MSPC Newsletter - Term 2, Week 10, 4th July 2024.

Principal

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Families, 

It has been brought to our attention that several students have been sharing inappropriate images of students and staff through social media. We take this matter very seriously and have immediately taken steps to address it. The police are actively investigating the situation.

Please be assured that we have made contact with the parents or guardians directly of all students that have been impacted by or were involved in this incident.

We are committed to providing counselling and well-being support for all affected students and staff. 

Online safety resources and additional information for both adults and young people can be found on the eSafety Commissioner's website. Additionally, you may have seen the Online Safety Essential Conversations articles in the College newsletters this year. These articles provide education to parents on key digital and online issues that can assist you in preventing emotional, social and legal ramifications for your young person. This series of 10 newsletter items has been developed to encourage parents to be aware of the risks and challenges young people face when navigating the digital world and aims to encourage parents to have conversations with their young person. 

Term 2, Week 4: Consent for Sharing Photos and Videos

Term 2, Week 6: Pressures from Social Media

Term 2, Week 8: Image-based Abuse

The fourth article in the series is in the Welfare section of this newsletter.

We are dedicated to the safeguarding of the well-being and safety of our students and staff , we will continue to educate our young people in being respectful and safe in all of their relationships at school and online. We thank you for your support on this matter. 

I ask that should you have any information about this situation, to please contact me directly or Tweed Police on 07 5506 9499.

Gavin Dykes
Principal

Assistant Principal - Mission

Today we celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart with a lovely Mass which was a fitting way to give thanks for the blessings of the first semester. At the end of mass senior Doyle students presented a donation of $500 from their Big Doyle BBQ, blankets and dry goods for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal to Mrs Denise Banner, who is the President of the local Mary MacKillop Conference of St Vincent De Paul. Thank you to the students, and parents, for their generosity in making donations.

Tomorrow Friday 5 th July is a Staff Spirituality Day. College students do not need to be in attendance on this day. Term 3 resumes on Monday 27 th July for all students which will be Day 6 of the timetable.

Best wishes to all students for a safe and refreshing holiday. I asked the students in today’s Student Bulletin and at Mass to be kind to their parents and to their siblings. I would be interested in receiving feedback about how that works out.

Mary-Anne McShane
Assistant Principal: Mission

MINISTRY

Year 7 and Year 9 Reflection Days Term 3 

Just a reminder to parents/carers of Year 7 and Year 9 students, that they will have their reflection/retreat days next term in Week 1. These days are held every year and provide opportunities for our students to participate in faith formation, games, music and reflection. Students can wear their sports uniform on the day. Students will need to bring recess and lunch as normal or can purchase recess and lunch at the canteen.

Year 7 Reflection Day - 23rd July, 2024.

Year 9 Reflection Day - 24th July, 2024.

We are very lucky to be having a range of guests and presenters at the Year 7 day and will be having a special Year 7 Mass that afternoon. Parents/carers and grandparents of Year 7 students are most welcome to attend. The mass will be a narrated mass. More information to come.

Ignite Conference

This exciting conference is back again in September. The CSO will be organising a trip which is open to students from Years 9-12. The trip will be subsidised by the CSO to make it more affordable and accessible. Student participants will be asked to make a co-contribution of $300.00. This contribution will go towards the registration cost. Transport and accommodation are fully subsidised. To secure your registration for Ignite, students will need to see Miss Molloy or our College Youth Minister Thomas McGhee and  be included on the compass event and then complete the online compass consent forms by Friday 26th July. Please pay $300.00 (non-refundable) via compass.

Further details on the conference: https://igniteconference.com.au/

Street Retreat 

Last Thursday 27th - Sunday 30th, six Year 11 students attended Street Retreat in Brisbane with Mrs Natalie Webster and Thomas McGhee.  The students had a great time immersing themselves in outreach activities and helping those less fortunate. Thank you to Flynn Jones, Indiana Wadley, Jesse Barrett, Elise Page, Rhys Johnston and Crystal Vernon for attending. 

Student Reflection:

Street Retreat was an overall amazing experience, providing me with a sense of gratitude, along with a sense of empathy and understanding for others. On this retreat, I went to a variety of ministries, such as Street Level: a Salvo's organisation that offers food, chapel and community experiences to those needing connection in their lives; Andy's place, an initiative that cooked a 'Sunday lunch' for over 100 people experiencing homelessness or hunger; and Catholic EarthCare which provided education on ways to rejuvenate the environment and the importance of personal prayer.

At these places, myself and my group, immersed ourselves into the experiences available, either by attending the chapel or volunteering to make/serve food, and endeavoured to talk to people to learn about their lives. One of my personal highlights was serving and making hot drinks at Andy's place, as it allowed me to talk to so many new people, and learn about their lives, which highlighted to me all of the diverse and interesting experiences and anecdotes that the individuals I talked to had had.

Street Retreat was also a highly rewarding experience, as meeting all these new people really illuminated the originality that every person has to offer, again renewing a sense of empathy and compassion, and teaching the lesson to never judge someone before you talk to them. It was also amazing to meet so many people my age and see all the growth and work they did. Thank you so much for the opportunity to go to Street Retreat.

Elise Page - Year 11

Thank you! 

Thank you to all those students and staff who have participated in ministry events this term. Our students always get a lot out of these experiences of faith. Thank you especially to Tom McGhee and Sophie Kirk for all their hard work coordinating these events.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday.

    Grace Molloy

    Leader of Evangelisation

Acting Assistant Principal- Learning & Teaching/ Curriculum

Year 8 into Year 9 Information Night

It was lovely to meet with Year 8 students, parents and carers this week at the Year 9 2025 Information Night. If you were unable to make the evening, I have emailed the information booklet that contains details about the various electives offered and the process for selection. Page 6 of the booklet shows how to access the Stage 5 Information Handbook on the Year 9 page of the Assessment Portal. Students will need to log in using their school email to do this.

Mr Corey Nix will be organising the selection process for electives.  Email: corey.nix@lism.catholic.edu.au 

Year 10 into Year 11 2025 Subject Interview

Year 10 students received their subject interest survey on Friday with feedback and recommendations from the Leaders of Learning. The next step in the process requires each Year 10 student to book a 15 minute interview with a teacher of their choice to discuss the feedback and answer any questions they may still have around their selections. The interview day is held on Thursday 25th July (Week 1, Term 3) from 9am - 5pm, and parents are encouraged to attend with their child. Year 10 students will attend school as normal on the day but will leave class for their interview if it falls during the school day.

Interview bookings opened on Tuesday, 2nd July via the students compass profile.

If you have any questions please contact Keeley Flood. Email: keeley.flood@lism.catholic.edu.au 

Year 12 Trial Examinations

Students have been asked to check their draft timetable. The Trial block is scheduled for Weeks 3 and 4, Term 3. Some timely information and reminders regarding the upcoming Year 12 Trial Examination block. 

Academic calendar - Assessment Portal

Students can access their academic calendar on the Year 12 page of the Assessment Portal. The Assessment Portal is the one stop shop for assessment and contains information regarding: Assessment Rules, Assessment Handbook, Assessment Calendar, Assessment Tasks, Study Planners and NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority).

Preparing for Assessments

Allowing time to prepare for assessments is crucial for students to be able to perform to the best of their ability. Assessments serve as an important milestone in a student's academic journey and preparing for assessments helps students develop good study habits, time management skills and effective revision strategies, all of which are essential for supporting a student’s progress in their studies. Allowing time to prepare for assessments helps students identify their strengths and have time to address areas for development. Students are encouraged to be proactive in preparing for assessments as part of their homework study routine. This can boost a student’s confidence, enhance their learning experience and equip them with the necessary skills for success in their studies.

During the Assessment Block - Monday 05/08/24 to Friday 16/08/24

Year 12 students are not required at school during an assessment block period except when they have an assessment / examination to complete. Students will sign in on their arrival at the College at Presentation House and sign out on their departure. Study rooms will be available at the College each day during the assessment block period. 

Students should make the most of this valuable opportunity to revise during this time. Students are expected to attend their assessments in school uniform, either dress or sport uniform. Examination lengths vary and students should check their timetables on the MSPC Assessment Portal and be at the College 15 minutes prior to the commencement of an assessment task. The venues for assessment tasks are on the timetable.

Illness and Assessment

 If a student is sick on the day of an assessment, they should:

1.  Ring the College office by 8:30 to advise absence: (02) 6672 2340
2. Have a Medical Practitioner complete the Mount St Patrick Assessment Variation Illness Application Form to cover the days the student is absent due to illness. A copy of the form is attached. Students have been informed that if this documentation is not provided a zero grade will be awarded, as per the Assessment Policy. On their return to school, students should give the medical certificate to Mrs Swift at the Front Office. A copy of the form is attached.
3.  Email Mr Nix to organise a catch up assessment: corey.nix@lism.catholic.edu.au

Communication

As always, we encourage open communication between parents, students, and teachers. If you have any concerns or questions about your child's progress, please do not hesitate to contact me or any other members of the teaching team. We are here to support your child's learning and wellbeing. 

Years 7 - 12 Upcoming Assessments - Term 3

 The following is an assessment overview for Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 3. Students should check their assessment calendar on the portal for accuracy and to ensure that changes have not been made since publishing this guide.

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 year page of the Assessment Portal.

If a student is sick and unable to complete an assessment on the due date, Years 7, 8 and 9 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.

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

Welfare

We are up to Item 4 in our series of Online Safety Conversations from previous Newsletters this term.

Please read below:

Online Safety Essential Conversations: Catfishing

Catfishing refers to someone employing a false identity to deceive you into thinking you're engaging in
a genuine online friendship or romance. Once trust is established, catfishers might:
● Publicise your secrets or expose your vulnerability, causing embarrassment or distress.
● Deceive you into sending them money through fraudulent schemes.
● Coerce or manipulate you into sharing intimate photos or engaging in online sexual activities.
● Threaten to expose or exploit you using nude or intimate material, a practice known as
'sextortion.'
● Misuse your personal information to assume your identity and commit identity theft.
By having open and proactive discussions about catfishing, you can help empower your young person
to recognise and avoid potential risks while navigating the online world responsibly.
Tips:
Start with Openness: Begin the conversation in a non-judgmental and open manner. Let your young
person know that you want to discuss an important topic related to online safety and they can come to
you if they ever feel suspicious or uncomfortable about someone they're talking to online. Emphasise
the importance of trust and communication in maintaining their safety.
Define Catfishing: Explain what catfishing is in simple terms. Describe it as when someone creates a
fake online identity to deceive or manipulate others, often for personal gain or to harm others
emotionally.
Discuss Red Flags: Talk about common warning signs of catfishing, such as someone refusing to
video chat or meet in person, inconsistencies in their story, or requests for personal or financial
information.
Emphasise Trust and Verification: Stress the importance of verifying the identity of people your
young person interacts with online. Encourage them to be cautious and sceptical of strangers,
especially if they seem too good to be true.
Discuss Privacy Settings: Review your young person’s privacy settings on social media with them.
Encourage them to keep their profiles private and to be selective about who they accept friend requests
or messages from.
Talk About Consent: Discuss the importance of obtaining consent before sharing personal information
or photos online. Remind your teen that they have the right to set boundaries and should never feel
pressured to do anything they're not comfortable with.
Let your teen know that if they ever find themselves in a situation involving catfishing, you're there to
support them without judgement. Reassure them that it's not their fault and that they can take steps to
protect themselves. Check-in with your teen periodically to see how they're navigating their online
interactions.

Read more at eSafety Catfishing
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.

Please read below Item 2 of our Vaping Conversations

Vaping: Why is it attractive?

Young people can be drawn to vaping for a number of different reasons including peer pressure, accessibility and affordability, the belief that vaping is harmless and curiosity. Sometimes a family member who vapes can also influence children and young people to try vaping.
This short video provides some insights into why vaping is attractive to young people and is important viewing before parents and carers use the conversation starters at home.
Conversation Starters
Be ready to have these conversations with your child with a sense of calmness and interest in what they have to say. Be ready to listen to their responses without jumping in too quickly to correct them. Choose your timing wisely, perhaps during a relaxed moment at home, when driving somewhere together, or when no other stress or distractions are present.
1. Why do you think more children and teens are vaping? Listen to understand. Your child may mention one of the reasons listed above or have another opinion. This conversation starter opens the door to healthy dialogue.
2. Could you confidently say no if you were offered a vape? How could you do this? Help your young person create an ‘exit plan’ if they are offered a vape.
3. How do you think the person offering you the vape would react to you saying no? How might that make you feel about this friendship?
Now might be a good time to talk about what your child values in their friends.
Peer pressure can be powerful, so coming up with realistic action steps and practising them together in a safe environment will prepare and empower your child to make good choices when it matters. Remind them that not everyone is vaping. There are many young people making healthy choices to say no.

    Louise Shields

    Leader of Pastoral Care

Faculty News

A NOTE FROM THE SCIENCE DESK

MEMORIES OF TERM 2 2024

We’re so happy it’s the end of term, but looking back, the Science Department has done some awesome stuff this term!!!  Here is a quick run-down.

We started off the term with ‘Melanoma Awareness Monday’.  Matilda Golds braved assembly to talk about the importance of sun protection in our sun burnt country.

We followed this up with Year 12’s and teachers donating blood at the Red Cross Blood Donation Unit.  And, definitely in the nick of time because they only had two days of blood left on the eastern seaboard of Australia.

In May, the Year 11 Biology students went to Yarrahappinni to complete the field work component of the Preliminary course.  Yarrahappinni is about 40 minutes north of Kempsey and boasts one of the most spectacular beaches on the coast. When you walk through Yarrahapinni’s dense, old growth forests filled with gums and hoop pines, you can imagine the dream time stories attached to it.

In June, Year 9 students went to Sea World to learn about relationships between marine organisms and the fine art of conducting sampling techniques under water.  The Year 9 Accelerated students travelled to Hastings Point to study biomimicry in preparation for our Term 3 environmental project, REGEN 2484 where students will design a regenerative future for Mt St Patrick College and the surrounding community.

In Week 9 the Year 12 Biology students travelled to the University of Queensland to do PCR and gel electrophoresis.  Very posh!!!  That means we cloned genes and then analysed them using a genetic profile.  We also made a transgenic organism by transferring a gene from yeast into E.coli bacteria.

In the last week of term, Year 11 students made ‘Power Wells’ from the school’s discarded computers.  These power wells will be taken to the Solomon Islands by our Year 11 students next term to provide power to those in the village who don’t have access to electricity.

We ended off the term with Year 11 Chemistry students doing a whole unit of experiments at Sydney University in the Kickstart Chemistry Program and Year 11 Investigating Science students travelling to ANSTO to visit and study a nuclear facility.    

Year 12 Earth and Environmental Science students ended the term with a visit from Keith Close, Project Coordinator at Jagun Alliance.  He taught the students the importance and cultural history of mosaic burning.

And, finally, calling all creative students

at Mt St Pats

Local high school students in the Tweed are invited to participate in the national Speaking 4 the Planet competition on the theme: Trees, the guardians of life.

Speaking 4 the Planet encourages high school students aged 12-18 to present their views through speaking, visual arts, writing or performance poetry - with great prizes up for grabs.

Council is supporting this competition as part of its climate action work with the community which recognises the importance of young people’s voices.

Entries will also be celebrated at the 2024 Tweed Sustainability Awards showcase

Get your entries in by Friday 26^th July or visit Council's website for more information.

For further information, contact Council’s Education Officer – Sustainability, Jane Moad at tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

    Jackie Tilsley

    Assistant Leader of Learning Science

CAPA

Fantastic options for Year 9 & 10 Elective Subjects!

Drama, Music & Dance!

DRAMA AND ELECTIVE TASTER LESSON - TERM 3

If you're considering Drama as an elective, come and see our talented Year 9 students in action as they rehearse their hilarious comedic performances in Term 3. Email Mrs Barone caitlyn.barone@lism.catholic.edu.au if you would like to experience what Drama class has to offer.

As students don’t do Drama in Year 7 and 8 this is a wonderful opportunity for students to sit in on a lesson.

EXCITING NEWS FOR THE CAPA DEPARTMENT!!!

For the first time, Dance is being offered as an elective subject at MSPC!

Kaitlyn Judd is the very passionate teacher behind the push to bring Dance to MSPC.

Want to know more? Here is a summary of what the course will delve into…

Three focus areas;

• PERFORMANCE → Perform a range of dances, individually and with others in a variety of styles. Learn the fundamentals of modern dance technique to improve skill, flexibility, strength and coordination.
• COMPOSITION → Learn how to compose your own dances using different stimulus, to communicate ideas, tell stories and engage audiences
• APPRECIATION (theory) → Study and analyse dance works of art, past and present, and choreographers who have significantly influenced dance as we know it today.

This is a practical subject, and you will be required to perform as part of assessments

Practical lessons will include;

• Dance training to improve flexibility, strength, coordination, endurance and skill
• Learning different genres and styles of dance
• Learning and perfecting choreography
• Performing dances in pairs, groups and as a whole class
• Developing your own choreographed pieces individually, and with others

Stage 5 Elective MUSIC

Students can choose between 100hr and 200hr elective Music. Both courses are 50% practical and 50% theory and provide the chance to build and learn musical and performance skills through individual and group performances. Students will practice performing, analysing and composing music, supported by theory lessons that will provide a formative appreciation of music styles and techniques. As many senior students can confirm, this course is both extremely fun and made extremely engaging by our experienced and passionate music staff. 

‘Elective music is a super fun class and offers many opportunities to perform and improve.’ - Emily Simpson (Yr 12)

Elective Music also hosts a Drumline Program on our beautiful state of the art Championship Pearl Drums. This program runs one lesson a fortnight and introduces students to reading and performing drum beats on bass, snare and tenor drums, replicating a drumkit and drum grooves working together with only a single drum to conquer. Students will learn a variety of drum grooves to accompany different styles of music. Click HERE to view a short video.

REMINDER- INSTRUMENTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

It breaks a Music teacher’s heart to see instruments being stored - they want to be played! We have a variety of instruments available for hire through the MSPC music department. These include trumpets, saxophones, flutes, clarinets and a violin. Hire fees $25/ term.

Email kaitlyn.rennes-nadal@lism.catholic.edu.au for a form.

New guitar teacher starting next term- Alicia Charleston

Monday’s only. Contact her directly to book a lesson time. Get in quick! Qualified to teach advanced players.

We will be running a free Guitar Workshop in Week 2 next term for students to ‘meet and greet’ our new guitar teacher. Email kaitlyn.rennes-nadal@lism.catholic.edu.au if you would like to attend the workshop.

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

COLLEGE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Our College Athletics Carnival will once again be held at Walter Peate Oval Kingscliff on Friday 26th July. As mentioned in the previous newsletter, if you can drive your son or daughter to the oval and drop them off, staff will be there from 7.30am setting up. Students will need to make themselves known to staff upon arrival at the “Marshalling Tent”. Here they will be asked to assist in the carnival set up.

The students who cannot be dropped off to the oval are to come to school as normal and buses will ferry the students and staff to the venue at 9am.

Events will run from 10am - 2pm. If time allows the presentation will follow.

A reminder to all that it is Council policy to not have balloons at ovals so please no balloons at Walter Peate oval.

A copy of the current college Athletics records can be found on the link below:

MSPC ATHLETIC RECORDS

NRCC NETBALL

Unfortunately after weeks of trials and training the rain had put a stop to this event. The next netball opportunity will be at the Diocesan event in Term 4 (19th September). Initial plans are to keep the netball teams training by playing a series of games mid-term to finalise Diocesan teams. 

TERM 3 SPORT

A reminder to all parents that there will be a Term 3 compass notification about sport arriving soon and all events need to be consented to for your child so they can take part in weekly sessions. Some / most sessions will take place off College grounds.

A reminder to parents of Year 9 students that each sport group will be participating in a three week hockey session at the Tweed Border Hockey facility and mouth guards are compulsory. You will need to purchase one for your child if you have not already done so. 

LOOKING AHEAD TERM 3

College Athletics Carnival Friday 26th July - Week 1

Diocesan Junior Basketball Tuesday 30th July - 1st August Port Macquarie - Week 2

NRCC Junior Aussie Rules Tuesday 20th August Byron Bay - Week 5

NRCC Intermediate Aussie Rules Thursday 22nd August Byron Bay - Week 5

NRCC Volleyball (7-10) Monday 26th August Casino - Week 6

Diocesan Athletics Monday 2nd September Coffs Harbour - Week 7

NRCC North Touch Football Wednesday 11th September Grafton - Week 8

NRCC Rugby Union (tbc) Thursday 19th September - Alstonville

    Tim Whitney

    Sports Coordinator

College News

Community News

SAFER DRIVERS COURSE

If you're looking to earn 20 Logbook hours towards your NSW Learner License, then this 5-hour Course is for you, and if you book with a friend, you can do your Module 2 component together.

The Safer Drivers Course aims to provide learner drivers with the knowledge they need to reduce road risks and prevent accidents by becoming a safe driver.

As an Accredited Provider of the transport for NSW Safer Driver Course, PCYC NSW know that our students will complete the course with a greater understanding of how to be a safe P-plate driver.

Students are required to have completed 50 Logged Driving Hours prior to signing up to the Course.

The Course Fee is $140 (Concessions are available)

PCYC Tweed Heads is running Safer Drivers Programs for July School Holidays on the below dates:

Upcoming dates:

Monday 8th July 2024 - 9am - 12pm PCYC Tweed Heads

Thursday 11th July 2024 - 9am - 12pm PCYC Tweed Heads

Thursday 18th July 2024 - 9am - 12pm PCYC Tweed Heads

Saturday 21st July 2024 - 8am - 11am PCYC Tweed Heads

PCYC Tweed Heads “Safer Driver” courses for July School Holidays 2024 are now LIVE on our website!

Simply click on the below link and Type in Tweed Heads 2485 and book in to the course!

https://www.pcycdrivereducationprograms-sdc.org.au/

The NSW School holidays are just around the corner!

Book now at PCYC Tweed Heads and keep your kids entertained and busy over the holidays with our ever popular School Holiday Programs (See attached Schedule).

Our programs are run by qualified coaches that have a passion for working with young people in a sport and recreation environment, our programs are a cost-effective option for all families.

With a wide variety of activities available at the PCYC Tweed Heads club, we have something to keep every child entertained and engaged. 

Simply click on the link, and email or call us directly to book, it’s that simple;

https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/tweed-heads/school-holidays

JULY 2024 SCHOOL HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Mon 8^th July Basketball Camp - 6 - 16 Years, 08:00 - 15:30

Tue 9^th July Ninja Warrior Camp - 6 - 16 Years, 08:00 - 15:30

Wed 10^th July Mini Olympics - 6 - 16 Years, 08:00 - 15:30

Thu 11^th July 3x3 Basketball Comp - 9 - 16 Years, 08:00 - 15:30

Mon 15th July Basketball Camp - 6 - 16 Years, 08:00 - 15:30

Tue 16th July Soccer Camp - 6 - 16 Years, 08:00 - 15:30

Wed 17th July Ninja Warrior - 6 - 16 Years, 08:00 - 15:30

Thu 18th July 3x3 Basketball Comp - 9 - 16 Years, 08:00 - 15:30

If you wish to redeem and use your Active Kids Vouchers, please download your voucher and then fill out the attached SHP enrolment and medical form, you can either email them to us directly or bring them with you to the Club, we will then book you in right away!

Apply for an Active Kids voucher | Service NSW

Timing 8am - 3:30pm
(Drop off from 7:45am and pick up before 3:30pm)

Cost - $53

All participants must be Club Members and Enrolment/Health/Medical Forms must be submitted.

Book on the link below;

https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/tweed-heads/school-holidays

Get in quick, there are only a few spots left for the Winter break!

tweedheads@pcycnsw.org.au

07 5599 1714