Headmaster’s Message – May 10, 2018

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

This week, the College Leadership Team invited College Captain, Sam Williams, and College Vice Captains, Tom Clark and Dean O’Brien, to our weekly gathering to reflect on the response received to our Great Man video, which was launched at the beginning of 2018. What was clearly articulated by our student leaders was that it continues to have a significant impact on current students and parents, as well as past students of the College. They described the strong sense of pride invoked by the video and that past students have commented positively on the development of the College across a wide variety of areas and how well the video captures this.

For me, the importance of this video is found in the words spoken by the students.

In education, the most profound experiences occur in those moments when our students have an opportunity to speak to us about how they see the world around them. In the Great Man video we hear the voice of the students clearly: their aspirations and hopes for the future, not just throughout their journey at St Patrick’s College, but also as they venture out into the world and place their mark on it. Having an insight into these aspirations allows the College to continue to find ways to support each boy along his path. We just have to keep listening, and our students need to keep speaking. I would encourage all parents and carers to watch the Great Man Video if you haven’t already done so.

Last Friday, our students and staff enjoyed a wonderful Edmund Rice Day. The day commenced with a special Eucharistic Celebration with Father Anthony, followed by our 11km walk around Victoria Park and Lake Wendouree and concluded with our St Pat’s Has Talent in the Br W. T. O’Malley Sports Centre. It was a truly memorable day of celebration for everyone present. Life at St Patrick’s is busy, and it is important that we spend the time to celebrate and enjoy those moments when we are together. It is an outward reflection of how significantly we, as a Catholic school, regard community and our relationships with each other.- I want to thank those students who were present on the day. You have embraced this opportunity fully for what it is – a celebration of our vibrant community and of our charism, inspired by Edmund Rice.

Recently, while on Enrichment Leave, I had the privilege of visiting the Edmund Rice Heritage Centre in Waterford, Ireland. Having taught the legacy of Edmund Rice for many years in the classroom, it was incredibly moving to visit his original school and to see the buildings where he taught and cared for the poorest students of Waterford.- I was inspired to see the origins of the charism of the Christian Brothers first-hand and to remind myself of the powerful faith vision of Edmund for education as a source of great hope, not only for individual’s future, but as a means of offering service to others in desperate need.

I have attached a few photographs here for your interest. Brother John Hearne from the Heritage Centre is pictured left and looked after us so well. It was very cold in Waterford!

Pllease click on this link– for a photo of Brother John Hearne and John Crowley at the Heritage Centre. Please click on this link– for a photo of John Crowley in Waterford.

Mother’s Day this Sunday

Today, we celebrated our annual Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast. Commencing in the College Chapel with Mass, and followed by a beautiful breakfast, it was wonderful to see so many mothers present. It is an opportunity for all of our students to reflect on the important role our mums play in our lives- in the care and unconditional love they show to us each and every day.- – On behalf of the entire community of St Patrick’s College, we wish all of our mums well for Sunday.-

I want to wish our Rugby community well for our Gala Day against Scotch College on Saturday to be held at St Patrick’s College. There will be five games played at the College commencing at 9am and all members of our community are welcome to attend and cheer on our students who are showing great commitment to, and passion for, the Rugby program.

Important information on the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD).

The College is currently preparing for the upcoming requirement to provide data for the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability. The NCCD is an annual data collection in which all schools must participate. In short, the NCCD counts the number of students with a disability and the level of educational adjustments they are provided. I draw your attention to two important information sheets attached to this report: The 2019 Students with Disabilities (SWD) Information Sheet for Schools, Parents, Carers and Guardians– – please click on this link– and the NCCD Information Sheet for Parents, Carers and Guardians– – please click on this link

Parents or carers who DO NOT consent to the collection of their child’s data are required to fill in the PDF at- this link– and return it as soon as possible to our Enhancement Coordinator, Mrs Maria Richards at mrichards@stpats.vic.edu.au- – Your prompt attention to this requirement is greatly appreciated.

Finally, I leave you with a beautiful prayer from the Edmund Rice Global Network. It speaks of an ordinary man doing extraordinary things, inspired by the love and example of Jesus.

O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice.-

He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.-

May we follow his example of faith and generosity.-

Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund-

As we seek to live lives of love and service.-

We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen

Have a great weekend.

John Crowley

HEADMASTER

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