Principal's report

The week that was...

Over the last week or so, we have experienced some wonderful events and activities at St Pat’s. The College community thoroughly enjoyed the Feast Day of St Patrick on Monday, 17 March via a beautiful Mass led by Bishop Paul Bird, followed by our St Patrick’s Day assembly and a range of House-based activities across the day. I enjoyed the opportunity to welcome old collegians back to the College from 1955, 1965 and 1975 at the OCA St Patrick’s Day reunion.  

I was very proud to watch the members of the SPC 1st XVIII represent the College in the Respect Cup at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong on Wednesday, 19 March. The team won in a close game against St Joseph’s College, Geelong, and then were there to support the team from Loreto as they played in the main game against Sacred Heart College. The boys in the 1st XVIII conducted themselves very well on the day. 

The return of the Flanagan Art Prize was very successful and well-received by those who attended the opening night on Friday, 21 March and across the weekend. It was terrific to see so many people from the broader College and Ballarat community at the opening night and to receive their positive feedback on the return of the Flanagan. A special acknowledgement to Ms Wendy Sheridan for her wonderful work in leading this important event for the College. We look forward to the next Flanagan Art Prize in two years’ time, in 2027. 

All of our NAPLAN tests in Years 7 and 9 are now done. Thanks to Mr Luke Corden, Mr Tom Nash, Mr Michael Busscher and Ms Kerryn Parkinson for ensuring that these important assessment tasks were completed. 

I congratulate the members of the SPC 1st XI Cricket team on securing their first ACC Premiership by defeating St Joseph’s College, Geelong in the Grand Final here on the main oval on Tuesday of this week. The 1st XI has achieved something significant in this and I congratulate them and Mr Biggin, their coach on this! Well done! 

Well done to all members of the SPC Swimming Team for representing the College so well at the BAS and ACC Swimming Championships over the last 10 days. The challenge for the team competing at the ACC included moving from competing in Div 2 to Div 1, after winning Division 2 last year. It was a great effort from all across the age groups, but strongly led by our senior swimmers who won their age group, that resulted in the SPC team coming 3rd in Div 1 this week at the Melbourne Aquatic Centre – well done! 

Our Senior rowing crew and Year 10 Div 1 crew are competing at the Rowing National Championships at Lake Barrington in Tasmania this week. This is a great opportunity for them, and I wish the crews and their coaches all the very best. To be winning heats and competing in finals in a range of age groups or categories at the Nationals reflects the strength of the SPC Rowing program, the athleticism, skill and hard work of our crews and the expertise of their coaches. Well done to all involved!  

End of Term 1 and Easter

As we draw close to the end of Term 1, it is important to acknowledge the significant efforts and contributions of staff and students at the College. Term 1 has been a very busy term, as reflected above. 

To those who have commenced their journey at St Pat’s this term, I hope your first days and weeks have been enjoyable, encouraging and rewarding. I hope that the term break ahead and the joy and promise of the Easter message is something that everyone is looking forward to and restored by. 

As a young boy, my family and I always went camping at Easter; we did this for as many years as I can recall, and our preferred destination was the Allen River in the Barrington Tops National Park in the lower Hunter Valley in NSW. This part of the Barringtons is blessed with crystal clear rivers and streams, deep water holes (great for swimming), centuries-old trees and forests, peat swamps, rainforests, and magnificent walking trails – it was simply stunning and, in my view, an expression of God’s love in beautiful creation. As Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote in 'God's Grandeur,' "The world is charged with the grandeur of God." This grandeur was evident in every aspect of the Barringtons, especially during the Easter season, a time of renewal and rebirth.

My father and my uncles would head up a couple of days early to ensure that we secured a good camping spot, close to the river and away from the road. Every Easter, I remember with great fondness the wonderful extended weekends we enjoyed with family and occasionally friends along the Allen River.

I know that many SPC families are heading away camping or on a holiday this break – and many have done this regularly at this time of the year, perhaps like me, as a family tradition. Whatever you are doing, I hope that this time is full of laughter, fresh air, love, and great company! Easter is a special time for so many reasons and is something we look forward to each year.

Easter traditions may vary widely, but they often include activities that celebrate the themes of renewal and joy. Many families attend church services to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God, which is the cornerstone of the Easter celebration. Easter egg hunts are a popular activity for children, symbolizing new life and the arrival of spring and the hope of the resurrection. Decorating eggs, whether with dyes, paints, or stickers, is another cherished tradition.

In some cultures, Easter parades and festivals are held, featuring colourful costumes and lively music. Sharing a special meal with family and friends is also a common tradition, often including dishes like roast lamb, hot cross buns, and various sweets. These traditions, whether religious or secular, help to bring people together and create lasting memories; and the embrace and reflect the joy, hope and love of the Easter season.

I wish to thank the staff and students involved in the College’s annual Easter Egg drive. To see so many Easter Bunnies around the College over the last few weeks promoting this has been terrific and great fun! Well done to all involved.

The joy that the Easter Egg drive brings to so many children and people in hospital at this time, is really significant. Thanks to all who contributed to this via donating some eggs and the students and staff who have worked to actively promote this through the Faith in Action group over the last month or so. Well done! 

Term 2 – Classes Commence on Tuesday, 22 April

Please note that Term 2 classes commence on Tuesday, 22 April for students in all year levels. This is the first day after the Easter long weekend and I am looking forward to welcoming the boys back to the second term of the 2025 school year. 

Whilst we recognise that some schools have decided to run student-free days and professional learning sessions for their staff at this time, please note the importance of all SPC students being in their scheduled classes from the beginning of the term. St Pat’s has a longer, 3-week holiday for students at the end of Term 3. Schools have limited teaching time and factor this into their planning for the yearly calendar. It is vital that SPC students are in scheduled class from the first day of term – Tuesday, 22 April.  

I remind all families that students are to return to Term 2 in winter uniform. 

I will finish with a prayer for Easter:

Draw us forth, God of all creation.Draw us forward and away from limited certaintyinto the immense world of your love.Give us the capacity to even for a momenttaste the richness of the feast you give us.Give us the peace to live with uncertainty,with questions,with doubts.Help us to experience the resurrection anewwith open wonder and an increasing abilityto see you in the people of Easter.

- (Author Unknown)

Remember:  "The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends, and love never dies." - Kate McGahan

May the joy of Easter touch each of us in the days ahead and may our families, friends and homes be blessed by the Easter season. 

Upcoming changes to The Crest

From the start of next term, The Crest will move to a monthly publication, providing a comprehensive update on College news, events and achievements. To ensure families stay informed between editions, we’re introducing The Crest Express, a brief one-page snapshot sent on alternate fortnights. The Crest Express will highlight key dates, important reminders, and upcoming events, making it easy to stay up to date.

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