Middle School Report – February 9, 2017

Firstly, welcome back to all of the 2017 Middle School families. 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 2017 Middle School Team consists of our two Year Level Coordinators Mrs Ashleigh Giampaolo and Mr Stuart Harridge and our Year 9 Pastoral Care Tutors including, Mr Chris Giampaolo, Mrs Louise Klopak, Mr Shane Hayes, Mr Nathan Geaghan, Mr Michael Weadon, Mrs Kristine Smardon, Mr Samuel Cue, Mr Andrew Agardy, and Mr Emmanuel Desfosses. I ultimately have the pleasure of leading these wonderful people.

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. I encourage parents to become actively involved with their sons during this program 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 camp. Each Pastoral Care Group will experience the YMCA Camp Wyuna 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.

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 2017,

Mr Michael Busscher

Director of Middle School