Wellbeing - Senior School

Achieving Your Dreams

Like many Australians I have been enthralled by the Olympic Games currently being held in Paris. As a sports-lover the two weeks of competition rekindle childhood memories of watching magic moments in the pool such as Neil Brooks and Michelle Ford at the 1980 Moscow games or John Sieben’s and weightlifter's Dean Lukin’s victories during the 1984 Los Angeles games.

I was fortunate enough to be a volunteer at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, being present when Susie O’Neill and Ian Thorpe broke records at the swimming trials and then being in close proximity to the athletes and assembled media at the Superdome during the Basketball medal rounds and closing ceremony. 

I have always been intrigued and inspired by the back stories of the athletes, whose experiences come to light as they chase that ‘olympic glory.’ The years of dedication and sacrifice to achieve their ‘olympic dream,’ hours of training and overcoming setbacks, both physical and emotional.

To hear these athletes recount how their achievements would not have been possible without the support of family, coaches and friends is testament to the idea that it ‘takes a village to raise a child.’ There is no better example than the school friends of Tara Rigney being there to support her after the heartbreak of missing a medal by a mere second in the final of the Single Sculls a few days ago. 

Irrespective of the sporting context, the experiences of the athletes from all countries can serve as inspiration and template for our students as they work through the semester and beyond; a willingness to pursue and achieve a dream: setting short and long-term goals, applying themselves in the classroom, stage or sporting field, being resilient in the face of setbacks such as injury or adversity and supporting each other in a collective effort to achieve those goals.

In their own way, the Year 12 students are experiencing the build up to their own Olympics in October as they undertake Trial HSC over the next two weeks. We wish them all the best as they undertake the examinations and as they continue to prepare for the HSC examinations in October.

Robert Simpson

Director of Senior School

Service Leadership

We have officially begun the nomination process for the 2025 Student Representative Council, made up of Year Ambassadors (Years 7-11); and the Student Leadership Team (Year 12). In the last couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to present on the significance of service leadership at St Patrick’s College at the Middle and Senior school Year Coordinator Meetings. My presentation focused on our current Year 12 student leaders and the ways in which they prioritise the needs and wellbeing of others before their own - a true reflection of service leadership.

One student leader who I mentioned in my presentation who demonstrates qualities of a servant leader is Elie Badran, Year 6 Prefect. His goal this year was to foster camaraderie and house spirit within the Year 6 cohort by developing a House Football Competition that spanned over two weeks. This initiative not only required a great deal of planning, but it also required taking time out of his lunch to supervise the boys. Along with the Elie the following Year 12 leaders (prefects and Black Tie students) also graciously assisted with the competition: Isaac Abounader, Habib Ghosn, Charbel Francis (Vice Captain), James Kazzi (Rice Prefect), Ethan Harb (Coghlan Prefect), Oliver Burgess, Christian Katrib (Vice Captain), Luke Sioud and Chris Sioud. The presence of these role models demonstrated to the Year 6 students that they are valued members of our community. Elie’s determination in organising and successfully executing this initiative is an example of fostering an environment with the focus being on belonging and unity. 

As we progress through the nomination process, I encourage you to have conversations with your son’s regarding what positive qualities leaders possess. By reflecting on these qualities, we prompt the boys to look inward and consider ways they could serve and lead their community as their voice, insight and skills contribute to the rich tapestry of the College.

Megan Santiago

Wellbeing Coordinator