Deputy Principal

Week 10

As we come to the end of the term, it has been nice to see the genuine joy on the faces of young men and women as they have enjoyed the Lenten Dances. These dances are a time for young men and women to come together in a supportive environment to mix and meet each other and to generally enjoy themselves. One of the highlights for me was at the end of the dance last Friday. As one of our students waited outside at the bus stop to be picked up, I asked him if he had a good night. His response was “I was a bit shy at first, but my mates rallied around me, and I came out of my shell and had a great night”. It is this sense of looking after each other that makes St Patrick’s College a great community.

It is also a time to remember the purpose of our Lenten appeal. That is to raise money for those less fortunate than us. On Thursday night while we waited for a young lady to be picked up by her father, she made a comment to one of the teachers expressing what a good time she had had; however, she could not understand why a ticket to the dance cost $25. She said for $25 all she got was a packet of chips and a bottle of water. When the teacher explained that the money was sent to our Lenten partner Ruben Centre in Kenya to assist in helping them to construct buildings in their school and educate children, she replied: “I didn’t know that; that is a great cause, oh, now I am glad I paid the $25”.

As we move into the Easter break, recounting that story makes me grateful for what I have; wonderful family and friends and the support of the St Patrick’s College community. I take this opportunity to wish you a safe and happy holiday. I hope our young men have a restful break. I look forward to seeing you all in Term 2. 

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal