Principal
Raising Young Men of Faith and Character in a Digital Age
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, rapid change and constant connectivity, one question is becoming more important than ever:
What kind of young people are we forming?
On 15 May 2026, Pope Leo XIV published a new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, reflecting on education, technology and the dignity of the human person. The document highlights both the opportunities and the challenges facing young people today.
While digital tools and artificial intelligence can enhance learning and connection, there is a growing concern that young people may become overly reliant on immediate answers, lose the ability to think deeply, and struggle to form authentic relationships.
This is where the role of family and school becomes critical.
At St Patrick’s College Strathfield, our mission — grounded in the Edmund Rice tradition — is not only to educate but to form young men of integrity, faith and compassion.
This means ensuring that every boy understands a fundamental truth: his worth is not defined by academic results, sporting success or social standing.
Each young man carries an inherent dignity. Our shared goal is to help him recognise that dignity in himself and in others.
The encyclical also draws attention to the impact of digital culture on young people. Easy access to information can sometimes replace genuine curiosity. Social media can shape identity in ways that are not always healthy. Constant connectivity can lead to distraction, anxiety and reduced face-to-face interaction.
In response, schools and families must work closely together to:
encourage balance in the use of technology
promote respectful and responsible digital behaviour
support young people in developing independence and critical thinking.
Equally important is the formation of character.
In the Edmund Rice tradition, we strive to nurture young men who are:
committed to justice
aware of the needs of others
willing to serve their community
grounded in faith and guided by values.
Programs in service learning, pastoral care and wellbeing all reflect this commitment.
Parents play an essential role in this partnership. The habits developed at home — particularly around technology use, communication and relationships — have a profound impact on each child’s growth.
Together, we can help our boys:
build resilience
form meaningful relationships
develop a strong moral compass
and grow into men who contribute positively to the world.
In a rapidly changing world, our shared focus remains clear: to form not just capable learners, but good men.
Celebrating Founder's Day 2026: Living the Legacy of Edmund Rice
"And above all, clothe yourselves with love." — Colossians 3:14.
Founder's Day is one of the most cherished moments in our College calendar — a day when I have the privilege of gathering with our entire community to remember where we have come from, give thanks for all that we share, and look with hope and purpose to the future.
This year's celebration was particularly moving for me. Together in prayer, reflection and gratitude, we were reminded that the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice is not something confined to history. It is alive — in our classrooms, on our oval, in our corridors, and in the quiet, daily choices of the remarkable people who make St Patrick's College what it is.
In my address this year, I drew on the powerful words of St Paul — "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience… and above all, clothe yourselves with love" — not simply as an inspiration, but as a lived calling for every one of us.
I reflected on the example of Blessed Edmund Rice, who trusted deeply in God, saw need and responded with compassion, saw injustice and chose courage — and in doing so, built something that has endured across generations and across continents. That same trust now rests with us.
This year's Founder's Day also carried a deeply personal significance. I shared with our community that this was my final Founder's Day as Principal of St Patrick's College, after 25 years serving in schools founded by the Christian Brothers. I have been shaped profoundly by the faith and example of the Brothers, by the young men I have had the privilege of teaching and leading, and by this extraordinary faith community that lives the Edmund Rice charism with such authenticity, generosity and love. It is a chapter of my life I will carry with me always.
2026 Founder's Day Award Recipients
Each year, our Founder's Day Awards recognise students and staff who do not simply speak about our values — but who live them. Chosen by their peers, these awards speak of character, compassion, and quiet courage. It is one of my greatest joys as Principal to announce these recipients, and this year was no exception.
Stage 3 Award (Years 5 and 6) — Theodore K, Year 6
Theodore is described by his classmates as "always kind, loyal, and very responsible" — a quiet guide who helps others make the right choices, not out of judgment, but out of genuine care for those around him. His peers speak of a boy who is "always there," who ensures no one feels excluded, and who greets each day with warmth and a good attitude that lifts everyone in his orbit. I am so proud to recognise Theodore for the steady, humble goodness that is the very heart of what Founder's Day celebrates.
Stage 4 Award (Years 7 and 8) — Benjamin G, Year 8
Benjamin is a student who lives his faith and values each day without seeking recognition — and it is precisely that quiet authenticity that makes him so deserving of this award. He is the boy who "goes to the chapel every lunch time," who "picks up rubbish when no one is looking," and who treats every person he meets with kindness and respect. His classmates describe someone who is always looking out for others — a quiet leader whose actions speak far louder than words. Benjamin embodies everything we hope for in a St Patrick's student.
Stage 5 Award (Years 9 and 10) — Xavier T, Year 9
When I read through Xavier's nominations, I was struck by how consistently his name appeared — always accompanied by words of warmth, encouragement and genuine admiration. He is recognised as a student who "always strives to do his best in and outside of the College," who "openly includes all," and who represents our school "in the best way possible." Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in the everyday moments that define a community, Xavier lifts those around him and makes everyone feel supported and valued. I could not be prouder to name him our Stage 5 recipient.
Stage 6 Award (Years 11 and 12) — Sebastian A, Year 11
Sebastian is described by his peers as "one of the friendliest people I know" — a young man who ensures that "nobody is left out" and who goes out of his way to check in on those who might be struggling. What strikes me most about Sebastian is not just his kindness, but his intentionality — he actively seeks out those who need encouragement and makes them feel welcomed, connected and valued. He embodies kindness, humility and genuine care, and he is, in every sense, an ideal St Patrick's graduate.
2026 Staff Touchstone Award — Gospel Spirituality — Mrs Nikki Fochesato
Of all the announcements I make on Founder's Day, the Staff Touchstone Award is always one that fills me with the deepest sense of pride — because it recognises one of our own who gives so much, so quietly, so consistently.
This year, I had the great joy of announcing Mrs Nikki Fochesato as the recipient of the 2026 Staff Touchstone Award for Gospel Spirituality.
Nikki serves our College with dedication, generosity and joy — giving far more than is ever expected, always in pursuit of helping this community shine. Her work touches our social media, our storytelling, our visual identity, our archives, and the countless ways our community is brought together and celebrated. She is a living spring in every sense — never running dry, always offering encouragement, kindness and care to all she encounters.
Yet despite the extraordinary reach and impact of everything she does, Nikki's humility means she is rarely the one in the spotlight. On Founder's Day 2026, I was honoured to change that — to acknowledge, in front of our whole community, the wisdom, creativity, dedication and heart that Mrs Fochesato brings to St Patrick's College each and every day. Nikki, on behalf of the entire College community — thank you.
A Moment to Carry Forward
As I reflect on this year's Founder's Day — my last as Principal — I am reminded, more powerfully than ever, that the legacy of Edmund Rice does not rest in buildings or traditions alone. It rests in people. In students who include, encourage and serve. In staff who give quietly and generously. In a community that, day after day, chooses love.
To our award recipients — Theodore, Benjamin, Xavier, Sebastian, and Mrs Fochesato — congratulations. You inspire me, and you inspire this entire community.
It has been the honour of my life to lead this College. And it is with a full heart that I say, as I have every Founder's Day for 25 years:
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Streamlining of our Communications
As you are aware, we have slowly but purposefully, been moving to streamline the flow of information to and from the College. The new website, the Parent Orbit and Staff Orbit apps have meant a clear source of information for parents and teachers. The final piece is about to arrive and that is, the Student Orbit App.
The features for students are:
It replaces the SPC App
Same data as the Student Café
Final piece of mobility strategy
Today – shows activities for the day
Calendar Tab – Full calendar with filters
Push Notifications – same platform as parents
School Links – customisable links
Reminders – set reminders for activities
Co-Curricular Hub – Same platform for all TASS users.
This will be live in Term 3 and we will be working with the boys to ensure they download it correctly and use it. The SPC app will no longer function from the start of Term 3.
Expanded access to free nasal spray influenza vaccine
NSW Health has advised schools about a recent change expanding eligibility for the nasal spray influenza (flu) vaccine to include children aged 5 to 17 years.
This means that children aged 2 to 17 years (inclusive) are now eligible to receive a free nasal spray flu vaccine through GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services.
NSW Health advises that the expanded eligibility is due to strong demand from families and immunisation providers and aims to increase vaccination coverage ahead of the winter respiratory season. While younger children remain at the highest risk of severe flu, older children and adolescents can also experience complications and contribute to the spread of illness within families and the broader community.
I refer our families to the NSW Health nasal spray influenza vaccine webpage for further information.
Message from the Interim CEO of EREA NSW, Mr Chris Woolley
The appointment of the new Principal is expected to be announced in early Term 3. EREA NSW Colleges looks forward to working closely with the College community to appoint an outstanding leader who will continue to enhance the mission and educational excellence of St Patrick’s College, Strathfield.
An important part of this recruitment process is community consultation, including with parents and staff. EREA NSW Colleges welcomes your input through your participation in a community survey that seeks your input regarding the qualities and attributes required in the successful candidate.
This survey is available via the link below. While the Survey asks for your name, all responses are collated at the EREA NSW Colleges office, with only the deidentified data included in the survey report for the Panel. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and will need to be submitted prior to Wednesday, 24 June 2026.
Click here to access the consultation survey.
Staff News
Ms Amanda Forgione, one of our part-time members of staff, will be joining the Diverse Learning Team in Terms 3 and 4 as a full-time Learning Support teacher. This will assist us enormously in the expertise we need to support some of our most vulnerable learners.
In Memoriam
We pray for the family of Lucas (Year 8), and Old Boy, Nicholas Rahme ('24) whose grandfather Bechara Rahme recently passed away.
Dr Vittoria Lavorato
Principal
SPC boys can do anything!
**except divide by zero
