Headmaster’s Message – April 28, 2016

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

It has certainly been a busy start to the Term!

I think it is important to commence my Crest address by acknowledging how proud I was of our students who led the ANZAC Day March on Monday along Sturt Street. As they turned the corner from Lydiard Street into Sturt Street, you could clearly hear how polished they were, a standard only achieved through many hours of practice. One of our Touchstones as a school in the Edmund Rice Tradition, the call to be an Inclusive Community, was actively lived out with passion throughout this proud occasion by our students and staff. The role our boys played to support the local community and all veterans and their families is greatly appreciated and was noted by many who attended. I would like to acknowledge Mrs Fiona Wilson, our Head of Music, for preparing the students so well.

On Tuesday at Assembly, our Senior Student Leaders led a very moving ANZAC Ceremony with the whole student body. One of our new teachers, Ms Lyn Maniz spoke to the boys about her grandfather who fought in World War I, together with a description of her work with the Purple Poppy program. It was a very engaging conversation. Again, our Marching Band led the parade out of the assembly with a moving rendition of -Colonel Bogie-. We then placed a tribute at the foot of the WWI Memorial in the Pell Wing.

Last week I announced that the College was planning for the introduction of a -gold stamp- VCAL Course, at Junior, Intermediate and Senior Levels, throughout Years 10-12, in 2017. Shortly, an information booklet will be provided to all students in Years 9 and 10 which provides more detail about the structure of the proposed program. Discussions about the location and structure of our new VCAL facility are also underway. Please keep a close eye out for further information with regard to our VCAL Program.

On Wednesday, EREA Executive Director, Dr Wayne Tinsey, and Director of Regional Support, Mr Paul Williams, members of the College Staff and Board, attended the official launch of the 2016-2018 Strategic Intentions for St Patrick’s College. This document charters our course as a College in terms of key targets in the areas of Curriculum, Students and Staff, Community and Finances. A copy of this document is available on the College Website.

Recently, the College received the good news that our proposed new Food Technology Centre has been given planning approval from the Ballarat City Council. At a cost of approximately $1m, the centre will see the construction of two excellent food rooms where quality teaching and learning will flourish. It is envisaged the facility will be completed at the end of the 2016 school year and construction should commence within the next six weeks.

In addition, the proposed new boarding facility is sitting with council awaiting planning approval. I will update the community as soon as I have more information around this important project.

Have a great week

Mr John Crowley

Headmaster