Deputy Principal Report

by Deputy Principal, Mr Richard Brodrick

I have been really impressed by the Year 12 cohort and the example they have set for the rest of the student body. From the first day when the members of the Student Council were at the front gate welcoming the new Year 7s, they have continued to demonstrate pride in their school and, importantly, themselves.

The joyous singing, chanting and foot stomping at the Sports and Boat Race assembly was uplifting. Traditional balcony addresses followed by the rituals around the war cry, prayer and motivational speeches set a tone of excitement, reverence for the occasion and wonder for the younger year levels who had never seen anything like it.

The energy and fervour generated by a unified and coordinated group of boys can be visually powerful, as well as emphasising that support for a common cause can be both respectful and controlled. The boys (and the staff) loved the Hill Oval spectacle and it set the scene for a sustained four hours of animated barracking, cheering and good-hearted chanting at Sunday’s Head of the Lake event.

Despite the valiant second place, the whole support team walked to the rowing shed to rally around the crew and let them know how appreciated they were for their effort. Another rendition of the war cry and College song followed which highlighted how tight this 2022 group are. Parents, staff, and Old Collegians should be very proud of the current crop of Year 12 St Patrick’s College students.