Deputy Principal

Being Thankful

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to do service with some of our young men in Year 11 at ‘Loaves and Fishes’ in Ashfield, where our students prepare lunch and serve those most in need. Two hundred and forty people came through on the day. These people who are experiencing challenging times need to be shown basic human dignity and respect. They are just like any of us and any of us could find ourselves, through no fault of our own, in their situation one day.

Our Service Program at the College is so important. It is a chance for our young men to be able to give back and help those people living on the margins. Through our touchstone of Justice and Solidarity, our young men can walk with people and give back to those less fortunate. It is not just about making sure that these people we are serving have a meal to eat. It is about listening to their stories as it may be the only conversation that some of the guests have that day. 

We were blessed to work with an adult volunteer named Julian. Julian is a St Patrick’s College Old boy and was from Bexley originally. He is the epitome of our ‘Ideal Graduate’. Long after he left our gates for the last time, he continues to serve the community and give back. It was a true lesson for our young men that through service to others they must always ‘Let their Light Shine’. 

I thank Ms Daley, Mr Herro and Ms Fogliani for the work that they put in to provide our College with opportunities for us to serve. I would also like to thank Gabriel, Nicholas, Thaleson, Christian, Cruz, Noah, Max, and John-Paul; you were a credit to not only yourselves but to your families and the College.

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal