Where are they now – Jack Ferguson (SPC 2009-14)

The College recently reconnected with Jack Ferguson (SPC 2009-14) who is loving his career as a primary school teacher in Ballarat and was most recently voted the city’s most popular teacher. What an honour!

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

Since leaving SPC I went on to study teaching at ACU. Once I had graduated, I was lucky enough to get a position at St Francis Xavier Primary School teaching Year 6’s. I have now been teaching for four years now and have thoroughly enjoyed the experiences that have allowed me to develop as a teacher and as a person.

What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patricks’ College?

Some of my fondest memories are the friendships I formed in high school. The bonds I created with classmates and friends remain strong to this day. From late-night study sessions to cheering each other on at sporting events, these connections are an important part of my high school experience. St Pat’s also offered many extracurricular activities, and I had the opportunity to explore my interests. Whether it was joining a sports team, or taking part in food tech classes, these experiences allowed me to develop new skills and passions while creating great memories to look back on. 

 

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

I was also fortunate to have some really great teachers and mentors during my high school years. Their guidance, support, and dedication to helping me succeed had a significant impact on my academic and personal growth. It is hard to go past Howard Clark, he really wants to get to know his students and is invested in seeing them succeed. Whenever I faced academic challenges or self-doubt, Mr Clark was there to offer support and encouragement.

 

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?

Enjoy your time at school while it lasts, you’ll be amazed at how quickly time passes. Your school years are some of the best years of your life, filled with experiences, friendships, and opportunities that you may not fully appreciate until they become memories. So, try and enjoy it and get as much out of it as you can.