MSPC Newsletter - Term 4, Week 2, 24th October - Copy

Principal

Assistant Principal - Mission

STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY   Friday 7^th November
College students are not required to be in attendance tomorrow 7^th November. The final HSC Exam (Physics) will take place in the Gilbey Hall. The focus of the day will be on program-writing for new curriculum mandated by NESA.

PARENTS OF SENIOR STUDENTS
The CSO wants you, and your student/s, to be aware of available study pathways in the Diocese and in partnership with universities with regional campuses such as SCU, CSU and ACU. More information below.

A new way of preparing teachers comes to our schools

From 2026, our Catholic Schools in Tweed Heads, Pottsville
and Coffs Harbour will be part of an exciting new program with Southern Cross University that reimagines how teachers are trained.

The Reimagining Teacher Education (RiTE) initiative will see Master of Teaching students learning in classrooms from the very first week of their studies. Instead of waiting until the end of their degree to gain experience, these Associate Teachers will spend two days a week in schools throughout their training.

What this means for our Catholic schools:

• Extra support in classrooms for teachers and students.
• Fresh energy and ideas from aspiring teachers.
• Strong mentoring links between experienced staff and the next generation of educators.

Adam Spencer, Director of Catholic Schools, says our schools are looking forward to welcoming these student teachers. “Our students and staff will benefit from the added support and new perspectives, while these future teachers gain valuable experience in a real school community.”

Thinking of becoming a teacher?
If you’ve ever thought about teaching, this could be the time. Enrolments in the Southern Cross University Master of Teaching opens on 11 November 2025 with classes commencing early March 2026. With the RiTE program, you’ll not only study but also gain practical experience in our Catholic schools from the start.

Find out more at: SCU Master of Teaching

YEAR 12 2025 FORMAL      Friday 14^th November
Excitement is building for this special celebration to be held in the transformed Gilbey Hall beginning at 6pm on Friday 14^th November. Photos in the next newsletter.

SAVE THE DATE: Christmas Carnival and Tableau - Saturday 29^th November
The College Band and Choir have begun preparations for the Christmas Nativity Tableau which will be presented at 7pm on Saturday 29^th November in the Gilbey Hall. This is an important part of the Sacred Heart Christmas Carnival, which will be held in the College grounds, to celebrate the real meaning of the Christmas season.

    Mary-Anne McShane
    Assistant Principal: Mission

MINISTRY

Australia Catholic Youth Festival - it's not far away!
We have some of our Year 9 and 10 students attending the Australian Catholic Youth Festival at the end of November. Information regarding this amazing trip will be sent home to those students and their families very soon!

Parish Christmas Carnival and Tableau - Dave the date!
The annual Sacred Heart Parish Christmas Carnival will be held on Saturday 29th November in the Gilbey Basement, College grounds and the Nativity in the Gilbey Centre. Families and students are warmly invited to attend. Any students/parents wishing to attend and help with stalls can contact either Thomas McGhee thomas.mcghee@lism.catholic.edu.au via email or Miss Molloy grace.molloy@lism.catholic.edu.au

Just a reminder to our students that there is an opportunity to enter in the Open Mic. Afternoon!

Please see the contact details below. Entries will close on Friday 21^st November!

Raffle tickets are also now available. RaffleLink https://rafflelink.com.au/2025-parishchristmas

✨ Youth Group News: Get Ready for Top End Youth! ✨

After a successful launch a few weeks ago, we are reminding our students about the new parish youth group.

Top End Youth is all about creating a fun, safe, and supportive space where young people can hang out, make new friends, and explore their faith in a relevant and engaging way. Think games, good chats, and a chance to build real community.

We invite all high schoolers to come along and check out the next upcoming events!

🗓️ Upcoming Dates:

• NOVEMBER 21
  • Location: Sacred Heart Parish, Murwillumbah
• DECEMBER 5
  • Location: St Anthony’s Parish, Kingscliff

Ready to see what it's all about?

F O R M O R E I N F O F O L L O W @ T O P E N D Y O U T H

Year 12 Formal - Reminder 14^th November 2025
The Year 12 Formal will take place from 6pm on Friday 14^th November in the Gilbey Hall. Year 12 students are required to attend a Graduation rehearsal and distribution of various items from 9 – 11am on Thursday 13^th November in the Gilbey Hall. Students can wear mufti on this day. Thank you to all those who have finalised their formal tickets. Please call the school office if you have any further questions.

    Grace Molloy
    Leader of Evangelization

Curriculum

It has been a busy start to Week 4. Year 12 and our Year 11 Accelerated students have almost completed their final week of HSC examinations. We have been so impressed by their mature calm and focused manner, qualities that will serve them well.

The rest of our students have settled back into their studies and have been notified of the upcoming assessment blocks as follows:

Term 4 Assessment Blocks:

• Year 7 assessment block is scheduled for Week 5, commencing 14/11/25 to 21/11/25
• Year 8 assessment block is scheduled for Week 5, commencing 10/11/25 to 14/11/25
• Year 9 assessment block is scheduled for Week 5, commencing 10/11/25 to 14/11/25
• Year 10 assessment block is scheduled for Week 6, commencing 17/11/25 to 21/11/25
• Year 11 (HSC Task 1) and Accelerated Year 10 (HSC Task 1) assessment block is scheduled starting Week 8, commencing on 01/12/25 to 05/12/25.

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 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) 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, 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:

1. Phone the Front Office to advise of illness (02) 6672 2340
2. Student to email Mrs Joanne McDonald to advise of illness and to organise a catch up session during the assessment block.
3. 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.

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

Faculty News

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

DIOCESAN VOLLEYBALL

Open Boys
Taking the Open Boys to the Diocesan Carnival in Coffs was such a pleasure. All day they played their hearts out taking on any team with ferocity despite how prepared the other teams seemed. After spending little to no time in the Gilbey to practise the boys were able to gel fantastically by the end of their first match against Trinity CC where they fought back to gain an end score of 24-26.

 The boys won their second game against McAuley CC having synced up to make some amazing plays thanks to Isaac's sets, everyone receives and powerful spikes. Unfortunately the boys lost their next two games to Newman and SJRC (the reigning champs), regardless the boys put up a strong fight against these two teams. They were neck and neck with Newman the whole match and ended up with a 28-29 score. Which is something to be incredibly proud of, given the circumstances.

All in all everyone played fantastically and I couldn't even fault anyone, well done to Harlo Jorss, Finn Shipard-Watson, Lawrence Kee and our Yr 11 boys Isac Rose and Ryan Stuart who took time out of preparing for their Chemistry HSC to come along. A very special thanks to Liam Monaghan who stepped up from the U15s teams to play in our team as well as his own, he ended up playing over 2 hours of Volleyball.

Thanks for a fantastic day!!

    Sarah Bowers

Under 15 boys
It was a pleasure to be one of the coaches accompanying the 30 MSPC students to the Diocesan Volleyball competition in Coffs Harbour. Despite limited access to our indoor training facilities, and having no formal local competition, our students performed consistently across the board.

I was lucky enough to coach the 15s Boys, half of whom were still only 14 this year. None of these boys come from a volleyball background, but all of them rose to the occasion at this competition.

Out of the 5 games they played, the boys won 3 of them convincingly, playing an inspired style of volleyball that was high energy, skilful and exciting.

Whether it was the early morning or the long bus trip, they fell just short in their first game versus Trinity, losing by 2 late points. Their only other loss on the day was against a very strong St Josephs, Port Macquarie, who were eventual finalists.

All in all, it was a proud effort from our boys. Coming from a background of limited exposure to volleyball and stepping up on the day with cohesion, skill and sportsmanship. Well done Liam Monaghan, Lucus Bliss, Billy Miller, Jarrah Lorrente, Chad and Ryan Whyte.

    Michael Forrester

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer fermentum sagittis felis eu ullamcorper. Integer lobortis et leo ac molestie. Nunc malesuada tellus eu est commodo semper. Sed tempus placerat dapibus. Curabitur rhoncus convallis nisi, non ultrices mi sodales quis. Aliquam consectetur lectus at rhoncus iaculis.

Under 15 Girls

It was such a pleasure to take these girls down to Coffs for a fun-filled day of volleyball. I couldn’t keep up with their eagerness in the weeks leading up to the competition. They were out on the courts every single day, no matter the heat, wind, or the fact that I had duty and couldn’t be there. Their dedication truly showed on the day, with their connectedness and skill shining through.

After all their training, the day finally arrived, and after an early bus ride down, we entered a lively indoor stadium buzzing with energy. Students digging, bumping, blocking, and spiking (all volleyball terms) as they warmed up for a day of strong competition. The girls, unfazed by their opponents, took on their first game with pure class, coming away with a win. This momentum continued throughout the day, as they went on to win three of their four games. After a close loss to Trinity Catholic College in the third round, we narrowly missed out on the finals. It should be noted this team came 2nd in a very competitive pool - well done!

The girls should be extremely proud of the effort, sportsmanship, and skill they displayed, not only on the day, but in the lead-up to the event. They were an absolute pleasure to coach, and I couldn’t be more proud of their commitment and teamwork. We’re already looking forward to heading back next year! Well done Matilda Orford, Elise Edwards, Alice Little, Mila Cambridge, Lily Seaton, Paige Johnston, Evie Riddell, Kaia Lawrence, Claire O’Donnell and Aila Martin.

    Harriet Withers

DOWNIE TROPHY CRICKET - MSPC defeats Woodlawn in Round 2!

Our Open Boys Downie Trophy Cricket team had an historic victory against the always strong Woodlawn team at Les Cave Oval on Monday 3rd November.

After winning the toss and batting first, MSPC compiled a highly respectable score of 219 (48 overs). The highlight was undoubtedly the innings of Captain George Fisher who made a chanceless 112 including ten 4’s and four 6’s. (see photo below)

George was ably supported by contributions from Max Palmer (22), Harry O’Brien (16) and our young Downie Trophy debutantes Wyatt Greenhill (25) and Jarrah O’Brien (12).

When it was our turn to bowl, a couple of early wickets from Billy Smith put Woodlawn on the back foot. They got to 4/82 at the first drinks break and things were looking OK. At the second drinks break they were 5/184 and seemingly in control. However an inspired spell of bowling from our tireless Captain turned it all around and Woodlawn were All Out for 205 - 14 short of their target. Wickets were shared between George Fisher (4/29 off 9 overs), Billy Smith (3/50 off 9), Max Mathews (2/36 off 100 and Wyatt Greenhill (1/24 off 4).

Overall, a fantastic victory to savour and one that will be remembered for a long time to come.

    Michael Acret - Coach

LOOKING AHEAD - 2026

Recently many sporting dates for 2026 have been set. Many Individual trials and NSWCCC Sports take place in term 1, some very early. Shortly application forms will be made live for the following sports:

• Diocesan Rugby League - This year U16 and Open trials will be held at Woodlawn for boys and girls on Tuesday 24th February
• Diocesan Individual Touch Football trials (Sawtell) Tuesday 3rd March
• Diocesan Open Football (soccer) trials Tuesday 24th March (Coffs Harbour)
• Diocesan Netball trials Friday 26th March (Coffs Harbour)

Links will be made available shortly for players and parents to complete. These are applications to be considered to be invited to trials.

All Triathletes please be aware that the All Schools event which is our pathway is February 26th. Information can be found here: NSW All schools Triathlon

Other important Term 1 dates are

• Diocesan Swimming (Lismore) Thursday 5th March
• Diocesan Open Basketball (Coffs Harbour) 20th March
• NRCC Hockey 29th March (Lismore)
• CCC Swimming 1st and 2nd April (Sydney)

    Tim Whitney
    Sports Co-ordiantor

RE NEWS

This year's winners of the "Stewards of Creation" Project in Year 7 RE are Layla E, Layla W, Niamh and Clem from 7B.

Their idea to be caretakers of our school environment was to supply each classroom with whiteboard cleaner and a cloth.

We congratulate them on this initiative, and look forward to sparkling clean whiteboards to enhance our learning.

Some gratitude from class teachers:

Please thank the lovely Year 7's involved in the ‘Stewards of Creation’ project. The board in D8 now looks amazing. It was so easy and effective, I wished that I had taken a before and after photo. Lots of paper towels saved! - Mrs Kendrick

Thank you Year 7! Just letting you know I had the best time cleaning F30 whiteboard with new spray and cloth. Year 10 were impressed. "It's so clean and white". - Miss Molloy

How awesome. This will be fabulous to have nice clean whiteboards.
Thank you students and Mrs Finkel. - Ms Moffitt

Yay! Awesome :) - Mrs Waters

This is such a fabulous program. Year 7 is so inspiring... - Mrs McDonald

    Angela Finkel
    Leader of Catechesis

Community News