Australia Day Honour for Dr Casey

The St Patrick’s College community extends its full congratulations to former Headmaster Dr Peter Casey on being appointed as a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to education.

Dr Casey was honoured in the 2015 Australia Day Honours list for his -significant service to secondary education as an administrator and teacher, to professional organisations, and to the community of Ballarat-.

The recognition honoured Dr Casey’s 45 years working in education, including 13 years as the first lay person Headmaster at St Patrick’s College. Dr Casey retired early this year after leading the College in a period of sustained growth and excellence.

-I was delighted to have been nominated for the award. I see it as recognition for a lot of very good people with whom I have worked within schools, Catholic education and the wider community,- Dr Casey said.

-Life is there to be lived and I have tried to engage in happy pursuits on a daily basis.

-I am particularly conscious of my family and their support while I’ve been flying kites. My wife Anna and our three daughters – Jennifer, Elizabeth and Kathleen, and our growing extended family have offered continued and strong support and love.

-Across our sector many great people contribute to the wellbeing of the students in our schools and for that I am grateful.-

Highlights of Dr Casey’s tenure at St Patrick’s College include:

– – – – – – – – – – – * Increasing enrolment numbers from 845 in 2002 to 1432 in 2015;

– – – – – – – – – – – * Overseeing several major capital work projects rebuilding classrooms and facilities;

– – – – – – – – – – – * Reintroducing and rejuvenating boarding; and

– – – – – – – – – – – * Introducing a specialised Indigenous Education Programme.

Current Headmaster Mr John Crowley, a former student of Dr Casey’s, said the St Patrick’s College community was delighted to learn of Dr Casey’s latest honour.

-From the youngest student to the most senior Old Collegian, all would be aware of the great impact Dr Casey has had on the life of St Patrick’s College,- Mr Crowley said.

-It is with great pleasure that I, on behalf of our wonderful community, formally extend our congratulations to Peter and also our thanks for all he has done and has helped us achieve.

-St Patrick’s continues to enhance its reputation as one of Australia’s great schools largely thanks to the vision and passion with which Dr Casey approached his role as Headmaster.

-We continue to raise fine boys to the status of great men with our aim that as many as possible have as much impact on their community as Dr Casey has done.-

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Dr Peter Casey’s career

Headmaster, St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, 2002-2014.

Principal, Catholic College, Wodonga, 1989-2001.

Principal, Kildare College, Traralgon, 1986-1988.

Teacher, Victoria, since 1970; Principal, 28 years.

President, Principals’ Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools, 2010-2011; Secretary, 2003-2004; Vice-President, 1995-1996; Executive Member, 2002, 2001, 1994.

Chairman, Integrated Catholic Online Network (ICON),- 2011-2012, and Member, 2010-2014.

Member, Funding Committee, Catholic Education Commission of Victoria.

Chairman, Management Committee, Ballarat Associated Schools Inc.

Chair, Management Committee, SIMON Technology, Ballarat- – a non-profit, web based solution that provides relevant technological solutions to common school based tasks.

– Founder, Eureka Dinner.

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