Wellbeing Report – May 12, 2016

Edmund Rice Day

This was a great day of reflecting in pray and action about the solidarity of our school community. The students, as always, make the difference to the staff level of joy and pride in their role as educators and carers of your sons.

As I sat in front of the choir at Mass I saw the reverence and enthusiasm of the choir, proud to be a Paddys Boy.

I asked the staff to take the opportunity to talk to boys while on the walk. I saw this take place many times. I too, took the opportunity to talk with boys I have not yet met. One of the highlights of the day was asking a group of boys who had not moved on what they were doing. They quickly said, -‘ Mr Sullivan, we were waiting to walk with you.’ I smiled from the inside out! What a privilege it is to have your sons at St Pats.

And finally I observed the student leaders run a BBQ, like professional caterers, followed by -‘St Pats Has Talent.’ The Performing Arts are such an important part of this College and is growing due to staff passion and student talent. This was on show in the afternoon. Congratulations to Ignatius Holland, a very worthy winner and a very talented pianist.

What a great celebration of all that makes us who we are, a wonderful school in the Edmund Rice Tradition, striving to live out The Mission. Well done to all.

Legends Dinner –

Congratulations to the Development Office- Paul, Rachel and Lorrie and the Catering Staff- Sean, Rosemary and team for their organisation and running of the Legends Dinner on Saturday night. They worked seamlessly with OCA President, Michael Kearney, to really celebrate and recognise the wonderful lives to Joe Delaney, David Parer, Daniel Ferguson and Howard Clark. Paul Nolan and Ryan Waight (Old Boy) conducted very genuine and informative interviews of all inductees. They have all lived fascinating lives. It was a special night for Howard and family. His speech was warm-hearted and emotional and engaging, as you would expect.

Mother’s Day Mass & Breakfast This was a real highlight and great way to end the week. Mothers and Grandmothers absolutely loved it. You play such an important role in your sons’ and grandsons’ lives. They will grow into emotionally intelligent men because of the influence of wise male and female figures in their lives.

Rugby Two big Rugby Saturdays have drawn to close. As a New South Welshman, I was impressed by the junior games that I watched for a while. The ball was spread well, plenty of outside running and some solid tackles. However, I was far more impressed by the spirit of the games, the way some of our boys made up the numbers of the other side when needed and the relaxed, fun atmosphere. Well done to Michael Murphy, coaches and team managers, and the many, many parents who coached and volunteered in all sorts of ways. Our extra-curricular program would not be the same without your support, so thank you. –

Uniform Pride and Expectations

Please encourage your sons to wear the uniform correctly. We are still experiencing boys who are not dressed well, shirts not fitting, no belts, the list goes on. Staff are continuing to spend their time asking boys to wear the uniform with pride. We would really like to avoid a spate of detentions and will be discussing the dilemma at a Wellbeing Meeting this week.

It is still very clear to our staff that the boys who wear their uniform well are in fact the boys who are ready and willing to learn, and most importantly are fulfilling their potential at school.

A uniform worn well is clearly connected to successful learning and pastoral growth for your sons. Please address your son’s issues if needed. As always, if you have any concerns or need further support about this issue or any other issues please contact your son’s pastoral tutor.

I enclose an excerpt of what I sent out earlier in the term.

Uniform Pride

Working in partnership with us, what can you as parents do?

• Please make sure your sons read this newsletter article

• Make sure that they are dressed correctly when they leave the house. Coats are compulsory in Term II.

• If their shirts are two or three years old and too small to tuck in please purchase another one.

• If their hair is too long, which means hanging below their collar or too long to tie back, they need to get a haircut.

• Boys need to be wearing a belt.

• If you receive a letter from a Year Coordinator in the near future to rectify any issues, please support our school culture by working with the Year Coordinators.

To the many students who wear their uniform correctly every day, well done!!! You are great example for all students and we really value your commitment. It is no coincidence that the boys who wear their uniform well are also the boys who learn well and are very engaged in class. Lets’ hope all boys can do the same, reaching their potential.

Take Care

God Bless

Gerard Sullivan –

Deputy Headmaster – Wellbeing