Senior School

The past fortnight was filled with exciting events and achievements for our Senior School students. We are grateful for the ongoing support from parents, families, and staff as we continue to provide enriching experiences for our young men.

Men of Honour Program

Last Tuesday marked the beginning of the Men of Honour pastoral care program for our Year 11 students. Led by Glen Gerreyn, the sessions helps students discover their talents, overcome limiting beliefs, and set ambitious 'moonshot' goals, inspiring them to take decisive action and build resilience for a hopeful future. This program will continue throughout the year as part of the Pastoral Care Program. We are proud of the positive engagement shown by our Year 11s and look forward to seeing their development as they journey through this program.

For further information about the Men of Honour program - https://www.thehopefullinstitute.com/seminar/day-of-hope/

Ctrl Your Scroll

Last Wednesday, our Year 12 students participated in a session led by Ctrl Your Scroll. Through an engaging workshop, they explored the impact of technology on their well-being and learned strategies for using their devices more effectively and safely. We were impressed by their mature reflections on the challenges of today’s digital world, and we are confident that the insights gained will influence their digital habits.

I’d highly recommend parents and families check out the research behind the workshop. https://www.ctrlyourscroll.com.au/the-research

Year 12 General English SAC

On Wednesday, our Year 12 General English students undertook their first SAC for the year. We commend them for their dedication and focus in preparing for this important assessment. The level of effort and commitment displayed was outstanding, and we are confident that this strong start will set the tone for the rest of the year. 

Boat Race

The Boat Race was highlight of the year, showcasing not only the incredible athleticism of our rowers but also the unwavering support from the Spit Crews. Congratulations to all our rowers for their outstanding performances on the water. A special mention goes to the Spit Crews for their passionate support and exemplary conduct throughout the event, demonstrating the true spirit of St Patrick’s College.

VCE 3-3 Biology and Psychology Excursions 

Over the past two weeks, the VCE Psychology and VCE Biology students undertook a set of excursions to the Ballarat Technical School aimed at evaluating modern laboratory techniques within each discipline.

In Biology, students took part in a Gene Editing program. This focussed on the introduction of a gene responsible for the production of Green Flourescent Protein in a culture of E Coli. Students learned about the safety requirements of handling live bacteria and the principles behind the manipulation of bacterial DNA. To put some of these concepts into practice, students were then kindly given a tour of the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Centre, where some of the current researchers outlined how modern biological concepts are being used to develop treatments for aggressive forms of cancer. The boys are to be commended for their enthusiasm in engaging with the practical activities, their knowledge of the biological concepts being examined, and the level of respect shown to the facilities at the Ballarat Technical School and the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Centre. A special thank you to Ms. Stephanie Young and Ms. Regina Wilson for their supervision of the students during this program.

During the Psychology program, students worked through an Augmented Consciousness program highlighting how technology can be used to produce baseline data for individuals suffering from sleep deprivation or an alcohol-induced state. Students worked to establish a control set of data for each activity before utilising goggle technology to then determine the influence of each augmented state. This data was then collected to be further analysed as part of their standard teaching program at the College. The students were commended by the staff at the Technical school for the content aptitude, respect and overall enthusiasm in engaging in all aspects of the program. Well done to all students involved in this program, and a special thank you to Ms. Kathryn Ward and Ms. Regina Wilson for their supervision of the students during this program.

Thank you for your continued support of our Senior School community. Should you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out.

• Matt Miller, Head of Senior School
• Liam Davie and John Sullivan, Year 11 Coordinators
• Chris Gleeson and Shane Murphy, Year 12 Coordinators
• Abbey Panosh, VCE Coordinator

Coming up:  

• Ash Wednesday Literary (Year 11 L4 & Year 12 L5)– Wednesday, 5 March 
• Outdoor Education (Unit 1) Great Ocean Road Excursion Monday, 3 March 
• SPC Swimming Carnival – Thursday, 6 March at Eureka Pool
• Labour Day Long weekend – Monday 10 March 
• General Math SAC – Wednesday, 12 March at SPC Pavillion
• Year 11 VCE VM Melbourne Garden and Flower Show Excursion – Friday 14 March 
• Year 12 VCE VM Grand Prix Excursion – Friday 14 March 
• St Patrick’s Day Mass and Celebrations – Monday, 17 March
• Outdoor Education (Unit 3) Scuba Camp – Wednesday 19 March – Friday 21 March
• VCE Art Making and Exhibiting Excursion (Federation Square) – Wednesday 2 April 
• End of Term, Last Day Students Finish 2.30pm – Friday 4 April 
• Boarder's Parent Teacher Interviews – Friday 4 April 
• Year 7 - 12 Mid Semester Reports open via PAM (4.00 PM) – Friday 4 April 

Matt Miller, Head of Senior School

Liam Davie and John Sullivan, Year 11 Coordinators           

Chris Gleeson and Shane Murphy, Year 12 Coordinators