Wellbeing Report – March 23, 2017

Dear Parents,

The Year 10 Father and Son Night Tuesday 21^st March

I would like to congratulate the fathers and sons who attended this night. It has been running for three years and last Tuesday the numbers were increased from last year. The guest Facilitator, Bill Jennings, founder of Time and Space, always congratulates the fathers and sons for turning up.

The night involves fathers and sons listening and talking to other fathers and sons, in groups that are facilitated by older, volunteer students from previous father and son nights. It culminates in fathers and sons returning to each other at the end of the night to have a guided personal conversation about how each can be of support to each other. They also are able to ask each other for what they need. It is my favourite part of the night. I stand at a distance, where I cannot hear anything. However, what I see is deep engagement and joy emanating from fathers’ and sons’ faces.

I would like to thank the Yr 11 and 12 volunteers, Bill Jennings for his energy and passion to fathers and sons to improve their relationships and in particular Year 10 Coordinator, Howard Clark and Pastoral Care Coordinator, Brad Murray for organising such a worthwhile night.

Finally, two stories from two boys. One of the boy’s fathers travelled and hour and half to get to the night, only to travel home again, and rise for work at 5am the next day. Another boy thanked me for the night but went on to say that he is so lucky to have a father who is always there for him and comes to everything for him.

As Bill Jennings said on the night, fathers (and mothers) just have to keep turning up. Thanks you to all our parents who just keep turning up for your children. It is indeed a great gift and you are setting them up for a wonderful life.- –

St Patrick’s Day Friday 17^th March

On St Patrick’s Day the Student Council, led by Charlie Pollard, bought green ties to raise money for the Wendouree Exodus Foundation. This seemed to generate a sense of pride and energy in the students. They sang the school song with gusto and stamped their feet (with respect) as the assembly drew to a close. It was definitely a day to be proud to be a Paddy Boy.

The highlight of the assembly was a brilliant speech by our 2017 School Captain. Mitch spoke about the rich tradition of Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, St Patrick and most importantly the greatest role model of Christianity itself, Jesus Christ.

Mitch made the speech real and tangible. He focused upon doing the right thing not because someone is watching but because it is the right thing to do. Staff requested a copy of the speech, boys discussed it with me, but it was a email I received later that day that really made difference.

The email was from a local resident who wanted the college to know that a St Patrick’s College student had crossed the road to offer to pick up rubbish that had fallen out of her bin, out the front of her house. This epitomizes what our community is about, boys doing things because it is the right thing to do. It really never matters who is watching, just as long as we are making a positive difference in the life of one other. This is the world that Jesus Christ came to create and it continues to be the mission of all of us, right here, right now. Thank you Mitch for bringing this important message to us.

And whoever the mystery St Patrick’s student was that helped the local resident, thank you for making someone’s day a little lighter and a little more special.- I would love you to drop into my office one day so I can congratulate you personally. Well done.

Take Care

God Bless

Gerard Sullivan-

Deputy Headmaster – Wellbeing