Dr Peter Casey portrait unveiled

A framed portrait of former Headmaster Dr Peter Casey has been unveiled in front of a full school assembly to honour his legacy at St Patrick’s College.

The recognition honoured Dr Casey’s 45 years working in education, including 13 years as the first lay person Headmaster at St Patrick’s College. Dr Casey retired early this year after leading the College in a period of sustained growth and excellence.

During his tenure between 2002-14, enrolment numbers soared, the acclaimed Indigenous Education Program was introduced and the College underwent a period of capital growth and refurbishment unprecedented in its history.

Current Headmaster Mr John Crowley unveiled the portrait, painted by Ballarat-based artist Nick Dridan, and thanked Dr Casey for his incredible contribution to the history of the College.

It is expected the portrait will take pride of place, hanging on the walls of Kennedy House alongside another notable former Headmaster in Br Bill Wilding.

The assembly, held on Tuesday August 4, was also notable as it honoured the College’s top academic performers from the first semester of 2015.

Students from each year level who had recorded across-the-board grades in the top 15 per cent of their cohort were presented with Chris Nolan Awards in honour of Old Collegian and former College Captain Chairs Nolan (SPC 1980-85).

He completed his Law Degree at Monash University and went on to practice law in Vietnam. Chris was highly respected by all for his commitment and enthusiasm to all aspects of College life and demonstrated his intelligence and ingenuity shortly after leaving St Patrick’s as one of the co-founders of the highly acclaimed Meredith Music Festival. After several years in Vietnam, Chris tragically acquired severe brain injuries from a viral infection leading to total organ failure.

Chris is now profoundly disabled physically and in his communication systems. With the strong and unconditional support of his family and friends, Chris has continued to fight against these disabilities and has developed various means of communication and is now the face for those developing awareness of and the fight for young people requiring care in nursing homes.

As a student at the College, Chris regularly achieved strong academic results and in his final year he was awarded:

– – – – – – – – – – – – the Headmaster’s Award for Leadership

– – – – – – – – – – – – the History Prize

– – – – – – – – – – – – the Sir Hugh Devine Prize for Impromptu Speech

– – – – – – – – – – – – a W.T. Doyle Prize for Debating

– – – – – – – – – – – – the 1st XI Cricket Bowling Award

In his time at St Patrick’s, Chris clearly exemplified the pursuit of excellence across a range of our important educational programmes and activities.

The College was delighted to welcome Chris back for the assembly along with his mother Mary Nolan and former classmate Craig Sharp.-

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