Junior School

As we hit the halfway point of the term, it’s a great time to reflect on the hard work and progress of both our Year 7 and Year 8 boys. The Year 7s have been settling into life at St Pat’s and embracing the new routines, while the Year 8s have continued to build on their foundation and take on more responsibilities. Both year groups have been showing incredible effort, and it’s clear that they are growing into their roles here at the College. It’s important to note that everyone’s journey is different, and some may have found the transition easier than others, but what’s important is that we continue to be patient and kind with ourselves and each other.

If at any point you or your son feels like extra support is needed, please reach out. We’re always here to help, and it’s valuable to stay in touch about how things are going. Some of the students might be starting to feel the effects of all the hard work they’ve put in – it’s normal to feel a bit tired at this point in the term. My message to the ‘Junior Schoolers’ is to keep showing up, keep putting in the effort, and by the end of the term, you’ll feel more confident and prepared to take on Term 2.

Congratulations to Our GRIT Award Winners!

Congratulations are extended to the winners of the February GRIT Award. GRIT is a vital personal trait at St Pat’s, combining effort and talent to develop resilience, hardiness, and determination—qualities essential for success in life. These students have demonstrated outstanding commitment and perseverance throughout the month, and we commend them for embodying the values of GRIT.

Please see the list of awardees below:

Positive Wellbeing Program – Year 7 Students

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our students, Year 7 students will soon be participating in a series of workshops facilitated by Ballarat Community Health. These 60-minute workshops, held during Homeroom classes on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, focus on building resilience and fostering respect. This program complements the Respectful Relationships curriculum, which is an integral part of our Wellbeing program at St Pat’s. For further details, please refer to the recent communication sent to Year 7 families.

Year 8 Camp – Looking Ahead!

The Year 8 Camp is just around the corner, taking place in Week 7 from Wednesday, 12 March to Friday, 14 March. This camp is an excellent opportunity for our boys to bond with their peers, step outside their comfort zones, and develop stronger collegiality.

A friendly reminder that all school rules and policies remain in place during camp, including the restriction on electronic devices such as mobile phones. I appreciate your support in ensuring that your son comes prepared, but without unnecessary technology.

Reiterating Expectations

It’s been a strong start to the term, but as always, it’s important to revisit expectations. Our boys have been reminded about the values and behaviour we uphold as students of St Patrick’s College. This applies not only during school hours, but also when they are in public and, particularly, when wearing the College uniform. Our expectations extend to how our boys conduct themselves while traveling to and from school (e.g. on the bus or walking down the street) and representing the College in the wider community.

Co-Curricular Activities – Get Involved!

Our sport and co-curricular program is in full swing, and the 'Junior Schoolers' are leading the charge with their enthusiasm, energy, and active participation. As we’ve mentioned before, being involved in any of the offerings is a fantastic way to strengthen social connections and develop a sense of belonging. With so many options available, including lunchtime and after-hours programs, there’s something for everyone! If you need more information or clarification about how your son can get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

NAPLAN – Year 7 Students

The NAPLAN assessments are fast approaching for our Year 7 students. On Thursday, they were briefed on the logistics and what to expect on test day. We also took this opportunity to encourage the boys to give their best effort when completing the tasks, as these assessments are an important part of their learning journey. We’re confident that with the hard work they’ve put in so far, they’ll approach the assessments with confidence and do their best.

Looking Ahead – A Great Half-Term So Far!

As we head into the second half of the term, it’s important to acknowledge the fantastic work being done by our Junior School community—students, staff, and parents alike. The commitment and effort put in so far has set a solid foundation for a successful term, and we’re excited to see the continued growth and achievements of our boys. Let’s keep the momentum going and work together to finish the term strong!

Thank you for your ongoing support. Here's to a productive second half of the term!