Junior School
The Junior School at St Patrick’s College is an extremely busy place and Term 1 is usually characterised by students meeting the expectations and standards of their new environment or year level. When I reflect on the term that has been, I am amazed by how much has happened. Students and staff have worked tirelessly, often going above and beyond expectations and it remains a privilege to be part of such a talented and dedicated community.
It is a well-known phenomenon that what great teams or organisations understand is that success breeds success; a positive cycle that we all want to be part of. Lasting success is by design, not by chance!
In the Junior School, I am most grateful for the fact that we live, develop and thrive in a community of learners, all working together for our boys, despite the many challenges we have faced this term as a result of the ongoing impact caused by COVID-19. That resolve has absolutely remained uppermost in our minds this term.
I would like to pass on my heartfelt thanks for all the messages of support we have received from parents/carers about the change in process to our communication method by personally contacting each parent/family via phone, rather than sending home a brief Interim Report. Every classroom teacher has selflessly given up a considerable amount of their time in order to discuss the specific needs of each boy in their class. Furthermore, our fantastic team of specialist teachers have all sent a ‘Term 1 Overview’ email to parents/carers providing further information about their specific subject and what the boys have been learning throughout the course of the term. The partnership between home and school is incredibly important to us and with the ongoing support and understanding of our parent community, we will continue to do all that we can to maintain an open and honest dialogue, with the unique needs of each boy at the centre of our conversations.
All parents/carers are reminded of the fact that the College calendar can be viewed directly through our website by clicking here. This is a ‘live’ calendar that is regularly updated by our College Administration team and parents/carers are encouraged to bookmark this site in order to keep track of upcoming events and/or changes made to the calendar.
On another note, in Terms 2 and 3, students are expected to wear their College blazer to and from school. In Terms 1 and 4, the blazer is optional, but must always be worn on top of, or instead of the College jumper. In other words, wearing the jumper alone to or from school is not permitted.
Finally, I would like to wish all members of our wonderful College community a very happy holiday break over the next two weeks. In this season of Lent, we prepare our hearts and our minds for the Easter experience. That is the essence of Easter; a special celebration of peace, joy, love and hope.
On behalf of the entire Junior School staff, I would like to graciously thank all parents/carers for your ongoing support during the course of Term 1, as we eagerly look forward to seeing the boys return to the College for the commencement of Term 2 on Wednesday, 27 April.
As always, if you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.
May God bless you,
Glenn Stephenson
Director of Junior School
Lenten Art Competition 2022
Throughout the Lenten season, the Junior School have been busy with their fundraising, fun runs as well as competing in the annual Lenten Art Competition. It is wonderful to see the generosity of those in our school community during this time.
Thank you to all the boys who participated in this year’s art competition, it was incredible to see the high standard of work produced with over 110 entries! I would also like to thank Mr. Davis, Mrs. Tatola and Mr. Marshall who assisted with the judging.
Congratulations to the following boys who placed in this year’s competition:
Year 6
1st – Luca Vigolo
Title: Faith Through Prayer
“I chose this artwork because it represents three important symbols that show my faith in Jesus which are praying, rosary beads and the Holy Cross.”
2nd – Micah Camilleri
Title: The hands of God
“I chose this piece because I thought of it myself and it resembles Prayer and to listen to God.”
3rd – Angus Doolin
Title: Giving Something to Gain Something
“I chose this piece as it represents Jesus going into the desert for forty days and forty nights. It is about giving back to nature, giving back to yourself and back to others. It is not needing everything. Not living to excess.”
Year 5
1st – Anthony Malek
Title: Crucifixion
“I chose this piece because Jesus on the Cross is black and white, because he is dead and the background is colourful, because he has given us new life.”
2nd – Joseph Morizzi
Title: Jesus, Son of God
“I chose to draw Jesus because when I think of Lent, I think of Jesus and the sacrifice he made for us.”
3rd – Gabriel El-Zarif
Title: Lent
“I chose this piece because it makes me happy and calm and it makes me feel like God and Jesus are around me.”
There were so many fantastic entries that we have decided to include some honorable mentions.
Congratulations to:
- Noah Richards – Year 5
- Alexander Monardo – Year 6
- Jack Ronzini – Year 5
- Lucas Shiner – Year 5
- Matthew Kirk – Year 5
Congratulations again to the winners and thank you to all who entered.
Finally, I would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy Easter.
God Bless,
Jacinta Young
Junior School Religious Education Coordinator
