Welcome to our Green, White and Blue newsletter

Welcome to our fourth edition of the "Green, White and Blue" e-newsletter for St Patrick's College Old Collegians for 2025. We welcome any new Old Collegians to our e-newsletter. The "Green, White and Blue" is distributed at the end of each school term and is full of news for and about our Old Collegians. We hope you enjoy!

Class of 2024 gathers for One-Year Reunion

It may have been just shy on 12 months, but the Class of 2024 had plenty of catching up to do at their One-Year Reunion last Tuesday evening. It was wonderful to welcome back nearly 100 Old Collegians and partners upstairs at the Lake View Hotel in Ballarat to see where their lives have taken them in the past year.

SPC Legend Paul McGinness plane back in action

Last week, Qantas welcomed its tenth and final Airbus A380 back to Sydney, marking the completion of the most extensive maintenance program in the airline’s 105-year history. The aircraft — VH-OQG, Paul McGinness, named after one of Qantas’ founders — returns to the fleet after nearly six years in storage.

This same gentleman, Old Collegian Paul McGinness (SPC 1910-11) was inducted as a Legend of St Patrick's College in 2024 for his achievements in aviation. 

Latest Shamrock magazine is out now!

The December edition of The Shamrock magazine is out! In true SPC style, it's packed with lots of stories, photos and news from second semester as well as Old Collegians' news, and you can read the online version simply by clicking on the button below.

Perfect summer's day for Paddies Lunch

More than 40 Old Boys enjoyed the perfect summer weather for the final Paddies Luncheon at The Emerald Hotel South Melbourne last Friday - including a few from the Class of 1971!

Night of nostalgia at Class of 2005 20-Year Reunion

It was an evening full of nostalgia and sharing memories as members of the Class of 2005 gathered for their 20-Year Reunion on Saturday, 11 October.

More than 30 guys, now living locally, regionally and interstate, enjoyed the opportunity to catch up at the College’s OCA Pavilion, after touring the buildings and grounds to see how much had changed in the last two decades since they were students.

Lock in these dates for 2026 OCA Class Reunions

Our 2026 Class Reunion dates are out! 

Hosted by the SPC Old Collegians' Association, make sure you have these dates locked in. Don't forget to ensure your contact details are up-to-date so we can get in touch with you about your reunions. 

Ray Ball (SPC 1962-65) a hit at Christmas Lunch

It was a merry sight as our Old Collegians enjoyed the festive spirit at our Old Boys’ Christmas Lunch at the Golden City Hotel on Friday, 28 November.

Nearly 50 Old Boys from many different eras turned out for the hearty lunch and opportunity to meet new faces, old faces and simply enjoy the day out.

Hosted by our Old Collegians’ Association, the crowd enjoyed guest speaker Old Collegian Ray Ball (SPC 1962-65), who spoke mostly about his wide-ranging connections with football in the VFL and AFL.

Who is our oldest living Paddy Boy?

There's been plenty of talk, conjecture and wild theories raised recently over who is our oldest living Paddy Boy?!

For now, the possibilities have been narrowed down to possibly the big brother of this pair, retired priests Dan (SPC 1945-48) and Kevin Arundell (SPC 1952-54), who attended our Old Boys' Christmas Lunch recently.

Could it be their big brother Pat, who attended SPC between 1941 and 1944? 

Let us know if you know another Old Boy, who may take the title, by emailing oca@stpats.vic.edu.au

What have our Old Boys been up to lately...

Look out for Ballarat hotelier David Canny (1980-85), pictured above, who may well still be celebrating after winning this year's Melbourne Cup as part owner of Half Yours. David is pictured above, far right, celebrating jockey Jamie Melham's earlier win on Half Yours at the Caulfield Cup. Click on the button below to read more about Dave's big win and read more stories on our Old Boys, who have made the news recently.

Class of 1974 enjoys early Christmas get-together

A dozen guys from the Class of 1974 gathered at the Red Lion Hotel Sports Bar in Ballarat recently for an informal get-together, which has turned into something of an annual celebration. Organisers are keen to continue the tradition and urge other Old Collegians from the Class of 1974 and their partners to join them next year.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA & FACEBOOK - To keep fully up to date with all happenings in and around the College and the OCA we strongly encourage you to join our Instagram page and like our Facebook page and join the thousands of members of our community already receiving regular updates into their daily news feed, simply click on these links - @spcballarat & https://www.facebook.com/spcoca/ 

Dr John Daffy guest speaker at Speech Day

Old Collegian Dr John Daffy (SPC 1983–85) pictured above, Director of Infectious Diseases at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, was guest speaker at this year's annual Speech Day.

The St Patrick’s College community gathered in the Performing Arts Centre on Thursday, 16 October, for its annual Speech Day – a highlight of the College calendar celebrating the achievements and spirit of students from Years 7 to 12.

About 500 students, families, staff and special guests attended the event, which recognised excellence across academic, sporting, cultural and community life, while also honouring the graduating Class of 2025.

Throughout the ceremony, awards were presented to students who have demonstrated outstanding effort, leadership and contribution to College life across all year levels.

A highlight of the day was John's speech, where he shared reflections on his own time at St Pat’s and how it shaped his career.

 Class of 1977 crew catch up on Gold Coast

A few members of the Class of 1977 made the most of an opportunity to catch up while on the Gold Coast recently. The Old Boys are now spread across Australia, but they made the most of the special opportunity to get together. Find out who's who by clicking on the button below.

Old Boys share good times together up north

The warmer weather in the northern part of the country certainly enticed our Old Collegians over the winter break. A few Old Collegians, including Ray Ball (SPC 1962-65), Brian 'Doc' Doherty (SPC 1960-65), Michael Bongiorno (SPC 1958-63), Michael Kearney (SPC 1962-67), Bryan Walsh (SPC 1959-64, PY65), and their partners caught up while holidaying in Noosa with some new friends. 

Don't forget to send us your photos at oca@stpats.vic.edu.au

Powerful message at 2025 MENtal Brekky

Our Watch chief executive officer Patty Kinnersly delivered a powerful message to this year’s audience at the 2025 MENtal Brekky around respect and healthy masculinity.

Patty was guest speaker at the ninth-annual brekky, held as the main fundraiser for the College’s Chris Yeung Fund, which aims to raise awareness of and provide financial assistance for families in the St Patrick’s College community where the father is suffering mental illness.

Nearly $25,000 was estimated to have been raised at this year's brekky, which is a great result. The brekky was held at the OCA Pavilion, overlooking the Main Oval, on Friday morning, 24 October 2025. 

This year also marked the emotional 10th anniversary of the passing of Chris Yeung – a much-loved Old Collegian, husband, father, brother, son to suicide. 

Where are they now - Adam Whitefield

We recently reconnected with former day student Adam Whitefield (SPC 1994-99) who has been enjoying meeting up with SPC staff in his new role as Education Lead – Formation on the Edmund Rice Education Australia National Team. Adam is excited about the new role and shares where his life has led him since finishing at SPC in the late 90s.

Will gets the thumbs up from Clontarf students

A huge thank you to 2023 College Captain Will Rothe (SPC 2015-20), pictured in the middle, who returned to the College early in Term 4 to chat to our Clontarf students about his time as a Paddy boy and where life has taken him since then. Will shared lots of tips with the students and as you can see, he was a hit with the boys! Thanks Will!

We love the opportunity for our Old Boys to share their knowledge and experience with our students, so if you are interested in chatting to our students, please let us know by emailing oca@stpats.vic.edu.au

Obituaries

St Patrick's College honours those Old Boys who have sadly left us and recognises their contribution to the life of the College and to broader society in general. The College received news in recent times that these Old Collegians have passed away, including:

• Aaron McInerney (SPC 1989-91), pictured above
• Alexander (Alex) Mellins (SPC 1954-62)

• Dan Watson (SPC 1974-79) 

   

  Our sympathy to the Ryan family of Warrnambool on the passing of their beloved wife and mother Cheryle on 11 October 2025. 

  Our condolences to former boarder David (SPC 1964-68) and their children Brigid, Jeremy (SPC 1990-1994), Christian (SPC 1992-95), Emily, Anna and James (SPC 1999, PY2002). David and Cheryle were great supporters of the College’s boarding program. 

  Cheryle was a loving grandmother to 14, including Xavier (SPC 1999-2004) and current student Lachlan Lloyd. Cheryle was also the loved sister of former boarders Greg Foott (SPC 1970-72) and Adrian Foott (SPC 1973-74, PY1975) and sister-in-law of Gary Ryan (SPC 1959-61). A Funeral Liturgy was held at the Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in East Warrnambool on 23 October. 

   

  Please click on the button below to read more about these much-missed members of our community.

New book honours George Treloar (SPC 1900)

St Patrick’s College proudly hosted the launch of a new book earlier this term that shines light on the remarkable humanitarian work of Old Collegian George Devine Treloar (SPC 1900). Co-authored by Professor David Treloar and Dr Panayiotis Diamadis, Genocide to Regeneration: The Photographs of George Devine Treloar explores Colonel Treloar’s journey from Ballarat to the battlefields of World War I and later his humanitarian work through the League of Nations, where he helped resettle more than 100,000 refugees displaced by war and genocide in Thrace and Macedonia.

The 300-page book features almost 200 photographs, most of which have never before been published. 

Dedicated museum opens to celebrate heritage

St Patrick’s College has unveiled a new museum space at its reception entrance, with College Archivist Halina Sztynda, pictured above, offering students, staff, families, and visitors an engaging way to explore the school’s rich history. The museum, developed after the former uniform shop was repurposed in late 2024, features curated displays of memorabilia, including an Australian hat and blazer worn by cricket great Leo O’Brien, a Don Bradman bat, and Matt Short’s ‘Renegade Top.’ Visitors can also view historical ties, publications, and photographs dating back to 1857, alongside trophies from football, cricket, and other sports.

VM students share fascinating history of chapel 

Old Collegian Gerard Murphy (SPC 1966–1970), pictured above with the VM students, was the lucky recipient of a morning with our VM students in the tranquil surrounds of our College Chapel as part of their VCE Vocational Major (Personal Development) communications and collaboration project in Term 3. 

Gerard listened as the boys spoke eloquently and respectfully, exploring and explaining the religious icons and historical significance of the Chapel, with the help of College Archivist Halina Sztynda. 

Honouring our fallen boarders

The Boarding Schools’ Association, based in London, has launched a groundbreaking online archive titled the Boarding School Book of Remembrance (BOBOR). This global digital initiative was unveiled in September to mark the Association’s 60th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

We are proud to announce that St Patrick’s College is now listed among the global and Australian schools featured in this archive.

Notable Old Boys now grace walls of PAC

Framed photographs of our College Legends and Young Achievers now adorn the entrance of the College's Performing Arts Centre, including from left, Sir Bernard Thomas Heinze (SPC 1906-1911), Joshua Hyde (SPC 1999-2004), Callum Linnane (SPC 2008-2013), Andrew Groch (SPC 2008-2013) and Joshua Ballinger (SPC 2016-2018). 

Lachie crafts a future without limits

During International Day of Persons with Disabilities recently, we celebrate the strength, talent and resilience of students like Lachlan Corte.

A vision-impaired Year 10 student, Lachie continues to break barriers and inspire our community with his extraordinary craftmanship and determination. 

Year 12s step forward as our young Old Boys

We gathered at the Mercure Ballarat in recent weeks to celebrate our Class of 2025 and the incredible young men they have become. 

It was a beautiful evening shared with families, staff and Old Collegians—filled with pride, gratitude and plenty of smiles. We congratulate our Year 12s on reaching this milestone and we wish you every success as you step into your next chapter!

Personalise your own Main Oval Fence picket

Would you like to see your name engraved on a picket around the College's Main Oval Fence or perhaps purchase one as a unique gift for someone who you know holds St Patrick’s College close to their heart. 

You can purchase your own picket and record your own lasting memory by clicking on the button below.

Aladdin Jr wows the audiences in Term 4 

Wow! What a magnificent end to months of rehearsals for the cast and crew of Aladdin Jr!

Over four magical days, our talented Junior School students brought Agrabah to life with four spectacular performances of Aladdin Jr, wowing hundreds of audience members and filling the auditorium with colour, energy and pure joy!

Etch your name into our Performing Arts Centre

A special opportunity also exists to etch your name into the future of performing arts at St Patrick's College. Old Collegians are warmly encouraged to consider "buying a seat" in the upper level of the auditorium - complete with your personalised plaque.

To find out more, please click on the button below.

Wishing you a merry Christmas and happy 2026🎄

We hope you enjoyed the last - but certainly not least - curation of Old Collegian news for 2025. We wish you a safe and restful time with your family and friends and we look forward to sharing more with you in 2026. Don't forget if you have any ideas for the GWB, to please get in touch with us, our contact details are listed below.