MSPC Newsletter - Term 4, Week 2, 19th October 2023.
Principal
Welcome back to Term 4 to all members of the community. It is the start of a new era at the College without our Principal Paul Reidy who has taken leave for Term 4 and then will take up his new position at St Aloysius in Hobart. We will miss his leadership and we wish him all the best. It is a privilege to be Acting Principal for Term 4 and I look forward to maintaining the high standards at our great school as we await the arrival of our new Principal Gavin Dykes from Albury.
Assembly
At our first assembly of the term we announced our new student leadership team who were elected by the student body. Each house has 3 co-leaders. Congratulations to all our new leaders and I encourage all of Year 11 to lead the College by example.
The assembly was also a celebration of our new house Assisi. House leader Mrs Kath Swift explained the significance of Assisi. Their patron is Francis of Assisi who is the patron saint of Ecology, including animals and their welfare. Mrs Swift unveiled the new crafted cross made by Mr Dean Bressan for Assisi and explained its significance.
HSC Success
Year 12 have commenced their HSC examinations calmly. We hope that the students can do their best and demonstrate all their knowledge and skills that they have developed. Thank you to the HSC teachers who have taught the students and supported their HSC journey. The teachers of Mt St Patrick College go above and beyond to give our students the best opportunity to learn and succeed.
Congratulations to Dylan Gale, Cashlin Townsend and Brayden De Jong who have been nominated for the In Shape exhibition of outstanding practical projects in Industrial Technology: Multimedia. This is an outstanding effort and a credit to teacher Mrs Natalie Webster who has guided the students in their journey.
We look forward to the students concluding their exams and celebrating at the Formal on Friday 10th November.
Narelle Sherrah
Acting Principal
Assistant Principal - Mission
Welcome to Term 4 2023
Term 4 has begun with a flurry of events. Year 12 and Accelerating Year 11 students began their HSC exams on Wednesday 11th October and have been approaching them in a very calm and mature way. No doubt these students are experiencing a lot of support from parents and family at this quite stressful time.
The refurbished Music Block Boys Toilets will be open for use next Monday 23rd October. They look great – new flooring, painted and sparkling clean new amenities!
The College will be welcoming incoming Year 7 2024 students at one of two Orientation Days to be held on Wednesday 25th October and Wednesday 1st November.
Parent Meeting 5.45 – 8pm Tuesday 24th October, Learning Hub (Library)
The Diocesan Parent Assembly and the College P & F are supporting an evening of information, refreshment and discussion from 5.45pm next Tuesday 24th October.
The agenda will be the online ‘Wellio’ wellbeing program used in Year 7-12 Wellbeing lessons and a presentation of the College’s 3-year Improvement Plan. I will send a google form RSVP email on Monday 23rd October for catering purposes.
Date Saver 9am Parish Mass/ Morning Tea 5th November, 2023
Please put this date onto your family calendar as Lisieux and Lucan Houses will be involved in the Mass and providing a luscious morning tea on this day.
Mary-Anne McShane
Assistant Principal: Mission
MINISTRY
Welcome back to Term 4. Lots of exciting things happened at the end of Term 3 and Term 4 has begun with a sense of expectation.
Graduation Mass Thanks!
A big thank you to all the staff and students who helped in any way to make the Year 12 Graduation Mass such a great celebration. It was a very special day for Year 12, parents, friends, staff and students. Thank you to Fr. Paul McDonald from St Anthony's Parish, Kingscliff who presided at the mass. It was extra special to have Fr. Anthony Lemon assisting Fr. Paul as well. We wish Year 12 all the best as their HSC Exams continue.
Ignite Wrap Up
At the end of last term, 12 students attended the Ignite Conference in Brisbane. It was a busy few days, but all students had a great time experiencing the event, participating in prayers and workshops and meeting lots of people. A big thank you to Mrs Cripps, Miss Molloy, Halle, Eliza and Emma for attending with the students.
Ignite was a 4 day conference held in Brisbane where we were able to strengthen our faith connections and grow new friendships with people from all around australia. This year's theme was “the moment”. We spent time in workshops and keynotes, as well as in the mosh pit worshipping with ‘Wildfire’. Overall this conference let me connect with new people and deepen my understanding of faith within a wider community.
- Saskia Gray Year 11
Ignite was such an incredible experience. I met so many beautiful people and listened to inspirational keynote speakers. Getting to worship with ‘Wildlife’ by singing and dancing in the mosh pit was so much fun and was definitely a highlight of the conference. Overall, I believe Ignite was such a rewarding experience where I got to make new friends and deepen my faith. I would definitely recommend other students to attend Ignite Conference when given the chance.
- Tahlia Males Year 11
G.O.A.T - Year 10 Boys
Congratulations to those Year 10 students who have been selected to attend G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time) on the 9th and 10th of November. Just a reminder to return your TWO notes by tomorrow Friday 20th October and complete the online Compass Consent Form. Please make sure you read all the documentation carefully.
Exuro - Year 9 Youth Ministry
Next Tuesday 24th October, the Year 9 Youth Ministry class will be facilitating a retreat day for primary students from our region called Exuro. We wish Year 9, Mrs Cripps, Halle and Eliza all the best. Please make sure the Compass form is completed by Monday 23rd October! Students need to bring hats, recess and lunch on the day. They may wear sports uniform.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Term 4.
God Bless
Grace Molloy
Leader of Evangelization
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
I am excited to step into the role of Acting Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching this term. I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges it presents and am committed to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment for all our students.
Year 11 Commencing their HSC Journey
For our Year 11 students, this term marks the beginning of their Higher School Certificate (HSC) journey. It's a significant milestone, and I encourage our Year 11 students to get into good study habits early, stay organised, and seek support from their teachers when needed. This will set the foundation for a successful HSC year ahead.
Year 12 Students Completing their HSC
Meanwhile, our Year 12 students are currently in the final stretch of their HSC examinations, with just two weeks remaining. We wish them the very best of luck and know they've worked hard to get to this point. Keep pushing through, and remember that you have a dedicated support system in our school community.
Staff Professional Learning
Today 19th October, during our staff development day teachers focused on the NSW Curriculum Reform, set to commence in 2024 with Year 7 and 9 English and Mathematics, along with Year 8 Languages. This day provides a crucial opportunity for our faculties to collaborate, plan, and prepare for the new curriculum's implementation. It will ensure our teachers are well-prepared to deliver the highest quality education to our students and support them through upcoming changes.
Narelle Chaffer
Acting Assistant 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 6, commencing 13/11/23 to 17/11/23
- Year 8 assessment block is scheduled for Week 5, commencing 06/11/23 to 10/11/23
- Year 9 assessment block is scheduled for Week 5, commencing 06/11/23 to 10/11/23
- Year 10 assessment block is scheduled for Week 6, commencing 13/11/23 to 17/11/23
- Year 11 (HSC) and Accelerated Year 10 assessment block is scheduled starting Week 9, commencing on 04/12/23 to 08/12/23.
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.
Year 7 - 9 Assessment Variation Application Form 2023
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.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer fermentum sagittis felis eu ullamcorper. Integer lobortis et leo ac molestie. Nunc malesuada tellus eu est commodo semper. Sed tempus placerat dapibus. Curabitur rhoncus convallis nisi, non ultrices mi sodales quis. Aliquam consectetur lectus at rhoncus iaculis.
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:
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 and 5 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.
- If you are absent for an assessment, a note from your parent/carer is required upon your return to school. It is your responsibility to take your parent / carer note to the subject teacher. A zero will be awarded if the completed documentation is not provided.
- 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:
- 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 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.
- NB/ Please note that a family event or holiday would not be considered a valid reason for an extension or exemption.
- It is the student’s responsibility to complete the catch up assessment / exam as scheduled at the bottom of the assessment timetable.
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.
- 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.
Wishing students all the best with their Term 4 assessment preparations.
Jo McDonald
Leader of Curriculum
Welfare
Welcome back to Term 4. I want to congratulate Year 12 on the positive way they finished their schooling at MSPC and on their exceptional graduation celebrations which were held on the last Thursday in Term 3. HSC exams re well under way and Year 12 have conducted themselves in a mature and focussed way.
With Year 12 leaving, we see the announcement of the new student leadership team from Year 11. Their leadership takes effect beginning this term. This will be the second year of our eight houses and I thank the outgoing Year 12 cohort wholeheartedly. Their initiative, positivity and energy in embracing the opportunity to be our inaugural leaders has been outstanding and will forever be part of College history.
I am sure the new leaders will pick up from where Year 12 left off and continue to build the culture of the College.
The Student Leadership team is comprised of:
Two College Captains, and
Three Co-Captains per House. Each Co-Captain has a specific category to lead.
The three categories are - Academic and Wellbeing, Mission and Culture, Sport and Community.
I am pleased to announce the following students as leaders from Term 4:
College Captains - Gabriella Bennett, Filippos Mackney
I look forward to working closely with all of these students over the coming year for the benefit of all our community.
Congratulations!
Louise Shields
Leader of Student Welfare
Faculty News
VISUAL ARTS
Beautiful Wickedness
A Visual Arts excursion to the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane was organized for Visual Arts students in Years 9,10 and 11 on Wednesday 20th September.
Students had the opportunity to experience two significant exhibitions, eX de Medici’s, ‘Beautiful Wickedness’ and Michael Zavros’ ‘The Favourite’. Through their engagements with the artworks in these collections students were able to gain a better understanding of both contemporary and traditional art practices and be influenced in their own artmaking and study.
‘Beautiful Wickedness’ exhibited the work of celebrated Australian artist eX de Medici. eX de Medici’s works examined her central concerns, including the fragility of life, global affairs, greed and commerce, and the universal themes of power, conflict and death and included intricate botanical studies and large-scale watercolours.
Michael Zavros’ is a leading contemporary Queensland artist known for his realist renderings and surreal juxtapositions. ‘The Favourite’ profiled significant thematic explorations of the artist, including fashion magazines, European palaces, luxury cars, his children, Narcissus and still life, in addition to his self-portraits and reflections upon his heritage. Works included painting, sculpture, photography and video.
It was a pleasure for the Visual Arts staff to take MSPC students out for a day that was educational, highly motivational and very enjoyable. Their behaviour is always exemplary.
Clara Cahill: Leader of Creative Arts
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
NSW ALL SCHOOLS ATHLETICS
The NSW All-Schools Championships were held over the holiday break. A small but enthusiastic group of students attended. Erin Lanyon jumped a massive PB of 5.36m in the Long Jump gaining herself a Silver Medal (from 41 jumpers) and she also jumped a PB of 10.84m in the Triple Jump winning a Bronze Medal.
Erin rounded out the weekend with a huge PB in the 90m Hurdles, running with a head wind but not awarding her a placing. She has qualified for National All-Schools in Perth for the Long Jump and is on the reserve for the Triple Jump. A magnificent effort!
A happy Erin Lanyan
Year 11 student Chloe Martin ran in the 400m Hurdles placing third winning a bronze medal in a time of 1.06.91. A big personal best!
Chloe Martin hurdling
DIOCESAN NORTH VOLLEYBALL
JUNIOR BOYS
The U15's Boys team brought energy, enthusiasm and comradery to the day. Game 1 was a close victory over Xavier College, Ballina. The boys overcame a few early jitters to come back and win by two points thanks, in part, to some wonderful serving from Darcy Irby. In game 2 the boys had found their rhythm and romped home against St Joseph's College, Banora with particular credit to Max Palmer and Stephan Pelikan at the net.
In the Semi Final against McAuley College Grafton, the team clawed their way back from an 8 point deficit at one stage and in the final minute took the lead. Cooper McCabe served out the last couple of minutes brilliantly, helping the team to a tough win. The boys ran out of steam towards the back end of their Grand Final against Woodlawn College Lismore. Their silver medal was a credit to their teamwork, passion and representation of the College.
Coach: Michael Forrester
JUNIOR GIRLS
On Friday the 13th October our junior girls travelled to Casino to compete in the north Diocesan Volleyball tournament. It was an early start to the day for MSPC but the girls got to play three games on the day. The first game was played against Xavier, Ballina. The girls played strongly and worked as a team which resulted in a 20-14 win for MSPC.
Their second game was played against St Joseph’s, Banora. It was a close game but the girls’ teamwork and motivation provided by our senior team resulted in a 37-28 win to MSPC.
The girls made it into the semi finals as they finished first in their pool, and their last game of the day was played against St Mary’s, Casino. The girls played a strong game but unfortunately St Mary’s were a stronger team and we lost 40-12. It was a competitive day and the girls played really well. I am proud of the effort and determination that the girls showed.
Team : Stephanie Mayne, Hannah Windhorst, Tara O’Donnell, Giselle Boot, Hunter Chapman, Charlize Harper-Green, Charlotte Macdonald, Echo Rawson-Cranney, Yasmin Van Rosi and Maddison White
Coach: Miss Emma Loughman
SENIOR GIRLS
The 2023 North Coast Volleyball Gala Day was a day filled with excitement, teamwork and unforgettable moments, for our senior girls' team at MSPC. On Friday 13th October, our dedicated athletes embarked on a journey to Casino, where they showcased their passion and talent on the volleyball court. The team, composed of remarkable Year 11 and 10 girls, including Matilda, Amali, Mikayla, Claudia, Ella, Ava, Alexis, Sarah and Rachael, delivered an outstanding performance that made our school proud.
The day kicked off with an early morning departure as the team eagerly anticipated a day of fierce competition. Their first match, played against Xavier College Ballina, set the tone for an eventful day. The girls displayed unwavering determination, fighting tenaciously in a nail-bitingly close game. Though victory eluded them, they left the court with heads held high, knowing they had given their all.
The second match against St. Joseph's College Banora Point was a turning point for our team. The girls regrouped, and their skills shone brightly. Working seamlessly as a unit, they demonstrated exceptional teamwork and sportsmanship. The result was a satisfying victory with a score of 20-14, showcasing their growth and adaptability as a team. This win earned them a well-deserved second place in their pool, setting the stage for an exciting journey through the competition.
In the semifinals, our senior girls faced a formidable opponent in St. Mary’s Casino. The competition was intense, and both teams displayed exceptional skills and determination. Unfortunately, our team fell short, with a final score of 25-16. However, this defeat didn't dampen their spirits. It only served as a reminder of the high calibre of teams they had the opportunity to compete against and the incredible journey they had undertaken throughout the day.
The 2023 North Coast Volleyball Gala Day was not just about wins and losses; it was about personal growth, camaraderie, and the joy of playing the sport they love. The dedication and effort shown by the girls was truly remarkable. Their performance exemplified the true spirit of sportsmanship, and their teamwork.
Coach: Simone Kendrick
Timothy Whitney
Sports Co-ordinator
College News
Assisi House Celebration
The inaugural Assisi Feast Day was held during the College Assembly on Thursday 12th October, to commemorate the patron saint of Assisi House. This was celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church and proved a memorable occasion for our House. Many thanks to the students involved in reading and in the presentation to celebrate St Francis. Crafted by Mr Dean Bressan, our Tau Cross (the preferred cross of St Francis) was a central symbol at this Assembly and will be an enduring legacy for Assisi in years to come.
Thank you also to the incoming House Co-Captains Chloe Martin (Sport / Community), Joshua Muddle (Mission / Culture) and Raphael Paul (Academic / Wellbeing) for their assistance and co-operation in preparing for this celebration.
Kath Swift
Leader of Wellbeing: Assisi House
Awards
Assisi College Awards
Year 8 - Sophie Buckley, Lachlan Daly
Year 11 - Sophie Haywood
Doyle College Awards
Year 9 - Tyler Follett, Jack Murray and Luca Stuart
Year 10 - Jack French
Ignatius College Awards
Year 10 - Deia Aggebrink-Jones
Year 11 - Ava Price
Lisieux College Awards
Year 8 - Millie Ewing
Year 9 - Alexander Wellm
Year 10 - Ella Cracknell
Yaer 12 - Michael Lack
Loreto College Awards
Year 9 - Samuel Hynes
Yaer 10 - Norm Frazer, Billi Hutton and Bailey Lofts
Lucan College Awards
Year 11 - Jack Gardner
Year 12 - Mischa Zabala
Nagle College Awards
Year 11 - Lily Yates
Year 12 - Zara Cranage
Romero College Awards
Year 9 - Dannielle Kee
Year 11 - Elise Albertini and Billy John
Year 12 - Nicholas Gordon
Community News
Murwillumbah Community Centre
My name is Rhi, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Youth Worker at the Murwillumbah Community Centre. I'm excited about joining this vibrant community and to have the opportunity to create exciting programs and initiatives for the local youth.
I previously worked with the City of Karratha for a few years in various roles, including as a youth program attendant, youth officer, and youth project officer for youth week. When the pandemic hit, I made the decision to move to Vancouver, where I worked with the ‘KidSafe Project’, a non-profit, managing their youth program. However, my longing for the Australian sun and the warm weather brought me back home in 2022. For a brief period, I took a detour and worked as a group fitness coach.
But this year, I realised I was missing working within community services so I eagerly applied for the Youth Worker position at the Murwillumbah Community Centre. Now, I'm here, ready to contribute and make a positive impact on the lives of our local youth. I look forward to collaborating with all of you and learning from your experiences in this wonderful community. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or simply want to connect, please don't hesitate to reach out.
