MSPC Newsletter - Term 4, Week 2, 25th October 2024
Principal
Dear Parents,
During Term 4 on the 13th November, Mr Gavin Dykes will be involved in a Principal appraisal process as part of his contract conditions with the Catholic Schools Office.
The appraisal process seeks information from a variety of people associated with the school and uses a number of tools to ensure effective consultation. The process aims to highlight the positive aspects of the leadership offered and identify areas for further development.
A timeline will be constructed to suit the needs of the school community. The appraisal will be conducted by an External Chair assisted by the Regional Service Leader from the Catholic Schools Office.
The full Principal appraisal process involves:
- a survey and self-appraisal statement completed by the Principal
- an interview with the Principal
- input as arranged with the Parish Priest
- surveys of parents, school staff and Catholic Schools Office personnel
- interviews with the School’s Leadership Team
- interviews with a random selection of staff who request an interview with the Chair
- interviews with a random selection of parents who request an interview with the Chair.
The preferred method of survey completion is by the online survey form. A link to this form will be forwarded to your email address. Please ensure your current email address is registered at the school as this survey link will be sent to you two to three weeks prior to the appraisal.
Parents may express their interest to be interviewed via this electronic form. Not all those who express an interest to be interviewed will be contacted. If not contacted then parents may wish to email the Chair with their comments. Anonymous comments and emails will not be considered.
In writing the appraisal report, the Chair makes use of the information gathered but does not identify sources. The Principal does not sight the original returns. Every family in the school is encouraged to complete a survey.
Your support of the appraisal process is appreciated.
Yours sincerely
Michael Mullaly
Chair
Assistant Principal - Mission
Principal Appraisal: As you can see from the letter above, our Principal, Gavin Dykes, is involved in a review process. All parents have been sent an email regarding the survey and the Catholic Schools Office encourages every family to complete the survey. This parent voice sits alongside staff and student voice to provide feedback to affirm Gavin and to provide suggestions for development. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact me at the College.
Role changes for Term 4: Maryanne McShane is having a well deserved rest during this Term. As a result, I will be acting in Maryanne’s position as Assistant Principal. Blake Reynolds will act as the Leader of Pastoral Care and Sam Priddis will be Acting Leader of Wellbeing (Romero House).
Year 12 HSC Exams and Formal: Our Year 12 students have well and truly settled into the exams which started last Tuesday, 15th October. They are handling the process confidently and positively and we thank parents and carers for your continued support of your child throughout this stage.
The Year 12 Formal will then be quickly upon us. The date of the Formal is the 15th November. You should have received information regarding the Formal through Compass. Please be aware that we require payment for tickets and dietary requirements by November 1st - next Friday.
Louise Shields
Acting Assistant Principal: Mission
MINISTRY
Welcome back to Term 4! We hope everyone had a restful break and are ready for an exciting final term filled with learning, growth, and celebration.
Year 9 Ministry Class Primary Retreat
Next Tuesday, 29th October, our Year 9 Youth Ministry class will be assisting with running the primary retreat day, Exuro. We wish Mrs Cripps and her class a great day.
Parents and carers of these Year 9 students are reminded to complete the compass event by Monday 28th.
Parish Christmas Carnival and Nativity
Save the date! Saturday, 30th November.
The annual Parish Christmas Carnival and Nativity is fast approaching. Please see the attached flyers in the newsletter. You can support the event by purchasing raffle tickets or donating items for the stalls.
As always, our amazing band and choir will join with local primary schools to perform in the tableau on the night. There will be stalls, games, and plenty of food. Bring the whole family for a fantastic afternoon and evening, starting at 4pm!
Year 12 HSC students
We continue to wish our Year 12 students all the best with their exams.
Today we pray for all Year 12 students,
During their HSC Exams, give them the strength to complete them to the best of their ability. Help them to remain calm and to think and write clearly so that they remember the things which they have learned and studied. Give them the opportunity to show what they know and to have acceptance of their efforts after the exam. We pray this through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
Grace Molloy
Leader of Evangelisation
Assistant Principal- Learning & Teaching
Mt St Patrick College is a good school because our teachers are dedicated to continual professional development. This term started with our dedicated Midde Leaders, the Leaders of Learning Meeting to plan for Learning and Teaching for 2025. The leaders commenced with an evaluation of our program. Our goal in 2024 was:
By 2025, our aspiration is to provide quality learning that is data-informed and embeds consistent contemporary research-based pedagogical practices.
The key priorities to achieve this aspiration over the period 2023 – 2025 are to:
LT1. Develop a shared pedagogical approach, which includes differentiation to effectively engage students at all levels and abilities in their learning.
LT2. Use the physical environment to engage and enhance student learning.
As part of this goal the college has developed signature pedagogical practices
This work was initiated by Mrs Narelle Chaffer and continued by Leader of Pedagogy, Ms Simone Kendrick. Professional learning has upskilled our teaching staff and improved learning for all students.
This goal has been achieved and the focus for 2025: “It will be Evident that all learners are engaged and provided opportunities to access the curriculum.”
Mrs Jane Egan, ex-teacher of Mt St Patrick College and current Principal of Emamaus College, Jimboomba, was our keynote speaker on the day. Jane imparted her wisdom about adaptive leadership and the need to know the societal context of the people you are leading. The leaders enjoyed her presentation and it was great to have Jane back in our community.
Term 4 is focusing on preparing for and participating in assessments. Year 12 have commenced the HSC examinations and Year 11 have commenced their HSC studies. Students in Year 7 to 10 will receive exam timetables and begin revision activities.
We wish all the students the very best and hope they can focus and demonstrate their learning to the best of their ability.
Narelle Sherrah
Assitant 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 6, commencing 18/11/24 to 25/11/24
- Year 8 assessment block is scheduled for Week 5, commencing 11/11/24 to 15/11/24
- Year 9 assessment block is scheduled for Week 5, commencing 11/11/24 to 15/11/24
- Year 10 assessment block is scheduled for Week 6, commencing 18/11/24 to 22/11/24
- Year 11 / 12 (HSC) and Accelerated Year 10 assessment block is scheduled starting Week 8, commencing on 02/12/24 to 06/12/24.
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 2024
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.
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 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
Welfare
Hello!
My name is Blake Reynolds, and I am proud to serve as the Acting Leader of Pastoral Care for Term 4. I have taken over from Mrs Shields as she steps up into the role of Acting Assistant Principal Mission, as Ms McShane goes on a well deserved break. I am deeply passionate about nurturing the wellbeing of all students, ensuring they are safe, feel valued and heard.
This newsletter highlights Item 10 of our Online Education series, which addresses the pressures children face from social media. We encourage you to discuss this topic openly with your children to help keep them informed and aware. If you encounter any issues or need support, please feel free to reach out to me at the College.
Online Safety Essential Conversations: Balance
Engaging online should enrich our lives, not consume them entirely. Some tips for parents:
Establish Tech-Free Zones: As a family, create designated tech-free zones in your home where screens are not allowed, such as the dinner table or bedrooms. This can help promote family bonding and reduce distractions.
Promote Self-Awareness: Help your young person become aware of their own online habits and how they affect their wellbeing. Encourage them to reflect on how they feel after spending time online and to recognise when they need to take breaks.
Lead by Example: Model healthy online behaviours by demonstrating responsible device use and setting boundaries for yourself. Show your young person that it's possible to disconnect and engage in offline activities.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you're concerned about your young person’s online behaviour or wellbeing, don't hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional or counsellor who specialises in adolescent issues.
Recognising if your young person is addicted to online activities involves observing their behaviour and looking for signs of problematic online use. Here are some indicators to consider:
Excessive Time Spent Online: Notice if your young person spends an excessive amount of time online, especially to the detriment of other activities such as schoolwork, hobbies, or socialising with friends and family.
Preoccupation with Online Platforms or Activities: If your young person constantly thinks about going online, eagerly anticipates their next opportunity to be online, or becomes irritable or restless when unable to access the platform, it may indicate a problem.
Neglect of Responsibilities and Basic Needs: Pay attention to whether your young person neglects important responsibilities such as homework, chores, or personal hygiene because of their online activities. Observe whether your young person neglects basic needs such as sleep, nutrition, or exercise because of their online activities.
Withdrawal: Notice if your young person exhibits withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or agitation when they're unable to access the internet or when they're offline for an extended period.
Relationships: Observe how your young person’s relationships with family members, friends, or peers are affected by their online activities. If they withdraw from social interactions or prefer spending time online over engaging in face-to-face interactions, it may be a cause for concern.
If you are concerned about your young person, talk to NSW Parentline for free counselling and referral service. Read more at Esafety Balancing your time online.
Blake Reynolds
Acting Leader of Pastoral Care
Faculty News
UPDATE FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
MUSICAL UPDATE!!!
The music department is excited to announce our 2025 Musical Production, ‘Grease:School Edition’.This well-loved classic will be performed during Week 2, Term 2, 2025, 7th - 10th May with auditions and rehearsals beginning in Term 4.
The Auditions Process
Students who wish to be involved in the Musical in any capacity are to fill out the 'Expression of interest form", which closes at the end of week 3. This form can be accessed via the link in Compass. Students who would like to audition for a lead role will need to complete an expression of interest before Friday of Week 2. The link to the form is at the bottom of each page on the musical website. A timeline of the Term 4 can also be found here. (MUSICAL INFORMATION SITE)
What to Expect
The musical is a fantastic opportunity for actors, singers and dancers to showcase their talents both as individuals and together as a cast. Although extremely rewarding, students must be aware of the level of commitment required to the preparation, this includes weekly rehearsals, several Sunday rehearsals, etc. In light of this, all students who have participated in a musical before, can attest to it being one of the highlights of their school experience.
Calling all boys
We would specifically like to encourage more boys to consider auditioning as our show simply cannot go on if we do not receive enough interest!. So please take a chance, be brave and throw your name in the mix for our musical!
Costuming and Props
Can you help with costuming or sourcing props? Please contact kaitlyn: rennes-nadal@lism.catholic.edu.au for more information. We have a prop list and costume list populated.
GRAD MASS
Thank you again to all the students of the band and choir for their beautiful playing/singing at our Graduation Mass. Photos are included below.
Choir students include: Matilda Patterson, Sophia Drew, Hazel Egan, Yashika Hurry, Samara Lever, Siena Teague, River McLean-Reid, Shanti-Rose Smyth, Tylah Whittington, Abigail Gresham, Charlie Brown, Stephany Joseph, Raphael Connor, Maddie Shackell, Isabelle Biersteker, Sunny Godbee, Mia Axford, Emily Simpson, Hannah Millar, Bryce Wilson, Amelia Keyes.
Band students include- Elijah Jones, Harrison Bottle, Clara Aitchison, Eliza Sonter, Cate Wemm, Milly Simpson, Austin Rockwell, Eva Brzoson, Olivia Bagnall, Lachlan Maclean, Josh Hawkins, Raphael Connor, Miki Gronholt, Jamie Howitt, Lonnie Maher and Jack French.
Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal
Leader of Learing: Creative Arts
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
NSWCCC ATHLETICS
A small yet talented contingent of MSPC students travelled to Sydney to compete in the NSWCCC Athletics championships on September 16th. A number of our students, representing Lismore Diocese, received medallions at these Championships. Congratulations to the following:
Yohanna Uhlmann U14 Girls Long Jump Bronze Medal - 4.94m
Willa Hoffman U16 Girls High Jump Bronze Medal - 1.57m
Erin Lanyon Junior Girls (12-15) Triple Jump Bronze medal - 10.83m
Cain Twomey U16 Boys Discus Bronze Medal - 38.27m
L to R: Willa Hoffman, Erin Lanyon, Yohanna Uhlmann, Amali Moore, Cain Twomey, Emile Rahmate, Skooda Walle
NSW ALL SCHOOLS ATHLETICS
After the NSWCCC Athletics, athletes had the opportunity to attend the All Schools event, again in Sydney. A three-day event held in the school holidays. MSPC students Chloe Martin, Aila Martin, Erin Lanyon and Cain Twomey attended the event.
Outstanding results from all competitors saw the 4 person MSPC team finish 137th out of students from over 400 schools.
Chloe Martin proved once again that she was in elite form and ran a PB in her Championship winning the 17 years, 400m Hurdles in 1.05.45s
Chloe will now compete (after completing her HSC exams) at the Australian Nationals in Brisbane December 6th - 8th.
Erin Lanyon jumped her way to a 3rd place in the Triple Jump Event winning a Bronze medal and into 9th place in the Long Jump Event.
Cain Twomey threw well in both his disciplines, finishing 10th in discus and 8th in shot put
Aila Martin finished 15th in her shot put event.
NATIONAL CHAMPION - NSW U14 HOCKEY - LILLIAN CORBY
Regular readers of “From the Sports Desk” know that Year 9 Student Lillian Corby made the NSW U14 Hockey team. Lillian played for NSW State Team in the under 14’s National Hockey championship in Perth. Throughout the competition, her team finished 1st in the points ladder. The gold medal match was NSW State v Queensland Embers which finished in a 1-1 draw. This meant it went into penalty shootouts. Lillian scored the winning goal with a beautiful tomahawk, placing the ball in the top of the net, above the goalkeeper's head. The team are now National Champions. What a thrill for Lillian to be involved in such a successful campaign and to be such an integral part of the team's victory. Well down indeed!
RUGBY LEAGUE SELECTIONS
A group of talented league players have been rewarded for a good season and excellent performances at trials by being named in Titans U17 & U18 squads for the upcoming season. The players will train in their respective age groups and play Junior NRL Clubs and other regions in Coffs Harbour in the New Year. Congratulations to the following players:
Imogen Andrews U18 Girls, Phoebe Piticco U18 Girls, Kate Pryke U17 Girls, Tanesa Browning U17Girls, Amali Hunt U17 Girls, Max Palmer U17 Boys, Hayden Charman U17 Boys
OPEN BOYS CRICKET
Downie Trophy Tuesday 22/10/24 Round 2 v St John’s College, Woodlawn
Our MSPC First XI were drawn against Woodlawn in Round 2 of the Downie Trophy (50 over match) played at Rabjones Oval, Murwillumbah.
Captain Sam Acret won the toss and sent Woodlawn in to bat first. This aggressive move seemed to pay off as Woodlawn lost 3 wickets in their first 10 overs. The bowling and fielding were strong and although Woodlawn batted well at times, our team did really well to restrict them to 207 (all out) in the 47th over. Our Wicket Keeper, George Fisher, was excellent throughout the innings and the Bowling Honours were shared by Sam Acret 4/26 (10 overs), Harry O’Brien 2/46 (9 overs), Rishabh Lashand and Jack O’Shea both 1/43 (10 overs) and Billy Smith 1/23 (5 overs).
When it was our turn to bat, we found things to be much more challenging. Facing a high-quality pace attack, our top order crumbled to be 6/30 after 20 overs. Max Palmer (25) and Sam Acret (15) then put on a partnership of 42 but they were the only batsmen to reach double figures. MSPC were all out for 77 in the 29th over.
Although soundly beaten by a strong Woodlawn team, our boys performed creditably particularly in the field. Special thanks to Mr Bill Battese for his umpiring expertise and to Mr Tim Whitney for his efforts in organising the game and transporting equipment to and from the field.
Coach: Mr Michael Acret
UPCOMING EVENTS TERM 4
- Today Diocesan Volleyball (report next newsletter)
- Lord Taverners Cup Cricket Tuesday 29th October
- Diocesan Golf Monday 11th November
- Diocesan Senior Water Polo Thursday 14th November
- Diocesan Netball Carnival Tuesday 19th November
- Diocesan Junior Water Polo Thursday 21st November
- NRCC Boys Cricket Monday 25th November
- NRCC Girls Cricket Tuesday 26th November
Tim Whitney
Sport Co-ordinator
A NOTE FROM THE SCIENCE DESK
This term, Year 9 Accelerated students have been doing an Environmental Science Module. Students were tasked with designing a project that mitigated carbon emissions. On Saturday 19th of October a group of Year 9 girls ran a repair café in M ARTS from 9am till 1pm. With the aid of 5 volunteers, some of whom were parents or grandparents, we managed to mend and alter many pieces of clothing that would otherwise have gone to landfill. The girls were admirable representative of the College. They were polite, cooperative but more impressively, so well spoken.
Jackie Tilsley
Assistant Leader of Learning: Science
MATHEMATICS NEWS
I am pleased to announce that Mrs Renee Burns has joined the Mathematics faculty for Term 4. The enthusiasm she brings is already evident and I look forward to the continued contribution she will make to our college.
Our Year 12 students studying the Mathematics Standard 2, Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 2 courses completed the external HSC examination on Monday. I was very pleased with the positivity that students were displaying in the lead up to these exams. It is the culmination of many months of hard work and I am sure they are pleased to have now put it behind them. Well done!
As we begin Term 4 it is important that I remind students of the importance of being prepared for each lesson and giving it their all. Students need to ensure they have a workbook, charged laptop, pens/pencils and a calculator and that they are bringing these to each lesson. Please reach out to me at the College if you need assistance in ensuring your child is prepared for learning.
Below is some information about the ways in which you can support your child at home with their learning.
Dan Anderson
Learder of Learning: Mathematics
College News
Year 12 Caregiver and Child 'NEPALIES' December 2025 Immersion!
Dear parents / caregivers
Are you interested celebrating the conclusion of your child’s schooling at MSPC with a trip to Nepal? Approximate dates are December 3-18, 2025
Start planning now!
Spend over two weeks in Nepal with your child who will be:
- VOLUNTEERING in a Children’s Home and village school
- SIGHTSEEING in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- DAY TREKKING from three comfortable lodges in lower Annapurna.
All accommodation is with ensuites. The day trekking and volunteering is optional as we are transported between lodges by vehicle
Cost - $6400 per pair (adult and school leaver) plus airfares, visa and insurance.
‘Nepalies’ has been running at MSPC since 2016.
Please email Mr Jim Smith to register your interest in attending an information evening
jim.smith@lism.catholic.edu.au
