MSPC Newsletter - Term 3, Week 4, 15th August

Principal

Assistant Principal - Mission

Mission Review       Wednesday 6^th August
In addition to the 4-day School Improvement Review held in Week 2 of this term (29^th July- 1^st August) another panel of educators visited MSPC on 6^th August to interview students, staff and parents about the religious (Catholic) dimension of the College. They were exploring if we ‘walk the talk’ in regard to what our school documentation says about us in Year 7 – 12 RE classes; meaningful prayer, retreat and liturgical experiences; equal access to Youth Ministry events; giving witness to the Catholic social teachings of service, compassion and justice; and opportunities for evangelization.

Thank you to all the students, staff, parents, Fr Peter Wood and parishioners who were interviewed during the day. It was not an easy feat as Year 12 were absent on Study Leave and all of Year 9, and many staff, were on the Snow and Tangalooma excursions.

The panel’s verbal feedback at the end of the day was really affirming with lots of commendations and a few recommendations to keep developing and growing effective strategies. They were impressed with the way those interviewed were able to articulate what they see happening at MSPC. The efforts of the Mission Team, especially the energy and passion of Miss Grace Molloy (Leader of Evangelization) and Mrs Angela Finkel (Leader of Catechesis), were highly praised. We await the written report.

Feast of the Assumption of Mary        Friday 15^th August
This morning Fr Peter celebrated Mass at 9.30am for us to honour Mary, the mother of Jesus. This is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics where they are asked to attend Mass. The only other Holy Day of Obligation is Christmas Day (the Nativity) which featured Mary in a pivotal role!

Following is the response that Mary made when the Angel visited her to ask if she would be the Mother of God. It is commonly called the Magnificat and this version is from Luke’s Gospel.

Mary’s Magnificat – Luke 1:46-55 
And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for God has looked with favour on the lowliness of the Almighty’s servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is God’s name.
God’s mercy is for those who fear God
from generation to generation.
God has shown strength with God’s arm;
God has scattered the proud in their conceit.
God has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
God has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
God has helped servant Israel,
in remembrance of God’s mercy,
according to the promise God made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

    Mary-Anne McShane
    Assistant Principal: Mission

MINISTRY

Thank you!
Thank you to all staff, students, and parents for your participation in our Mission Review.

Your openness, insights, and willingness to share have helped us reflect on who we are as a community and how we can continue to live out our mission with purpose, integrity and shine bright. Your contributions will guide us in strengthening the values, traditions, and spirit that make our College a place of faith, learning, and care.

SHINE Youth Ministry Reminder – Year 9 & 10
A reminder to our Year 9 and 10 Youth Ministry students that SHINE will be held next Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd August at St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour.

Students will receive an email with the packing list and final instructions prior to departure. Please note:

• Students are to arrive at school at the normal time on Thursday morning.
• We will return late on Friday evening. Students will be asked to text parents with an estimated time of arrival once we are on the road home.

This is always a wonderful event for our students, giving them the opportunity to connect, grow in faith, and share in an inspiring experience.

Catch the Wave – Year 8 Reflection Day
Our Year 8 students will take part in Catch the Wave on Friday 29th August, led by the Proclaim Lismore Wildfire team. The day will be split into two half-day sessions, with one half of the cohort participating in the retreat while the other half attends normal lessons, then swapping.

Students are to wear sports uniform and follow normal recess and lunch times. This is a compulsory school day.

Retreats are an important part of school life, offering students the chance to pause, reflect, and grow in their faith and relationships. This day will also serve as an introduction to the opportunity for students to apply for the Youth Ministry class in Year 9. Information about this will be sent to students after the retreat.

It promises to be a great day of fun, faith, and connection.

🟥🟧 SAVE THE DATE! 🟧🟥

Lisieux & Ignatius House Mass
📍 Sacred Heart Catholic Church
📅 Saturday, 30th August | ⏰ 5:00 pm

Families and students in Lisieux and Ignatius Houses are warmly invited to join us for our special House Mass.
A light supper will be provided after Mass.

Students who would like to participate as readers or singers are encouraged to let their House Leaders know.

All are welcome!

    Miss Grace Molloy
    Leader of Evangelisation

Curriculum

Friday 15th August will be the last day of our Trial Examinations Block and we commend our seniors on the focused and mature manner in which Year 12 and Year 11 Accelerated students have approached these important exams over the past two weeks.

The Year 11 Assessment block begins on Friday 12th September and concludes on Friday 19th September. Year 11 and 12 students are not required at school during an assessment block period except when they have an assessment / examination to complete. Students will sign in on their arrival at the College at Presentation House and sign out on their departure. Study rooms will be available at the College each day during the assessment block period. Students should make the most of this valuable opportunity to revise during this time. Students are expected to attend their assessments in school uniform, either dress or sport uniform. Examination lengths vary and students should check their timetables on the MSPC Assessment Portal and be at the College 15 minutes prior to the commencement of an assessment task. The venues for assessment tasks are on the timetable.

The following is an assessment overview for Weeks 5 and 6 of Term 3. Students should check their assessment calendar on the assessment portal for accuracy and to ensure that changes have not been made since publishing this guide.

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:

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.

    Jo McDonald
    Leader o Curriculum

Faculty News

HSIE NEWS

Ekka Excursion! 
On Tuesday 12 August 2025, our Year 10 Commerce and Year 11 Business Studies classes visited the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in Brisbane.

The excursion gave students the chance to see business concepts from the classroom come to life. They explored a wide range of exhibits, spoke with business owners and industry representatives, and observed innovative marketing and promotional strategies in action. Highlights included seeing product demonstrations, exploring agricultural and food displays, and learning about the logistics of running such a large-scale event… and of course the show bags!

It was a valuable day for connecting theory with real-world practice, and students returned with fresh insights into the dynamic world of business. Thanks to Mr Hetherington for driving the bus and to Mr Weetman and Mrs Judd for accompanying the group.

   HSIE Team    

College News

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