Faith, Justice and Formation

What a Week!

Last week was extraordinary. So much on and yet so fulfilling! It was a week that showcased the good within our students, the heart so many of them live and lead with, and a week that saw the development of many projects.

It started with the arrival of the fellas from St Joseph’s, Alice Springs, who engaged in classes at the College, contributed to our mural and reignited the friendships forged when our young people were in Alice Springs earlier this year. They saw the sights of Sydney and enjoyed some meals with our families. I was immensely proud of our Immersion students who engaged so fully with our guests, as these guests commented on how our relationship grows stronger and stronger each year. 

Many thanks for helping the week run so smoothly must go to Mr Kyle Wallace, our Aboriginal Education Worker, and all those staff who put up their hands to work with and welcome our friends.

On Wednesday night our Alice Springs Immersion students had a reunion with their families at the College where we watched a video of the experience, shared a meal, and engaged with our visitors from Alice. Listening to them speak made me immensely proud.

We started a mural focused on environmental sustainability and the lessons we can learn from our First Nations peoples in this regard. The project has been led by Mr Porra, Head of Visual Arts, and worked on by Year 10 art students, our First Nations students, and the fellas from Alice. The design and practical work have come from a well known local Indigenous artist, Jason Wing, who continues to refine the work on the side of the Hodda building near bus lines.

Earlier this year our Year 7 Art students developed projects of Drain Art, designed to alert people to where rubbish goes if not disposed of properly: directly into our drains going into our lakes and oceans. Several of these artworks that were done in chalk are now being painted permanently around the drains by our Year 10 art students under the guidance of Mr Fela and the Visual Arts faculty. They look amazing! We now hope they have an impact on reducing the rubbish around the College.

On Thursday Year 8 had their Justice Partnership Day which involved a sponsored walk-a-thon to raise funds for Caritas, their Justice Partner. 

After walking and sharing a barbeque lunch the cohort learned more about Caritas and concluded with a liturgy which involved the creation of origami hearts. 

This day was led by Mrs Fogliani, Head of Identity (Middle School) and Mr Bottalico, the Year 8 Coordinator, who were well supported by Homeroom Teachers and others.

Also on Thursday, students from Year 10 hosted some students from Chalmers Road School as part of their Justice Partnership Day. They enjoyed a day of games, singing, dancing, sport, pizza, and science experiments. More importantly, this was a day of pure joy and friendship. I was in awe watching our young men work with other young people who just happen to have disabilities, but also many abilities; the greatest of these to bring a smile to your face. Massive thanks to Mrs Zambrano, Ms D’Arcangeli and Mr Boumelhem who developed and led a great program with the group, showing endless enthusiasm.

SOL Service was submitted on Monday with so many boys truly shining their light. All students at the College could learn something from their peers who get involved and contribute their hearts to each other, the College, and the wider community. Kudos to those who went above and beyond!

This week we saw the Junior School Compassion Mass and Fundraising Day take place yesterday, focused on their Justice Partners and coordinated by Ms Osario Narvaez, Stage 3 REC, and Year 7 collected pantry items for the House of Welcome while fasting as an exercise in empathy for those who they are supporting - refugees and peoples seeking asylum. They also wrote on cards, handmade by Mrs Moses, to show welcome to their Partners, all guided by Ms Capobianco, Year 7 Coordinator, and Mrs Fogliani. 

We also have Year 11 on their Senior Retreat for the whole of this week; no doubt enjoying themselves and deepening their connections. And the whole St Patrick’s College community has started our Christmas Appeal, all due on Friday 28 November. 

Thanks to my Administration Assistant, Mrs Frances Spagnuolo, who does so much behind the scenes and helps my continuously bizarre requests, and thanks to all the parents who will be helping us deliver the Christmas Hampers, under the organisation of Mrs Raja Touma who leads our Parent SOL group. You can contact her to lend a hand at various times. 

Writing this was exhausting! And it’s not over yet – more to come. We will all deserve the break when it comes! Thanks to all those who give of themselves consistently to help create a better world for all.

Gillian Daley

Director of Identity