MSPC Newsletter - Term 1, Week 11, 12th April 2024.
Principal
Well, it's the end of a very busy and long Term One, but also a very joyous and fruitful term as well. I spoke to the staff at a briefing during the week thanking them for the wonderful welcome that they have provided me as incoming principal to the school, and I'd like to extend that gratitude out to the students and families as well. I feel very much part of the MSPC community and thank you for everyone's lovely welcome. It really is a remarkable community and I have a real appreciation of the great strength this community has in all areas within the school. I am really looking forward to working more closely with you all over the years ahead.
It is Catholic Education Week this week and we are reminded of the many gifts Catholic education has brought our wider Australian and local community. From an outstanding reputation for educating young people, it is the extras that Catholic education brings that stand out. The focus on spiritual formation, the wellbeing focus, opportunities for co-curricular in sport, arts, all shape our young people into tomorrow's promising and bright future. As part of the celebrations, we had a number of activities, but a key part for us was our Yr 7 2025 information evening where we have the opportunity to share and reflect on all the amazing things we do here at MSPC that make an outstanding education possible for all of our students from Yr 7 to 12, led so capably and wisely by our staff. We are truly blessed to have them as leaders within our community.
Have a lovely two week break, hopefully there is plenty of time for rest, fun, rejuvenation and joy. See you next term.
Gavin Dykes
Principal
Assistant Principal - Mission
$1000 donated to Project Compassion
Today $1000 was forwarded to the Catholic charity Caritas for their Lenten fundraiser called Project Compassion. As the name suggests, aid is provided to seed projects (in Australia and overseas) which will benefit the local community and be sustainable.
Staff and students made monetary donations into the Project Compassion boxes in homerooms extra funds were raised on our St Patrick’s Day celebration day with the sale of ‘lime spiders’ at lunch and gold coin donations by students for wearing green mufti. Thanks to parents for your assistance in providing coins for the student’s donations!
Catholic Schools Week 7 – 14th April 2024
This week we have celebrated Catholic Schools Week with various activities and celebrations. The theme for this year was ‘Innovation and Faith’ and we spent time talking about the ‘educational’ experience at MSPC to Year 6 students and their parents making the big decision about what high school to attend in 2025.
There was a very informative Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 10th April and guided tours of the College run by senior students and staff on Wednesday and Thursday 11th April.
Staff will enjoy a Special Morning Tea today and students will have lunchtime treats to celebrate Catholic Schools Week
Anzac Day
Once again Anzac Day falls at the end of the school holidays, on the Thursday before school resumes for MSPC and MSPP students on Tuesday 30th April. For many years College students and staff have marched proudly in the Murwillumbah Parade from the Post Office to the Cenotaph near Murwillumbah Civic Centre. This year the College Year 12 leaders are conducting the ceremony of behalf of the RSL Sub-branch and the College Band and Drumline will be leading the diggers.
I would encourage as many as possible students to attend the Murwillumbah Parade and ceremony in their full dress uniform, including the College hat which will protect faces from the sun or collect the raindrops! We will meet at the Murwillumbah Post Office at 10am ready for the parade which begins at 10.30am followed by the ceremony at the Cenotaph which usually concludes by 11.40am.
Term 2 Staff Development Days
Monday 29th April is a Staff Development Day.
Tuesday 28th May is the Staff Proclaim Day where staff from all the Murwillumbah
Catholic schools are required to be at St Joseph’s College, Banora Point for the day.
Friday 5th July is a Staff Spirituality Day.
On all 3 days students are not required to be in attendance at the College.
Advance Notice: Tell Them From Me Surveys
In Weeks 2 – 4 our school will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of the College using an independent research company, The Learning Bar, which specialises in online school-based surveys. The one being used is ‘Tell Them From Me’(TTFM) and forms an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process. The surveys are anonymous and take approximately 20 mins to complete.
A URL link will be sent to all parents in Week 2 next term and the survey window will remain open until Friday 24th May. All students will complete their surveys during school time on Thursday 9th and Wednesday 15th May.
Date Saver: Mother’s Day Breakfast Friday 10th May
A special Mother’s Day breakfast is being held at the Gilbey Hall from 7 – 8.30am on Friday 10th May. All mothers and grandmothers are welcome to attend with their student/s. An RSVP form will be sent out in Week 1 to gain information for catering purposes by the Hospitality Department who will be operating their ‘Coffee Cart’ facilities and breakfast food options. We look forward to seeing you there!
Mary-Anne McShane
Assistant Principal: Mission
MINISTRY
Year 10 Retreat
Last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Year 10 students travelled to Tyalgum Ridge Retreat for their long-awaited Retreat. Both students and staff had a great time, despite the heavy rain, getting to know each other better and exploring their faith.
Our experience during the Retreat was a great learning curve. Our time here was packed with fun cabin groups, small groups, spiritual experiences and a wide range of activities. The first day consisted of setting up and our introduction for the few days ahead. A meditation set us up to relax for the night's activity.
There were lots of personal family experiences that meant so much to all of us. The final day we had a liturgy which summed up all of our spiritual experiences. The food was great and by far the most relaxing time was the meditation and time spent with friends.
This retreat allowed us to build relationships and connect spiritually with God. As a year group we are all very grateful for this opportunity and we have all learnt and grown closer from this experience.
From "The Sheep" (One of the 12 small discussion groups).
Transitus
On Monday and Tuesday of this week 11 Year 7 students attended the Transitus Experience at Camp Drewe in beautiful Lennox Head. Students explored their faith through a variety of activities, games, prayer and small group activities. Students had a great time mixing and chatting with students from other schools in our diocese and eating some great food, whilst having fun! Thanks to Ella Bressan, Eliza Dowling, Evie Edwards, Jonah Fuller, Evie Gray, Marlin Lynch, Chase Mathewson, Mila Matson-Warren, Indy Meyer, Catherine Wemm and Sennen Wetherelt accompanied by Miss Molloy.
“I really liked meeting new people and having fun. The food was pretty good and the RMA's were really nice”.
“I enjoyed the group activities and experiencing some different prayer types”.
Congratulations!
Every year in Term 3 students from Year 9-12 get the opportunity to attend the IGNITE conference in Brisbane which is a four day festival with a focus on Catholic faith, ministry and guest speakers. Last year, one of our current Year 10 students Olivia Bagnall attended a workshop at Ignite for dance. Since then Olivia has been selected to participate in the dance portion of this year’s event in Brisbane and is waiting to hear about an invitation to Sydney which is absolutely amazing! Congratulations Olivia, we are very proud of you.
“I was given the opportunity to audition for the Ignite Dance team for Sydney and Brisbane. This audition automatically put everybody in the opening sequences for Friday and Saturday. The audition was for the following nights. The audition piece was a contemporary dance which showed the dancers skills and abilities. On Sunday 7th April, I auditioned at Centenary Dance Academy. Emails will be sent out to the dancers who were picked for the team next week. Dancer handbooks have also been given to all dancers with rehearsal dates, always on Sundays, leading up to Ignite”.
Thank you!
A big thank you to all those students and staff who have attended Ministry events this term or contributed to our masses and liturgies. It's been a big term starting with Year 12 Retreat, LEAD, Year 11 Retreat Day, St Patrick’s Day, Nagle and Romero House Mass, Easter Liturgy, Year 10 Retreat, Transitus and Minyma.
Most recently, thank you to the Year 10 Retreat teachers, especially Mrs Angela Finkel and Mrs Cathy Cripps who ran our wonderful Year 10 Retreat at our new venue Tyalgum Ridge Retreat. Although it was a bit wet, the students and staff had a great time. Thank you also to Miss Mary-Anne McShane, Mrs Lisa East, Mr Brett McCullouch, Miss Milly Keogh, Mr Blake Reynolds, Mr Brendon Clarke, Mr Rick Van Den Driest, Miss Emma McHugh, Mrs Anne Edwards, Miss Layla Marr and Mr Thomas McGhee.
As always, thank you to Fr Peter, Mary-Ann Thackray, Barbara Grant and Beth Gorton in the Parish Office for all their support and help throughout the term.
Prayer for the end of term
As we come to the end of another term, let us pause to give thanks for the journey we have shared. May the lessons learned and the memories made enrich our lives and strengthen our community. We pray for a restful break for all and look forward to returning refreshed and ready for the adventures that lie ahead. Amen
Have a wonderful and restful holiday.
God bless,
Grace Molloy
Leader of Evangelisation
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Term 4 has been an exciting and full term. The students have settled in well to their learning groups and there have been so many activities and opportunities available.
One of my favourite activities is inviting in the Year 6 students for a taster day at the College. The idea of the day is to introduce the students to high school and to our wonderful community of Mt St Patrick College. The students participated in Science and Technology activities, played games and had tours of the College with the Senior students. I am always so proud to hear our senior students guiding the students around and communicating their view of college life. Our vertical house structure has provided the platform for the relationships between all year levels to thrive.
Last night we conducted tours for parents around the college and then an information night for prospective parents. At question time I was asked what makes Mt St Patrick College different to the other schools in the area. My answer was that all schools have their strengths and weaknesses. Our strength is our culture and our reputation. We have a history of high expectations and academic success. A testament to the college is that the majority of our teachers send their children to our school. However, many teachers from other schools also send their students to Mt St Pats. We have 18 teachers on staff that are ex-students. They believe in the program. It is a compliment that so many of our parents are also ex-students.
I wish all the Year 6 students luck in selecting their school for high school and thank them for being so happy and engaged on the taster day. I have to admit I probably enjoy it as much as they do.
Have a lovely restful break and I look forward to Term 2 at “The best school in the Universe”
Narelle Sherrah
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Welfare
Thank you to everyone for all your effort and support in Term 1.
To help prepare for a successful Term 2, I would like to speak about some student data. From our Wellio and Pulse platform, it is apparent that students are concerned about their health and life balance. This theme was common across all year levels. If I had to highlight one area that the students wish to improve, it would be the amount and quality of sleep. Students reported a lack of sleep, not eating breakfast and not having time or energy to do the things required of them throughout a school day - including homework at night.
Below are some points that you may like to discuss with your children. Wellbeing staff will be addressing this in classes next term.
To achieve a healthy life balance, students should strive to have a balanced diet, get regular exercise, get plenty of sleep, and manage their time wisely.
A student’s diet should be balanced and include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Additionally, a balanced diet should include plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid sugary drinks like soft drinks.
Exercise is another crucial part of a healthy life balance. Students should aim to get at at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. This can include activities like jogging, cycling, swimming, or playing sports.
Getting enough rest is also important for maintaining a healthy balance. Students should aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. A good sleep routine can help students feel more energised and focused during the day. Use of devices and social media is having an enormous impact on students' sleep. Teenagers may need your help in putting firm boundaries around this issue.
Managing one’s time effectively is another important aspect of a healthy life balance. Activities such as mindful meditation, yoga, and setting aside time for hobbies can help reduce stress and create a greater sense of balance and wellbeing.
By prioritising a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and good time management, students can achieve a healthy life balance that will ensure their overall wellbeing while they work to achieve their academic goals.
I wish all families a relaxing holiday with their loved ones and look forward to a positive and productive Term 2.
Louise Shields
Leader of Student Welfare
Faculty News
LEGAL STUDIES
From 18th to 20th March, Ms. Zoe Boxshall accompanied Amelia Keyes, a Year 12 Legal Studies student, to the National Constitutional Convention (NCC) in Canberra. The NCC draws top Legal Studies students from across the country to debate and discuss constitutional matters. The topic for the 2024 NCC was 'Should Section 96 of the Constitution be amended to decentralise the power of the Commonwealth?'
We had the privilege of hearing from many distinguished speakers, including The Hon. Jason Clare MP (Minister of Education), Senator Andrew McLachlan (Deputy President of the Senate), Professor Kim Rubenstein (University of Canberra), Professor Emeritus Anne Twomey (University of Sydney), Dr. Andrew Branfield (Parliamentary Library), and Professor Alan Fenna (Curtin University). The students participated in various Working Group sessions, Soapbox sessions, and a mock referendum conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission.
Additional notable experiences included an Official Reception at Government House hosted by His Excellency General the Hon. David Hurley and Her Excellency Mrs. Linda Hurley, an Official Dinner at the National Press Club, a 'Meet Your Politician' session at Parliament House, and attendance at Question Time.
Both students and teachers had a marvellous time engaging with all aspects of the Constitution and politics in our nation's capital!
Zoe Boxshall - Legal Studies Teacher
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
MUSIC
Update from the Music Department
As the term comes to an end we would like to celebrate the hard work shown by students over the past term and their commitment to both personal musical improvement and developing as a collective within small groups, choir and band. We would especially like to thank those who sang, played or helped set up for the St Patrick's Day Mass, your efforts are very much appreciated. These students were:
Choir- Matilda Patterson, Roxy Keogh, River McLean-Reid, Sophia Drew, Yashika Hurry, Hazel Egan, Shanti-Rose Smyth, Stephany Joseph, Raphael Connor, Maddison Shackell, Isabelle Biersteker, Hannah Millar, Bryce Wilson and Emily Simpson
Band- Felix Kos
Entertainment- Amanita Barnaby-Bowe, Taj Ruddy and Maya Rogers
The Spes Mea Choir has now shifted focus towards expanding their repertoire of Pop Songs in preparation for the upcoming CAPA Showcase in Term 2. New members are always welcome if this is of interest to you, feel free to come along for some lunchtime snacks and fun!
The College Band and Drumline have also been working extremely hard under the guidance of Brad Patterson, Mr Rice and Mrs Rennes-Nadal, to finalize their pieces for the ANZAC Day March. Anzac Day falls on the second Thursday of the up-coming school holidays, so a big thank you to families who have organised their holidays around this event.
Reminder of College Instrumental Hire
Here at MSPC, we offer a variety of instruments that can be loaned out to students for a small fee. We currently have 2x brand new trumpets, saxophones, flutes, clarinets and a violin. If students or parents are interested please contact Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal for more information.
A NOTE FROM THE SCIENCE DESK
MAY IS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Skin Cancer awareness month is a campaign that takes place annually each May. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure, and educate the public about the ways to help prevent skin cancer.
UV exposure from the sun is one of the main causes of skin cancer and also one of the most preventable. This campaign hopes to reduce instances of skin cancer and increase the likelihood of early detection through education.
During the month of May, special awareness classes will be held for Year 7. These classes will take place in their Science lessons and we hope to raise awareness of the need to cover up and wear sunscreen. Parents who have been affected by skin cancer are encouraged to get involved by sharing their stories on the Mt St Pats Instagram or Facebook page. If you would like to share your story please email me at jackie.tilsley@lism.catholic.edu.au
Also in May, Melanoma Patients Australia is launching a public awareness campaign for World Melanoma Month in collaboration with The Global Melanoma Coalition. There is an urgent need to empower all Australians to know their skin, and to identify the early signs of melanoma and when to seek medical help.
Melanoma is one of the few cancers we can often see for ourselves. That means it’s in our power to catch it early – and if we do that, we stand a better chance of beating it. So, as we emerge from the COVID pandemic and consider what our ‘new normal’ looks like, let’s all make sure it includes a 10-minute monthly skin check.
Follow the link below to watch a video explaining how to check your skin for melanoma.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYA6yl_0E80&t=7s
This video covers the ABCD&E warning signs of melanoma and the seven steps for checking the body. Pauses between the seven steps have been included in the video so that the viewer can simply take their phone into a bathroom, hit play, and follow the instructions in real-time.
Please remember that the chances of beating melanoma are hugely increased if it is detected and treated early. But what more can be done? In the first couple of weeks in May, Year 12 Biology students will be showcasing awareness of skin cancer and melanoma by presenting on an assembly and wearing mufti that reflects the ‘Slip, Slop, Slap and Slide’ campaign.
Jackie Tilsley
Exciting Science Adventures:
Year 7O class discovers forces with Mark Rober Build Box!
In the bustling classrooms of MSPC, something extraordinary is happening in the realm of science education. Students of Year 7 are diving headfirst into the captivating world of forces, all thanks to an innovative teaching approach featuring the Mark Rober Build Box.
Mrs Frankham’s Class discovering forces using the Mark Rober build boxes.
7M: The Balancing Man!: Mr Bunney
7M challenged each other to balance a cork and nail on a piece of string in their investigations of balanced and unbalanced forces!
Year 7C: Miss Lacey
Studying non-contact forces and demonstrating the effect of static electricity using the Van De Graaff generator.
11 Biology:
Students have started investigating the impact of environment on species diversity. They have modelled different “beaks” using different implements and how effective they were in capturing hard food (skittles) and soft food (sultanas) to survive.
Lauren Frankham
Science Teacher
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
Ballina District Under 16 Cricket Premiers
Mount Saint Patrick College students win U16 Grand Final.
In a brilliant end to the season Billy Smith (c), George Fisher (wk), Sanjay Nix, Ned Serne, Toby Neilson, Dougall Hughes, Hugo Portus, Cian Nugent and Lachlan Adams finished in full stride winning both Semi-Final and Grand-Final without needing their number 6 batsman to take the crease.
Whilst George Fisher deservedly won man of the match in the Grand Final, every player on the team made important contributions to achieving this amazing result.
CONGRATULATIONS MURWILLUMBAH GREEN!!!
Mr Corey Nix
DIOCESAN SWIMMING CHAMPIONS
Our talented swimming team showed off their skill in the recent Dio Swimming Carnival in Port Macquarie. Below are 4 of our athletes who really excelled:
Timothy Wellm U14 Age champion
Willa Hoffman U15 Runner Up Age champion
Alex Seamer U15 Runner Up Age champion
Skooda Walle U12 Runner Up Age champion
Tim Wellm
Willa Hoffman
Alex Seamer
Skooda Walle
NSWCCC SWIMMING (OUTSTANDING RESULTS)
Our talented swimmers travelled to Sydney and competed at Homebush on Wednesday 3rd April.
The event was livestreamed and you can check out all 7.5hrs live streamed here:
NSWCCC Swimming Championships 2024
Outstanding results
Tim Wellm Under 14
50m Butterfly 28.69 - 1st
50m Backstroke 30.88 - 1st
100m Backstroke 1.07.41 - 1st
100m Butterfly 1.03.56 - 4th
Alex Wellm Under 16
100m Breastroke 1.13.04 - 1st
50m Breastroke 32.42 - 2nd
4x50m Medley relay 1.59.59 - 4th
4x50m Freestyle relay 1.48.02 - 7th
Skooda Walle Under 12
50m Backstroke 42.84 - 5th
50m Freestyle 34.77 - 11th
Jack Bourke Under 16
4x50m Freestyle relay1.59.59 - 4th
4x50m Freestyle relay 1.48.02 - 7th
50m Butterfly 29.06 - 7th
100m Backstroke 1.13.25 - 7th
Jack French Open
4x50m Freestyle relay 1.48.02 - 7th
4x50m Medley relay 1.59.59 - 4th
400m Freestyle 4.36.97 - 5th
200m Freestyle 2.07.88 - 6th
Alex Seamer Under 15
4x50m Medley relay 1.59.59 - 4th
4x50m Freestyle relay 1.48.02 - 7th
100m Breastroke 1.24.05 - 7th
50m Breastroke 37.49 - 9th
50m freestyle 28.28 - 17th
Willa Hoffman Under 15
50m Butterfly 31.47 - 5th
100m Butterfly 1.12.57 - 5th
100m Freestyle 1.06.19 - 8th
Alex and Tim Wellm
Left to right: Skooda Walle, Alex Seamer, Alex Wellm, Jack French, Jack Bourke, Willa Hoffman and Tim Wellm
Open 4x50m Freestyle relay: Alex Seamer, Alex Wellm, Jack Bourke and Jack French
Each and every swimmer was only one or two places off getting through to NSW All Schools Swimming Champs! And each swimmer swam PB’s in every race!
Massive congratulations to Tim and Alex Wellm as they both made it through to the NSW All Schools Champs - Tim with a massive four first places: 50m and 100m butterfly, 50m and 100m freestyle. Alex first in 100m breaststroke and second in 50m breaststroke.
The Open 4 x 50m Medley Relay team were awesome - we had a much younger team as three of the boys raced up (Alex Seamer 15, Jack Bourke 16, Alex Wellm 16 and Jack French 17). It was a fantastic race to watch with each of our team stepping up and just missed out on going through to All Schools finishing in fourth place by just half a second. They are all looking forward to doing the relay again next year!
It was awesome to see the Mt St Pat’s kids supporting each other throughout the day and all swimming so well!
Mrs Julie French (Parent)
ENVISION HEALTH - MURWILLUMBAH PROMOTION
ENVISION HEALTH: There is currently a member discount at Envision Health and Fitness as a celebration of their renovation, bringing the price down to $10.95 a week. They are paying $50 if you refer someone to join. If you join, tell them MSPC referred you and all monies will go to a College fundraiser.
WEEKLY SPORT PARTICIPATION
There has been a recent trend within the student body to be non-active in weekly sport sessions. This has been highlighted by recent visits to the pool to conduct swimming sessions. During our warmer months, spaces at the pool are scarce and we are extremely lucky to be able to access this facility which is within walking distance from school. It is a tremendous shame that a large number of students are providing weak excuses or not bringing swimmers in an attempt to avoid this option. I am asking for parental support on this matter and encourage your child to be active during weekly sporting opportunities.
DIO RUGBY LEAGUE
MSPC had 4 students travel to South West Rocks and compete across two days of training and competition. From all reports our students performed extremely well and were unlucky to just miss out on further representative honours.
Tanesa Browning and Ivy Piticco in the sheds prior to training in their Lismore rep kits.
DIOCESAN TOUCH FOOTBALL
Earlier in the term these two girls Tanesa Browning and Ayla East were selected in the Lismore Under 15 and Open Girls Touch Football teams respectively. They competed this week on the Central Coast in the New South Wales CCC Championships. Both girls played extremely well and had a number of tough tight games, both the Under 15 and Open teams just missed making the semifinals.
Well done girls!
Tanesa Browning and Ayla East
BILL TURNER CUP / TROPHY SOCCER
Unfortunately, the “Rain Bomb” last week caused these two games (girls v Kingy High and boys against Tweed River) to be postponed. Reports next term. Games are due to be played (weather permitting) on Thursday and Friday, this week.
ATHLETICS SEASON UNDERWAY
Regular readers of “From the sports desk” would be familiar with two outstanding athletes at MSPC, Chloe Martin (Yr 12) and Erin Lanyon (Yr 10).
Both girls once again will be traversing the countryside and travelling to Adelaide these holidays for the Australian Junior Athletics Championships April 15 - 18. In what could be an early state of origin clash, Chloe will be representing Queensland and Erin representing NSW.
Chloe will compete in her favourite 400m hurdles and Erin in both Long and Triple Jump. Good luck girls.
TERM 2 OVERVIEW (Weeks 1-5)
Our winter sports really start to increase during Term 2. Students have been training for many of them already and compass events for the events in Week 2 & 3 have been sent out already. An overview of important dates follows;
Week 1 Wednesday 1st May Q Schools AFL Juniors - Byron Bay
Thursday 2nd May NRCC Rugby League - Casino
Friday 3rd May, College Cross Country - Murwillumbah Showgrounds
Friday 3rd May Q Schools AFL Seniors - Byron Bay
Week 2 Wednesday 8th May Tobin Shield Open Rugby League
Week 3 Tuesday 14th May NRCC Hockey - Lismore
Thursday 16th May Jamie Chapman Cup - Murwillumbah
Friday 17th May Diocesan Cross Country - Grafton
Week 4 Monday 20th - Thursday 223rd NSWCCC Hockey - Bathurst
Wednesday 22nd May Cochrane Cup U14 Rugby League
Week 5 Thursday 30th May U13,15, Open Country Cup Rugby League - Sth Tweed
Tim Whitney
Sports Coordinator
College News
Community News
