School Advisory Council

Striving to create an inclusive, supportive environment where every voice is heard.

Comprising parents, staff and community members, the School Advisory Council serves as a vital link between the College and its stakeholders.

With a shared commitment to excellence in education, collaboration and student success, our School Advisory Council plays a pivotal role in shaping school policies, programs and initiatives.

Peter Wilson

Chair

Peter has been Chair of the Advisory Council since 2021 and is an inducted Legend of the Old Collegians Association.

Peter has over 45 years of experience in legal practice and is an Accredited Specialist in Mediation. He is an experienced speaker and delivers workshop papers on corporate governance, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Federation University. Peter is a former part time presiding member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Victoria (now VCAT), the founding chair of Law Australasia and the Chair of Life Saving Victoria Grievance and Judiciary Committee. Apart from his legal career, Peter is also active in the community and is the past chairman of the North Ballarat Football Club (VFL) and a former Member of Council of Federation University Australia.

Kerry Armstrong

As a safety professional, Kerry has been involved with workplace safety, legislation, governance principles, strategic planning, and risk and compliance processes. Kerry has a broad knowledge of policy design, procedures and government agencies and initiatives. Kerry’s true passion is people, building prosperous relationships and being present in every interaction in order to thrive.

Angela Carey

Angela has been a board member since 2010. Her two sons attended St Patrick’s College the school. She has an extensive background in media and leadership roles and is a former Editor and General Manager of The Courier in Ballarat. Angela now works in emergency management and disaster recovery with the Victorian State Government. As part of her role on the St Patrick’s College board, Angela is chair of the Public Relations Committee. 

Bradley Fenner

During 40 years in education, Bradley worked in eight leading independent schools in four Australian states, as well as in the UK and New Zealand, including headships of Westminster School and Prince Alfred College in Adelaide and King’s College in Auckland. Since retiring in 2022, he and his wife run a regenerative sheep farm and Airbnb operation on their family property near Clunes, while he maintains some Board memberships. As a former Board member of the International Boys’ School Coalition, a particular interest in boys’ education led to his involvement with St Patrick’s College.

Charlie Flynn

Charlie works in a clinical role as a physiotherapist and as a lecturer at ACU. Charlie is a third generation SPC student (1971-73) and is the current president of the Old Collegians Association.

Peter Flynn

Peter has been a Board member since 2015. As an Old Collegian (SPC 1976-1981), Peter delights in the growth and ongoing success of the College and its students. 

A registered commercial and domestic builder, Peter is also the Chair of the Building Committee.

Wendy Graham

Wendy has worked in educational settings throughout her life, holding Principal positions in both primary and secondary schools, and then a regional role in supporting schools with their strategic planning. Over the past 15 years, she has worked as a consultant supporting schools and leadership development, and is the Chair of the Education Committee. Previously, Wendy has chaired Country Education Partnerships in Victoria and Sacre Coeur, an independent Catholic girls’ school in Melbourne. She has also served on the Board of the Ballarat Mechanics Institute for four years and Chaired the Communications, Fundraising and Member Services Committee.

Colin Marshall

Colin is a nationally and globally recognised strategic leader and innovator, specialising in executive management of commercial, community and facilities services business operations and development in both public and private sector environments.. 

Colin has served on a number of professional association boards and committees at a local, national and international level and has been recognised and awarded for innovation, community engagement, meritorious service and impact across the community, commercial services, business, government and higher education landscape.

Jane Valpied

Jane is a qualified property valuer, building designer, and community and landowner engagement professional who has excellent communication and project management skills. Jane lives in Ballarat with her husband Tim and has three adult children. She believes that Ballarat is a wonderful and unique place to live and one where those who wish to, can make a real difference to the future of this prosperous regional centre.

Staff members

Steven O’Connor

Principal 

Andrew Jirik

Business Manager     

Carol Roberts

Deputy Principal – Academic Culture

John Richards

Deputy Principal – Community

Our vision

A new vision was unveiled in the Strategic Plan: Educating hope-filled, compassionate and confident young men for their place in the world.

Curriculum

Explore the College’s tailored curriculum, where each cohort’s unique developmental needs are met.

Entries now open!

$10,000 Flanagan Art Prize (acquisitive)
$5,000 Panel Prize (non-acquisitive)
$1,000 People’s Choice Award (non-acquisitive)

Plus $2,000 worth of prizes for secondary school students.