Principal’s Message

by Principal, Mr Steven O’Connor

End of Term

This edition of The Crest is the last for Term 2. It has been a very busy and productive term and I thank everyone for their tremendous efforts, contributions and involvement throughout the term. I hope that the term has provided every student with challenging opportunities to learn and grow in their educational journey at St Patrick’s.

The term included many highlights for and looking back at the term, I am very proud of the efforts of all involved – students, staff and parents. Well done on:

• The College production of ’12 Angry Men’;
• The Reconciliation Week Assembly;
• The launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP);
• The success of so many SPC Football teams in the BAS competition;
• Continued success in the ACC sporting arena;
• College Athletics Carnival on the new main oval;
• EREA School Renewal process;
• The Annual Celebration Dinner;
• The OCA Reunions throughout the term (catching up from 2020 and 2021);
• The camps that ran throughout the term;
• Edmund Rice Day and SPC’s Got Talent;
• ANZAC Day involvement in the Ballarat community and Assembly;

And all of this amidst the on-going challenges of coping with COVID and the onset of a nasty flu season! A massive effort!

At the end of the term, we will farewell a few staff who commence long service leave going into next term. I wish the following staff all the very best for their well-deserved leave:

• Joseph Magee
• Kristine Smardon
• John Davey
• Annette Clark (Uniform Shop)
• Leonie Darken (for 12 months)

We also farewell our two GAP students, Barney Hall and Joshy Bennison, who are returning to the UK after their semester working at the College. Thanks to Barney and Joshy for their great work!

And I make special mention of Glenis Kydd, who is retiring from the College at the end of this term. Glenis has been the face of the College for thousands of students at the Student Services Desk and Reception over 21 years. Glenis’ contribution to the College has been significant and I will miss her friendly but frank welcomes and advice when she is not here next week.

Earlier this week, the following interview was posted to the College social media. I share it with you as a final tribute to a loyal and dedicated servant of the College and a great friend to so many people – God’s speed, Glenis!

After 21 years distinguished service to the St Pat’s community, tomorrow marks Glenis Kydd’s last day at the College.

Glenis started her time at St Pat’s working in the library before moving into Student Services and then to her present-day role in reception. Every boy who has studied at St Pat’s over the last 21 years would remember Glenis.

When you started in St Pat’s in the Junior School years, Glenis was always someone you would approach at the front desk with trepidation for fear of being called out for your tie being out of place or shirt not tucked in.

By the time you reached Senior School, you had figured out that Glenis really was a big “softie’” who took a genuine interest in every student that stepped through the front doors at SPC.

When asked why she stayed in the role for so long, for Glenis, the answer was immediate.

“The boys, that’s why you do it”, she said.

“Once they leave St Pat’s I love seeing what they’re up to, love reading about them in the paper, especially the cheeky ones”.

In her time at St Pat’s Glenis has never been inhibited by a title or position description. Many a day you will find her helping in the canteen, over in the uniform shop or just picking up rubbish in the yard.

“I just love doing anything to help”, Glenis said.

So what will Glenis do in retirement?

“I want to spend more time with my grandchildren. I have 6 grandchildren, the oldest of which has just started here at St Pat’s.”

“I will be part of the school community for at least another 13 years” said Glenis with that distinctive smile.

Glenis also has some travel planned, some gardening and a lot of friends and family to catch up with. Just don’t ask Glenis to play bowls!

“They will try and talk me into bowls, but that’s for old people!” Glenis said.

Over the last week, a steady stream of visitors has flowed through the doors at reception, some to present Glenis with flowers, some just wanting to say goodbye.

But for all of us at St Patrick’s College, we know it’s not goodbye. Glenis is part of the furniture here at SPC and with a strong family connection at the school, we will be sure to see her again soon.

Thank you, Glenis!

 

I trust that everyone enjoys a restful and safe holiday. I look forward to welcoming students back to Term 3 on Tuesday, 12 July.

Steven O’Connor