Headmaster’s Message – July 14, 2016

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

I hope the holiday break has been a time a rest for all members of the College community, and that you have all returned to school ready to tackle what promises to be a very busy term. – As I write, I am particularly mindful that the journey of our Year 12 students is fast coming to an end. These coming weeks are so vital in framing a successful finish to Year 12 and I encourage each of you to take full responsibility for reaching your potential and meeting your goals by ensuring you are thoroughly prepared for all classes and SACS, remaining highly organised, working in cooperation with your teachers, getting plenty of sleep and exercise, and remain fully committed to achieving your very best.- As I have said consistently to all our Year 12 students, you are running a marathon, and with the end now in sight, you need to keep moving with renewed energy.

Overseas Trips in the holidays

Over the holiday period, a number of students and staff were involved in overseas trips. Rachael Leighton, Jen Casey and Rick Balchin, led an enthusiastic group of students on a tour of Japan, exploring the great culture of this wonderful country. In addition, Tam Westwood and Jamie Bobrowski accompanied a number of boys from our Basketball Program to New Zealand to participate in a number of matches against other teams. I have heard many positive reports back from staff that the behavior of every participating student was exemplary and I congratulate each of you on this. I would also like to acknowledge the generosity of each teacher in ensuring these trips can happen.

Building and Maintenance update

Also over the holidays, a number of projects were commenced around the College. All will have noticed that our new $1.5 M Food Technology Centre on the Wanliss Street side of the College has now commenced construction.

The O’Malley Gymnasium has been completely fitted out with a new lighting system, one that will permit greater visibility at assemblies, in sports classes and at College functions.

Shortly, the former Food Technology Room will be converted into a purpose-built VCAL Centre, providing for a range of functional areas in which our new Applied Learning program will operate from 2017.-

All of our Music Tutorial rooms have been given a full fit-out, with new heating and carpet fitted, as well as being given a fresh coat of paint.

The Ballarat City Council has approved a Planning Permit for the new Boarding Precinct. It is hoped that construction on this important facility will commence shortly.

Over the next 12 months or so of construction, it is absolutely vital that all members of the community, particularly students, carefully follow directions regarding entry and exit to the College grounds. The College has sent out text advice regarding this in the last few days so please take the time to read this information.- –

Important Staffing changes for Semester Two

Elizabeth Downey has resigned from her position at St Patrick’s College effective from the commencement of Semester 2. The College is currently in the process of interviewing for this position.

Ross Wise, Director of Middle School, has indicated he will be resigning from the College in mid-Term 3. Ross will be relocating to the United Kingdom with his wife, Arabella. Ross has been a valuable member of staff and he will be sadly missed. We wish him and Arabella all the very best with this move. Once again, the College is currently advertising widely for this important position at St Patrick’s College.

We welcome Matthew James and Andrew Oddie who are replacing Juri Kaczkowski and Ros Rajki who are both on leave throughout Semester 2.

We also welcome Joshua Cook and Edward Stanton from the UK who will be working at St Patrick’s College as GAP students in the area of Boarding.

Have a great weekend.

John Crowley

Headmaster