Principal

Sacrifice and Service

Last Sunday, the nation observed ANZAC day. Over the years, some have come to consider this a glorification of war. Indeed, it has become something very different. ANZAC Day, a solemn day of remembrance, has a long and rich history – full of tradition. In its early years, we honoured those who fought at Gallipoli, especially those who had died. Over the years, however, we have come to recognise the service and sacrifice of countless men and women in different wars and peacekeeping missions, as well as remembering the families and friends they leave waiting at home. We honour our very own Old Boys who fell in theatres of war. The boys have been honouring and praying for them:

ANZAC Day has helped forge our national identity, and its traditions reflect our national psyche – who we are as a people, the values we hold, and what we stand for. The day has also revealed a seemingly innate human characteristic – the desire to show gratitude to others for their personal sacrifice for the common good.

Service and sacrifice have long been held as noble virtues, drawing respect from both individuals and communities. They point to the fundamental goodness of humanity, as well as call us to higher or better things. They remind us that heroism exists in the routine of everyday life, as well as in the darkest of times. Our College touchstones of Liberating Education and Inclusive Community speak to us precisely of these virtues of service and sacrifice. Each of us in our community is called to open our hearts and minds and work for a better world for all. We desire right relationships and thus, are committed to the common good. 

In the spirit of ANZAC and the model of sacrifice and service that we uphold, I entreat our St Pat’s students to reflect on two things.

Firstly, on the sacrifices that their parents are making to enable them to attend our College. Some of our boys take this opportunity for granted. They do not realise that their parents are more willing than ever to go the extra mile for the sake of their children's education—working long, hard hours, forgoing other purchases, donating time, submitting to long commutes, even staying in cheaper homes in order to afford the high price of private school. On their behalf, I thank you. I know I benefited from the education my parents struggled to provide me!

Secondly, when things go wrong and boys’ relationships sour, teachers at the College try to bring them together to forge a new way forward. I am always disappointed when some boys, sometimes in concert with their parents, are unwilling to participate in restorative meetings. Why? This is a question I have pondered over the years as an educator and often it comes down to the fact that some students can only view the world in an “egocentric” way. A very natural and most human reaction. Sometimes they are scared. Other times they just want retribution. Or at times, they are simply still hurting and wounded emotionally. Part of growing up and developing the skills of resolution is for boys to develop a mindset of working towards a common good. Working to see the world through another man’s eyes is hard. It involves sacrifice and service. But just like the ANZACs, such virtues help us here at SPC to forge a better community.

In a world of self-seeking, of self-sufficiency

there is often very little space for love

Little time for giving, or receiving

In the midst of living, the bustle of the school playground

the noise of sports training and games, the party small-talk

there is real loneliness

unnoticed by all but you

Give us discernment, Father to see people as you see them

to be your love in this world

to be willing to give sacrificially of time, and self

that others might know the depth of your love

 In our busy lives, Lord help us to be your love in the world

Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever.

Mother's Day Masses

We are sorry that some of our mothers have missed out on Mother’s Day Mass this year. Parents need to be aware that we can only host this event on-site with a strict COVID plan. Consequently, we have had to set a ceiling on the number of attendees in the Gymnasium to 800.

No ticket will mean no entry.

Those mothers who have booked and have a ticket will need to register with Service NSW and present a ticket to gain entry. We are not trying to frustrate parents. The College must adhere to Department of Health guidelines and these are the ramifications for 2021. We could only host two masses; more than this impacted on boys' learning and scheduled tasks and lesson objectives. They remain our priority.

For 2022, we are looking to host a Mass at another venue in the hope that we can avoid limiting numbers. We tried to do that this year however all appropriate venues were either booked out or unable to accommodate our numbers under their COVID-19 plans.

May God bless all our Mothers on Sunday 9 May. I hope your children spoil you!

Blue Black and Gold Dinner

Tickets are selling fast for this special event. I am looking to meeting you all in such a joyful, fun setting. Rather than turning the night into a “full-on” fund-raising event, the 

P & F agreed to ask parents to make donations, however small and large, at the point of ticket purchase.

I would like to be clear about the destination of the BBG fund-raising monies. The current Building Levy is being collected for our upcoming major building works (Science and Learning Centre). However, we also have a strong need to complete our air-conditioning of rooms at the College, including the Gym. If you can assist in this fund-raising, whether you can attend the BBG or not, please go to the link https://www.trybooking.com/BPUUT .

In Memoriam

It is with a heavy heart that we announce to the SPC community today, the passing of Ms Grape's mother, Elda, yesterday. Ms Grape has nursed her mother at home for many years, and we ask you to keep her in your prayers at this time.

We keep in our prayers Matthew Cassano (Year 6) on the loss of his grandfather, Robert Cassano just prior to Easter. 

We also pray for Declan Fletcher (Year 8) whose grandfather, Terence (Terry) Cahalan, passed away late last week. Terry Cahalan was an Old Boy of St Patrick’s College. 

We keep Paul Boumelhem (Year 5), Andrew Ibrahim (Year 6), Luke (Year 8), Marc (Year 10), Anthony (Year 12) and Nicholas Bounassif (Class of 2019) and their families in our prayers on the loss of their beloved aunt, Margo Tannous last week. We also pray for Margo’s sons, Joseph (Class of 2018) and Patrick Tannous (Class of 2019). May the Lord bring them peace and comfort in this saddest of times. 

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. 

May they rest in peace. 

Amen.

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! *

*except divide by zero