Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Historic Colleges Usher In Exciting New Education Era

Pic caption:  St Patrick's College Mackay Leadership Team for 2023: Standing L-R: Tracey McLeod (Assistant to Principal Welfare/Administration); Brendan Gunning (Assistant to Principal Mission); Chris Sorbello (Assistant to Principal Students); Janelle Agius (College Principal); seated: Sean Geoghegan (Deputy Principal Senior Campus); Scott McSherry (Assistant to Principal Curriculum) and Adam Skoczylas (Deputy Principal Mercy Campus)

Nearly one hundred and thirty years of combined history will be preserved with the amalgamation of two renowned Mackay educational establishments, St Patrick's College and Mercy College, in 2023.

Both institutions will operate under the one banner of St Patrick's College when the new school year commences this week – signalling the start of an exciting new era.

Boasting a rich history built on the Sisters of Mercy and Christian Brothers, who founded schools in the Mackay region in 1880 and 1929 respectively, St Patrick's – an established co-educational Catholic College - will continue to be committed to Catholic values which are at the core of all the school's learning.  

"This merger marks a significant milestone for two of Mackay's leading educational facilities and will continue to provide a unique experience for students consisting of a dual campus concept," declared St Patrick's College Principal Janelle Agius.

"Our students are encouraged to excel in personal growth and faith development in a learning environment and will continue to specialise in lower and middle secondary years at our Mercy Campus in Penn Street and the Senior Years Campus located in Gregory Street in the city heart," said Mrs Agius.

"We value a broad-based curriculum that allows students to discover new interests and abilities, while focusing on higher levels of literacy and numeracy," she added.

"Our staff work collaboratively with students and their families and challenge students to become active learners, to prepare them for success in a variety of pathways for senior school and beyond. Students are offered many extra opportunities to allow them to become the best person they can be."

A proud Mrs Agius said her staff took satisfaction in fostering an environment of friendship and service, which is so important in developing students to become lifelong learners.

"This collaborative approach to learning is enhanced by the knowledge that in the wider community the College is known for our excellent academic results, community service, sporting successes and cultural achievements," Mrs Agius revealed.

St Patrick's College Vision Statement is fostering the holistic development of students to champion compassion, hope, justice and respect.

The College's Mission Statement is to provide a Catholic education following the example of Catherine McAuley and Edmund Rice.

They strive to be a nurturing community of faith with Christ's teachings at the heart of all that they do; inspire students to be courageous and defend the dignity of all persons; foster a quest for educational excellence and a desire to discern truth plus to recognise each student's uniqueness and dedicate themselves both to knowing them and meeting their needs.

By Chris Karas

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