MSPC Newsletter - Term 3, Week 6, 28th August
Principal
Assistant Principal - Mission
Ignatius Assembly Thursday 21st August
We celebrated the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola at last week’s College Assembly.
Ignatius’ Leader of Wellbeing, Mrs Lauren Bristow, and her Ignatius team presented a beautiful prayer with symbols that told the story of St Ignatius. He was a soldier, and a playboy, from a wealthy Spanish family who was doing swimmingly in life until a cannonball shattered one of his legs. During his year of lying flat in bed recovering, he only had two books to read: the Bible and ‘The Lives of the Saints”. He was inspired by the examples he read.
Ignatius’ focus was trying to see God in everything every day and taking time to reflect on this. He developed a Daily Examen and a book of Spiritual Exercises. With his Spanish army friends Ignatius founded the ‘Society of Friends’ which later became known as the Jesuits Order.
Big Day Out Thursday 28th August
A great day of fun-raising and fund-raising, for the Solomon Island Immersion Program, was had by everyone in the College yesterday 28th August. Every homeroom dressed up in imaginative themes and Year 12 were tremendous in their Star Wars choreographed, well-lit, special effects light saber battle. The weather was wonderful with NO RAIN! Well done to everyone on a great day. Hopefully there will be some photos of all the great dance and sporting moves, in the next newsletter.
Year 8 Reflection Day Friday 29th August
Today in the Gilbey Hall all Year 8 students, in two groups for half a day each, will be having some time of reflection and a presentation called ‘Catch the Wave’. This presentation is about the Youth Ministry class that runs in Years 9 and 10 for students who would like to take part in this during their RE classes in 2026/7. Ask your Year 8 student/s what they heard about as you are eating your fish and chips or pizza dinner tonight!
House/Parish Mass 5pm Saturday 30th August
Ignatius and Lisieux Houses members will be attending and being involved in the 5pm Saturday night Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Murwillumbah tomorrow night 30th August. The students and staff will also be providing refreshments following mass. All students, staff and families are most welcome to attend. You can even get into the spirit by wearing orange and/or red clothes
Mary-Anne McShane
Assistant Principal: Mission
MINISTRY
SHINE Conference
Last week, students from our Year 9 and 10 Youth Ministry classes had the opportunity to attend the SHINE Conference, a gathering that celebrates faith, leadership, and community among young people across the diocese. We sincerely thank Mrs Cathy Cripps, Mr Carl Windhorst, and our College Youth Minister, Mr Thomas McGhee, for accompanying our students and supporting them over the two days! A special thank you also goes to Year 12 student, Crystal Vernon, for her wonderful support and leadership, which was greatly appreciated by both staff and students.
Some student testimonies:
“The Proclaim Lismore Wildfire band was awesome! Met lots of great people”
“Adoration was really amazing with the music”.
“Meeting new people and like-minded students and meeting up with people I have met before at these events”.
Year 12 Graduation Mass & Assembly – Important Reminder
A reminder to parents and students that the Google Form for the Year 12 Graduation Mass and Assembly was emailed out on Friday, 15th August. We kindly ask that this form be completed by Friday, 5th September to assist us with planning.
Due to space restrictions in the venue, we are only able to accommodate four guests per student. We understand some families may wish to bring more; however, to ensure fairness and comfort for all, we must keep to the four-guest limit. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Please note:
- Siblings who are current students of the College (in other year levels) will already be part of the school congregation and do not count as one of the four guests.
- Adult siblings (not enrolled at the College) are warmly welcome, but they will be included in the four-guest limit.
We also warmly invite Year 12 students and their guests to join us for a Graduation Breakfast on Thursday morning at 7:30am, outside the Gilbey Foyer, before the celebrations begin.
Year 8 Retreat Friday 29th August
This Friday, our Year 8 students will be participating in a Retreat Day facilitated by the Wildfire Retreat Team. Retreats are an important part of our school’s faith life, providing students with the opportunity to pause, reflect, and grow in their relationship with God and each other.
The retreat will run as a half-day program. Three classes will attend in the morning and the other three classes will attend in the afternoon. Students will be informed which session their class is attending. When not at the retreat, students will attend their normal classes.
As part of the retreat, students will also be presented with the opportunity to learn more about applying for the Year 9 Youth Ministry class in 2026. They will receive information about how Youth Ministry students get to:
- support and help run primary school retreat days,
- assist with parish and school events,
develop leadership skills through faith-based activities, and - attend diocesan gatherings such as the SHINE Conference.
Important details:
- Recess and lunch will remain at the usual times and students may access the canteen.
- Students are asked to wear their sports uniform.
- This is a compulsory school day and attendance at the retreat is expected.
Lisieux and Ignatius House Mass this weekend! SAVE THE DATE!
Students and families from Lisieux and Ignatius Houses are warmly invited to join us for our upcoming House Mass. The Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 5:00pm–6:00pm.
All are welcome to attend, and we especially encourage students to get involved as singers, readers, or by assisting in the liturgy. Following the Mass, families are invited to share a meal together in a spirit of community and fellowship.
We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you.
Miss Grace Molloy
Leader of Evangelisation
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Mount St Patrick College continues to provide our students with meaningful and transformative experiences. The tenth Solomon Islands Immersion, held recently, is a shining example of this.
Last week, I returned with a group of 20 exceptional students who were selected for this unique opportunity. The journey proved, once again, to be life-changing not only for our students but also for the staff and communities we connected with.
From the moment we were welcomed at the airport by the students of Bishop Epalle School, bonds were formed that will last a lifetime. Our students immediately immersed themselves in Solomon Islands life—attending classes, learning traditional dances, participating in singing practice, and playing sport. A highlight was attending their school assembly, an uplifting display of joy and pride that left a lasting impression.
A significant part of the immersion was our visit to Visalle Mission, the first Catholic mission in the Solomon Islands. There, our students worked alongside their Solomon Island peers from Bishop Epalle and DIVIT schools to paint and install solar lights, contributing to tangible improvements in the community.
The mission is also home to a nursing facility for retired nuns, who have dedicated their lives in service. Our students spent time engaging with the sisters, offering gifts and companionship. One particularly memorable moment was witnessing Mrs Webster teach an elderly nun how to use a computer—a moment so profound the nun declared she wished to be buried with it! The compassion and kindness shown by our students during this time was truly heartwarming.
Upon returning from Visalle, our group was warmly welcomed into Kakabona Village, part of St Mary’s Parish Tanagaii. The long-standing connection between St Mary’s and Sacred Heart Parish Murwillumbah, which began during World Youth Day in 2008, remains strong. Our students spent three nights fully immersed in village life, staying with our generous host families: John and Anna William, Harkness and John Watehau, Mary and Walter Nado, and Meressiana and George. A special thank you to Angie, who once again taught our students traditional dances, performed during the Cultural Night.
Congratulations to the following students who represented Mount St Patrick College with pride, respect, and openness to new experiences:
Eliza Campbell, Hannah Dykes, Marley Ferguson, Charlie Gear, Minnow Glynn, Lucy Grant, Zoe Gray, Charlize Harper-Green, Elissa Hawkins, Willa Hoffmann, Jarrah Kaminski, Dannielle Kee, Charlotte Macdonald, Cruz McAuliffe, Tobias Neilson, Sanjay Nix, Hugo Portus, Isaac Rose, Alexander Wellm and Poppy Williams.
A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff who accompanied the students: Mr Dykes, Mrs Webster, Mr Nix and Mr Morosini. Your support helped make this immersion such a success. I am certain that everyone involved in this journey has returned changed forever.
Narelle Sherrah
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
Pastoral Care
Building a Culture of Inclusion
At our College, we want every student to feel safe, valued, and respected. Sometimes, however, issues like racism, sexism, classism, and bullying creep into schools just as they do in wider society. These behaviours cause real harm—and it is our shared responsibility to address them.
Why it matters
Recent international research shows that one in six young people experiences bullying online, and those who are bullied are at much higher risk of anxiety, depression, and poor mental health. The message is clear: exclusion and unkindness deeply affect young people.
As Professor Lucas Walsh (Monash University) reminds us:
“Schools do and should aid students in knowing the good, loving the good and doing the good.”
How we can help our young people
Start the conversation: Talk at home about respect, fairness, and standing up for others.
Model kindness: Children copy what they see—let them see you being respectful and inclusive.
Build resilience: Encourage your child to speak up, seek help, and support peers who are being treated unfairly.
Work together: Stay connected with the school. Share concerns and partner with us to build a stronger, kinder community.
Our shared vision
When young people learn to value the dignity of all people, they not only grow in confidence but also help create a culture of belonging. Together—as parents, staff, and students—we can nurture a community where kindness, respect, and inclusion are the norm.
Lara Thompson
Leader of Pastoral Care
Curriculum
Year 12 have now completed their Trial Examinations and are looking forward to a number of important and celebratory events in the weeks ahead. One highlight will be the Senior Honour Awards Assembly, where we will acknowledge the dedication and achievements of our graduating cohort.
We commend our seniors for their effort so far and encourage them to continue applying themselves to their learning. This is a crucial period for students to consolidate their knowledge, refine their skills, and strengthen their understanding of the texts, concepts and content covered throughout the course. We encourage HSC students to maintain productive study routines by working closely with teachers, practising past exam questions under timed conditions, attending lessons and tutorials, and actively seeking feedback to improve their revision routine.
While Year 12 are preparing for the HSC, Term 3 is also a very active time for students across all year groups. It is important that all students are organised and ready for their upcoming assessments. To support this, students should:
- regularly check the Assessment Google Calendar for key dates,
- carefully read the assessment notification on the MSPC Assessment Portal, which also provides other essential information (accessed with their school login and password),
- review any additional instructions or resources provided in their Google Classrooms by their teachers.
In preparing for assessments, students are encouraged to:
- establish a quiet study space at home where they can concentrate effectively,
- practise completing tasks under timed conditions where required,
- keep a secure copy of their work (such as a photo or scan of written responses) saved to their Google Drive.
If there is any uncertainty about an assessment, students are reminded to be proactive and seek clarification from their classroom teacher or the relevant Leader of Learning.
We wish all of our students every success as they continue their learning and encourage them to remain focused, committed and confident in their abilities.
A summary of the Assessment Policy can be found on the front page of the Assessment Portal via the MSPC Moodle Page. Information Handbooks are on the Portal.
Illness / Absence - Assessments: Years 7, 8 and 9
If a student is sick and unable to complete an assessment on the due date, Years 7, 8 and 9 (see below for Year 9 Accelerated) require an email or a letter from a parent / carer to the class teacher, detailing the student’s circumstances for non-completion of an assessment task.
Illness / Absence - Assessments: Year 9 Accelerated and Year 10 and Year 10 Accelerated and Year 11.
For Year 9 Accelerated and Years 10 and 11, a medical practitioner or pharmacist 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. Important: Year 9 Accelerated and Year 10 - a family event or holiday will not be accepted as a reason for absence and therefore an extension or exemption will not be granted. See Year 11 Accelerated (HSC) requirements below.
Year 11 Accelerated and Year 12 students require a Medical Practitioner 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. Important: a family event or holiday will not be accepted as a reason for absence and therefore an extension or exemption will not be granted.
Illness Procedure - Years 10 Accelerated, 11 and 12: If student is sick on the day of the assessment:
- Phone the Front Office to advise of illness (02) 6672 2340
- Student to email Mrs Joanne McDonald to advise of illness and to organise a catch up session during the assessment block.
- Year 11 Accelerated and Year 12 require a Medical Practitioner to complete the Mount St Patrick Assessment Variation Illness Application Form. This can be accessed on the Year 12 page on the Assessment Portal.
Jo McDonald
Leader o Curriculum
Faculty News
SCIENCE NEWS
On 28th August Mt St Patrick College will run a SWAP meet. In celebration of World Environment Day, the students will be able to directly reduce their impact on the environment by bringing in clothing that could be reused or repurposed. We hope the SWAP meet encourages students to become more conscientious about their ecological footprint by reusing second-hand items.
The long-term environmental impact of events like these is to establish a habit of repurposing and reusing. It creates a circular economic system, rather than a linear one where we use something once or twice and throw it away.
On the 28th August students can bring in a bag of clothes they no longer use. They will be given buttons for their donation which will act as currency when they come back at lunch. With their buttons can purchase clothes to take home.
Jackie Tilsley
Earth and Environmental Science Teacher
HSC CHEMISTRY EXCURSION
Earlier this term, HSC Chemistry (Year 12 and Year 11 Accelerated) students travelled to Sydney University. They had a great day exploring and participating in important practical workshops related to their Module 8 ‘Applying Chemical Ideas.’ These workshops gave students the opportunity to use expensive spectroscopic equipment hands-on, and conduct a series of experiments we are not able to conduct in our school laboratories. The Kickstart Chemistry workshops are led by experienced faculty and students of the university, and College students got a lot out of the day. Students have the opportunity to explore the campus and ask questions as they start considering options for their university studies.
Thank you to Ms Lacey for also accompanying us for the day.
Mr Hamish Bunney
HSC Chemistry Teacher
HSIE NEWS
This year we had several students from Year 7 compete in The Australian Geography Competition. It is great to see enthusiasm for this very practical subject and the level at which Mt St Patrick Students can compete against the rest of the state.
All participants performed admirably in what was a challenging examination of their geographic understanding and skills. A special mention to a few of the competitors who received commendable results. Lee Johnson received a High Distinction with an outstanding effort, while Bobbie-Anne Zell achieved a Distinction and Annabelle Moran a Credit.
Students will be receiving their certificates shortly. We hope to see more participants next year to continue the tradition of involvement in this competition at the College.
Stewart Grant
MUSIC NEWS
ASSUMPTION MASS-CHOIR AND BAND
A big thank you to the students and teachers of the choir and band for their playing and singing at our Week 4 Assumption Mass. Your excellent behaviour and work ethic in preparing these songs is always appreciated and is truly a highlight of our College masses. We celebrated the students' efforts with some hot chips at lunch in the Music Room where we also bid farewell to a long time member of choir- Shanti-Rose Smyth. We wish her all the best at her new school.
BAND: Olivia Bagnall, Austin Rockwell, Eliza Sonter, Clara Aitchison, Annabelle Wiseman, Matt Aitchison, Grace Molloy, Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal
CHOIR: Isabelle Biersteker, Maddy Shackell, Amelia Bonnici, Charli Brown, Lexie Dee, Abigail Gresham, Yashika Hurry, Stephany Joseph, River McLean-Reid, Shanti-Rose Smyth, Tylah Whittington, Evie Edwards, Matilda Patterson, Sienna Alexander, Abigail Ellem, Scarlett Gee, Matilda Green, David Lemes Silva, Ebony Moore, Maya Mundy, Annabelle Wiseman, Vanessa Bowe
YEAR 9 ELECTIVE PERFORMANCE NIGHT
The talented Year 9 Elective Music Class put on a wonderful Evening Concert for parents and friends last Wednesday evening 20th August. I wish to extend my thanks to the families and friends who came along to support these students.
Seeing students perform in a concert offers valuable benefits for both students and parents. For students, it builds confidence, encourages discipline, and showcases their hard work and talent in a supportive environment. For parents, it provides a proud opportunity to witness their child’s growth and achievements firsthand, strengthening family bonds and motivating continued support for their child’s learning and creativity.
The night was successful in offering a shared experience that celebrated progress and contributed to building a sense of community within the class and with the families. Well done students on your preparation and courage, stepping outside of your comfort zones. Through challenge comes growth!
Kaitlyn Rennes-Nadal
Leader of Learning: Creative Arts - Music and Drama
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
OZ TAG SUCCESS - SHILOH HART
Shiloh Hart of Year 10 competed for the Australian Tagaroos in an International Oz Tag series in Coffs Harbour over the weekend of 8th - 10th August.
The Australian U16s team came home with the Gold after winning all 3 games on Friday and winning the first game on Saturday. This landed them in the Semifinals on Sunday against Great Britain. They won the semi and went up against the Barbarians in the grand final with a tight finish 3-2.
Shiloh was amazing in her position.
HOCKEY SUCCESS - Lillian Corby
Lillian Corby from Year 10 recently played for NSW All Schools in the School Sport Australia U15 Hockey Championships in Canberra. Lillian’s NSW team narrowly missed the gold medal game on goal differences but set that aside to defeat South Australia 4 - 0 in the battle for bronze.
SCHOOLS SPORT AUSTRALIA SWIMMING - Tim Wellm
Tim Wellm, from Year 10, has also recently represented in a NSW All Schools team when he attended a School Sport Australia Swim meet which was held in Brisbane from 26th - 31st July. Tim made two finals swimming Personal Bests in both.
U15 50m butterfly - 5th 26.99
U15 50m backstroke 7th 28.38
NORTHERN COUNTRY RUGBY LEAGUE HONOURS - Liam Monaghan
Earlier in the year Liam Monaghan of Year 10 was selected to be part of the Northern NSW U15 Rugby League team to compete in the NSW CCC Championships in Sydney. Significant rain delays played havoc with the tournament and team uniforms were delayed. Liam recently received his uniform and sent in this picture. Well done on your efforts on the field this year.
DIOCESAN JUNIOR BASKETBALL
Year 9 /10 Boys
Eight valiant combatants took to the Port Macquarie courts on Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th August in the annual Diocesan Junior Basketball Carnival. Results as follows:
Game 1 MSPC 36 - Woodlawn 42
Game 2 MSPC 27 - MacKillop 87
Game 3 MSPC 54 - Casino 39
Playoff 5/6 MSPC 35 - St Joseph’s 42
Whilst results did not go our way during the tournament, the standard of basketball displayed had certainly improved from the year previous. All our players managed to contribute in all games.
With all our team in Year 9, 2025 was a challenge and we now know the standard of play we need to achieve. Goals have been set and there are plenty of basketballing opportunities between now and the Championships in 2026.
Back row: Paddy Neilson, Darcy Bush, Miller Newman, Brodie Waters, Xander Hoade.
Front row: Noah Hunt, August Quick, Keane Moriyon
Year 9 / 10 Girls
This amazing bunch of young ladies played a very impressive tournament, winning 1 out of 3 games to finish third in their pool. They went on to the play-offs and narrowly lost their last game. They need to be extremely proud of themselves! Not only did they represent the college with great sportsmanship and passion for the game, but their manners, level of leadership and positive nature allowed for a very enjoyable trip all round.
Basketball is thriving at MSPC and these girls play a big part in that. We are already looking forward to next year’s competition with lots of strong juniors coming through the ranks. Thanks for such a great trip!
Mia Elden, Caitlyn O’Grady, Charlize Harper-Green, Caitlin Benard and Amelia Blofield
Year 7 / 8 Boys
The MSPC Year 7/8 boys basketball team showed their strength on the court last week in Port Macquarie, proving they are a rising force in the Diocesan competition. Coached by Troy Stanley, the boys impressed with their disciplined full-court press, seamless offensive transitions, and outstanding teamwork, putting pressure on some of the biggest basketball names in the region.
On offense, Jarrah Wright was a standout, finding the basket through tough defense while dazzling opponents with his speed and agility. In the key, Elijah Jones cemented his role as centre, dominating with strong defense and protecting the basket with authority. Chad Whyte showcased his versatility, stepping into every challenge and contributing across the board, while Xavier Bolster provided rock-solid defense and crucial points when the team needed them most.
Zac Stuart was a key playmaker, delivering consistent assists and adding points, embodying the team-first mentality. Jarrah Lorente brought tenacious defense and sharp communication to the court, lifting the team’s cohesion. The youngest member of the squad, Sam Matthews, the only Year 7 athlete, made a remarkable contribution with his ball-handling skills and vision, driving transition plays that gave MSPC a clear advantage in many games. On defense, Lewis Bottle proved a challenge for opponents, making it tough to reach the basket.
The tournament’s most dramatic moment came in the final game against St John Paul College, where Ryan Whyte sank a clutch three-pointer to tie the game with just three seconds remaining. Although an unfortunate set of circumstances saw MSPC narrowly miss out on a finals position, the team became the buzz of the stadium, earning the respect of players and coaches alike.
Coach Stanley praised the team’s effort, saying the boys had “worked together with spirit and determination, showing just how strong MSPC basketball is becoming.”
The Year 7/8 boys may have missed the finals this time, but their performance left no doubt that they are a team to watch.
Back row: Jarrah Wright, Jarrah Lorente, Chad Whyte, Lewis Bottle, Elijah Jones, Coach Troy Stanley
Front row: Ryan Whyte, Zac Stuart, Sam Matthews, Xavier Bolster
Year 7 / 8 Girls
Our Junior Girls Basketball Team had an outstanding run at the recent tournament, proudly representing Mount St Patrick College and showing that they are a team to watch in the years ahead. The girls fought hard all day, making it through to the semi-finals where they came up against a strong MacKillop side. In a close and exciting match, they went down by just six points.
The team displayed grit, determination and teamwork throughout the competition.
- Ivy Hunt was a defensive powerhouse, making it tough for opponents to get into the key.
- Alani Cracknell impressed with her speed and agility, contributing strongly at both ends of the court.
- Sophie Gear was a force to be reckoned with, making smart decisions and creating opportunities from opposition errors.
- Some of our academy players: Rose Seamer, Lil Daley, Grace Wise, Abbey Raymond and Aria O’Keefe, provided a strong structure in the full-court press and capitalised on turnovers.
- Eliza Dowling showed great leadership, steering the team on court and contributing consistently.
- Vayda Hoade proved her worth in both offense and defense, playing with confidence and skill.
The girls were an incredible force on the day and showed great teamwork and resilience. Although they just missed out on the finals, their performance was inspiring, and there is no doubt they will return next year even stronger and ready to challenge the top teams. Well done girls! MSPC is very proud of you!
Back row: Ivy Hunt, Alani Cracknell, Sophie Gear, Eliza Dowling, Abbey Raymond, Vayda Hoade, Rose Seamer.
Front row: Liljana Daly, Grace Wise, Aria O’Keefe
DIOCESAN NORTH NETBALL
On Tuesday 19th August, we took 9 teams to the Dio North Netball Carnival. Each player represented themselves and our College well, displaying pride in our teams and good sports behaviour.
Thank you to the many students and staff that accompanied the teams on the day to Umpire - without you these days cannot go ahead.
Year 7 / 8 Boys
This boys team had never played Netball before. They were given a few key rule points and some position bibs and were told to have fun. From the very start they showed how they were able to adapt their great basketball skills to netball. The boys played five games, winning all but one where they went down by one goal in somewhat controversial circumstances. By about the third game they figured out how far 3 feet was and how to plant their feet when catching the ball. They became unstoppable. The boys finished first and went on to easily win their semifinal. The grand final was hard fought but the boys were triumphant, winning 9-8.
Throughout the day these young men impressed me with their resilience, patience and perseverance.
Congratulations goes to the team; Chad Whyte, Jarrah Wright, Ryan Whyte, Zac Stuart, Blake Stuart, Jarrah Lorente, Xavier Bolster, Elijah Jones.
Winners are Grinners!
Year 7 / 8 Girls
A group of 21 enthusiastic netballers took to the courts at Arkinstall Park on Tuesday 19th August. The College was represented proudly by two Junior Girl Netball teams.
All of the girls played with a positive attitude and continued to support each other throughout the day. Both teams fought hard in each of their games and had some great results. Unfortunately this was not our year.
A special mention to some stand out performers: Ellie Edwards, Josie Maloney, Macy Neville and Isabelle Fitzmaurice.
A big thank you to those girls who helped umpire during the day. Their generosity and expertise was very much appreciated.
The future of MSPC netball looks bright in the hands of these Year 7 and 8 girls.
Years 9 / 10 Boys
What a day of netball! Our Intermediate Boys (Year 9/10) team demonstrated skill and relentless teamwork at the NRCC North Netball Carnival, giving it their all from the first whistle to the last. With only seven players on the court all day, there were no subs, and no breaks – just effort, and commitment.
The boys fought hard to win a very fast-paced and energetic 3 out of their 5 games, earning themselves a well-deserved spot in the finals. The semi-final was an absolute thriller, finishing in a draw and sending the game into overtime. The boys pushed themselves to the limit. Unfortunately, Trinity proved too strong in the end, but our team walked away with their heads held high. In their final game against St. Joseph’s College, both teams demonstrated incredible sportsmanship, cheering each other on and finishing the day in great spirits.
A huge congratulations and thank you from Mrs Burns to Noah Floares, Hector Purcell, August Quick, Brodie Waters, Lawrence Kee, Billy Miller and Riley Young. Each of you gave your all, supported one another, and played as one strong team. We are so proud of the way you represented Mt St Patrick College – outstanding effort, boys!
Open Boys
The open boys Netball Team played with a whole lot of spirit, skill and enthusiasm at Arkinstall Park on Tuesday 19th August at the Dio Open Netball Day.
It was the hotly contested Open Boys division where we ended up with 1 win and 5 losses against some tough competition across the Diocese.
Trinity, St Joseph's College and Woodlawn were tough teams straight off the cuff that gave us a good lesson on positional play and passing. We beat McAuley Catholic College from Grafton but lost crucial games in the playoffs to St Joseph's College which ended our campaign coming 5th.
Congratulations to our boys who played hard and fast and in the right spirit throughout the day. Special mention to out fearless captain Darcy Irby along with attacking weapons Brayden, Ryan and Simon who did not stop trying all day.
Open Girls
The College was proudly represented by two Senior Girls Netball Teams. Both teams played with large doses of “Patties” spirit and resilience as they took on the other teams in the Diocese.
After many years of representing the College, the Year 12 Team worked well all day and found themselves in the finals. They should be very proud of their efforts finishing fourth overall with some very close matches.
The College will miss these girls' netball skills but also their leadership and positive attitude representing the College.
Congratulations and thank you Ella Cracknell, Lucy McTaggart, Amali Moore, Jaimie Howitt, Payten Nash, Ellody Doman, Sienna Prendergast, Bree Puttingham and Claudia Larkin.
The Year 11 girls played in the other Senior team. They impressed with the enthusiasm and encouragement that they displayed towards each other, especially as some players were recruited at the last minute, and there were very limited opportunities for any training leading into the Carnival. They are also congratulated on their efforts. There were some great examples of Netball skills on display.
Eden Petrie, Dannielle Kee, Kerala Richards, Amity Page, Charlize Harper-Green, Coco Colefax, Ivy Pittico, Phoebe Pittico
Thank you to all of our teams, umpires and staff for a great day. We look forward to Netball in 2026.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT - TRAVEL TO SPORTING EVENTS
It has long been both College and Diocesan policy that students are NOT permitted to drive themselves to and from College and Diocesan events. Recently a large number of senior students have asked if this were possible. In a word, NO.
College sporting events usually involve travel and it is expected that team members travel via the buses provided to and from the event safely.
At times there may be an option via the Compass event for students to be dropped to venues by parents but by no means will this ever be mistaken for permission to drive to the event as a senior student. Rules are in place to keep all our College community safe particularly on the roads.
Also during the recent colder weather some students who are attending sporting events are deciding that their College uniform is an optional extra and they arrive to buses in casual (warm) apparel. There is a little leniency of this during our cooler months but once you arrive at a venue it is expected that all students be wearing their full and complete sports uniform. This allows for easy identification by staff attending and other staff at venues. Parents can I please ask for your assistance in this matter
UPCOMING:
- Dio Athletics, 2nd September
- NRCC Volleyball, 8th September
- NRCC Touch Football, 9th September (rescheduled)
Tim Whitney
Sports Co-ordiantor
College News
CAPTAINS UPDATE
Hello College Community,
Firstly, we want to congratulate our fellow Year 12 peers on the completion of trial examinations. This is a major milestone in our HSC journey and all of Year 12 worked so hard in preparation for their exams. We hope that everyone has performed in line with their goals and are happy with their results.
In a similar vein we wanted to congratulate students completing major work subjects. Many of these students have already, or will in the next two weeks submit or perform their major works for HSC marking. Major works require a huge time investment to complete to a high standard and the quality of works that have been produced is extraordinary. We wish those classes still to complete their performances or submissions all the best as they approach.
Student leaders have had a busy two weeks upon our return to school. Loreto and Romero House have been hosting their annual touch competition, this year integrating into the ongoing Louise Shields Shield. Ignatius House has also been hosting their 3x3 basketball hustle with great success. Finals for both events are being played on Big Day Out.
There is lots more to come in the last few weeks of our schooling, and we hope all Year 12 students enjoy their final weeks at MSPC.
We would also like to wish Year 11 students the best of luck as they have begun their application and selection process for Captaincy positions in 2026. We are looking forward to hearing speeches from prospective College Captains at next week’s assembly.
Makaylah and Ewan
2025 College Captains
YEAR 9 ACTIVITY WEEK 2026
Dear Parents and Guardians of Year 8 2025,
Recently the Year 9 cohort at Mt St Patrick College participated in their annual activity week. During Week 3 of Term 3 the entire cohort attended camp. Two options were offered.
Planning has started for the 2026 trips already. For this reason parents are being informed about the options and will shortly be asked to make a decision about which camp they wish their son or daughter to attend.
The options are
- Skiing / Boarding at Perisher Valley approx cost $2700
- Moreton Island adventure trip approx cost $880
Parents will shortly receive a Compass event which outlines the payment plan for the skiing and boarding trip to Mt Perisher in 2026. If interested, parents will be asked to commit to the trip to secure their child a place on the trip by paying a $200 deposit. The snow trip is capped at 104 students. The deposit will be due at the end of Term 3, Friday 26th September.
If you would prefer your child to attend the Moreton Island adventure you will be asked to simply decline the compass event coming out shortly. This will indicate that you are more interested in your child attending the Moreton trip.
A brief outline of each of the camps is provided below:
SKIING / BOARDING - Mt Blue Cow Perisher Valley
Students are offered a 6.5 day trip to the alpine region of NSW to ski / board for 4 days.
Students fly from Coolangatta airport to Canberra and are bused to their accommodation “Skirider resort” which is above the National park entrance in Wilsons Valley a short 15min bus ride to the snow daily.
Here students as part of their package will attend daily two hour lessons regardless of ability level. Students are grouped into beginner, intermediate or advanced based on their chosen discipline. Instructors will deliver catered lessons to improve their techniques and explore the mountain terrain with them.
View the 2025 daily itinerary here: 2025 Final itinerary
Skiing / Boarding is an expensive sport and costs are sure to rise slightly for the 2026 season and it is for this reason that the final costing can not be determined until the season prices are released which normally occurs around May each year. The cost of the 2025 trip was $2590, it is envisaged that the price (yet to be finalised) may rise to approx $2700. The payment plan is as follows to allow parents as much time to save for the trip as possible:
- Expression of interest Sept 26th, 2025 - $200
- First Installment Week 5 Term 4, 2025 - $500
- Second Installment week end of Term 1 2026 - $500
- Third Installment mid Term 2 2026 - $500
- Fourth Installment (Yr 9 activity levy - school fees) - $510 (paid by end Term 2)
- Fifth Installment (yet to be finalised) - approx $490
Approx Total $2700
MORETON ISLAND ADVENTURE
Students are offered an unforgettable adventure to Moreton Island. From Monday to Thursday, students will explore the stunning natural beauty of this island paradise while staying at the iconic Tangalooma Resort. Over four action-packed days, they'll try thrilling activities like sandboarding down golden dunes, snorkeling around historic shipwrecks, feeding friendly dolphins, whale watching and paddling through crystal-clear waters on kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. It’s the perfect mix of fun, learning, and outdoor excitement
Thank you again to the staff and students who entered the 3rd annual Lucan and Friends Of The Pound Pet Photo Competition. Entries were exceptional and we cannot wait to see what photos you have in store for the competition next year. Get snapping!!!
Please also don’t forget… FOTP needs PEOPLE POWER! Please follow and like them on Facebook and Instagram. They need as many people as possible, seeing and sharing the weekly posts of cats and dogs available, in need of a new home.
Website: https://friendsofthepound.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofthePound
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsofthepound/
For a full list of the winners please click the link below
Susan Waters
Leader of Wellbeing: Lucan
OPENING TIMES FOR COLLEGE UNIFORM PURCHASING & TRY-ONS
Tuesdays: 8:00am – 11:30am
Thursdays: 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Please direct all enquiries to the Front Office
Awards
Click the link below for a full list of the Year 7 to 12 Semester 1 Academic Awards
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