Co-curricular

Co-curricular – Meeting Commitments and Expectations

The 2021 winter season is upon us and I for one am extremely excited at the prospect of seeing our boys perform on the playing fields, in the debating halls and on the stage. That said, it has become increasingly obvious that this period of changeover has been incredibly difficult to manage for varying reasons and it has impacted several key stakeholders.

In essence, the number of requests for a change of Co-curricular activity has been very high and far greater than in previous years. In some instances, boys have chosen or have been directed not to attend their Co-curricular activity simply because they have changed their minds. This is not acceptable. There are others that have made requests due to extenuating circumstances and as is always the case, the requests have been considered on their merits, whilst also considering the possible impact on other students.

Given the above-mentioned, I feel it is necessary to remind a small part of our community of the following: 

When boys indicate they are going to participate in a Co-curricular activity, they are making a binding commitment.  In essence, they are to attend all training sessions and all games. Boys who are injured are expected to support their teammates at Saturday fixtures if the match is played in the Sydney Metropolitan area. Travelling a distance to games or training is a necessary component of this commitment.  A part-time job or outside tuition sessions are not acceptable excuses for non-attendance. Furthermore, it is the expectation that a boy will play for the College in a sport rather than play in an outside team should a clash of times occur. Please also note that boys who play Rugby League outside the College must play Rugby for the College. 

It has recently come to my attention that a small number of boys have been absent from their training session or missed a Saturday fixture without having followed College procedure in terms of follow-up. To clarify the situation, I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents, staff and students of the following protocol should a boy be absent:

• Boys intending to miss a training session or game due to a Doctor’s appointment should present a note to the coach, MIC or Head of Sport prior to the training session. Under no circumstance should he ask a team mate to pass on a message.
• Requests for leave from a Saturday fixture/Band Performance/Debate, etc., should be directed to me in the first instance, then Mr Calavassy or Mr Locke (Junior School). This should be done well in advance, particularly if it relates to a clash with a significant family event or celebration, such as a wedding.
• Boys who are absent from the training and/or fixture must present their coach, MIC or Age Coordinator with a satisfactory written explanation from home by the end of lunch time on their first day back at school after their absence.
• Boys are to be dressed in proper and activity related College attire when representing the College in Co-curricular activities, which includes wearing the correct socks and shorts. Boys should not be wearing College Rugby socks if they are playing Football for SPC.
• Failure to comply with these expectations will result in the issuance of consequences, ranging from infringement notices through to weekend detentions.

To ensure that there is a sense of equity in relation to students not attending Presentation Evenings, training sessions, weekend fixtures, etc., I would kindly ask parents to clearly outline the reasons behind their son’s absence. The term 'Family Commitments' covers a range of scenarios and as such, does not assist with the process. Your understanding and support in this matter is appreciated.

In closing, I would like to thank the majority of parents and boys who work with the College to ensure that we, as a community, enjoy these weekly events and in doing so, create fond memories for the future.

Steve Fochesato 

Director of Co-curricular

Debating 2021

Debaters and coaches are excited about the 2021 season commencing face to face this Friday 30 April, with a home match against Domremy College. Registration will commence from 4:30pm in the Robson Auditorium foyer, with prayer and coin toss at 5:00pm and debates starting from 6:00pm.

The draw for this season is as follows:

Debating Rounds

Boys are expected to make their own way to the away venues. Parents are welcome to attend home matches and at St Patrick’s Campbelltown at this point but will need to sign in with Service NSW on arrival and abide by the two square metre rule.

All boys are expected to sign the Code of Conduct for the Catholic Schools Debating Association competition (CSDA). Debaters are also expected to attend all home and away matches in support of their team, regardless of whether they are debating on a given night.

We welcome student supporters as well, especially at home matches. The season will culminate with the tense rivalry of the Santa Sabina vs St Pat’s Debate of Origin on Friday 4 June here at home.

Denise Lombardo

Director of Learning and Innovation