Term 2, Week 1, 2023
The Principal
Steven O’Connor, Principal
Term 2
Welcome to all members of the College community to Term 2. I extend a special, warm welcome to those staff who are joining the St Patrick’s College team this term:
- Mr Andrew Wilson – Humanities
- Mr Peter Stonehouse – Mathematics
- Mr Ken Spedding – Psychologist
- Mr James Hopper – Director of Boarding
- Mrs Deanna Hopper – Boarding Head of House
- Ms Rebekah Curtis-Lester – English
- Mr Glenn Skyrmer – Property & Maintenance Team (Gardener) and
- Mrs Helen Weadon – Yr 12 Study Centre Supervisor (Term 2)
I also welcome Ms Robyn Cocomazzo and Mr Gavin Webb, who are both returning from Long Service Leave.
Term 2 is always a busy term. We only have nine weeks this term, so it will feel busier than usual as we make our way through the term.
I wish every student all the very best for the term and hope that every opportunity for learning and growth is grasped with both hands by each boy as they make their way through the term!
I trust that the opportunity for a break over the Easter holidays has been welcomed by students, parents and staff as we commence the new term. The hope of the Easter season and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ frames and informs the new term with a positive energy and optimism.
I was fortunate to have five days on the College trip to Darwin and the NT over the holidays. This is a magnificent trip and I thoroughly enjoyed being with the students and staff for the time I was able to be there. The tour provided the boys with many wonderful activities and opportunities and I am sure it will be something they remember for a very long time. Our trip to the Tiwi Islands was a highlight for me and I really enjoyed seeing some of our boarding students in their community and the joy our students brought to the local children via an afternoon football clinic, drills and game on the oval on Bathurst Island.
My sincere thanks to Mr Howard Clark and Mr Jarrett Giampaolo for the many months of preparation and planning went into the Darwin Tour. It is the first time St Pat’s has been able to undertake this tour since 2017, so in this sense, it was very special. Thanks to the staff who gave up 8 days of their holidays to make this trip possible for our students.
ANZAC Day
I was proud of the many boys who attended various ANZAC Day services in Ballarat and represented the College at these earlier this week. Thank you to those boys who did this, particularly some of our musicians, who led the 10:30am march along Sturt Street, and the boys from the Student Congress and Student Council for representing the College at services throughout the morning.
This week, as a College, we gathered at an ANZAC Day Assembly to remember the many thousands of service men and women who, across many years and conflicts, have served Australia and the Commonwealth with honour and courage, defending the freedoms we so often take forgranted in our democracy.
One such person was our guest at our assembly, Corporal Adam Kelly. Corporal Kelly is an Old Boy of the College who attended St Patrick’s between 1984 and 1989. During his time at St Patrick’s, Adam served as a member of the St Patrick’s College Cadet Unit achieving the rank of Sergeant. Adam is a rifleman in the Australian Army and has served in places such as Afghanistan, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.
Adam is one of many Old Collegians who have served in the armed forces following participation in the St Patrick’s College Cadet Unit which ran at the College from 1908 -1992. Sharing Corporal Kelly’s story this week highlighted the significant work that the Defence Forces continue to do for Australia and various places across the world.
I thank Corporal Kelly for sharing his story with us at our ANZAC Day assembly this week.
Edmund Rice Day
On Friday, 5 May we set aside our normal routine for another significant day in the College calendar: Edmund Rice Day. The charism of Blessed Edmund Rice is a key part of our foundation as a school and provides and important framework or lens for the formation of our students. As we continue to work with our students, we promote the Touchstones of Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity.
There are a few important elements of Edmund Rice Day and through fully and positively participating in each of these, we hope that the boys will experience the relevance of the Touchstones across the day. The moneys raised via the boys’ efforts in the Walkathon all go to communities the College has supported for many years and Caritas. This is a simple but meaningful way for every boy to roll up his sleeves, have some fun as they make their way around the walkathon course but by doing so, raise some money which will go along way towards helping those who need help the most.
Edmund Rice Day also includes our annual ‘St Pat’s Has Got Talent’ showcase and I very much look forward to this part of the day as well.
Edmund Rice Beyond Borders Congress
From Monday, 8 May until Friday, 26 May I will be away from the College and will be attending an international congress for Emund Rice Beyond Borders in Dublin, Ireland. Following the Congress, I will be in England and am hosting a reunion for Old Collegians in London on Wednesday, 24 May. The Congress is being hosted by Professor Daire Keogh of Dublin City University. Daire is a Professor of History and has written several articles and books about Blessed Edmund Rice.
In my absence, Mr Richard Brodrick will be Acting Principal and Mrs Carol Roberts, Acting Deputy Principal.
Steven O’Connor
Principal
Deputy Principal
Richard Brodrick - Deputy Principal.
When silence speaks.
Yesterday we commemorated ANZAC Day with a whole school assembly and we were very fortunate to welcome back past students and staff, Corporal Adam Kelly, his father Mr Peter Kelly and Mr Brian Broadribb. Our guests were lead into the assembly by the College drumline and current students and army cadets Noah Lia (year 11) and Ben Eckel (year 9).
Corporal Kelly and the boys were dressed in their full army and cadet uniforms which commanded an immediate presence. They looked composed, confident and proud, obviously paying meticulous attention to dress protocols. The drumline marched in precise time and their playing was powerful. It was magnificent and the 1500 members of the audience were silent and respectful, all craning to see the spectacle. Year 8 student Noah Vallance brilliantly played the Last Post and Rouse with precision. The minute’s silence was observed and later Corporal Kelly ironically commented that he’d not heard anything like it. It was very moving and a wonderful example of respect and dignity from our boys. A beautiful shared moment for our community.
Individuality, Uniformity and the Quest for Belonging
Some students ask why we place so much emphasis on ‘sameness’ and ‘conformity’ in terms of wearing the College uniform. Why is it so important? How does it help our education? I’ve listened to families state that conformity affects their child’s self esteem and contributes to anxiety and I feel much empathy for them.
Let’s imagine a different scenario in an alternate universe, where school uniforms don’t exist. And students can wear anything of their choice. It’s 7:30am and your unique child is standing in front of their cupboard … thinking … ‘What will I choose today?’ Brand, trend, colour, style, hair, jewellery, decisions, money, pressure, worry, anxiety. Suddenly, the morning routine becomes a competition; the yard a catwalk; homeroom an episode of reality TV. ‘Will I fit in? Will I be judged? Will I be embraced? Will I be equal? Will I be the same? Will I be uniform? Will I belong?’
As a Catholic school community, our priority is to create an environment where all students feel safe, connected, included and develop an inherent sense of belonging. The College uniform, worn equally conveys a very tangible, visible message that we equally value race, religion, gender and identity. No-one is above or below anyone else. We are all in the likeness of God. We are all unique. We have individual talents. We are all the same. We all belong to St Patrick’s College Ballarat. This is one of our defining identities. Maybe even life-defining.
When families and students decide to be different, and vary the uniform with hoodies, branded socks, extra jewellery, shaved sides with long hair - it creates competition, judgement, anxiety , exclusivity and conflict and undermines our Catholic culture, the students’ sense of belonging and our image.
Of course, we are aware that for some families it is not always easy to keep up with growing, active teenagers and replacing items as soon as they wear out, or are lost, is not always possible. If you ever need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Reception or myself. As well, occasionally there are students, who for legitimate reasons require a variation to the uniform. This may even include medicated makeup, or sensory items. If you require special permission for your son to wear a variation of the uniform, then please contact me and we can discuss each situation on a case-by-case basis. Otherwise, there is a strong expectation that parents support the College in this important matter.
The article below gives a really clear perspective from a young person’s point of view. It is from the Guardian newspaper. (Not the complete article.)
“What's the point of school uniform?
You might hate your school uniform, but I think it's there for good reason”, says 15-year-old Chloe Spencer
A shirt, tie and blazer may not be the ingredients for my favourite outfit, but if I were given the choice, I wouldn't throw away the idea of school uniform. Wearing a uniform is a badge of pride, creates an identity for a school and is an important part of being a school student.
"Uniforms show that you are part of an organisation. Wearing it says we're all in this together," Jason Wing, head teacher at the Neale-Wade academy in Cambridgeshire, says.
"Also, if you wear your uniform with pride, it means you are half-way there to being respectful, buying into what the organisation is all about.''
A school uniform teaches students to dress smartly and take pride in their appearance and help students to prepare for when they leave school and may have to dress smartly or wear a uniform."
Some people believe that a school uniform can improve learning by reducing distraction, sharpening focus on schoolwork and making the classroom a more serious environment, allowing students to perform better academically.
Perhaps most importantly, a uniform means students don't have to worry about peer pressure when it comes to their clothes. When everyone is dressed the same, worrying about what you look like isn't so important. There is no competition about being dressed in the latest trend, which would put a great deal of financial pressure on students and parents. Potential bullies have one less target for their insults; it's hard to make fun of what someone is wearing when you're dressed exactly the same.
In America, where a majority of schools do not have a uniform, roughly 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. This might not be directly linked to what they're wearing, but having a uniform can be a safety net for many students who might otherwise suffer from bullying. A strict uniform gives the impression that rules are strict too, perhaps helping maintain a sense of order at school.
Macy Vallance, a year-eight student, says: "I like uniforms because everyone is the same and no one can be left out by the way they are dressed.
My uniform might not be what I would wear in my own time, but it gives me a sense of belonging, takes away the pressure of what to wear and deters the bullies. School uniform isn't fashionable, but that's exactly why I think it should be here to stay.
One of my favourite movie scenes is from The Life of Brian and Brian, the mistaken messiah, has unwittingly attracted a crowd who he implores to stop following him.
Brian: You’ve got to think for yourselves! You’re all individuals!
Crowd: Yes! We’re all individuals!
Brian: You’re all different!
Crowd: Yes! We are all different!
Man in crowd: I’m not.
The truth is of course that we are all very different. And as a faith-based community we endeavor to develop and celebrate the uniqueness of everyone. We encourage students to be true to themselves and stand up for their beliefs. We believe simultaneously in diversity and inclusivity. The word ‘catholic’ is from Greek and means ‘in respect of the whole’, that is, to be diverse. Sometimes Catholicity is described in terms of being ‘universal’ or all-embracing. And this can be directly applied to the wearing of the College uniform, that is, bringing a diverse community together and unifying them. So I would urge all families to continue to ensure their sons maintain the high standards of St Patrick’s College.
Mission
Geoff Brodie - Assistant Principal, Mission & Identity
Alleluia, alleluia!
Christ has become our paschal sacrifice;
let us feast with joy in the Lord.
Alleluia! (1 Cor 5:7-8)
Christ is Risen. He is Risen Indeed! I pray that all in our community may abide in the joy of this Eastertide.
Thank you to the families and staff who participated in our inaugural Holy Week Vigil. Our Old Collegians’ Chapel was indeed permanently and prayerfully occupied by members of our community from 7pm on Wednesday 5 April to 7am Thursday 6 April. Thank you also for the support given to our annual Easter Egg Drive. Mr O’Connor received this note from Sarah Masters, who is the Head of Fundraising & Engagement and Community Engagement at Grampians Health:
Dear Mr. O’Connor & Faith in Action Team,
Thank you so much for your wonderful generosity in visiting the hospital, distributing eggs and as you will see below bringing joy to the hearts of exhausted staff. We are, and will continue to be, grateful for your time, effort and energy every year.
A reminder also that our Annual Edmund Rice Day Walkathon will take place on May 5. This significant day includes our major fundraising effort for the year in which we support our major justice partners:
Edmund Rice Community Services:
Edmund Rice Community Services operates as focused communities across Australia and Papua New Guinea, working with and on behalf of people and communities who are facing significant and complex adversity or injustice. With a commitment to subsidiarity. Edmund Rice Community practices deliver services including awareness raising, advocacy, recreational programs, education, and initiatives that support strong inclusive communities.
Edmund Rice Aid Overseas Fund:
The Edmund Rice schools of Victoria and Tasmania have a close connection with a number of schools and clinics on the East Coast of Africa. These schools and clinics are situated in Tanzania, Kenya, and the Sudan. They enable students and their families to a live a better life through meaningful education and health programmes. A daily meal is given to all students and the provision of hostel accommodation allows young people from rural areas the opportunity to attend school.
Edmund Rice Camps Victoria:
Edmund Rice Camps have been operating in Victoria for 26 years. The camps provide disadvantaged young people and their families the opportunity to enjoy a holiday in a safe, caring environment. Volunteers staff the camps and aim to provide the young participants with companionship and memorable experiences.
Caritas Australia:
Caritas Australia belongs to a network of agencies called Caritas International, which works with communities experiencing poverty, injustice, hunger, and oppression across 190 countries. Communities are assisted regardless of their religious, political, or cultural beliefs and Caritas works in ways that respect, enhance and build their human dignity and empower them to be authentic agents of change in their own lives, families, communities, and societies.
Finally, I would like to share a reflection from the Lenten booklet created by the Archdiocese of Brisbane and offered through our Parishes. The reflection for Easter Monday offers the following:
When it comes to the resurrection of Jesus, each of us has four options. We can deny it, ignore it, acknowledge it, or let it transform our lives. Given the defining centrality of the resurrection of Jesus, it may seem surprising to each of us that these are the choices we exercise. However, a brief discussion even with people within our faith community would reveal that each of us grapples with this choice, and it might surprise us to learn where we and others sit on that spectrum.
Today we consider those of us who either explicitly or implicitly deny the resurrection of Jesus. These thoughts are offered without judgement, as it must be acknowledged that it is the logical option from a human perspective. The faith leaders depicted in the Gospel reading (Matthew 28:8-15) for Easter Monday are at the extreme end of this choice. There were political and religious reasons why they wanted this news suppressed. They were quite rightly afraid the resurrection of Jesus would change everything.
Most of us do not deny the resurrection of Jesus for these sorts of reasons. Our fear is more subtle. We are afraid of any changes to the parameters that govern our lives. We believe that God works only on the spiritual plane and that the report of the resurrection of Jesus was a purely spiritual reality. We imagine Jesus as having “gone to heaven” in the same way as our deceased relatives and friends have done and that any reference to the physical resurrection of Jesus is purely symbolic and possibly a manifestation of the disappointment and trauma suffered by the disciples. Any attempt to present Jesus as “truly risen” (that is, in body and in spirit) is considered naive and unsubstantiated. And yet, the physical resurrection of Jesus remains the defining reality of our faith (Pope Francis, Homily, September 19, 2014).
Blessings,
Geoff Brodie
Learning & Innovation
Carol Roberts - Assistant Principal, Learning & Innovation
Homework at St Patrick’s College
One of the most common things that parents ask us, as educators, is “What can I do, to support my child’s learning?”. One of the key things that parents can do, is to support their child in setting up positive homework routines.
Homework has been something of a hotly debated topic in recent years – specifically, around whether the completion of homework is beneficial for learners. In fact, homework can be incredibly beneficial for learners – provided it is set within specific parameters.
Homework set should always be based on the learning undertaken in class, that day. In this way, it provides an opportunity for students to practice and consolidate the skills, knowledge and competencies developed in class. Under these conditions, homework reinforces classroom learning, and helps students in their understanding of concepts taught. It increases time on task, which is strongly correlated with positive learning outcomes.
Homework completion also encourages students to identify weaknesses in their own understanding. Importantly, if a student recognises an area within their homework that they find challenging, it is vital that they follow this up with their teacher in the next lesson. At St Patrick’s College, we have a highly structured start to every lesson, which incorporates a homework check near the beginning of the instruction. The homework check is a great opportunity for students to flag areas within the learning that they found challenging, allowing the teacher to provide feedback, clarification, and assistance. In this way, the completion of homework enables each student to take charge of their own learning. It deepens their understanding, as well as allowing them to flag areas where additional support may be required.
The other positive of homework is that it strengthens home-school links. All of us experienced this during remote learning – albeit at unprecedented levels – where we witnessed and took part in our children’s learning. Certainly, for me as a parent, I gained a greater understanding of what my children were learning in school. Homework is similar in many ways - it allows parents to engage in their child’s learning, fostering a home-school relationship that is highly beneficial to young learners.
Another common question that teachers get asked, is how much homework their child should be completing. I have included information from our homework policy below, which outlines the expected homework at St Patrick’s College.
Expected homework per day:
Homework set should always be based on the learning undertaken in class, that day.
I would like to thank every parent and carer, for their ongoing support in their child’s learning. If you would like further information or support regarding your child’s homework, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help.
Kind Regards,
Carol Roberts, Assistant Principal – Learning Innovation
Organisation, Staff & Culture.
Tom Ferguson - Assistant Principal, Staff & Culture
As members of a school community, we have all experienced the thrill of participating in whole-school events. These events not only bring us together as a community, but they also offer a unique opportunity to create joyful memories and to foster a sense of belonging.
Recently, we have held our annual athletics carnival, and celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. These whole-school events offer a chance for every student to participate and showcase their talents. From athletes to artists, everyone has a role to play, and each contribution is valued.
Participation in these events is not only enjoyable but also beneficial to our well-being. Engaging in activities that bring us joy can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and self-esteem, and promote a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Moreover, participating in whole-school events can foster a sense of community and belonging among students. Being part of something bigger than ourselves can be a powerful motivator and can help us feel connected to our peers, our school, and the wider world.
As we approach this new term, we look forward to Edmund Rice Day, where we will have the opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, showcase our talents, and come together as a community. Let us embrace these opportunities with open hearts and minds, and let us remember the joy and sense of belonging that they bring.
Tribute to Old Collegian Laurie Larmer OAM (SPC 1935-40)
In September 2021, St Patrick's College interviewed Laurie for a book, which was put together by members of the Class of 1970 who were celebrating their 50-year reunion milestone that year.
The Reunion Book recognised some of the College’s major identities, stories of the times and musing by some of their peers. Here is Laurie Larmer's contribution to the book..
Laurie Larmer
Years at SPC: 1935 to 1940
Status at SPC: Day Student
Family Situation:
I married Pauline in 1949. She passed away in 2017. We had three girls Anne, Bernadette and Margaret.
Post Secondary Education & Career:
After turning 18 in 1941 I joined the Australian Airforce. I was sent to Canada to train as a pilot as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme.
England-Bomber Squadron:
At the conclusion of my training I travelled to England and was stationed at Brighton, followed by Lichfield and finally at Snaith as part of 51 Bomber Squadron. I flew Halifax Bombers and myself and my crew were the only Australians flying with 51 Squadron.
During the war in the RAF Bomber Command 47,268 were killed in action or died as prisoners of war and 8195 died as a result of accidents. More than 3000 Australians who served in RAF Bomber Command died during the war.
During my time at Snaith I bombed nine German cities in April and May in 1945. The first raid was a daylight raid on Dortmund. The second was a daylight raid on Wuppertal. On my return from this mission, over Wuppertal, the Halifax bomber which was coming in after me crashed on landing and the seven crew members were killed. Pilots and crew adjourned to the mess after the crash and I recall asking a British officer what the funeral arrangements were. “There are none” , he said, “There is a war going on”. There was no acknowledgement of these deaths. There were no funerals and no lowered flag.
French Legion of Honour Award/D-Day/Les Coleman:
One evening, during the blackout, in the months leading up to D Day or the Invasion as we called it, I was in a bus queue in London. I was tapped on the shoulder and a fellow behind me asked if I was an Australian. I said “I was”. “Where do you come from?” he then asked me. I said I was from Melbourne. He then asked me where I went to school. I said “St Pat’s. Ballarat”. “So did I”, he said. His name was Les Coleman. He was regarded by the British Army as being an expert in beach landings.
He was brought to London to assist with the D Day landings. He was one of the first ashore on D Day and the French Government decorated him with the Legion of Honour award.
(The Legion of Honour is the highest order of merit for military and civil merits. It was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and then retained by later French Governments and regimes). In 2004, the 60th anniversary of the D Day landing was celebrated and a photo of Les featured on the front page of the Sun newspaper.
I was also decorated with the French Legion of Honour medal by the French Government for my part in the liberation of France.
I would be surprised if Napoleon ever considered the possibility that two of his medals could be presented to two school mates educated by the Christian Brothers in Ballarat.
I had not seen Les for many years and I tracked him down to a nursing home at Port Arlington. Myself and Mark Whitty, also an old St Pat’s boy, visited him at the nursing home. Unfortunately, Les was suffering from dementia.
We managed to get Les moved to Nazareth House in Camberwell and myself, Mark Whitty and Basil Tierney used to visit him every three weeks and take him out for lunch.
He passed away in 2008.
Return to Australia-Hotel Ownership:
After the war I returned to Australia in December, 1945 .
I had been trained during the war to pilot a four engine Halifax bomber with seven crew on bombing raids over enemy territory during daylight hours.
I found myself back in Australia where I not could drive a car as I did not have a driver’s license.
In 1978, I purchased the business of the Athletic Club Hotel in Ballarat. The freehold was owned by the Ballarat Brewery along with 149 other hotels. Byrne Jones & Torney, Solicitors, acted for the brewery, the outgoing tenant and myself.
Many St Pat’s Old Boys were involved in the process when Ballarat Brewery leases changed hands. Murray Byrne, Tim Byrne, Dick Devine and Geoff Torney all worked at Byrne Jones & Torney, Solicitors in Ballarat and they did all the brewery work. Most of the accounting work was done by Cooke & Foley who were also St Pat’s boys.
The Coughlan family sent their boys to St Pat’s and they were major shareholders in the Brewery.
After selling the Athletic Club. I then purchased the business of the Doutta Galla Hotel in Newmarket which I ran successfully for a number of years.
My next venture was the business and freehold of the Court House Hotel in Sydney Road Brunswick which I sold upon my retirement in 1997 at the age of 74 years.
Horse Racing:
I have had a long standing interest and affection for horse racing and this interest helped keep me occupied during my retirement.
I raced a number of horses with my good friend Ron Hutchinson who at his prime was one of Australia’s greatest jockeys. I have also raced horses with another good friend Terry Henderson who runs OTI.
David Bourke was a very well known Old Collegian who was also very passionate about horse racing. He became the Chairman of the VRC.
David was one of four brothers who came from Pakenham and boarded at St Pat’s. His family were the original owners of the Pakenham race course and were closely associated with the Pakenham Racing Club. They established and supported the W.T. O’Malley Handicap which was held at Pakenham in the first meeting in January each year.
Letters of Regret for Innocent War Deaths and Injuries:
For many years after the war I was aware and troubled by the fact that I had been personally responsible for the deaths of many innocent men, women and children.
In 2015 I wrote to the Mayors of the cities which I had bombed and advised them that “I deeply and truly regret that we were responsible for the deaths and injuries of so many innocent civilians, men women and children. Unfortunately, todays wars are not just between military personnel. Good people on both sides die and suffer.”
Some of the Mayors wrote back:
- The Mayor from Bolzenburg Elbe wrote “Bolzenburg and every German has to be happy that the allied forces defeated Hitler and freed the world from the horrible dictator”.
- The Lord Mayor of Dortmund wrote “We celebrate the end of World War II as the liberation of Germany from the Nazi dictatorship. The bombing of our city was part of this liberation even thou it was undoubtedly associated with huge losses and sacrifices among the civilization population”.
- Perhaps the effects of my letters are best illustrated by a letter I received from the German Embassy in Canberra which said “There is hardly anything better than your letters to show how far reconciliation really stretches. Enemies can become friends indeed and your letters and the reaction in Germany has clearly shown that”.
I have travelled back to Germany, where I made an impromptu visit on the Lord Mayor of Dortmund. “If only you had told us you were coming”. He said, “we could have organised a reception for you.” I apologised and told him that the last time I visited Dortmund I had not informed anybody prior to my arrival that I was coming.
Best Memories of St Pat’s:
Australia was a great place to be in the years following the Great Depression.
Nobody had any money and very few of us had any real prospects. Fortunately the Christian Brothers at St Pat’s gave us a great education and a great start in life.
‘Basil Tierney stories’:
Kevin Mooney was a good friend of mine at St Pat’s. He became a solicitor, a publican and an accomplished after dinner speaker.
Kevin loved telling people in his after dinner addresses ‘Basil Tierney stories’ in Basil’s presence. Basil Tierney, who was a day boy from a large family, could not afford a school cap. Wearing the school cap was mandatory when boys were out in public and particularly when coming to and from school.
Kevin used to say that Brother Purton, the Headmaster, stood at the front gate each morning to ensure that the boys were appropriately dressed when coming to school.
Kevin was a boarder from Melbourne and he had a cap.
According to Kevin, every morning Kevin would throw his school cap over the school fence to Basil who would put it on and wear it through the front gate past Brother Purton. Basil would then give the cap back to Kevin and everybody was happy.
For the record, the story is not completely accurate. Brother Purton never stood at the front gate and each morning I picked Basil Tierney up on my bike and gave him a dink to school.
We avoided the scrutiny of coming in the front gate by riding down the side street of the school beside Ballarat College and discreetly entering the school via the side entrance.
It is true that Basil never had a cap.
SPC – Brothers Purton, Mullen & O’Malley:
Brother Purton was an interesting character. He came from New Zealand, joined the brothers at the age of 19 and he was a Master of Arts. He was a great teacher who never needed to use the strap.
We used to call him Tuck as he was short and fat with a tonsure. (Tonsure is the practice of cutting or shaving some or all of the hair on the scalp as a sign of religious devotion or humility).
He built the brothers residence facing Sturt St and the Purton Oratory and a school racing four were named after him.
Brother Mullen taught us in sub intermediate.
One day there was a knock on the door of his class. A kid called Ted Halligan opened the door and took a package off someone and then closed the door.
Brother Mullen said “what was that Ted?” “John Carrucan’s lunch, Sir.”
John was absent that day as he was wagging school.
He had left home that morning without his lunch and his mother had given his lunch to one of John’s older brothers for delivery to school. The next day John returned to school, with his lunch as usual. He was not disciplined for wagging a day and the rest of us were left wondering where he had been the day before and why he had not been disciplined.
We are still wondering about it.
Brother Bill O’Malley taught me in Intermediate B which was for the day boys and the boarders were in Intermediate A.
Unlike Brother Purton, Bill applied the strap regularly.
I remember Bill coming into class after lunch one day to teach us maths. He arrived late and the unsupervised class had become rowdy and was out of control.
Bill picked out a kid and gave him two cuts. The kid protested and said that he had not done anything wrong.
Bill said “Offer it up for Lent”.
The kid said Lent has passed.
Bill said “Offer it up for Lent next year”.
That was the end of the matter.
Lakeview Hotel & Sixpence gained:
In Matric, Freddie Ladd, a schoolmate of Italian origin found out that my father owned the Lake View Hotel in Ballarat.
Freddie wanted to know if my father had an SP bookie at the pub.
My father did not have an SP bookie but told me to tell Freddie that he could arrange for a bet to be put on.
The following Friday, Freddie approached me and gave me sixpence tied in a handkerchief knot along with a note of instructions. Freddie wanted three pence each way on a horse in the first race on Saturday and from any money that was then available from that bet was to be applied three pence each way in the second race and so on throughout the program.
Freddie lost his sixpence but placed a bet each week using the same betting system and the same stake.
My father soon realised that Freddie could not win and he told me that I could keep the six pence each week.
The end result was that Freddie never won and I received six pence pocket money each week except during school holidays.
Conclusion:
I am very grateful to St Pat’s for the education I received and the friends I made whilst I was at the school.
I am very optimistic about the future for myself and my family but also for Australia.
Laurie
Mother's Day Mass & Breakfast
Friday, 12th May, 7am
Performing Arts
Monique Allen - Head of Drama
Tickets are now on sale for this year's College production, Spamalot!
Please visit this TryBooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1041727
Music
Jerry Lau - Head of Music
2023 ANZAC Day Parade - Marching Band
The St Patrick’s College Marching Band was once again invited to lead the ANZAC Day Parade along Sturt Street on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in the Ballarat City Centre.
Peter Gunn, who led the band, has worked hard alongside the St. Patrick’s college music staff (Katrina Bird, Tim Snibson and Will Stephens) to help prepare our students for the ANZAC day march. We are proud to the say that the efforts of both the students and staff shone through on the day with the march going off without a hitch. We would also like to extend thanks to ex-student and faith in action trainee Zenon Czulij who also participated with the students on the day.
As the students turned onto Sturt Street they were met with applause from the Ballarat community as they marched with great pride and respect for this meaningful occasion.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who participated in the march as well as the Ballarat RSL for their ongoing support.
Mr Jerry Lau
Head of Music
2023 Darwin Football Tour
Kathryn Ward, Year 12 Co-ordinator
St Patrick’s College Darwin Football Tour 2023
Words by Kathryn Ward & Kate Millan, Photo credits Charlie Flynn.
48 students from years 10, 11, and 12 departed early Wednesday morning on the 12th of April for an experience of a lifetime. What a contrast in temperature and landscape!
The Darwin waterfront was the first location where we enjoyed swimming in the only non-croc-infested waters! After cooling off, we visited the Territory Wildlife Park where we encountered a variety of birds, fish, and local wildlife, which also included a very close encounter with an albino carpet python!
Each day presented the students and staff with wonderful experiences but at the top of everyone’s list was Tiwi Islands. The welcome to the country, local artists, and elders were so welcoming and friendly. The generosity of the boys handing out their old footy boots and jerseys was well-received by the young local kids. The students ran a footy clinic which bought an abundance of smiles and laughter. In addition, some of our current indigenous students were proud to show us around their Country which added to the overall Tiwi experience.
The next couple of days were jammed packed with jaw-dropping jumping Crocs, wave pools, aqua parks, and a fair share of sunshine and fun for all.
Second, only to our Tiwi experience was fishing in the waters off Darwin. Staff and students reeled in kilos of saltwater barra, jewfish, and snapper which were given to one of our SPC families, who in turn generously shared amongst their wider community.
Clontarf Academy school visits were another opportunity for the students to get a better understanding of the support networks in and around Darwin. Clinics were held at Palmerston Middle and Junior schools, where our boys demonstrated such kindness, compassion, and willingness to get in and amongst it all.
The trip culminated in a football match played against the best Clontarf Academy players who came from all over the NT. TIO Stadium Oval 2 was the backdrop to a fast-paced game. The Clontarf boys were quick!
The final score:
SPC: 20.15.135
Clontarf: 8.7.55
After the game we shared a meal with the Clontarf boys and staff at The Trailer Boat Club Darwin, witnessing a spectacular sunset over the water. New friendships blossomed and accolades were given for ‘best on the ground’ and the coveted ‘spirit’ award.
A heartfelt thank you to the generous, kind, and friendly people, venues, and services provided to us in NT and Tiwi Islands for being so accommodating. It was such an eye-opening and enriching experience for all involved and one that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Arts
Jeanean Pritchard - Head of Arts Faculty
St Patrick's Year 9 students have shown off their artistic talents during last term, impressing teachers with their enthusiasm and creativity. The Arts Faculty has been abuzz with activity, with students delving deep into the world of printmaking.
You may have noticed their display of woodcut printmaking artworks near the Staff Room in recent weeks. These intricate works were created using the technique of relief woodcut. Students have also explored the printmaking techniques of intaglio dry point etching, and serigraphy (silkscreen printing). Throughout the term, students have studied the techniques used by professional artists such as Rembrandt, Roy Litchenstein, Pablo Picasso, Albrecht Durer, Francisco Goya, Barbara Kruger, Shephard Fairey, Shamsia Hassani and Banksy. They have also looked at why artists choose the method of printmaking to communicate their thoughts and ideas.
The students have worked enthusiastically to create their own unique pieces. The results are stunning, with each artwork showcasing the student's creativity and individual style. The woodcut prints on display in the ERC wing near the staff room are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Year 9 students.
Pictured below are some of the Year 9 students hard at work producing screen prints, and some of their impressive works using drypoint etching, woodcut and serigraphy.
The motor bike drypoint etching is created by Logan Trigg
The hand coloured print dry point etching is created by Benny Eckel.
Screenprint by Tristan Coelho – portrait of Tristan & his mate Hudson Eales, modelled by Tristan Coelho
We are proud of our Year 9 students, and we look forward to seeing what they will create this term.
Vocational Training
Lynda Wright Coles
PRIMARY SCHOOL INTER-SCHOOL SPORTS CARNIVAL
The VCE VM students were invited to assist in running events for the Interschool sports carnival. Over three days, the Interschool Sports Carnival which involved up to 21 Primary Schools was held at Llanberris Reserve. The boys performed a range of duties across the three days including: measuring results in High, Long and Triple Jump, laying out and packing away hurdles, distributing tickets for winning place ribbons.
The Year 11 and 12 VCE VM students attended to a range of duties. The conditions were less than ideal with the intermittent rainy weather leaving the boys wet and cold. The conditions did not dampen the enthusiasm with which these students undertook their duties. The organisers thanked the St Pat’s students on several occasions, and they were applauded heartily. The student’s participation responded to the Unit 1 and Unit 3 Healthy Individuals outcome.
Sport
Jason Lappin, Head of Sport
Welcome back
Hello and welcome back to Term 2 and again we have plenty of sport on offer. There has been a lot of preparation going into upcoming events and competitions.
BAS competitions that will start next week:
- Badminton – All year levels
- Football – Jnr (Wed), Inter (Tue), 1st XVIII (Wed).
- Jnr Soccer (Wed)
- Junior Hockey (Thur)
BAS football 2nd XVIII football will start on Tue May 9th.
Jnr House Football start date is TBC
ACC competitions:
- Soccer 1st XI (Wed 3rd)
- Football 1st XVIII (Wed 10th)
Other events coming up:
Athletics - BAS (Tues May 9th )
Swimming - VSAC (Mon 8th May)
Basketball - VCC 1st V (Thur 4th May)
Golf - AGSV/APS/BAS (Thur 4th May)
Volleyball - VVSC (Tue 9th May)
Clay Target Shooting - Colac (Wed 10th May)
There are plenty of opportunities for all year levels and abilities. The Junior House Sport (date TBC) is a great way for Year 7’s to meet new friends, get to know their teachers and participate in a fun environment.
Student’s need to listen to the morning messages and continue to communicate with their coaches via MS Teams.
Please see below an outline of sports on offer for Term 2.
Thank you to all the staff listed that are assisting with coaching a team this term. Your support of the sport program is much appreciated.
ACC Swim Championship 2023 April 5th 5 – 8.30pm MSAC
On the last Wednesday of Term 1, 23 keen swimmers, Stahlie and I, bussed to Melbourne to compete at the ACC Swim Championships, 2023. We, St Patrick’s College, compete in Division 2 as we are new to the competition. Other school in this division are Mazenod College Mulgrave, Emmanuel College, Simonds College West Melbourne, St Joseph’s Ferntree Gully, and St Mary’s (formerly CBC St Kilda).
We swam in 85 events and 9 relays. The 23 swimmers were very busy throughout the night and were very good at marshalling themselves! We also had 3 helpers on the pool deck!.
Our Swimmers had many outstanding individual results. Based on 13 points for 1st and 11 for 2nd and 10 for 3rd Jack Lanyon gained 76 points from 6 swims – 5 1st and 1 2nd – Tom Urquhart swam up in the Open Division and gained 73 points by winning the Open 200m Freestyle and the Open 50m Breaststroke. Miller Stott gained 65 points, Blake Scott gained 57 points and Will Richardson gained 53 points. Hugh Jackson won his Year 10 50m Backstroke.
Some outstanding relay results:-
The 16 Year Olds 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay won a very exciting race. This team was made up of Jack Lanyon, Hugh Jackson, Lachie Belleville and Hugo Johnston.
The 16 Year Olds 4 x 50m Medley Relay won – Jack Lanyon, Blake Scott, Lachie Belleville and Hugh Jackson.
The 14 Year Olds 4 x 50m Medley Relay came 2nd to Mazenod – Miller Stott, Will Richardson, Cameron Belleville and Noah Connell.
The 14 Year Olds 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay came 2nd to Mazenod – Miller Stott, Riley Boadle, Riley Cook and Cameron Belleville.
By the end of the championships, we came 2nd in the Medal tally across both divisions – 11 Gold medals, 15 Silver Medals and 12 Bronze Medals, and a total of 38 medals. Mazenod won with 43 medals.
Our 16 and Under Swimmers were awarded Age Group Champions. The Junior division came 2nd overall, the Intermediate Division came 1st and the Senior division came 3rd.
Overall, these results led to SPC with 440 points coming 2nd to Mazenod with 446 points – so close!!!!
Well done to all our swimmers on results from BAS and ACC. Our short swim season was very successful.
Thank you,
Ms Louise Macquire
Please do not hesitate to contact me Jason Lappin (jlappin@stpats.vic.edu.au) or our Sports Administrator Mr Simon Dwyer (sdwyer@stpats.vic.edu.au)
Cricket
Shane Armstrong, Coach 2nds Cricket
BALLARAT AND CLARENDON COLLEGE V ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE
23 MARCH 23
BCC 4/107 DEFEATED SPC 7/103
Thanks to our great captain from Marnoo, Jimmy Duxson, we managed to put together a side to take on that mob from across the bitumen. Fate had offered us a chance to snatch a place in the final against Grammar - beat College and we were in. College has a great ground, and in March it is a lovely place to be, apart from the dodgy wicket that even Tony Grieg could press his thumb into. Bowling first was a good idea. We hoped our new tradition of prayer would get us through.
Machine Gun Robinson (0/27) opened the bowling – fierce, fast, nasty. The Clarendon spectators were choking on their cream tea and cucumber sandwiches when the Gun opened up. He let loose with his Multiple Launch Rocket System made famous by the Russian Katyushka in WWII, and more recently in Ukraine. Penny (1/8) sent the Mildura heat from the other end, and it was like the Lillee and Thommo combo verses the poms in a terry towelling hat and a comb over. The track was providing plenty of movement and runs were scarce with solid fielding from the paddy boys, though it was a bit wet from earlier rain. Penny got an early wicket breaking the opening pair. Wiedemann came on first change and bowled well for his three overs. He looked comfortable now that Dad had finished crutching and sprayed the home paddock. Young new talent Ace (1/6) bowled a sharp spell, running in fast, whilst ensuring his uber long fringe was in perfect placement. The King of Colac, Joe Rabbette, rolled the arm over in his usual fashion (0/13). Mr Paterson, bouncing from his cavalier demolition job last week, was fired up and held nothing back. He gave us another much-needed breakthrough and finished with two wickets (2/12). McNamara also bowled well (0/5). Grammar 4/107 of 20 overs.
SPC opened the batting with in-form Rabbette and Big Mac McNamara. They created a solid paced start before Mac was out caught for 6. Then came a run of outs. Hannaford bowled (2), Duxson bowled (1), Patterson lbw (0) and Robinson caught (2). 5 for 39 and St Pat’s were in more trouble than a pre-service teacher on Hill Oval yard duty. It must be said the writer has employed several lawyers from the Old Collegians to redact this tragedy from official record, but were finally over-ruled by a team from the Clarendon fun police.
Then came one of the greatest fight backs since Thommo and Border almost salvaged a win against the poms back in 1983 at the MCG. Smoking Joe Rabbette held the show together defending the bad balls, pinching singles out of nowhere and creaming boundaries – he hit six fours in total. A remarkable follow up to his 50 against Grammar. At the other end was one of the finest young talents to play the game – Luke Irvin (Year 7). He reminded me of a young Year 7 frizzy haired boy back in 1985 who would routinely badger us older boarders to bowl at him in the nets – the late, great Andrew Symonds. Invincible Irvin was all class playing shots round the ground, with clean strikes, superb foot work and timing. He cleverly used the pace of the ball to turn behind leg. His standout shot was a lofted clip to leg for four that was as crisp as a crispy thing.
With three overs to play SPC was 5/77 needing 31 to win. Scrambling for runs and finding the boundary, the pair took the score to 5/97 with one over left. 11 to win. Every ball and run came with a massive cheer accompanied by a typewriter chorus of nail biting. SPC fell short by 5 runs – 5 for 103. No finals this year, but a great way to finish the season. Well done boys - see you next year!
S.A. Armstrong
Right Arm Round
St Patrick’s College 2nd Cricket
Uniform Shop
A reminder that students must be in trousers for terms 2 and 3.
We are currently waiting on deliveries for our trousers. We will notify everyone when they arrive. Sorry for the delay.
Viscoe trousers are $49 each.
Wool trousers are $67 each.
Important SPC dates in the next fortnight.
Monday 1st May Crazy Sock day / Year 11 seminar - David Kober
Tuesday 2nd May Year 7 immunisations
Wednesday 3rd May Year 9 Rite of Journey Parent / Student evening
Friday 5th May Edmund Rice Day
Saturday 6th May Class of 2003 20 year reunion
Tuesday 9th May BAS Athletics
Friday 12th May Mothers Day Mass & Breakfast, 7am
Changes to St Patrick's College phone menu
Please note that the phone menu when calling the College has changed slightly per below:
- Dial 1: Advise the school of an absentee
- Dial 2: Speak to First Aid and Student Reception including late passes and leave passes
- Dial 3: Speak to General Administration and all other enquiries
- Dial 4: To Repeat the Options
Careers
Anthony Meehan - Careers co-ordinator
Old Collegians Association
St Patrick's College Community Notices
