Headmaster’s Message – August 27, 2015

2015 NAB Flanagan Art Prize

On Friday evening, the official opening of the 2015 NAB Flanagan Art Prize was held in the College Pavilion. It was a terrific night, celebrating the great talents of many fine artists. The night was exceptionally well attended, with all guests enjoying some wonderful catering. I would like to acknowledge Paul Nolan, together with the dedicated organising Committee including Jo Tate, Karolyn Malone, Fran Deutsher, Claire Blake, Daniel Devaney and Leonie Spencer. I would also like to acknowledge the many staff who assisted and attended on the evening including Rachel Bryant (co-ordination), Carol Sinclair (co-ordination), Michael Murphy (music), Brad Murray (music), Bernie Kenna (Catering), Howard and Jane Clark (greeting at door) and Glenn Fisher (background music). It was indeed a great showcase for the College. Many thanks to Peter Hutchins who did a very polished job as the Master of Ceremonies and to Michael Murphy and our talented music students, including James McKinnon, Lachie Fuller and Callum Holland who provided the music for the occasion. If you have not already done so, I would encourage all members of our community to have a look at the exhibition as it is well worth it. The exhibition is open free to the public this weekend on Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 4pm.

South Street Competitions and DAV Debating

Congratulations to the dedicated staff of our College Music and Drama Departments who are doing a great job preparing our ensembles for the South Street Competition. In addition, many students are involved in the debating, improvisation and oratory sections of the Eisteddfod, and are doing a wonderful job representing the College so well.- In particular, I note the following superb efforts:

EVATT State finalists

James McKinnon and Camble Milne

Liam O’Shea and David Doherty

DAV State finalists

Oscar Grigg, Xavier O’Shea, Josh Findlay

Ryan Mulheron (also Royal South Street finalists)

David O’Doherty, Liam O’Shea, Lachie Hope and Brad Dwyer

13 boys are involved in the Breach Oratory (junior) and 12 in the Purton Oratory (senior).

Two boys Matt Duffy and Oscar Grigg have gone through to the regional finals for Legacy Junior Public Speaking competition.

White Ribbon Foundation

On Monday I was fortunate to attend a presentation at St Patrick’s College from the White Ribbon Foundation, along with our entire Year 12 Cohort. This is a very important organisation that seeks to bring awareness about ending violence towards women.

For your information, here are some facts about the White Ribbon Foundation:

White Ribbon is Australia’s only national, male-led campaign to end men’s violence against women. It has, at its heart, the vision that all women have the right to live in safety, free from all forms of men’s violence.- The campaign works through primary prevention initiatives involving awareness raising and education, and programs with youth, schools, workplaces and across the broader community. Originating in Canada in 1991, White Ribbon is now active in more than 60 countries. White Ribbon began in Australia in 2003 as part of UNIFEM (now UN Women), formally becoming a Foundation in 2007.

Have a great week

John C