Term 1, Week 1, 2023
The Principal
Steven O’Connor, Principal
Welcome to 2023!
It is my great pleasure to extend a very warm welcome to all members of the St Patrick’s College community to the 2023 school year. This year promises to be one of great endeavour, growth, hope and joy for the College community and I am excited about what lies ahead of us. Of course, the College celebrates its 130th year in 2023 and I look forward to acknowledging this throughout the year.
We start the year with 1290 students at the College and amongst these, we welcome 260 new students. I think this is incredibly exciting. For the first time in several years, we are full in the boarding house and in this context, I warmly welcome the 17 new boarding students to the College. I trust that the first few days for these boys have been positive, engaging and enjoyable.
I also welcome the following staff who are new to the College:
- Jamie Bobrowski – Director of Risk and Compliance (Jamie joins the College Leadership Team and Principal’s Executive)
- Karina Dunne – Head of Middle School
- Mark Robson – Head of Senior School & VCE Coordinator
- Simon Peake – Head of Analytics, Systems & Data
- Jason Lappin – Head of Sport
- Hannah Walter – Year 8 Coordinator
- Abbey Panosh – Literacy Coordinator
- Ryan Williams - Year 9 Coordinator
- Katherine Swagerman – Head of Computing Faculty & VET Coordinator
- Jeanean Pritchard – Head of The Arts Faculty
- Marg McIntyre (Acting Head of Languages Faculty – Semester 1)
- Samantha Bashford-Leger – Teacher (English/Drama)
- Trudi O’Callaghan – Head of English
- Rhonda Seamons – Canteen Assistant
- John Hammond – Teacher (LSL cover term 1 - Mathematics)
- Dean Hackwill – School Services Manager
- Jamie Bobrowski – Director of Risk and Compliance
- Paul Perversi – Teacher (Mathematics)
- Dirk Stickland – Teacher (Science and Philosophy)
- Will Madden – Teacher and Boarding Assistant (Semester 1)
- Pietro Angeli – Teacher (Humanities & English)
- David Friebel – Director of the Clontarf Academy
- Tom Swan – Maintenance Officer
- Jess Murphy – Library Officer
- Phillip Botha – Boarding GAP
- Jasper Oursin – Boarding GAP
- And our Trainees for 2023 are:
- Zenon Czulij – Faith in Action Trainee
- Hamish Rennison – Library Trainee
- Max Faulkner – Sport & HaPE Trainee
- Edward De Salis – Enhanced Learning Trainee
- I welcome the following staff who return to the College following periods of leave in 2022:
- Ash Giampaolo
- Katherine Clegg
- Bridie Laffey
- Maya Waters
- Katrina Bird and
- John Sullivan
During 2023 we will continue to focus on improving everything we do for students inside the classroom and out. A lot of really important groundwork was done in this context last year and has already commenced this year. The improvements achieved via the NAPLAN and VCE from 2022 indicate that the focus on improved teaching and learning is having a positive impact on student outcomes. I am excited about the introduction of programs such as The Writers’ Toolbox and the impact this will have across all subject areas; I am excited about the partnership we commence with The Clontarf Academy this year as we continue our strong commitment to educating so many fine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, I am excited about our further involvement in the ACC sporting competition with senior football, cricket, basketball and soccer teams participating in the respective ACC competitions, I am excited about the Performing Arts Centre which is now really starting to take shape and I am excited about the College production of Spamalot which will take to the stage in Term 2. Of course, I am excited about working with staff, parents and students and contributing to the story of St Patrick’s College in its 130th year!
Steven J O’Connor
Principal
Deputy Principal
Ric Brodrick – Deputy Principal
New Beginnings
Yesterday the new Year 7 cohort were welcomed into the St Patrick’s College community at our Opening of the School Year assembly. It was a special occasion for them as each homeroom processed into the W.T. O’Malley gym, accompanied by a Year 12 class with whom they’d spent some time the previous day. It must have been quite a sight for the young ones, seeing the formality, stage, screens, and another 1000 people waiting to greet them.
As always we joined in prayer, an Acknowledgement of Country, and were addressed by the Principal Mr Steven O’Connor, and College Captain Samuel Clark. Fr Eladio, our College Chaplain, blessed the new Year 7s with the following:
“May God, the source and origin of all blessing, grant you grace.
May he pour out his blessing in abundance, keep you from harm and bring you joy in your first year at St Patrick’s College.
May he give you the grace to grow in love and faith; endurance in hope, perseverance in charity; and may you show patience at all times.
May God bring joy in your days as you strive for excellence in all your works, and that you make take your place in the traditions of St Patrick’s College, to which you now belong.
And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you forever.”
Following the blessing, the whole assembly stood as one and gave a rousing ovation as a sign that the boys now belonged to, and would be nurtured and embraced by the St Patrick’s College community. It was a significant and wonderful moment marking the beginning of their new life as secondary school students and ‘Paddy boys’.
Message to students
Schools offer fantastic opportunities to make fresh starts: every year is new; every term; every week. You are constantly presented with chances to review and change direction. As well, a Catholic school emphasises forgiveness, which reinforces the idea of rebirth or in our case a fresh start.
I urge all of you to embrace all that St Patrick’s offers. Involve yourself in your studies as well as activities outside the classroom.
Great schools operate as a team. By that I mean that everyone is aware of the needs of others as well as themselves. We celebrate the success of our friends and classmates, and we ensure that our actions help others succeed. If you are someone who hinders the success of others, then you need to stop, reflect and change.
Please don’t think that it is OK to lower our St Patrick’s College standards. This includes the way you
- Interact with each other
- Interact with staff
- Conduct yourself in class
- Approach your studies
- Wear your uniform
- Celebrate the success of others
- Look after the environment
It could be said that our culture, or who we are, can be defined by our behaviors when no-one is telling us what to do. What decisions do we make when it is up to the individual? Do we follow the crowd or do what is right?
I’ll leave you with that to think about.
Enjoy the year.
Ric Brodrick
Deputy Principal
Wellbeing
Kevin Robillard – Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
Hello and welcome again to the start of another wonderful year.
I welcome new families and all Year 7 students who began their St Patrick's College journey this week. After over a week of preparing for students, it was wonderful to have the Year 12 and Year 7 students return on Wednesday with special programs. The highlight of the day was seeing Year 12 students paired with a Year 7 student, walking and sharing their wisdom, experiences, and knowledge with them. We are truly lucky to be part of an inclusive community with such a rich tradition and history.
The partnership continued as they entered the first whole school assembly together and will carry on next week where Year 12 student Council leaders will join the Year 7 on camp to teach the school song. On Thursday we welcomed the rest of the students from Year 8 - 11, truly making the school come alive. It has been a great start and I look forward seeing the growth of character and learning as the boys go through the year.
Term 1 will see some important events. At a whole school level, we have the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. From the Pastoral Program will see important guest speakers come to the college as well as Year 7 and Year 8 students go out on camp. At St Patrick's College, we pride ourselves on offering a full education. One that builds knowledge, as well as develops self and spirituality. While some may see these activities as just fun and games, it is important to attend, to build friendship, and to have shared experiences.
Coming together as a community is a significant part of what sets St Patrick's College apart from others. The strength of the Old Collegian’s is a tribute to the bonds that are made through the years. The stories shared on these experiences go further than just the following week when they return to school. When students miss these events, they also miss out on the shared experience potentially leaving them with a feeling of being left out. It is not always the end goal that is important, but the memories of the journey getting there.
Please continue to support our programs and ensure your child participates in these important events, as well as, getting involved in the many extra-curricular programs on offer through the year.
I look forward to the year ahead and meeting families again along the way.
Sincerely,
Kevin Robillard
Mission
Geoff Brodie - Assistant Principal, Mission & Identity
May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. (Amen) 2 Corinthians 8:9
Welcome to the 2023 school year, especially to our new families. Throughout the year we will celebrate 130 years of St Patrick’s College: a rich history of young men growing in wisdom, knowledge, and love.
In 2023, our St Patrick’s College culture is expressed in our Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Touchstones and our College Pillars. A significant moment – and surely 130 years is something worth celebrating – is always an invitation to reflect on what is meaningful and valuable in our lives.
The Touchstones, shared with all EREA across Australia, are:
- Gospel spirituality
- Liberating education
- Justice and solidarity
- Inclusive community
The St Patrick’s College Pillars are:
- Faith
- Excellence
- Tradition
- Joy
Our Year 12 students gathered on Wednesday to share a day of prayer and reflection. This experience will hopefully grow the unity from a shared commitment to those values expressed in our Touchstones and Pillars. The day's facilitator, Mr Steven Lawrence, concluded our day by offering an acronym for Patrick. Each is a value that will transform the little moments of our lives, so we will be trained and prepared to deal with the big moments that challenge us.
P: Prayer
A: Attitude
T: Teachable
R: Respect
I: Interested
C: Community
K: Know yourself
School years are always busy. They move fast. Let each of us regularly take the time – individually and as families – to check in with how our choices and actions measured up against what we hold as truly valuable. May we invite Jesus, the perfect teacher of God’s loving ways, into our lives.
May God bless our young men with the eternal joy that comes from growth in love.
Blessings,
Geoff Brodie
Learning
Carol Roberts – Assistant Principal, Learning Innovation
Welcome to the 2023 academic year! As I begin the second year in my role as Assistant Principal- Learning Innovation, I have taken the time to reflect on my address to the community, at this time last year:
If I was to summarise how I view my role, I would say it is to provide relentless focus on high-quality teaching and learning, for every one of our boys.
At its foundation, my role is to ensure that every one of our students is making optimum progress. It will be to ensure that every boy is the recipient of an exceptional, world-class education.
These words remain so very true, as we enter 2023. At St Patrick’s College, our instructional practices are research-based and evidence-informed. Our lessons are designed utilising strategies and techniques that evidence shows are best practice; they are informed by cognitive research into the way that young people learn. We are a community that seeks continuous improvement, within an environment in which every boy can flourish and thrive.
I am immensely proud of the work of our students and staff in 2022. In terms of our NAPLAN data, in every measure, we saw increases in our outcomes, from 2021 to 2022. In many areas, including numeracy and writing, we saw the strongest results in more than 5 years. This shift bucks all state-wide trends, which largely declined.
In VCE, we saw increases in both our median ATAR and our median Study Score. It is important to remember that shifting academic outcomes is incredibly difficult to do; it takes much hard work and commitment, and these results are a testament to the dedication and effort of our students and staff.
The results that students obtain do not define students. What they do represent though, is opportunity. By equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and capacity to thrive, not only do we set them up for success for the next phase of their life’s journey; we lay the foundation for them to choose the life they want to lead.
For these reasons, as a team, we have good reason to celebrate these outcomes. At St Patrick’s College, we know that every boy can learn, and every boy can make progress.
In addition to the recent new approaches to instruction, we are committed to ensuring that boys experience a holistic education, and one which is tailored to the unique needs of boys. Within this context, we are incredibly excited to be introducing ‘The Writer’s Toolbox’. This program is a whole school approach to the explicit instruction of writing. It breaks down writing into clear paragraph and sentence types, teaching boys in a straightforward and clear way, how to effectively structure their writing. Studies into the program have demonstrated remarkable improvement in the literacy levels of students, particularly in boys’ education settings. Our teachers have already undertaken the first part of their training and will continue to take part in training and coaching throughout 2023. We are incredibly excited to see how this program will assist boys, in being able to express themselves through literacy.
We know that our boys want to do well and seek to achieve. An important part of supporting our boys in their achievements, is to ensure that we have a range of pathways in place. In this way, all students’ unique talents and strengths are fostered; opportunities abound, and their aspiration thrives. In 2023, we see the introduction of the VCE-VM, which is the vocational stream of the VCE. Already we have seen a large number of students pursuing this brand-new pathway; the VCE-VM provides a unique flexibility, in that both VCE and applied learning studies can be combined to achieve the VCE-VM. This allows for more individual programs of study, which is an exciting development at the College.
St Patrick’s College is a truly wonderful school, with caring staff, fine traditions, authentic expression of faith and beautiful facilities.
Each day, I feel blessed and honoured to be a part of this incredible community.
We have an exceptional and fine group of students, who deserve the very best that we can offer them; to have every door opened for them, and to have every member of the community, at every level, support them in achieving their dreams. I am incredibly proud of our community, and all that we have achieved in 2022.
To our community – our students, staff, parents, old Collegians and friends of St Patrick’s College – thank you for supporting all our learning innovation endeavours. I look forward to all that 2023 holds.
Kind regards,
Carol Roberts
Organisation
Tom Ferguson – Assistant Principal, Staff & Culture
Welcome to 2023. It is always a joyous occasion to welcome our students to the college. I am pleased to share with you the updates on our recent restructuring of the college timetable. Our goal was to find a balance that meets our legal obligations while also meeting the academic needs of our students. This major overhaul in the college's timetable was the first for a significant period of time, and we are proud to have implemented the new structure successfully.
Starting in our head start weeks, we have moved to 60-minute sessions with a 5-minute transition time. Additionally, we have extended the teaching time prior to recess and shortened the teaching time after lunch. The research suggests that the optimal learning time for secondary students is between 60-70 minutes.
I am thrilled to report that the initial feedback from students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the timetable review committee and all the staff members who contributed to the process in a positive manner.
We will continue to monitor the success of this change and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that we are providing the best possible educational experience for our students.
Next week, our year 7 students will head out to their camps, please ensure that PAM’s are activated and medical profiles completed.
All the best in 2023.
Kind regards
Tom
Schools
Senior School
Mark Robson - Head of Senior School
The school holidays have come to a close, and once again the halls of St Patrick’s College are filled with the voices of our students. They're eager to renew friendships and share stories of the experiences of their summers as they turn their attention to the business of learning, and in the case of the senior students, the leadership of the school in 2023.
On Wednesday 1st February, the Year 12 Cohort followed the time-honoured tradition of welcoming the new Year 7’s to St Patrick’s. Remembering what it was like to when they first arrived, the senior students escorted the newbies on a tour of the campus, allowing them to familiarise themselves with their new surrounds. On the same day, our year 12’s partook in their Retreat led by ex-Hawthorn footballer Steve Lawrence. Throughout this event, Steve invited the students to discern and affirm their priorities for the year and strengthen their bonds of friendship that will prove essential for the many challenges that lie ahead in 2023. His generosity of spirit was evident as he shared stories of his family, his personal journey and gladly answered the students questions at the end of the day.
Our Year 11’s returned with the remainder of the student body the following day, adding to the noise in the hallways of St Patrick’s. I think I speak for all the staff, the place just isn’t the same without them. We would like to take this opportunity to encourage all students in the Senior School to involve themselves in all activities that St Patrick’s offers them, from the classroom to community service, the Performing Arts, to the Sporting field and beyond. All we ask, is that at all times the students are willing to apply effort to all aspects of their lives, to ensure that they are able to get the best out of themselves in 2023.
Middle School
Karina Dunne - Head of Middle School
I would like to welcome back the Years 9 and 10 to St Patrick’s College.
The year started with a meeting with their Homeroom Teachers and then joining together for a whole Middle School Assembly.
This year, Middle School will be both Years 9 & 10. This is to align with the Junior and Senior Schools. It was great to see the enthusiasm of all boys as they entered the Gymnasium for this important gathering as a Middle School Community.
Information was shared with consistent messaging: ‘Be the best you can be, strive for the best’. With a wide range of support available, students will have the best opportunity to exceed in their abilities and succeed in everything they choose to put their minds to.
Another focus of Middle School will be developing our young boys into fine men. This will be done through a combination of targeted programs, providing opportunities to apply skills in various activities and by ensuring that our students have everything they need to make informed choices as they progress through the year.
I encourage all boys to take up opportunities that St Patrick’s College offers them through the classroom and as extracurriculars so that they experience a positive 2023 and continue to grow into the person they want to become.
Junior School
Rodney Clarke - Head of Junior School
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Year 7 students began walking their Secondary School path on Wednesday of this week, with the Year 8 boys picking up their path on Thursday to continue the journey. Emotions were varied; excitement, trepidation, joy, and a little bit of anxiety thrown in. Mates were reunited, and the seeds of new friendships were sown. The Junior School was alive again.
For our new students, a busy day learning the ropes under the care of their Homeroom teachers was followed by an opportunity for parents and carers to meet with those same teachers; same rooms, sitting in the same chairs as the boys were in earlier in the day. Importantly, it was an opportunity to begin building relationships and establishing the partnership between the school and home that is so critical to creating a positive, enriching learning environment.
With the Year 7’s heading to camp next week, and the Year 8’s getting back into the normal rhythms of school life, they will do so backed by an enormous amount of support from those that invest so heavily in them; their teachers. And not for the last time this year, they will have heard the messages of encouragement to engage positively in the classroom, to involve themselves in a wide range of activities, and to try different things. To forge their own path.
I welcome all families of the Junior School, old and new, to the 2023 school year.
Sport
Jason Lappin - Head of Sport
Welcome back
Hello to all and welcome back to the 2023 school year. It has been great to see all the students return and we are busily getting prepared for sport in Term 1. The morning notices will be full of sport information (key dates, meeting times etc.) over the coming days.
In January, our annual rowing camps were held for Junior, Intermediate and Senior crews. I would like to thank Tom Nash and coaches for all their effort and organisation in what is a huge commitment. The crews have done a mountain of work and have already competed in regattas in the lead up to the Head of the Lake.
Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC)
We have our first full season of ACC in 2023. We will have the opportunity to participate in the Championships (Athletics, Swimming & Cross Country) and tournaments and events (Badminton, Golf, Lawn Bowls, Chess, Debating, Music and Drama). We have entered a team into the Senior 35 Over cricket competition – and we started with a solid win against De La Salle. Thanks to Luke Corden and Steve Biggin for their expert coaching and organisation. Our first whole school competition will be the ACC Athletics that will be in week 4.
Term 1 Sport
Term 1 BAS sport forms have been sent out by the Sports team. Check your email for sign up opportunities, you just need to click on the link and fill out the form to choose your preferred sport.
Students need to ensure that they listen to the morning messages for information about meetings for their particular sport/team. Always communicate with your coaches if you are unavailable or for general inquiries. Students can communicate with their coach via email or MS Teams. A list of coaches and managers for each team will be communicated shortly.
There are plenty of opportunities for all year levels and abilities. The Junior House Sport in particular is a great way for Year 7’s to meet new friends, get to know their teachers and participate in a sport they may never have played before.
Swimming
The SPC Swimming Carnival will be held on Wednesday, March 1 at the Eureka Pool. The Junior School carnival and will commence at 9:30am with the Middle & Senior School commencing at 11:00am. In preparation for this, the House Assemblies will be held on Tuesday, February 14, where students will be able to sign up for events.
We are looking forward to the opportunity to compete against the ACC Schools in the ACC Swimming Championships on Wednesday, April 5 at MSAC (5pm-9pm. This will be our second time attending this event and we look forward to seeing how we go against the ACC schools from Melbourne and Geelong.
The BAS Swimming Twilight Carnival will be held on Wednesday, March 29 at the Ballarat Aquatic Centre. Any inquiries regarding swimming please do not hesitate to contact Louise Macquire (Coordinator of Swimming) or myself.
Athletics
The SPC Athletics Carnival will be held on Wednesday, April 4 here at the College. The House Assembly will be on Tuesday, March 16.
We are looking forward to the opportunity to compete against the ACC Schools in the ACC Athletics Championships coming up soon on Thursday, February 23.
The BAS Athletics Carnival will be held at Llanberis on Tuesday, May 9.
Athletics inquiries can be directed to John Richards (Coordinator of Athletics) or myself.
Communication
The best form of communication we have with parent/guardians is via the Parent Access Module (PAM). Students require permission to participate in all sport. Parent/guardians will receive the information through a PAM activity permission. Please ensure that you read the information prior to giving permission and that you also talk to students about the information.
The daily messages are one of the best ways we can distribute information to students about sports that are on offer and where sign up meetings will be held. Students should check the daily messages regularly.
Once students have signed up for a sport, we will be adding them into a MS Teams group where they can communicate directly with their coach. Students must communicate with their coach if they are unavailable for a match so we can find a replacement to ensure we have a full team for each match.
If students are unsure of how to sign up for a sport or want more information, they can visit sports staff in the gymnasium.
SPC Sport Uniform
All sport uniforms can be purchased at the College Shop. Students need to ensure they are in the correct uniform to participate. The general sport uniform is the navy blue polo top, navy shorts and white socks. Certain sports will require very specific clothing e.g. 1st XI Cricketers require SPC Whites, SPC cricket shirt and SPC cricket cap. Students should check with their coach as to what is required. Also remember to wear sunscreen at all times.
I wish all students and coaches the best in 2023. Always play the game in the right spirit, wear the correct uniform and respect the facilities, home and away. St Patrick’s College is steeped in sporting tradition, and you are encouraged to add more chapters to our past endeavours.
As someone who is new to the role, I really appreciate the support that I have received from the great staff here at SPC.
Please do not hesitate to contact me (jlappin@stpats.vic.edu.au) or our Sports Administrator Mr Simon Dwyer (sdwyer@stpats.vic.edu.au) at the College with any questions.
College Notices
Scholarship testing
The next Scholarship Testing date will be held at the College at 8.30am on Saturday 18th February for 2024 Year 7, 10 and 11 students.
Registrations are now open at the following link: Scholarships – St Patrick’s College Ballarat Please note that registrations close at midnight on Friday 10th February.
To encourage and recognise the pursuit of excellence in all areas of school life, St Patrick’s College offers in the categories of academic excellence, art, performing arts, music, sport, leadership and general excellence.
Scholarships will be offered to students entering Years 7, 10 and 11 at St Patrick’s College for the 2024 school year.
Scholarships allow for remission of part tuition fees throughout a student’s secondary education and are subject to satisfactory progress and review.
All categories have an academic component and boys must sit a scholarship test conducted by Academic Assessment Services.
For further information please contact the College Registrar on 5322 4449 or email enrolments@stpats.vic.edu.au
Important Dates
February 6-10 Year 7 Camp.
February 10 - Applications for Scholarship testing close.
February 11 - Head of Schoolboys Regatta, Lake Wendouree.
February 15 - Year 11 Seminar - 'A Day of Hope / Men of Honour'
February 16 - VCE Excellence Award Assembly
February 18 - 2024 Scholarship Testing Day (8.30am - 12pm)
Community Notices
Blake's Army
After a prosperous 2022, that saw Blake’s Army generate in excess of $200K, they are now in the process of delivering the highly anticipated, Paul Roos designed, Blake’s Army Leadership Program. With a commencement date in late March, you can everyone to register (Free Of Charge) through the Blake’s Army Reserve.
Throughout 2022, Blake’s Army worked extremely to make the program accessible to as many Australians as possible. This hard work has enabled Blake’s Army to open registrations up for all Australians (16 years and above – male and female). Although, there is still a limit to how many people can participate, they are accepting up to the first 5000 people who register to the Blake’s Army Reserve to participate in this incredible program.
As supporters of Blake’s Army in 2022, it would be wonderful to have as many SPC staff, students (16 years and above), and families involved in Roosy’s once in a lifetime program! For every student that registers, we would like at least one parent to also register to support them throughout the year.
Blake's Army will be closing the registration period on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 so that we allow time to get everybody set up for the program prior to it commencing late March.
Register to the Blake’s Army Reserve by clicking on this link and entering your details: https://blakesarmy.org.au/blakes-army-reserve/#register
This is not about raising funds, it is about raising support and awareness of Blake’s Army for everyday Australians.
