Janelle Agius – Acting Principal
16 March 2016
Tomorrow we celebrate St Patrick’s Day with a college liturgy. St Patrick’s Day is a worldwide
celebration of a great saint and wonderful nation whose people have emigrated all over the world.
St Patrick is credited with the conversion of Ireland. The church in Ireland has had a high impact
on the church worldwide but particularly in Australia through the work of various missionary
orders from Ireland. The Irish have a great love of learning, art and artistry. Famous examples of
this include the Book of Kells which is a beautifully illustrated Latin version of the gospels. At St
Patrick’s we celebrate the heritage of the Christian Brothers and the Mercy Sisters which were
both founded in Ireland in the nineteenth century. The Mercy Sisters and the Christian Brothers
have both conducted schools on this site.
Dates to remember:
March 2016
16
Mass of the Oils,
Rockhampton
18
End of term exams
commence
Mocktail (for Year 12)
20
Music Ministry, 6:00pm,
St Patrick’s Church
24
Last day of Term 1
25
Good Friday
27
Easter Sunday
April 2016
11
First day of term 2
12
Year 12 Academic
Awards Evening
13-15 Year 11 Hamilton
Island
17
Music Ministry, 6:00 pm
St Patrick’s Church
19
Reports mailed home
22
Cross Country
25
ANZAC Day
27-29 ACTS Camp
28
Parent – Teacher
interviews
May 2016
2
Labour Day
4
P & F Meeting, 6:00 pm
Board Meeting, 7:30 pm
NUMBER FOR
SMS
The number to send
SMS messages
regarding student
absence is
Tonight I will be attending the Mass of the Oils at St Joseph’s Cathedral Rockhampton. It is a time
of faith reflection, renewal of baptismal promises and commitment to serve as God’s people. This
is a very special Mass as at this time the Bishop will bless the Holy Oils for use in the coming year.
Work Experience
As mentioned last week we have a large number of Year 12 vocational students attending work
placement. Students should not be missing any days of work over this period and should attend
any missed examinations during the after work sessions as per examination timetable. I do hope
all students gain new knowledge and skills from this experience.
National Day of Action Against Bullying in Schools
This Friday is the sixth national Day of Action against Bullying and Violence in Schools. It
encourages all students to ‘take a stand together’. Over the past few assemblies I have been
reminding students that every one of us has to look out for the rights of others. It is about
respect. It is just the right thing to do for others.
QATSIF presentation afternoon
Last Wednesday afternoon we had a ceremony
to acknowledge this year’s Queensland
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Foundation (QATSIF) recipients. The
scholarship recipients received certificates.
They pledged to acknowledge and honour
where the monies came from, by
demonstrating their Cultural pride through
participation; a continued effort to obtain their
QCE; and adhering to the schools Code of
Conduct. Successful recipients were: Xoelene
Afflick, Orannia Ninness, Natasha Derdziak,
Monique Best, Kirra Miller, Georgia Rudken, Emmerson Doherty, Elleni Williams, Caleb Sinn and
Arielle Taylor. Thank you to Miss Bree Sinn and Mrs Deb Millar for organising the ceremony.
Readings at Mass, Sunday 20 March 2016 – Palm Sunday
First reading, Isaiah 50 : 4-7 … ‘The Lord comes to my help, so that I am untouched by the
insults. So, too, I set my face like flint; I know I shall not be shamed.’
Psalm, Ps 21 : 8-9, 17-20, 23-24 … ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’
Second reading, St Paul 2 : 6-11 … ‘Bus god raised him high and gave him the name which is
above all other names’.
Gospel, Luke 22:14 - 23:56 … ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God,
the Chosen One. … If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself’.
0416 906 288
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Weekend Masses
REFLECTION
Southside Cluster
Saturday Vigil Mass
6:00 pm St Francis Xavier
6:00 pm St Mary’s
Sunday
7:00 am St Patrick’s
7:00 am St Therese’s
9:00 am St Michael’s
9:00 am St Francis Xavier
9:30 am St Francis of
Assisi
6:00 pm St Patrick’s
Northside Cluster
Saturday Vigil Mass
6:00 pm St Joseph’s
6:00 pm St Brigid’s
Sunday
7:30 am St Brendan’s
9.00 am St Joseph’s
Walkerston
Saturday Vigil Mass
6:00 pm St John’s
Sunday
7:30 am Eton
NOBODY IS PERFECT
John Eales was a great rugby union player, the most successful captain of
our national team in the history of Australian rugby and most importantly,
a nice guy. In rugby union circles his nickname was ‘Nobody’ (because
nobody is perfect). Whilst John Eales is a hero and has many great
achievements, he still made mistakes. If even the greatest of us may make
mistakes, how do we deal with the mistakes we make?
Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly
be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They
answered him, ‘We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to
anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen,
I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” (Jn 8:31-42)(NRSV)
Often poor choices or incorrect decisions (mistakes) can enslave us. The regrets or remorse
that we may feel because of our actions can linger, making us fearful of moving forward and
trying again. Jesus taught forgiveness: Forgive others, forgive yourself and ask for forgiveness.
Forgiveness allows us to move forward and rebuild relationships, without being enslaved by our
mistakes. A chance to reconcile our relationship with ourselves, others and God.
2016 QCS Test: Calculators
It is very important for students to understand the types of calculators that may and may not be
used by students sitting the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test. Calculators with computer algebra
system (CAS), spellchecker, dictionary, thesaurus or translator function could provide an advantage
to students using them, or prohibit the proper testing of some common curriculum elements
(CCEs). Calculators to be used by students in the QCS Test should be able to perform the basic
functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square roots and powers. Graphics
calculators without CAS functionality are permitted. Calculators are to be hand-held and solar - or
battery powered. Non-calculators with any of the following functions — whether inbuilt or
downloaded — are not approved for use in the QCS Test:
 computer algebra system (CAS)
 spellchecker
 dictionary
 thesaurus
 translator.
All other electronic devices — such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets and wearable devices — are
not permitted in the QCS Test unless permission has been granted under special provision
arrangements. Students cannot rely on using the calculator function in any such device (including
mobile phones) during the test.
2016 QCS Test special provision
Special provision is available to students who are affected by a medical condition, an impairment or
exceptional circumstances that may act as a barrier to their access to the test or to their
demonstration of achievement in the test.
Long-term impairments — applications close on 21 May 2016, unless the condition is diagnosed after
this date.
Applications opened on 1 March 2016. Students must submit suitable documentation to support
their application. Medical documentation must be provided by a suitably qualified person who is not
related to the student and is not employed by the school. Refer to the QCS Test: 2016 Special
provision handbook available from www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/qcs-test/special-provision.
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Developing a positive school culture
Over the December/January holidays I had the opportunity to travel to Switzerland to visit my
brother and his family who live in a small village called Rheinfelden, located in the north of the
country on the Rhine river. There is so much to like about the Swiss culture but the one part of
their culture that I admire is their honesty, trust and respect for the natural environment. Over
the Christmas public holidays, I noticed that the local Migro supermarket didn’t remove their
stock from outside the front of the store despite being closed for a total of four days. I was
surprised by this and asked my brother why this was so. He indicated that Switzerland was very
different to Australia and that it was an engrained cultural behaviour to not touch something that
isn’t yours and that the majority of the population live in communities where informal social
control is powerful. He also indicated that if it was Australia, all of the items would probably be
taken within hours. Regretfully it was difficult to dispute this comment. The Japanese culture also
impresses me where respect for the elders is of great importance, education is highly valued and
academic achievement is held in high esteem. The importance of hard work and perseverance is
engrained in Japanese children from a young age and this is carried throughout their adult life.
Also, if you have travelled to Japan you would have noticed that rubbish bins are almost nonexistent. You carry your rubbish with you and dispose of it when you get home. As a result, the
country, including the major cities are surprisingly very clean. There is much that we can learn
from both the Japanese and Swiss cultures. We can definitely learn a lot from other countries
and our overseas tours have been instrumental in exposing our students to a variety of cultures.
Our St Patrick’s culture is quite unique. As the only senior college in Queensland, our culture is
defined by our excellence in academic, sporting and cultural fields and our commitment to the
Christian faith. As we strive to become a truly ‘Great’ school we must continue to foster a
positive culture where learning and faith development are of the upmost importance. By being
open and honest with their teachers, students can develop positive relationships based on mutual
trust and respect. By encouraging our students to persevere when confronted with a difficult
assignment, students can reach their academic potential. Also encouraging our students to care
for our physical environment by placing rubbish in the bins and respecting our college uniform
standards plays a big part in developing a positive school culture. It is a known fact that students
are more likely to attend and achieve at school if they feel accepted, valued, respected and
included. This is what we are about at St Patrick’s and this is why our college maintains a great
reputation within the Mackay community.
Exam procedures – students
1.
Read your exam timetable carefully and note all exams. This is YOUR responsibility.
2.
Turn up in plenty of time – half hour before most exams or at 8.25 am for morning exams.
3.
Wear academic uniform correctly (in correct uniform or detention).
4.
Phone the college if you are going to be late or are ill. Illness will usually require a medical
certificate to be presented when you return to school. You will still be required to complete
the exam.
5.
Bring all necessary equipment – spare pens, calculators, rulers, erasers, extra batteries etc in
a clear container. You will not be allowed to borrow anything during the exams. Do not
bring other materials into the exam.
6.
When called over the PA, line up in classes in alphabetical order so that rolls can be marked.
This order is also the order that you will sit in for the exam. Follow teacher directions.
7.
Dispose of any study notes before you enter the exam room.
8.
Once you enter the exam room you must remain silent and not communicate with any other
student in any way. TO DISRUPT AN EXAM IS A SERIOUS BREACH OF THE
COLLEGE BEHAVIOUR CODE.
9.
During perusal, you may not write your answers, but, in some subjects, you may be able to
write notes on the exam. Remember perusal means read thoroughly, not skim.
10. Read the whole paper during perusal and ask questions at that time.
11. Do not ask teachers how to answer questions – they cannot tell you and it wastes your valuable
time.
12. At St Patrick’s you may not leave the exam room until the set time, ie the end of the exam.
13. No food is to be taken into exam rooms and water bottles must be kept on the floor.
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14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
If you wish to speak to a supervisor you must stand in your place. Do NOT raise your hand.
MP3s, iPods, Mobile Phones etc are strictly forbidden in the exam room at all times.
We are under State and National requirements for the qualifications gained by senior
assessment including exams – these require the college to conduct exams under strict, secure,
ethical conditions.
Rearranging an exam can only be done under very exceptional circumstances which MUST be
disclosed to the Administration of the college – it is not desirable because of the reasons stated
above.
SCHOOL NOTICES will be posted on noticeboards each day. Please check these for any
important information.
If cheating occurs during the exam the student will be removed from the room immediately
and paper invalidated.
If a breach is discovered after the exam the paper will be invalidated.
Year 11 Hamilton Island camp
Students will be attending a meeting on Thursday 17 March to receive an information sheet
regarding travel times, menu and rules. In the event of a serious breach in behaviour students will
be removed from the camp and sent home at the guardian’s expense. Students will also be
provided with an opportunity to select activities, organise groups or items for a talent night, and
outline of the camp.
Students should have approached Mrs Brauer about any special dietary requirements. The last
day to inform her will be Thursday 17 March.
The final payment was required by 14 March. If you have any difficulties in paying this cost, please
contact the college bursar.
Important dates & times:
Departure from the college, Wednesday 13 April 2016:
 Girls’ buses for 13 April: Girls will need to be at the school at 6:00 am to have names
marked and collect information. The bus will depart by 6:30 am with an arrival time of 8:30
am at the Port of Airlie. The ferry will depart at 9.15 am – arrival time at Hamilton Island
will be approximately 10.15am.
 Boys’ buses for 13 April: Boys will need to be at the school at 8am to have names marked
and collect information. The bus will depart by 8:30am with an arrival time of 10:30am at Port
of Airlie. The ferry will depart at 11.30am – arrival time at Hamilton Island approx. 12.30pm.
Arrival at the college, Friday 15th April 2016:
 Girls’ buses for 15 April: The girls will depart Hamilton Island at 10:00 am - arrival
time at Port of Airlie Maritime Terminal approx. 11am. Bus will be there at 11:00 ready to
load with an arrival time of 1:15pm in Mackay. Girls are able to be collected and to go home.
 Boys’ buses for 15 April: The boys will depart Hamilton island at 12:30 pm - arrival
time at Port of Airlie Maritime Terminal 1.30pm. Bus will be there at 13:30 ready to load with
an arrival time of 3:45pm in Mackay.
We will not wait for late students and unfortunately there will be no reimbursement
of costs if you fail to attend camp.
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Mackay Selections
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected in Mackay teams for their
respective sports throughout the term:
Basketball
Lachlan Rebetzke
Felix Hadok-Quadrio
Wade Sullivan
Thulani Teske
Camryn Sutton
Shanya Milburn
Aiden Krause
Volleyball
Chelsey Thompson
Jesse-lee Caruana
Rugby Union
Brett Glendinning
Tyrone Zaro
Netball
Abbi Johnson
Kelley Du Rand
Shannyn Flynn
Lauren Bella
Liam Meng
Jye Andersen
Hayden Pace
Aidan Beard
Nicholas Brownsey
Izac Brown
Joseph Hackney
Liam Mulherin
Natasha Curry
Rugby League
AFL
Ebony Rix
Hockey
Darcy Webb-Smith
Cohen Wyles
Riley Head
Kate Ross
Squash
Zachary Houston
Summer Palmer
Danielle Hankinson
Tyrese Davids
Tyler Pittaway
Isaac Galea
Bailey Dunbar
Riley Stansbie
Jack Stansbie
Josh Holder
Bayley Sharpe
Ben Copley
Makhaya Quakawoot
Football
Capricornia Selections
Congratulations to the following students who have earned selection in Capricornia teams
through their efforts representing Mackay district at Capricornia Trials for their respective
sports:
Basketball
Aiden Krause
Lachlan Rebetzke
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Felix Hadok- Quadrio
Shanya Milburn
Netball
Lauren Bella
Rugby League
Natasha Curry
Jye Andersen
Hockey
Aidan Beard
Liam Mulherin
Squash
Darcy Webb-Smith
AFL
Danielle Hankinson
Swimming
Lisa Manzelmann
Hayden Pace
Ebony Rix
Kahtia Gooch
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Mignon Viljoen
Sporting Achievements
Two St Patrick’s College students have excelled in their respective sports recently:
Mitchell Kelly finished 14th in Australia in the
Under-20
Men’s
5000m
after
his
performance at the Athletics Australia Junior
Championships held in Perth recently.
Kahtia Gooch has qualified for the
Australian Age Swimming Championships
which are being held during the school
holidays in Adelaide.
The St Patrick’s College community would like to congratulate both of these students on their
outstanding sporting achievements outside of the school.
Time
Court
4:00
7
SPC Blue
8
4:45
Umpire Duty
V
SPC Green
SPC Red / SPC White
MSHS Lorikeets V
Mercy QISSN
SPC Gold / Mirani Mystics
7
SPC Red
V
SPC White
SPC Blue / SPC Green
8
SPC Gold
V
Mirani Mystics
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Students are asked to note the exam timetable below and see Mrs McLeod for alternative times if they have an
exam clash. All students are required to be in attendance at least 15 minutes before the start of the exam with all
materials.
Day
Time
Year 11 Exam
Friday
18 March
8.45
11bio
(120min)
11.45
11maa
11mab
(120min)
(120min)
Day
Time
Year 12 Exam
Friday
18 March
8.45
12 MAB
(120min)
11.45
12 GEO
12 AER
(90min)
(120min)
Year 12IP students must sit today’s exams 4:00 – 7:00 pm (time subject to work requirements)
Monday
21 March
8.45
11 sor
11 rel
(100 min)
(70min)
10.30
11 jap speaking
(20min/student)
11.45
11 bct
Monday
21 March
(80 min)
8.45
12 CHE
12 IPT
(120min)
(Major Project – 90min)
11.45
12 SOR
12 REL
(120min)
(90min)
Year 12IP students must sit today’s exams 4:00 – 7:00 pm (time subject to work requirements)
Tuesday
22 March
8.45
11mac
11mod
(120min)
(90min)
11.45
11 pe
(90min)
Tuesday
22 March
8.45
12ANC
12 PHY
(90min)
(120min)
11.45
12 PE
(120min)
Year 12IP students must sit today’s exams 4:00 – 7:00 pm (time subject to work requirements)
Wednesday
23 March
8.45
11 acc
11 jap (listening)
11 ap
(120min)
(60min)
(60 min)
11.45
11 che
11 sc21
(120 min)
(90min)
Wednesday
23 March
8.45
12 MAC
12 GEO
(120min)
(90min)
11.45
12 BIO
(120min)
Year 12IP students must sit today’s exams 4:00 – 7:00 pm (time subject to work requirements)
Thursday
24 March
8.45
11.45
11 phy
11 leg
11 aer
11 geo
(90min)
(90min)
Thursday
24 March
(90min)
(90min)
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8.45
12 JAP (reading)
12 MUS
(60min)
(120min)
10:15
12 JAP (writing)
(60 min)
8:30 3.00
12 QCS Numeracy Practice
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This year we celebrate 150 years of the Catholic Church in Mackay and district. Bishop
Michael McCarthy will lead us in the celebration of a Mass of Thanksgiving held on Sunday
22 May at St Patrick’s Church at 11:00 am. Following Mass you are invited to a BYO picnic
lunch in the grounds of St Patrick’s College to continue the celebration. (Tea, coffee and
cold drinks provided).
From Friday 20 May through to Sunday 22 May there will be a display in the St Patrick’s
Hall, acknowledging the gift of the Church within our community. Parishes and
organisations from across the region have been invited to contribute to this display which
will be open to the public
The following groups have been invited to contribute. If you are aware of a group that
has been overlooked please email details of that group to: [email protected] or
[email protected]









Parishes: Parish priests, administrators and assistants; Parish Offices, Parish
Councils.
All Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools
Co-ordinator of Catechists, Society of Jesus, RCIA Co-ordinators
Religious Orders: Sisters of Mercy, Christian Brothers, Sisters of St Joseph,
Franciscan Sisters, Missionary Sisters of Service, Presentation Sisters, Marist
Sisters
Health & Aged Care: Mater Hospital, Francis of Assisi Aged Care Home, SVDP,
Centacare, Towards Healing, Care of the Environment, Care and Concern Group St
Joseph’s
Organisations and Groups: CWL, Men Alive, Cherish Life, Natural Fertility Service,
Catholic Deb Ball, Catholic Men’s Dinner
Prayer Groups: Charismatic Prayer Group, Christian Meditation Group, El Shaddai,
Couples for Christ, Padre Pio Group
Indigenous Groups: Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islanders, South Sea Islanders
Ethnic Groups: Maltese, Italian, Filipino, Indian, Irish
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