Headmaster’s Message – May 26, 2016

Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends of St Patrick’s College,

Earlier this week, the College received the exciting news that one of its past students, Jake Laidlaw, won the HIA Australian Apprentice of the Year Award. In acknowledging his success, the following description of Jake’s work ethic was given:

Jake demonstrates exceptional leadership skills -“ judges praised his eagerness to pass his knowledge on to new apprentices and his contribution to upskilling others in his team. He has a thorough understanding of the end-to-end home building process, and his dedication to onsite safety is particularly impressive.

On behalf of the St Patrick’s College community, I would like to formally congratulate Jake, his family and all of the staff at St Patrick’s College who have had an influence on shaping this fine young man.

Les Miserables

Over the course of this year, I have taken many opportunities to quietly sit in rehearsals for our 2016 Production, Les Miserables. In doing so, I have been incredibly impressed at the calibre of acting, singing and dancing of all of the cast members. The commitment of every Loreto and St Patrick’s College student involved is to be admired. Rehearsals commenced in the later part of 2015, and only now is the show ready to be presented. I recommend the show to all members of the St Patrick’s College community and hope that you can come along to support all of our boys. Tickets are still available from the Loreto College Website.

Year 7 Music Concert

On Monday evening, I attended the first instalment of our Year 7 Concert Band evening. There were many parent and family members in attendance who were all very appreciative of the hard work of staff in putting together the evening. – I would like to congratulate our Head of Music, Ms Fiona Wilson, and Mrs Katrina Bird on their level of preparation for the performance, and for all of their work in class. I also thank Mr John Finch, Mr Brad Murray and the senior boys from the VET Music class who assisted in sound production, and to the many staff for doing a great job supervising behind the scenes. I look forward to next Monday evening when we host the second concert for Year 7 students.

Senior School Exam Week

Next week, from Wednesday June 1, our Years 10-11 students commence their examination period. In addition, on Tuesday June 7, the GAT will be held for all students completing a Unit 3 and 4 subject, including all relevant VET Subjects. As all students in the Senior School are constantly reminded, academic success is like a marathon: it is achieved through consistent hard work and commitment over the course of the entire year. I encourage all students to continue to approach their studies with renewed energy, and highlight the importance of speaking to your teachers or Mrs Ryan if you have any concerns or questions.

Sporting Highlights

Every week, our boys are involved in numerous sporting opportunities across the College and as part of our participation in BAS. We are all aware of the importance that participation in sport plays in the education of boys. I would like to acknowledge this level of involvement and good sportsmanship on the part of each participating student, and to their coaches and teachers whose generous assistance makes this possible. Last week I had the pleasure of watching our 1^st XVIII play against Ballarat Clarendon College at Alfredton. I would like to acknowledge the exemplary way our boys represented the College at this match, eventually winning the game by 17 points. It is a credit to each of them, their parents, as well as their coach, Mr Howard Clark, the entire coaching panel and to the College. In addition, our First XV Rugby Team displayed an amazing level of skill and determination in their match against St Kevin’s College, Toorak, falling just short of a win. They were gallant in defeat. What is important here is to remain focused on the positives: the level of improvement shown within the team which is the direct result of hard work and dedication.-

Have a great week.

John Crowley

Headmaster