Welcome back to a new term.  The students have quickly settled back into routine and are very friendly as I encounter them in my wanderings.  The new tie looks very smart as does the new skirt.

ANZAC Day Ceremony

We began the term with a whole school ANZAC ceremony to acknowledge those who served in the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces, especially remembering those who have suffered or lost their lives as a consequence of this service.  This year ANZAC ceremonies included a focus on the service of Indigenous Australians who served, (with the Australian Mint also issuing a special commemorative $2 coin).  At the end of the service, local Aboriginal elder, Dawn Blazeley (Auntie Dawn) presented the College with an original artwork she produced that was inspired by this.

NAPLAN - Years 7 & 9

In the two weeks commencing 11 May, concluding 21 May, Year 7 and Year 9 students will be undertaking the Naplan tests on Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling and grammar), and Numeracy.  These will be completed online.  Some points that I wish to emphasise for both parents and students to be aware of:

1.  It is important that each student brings their own set of earplugs or headphones every day during this period.

2.  Commencing tomorrow, our IT department will work with every student to install the required LockDown Browser on their device in preparation for the tests.

3. Students must not be concerned if they think that the questions are more difficult than expected.  The NAPLAN Online tests adapt to responses made by a student. As the student progresses through the tests, he or she will be presented with questions that may be easier or more difficult, to better assess the student’s ability. This may simply mean that they are taking a more challenging but more appropriate pathway. This will not affect their overall score.

The diagram below displays potential student 'testlet' pathways:

4.  This link will take you to a Naplan 'public demonstration' webpage that will look like the screenshot, below.  By clicking on one of the tabs at the bottom, you will be able to see something of what these tests will look like.  It is worth sitting with your child to have a look.

Tasmanian Catholic Youth Festival

Once again we will be hosting the Tasmanian Catholic Youth Festival.  On 7 May we will have students from around the region join us to celebrate.  Former St Patrick's College students, Sam Clear, will be one of the key presenters, as will contemporary Christian singer Fr Rob Galea.  Our students can see our Coordinator of Ministry, Gerry Peters if they want to participate on the day.

Tasmanian State Election this Saturday 1 May

The Catholic Education Commission Tasmania (CECT) and the Executive Director of Catholic Education Tasmania, Dr Gerard Gaskin put some questions to the three main political parties contesting this weekend’s State Election.  Principals have been asked to share the responses with our College community:

Responses Of Major Political Parties State Election 2021

May God bless you and keep you safe and happy.

Frank Pisano

Aunty Dawn Blazeley with her artwork and students Hugo Mansell, Jet Spicer and Luka Mansell.

The applications for the January 2022 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) are open!

Clink on the link to find out more about the program and how to apply!
https://www.nysf.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Year-12-program-Flyer-2022.pdf

An email has been sent out to families regarding the SEQTA Engage Parent Information Sessions being held at the College next Thursday, 6th May. If you wish to attend, please ensure you respond to the email by 9am on Wednesday.

SEQTA Engage is the parents and caregivers portal for the School's Learning Management System.