Middle School Report – August 11, 2016

Farewell

As I commence my final week as Director of Middle School at St Patrick’s College, I cannot help but reflect on my 8 months in the position. During my brief tenure, I have witnessed the positive growth and development of some 234 boys, which will ensure that the memories I have of this school will always be cherished. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the students for sharing this journey with me. I have enjoyed every minute in getting to know and support each and every one of you. To all of the staff, in particular Mr Stuart Harridge and Mrs Ashleigh Giampaolo, I cannot thank you enough for all of your hard work and support in delivering the program to our boys and ensuring that the students experience the best possible education here at St Patrick’s. Sincere congratulations to the incoming Director of Middle School, Mr Michael Busscher, who I know will do an outstanding job, and I wish him all the best for his new role. I will dearly miss the College and everyone associated with it, but I am excited to commence the next phase of my life in the United Kingdom with my wife, Arabella and dog, Suzie. Thank you once again and all the best for the future.

Year 9 Social

Last Tuesday nearly 100 St Patrick’s students, in conjunction with the girls from Loreto, took part in the annual Social held in the College Pavilion. All of the boys put their newly developed dance skills to the test, and they are to be commended on their maturity and behaviour, which allowed for an enjoyable night for all. A huge thank you is in order for all of the staff who kindly volunteered their time to make the night possible, in particular Mrs Ashleigh Giampaolo who was meticulous as always in her preparation for the evening.

Yard Behaviour

With the continued winter weather and the closure of some areas of the College as a result, I urge the boys to refrain from physical contact at recess and lunchtime. I remind all students that St Patrick’s has a -‘hands off’ policy, which includes behaviour at break times. Whilst I too am an avid fan of football, too often I have witnessed boys tackling far too vigourously! I would hate for any student to be hurt in such a manner and as a result staff have been instructed to address any such behaviour and remind the boys that tackling is more applicable on the weekends during the match.

Queensland Music Tour

We wish all students, in particular the participating Middle School Students, who embarked on the annual Music Tour to Queensland on Wednesday the 10^th of August. This will undoubtedly be an excellent experience for the students to showcase their musical talent, whilst also hopefully receiving some much needed sunshine!

Chris Nolan Award Winners

Last Tuesday at the Academic Assembly I was proud to present the Semester One 2016 Chris Nolan Awards to the Year 9 students in the top fifteen percent of the cohort. The hard work and application of these students is to be commended, and they continue to set a very high standard of academic excellence at the College. I encourage all students to continue to do their very best in their studies and I hope that the high example set by the Semester One winners will inspire others in Semester Two. Keep up the good work boys and well done.

Kindest regards,

Mr Ross Wise

Director of Middle School