Term 1 Reflection and Term 2 Reminders

by Deputy Principal, Mrs Elizabeth Ryan and Director of Students, Mr Mike Silcock

We would like to congratulate all students and their families for the tremendous start to the school year. We welcomed up to 300 new students to the College which brought our total number to 1350. It is a credit to the boys, their families and the staff here that so many students are enthusiastic about their schooling and are developing a connection and sense of belonging to St Patrick’s.

The term has had many highlights, including a number of whole school events; Swimming Carnival, Athletics Carnival, our new Principal’s Commissioning and St Patrick’s Day Mass and Assembly. These events, along with our core business of teaching and learning, co-curricular offerings and community engagement, have resulted in a very busy term but also one that we hope the boys have enjoyed. We would like to commend the efforts of all the students, especially those who have generously given their time outside of normal classes to represent the College with such distinction.

We would like to thank all parents and students who have supported the College’s major events that have taken place during Term 1. These events are crucial in developing a school culture that reflects the values we stand for and brings us all together. The College events take an enormous amount of time to prepare and both staff and students devote hours of work to ensure they run smoothly and are enjoyable experiences.

In light of the importance we place on these events, it is disappointing when students do not attend and even more disappointing when parental permission is given for students to miss the event for what seem to be frivolous reasons. Students often put pressure on parents and carers to stay at home or miss school for a variety of reasons so it is crucial that parents support the College and insist students attend school, except in cases where they are genuinely ill.

Term 2 Reminders

Uniform

Thanks to all boys that continually wear their uniform correctly, i.e. top buttons done up, ties correctly positioned, shirts tucked in, suit coats worn to and from school and their hair according to the College guidelines.

Suitcoats

All students will be required to wear their suitcoats to and from school during Terms 2 and 3. Spray jackets CANNOT be used to replace the suitcoat.  Spray jackets may be worn as the outer garment to protect the suitcoat from rain or provide an extra layer of warmth.

Trousers

All boys are reminded that when they return in Term 2, they should be wearing navy blue trousers. Boys are to wear trousers during the winter terms of 2 and 3. Trousers are available for purchase from the College Shop. If required, trousers should be purchased before term commences on April 20 to avoid any problems with uniform from day one.

Hair

Holidays are often a very good time to have a haircut to tidy up and get ready for a new school term. A number of boys are pushing the College’s guidelines on acceptable haircuts and styles and rather than leading to the inevitable clash, I would expect boys to show some initiative, make sure their hair is acceptable and avoid this conflict at school. Guidelines are published in our uniform policy for anyone unsure.

Masks

Please note, that at the time of writing, the Victorian Government has stated that masks are to be worn by individuals aged 12 years and over on public transport, school buses and when in taxis or ride share vehicles. We would ask the boys to continue to observe this practice. On the matter of travelling to and from College, we would ask for a marked improvement from those whose behaviours this term were not in keeping with our respectful expectations.

Thank you

Thanks to all boys who show respect for themselves, their peers, staff and others within our community. Thanks to all boys who respect the learning environment at St Patrick’s College and strive to do their best at all times.

Thanks to all staff members at St Patrick’s College for your diligent efforts and the opportunities that you have provided throughout Term 1. Without the generosity and willingness of staff, activities such as camps, excursions and liturgies could not take place.

We hope that all members of the St Patrick’s College community have an opportunity to relax and enjoy time with their families over Easter. Good luck to all those involved in College activities over the holidays.

We hope that all boys and their families have a holy Easter and a happy holiday to end what has been a very busy first term! We look forward to seeing all boys back at school on Tuesday, April 20 for class.

Mrs Elizabeth Ryan and Mr Mike Silcock