Headmaster’s Message – August 17, 2017

Dear Parents, Carers, Friends and Students of St Patrick’s College,

This week I had the great pleasure of attending Simonds Stadium in Geelong to watch our 1st XVIII play in the Grand Final of the Herald-Sun Shield against St Bernard’s College, West Essendon. Despite being defeated by a small margin I, together with the entire College community, couldn’t be prouder of our students who represented the College. The grace and humility shown in defeat speaks greatly of their character as young men. They gave their best all day and no one can ask for more. I would like to acknowledge each student who represented the College on Wednesday and throughout the year, together with the coaches and staff including Howard Clark, Joe Carmody, Jarrett Giampaolo, Gavin Webb, Tina Benoit, Jamie Grant, Peter Brown, Charlie Flynn and Andrew Chamings, who have given their time so generously to ensure such rich experiences, such as the Herald-Sun Shield Final, continue to be offered to our students. I also make special note of the leadership displayed in the rooms after the game by 1st XVIII captain Nick Stuhldreier. His words to the playing group will live long in the memory of those privileged to have heard them. Always keep in mind that the sun will rise the next day, and that defeat and failure are never the same thing.

It is worth noting that I was very impressed with the behaviour of our attending students on the day. The manner in which they represented St Patrick’s College was exemplary. I would also like to personally acknowledge the many parents, family members, friends and Old Collegians, who came along to support the Green, White and Blue on Wednesday.

Parents and carers are reminded that Monday will be a student-free day. It is an opportunity for all students, many of whom are unwell at the moment, to catch their breath and return to school on Tuesday feeling a little better. As part of our Professional Development Day with staff I will be leading a conversation on the process for developing our new Strategic Plan. This plan will provide a blueprint for many initiatives in a variety of areas at St Patrick’s College over the coming few years, and will require the input of many voices including that of parents, staff, students and Old Collegians. To be developed under the direction of Wendy Graham, a highly regarded educational consultant from Ballarat, I would ask all parents and carers to keep an eye out for coming opportunities to be part of the development of this plan.

Finally, I offer the following reflection from Pope Francis. In a world constantly portrayed in the media as one full of violence, anger and despair, we are reminded that there exists a beauty found in people, created in God’s image

–¦.If we are to share our lives with others and generously give of ourselves, we also have to realise that every person is worthy of our giving. Not for their physical appearance, their abilities, their language, their way of thinking, or for any satisfaction that we might receive, but rather because they are God’s handiwork, His creation., God created that person in His image, and he or she reflects something of God’s glory. Every human being is the object of God’s infinite tenderness, and He Himself is present in their lives.-

Have a great weekend.

John Crowley

Headmaster