Curriculum and Learning
Years 7 to 11 Parent/Teacher Interviews: Semester 1 Report
By Friday 13 June, the Semester 1 Reports on students of Years 7 through to 11 will be available online to parents/carers via the TASS Parent Lounge.
The Year 11 Parent/Teacher interviews will be scheduled for the evening of Monday 16 June from 3:40 PM to 9:00 PM. The Years 7 to 10 Parent/Teacher interviews will be scheduled for the afternoon and evening of Thursday 26 June from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and on Friday 27 June from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Parents/carers may book interview time slots themselves via the TASS Parent Lounge using the interview tab from 5:00 PM, Wednesday 11 June. The College will not be allocating interview times.
Parents/carers need to ensure Year 11 interviews are booked by no later than 9:00 AM, Monday 16 June and Years 7 to 10 interviews are booked by no later than 9:00 AM, Wednesday 25 June.
All interviews will be conducted on site. The Year 11 interviews are for six minutes, and the interviews for Years 7 to 10 are for five minutes. There is a two-minute break between each interview to allow the interviews to run smoothly. Please note that parents/carers cannot double book a teacher for a longer interview. Should more interview time be required, parents/carers may arrange with the teacher another mutually suitable time.
There is an expectation that parents/carers will book interviews with all their sons’ teachers. There is also an expectation that students are present for the interviews, in uniform and well-groomed in accordance with the College’s rules.
Michael Cutrupi
Director of Curriculum
SPC in Italia: Italian Study Tour 2025
Over the final week of Term 1 and across the April school holidays, 29 students from Years 10, 11, and 12 embarked on the trip of a lifetime—a three-week Italian Study Tour, immersing themselves in the rich culture, history, and beauty of Italy. Accompanied by staff members Mr Adrian Byrne, Ms Annelise Macolino, Ms Natalie Rocca, and me, the group explored the cities of Milan, Venice, Florence, Reggio Calabria, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, and Rome.
Our journey began from Sydney on Friday 4 April, arriving in Milan via Dubai. Students were surprised with a live Serie A football match between AC Milan and Fiorentina—the shock echoed throughout the bus when they were told! From there, our journey took us to visit the Duomo and La Scala, before travelling by private coach and vaporetto to the magical canals of Venice.
In Venice, students visited St Mark’s Basilica and enjoyed a gondola ride, before heading to Florence—stopping along the way at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. In Florence, we appreciated the city’s Renaissance art and architecture, visiting Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, shopping at the Mercato Centrale, and enjoying a hands-on Italian cooking lesson.
A major highlight of the tour was our week-long homestay in Reggio Calabria with the IH British School Language Centre—an experience rich in both language learning and cultural understanding. The boys attended language lessons tailored to their needs and were welcomed into the homes of local families, many of whom formed strong bonds with our students. The warmth and hospitality of the Calabrian families left a lasting impression, with many students describing the homestay as their favourite part of the tour.
Throwing yourself into the unknown—living with a family you’ve never met, navigating a new language, and embracing different routines—takes incredible courage. Our students not only accepted this challenge but thrived on it, developing their confidence, independence, and intercultural understanding in the most authentic of ways. The farewell party and closing ceremony organised by Patrizia and the wonderful team at IH British School was a moving finale, with many heartfelt goodbyes and more than a few tears. This experience took language learning beyond the classroom and
From there, our journey continued to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, including a boat tour of the coastline, a visit to the Blue Grotto in Capri, and the special experience of celebrating Easter with Mass and dinner alongside students from St Scholastica’s College, Glebe.
On our way to Rome, we stopped at Pompeii for a guided tour of the ancient ruins. Then, in Rome, students stood in awe at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Museums. A truly historic and moving moment occurred while in Rome, as the group became part of history following the passing of Pope Francis. Watching our students line up quietly and reverently to pay their respects was deeply moving and an experience they will carry with them for years to come.
The Italian Study Tour offered our students more than just sightseeing opportunities—it was a deeply enriching experience that took language learning beyond the classroom and fostered personal growth, cultural awareness, and a broader global perspective. The tour encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, adapt to new environments, and build connections across cultures—skills that will serve them well into the future. It was a journey that brought learning to life and created memories they will carry with them for years to come.
Throughout the journey, our students displayed respect, maturity, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for every opportunity they were given. They navigated challenges, celebrated differences, and embraced every moment. They are a true testament to their families and to our College community.
This trip would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff. A heartfelt thank you goes to Mr Adrian Byrne, Ms Annelise Macolino, and Ms Natalie Rocca, who generously gave up their holidays to support this experience and our Languages program. Their care, energy, and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of our students was evident in every moment.
After twelve months of planning, the positive attitude, resilience, and heartfelt gratitude displayed by our students made it all worthwhile. It was a privilege to travel with this group, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way they represented themselves, their families, and St Patrick’s College.
Stephanie D'Arcangeli
Head of Languages