Headmaster’s Message – August 13, 2015

Dear Staff,

I write this editorial after a truly memorable and proud day in Melbourne last Saturday watching the 1^st XVIII Football Team in the Herald Sun Shield Final followed by the 1^st XV Rugby team in the Division 1 VSRU Grand Final at Marcellin College.

Our 1^st XVIII played Essendon Keilor College at Port Melbourne at 12.00pm. From the outset, our boys were tested physically by the opposition, but in the end were too strong, winning by 29 points. Since commencing at St Patrick’s College, I have been incredibly impressed by the absolute professionalism of every student involved in the football program. They have remained focussed to the team goals, and are always humble in victory. They have worn the jumper with a great sense of the tradition it represents. I would like to acknowledge Howard Clark for his vision and dedication to establishing a program that is as much about developing fine young men as it is about playing superb football. I would also like to acknowledge our expert coaching and support team including Gavin Webb, Jarrett Giampaolo, Brad Hoye, Charlie Flynn, Andrew Chamings, Mike Silcock and Ross Wise, for making a huge contribution to our success this season. A sixth straight Herald Sun Shield is a remarkable achievement.

• To view the Footy Match Report please click on this link
• For the Photo Gallery from the match please click on this link
• To see the War Cry Video please click- on- this link

Our 1^st XV Rugby Team played St Kevin’s at 1.30pm at Marcellin College and gave everything they had. They were outstanding. Their commitment to each other and to the team game plan was evident from the outset, and we could not have wished for finer ambassadors for the College. Most inspiringly and importantly, they were incredibly gracious in defeat. The team had a remarkable season, making it all the way through to the Grand Final in this, their first season in Division one. Can I acknowledge our 1^st XV Coach Mike Silcock, who has coached, mentored and inspired our boys superbly this season, encouraging them to believe in themselves and aim for excellence, and our Director of Rugby, Leigh McKee who has expertly nurtured and developed our Rugby program into a strong formidable force. A special thank you to our coaching and support staff including Ben Shove, Fr James, Mick Porter, Tam Westwood and Michael Murphy (who umpired many times this year) for their ongoing support and encouragement. – I would also like to acknowledge Chris Gleeson who, as Director of Sport, is always present, encouraging our boys to be their very best, and to provide constant support for our coaches.

• To view the Rugby Match Report please click on this link
• For the Rugby Photo Gallery please click- on this link

I thank the many staff who came along to both venues today to support our boys, as well as the students and parents who made the trip, not just today, but all year. It makes such a difference to have your presence and encouragement there.

Last week, I attended an inspiring evening of musical performances in our College Chapel. The evening featured a variety of high quality ensembles including concert bands, the stage band, chamber choir, a saxophone quartet and many fine soloists. I would like to acknowledge and congratulate every boy who was involved in this superb evening. Our Music Captain, James McKinnon, did a wonderful job compering and organising the evening, together with our dedicated team of teachers including Greg Shawcross, Brad Murray, Katrina Bird, Michael Murphy and John Finch, together with our tutors who provide ongoing expert support to our boys. Can I also acknowledge our performing arts assistant, Penny Kaletsch, who did an enormous amount of organisation behind the scenes to ensure the evening ran smoothly.

• For the SPC in Concert Photo Gallery please click on this link
• To view- the SPC in Concert Video please click- on this link

As you can probably tell, I was a very proud Headmaster last week!- –

Enjoy your weekend.

John Crowley