy with how the term has begun and can’t wait to see what’s still to come. Let’s keep the energy up and make Term 4 2025 one to remember!

    Clancy & Peppa

NAGLE NEWS

Nagle Student Yasmin Van Rosi is currently performing in her first lead role as ‘Tilly’ in the Murwillumbah Theatre Company’s production of ‘Tilly and the Time Machine’. You may remember Yasmin performing as ‘Patti’ in the College’s production of Grease earlier this year.

The shows began on 18^th October and will run each weekend, with the final show on Sunday 2^nd November. The synopsis is below. Nagle House and the entire College community wish Yasmin success in her lead role!

    Hamish Bunney
    Nagle Leader of Wellbeing (Acting)

Tilly the Time Machine by Adrian Edmondson, directed by David Thomas

From the brilliant mind of Adrian Edmondson (Vyvan from TV’S “The Young Ones”) comes a tale of time travel and a child’s adventure with her father in search of a memory.

When Tilly’s dad builds a time machine in the shed there’s only one place she really wants to go: back to her sixth birthday party, when she ate too many cupcakes, and her mummy was still here.

But then something goes wrong! Tilly’s dad gets stuck in the past and only she can save him . . . Will they make it back in time for tea?

 Adapted for the theatre by David Thomas and Murwillumbah Theatre Company

Remaining Dates:

Saturday 25^th October at 6 pm;  Sunday 26^th October at 2pm;  Friday 31^st October at 6 pm

Saturday 1^st November at 6 pm;  Sunday 2^nd November at 2 pm

Community News