MSPC Newsletter - Term 1, Week 8, 27th March
Principal
Assistant Principal - Mission
St Patrick’s Day 17th March 2025
The College community celebrated this important feast with a thanksgiving liturgy in the Sacred Heart Church on Monday 17th March. Staff member Mr George Healy, an Irishman, told us about the life of St Patrick and later read the prayer/poem ‘St Patrick’s Breastplate’ in his Irish brogue. The prayer was believed to have been written by St Patrick.
Wall of Excellence: At the conclusion of the liturgy six students were inducted into our virtual Wall of Excellence for their high-level achievements in sport. They were:
Lillian Corby (Year 10) - Hockey
Selected in the 2024 NSWCCC U16 Girls Hockey Team
Attended the NSW All Schools Selection Trials in Newcastle where she was selected in the NSW All Schools team to compete in the School Sport Australia event on the Gold Coast from 27th July to 3rd August, 2024.
Erin Lanyon (Year 11) - Athletics
Reached the 2024 NSW All School Athletics Carnival
Erin received a Silver Medal in Long Jump with a Personal Best. She also gained a Bronze Medal in Triple Jump, also with a Personal Best.
Erin qualified for the National All Schools championships in Perth for Long Jump and she was a reserve in the Triple Jump.
Chloe Martin (Year 12, 2024) - Athletics
NSW All Schools Athletics Carnival - 17 years 400m Hurdles Champion
Vann O’Keefe (Year 12) - Hockey
Member of 2024 NSWCCC Open Hockey Team.
Vann was selected to play in a state Tri-series Event on 23rd July, 2024.
Alexander Wellm (Year 11) - Swimming
3rd April 2024 NSWCCC Swimming Carnival at Homebush, Sydney
100m U16 Breaststroke 1st 1.13.04
50m U16 Breaststroke 2nd 32.42
4x50m U16 Medley relay 4th 1.59.59
4x50m U16 Freestyle relay7th 1.48.02
Timothy Wellm (Year 9) - Swimming
3rd April 2024 NSWCCC Swimming Carnival at Homebush, Sydney
50m U14 Butterfly 1st 28.69
50m U14 Backstroke 1st 30.88
100m U14 Backstroke 1st 1.07.41
100m U14 Butterfly 4th 1.03.56
Staff 20 years + Service Honour Board
Ms Michelle Gill and Ms Sherree O’Brien had their names added to this honour board which is located in the foyer of Presentation House. We thank them for their dedication and commitment to the students of the College over many years.
Newly appointed Family Connect Worker
We are delighted to welcome Ms Katie Sutton to the College. I will ask Katie to introduce herself in the next Newsletter. Until then, the information below outlines Katie’s role at the College. Luckily, she is will also be working at MSPP and St Joseph’s, South Murwillumbah so there will be continuity for some College parents and carers.
NSW Health Free Immunisation Programme for Year 7 and 10 students
NSW Health provide an immunisation service for Year 7 students in Terms 1 and 3. Year 7s first injection will be on Wed 9th April from 9.35am – 2pm in the Gilbey Hall.
Most Year 7 students have received either a hard copy Immunisation Information Kit or a flyer with a QR Code to scan for online Consent Forms. No student will be immunized, by the trained nurses who visit the College, unless they present a Consent Form, signed by their parents, either in hard copy or online format.
Year 7 students should return their signed hard copy Consent Forms to the College Front Office or their homeroom teacher ASAP.
The following links will be helpful if you want to find out more information. Year 10 will receive information about their available injections in Week 3 of Term 2
This is the link to give online consent https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage
St Patrick’s Day Fun Activities
On Tuesday 8th April students are able to wear green mufti (for St Patrick) for a gold coin donation. This money will go to Caritas for Project Compassion which we always support in Lent each year.
There will be 4 normal lessons and then fun activities from approximately 1pm including a BBQ and drinks stall with profits going to the Solomon Islands Immersion project. There will also be a male staff vs student cricket match; a female staff vs students cricket match on the fields and karaoke in the Gilbey Basement. Students need to bring plenty of gold coins to buy a drink or sausage sizzle as there will be no eftpos facilities available.
Anzac Day March in Murwillumbah - Save the date
This year Anzac Day falls on the last Friday of the Term 1 holidays. As usual the College will have its Drumline/Band leading the march and invite as many students as are able to come and march behind the College Banner to the service at the Murwillumbah Cenotaph.
Students who intend to march please give their name to Miss McShane before the end of term. Please assemble opposite the Post Office at 10am on Friday 25/4 ready for a 10.30am March. College students are to be in full dress uniform with hats. Boys will be asked to tuck their shirts in under their shorts/belt on this occasion.
College students and staff have always made a valuable contribution to this community event. I look forward to marching with a generous group of students who want to show gratitude to all the diggers!
Mary-Anne McShane
Assistant Principal: Mission
MINISTRY
Year 12 Retreat – New Dates Confirmed
We’re pleased to confirm that the Year 12 Retreat has been successfully rescheduled and will now take place from Monday 26 May – Wednesday 28 May 2025. This is a compulsory event and an important opportunity for students to reflect, connect, and create lasting memories in their final year.
We appreciate your support in ensuring all students attend. If your child is unable to participate, a meeting with the Principal, Mr Gavin Dykes, will be required to discuss their non-attendance.
Transitus Year 7 Retreat
This week, 13 Year 7 students and two of our Year 10 Youth Ministry students attended the Transitus Retreat. They had a great trip. Photos and an update will be in the next newsletter. Thanks to Mrs Cripps and Thomas McGhee for attending with the students.
Year 11 Retreat Day – Monday 7 April
A reminder that the Year 11 Retreat Day is happening on Monday 7th April in the Gilbey Centre. This is a compulsory event for all Year 11 students.
Led by the Passionist Youth Team, the day will focus on faith, leadership, and personal growth, helping students strengthen their connections with each other and prepare for their senior years.
We appreciate your support in ensuring all students attend this important day.
Thank You – Romero/Nagle House Mass & BBQ
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the Romero/Nagle House Mass on Saturday 22nd March in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. It was wonderful to see our school community come together in faith and fellowship.
A special thanks to our student leaders, Isabelle Levings, Harper Boddie, Isabelle Biersteker, Tex Mikkelsen, Ewan Bourne, and Thomas McGhee for their contributions, as well as the musicians, readers and students who assisted with the offertory and BBQ. We also appreciate the support of Mr Blake Reynolds and Mr Sam Priddis, along with the staff and students of Romero and Nagle Houses, for making the Mass a meaningful celebration.
We are also grateful to those who helped provide the BBQ for parishioners and guests—your generosity and hospitality truly reflected the spirit of our community.
Attention Year 9 students: Australian Catholic Youth Festival – Expressions of Interest Open!
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is heading to Melbourne in 2025, and this is an incredible opportunity for students to deepen their faith, connect with other young Catholics, and experience the energy of the Church in Australia.
The CSO will fund part of the cost, with students making a co-contribution of $750. If you’re interested, see Miss Molloy or Thomas McGhee to add your name to the Expressions of Interest Compass event. We only have 7 spots available for Year 9 students.
Don’t miss out on this amazing experience!
What: ACYF is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC). It exists to provide young people with an opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to be disciples in the world today and encounter and celebrate the vitality of the Church in Australia.
When: Sunday 30th November - Tuesday 2nd December, 2025 (plus one travel day before and after)
Where: Melbourne, Australia
Cost: $750 per student
Visit here for more information: https://acyf.org.au/
🎭✨ Get Ready to Rock ‘n’ Roll – Grease is Coming to Mount St Patrick College! 🎤
The wait is over, and the excitement is revving up—Mount St Patrick College is bringing Grease to the stage! 🎸🚗✨
From the slicked-back hair and leather jackets to the poodle skirts and unforgettable tunes, our talented students have been working tirelessly to bring this classic musical to life. Get ready to sing along to “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning,” and all your favourites as Danny, Sandy, and the gang take you back to the rockin’ world of Rydell High! 🎶🔥
With high-energy dance numbers, dazzling costumes, and plenty of laughs, this is a show you won’t want to miss! Gather your friends, family, and fellow T-Birds and Pink Ladies for an unforgettable night of music, fun, and 1950s nostalgia.
🎟 Ticket Information
- Presale tickets for cast and crew will be available from Monday 31st March via the Musical Google Classroom.
- All other tickets will go on sale from Thursday 3rd April and will be available through Compass and our social media platforms.
- Ticket Prices: $15 - $20
📅 Show dates: Wednesday 7th May, Friday 9th May, Saturday 10th May
📍 Venue: Gilbey Multipurpose Centre, Mount St Patrick College
So slick-back your hair, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to jive the night away—Grease is the word! 🕺🎤✨
Grace Molloy
Leader of School Evangelisation
Curriculum
Week 8 has been a busy week at the College. Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 have completed an array of formative and summative assessment tasks and have begun working on new topics in various subject areas. Feedback from formative and summative assessment provides students with an important opportunity to reflect on what they have done well and areas they could improve on to progress their knowledge, skills and understanding. A lot is gained from these valuable experiences.
The Year 12 Assessment Block will begin on 27/03/25 and will conclude on 02/04/25. Teachers have been impressed by the calm approach and focused preparation of Year 12 for their upcoming assessments. This is a quality that will serve them well in their HSC. Year 12 classes will not run during the assessment week. Students need only attend school to complete their assessments during this assessment block. They are required to sign in and out of the College at the front office daily.
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 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.
Below is a summary of assessment tasks for Weeks 9 and 10:
Jo McDonald
Leader of Curriculum
Pastoral Care
We are thrilled to share that following Cyclone Alfred, our students have settled back into school life with incredible resilience and determination. Over the past few years, our young people have faced a number of natural disasters, and we are incredibly proud of the way they have navigated these challenges. It’s important to recognise the strength and growth that emerge from these experiences. We aim for our students not to be victims of such events, but rather survivors—growing into resilient and flexible young adults.
In much the same way, our Year 7 students are about to embark on a journey of growth through the upcoming camp experience. Camps provide an exceptional opportunity for young people to step outside their everyday lives and face new challenges, encouraging them to dig deep into other parts of themselves. These experiences help them think differently, act differently, and, ultimately, grow into more well-rounded, healthy individuals.
This Wednesday 2nd April, our Year 7 students will be leaving for camp, and the excitement is palpable. They are looking forward to meeting new challenges, building new friendships, and strengthening their sense of identity and connection within the Mount St Patrick College community. This camp will be an opportunity for them to create memories that will last a lifetime, and to build real, lasting connections with their peers.
The growth, teamwork, and personal development that come from these types of experiences are invaluable. It is during times like this that our students discover new strengths, build resilience, and grow into the capable, confident young adults they are becoming. We are hopeful that this camp will be a significant milestone in their journey.
Thank you for your continued support as we nurture and guide our students toward becoming their best selves. We look forward to hearing all about the wonderful experiences and memories they will create at camp!
Lara Thompson
Leader of Pastoral Care
Faculty News
HSIE
🏛️ Calling All History Buffs! 🏛️
The HSIE Faculty is excited to invite students in Years 7-10 to take part in the 2025 Australian History Competition! This is a fantastic opportunity for students to test their historical knowledge, challenge themselves, and compete against others across the country.
📌 Cost: $8
📌 Competition Date: May
📌 Registration Deadline: Thursday 28th March, 3pm
The competition is open to all students who have an interest in history—whether you love ancient civilizations, key historical events, or famous figures from the past. It’s a great way to engage with history beyond the classroom and put your skills to the test.
To sign up, or for more information, see Mr Acret or your History/Geography teacher before the deadline! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to make history! ⏳✨
The HSIE Team
EARLY CHILDHOOD
EXPLORING EARLY CHILDHOOD - visit to Uniting Preschool
Last week, our Year 11 Exploring Early Childhood class had the pleasure of visiting the Uniting Preschool (across the road from MSPC). When we first arrived, one of the teachers gave us insight into some of the services preschools offer and overall, what being a preschool teacher entails.
It was a wonderful opportunity for us to get an idea of what a job in this industry would be like firsthand and it also gave us an opportunity to have some fun and interact with the children.
During our visit, we spent time playing in the sandpit, played tag, engaged in conversations, helped the students complete puzzles and we even got creative at the end by tracing our hands for Harmony Day. It was an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience, as well as interesting to see what a job in that industry would look like. Editor: Mei Toussaint
Teacher: Mrs Susan Waters
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
TC ALFRED AFFECTS
With TC Alfred now a thing of the past many sporting events that were affected are slowly being caught up.
- Diocesan Swimming, 26 students competed at Alstonville on March 26th, a full report in the next newsletter
- Diocesan Open Basketball, 31 students attended this event in Coffs Harbour, the first test for our new Basketball Academy to match it with the Dio powerhouses. Again, full report in the Week 10 newsletter.
TWEED SCHOOLS HOCKEY
Hockey Tweed have a new competition starting up for High School Students.
It will begin on Tuesday the 1st April 2025 @ 6:00pm and end in September.
Prospective players don't need a team - Tweed Hockey can arrange to put them in teams or they can create their own team with their friends.
To register follow this link and select the club they would like to join then select age group 12 to 18 years of age.
UPCOMING:
- Friday 28th March Rd 1 Bill Turner Cup Soccer v Murwillumbah High School
- Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd April Northern Country Rugby League Trials
- Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd April NSWCCC Swimming
- Thursday 3rd April Rd 1 Bill Turner Trophy v St Joseph’s Banora
- Friday 4th April Diocesan Netball Trials Coffs Harbour
- Tuesday 8th April Nick Meaney Rugby League 9’s Ballina
- Thursday 10th April College Cross Country
Mr Tim Whitney
Sports Co-Ordinator
College News
