Junior School Report

By Mr Gavin Webb, Director of the Junior School

It was wonderful to welcome back all 472 Junior School students to SPC to commence Term 2, after a well-deserved Easter break. Seeing the boys eager to return to class, chatting to mates in the corridor and enjoying a run around at recess and lunch is something we should not take for granted after the difficulties of last year. As an educational institution our core business is undoubtedly teaching and learning but at St Patrick’s College we participate and celebrate many other occasions, we believe this really does contribute to the development of the whole person. Below I have provided a snapshot of some key events the boys have participated in already and others that will occur in the coming weeks.

SPC Lap of the Lake

On Friday, April 30, SPC held the time honoured “Lap of the Lake”. Students were escorted to Lake Wendouree after recess (Sessions 4,5 & 6) and set off in their respective year levels. The more experienced and seasoned runners quickly established a lead from the remaining “pack” of runners. There were some sensational times but more importantly the vast majority had a red hot go and put the required effort in, which earnt points for their House. A more detailed report will be in Ms Benoit’s sport report in the next edition of the Crest.

Anzac Day Assembly

In the first week of school a College Anzac Assembly was held on Friday, April 23 in the gym. Senior staff member, Mr Shane Murphy made a stirring speech about Old Collegian and war veteran, Joe Fogarty, who attended the College in the early 1900’s. Hopefully the re-telling of his war stories resonated with the boys in the audience, as Mr Murphy explained how lucky we are to enjoy the freedom of choice we experience in society today.

BAS Athletics

Next Tuesday, May 4, SPC compete in the BAS (Ballarat Associated Schools) Athletics Carnival at Llanberris Reserve. To earn a place, boys needed to have finished in the top two at our recent SPC Athletics Carnival. Having earnt this right, we look forward to the boys competing to the best of their ability on the day.

Edmund Rice Day

Wednesday, May 4, is one of the biggest days on the SPC calendar. The whole College comes together to celebrate Edmund Rice Day. A day we share with 52 other EREA schools in Australia. After a Liturgy in the gym the boys will walk around Vic Park and Lake Wendouree (about 11 km in total), participate in a Down Ball competition and then enjoy the entertaining St Pat’s has talent in the afternoon. Further to the celebration aspect of the day is the “fundraising” element of Edmund Rice Day. We ask that as a family you support your son’s fundraising endeavours over the month of May. More details on the specifics of the fundraising and where the donations go to will be published closer to the day.

Mother’s Day Mass & Breakfast

The annual Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast will once again occur after COVID interrupted last year’s celebration.  Traditionally over 550 people attend this special event, following Mass the breakfast will be held in the gym. Bookings for this special event have now closed. We hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day.

NAPLAN Testing

Boys in Year 7 will complete a series of literacy and numeracy tests during week 4 (Tuesday- Thursday) of Term 2. The NAPLAN (National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy) tests will see your son ranked against all students in the country. Students will complete some preparatory activities prior to the testing days. Once results are published you will be able to see the rate of development of your son has experienced since Grade 5. Students that are absent on any of the days will be able to complete catch up tests on Friday May 14.

Student Achievement

Student Congress

Congratulations to the following Year 8 boys who have been selected by their peers (late last year) to represent the student body on Congress.

Luke Atkinson, Taj Bowman, Luke Connolly, Baxter Horsburgh, Jackson McInerney, Deacon Towk and Billy Twaits.

Age Group Champions (Swimming and Athletics)

 

Well done to Blake Scott (Yr 7) and Hugh Jackson (Yr 8) for being the Year Level Champions at the SPC Swimming Carnival earlier in the year.

Well done to Songsin Namtho (Yr 7) and Liam McEldrew & Jackson McInerney (Yr 8) for taking out the Year Level Champions at the SPC Athletics Carnival, which was held on the last day of Term 1.

 

For details on what after school sport is available in Term 2 for Junior School students please refer to Ms Tina Benoit’s Sport Report.

Key dates – Term 2

Fri, April 30	SPC Lap of the Lake (Cross Country)
Tue, May 4	BAS Athletics
Wed, May 5	Edmund Rice Day – Liturgy, walkathon, SPC has talent!
Fri, May 7	Mother’s Day Mass & Breakfast
Tue, May 11	NAPLAN commences
Wed, May 12	NAPLAN continues
Thur, May 13	NAPLAN continues
Fri, May 14	NAPLAN Catch up day

Regards

Mr Gavin Webb

Director of Junior School