Mission & Identity

O sing a new song to the Lord;

sing to the Lord, all the earth.

In his presence are majesty and splendour,

strength and honour in his holy place. (Cf Psalm 95:1,6)

Welcome to the 2025 school year, may it be one that is filled with the majesty and splendour of our Lord where all find strength and honour. An especially warm welcome to all of our new students and families.

The year is already moving quickly. Staff have been back and busy for several days, our Yesterday our Year 12 students attended a retreat day with Mr Steve Lawrence – a day which also invited our new Year 7 students to commence their St Patrick’s journey and the Junior School information evening. 

Today saw the return of all students, and a whole school assembly, one aspect of the evening was outlining all the opportunities that are offered students: from the classroom, sporting fields, music programs, the arts, and everyday social interactions. As our Business Manager, Mr Andrew Jirik, once observed: 'There appears to be no Ready, Set, only Go!”

The other side of all the opportunities open to students is the expectation of full and proper participation. Expectations about behaviour, respect, organisation, study habits, uniform, endurance, being representatives of the College community abound, where expectations match the long list of activities the College offers. This can be overwhelming.

So let us take a moment, and reflect on this section from the “The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School:”

Once (students) get beyond feeling that too much is being asked of them, students will realise that perfection is actually within their grasp. The only thing they have to do is live their lives as students as well as they can:

• Do their best in study and work;

• Put into practice the virtues they already know in theory - especially love, which must be lived in the classroom, at home, and among friends;

• Accept difficulties with courage;

• Help those in need; give a good example.

In addition, they must find the inspiration for their daily lives in the words and the example of Jesus. They must converse with him in prayer and receive him in the Eucharist. No student can say that these are impossible demands.

May God bless our young men with the eternal joy that comes from growth in love.