Principal

STUDENT LEADERS 2024

It has been a huge week this week for the College as we farewell the Class of 2023 and then move to host the investiture of the student leaders for the Class of 2024. Our new student leaders are:

Here are some of the thoughts I shared with those assembled.

“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed teachers, parents, and most importantly, the future leaders of our St Patrick’s College community, I stand before you today with profound gratitude and optimism as we celebrate this significant occasion – the Student Leadership Investiture for the Class of 2024. As we embark on this journey together, I would like to offer some reflections from a Christian perspective, coupled with anecdotes from famous world leaders who have exemplified the values we hold dear. They are leaders who I have admired and at different times of my life, I have dipped into the messages they sent, the example they showed, to get me through the hard times.

First and foremost, let us remember the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 20, Verse 26: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." This timeless message underscores the essence of Christian leadership – one that emphasizes humility and service to others. He who is our God, our King, befriended those in his time and context that others shunned. The unclean, the tax collectors, women shunned for their actions. The other. His act of washing the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper always reminds me of what I need to do at all times. Sometimes when I open a door for a student carrying things, they remark that I didn’t have to do that – it should be the other way around. But Jesus washed people’s feet and if it is good enough for him, it is good enough for me.

Pope Francis is a person whom I admire immensely from the moment I heard him speak after being elected Pope by the Conclave of Cardinals. In his first words, he asked for the crowd to join him in prayer for Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. He then asked the crowd to take a moment to bless and pray for him. Only then did he go on to bless the crowd.

He proceeded to board the shuttle bus back to the basilica from the Sistine Chapel among other cardinals on the night he was elected, refusing to take the Vatican “limo” fit for a pope. He insisted on paying the small hotel he stayed in before entering the conclave after he was elected pope. Perhaps most shockingly of all, he refused to move into the lavish papal apartment, allegedly saying, “you can fit 300 people here!” Instead, he has chosen to sleep in a simple room in Domus Santa Martha, the same hotel-style residence he stayed in during the conclave that elected him on March 13, 2013. 

The only people who might not be so impressed by his humbleness, ironically, may be the Vatican employees. The pope then announced that the approximately $2,000 bonus workers at the Holy See traditionally receive every time a new pope is elected must go to the poor instead. Many Catholics, like me, have been won over by Pope Francis’ humility and preferential option for the poor. 

Another great leader of the 20th century who embodied the same principle was Mahatma Gandhi. He once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Gandhi's commitment to nonviolence and his unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom for his people were rooted in his example of loving our neighbours as ourselves. As young men, his message of being non-violent and aiming for pacifism is one you are challenged with as you grow into manhood. Aim to grow into tender-hearted men that abhor violence and violent language.

In our school community, we can find inspiration from Gandhi's life by striving to be servant leaders. When we embrace this approach, we not only uplift ourselves but also empower those around us. Remember, leadership is not about seeking power for oneself; it's about using one's power to empower others.

Another remarkable leader who demonstrated the Christian values of love and compassion is Mother Teresa. She tirelessly served the poorest of the poor, living her life in the service of others. Mother Teresa once said, "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love." Her example reminds us that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a profound difference in someone's life. I see this amongst some of the boys who are inducted today. They spend hours up at Waterford preparing meals for the homeless and then ensuring they get delivered. These are young men whose SOL services points are off the Richter Scale. Serving others for them is not ticking a box but a habit, a way of life for them.

It is my hope that this team of young men grow into the kind of leaders that are courageous, ethical, and compassionate.

Lastly, let's draw inspiration from the life of Nelson Mandela, a leader who forgave his oppressors and worked tirelessly to build a just and inclusive South Africa. He once stated, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Your role as student leaders includes advocating for quality education and opportunities for all. 

Michael, Christian, Charbel and the Prefect team - as student leaders, you have the opportunity to make a difference in our College community through your actions, no matter how modest they may seem. Whether it's assisting a struggling classmate, organising a charity drive, not turning a blind eye when you see another boy being treated badly or simply offering a kind word, your acts of love and compassion will create a ripple effect of positive change.

In conclusion, as you assume your leadership roles in our school community, I encourage you to reflect on these Christian principles and the wisdom of these great world leaders. Be servant leaders, showing humility and compassion in all your actions. Be the light that drives out darkness, promoting unity and reconciliation. And use education as a powerful tool to change lives and create a brighter future for all.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Your teachers, parents, and the entire College community stand beside you, ready to support your efforts. Together, let us lead with faith, hope, and love, knowing that with God's guidance, we can make a positive and lasting impact on our high school and the world beyond. May God bless each of you as you embark on this noble mission of leadership. Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever.”

McGlade Organ Scholarship

With the graduation of Bailey Yates, the College is seeking to appoint a McGlade Organ Scholarship to a suitably talented student from Years 7 – 10. The McGlade Organ Scholarship applicant will be required to present himself for an audition consisting of:

1. The performance, on piano or organ, of two or three short contrasting pieces of approximately 4th Grade AMEB standard. Piano is acceptable for applicants wishing to undertake organ studies for the first time.
    
2. a short sight-reading test of approximately 4th Grade AMEB standard.
    
3. a short sight-singing test (a hymn, tune or similar).

Criteria for Selection 

The applicant will be required to demonstrate keyboard competency, the ability to sight-read keyboard music and to sight-singing a hymn tune or similar.

The applicant will show a willingness to undertake weekly organ tuition and to practice the organ daily in order to develop knowledge and skills on the instrument.

The applicant will be required to assist the College Organist with a range of College liturgical celebrations, including Friday morning College Eucharists, special events (P&F Welcome Mass, Mother’s Day Mass, Graduation Masses, Founder’s Day, Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Carol Services, etc.) and irregular community occurrences such as funerals, weddings and baptisms as required from time to time.

In determining the award of a scholarship, preference maybe given to those applicants already able to play the organ and to those applicants who will be able to serve the Chapel needs of the College over a longer period of time.

Benefits 

In addition to the McGlade Scholarship equivalent to half the tuition fees, the McGlade Organ Scholar will also receive organ tuition free of charge.

Year 10 students can apply for the Organ Scholarship and the McGlade Academic Scholarship provided they meet the above criteria and are prepared to commit the clearly stated expectations.

Interested students should contact the Head of Performing Arts, Ms Duff, in writing.

Community News

• Ms Michaela Lee recently gave birth to her third child, a son. Both mum and bub are doing well.
   
• In the same vein, we congratulate Mr Sam Rowlings and his wife Claire, on the birth of their second daughter, Harriet Mae Rowlings. 

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero