MSPC Newsletter - Term 2, Week 2, 8th May
Principal
Assistant Principal - Mission
‘Grease is the Word’ 7 – 10th May
Congratulations to all the students, staff and parents involved in the College’s fabulous production of ‘Grease’ (School Version). In every performance the talent and enthusiasm of the cast, band and crew lit up the stage. The big audiences enjoyed the fun, energy and rock’n’roll music of ‘Grease’.
Year 8 Camp 14 – 16 th May
Best wishes to Year 8 students, and the generous staff accompanying them, who are heading to PGL Redland for three days of adventure, on Wednesday 14 th May. Keep safe and warm!
Tell Them From Me Surveys for students, staff and parents 19 – 30 th May
From Monday 19 th until Friday 30 th May students, parents and staff are being asked to take part in the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Surveys. These anonymous surveys provide the College with valuable feedback on what our students, teachers and parents think about school life. Students are asked how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. A letter of explanation regarding how student and parent involvement will be sent to parents via compass on 15 th May.
Mother’s Day Sunday 11 th May
Belated ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ wishes to all the women in our college community. Thank you to all mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, daughters, and inspiring women. Mrs Angela Finkel (Leader of Catechesis) sent this prayer to staff last Friday, and it is worth reflecting over.
A Prayer for the Mothers Who Are...
To the mothers who are struggling, to those filled with incandescent joy.
To the mothers who are remembering children who have died, and pregnancies that miscarried.
To the mothers who decided other parents were the best choice for their babies, to the Mums who adopted those kids and loved them fierce.
To those experiencing frustration or desperation in infertility.
To those who knew they never wanted kids, and the ways they have contributed to our shared world.
To those who mothered colleagues, mentees, neighbourhood kids, and anyone who needed it.
To those remembering mums no longer with us.
To those moving forward from mothers who did not show love, or hurt those they should have cared for.
Today is a day to honour the unyielding love and care for others we call 'Motherhood' wherever we have found it and in whatever ways we have found to cultivate it within ourselves.
- Hannah Kardon, Pastor at Elston Avenue United Methodist Church
Mary-Anne McShane
Assistant Principal: Mission
MINISTRY
Welcome back to Term 2. Hoping everyone had a wonderful Easter holiday and break.
Year 12 Retreat
A reminder that the rescheduled Year 12 Retreat will take place in Week 5, from Monday 26th to Wednesday 28th May at Camp Bornhoffen.
Attendance is compulsory, as this is a valuable and meaningful experience that supports students’ personal, social, and spiritual development in their final year of schooling.
Students are encouraged to revisit their packing lists to ensure they are well-prepared for the retreat experience. Don’t forget to bring your fancy dress outfit for Night Two – it’s always a highlight!
Year 10 Retreat
We are excited to inform you about the upcoming Year 10 Retreat, taking place in Week 7 on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th June.
Details:
📍 Venue: Tyalgum Ridge Retreat (overnight stay on Thursday night)
🗓 Dates:
- Thursday 12th June – Retreat at Tyalgum Ridge Retreat
- Friday 13th June – Community Service Day in the local area
This two-day experience is a valuable opportunity for students to step away from the classroom, reflect, connect with one another, and engage meaningfully in service to others. The retreat includes an overnight stay at Tyalgum Ridge Retreat, followed by a day of hands-on service activities in the community.
The retreat is a compulsory school event. If your child is unable to attend, approval must be sought from Mr Dykes.
Further information will be provided to families shortly, and the COMPASS event is expected to go live this week. Students will also be given the opportunity to nominate their preferences for Friday’s community service activities.
We look forward to sharing this special and meaningful experience with our Year 10 students.
📣 Calling Year 11 Students – Apply Now for the 2025 Street Retreat in Brisbane!
We are excited to offer a limited number of places for Year 11 students to take part in the 2025 Street Retreat, held in Brisbane from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th June.
In this powerful experience, students from parish secondary schools across the region will come together to explore the realities of social injustice. The Street Retreat is designed to equip, form and empower young people to return to their parish and school communities with a deepened passion for social justice and a renewed awareness of the call of Jesus Christ to serve the poor.
This is a unique opportunity to grow in faith, compassion and leadership.
📌 Applications are now open – places are limited.
If you are interested in being part of this life-changing experience, please speak to our college Youth Minister, Thomas McGhee for more information.
🌟 Year 8 Students – Apply Now for Festa Christi 2025!
We are excited to offer Year 8 students the opportunity to apply for Festa Christi 2025, a two-day diocesan retreat designed specifically for young people to grow in empathy, courage, and faith.
📅 Retreat Dates and Locations:
Boys Retreat
- When: Wednesday 23rd – Thursday 24th July, 2025
- Where: Coffs Coast Adventure Centre, Bonville
Girls Retreat
- When: Thursday 24th – Friday 25th July, 2025
- Where: Coffs Coast Adventure Centre, Bonville
Festa Christi focuses on ‘walking in another person’s shoes’, offering students the chance to step out of their comfort zones, overcome fears, and develop a deeper understanding of social justice. The retreat includes interactive activities, time for prayer and reflection, and concludes with the celebration of the Eucharist.
This program is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of Year 8 students, offering a rich, faith-filled experience in a supportive environment.
📌 Interested students must apply through our College Youth Minister, Mr Thomas McGhee.
Places are limited, so we encourage students to express their interest as soon as possible.
Thinking About Becoming Catholic?
At Mount St Patrick College, we are proud to support students in their faith journey, whatever stage they are at. We would like to thank the students who have already expressed interest in becoming Catholic or receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, or First Holy Communion. Your openness and curiosity are truly appreciated.
If your child is interested in exploring the Catholic faith, we warmly invite them to come and have a chat with Miss Molloy or Mrs Finkel. This is a personal and meaningful step, and it’s important that parents and carers are involved and fully supportive throughout the process.
We encourage families to have open conversations at home, and we’re here to help answer any questions you may have. This is simply the beginning of a journey, and more information will be shared in the coming weeks.
We look forward to walking alongside any student who feels ready to take this next step in faith.
Thursday Morning Mass – All Welcome
A reminder that Mass is celebrated each Thursday morning at 8:15am in the Sacred Heart Church. Students and parents are warmly invited to attend.
We extend a special thank you to some of our junior and senior students who have been coming along, it’s been wonderful to see your presence and leadership in the church.
This is a short and reflective Mass, and students are always back in time for Homeroom. It’s a beautiful way to begin the day in community and faith.
All are welcome, whether you come every week or are thinking of joining for the first time.
Grace Molloy
Leader of School Evangelisation
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Embrace Life is our vision for Mount St Patrick College. It is inspired by the life and teachings of Christ encapsulated in John 10:10.
"I have come so that you may have life, and have it to the full".
This vision encourages us as a Christian community to see life as a gift to be enjoyed, celebrated and shared, through the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
Last week Miss McShane and I attended a conference for Assistant Principals in the Diocese. We were surprised to meet one of our past students, Elijah Kearney, who is living life to the full.
Elijah graduated from the college with a passion for Science and a curiosity for the coffee world. He spent a year in Brazil studying coffee roasting and combined his passion and drive to successfully run a coffee roasting business throughout Australia. His Dark Arts cafe is famous in the Coffs Harbour region.
Elijah reminisced about his time at Mt St Pats and the attributes that were instilled in him through his journey. We are so proud of Elijah and the great human he has become. We hope that all our students can build the skills and wisdom to live happy and successful lives.
The Year 10 cohort has commenced the next phase of their journey in Careers lessons under the guidance of our Leader of Careers Mrs Flood. The students are being informed about the different pathways to various careers. The students will gather information as they research possible career paths and the requirements. Do they need or want an ATAR? And what subjects are they required or desire to learn in Stage 6. We look forward to accompanying the students and the parents as they make choices about their future. This is a long process as we want the students to make informed choices to ensure the best possible outcome.
Narelle Sherrah
Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching
Pastoral Care
Empowering Our School Community: Tackling the Harms of Sexualised Content in the Digital Age
Last Wednesday, our school community was privileged to welcome Dr Marshall Ballantine-Jones and Melinda Tankard Reist for a series of powerful and eye-opening presentations to students, staff, and parents. Their visit left a profound impact, equipping us all with greater awareness and practical tools to support our young people in navigating the digital world.
Parents were given the opportunity to hear from Dr Ballantine-Jones, a leading researcher in adolescent wellbeing, who delivered a compelling presentation on the harmful effects of sexualised media, online exploitation, and the rise of narcissistic behaviours among youth. His findings, grounded in years of research, painted a sobering picture: the average age of first exposure to explicit sexual content is now just 11½ years old. Early and repeated exposure to such material can rewire young minds—reshaping values, distorting perceptions of relationships, and altering neural development.
Yet, in the face of this reality, there is hope. Dr Ballantine-Jones reminded us that what parents say and do matters deeply. Reiterating messages of love, support, and clearly explained boundaries helps build trust, resilience, and self-worth in young people. Moreover, modelling respectful digital behaviour is just as important—our children watch closely and learn from the examples we set.
The presentation also emphasised that open, honest education about pornography, social media use, and narcissistic tendencies is not harmful—it is empowering. When approached thoughtfully, these conversations can strengthen young people's ability to make informed, respectful, and safe choices online and offline.
Melinda Tankard Reist brought a powerful voice to the conversation. As an Australian author, advocate for women and girls, and media commentator, Melinda has dedicated her career to challenging the sexualisation of young people in media and culture. Describing herself as a "pro-life feminist", she calls for a society that values the dignity of women and girls and protects them from the harm caused by hyper-sexualised imagery and messages. Her advocacy, especially in schools, highlights the importance of media literacy and the role of community in confronting harmful narratives.
Together, Melinda and Marshall delivered sessions that were insightful, confronting, and ultimately hopeful. Their work aligns with our school’s commitment to student wellbeing, respectful relationships, and safe digital engagement. As a community, we are proud to stand beside families in creating a culture where young people are supported to flourish.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Melinda Tankard-Reist and Dr Marshall Ballantine-Jones for their impactful work and to all who attended and engaged so meaningfully. These conversations are not easy—but they are essential.
Let’s continue them—at school, at home, and together.
Lara Thompson
Leader of Pastoral Care
FAMILY CONNECT
Hi, I am Katie Sutton, and I’m excited to join the Mount St Patrick College community as Family Connect support worker. I bring with me a Bachelor of Social Science and years of experience working within the Domestic and Family Violence sector, where I supported individuals and families through some of their most challenging times.
My prior role, I was the Safety Action Meeting Coordinator at the Women’s domestic violence court advocacy service in Taree. This role required me to have extensive skills in case management, trauma informed practice, crisis intervention and risk assessments, knowledge of the legal and social systems and avocacy to name a few.
I am very passionate about creating safe, supportive environments for students and their families, and I believe in the power of connection and early intervention to make a lasting difference. I have recently relocated to the area and I’m looking forward to getting to know the local community and building strong relationships within the school’s where I work.
I visit Mount St Patrick’s college every Wednesday. If you feel you would like to connect or need some advice or support, you can self-refer by texting or calling myself on 0428 886 235 or speak to your pastoral care team of Lara Thompson and the 8 Leader of Wellbeing who can also link you in with the Family Connect in Schools program.
Katie Sutton
Family Connect
Curriculum
Term 2 is well underway and students are busy engaging with their studies. Students are encouraged to be proactive with their learning and if they are unsure of content or expectations, they should discuss this with their teacher to seek clarification. Students should now have completed a home study planner and ensure they are doing their homework on a daily basis. Home study planners are available on the year page of the Assessment Portal.
The start of term is always an important time for reminders. Students are encouraged to be organised and use their Google Calendar to record their homework, assessments and home study. Assignment submission dates should also be recorded in the planner. Please see attached the Year 7 - 10 Curriculum PPT which contains more detailed information.
Planning ahead for Term 2, students can access all information regarding their assessments via the Assessment Portal which is found on the MSPC Moodle Site. Students need to use their school log in to access this.
Year 12 students and Year 11 Accelerated students have been advised that the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has published the 2025 HSC Timetable and this is available on their website, along with information for practical and performance subjects and language oral examinations. Students can find important information and web links on the year page of the MSPC Assessment Portal.
PLEASE NOTE: The following is an assessment overview for the upcoming Term 2 Assessment Weeks. Students should check their assessment calendar on the portal for accuracy and to ensure that changes have not been made since publishing this guide.
Upcoming assessment blocks are as follows:
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 + 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 of Curriculum
Faculty News
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
Mount St Patrick College is an inclusive school that values all learners, ensuring all students have access and experience success at school. Inclusion and Diversity are embedded in all aspects of school life at the College and are supported by our Catholic values, classroom practices, culture, and policies.
The National Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) requires all schools to provide information to the Australian Government relating to the student supports provided for identified students with a disability. I've included further information for you in the attached letter and the parental fact sheet.
Please speak with Ben Arthurs, the Leader of Inclusion and Diversity, if you would like to discuss this further.
benjamin.arthurs@lism.catholic.edu.au
HSIE
Model United Nations Assembly
Last Saturday (3rd May), three of our Year 10 students - Zoe Johnson, Charlotte Brown and Rosie Stewart-Walker, accompanied by HSIE Teacher, Lily O’Hare, proudly represented Sweden at the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) conference held at Tweed Civic Centre. This was a remarkable achievement, as they were among the few Year 10 participants in an event typically dominated by senior students.
Our students spoke with confidence and clarity, engaging thoughtfully in complex debates on current global issues. They discussed several pressing international resolutions, including an emergency resolution, and showed a strong understanding of Sweden’s position on matters such as human rights, sustainability, and global security.
Their ability to collaborate, negotiate, and present their views publicly was exceptional. They participated actively in debates and formed meaningful connections with like-minded students from other schools, further enriching their MUNA experience.
We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the maturity they displayed throughout the day. Their performance was a credit to themselves and our school community. We’re already looking forward to participating in the event again next year!
The HSIE Team
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
NORTHERN NSW COUNTRY RUGBY LEAGUE SELECTION
Mt St Patrick College had 5 students invited to attend the trials late last term in South West Rocks. The trials were to select a team combined with the Armidale Diocese to play in the upcoming NSWCCC Championships.
Liam Monaghan from Year 9 was successful in gaining a place in this team. We wish him and his team the very best of luck at the Championships which will be held on 23rd and 24th May.
NSWCCC HOCKEY SELECTION - GIRLS U15
Three students from Mt St Patrick, Vann O’Keefe, Harrison Harvey and Lillian Corby travelled to Newcastle late last term to attend the NSWCCC Hockey selection trials. A high level of skill was on display throughout the day. Lillian Corby from Yr10 was successful in gaining a place in the NSWCCC U15 Girls team to compete in a tri-series against teams from Independent and Combined High Schools on 5th and 6th June to select a NSW All School team.
Congratulations and good luck Lillian
Q SHOOLS AFL
Junior Girls AFL Team Victorious at the Q Schools Comp and Bound for Queensland!
Our Junior Girls AFL team proudly represented the College at the Stan Thompson Ovals in Brunswick Heads. They delivered an outstanding performance, going undefeated across three games and claiming victory in the Final.
The excitement was palpable as the girls arrived, eager to hit the field. Their first match against Lindisfarne was a thrilling contest. With strong teamwork and determination, MSPC secured a narrow win with a final score of 33 to 26. Sophia Levings was a standout in the midfield with her relentless on-ball pressure, and Ivy Hart was a force in defence at centre half-back.
In the second game, the girls took on Kingscliff High. Having settled into their positions, they dominated play, applying constant pressure that prevented Kingscliff from advancing beyond the centre. Evie Edwards kicked two goals and kept the forward line flowing, while Andie Staunton controlled the wing and delivered the ball expertly into the forward 50. MSPC claimed a confident 27 to 9 win. Ivy Hart and Sophia Levings continued their top form with crucial tackles and ball clearances, and midfielders Sophie Gear, Eva Alexander, and Freya Donovan worked tirelessly to lock the ball in our forward half. Niamh O'Donnell and Sophie Gear provided rock-solid defence in the backline.
The next game against St Joseph’s College was a nail biter! Clearances were tricky and St Joseph’s kept the ball in their centre half forward area and they were hard to penetrate. The girls came together as a team with amazing work around the centre to improve clearances and get the ball in their forward 50. It was an all-round team effort to secure our place in the final with just a 2 point win.
In the grand final rematch against Kingscliff, the girls dug deep despite their fatigue and triumphed once again, securing a 2 goal win. Sophia Levings was deservedly named Best Player of the Day for her incredible effort and consistency across all matches.
The entire team displayed exceptional sportsmanship, skill development, and camaraderie throughout the day. Special mention goes to Ella Bressen, Isla-Mae Killick, Ellie Neaves, Clara Atkinson, and Grace Wise for their consistent efforts and contributions to the team’s success.
The team now heads to Queensland to compete in the next round — a fantastic achievement and a testament to their determination and team spirit. Congratulations, girls!
Absolute pleasure to coach and manage this awesome team.
Sher Millward and Mat Atchinson
BILL TURNER CUP / TROPHY DOUBLE HEADER
Bill Turner Trophy
On Tuesday, our Girls Bill Turner Soccer Team travelled to Kingscliff High School to compete in the second round of the Bill Turner Trophy. The team put in a stellar performance, demonstrating incredible teamwork, skill and determination from start to finish.
Cloe Wise opened the scoring with a fabulous goal, energising the team and setting the tone for the match. After going 2-1 down, Andie Staunton stunned the team with a free kick that could easily have featured in a World Cup highlight reel. Despite their strong efforts and a 2-2 battle well into the second half, Kingscliff High managed to edge ahead with a late third goal, bringing the final score to 3-2.
Although the result means our journey in the Bill Turner Trophy ends for this year, the girls showed true sportsmanship and resilience, refusing to let their heads drop and giving it their all until the final whistle.
A massive thank you goes to all the girls for their dedication, both at training and during games throughout Term 1 and 2. We are proud of your efforts and look forward to seeing you back on the field next year—stronger and even more determined!
Harriet Withers
Bill Turner Cup
In Round 2 of the Bill Turner Cup, Mt St Patrick’s College took on a strong Kingscliff High School team. Kingscliff’s well-coached squad, with talented players, proved tough to break down. Mt St Pats played great football but couldn’t crack Kingscliff’s solid defense, losing 3-1 and exiting the knockout cup. Kingscliff moves on to the next round.
Dean Bressan
UPCOMING EVENTS
- NRCC Rugby League (was held Thursday 8th May) full report next newsletter
- Q Schools Cup Intermediates (was held Friday 9th May) full report next newsletter
- Jamie Chapman Cup Girls Rugby League Tuesday 13th May
- Dio Tennis Wednesday 14th May
- Cochrane Cup U14 Rugby League Thursday 15th May
- Dioceesan Cross Country Friday 16th May
- Q Schools Cup Friday 16th May
- NRCC U14 Football Monday 19th May
Mr Tim Whitney
Sports Co-Ordinator
College News
ROMERO HOUSE FOOD DRIVE
In its third consecutive year, the Romero House Food Drive has delivered its most successful campaign yet, rallying the Mount St Patrick College community to show compassion and solidarity with those in need.
This year, a portion of the proceeds went directly to a local Syrian family seeking asylum in the Tweed region.
Romero House Leader of Wellbeing, Mr Blake Reynolds, along with House Captains Isabelle Biersteker, Samuel Acret and Tex Mikkelsen, personally delivered the items with the support of local not-for-profit organisation Tweed Welcomes Refugees.
The family, who are currently rebuilding their lives after fleeing conflict, expressed deep gratitude for the warm welcome and practical support from the school community.
The remainder of the donations were transported by Mr. Reynolds to the Romero Centre in Brisbane which is an organisation Mount St Patrick College has proudly partnered with for the past two years. Staff at the centre were overwhelmed by the scale and thoughtfulness of the donations, which included food, toiletries, and essential household items.
The Romero House Food Drive aims to support refugees as they work to get on their feet, offering not just material assistance but also the message that they are not alone. Reflecting on the community’s efforts, Mr. Reynolds said, “This drive is a tangible way of living out the values of Oscar Romero, showing that when our whole community comes together with empathy and purpose, we can make a real difference.”
As we celebrate the most impactful food drive yet, it’s fitting to remember the words of Saint Oscar Romero himself: “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” A sincere thank you to every student, staff member and family from all the MSPC houses who supported this wonderful initiative. Your generosity made it our most successful drive yet.
Blake Reynolds
Leader of Learning: Romero
