Middle School Report

by Mr Michael Busscher, Director of the Middle School 

Firstly, welcome back to all of the 2021 Middle School families on behalf of the Middle School Team. As always we are looking forward to working with your sons as they begin their Middle School Journey. In particular, I wish to make all of our new students feel most welcome as they embark upon their journey here at St Patrick’s College. May their time at the College be a rewarding and positive experience.

As a matter of introduction the 2021 Middle School Team consists of our two Year Level Coordinators Mr Shane Hayes and Mr Sam Cue and our Year 9 Pastoral Care Tutors including, 9A Mrs Glenda Morris, 9B Mr John Hearn, 9C Ms Bridie Laffey,  9D Mr Pietro Angeli, 9E Mrs Kristine Smardon, 9F Mr Liam Davie, 9G Ms Louise Macquire, 9H Mr Michael Weadon and 9I Mrs Rachel Zuidland. I ultimately have the pleasure of leading these wonderful people in my role as Director of the Middle School.

The first few days have seen the boys settle into their new environment in the Sir Hugh Devine Wing and commence their subjects aimed at developing the skills they have already acquired in the Junior School. I encourage the boys to fully apply themselves towards their studies and ensure that they are meeting all requirements, in particular with regards to homework.

The St Patrick’s College Middle School aims to be a significant and positive experience in the life of the Year 9 boys in our care.

We acknowledge the special needs of adolescents and we strive to provide opportunities for each young man to become independent and active learners through rich and innovative curriculum, a curriculum that awakens and stimulates the intelligence.

Our aim is to ensure students realise their academic potential.

Our desire is to develop in young men a willingness to take up challenges intellectually, physically and socially with a sense of purpose and responsibility. Students will be encouraged to get involved in all areas of their schooling and will be challenged.

We openly acknowledge that Year 9 is a time of significant change in the lives of adolescent boys and thus a vital time when your son’s journey into manhood begins in earnest.

The Rite Journey, which is our Pastoral Care Program, is once again a central element to the Middle School experience designed to nurture our boys as they develop from adolescence into adulthood. The Community Service program will do likewise. I encourage parents to become actively involved with their sons during these two significant programs and work with them as they develop the key skills of decision making and accepting responsibility.  The journey into adulthood is a key theme of the Middle School and this is a process which will require collaboration from students, parents and staff.

The Middle School Experiential Program commences in March with the annual Queenscliff or Anglesea camps. Each Pastoral Care Group will experience camp with their Pastoral Care Teacher over three days. This is a great opportunity to forge new friendships and maintain existing ones in an idyllic setting. Further information regarding the camp will be sent home with the boys in the coming weeks, in particular the dates when your son’s Pastoral Care Group will be embarking.

Parents who were unable to attend the Middle School Parent Information Night can view a copy of the presentation on the College website or by clicking on the following link: https://www.stpats.vic.edu.au/news/middle-school-2021-parent-information-evening/ 

Finally, if you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your son’s Pastoral Care Teacher, one of the Year Level Coordinators or myself. I look forward to working with you all this year.

Wishing you all the very best for 2021.

Mr Michael Busscher

Director of Middle School