~ 1 ~

Dates to remember:

April

18 P & F Meeting, 7:00 pm

20 Cross Country

23 Reports posted home

25 ANZAC Day

27 “Cats” 7:30 pm

28 “Cats” 2:00 & 7:30 pm

29 “Cats” 5:30 pm

May

1 Parent – teacher

interviews

2 P & F Meeting, 6:00 pm

Board Meeting, 7:30 pm

7 Labour Day holiday

9-11 Year 11 Hamilton Island

25 Catholic Debutante Ball

June

6 P & F Meeting, 6:00 pm

Board Meeting, 7:30 pm

11 Queen‟s Birthday holiday

12 Year 11 Industry

Placement commences

14 End Semester exams

begin

20 Africa trip departs

22 End Term 2

Eamon Hannan – Principal

In this period after Easter we celebrate the fact that we are a resurrection people. The story of

Christ does not end with the Cross and the tomb. It also doesn‟t stop with the story of an

empty tomb but of disparate stories in the gospels of how the first apostles and disciples had

encounters with a risen Jesus.

This Sunday‟s gospel reading recounts one of the stories where Jesus appears to the apostles

and others after his resurrection. The resurrected Jesus was not always recognisable at first and

would often disappear once he was recognised. Quite clearly he was not an apparition but

exactly what he was like is unclear. There is a very real sense in which Jesus is alive in us and it

is important for us to see Jesus in each other and to be Jesus for each other.

Cats at St Pats

Cats at St Pats – is coming next week. Performances run from Friday through to late Sunday

afternoon. Tickets are on sale in the office. See elsewhere in the newsletter for more details.

Students and staff have been rehearsing and preparing for this event since February. From all

reports it will be sensational. We are starting to see glimpses of the set and some of the

costumes.

ANZAC Day

As in previous years students from St Patrick‟s College are encouraged to march next

Wednesday to honour those that fought and died for our country, our freedom and to

celebrate the peace that their sacrifices wrought for us. Students are encouraged to march in

their local area. I know that many of our students will march at Walkerston, Sarina and other

areas.

Those marching in Mackay are invited to have breakfast at the school prior to their march.

Breakfast will be served at the college canteen from 7:00 am.

10-10-10

At assembly today I have shared an idea I came across in a book by Suzie Welch entitled “10-

10-10”. It encourages us to think about what we are doing, particularly the small decisions that

we make and consider longer term consequences. To quote from Suzie

"An idea came into my mind. It was a lifeline and my lifesaver from that day forward.

It was the beginning of a journey of discovery and reinvention. It was 10-10-10. I

realised all I really had to do to reclaim my life was to start making decisions

differently- proactively- by deliberately considering their consequences in the

immediate present, near term and distant future. In ten months, in ten minutes and in

ten years," Suzy says.

Effectively what the strategy suggests is to think about the consequences of our actions over the

three timescales of ten minutes, ten months and ten years. It is a very simple yet effective

thought process. A question I have asked myself is “What is the consequence of having a

chocolate now? I know the answer is that in ten minutes I‟ll want more. In ten months the

answer may well be 1 kg; in ten years it could be 15 kg; sobering thoughts.

A question a student might ask – “Should I do study now or watch TV?” – What is the impact

of this decision in ten minutes? What are the consequences of this decision in terms of my ten

month goals? Where will it take me in ten years?

Cross Country

This Friday we have the college Cross Country in the last two lessons of the day. All students

are expected to participate either as runners or walkers. This is the first time we have been able

to run this event for the whole school for a number of years due to the construction of the

Forgan Bridge.

NUMBER FOR SMS

If you would like to

text the college to let

us know that your

student will be late or

absent, the number

for this is:

0427 106 014

Newsletter 18 April 2012

~ 2 ~

Weekend Masses

Reports and Parent Teacher night

Next week we will post reports for all students. This report is a brief progress report. Students

should already have more detailed feedback from exams and assignments that they can show

you to keep you informed of their progress.

Parent teacher night is on Tuesday 1 May and information is included with the reports as to

how to book the interviews online. If you do not have internet access please contact the

college office who can assist you with making bookings with staff. The time available for

interviews is limited and appointments would need to be made at other times for extensive

interviews. Mrs Weiss the college guidance officer and counsellor will also be available for

interviews on the night.

St Patrick‟s Family

Please remember the Bates family who lost their house in a fire late last term. Students and

staff collected over $2 400 that we were able to give to the family before Easter. The Bates

wanted to acknowledge the generous gift of the community. This is only the beginning of a

long road to recovery for this family and I would ask that you keep them in your thoughts and

prayers. If you would like to help them in some way please feel free to contact the office.

Please also remember in your thoughts and prayers the following members of our community

who have suffered bereavements recently. The Matthews family – Ben‟s grandfather passed

away this week. Ms Jan Barnett‟s father, Gordon Barnett, passed away last week aged 90. Ms

Barnett‟s parents would have celebrated their 60th Wedding anniversary in three months‟ time.

Welcome to our new Campus Minister, Kea McNeill who has joined the college community.

Readings this Sunday

Third Sunday of Easter: READING 1 ACTS 3:13-15, 17-19; RESPONSORIAL PSALM

PS 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9; READING 2 1 JN 2:1-5A; GOSPEL LK 24 : 35 – 48.

Kea McNeill — Campus Minister

Greetings to all - my name is Kea McNeill; I‟ve recently started here at St Patrick‟s college as

your new Campus Minister. It seems I‟ve joined the St Pat‟s community at a busy time with

preparations and performances of our musical „Cats‟, Year 11 Orientation Camp and A.C.T.S

camp all taking place this term. I‟m looking forward to taking part in such events and getting

to know all of you in the St Patrick‟s community.

With our busy term in mind we ask God for support and guidance to grant us success in what

we aim to do, Let us pray;

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

Marian

Saturday Vigil Mass

6:00 pm Holy Rosary

Sunday

9:00 am Mirani

Walkerston

Saturday Vigil Mass

6:00 pm St John‟s

Sunday

7:30 am Eton

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

Almighty God, whose hands hold all matters of life, give me grace of success in the work that I do. Help me to give it the careful thought and the strict attention that will lead to success. Watch over me and govern my actions, that I may not mar its perfection. Show me how to give my best, and let me not despise the toil that is necessary to complete it. Make my life a successful one, in that every duty You give to me, I do it well. Give me the blessing of Your help and guidance, and suffer me not to fail. We read in the Gospel, Lord, that you went away to lonely places to pray. In my busy days of noise and action, remind me of my need for time alone and for peace and quiet and silence within. Be with me now as I pause for a few moments in quietness. Amen

~ 3 ~

Lesley Fraser – Assistant to the Principal: Religious Education

Change of date to the Assessment Calendar for Year 12 Study of Religion:

Assignment draft is now due on Friday 20 April 2012

The assignment is now due on Thursday 3 May 2012.

Edna Galvin – Assistant to the Principal: Curriculum

Excuses and Reasons

There was a very interesting article in the weekend papers that led to an interesting class

discussion this week about issues around taking responsibility plus facing failure and poor

behaviour. In contemporary times we sometimes think having a reason for taking a certain

course of action is also an excuse – which it definitely is not. Being angry or sad may be the

reason you behaved badly but it does not excuse your poor behaviour. When all is going

smoothly we have no reason for poor performance – the real challenge and test of character is

when difficulties arise to keep behaving appropriately.

Some of our students also commented that they realise that you can learn from failure if you

have the right attitude – look to yourself for improvement not blame someone or something

else was suggested. The newspaper article also mentioned that 21st century parents often say

they do not want their children to „get into trouble‟ where as in the past being called to

account for or explain your behaviour was considered an important step in growing up. This

discussion was only one of the many wise and insightful class discussions that staff members

have with our senior students. While many in society think we have only self-centred and self-

absorbed Gen Y students in our schools at the moment – we need to remember we also have

many wise and wonderful thinkers who we know will be the leaders of the future.

Rats of Tobruk

On Tuesday 17 April, a large group of St Patrick‟s College students along with Mr Eamon

Hannan, Mrs Bianca Johnston and Ms Edna Galvin attended one of the annual Rats of Tobruk

ceremonies at Queen Victoria Park in front of the Mackay Tobruk Memorial. A large group of

St Patrick‟s College singers led by Mrs Johnston sang the national Anthem, God Save the

Queen and the hymn Valient Hearts.

Thomas Gilbert and Kate Tolo read the honour roll while Paul Deguara and Rebecca Smith laid

the wreath on behalf of the college. Sheridan Scott (granddaughter of G.D. Galvin proud „Rat

of Tobruk‟) delivered the address. All 50 students attending were excellent ambassadors for

the college in their dress, grooming, behaviour and respect.

St Patrick‟s is one of the schools in the district selected as a Rats of Tobruk school – this is an

honour bestowed on us from these old diggers. The idea is that we will keep their memory

alive and remember their sacrifice as they pass on to their eternal reward. St Patrick‟s also has

a ROT award that is given out on the last day of the Year 12 year to an outstanding student.

Lest we forget.

~ 4 ~

Brendon Brauer – Sport

Age Championships Swimming

Medallions for Age Championship swimming were presented at today‟s assembly with the

following students being successful at the College Aquatics carnival that was held last term.

Division First Second Third

Open boys Elliott Woodman Damien Vanderberg Scott Green

Open girls Brittany Anderson Amy Camilleri Paige Harris

16 years boys Tomas Richards Sean Nicoll Sam Norman

16 years girls April Martineer Sidney Leach Imagion Carlyle-Brauer

Emily Smith

St Patrick‟s Cross Country

The St Pat‟s cross country will be run on Friday with students competing over a 4 km (girls)

and 5 km (boys) course. All students will compete in this event which will involve a new

course in 2012. The race will start in Caneland Park and will then incorporate an out and back

run on the Cathy Freeman walking track (Bluewater Trail). Upon returning to Caneland Park,

students will then continue along the Boardwalk to the Forgan Bridge, along River St before

finishing outside the college hall. The first 6 place getters in each age group will qualify for the

Mackay District trials which will be held at Mirani on Monday May 14. All successful students

are reminded to return their permission forms and the $3 levy to Mr Brauer ASAP. This is

important to ensure replacements can be arranged if required. The results from the cross

country will be available in next week‟s newsletter.

Students are reminded that Friday will be a normal school day with normal lessons running

with the exception of lessons 5 and 6. Students will need to get changed into appropriate

running attire which includes closed in footwear (joggers) appropriate for running.

Netball Draw for Wednesday 18 April

Time Court Umpire Duty

3:45 pm 5 Mercy Firsts V SPC Gold Mirani Maestro / MNSHS Stars

7 SPC Black V SPC White MNSHS Diamonds / MNSHS Sun

4:35 pm 4 Mirani Maestro V MNSHS Stars Mercy Firsts / SPC Gold

6 SPC Green V PSHS SPC Black / SPC White

7 HSC Blue V MNSHS Elevens SPC Red / Mirani Matrix

5:25 pm 3 MNSHS Diamonds V MNSHS Suns SPC Green / PSHS

4 SPC Red V Mirani Matrix

HSC Blue / MNSHS Eleven

BYE: Northettes, SPC Blue

Important Dates

April 20 St Patrick‟s College Cross Country

April 27 St Pat‟s First VIII v Mackay SHS, Super 8‟s Virgin Australia Stadium

May 14 Mackay District Cross Country Trials

TEMPORARY GROUNDSMAN POSITION AVAILABLE

Andrew Lamont, the college Groundsman, is taking some well-earned Long Service

Leave from Tuesday 8 May until Friday 29 June 2012. We are seeking applications

from interested persons for this temporary position.

If you are interested in this position or know of anyone who could be, please

phone the college on 4944 7200 for more information. Please note that there are

no heavy lifting duties involved.

An understanding of and commitment to the ethos of Catholic education and

eligibility for a Working with Children Blue Card will also be required.

~ 5 ~

Bianca Johnston – Cultural Coordinator

Cats

There are only 9 days to go before opening night! The cast and crew would like to thank the

college community for their support over the past 11 weeks. This opportunity has afforded our

students the chance to work with and share their talents with like-minded individuals and staff.

The students are very excited about their upcoming production. It would be a massive shame if

this wonderful show went unseen. So come on everybody, get your paws ready to contact the

college to book your tickets. Get in quick!

Show times: Friday 27 April (7:30 pm)

Saturday 28 April (2:00 pm and 7:30 pm)

Sunday 29 April (5:30 pm)

Ticket Prices: Adults $35, Concession $25, Student - Secondary $25, Student - Primary $15,

Prep/Under $5 and Group of 10 - 10% off total price.

Students involved in the production are required to attend the following rehearsals, dress

rehearsals and technical runs. All students MUST attend. Please note there may be a few last

minute changes to the proposed schedule. We thank you for your support. We encourage

students to listen attentively to all directions and rehearsal requirements.

DATE TIME

Sunday 22 April 10:30 am – 5:00 pm

(dancers required from 10:00 am)

Tuesday 24 April 6:45 pm – 10:00 pm

(dancers required from 6:00 pm)

Wednesday 25 April Meet at St Pat‟s hall at 11:00 am after the Anzac Day

March.

Students will be required until 9:30 am (TBC)

*Students will be provided lunch

(Full Dress Run)

Thursday 26 April 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm (TBC)

(Full Dress and Technical Run)

Friday 27 April Cast call 5:00 pm

Band Call 6:20 pm

Show Time 7:30 pm

Saturday 28 April Cast Call 11:30 am

Band Call 12:50 pm

Show Time 2:00 pm

Cast Call 5:00 pm

Band Call 6:20 pm

Show Time 7:30 pm

Sunday 29 April Cast Call 3:00 pm

Band Call 4:20 pm

Show Time 5:30 pm

Cast members are also required to meet in the PAC every lunchtime for rehearsals and

meetings.

If you have any concerns, please contact the college or Mrs Johnston on 0421 440 104.

Debating report: Mark Gibbs (Debating Co-ordinator)

Last night St Pat‟s hosted the third round of the Apex Secondary schools Debating competition.

It was an impromptu round, so all teams were locked away with only a dictionary and a

whiteboard one hour before they were due to present. The topic was “that our sportspeople

are good role models”.

All three teams were successful with St Pat‟s Gold (Imagion Brauer, Caitlyn Geoghegan, Sam

Lenz and Megan Comben) and St Pat‟s White (Ally Dowton, Rebecca Hicks, Sarah Ryan and

Jordyn Price) arguing the affirmative side while St Pat‟s Red (Sheridan Scott, Siobhan Gibbs,

Ben Muscat and Emma Marsh) argued the negative side.

~ 6 ~

The next round of debates will be on 1 May (parent teacher night) when the teams will argue

the prepared topic of that a good environment is a first world luxury.

All members of the community are welcome to attend these debates to support the students

and also to hear some lively public speaking. Invariably, the larger the audience, the better the

performances are.

Cultural Co-curricular Activities

The college Choir, Percussion Ensemble and Stage Band will recommence rehearsals in week 3

(week commencing 30 April). These rehearsals have been postponed due to the commitment

of students and staff in the musical.

Mackay Eisteddfod

Schedules are now available from local Music and Dance Studios. Entries close in May.

Upcoming Dates and Events – Terms 2 and 3

Friday 27 - Sunday 29 April: College Musical Production of Andrew Lloyd Webbers

„CATS‟

Wednesday 16 May: Music and Drama excursion to MECC for Mackay Musical Comedy

Players production of „Sound of Music‟

Tuesday 10 – Friday 20

July: Secondary Schools Choral Festival (Concert Friday evening)

Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 July: Halliday Bay Co-curricular Arts Camp

Friday 17 – 19 August: Mackay Orchestra and Bands Competition (Stage Band, Percussion

and Handbells)

Sunday 9 September: Choir, Handbells, Percussion, Stage Band and music students perform

at Holy Trinity Church Concert Series.

Edie Weiss – Guidance Counsellor

UMAT (undergraduate medicine and health sciences admission test)

Year 12 students who are considering studying medicine or dentistry (or physiotherapy and

optometry in some interstate universities) need to consider whether they should sit UMAT,

which is designed to help universities select students in these fields. Information is now

available and interested students should make an appointment to see the Counsellor.

Registrations close on Friday June 1.

Mater Hospital Healthcare Careers Expo

This popular expo is on again this year on Tuesday 15 May from 5.30 to 8.00pm. A range of

Education providers as well as representatives from a wide range of health care professions will

be present to talk about their jobs and training. See the flyer attached to the newsletter for

more details and how to register.

St Leo‟s interviews

It may seem odd to be thinking about University accommodation for next year, but it is never

too early! Vince Skelly, Principal of St Leo‟s College at the University of Queensland will be

here on Wednesday 16 May to meet with boys who are interested in staying there next year.

St Leo‟s is a long established catholic residential college which a lot of ex-St Pat‟s students have

resided, and the feedback is very positive. Interested boys should register in the Counsellor‟s

office.

~ 7 ~

ST PATRICK‟S STUDENTS PERFORM AT MERCY COLLEGE RAP LAUNCH

Late last term, three St Patrick‟s students, Shayden Mooney, Harry Saunders and Cameron

Stewart performed at the launch of the Mercy College Reconciliation Action Plan. Invited

guests from the local indigenous community along with parents and school staff from around

the region, enjoyed performances from the „Deadly Dance Troupe‟ .

FURTHER ACCOLADE FOR 2011 YEAR 12 CRISPIN SCOTT

Former St Patrick‟s Senior College student Crispin Scott

has been awarded a scholarship to Emmanuel College

on the strength of earning a University of Queensland

(UQ) Merit scholarship.

Emmanuel College is one of 10 colleges within the UQ

campus and has awarded over $250,000 worth of

scholarships this year.

According to Emmanuel Principal Stewart Gill, Crispin

is exactly the type of student Emmanuel is keen to

welcome to its community.

“Emmanuel has a policy of offering a place to any

student awarded a UQ Excellence or Merit Scholarship,” he said. “These scholarships are

awarded to academically high-achieving students who can also demonstrate outstanding extra-

curricular academic, leadership or significant community service achievements. “We value the

contribution these students can make and encourage students like Crispin to take a place here

by awarding them Emmanuel College scholarships.

“We disburse a wide variety of scholarships each year apart from the Emmanuel College

scholarships, including a large number of Indigenous scholarships as well as law, music, English

and drama, rugby, and a Principal‟s entrance scholarship.”

Crispin is studying Arts/Law at UQ and hopes to become actively involved in politics and

public speaking.

“We believe it‟s important to create networks for our young people and inspire them to

become well-rounded individuals and future leaders,” he said.

~ 8 ~

St Joseph’s Cathedral Restoration Appeal

The “Health” of our Cathedral In 2005 and 2006, reports on the “health” of the Cathedral indicated some major problems with the Cathedral’s structure that required attention. These have been largely caused by the clay soil on which the Cathedral stands resulting in considerable movement in the building. It was accepted that large scale work would be needed to keep the building in good order. So, on 1 October 2009, Bishop Heenan launched a public appeal for donations to complete the restoration of St Joseph’s Cathedral. Within days, scaffolding was erected around the Cathedral and the work of renewal of this grand 110 years old building had begun. The scale of the restoration has been extensive and a brief overview of the work involved reveals how heavy the financial burden has been to date. The Cathedral walls have undergone “repointing” involving a removal and replacement of the mortar holding the stones together. The north-eastern tower and the Spires have had to be stabilised by considerable structural work. The last stage of the restoration has been the removal of the bitumen surface and soil and replacement with concrete. A new stormwater collection and drainage system will also be a part of this final stage. All of this will help to reduce any future strain on the structure caused by movement. An extensive cobblestone pavement and a new boundary fence will complete the restoration and add beauty to the external environs of the Cathedral. Other work in areas of electricity supply, repairs to the cathedral archways, new front steps and landscaping have combined with the major structural work to be a large undertaking that has been very costly but unavoidable. The Appeal set out to raise $6 million, the amount estimated to cover the cost of the restoration works. The Appeal to date has raised about $2.5 million dollars, which includes $1 million from Diocesan reserves. The project has received $200 000 from the state government. No federal government funding has been forthcoming. As the time of the restoration draws to a close, our Bishop is seeking our support to help meet the cost of this extraordinary work. Unfortunately, the restoration work is far from paid for and the need for support is urgent. Once again it is only the generosity of ordinary people, which began the work of this grand building back in the 1880s, which will help to see this project through. On Sunday 22nd April, throughout our parishes, our schools, our agencies and our wider community, we are appealing for support to help fund the restoration of our Cathedral, so that we can that we can hand on to future generations a beautiful and inspiring Cathedral. To lend support to St Joseph’s Cathedral Restoration Appeal visit – www.cathedralappeal.org.au

~ 9 ~

~ 10 ~