Wellbeing - Senior School
EREA Student Leaders’ Network Day 2025 – Servant Leadership
On Thursday 20 November, student leaders from St Patrick’s College, Strathfield attended the EREA Student Leaders’ Network Day, joining newly appointed 2026 student leadership teams from EREA schools across New South Wales.
Guided by the theme of servant leadership, the two-day event provided an opportunity for students to connect and collaborate as they prepare to step into their roles next year. Student leaders were present from several EREA schools including Waverley College, St Edmund’s College, Edmund Rice College, St Pius X College, St Dominic’s College, CBHS Lewisham and St Edward’s College.
Students heard from two guest speakers who delivered powerful and thought-provoking messages:
Talk 2 Me Bro: Jack Brown and Kevin White focused on mental health, encouraging students to prioritise the wellbeing of others and to be aware of the challenges their peers may be facing. The session reinforced the idea that true leadership involves supporting and uplifting those around you.
Mr John Brogden: Shared his personal story, emphasising the importance of self-care and the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health. His message reminded students that leaders should not be ashamed to seek help, highlighting that caring for oneself is essential to effectively care for others.
Students also took part in workshops collaborating with peers from other schools. They:
learned about current and future student-led initiatives
shared ideas to support their respective communities
worked together to plan meaningful actions for 2026.
Throughout the discussions, the theme of servant leadership remained central, encouraging leadership that is people-focused, humble and grounded in empathy.
The event concluded with a liturgy featuring a symbolic gesture representing that, while each school is unique, we are united by the Edmund Rice Charism. This powerful moment encouraged students to reflect on how they will continue to lead with compassion and unity.
Our St Patrick’s College Student Leaders represented the College with pride and maturity. They returned motivated to implement initiatives that reflect the values of justice, compassion and service, demonstrating leadership that puts others first.
We look forward to seeing these principles embodied in their work throughout 2026.
Megan Santiago
Wellbeing Coordinator
Presentation of Commendation Certificates
I was delighted to present to the assembly last Friday 21 November boys from Years 9 and 10 who qualified for a Commendation Certificate. The awarding of a Commendation Certificate reflects a consistent level of application or improvement by a student over a period of time. The students have achieved this award as the result of consistent excellent work, a positive attitude to their studies, displaying admirable leadership qualities and excellent behaviour over the course of the last 12 months.
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Jonny Shannon- Presentations to Year 9 and 10
Last Wednesday, Years 9 and 10 had the opportunity to hear from guest presenter Jonny Shannon. He spoke to Year 9 on the topic of drugs and alcohol, helping students to understand first and foremost what is affecting the decisions that can lead to drug and alcohol dependency. Students heard how addictions are formed, with discussion on strategies that assist them in dealing with peer pressure.
The Year 10 cohort engaged in discussion about the emotional and social aspects of sexuality, with Jonny providing a guide to building and maintaining healthy relationships, offering ideas on dealing with peer pressure and coping with break-ups. He challenged the boys to think about the options for their future when establishing relationships with others.
Robert Simpson
Director of Senior School