Headmaster’s Message – April 28, 2017

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

Earlier today I sent home a letter notifying the community that, for personal reasons, Mr Gerard Sullivan, Deputy Headmaster, Staff and Student Wellbeing, has decided to step aside from his role for the remainder of 2017.-

Since commencing at St Patrick’s College at the beginning of 2016, Gerard has made a significant impact on the College. He has worked cooperatively and effectively with the Student Council and Congress to increase opportunities for student leadership as well as continuing to develop our Wellbeing Team to provide the highest care possible for all students at the College. Gerard will continue working at St Patrick’s College in a different role in the area of wellbeing.

Mrs Elizabeth Ryan will be appointed to the role of Assistant Deputy Headmaster, Staff and Student Wellbeing, for the remainder of 2017.- Mr John Richards will be acting Director of Senior School and Junior School- until a replacement for Elizabeth is appointed.

Edmund Rice Education Australia will make a decision regarding the role of Deputy Headmaster, Staff and Student Wellbeing, later in the year.

On behalf of the entire St Patrick’s community I want to acknowledge the great work of Gerard over the past 16 months and wish him well for his new role which will commence shortly.

ANZAC Day Service

On Wednesday all staff and students attended a very moving ANZAC Day service at the College. As part of the service we were privileged to witness an address from Old Collegian and World War II Bomber Command pilot Laurie Larmer (SPC 1935-40). Laurie gave a raw and honest account of his experiences of war and his personal journey from despair to forgiveness and reconciliation as an Allied pilot in WWII.- Laurie’s experiences brought many tears to our eyes, and resulted in a standing ovation from the entire student body, something that has never occurred according to my conversations with our longer standing staff members.

In addition to the ANZAC Day Service, our Marching Band led the Ballarat ANZAC Day March in Sturt Street on Tuesday. Playing some rousing numbers, the band have been working under the direction of Old Collegian Peter Gunn (SPC 1977-82) to perfect their skills for the event. I would like to thank Peter and our Director of Music Ms Fiona Wilson, together with all of the students for a superb effort. Each of you have represented the College with great pride.

West Side Story – 2017

The 2017 joint St Patrick’s and Loreto College production of West Side Story is fast approaching with opening night on Wedensday, May 17. Having been to many rehearsals I can inform the community this production promises to be of the highest standard. Tickets are selling fast and are available through Trybooking: www.trybooking.com/PJFY

Reflections from Pope Francis

Recently I was in Reading’s Bookstore in Carlton and discovered a beautiful publication titled Reflections from Pope Francis. I purchased it immediately and will include some of these each fortnight for reflection and discussion.

The first reflection here is very relevant given the generosity of our students to the Anzac Day Parade where they shared their God-given talents unselfishly with the community of Ballarat and our veterans and families.

-How marvelous it would be if, at the end of the day, each of us could say: today I have performed an act of charity towards others!-

Pope Francis continues to highlight the following scripture passage which gives insights into this reflection:

-Above all, clothe yourselves with love which binds everything together in perfect harmony.- (Corinthians)

We pray that we continue to be people who see the -other- before ourselves; to seek out the marginalised, the vulnerable, the poor and lonely. To have the courage to be the people Jesus calls us to be – a community of hope and love.

Have a great weekend

Mr John Crowley

HEADMASTER