Principal
Creating a Culture of Belonging: Our Shared Commitment to Prevent Bullying
At a recent Behaviour and Diverse Learning Symposium, Mr Byrne and I had the privilege of engaging with the work of Emeritus Professor Donna Cross, one of Australia’s leading voices in student wellbeing. Her message was both simple and deeply compelling:
“If we get nothing else right, we have to get belonging right. Belonging comes from the culture.”
This truth resonates strongly with who we are as a College community.
Bullying Is Not Inevitable
Professor Cross challenges the idea that bullying is somehow a normal part of growing up. The research tells us something far more hopeful: bullying is preventable, and schools—working in partnership with families—have considerable power to reduce it. At our College, this means focusing not only on responding to incidents, but on shaping a culture where respect, empathy and belonging are lived every day.
Looking Beyond Labels
A powerful insight from the keynote was the need to move beyond rigid definitions of bullying. Too often, support is delayed while we wait to determine whether behaviour meets a formal definition. Professor Cross reminds us that this can leave students without the help they need. Instead, we are called to respond to any behaviour that causes harm, addressing concerns early and thoughtfully before they escalate.
The Importance of Acting Early
Effective schools respond:
Promptly
Consistently
With clear and transparent processes
Early intervention is critical. Small acts of unkindness, if left unchecked, can grow into patterns of behaviour that cause significant harm. By acting early, we protect relationships, dignity and wellbeing.
A Shared Responsibility: The Role of Parents
Professor Cross emphasises that creating a safe and respectful environment is a shared responsibility between school and home.
As parents/carers, your role is both powerful and deeply influential. Together, we can ensure that unkind behaviour is addressed before it becomes something more serious.
You can support this work in several important ways:
1. Encourage Open Conversations at Home
Create space for your son to talk about his day—both the positives and the challenges.
Ask not only “What happened?” but “How did people treat one another?”.
Help him reflect on the impact of his words and actions.
When young people feel heard at home, they are more likely to speak up when something is wrong.
2. Reinforce the Importance of Respect and Empathy
Boys, in particular, can feel pressure to appear strong or unaffected. Gentle conversations at home can reinforce that:
Kindness is a strength, not a weakness
Standing up for others matters
Respectful behaviour is expected in all settings—on the field, online and in the classroom.
3. Act Early—Even with “Small” Concerns
One of the key messages from the research is not to wait for behaviour to be labelled as “bullying” before seeking support.
If your son shares something concerning:
Please let us know early via your son’s Year Coordinator; contact details are in Parent Orbit.
Trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
Early communication allows us to respond before issues escalate.
4. Partner with the College
When concerns arise, our goal is always to work with you, not separately from you.
You can support this by:
sharing relevant information openly
trusting the College’s processes and commitment to fairness
reinforcing at home the expectations and messages your son hears at school.
A unified message between home and school strengthens outcomes for all students.
5. Model the Behaviour We Seek
Young people learn most powerfully from what they see.
Demonstrating calm, respectful responses to challenges.
Speaking positively about others.
Resolving conflict constructively.
These everyday actions shape how boys treat one another.
6. Support Healthy Digital Behaviour
Much of today’s unkind behaviour can occur online. Parents/carers can assist by:
monitoring and guiding appropriate online use
discussing the permanence and impact of digital communication
encouraging students to pause before posting or responding.
Our Ongoing Commitment
The NSW Anti‑Bullying Framework reminds us that the most effective schools focus on:
Strong relationships
Clear and consistent practices
Student voice
Ongoing partnership with families.
We are committed to continually reflecting on our work—asking what is making a difference, where we can improve, and how we can strengthen the experience of every student in our care.
A Final Reflection
At its heart, this work is about more than preventing harm. It is about building a community where every young man feels he belongs -where he is respected, supported and encouraged to grow into the person he is called to be.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership and your shared commitment to this important mission.
Together, we can ensure that small moments of unkindness are addressed early - and that they never take root in a way that diminishes the dignity of any member of our community.
Parent Action Checklist: Supporting Respectful Relationships
✔Talk daily – Ask your son not just what he did, but how he and others treated one another.
✔Act early – Raise concerns with the College, even if they seem small.
✔Reinforce values – Emphasise that kindness, respect and courage matter.
✔Encourage speaking up – Support your son to seek help if something doesn’t feel right.
✔Model respectful behaviour – Show calm, constructive ways to handle conflict.
✔Monitor online activity – Guide responsible and thoughtful digital communication.
✔Partner with us – Work with the College so your son receives consistent messages at home and school.
More Than a Game: Sportsmanship and the Making of a Man
At last Friday’s College assemblies, I spoke with the boys about a truth that becomes clearer as they move through their years at school: boyhood does not simply fade away—it must be formed into manhood. And manhood, properly understood, is not about dominance, image, or ego. It is about character: strength that protects, courage that serves, and self-control that refuses to harm.
This message has felt especially timely in light of the passing of Pope Francis, who had a remarkable way of speaking about ordinary life—and who often used sport, and football in particular, to describe the formation of the human person. He reminded us that sport is not only entertainment but can also be a “school” of values: a place where young people learn teamwork, self-discipline, respect, and the habits of peace.
That is why it was a privilege, last week, to present to the College our new student leaders: the Captains of Rugby Union, Football, Tennis, Chess, Debating and Athletics. Leadership in these areas is never simply about talent. It is about influence. These young men wear a badge that quietly says to others, “Watch how I carry myself when it matters.”
In the assembly, the boys were challenged with a simple insight: no one wins alone. Every success is carried by others—teammates, coaches, teachers, parents, friends, and even opponents who test and refine us. In a boys’ school, this is a powerful lesson for manhood: a boy seeks attention, but a man seeks responsibility. Our captains, and indeed every student, were encouraged to make “we” louder than “me” - to lead in a way that strengthens others rather than elevates self.
We also reflected on the strength that matters most: strength with self-control. Anyone can lash out under pressure. Anyone can blame the referee, mock an opponent, or win at any cost. But it takes a stronger person to keep power under command. Sportsmanship is disciplined strength—confidence that does not belittle, competitiveness that refuses cruelty, and leadership that remains steady when the moment becomes tense.
Finally, we spoke about respect as non-negotiable -on the field, in the debating chamber, online, and in the everyday relationships of school life. A young man’s character is revealed by what he refuses to do: he refuses to dehumanise, he refuses to use words as weapons, and he refuses to “win” by taking someone else’s dignity. This is formation at its most practical: “I will compete fiercely, but I will not damage dignity.”
As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we believe formation happens not only through classrooms and curriculum, but through the lived culture of the College - through the small choices boys make in moments of pressure, conflict, and competition. Our hope is always to form young men who are faithful and inclusive, ready to contribute to a dynamic world, and attentive to the values that sit at the heart of our community.
Thank you, as parents and carers, for your partnership in this work. The language we use at home about sport, the way we speak about referees and opponents, and the standards we reinforce around respect and self-control all shape the men our boys are becoming. Please join us in congratulating our new captains (see below) - and in encouraging every boy to play hard, strive for excellence, and grow in character, so that long after the scoreboard fades, the goodness of the man remains.
Appointment of Winter Co-Curricular Captains
Last Friday at our assemblies, we took great pride in the appointment of our new Captains of Rugby, Football, Tennis, Chess, Debating, Athletics and Cross Country. These young men have been recognised not simply for their talent, but for the way they compete - with integrity, humility, and respect for others. As leaders of their teams, they are called to set the standard: to model graciousness in victory, resilience in defeat, and a commitment to bringing out the very best in those around them, particularly our younger students who look to them as examples of what it means to represent the College well.
Last Thursday night, members of the First and Second Teams in Football, Rugby and Tennis were presented with their jerseys. Their photos can be downloaded from Pixevity at the links below:
Athletics and Cross Country Captain
Cameron M has been a constant in the Cross Country and Athletics team since joining the College. During this time, he has continually demonstrated team spirit and sportsmanship - committed to his own personal performance as well as the success of the whole squad. More recently, Cameron has shown the leadership qualities needed to guide the team in 2026, joining both the running club and offering time to guide the Junior Cross Country team. The Captain for Cross Country and Athletics for 2026 – Cameron M
Chess Captain
Gregory S has been a committed member of the SPC Chess Program for several years. A talented and reliable player with a strong chess rating, he has helped build and promote the school's Chess Program. Gregory consistently conducts himself with maturity and sportsmanship and is a positive example for younger students involved in chess. His experience and steady leadership make him a deserving Chess Captain for 2026. The Captain for Chess for 2026 – Gregory S
Debating Captain
Oscar M has participated in CSDA Debating for six years while at the College, and over the course of many years, has honed his skill and character as a part of this team. He is highly respected for his insight and strategic thinking in the prep room, as well as his masterful rebuttals and thematic refutation as a third speaker. Oscar is a fantastic supporter of his teammates, attending public speaking and finals rounds, even when not participating himself. He is always keen to assist in any way he can and is a great role model for our younger debaters. Oscar has experienced both recognition and success as a debater, having been a presentation evening award recipient in Year 8, and having reached the CSDA finals alongside his peers in 2024. He is an outstanding contributor to his team's success, building cohesion and pride. Oscar is part of a team that is currently undefeated after three rounds and is working towards success in 2026. The Captain for Debating for 2026 - Oscar M
Football Captain
We are proud to announce the appointment of Laurence P as our First XI Football Captain for 2026. A true team-first player, he consistently puts his teammates' needs ahead of his own and leads with respect, humility and purpose. Over time, he has shown outstanding improvement, embracing feedback and using it to grow both as a player and a leader. He motivates those around him through both his words and his actions, setting a standard for others to follow. On and off the field, he stands up for his teammates and looks out for their wellbeing, embodying the spirit of the team and SPC. His consistency, maturity, and passion make him a deserving leader, and we look forward to the season ahead under his captaincy. He will be supported by Vice Captains Jake N and Anthony S as well as Isaac G. The First XI Captain for Football for 2026 – Laurence P
Rugby Captain
Alexander R steps into the role of First XV Rugby Captain with the authority of someone who has truly earned it. Having played in the First XV in 2025, he brings deep on‑field experience, sharp game awareness, and a calm, disciplined presence under pressure. Within the rugby community, Alex is widely respected for his work ethic and integrity, and his strong ties to the College give his leadership an added sense of pride and purpose. He leads from the front, sets the standard for his teammates, and embodies what it means to represent the College with commitment and character. The First XV Rugby Captain for 2026 - Alexander R
Tennis Captain
Christopher M has been a dedicated and consistent member of the St Patrick’s College Tennis Program, demonstrating a strong commitment to both his personal development and the success of his team. His approach to training and competition reflects a high level of discipline, focus, and determination.
As a member of the First IV Tennis Team, Christopher has represented the College with distinction. His performances on court are complemented by his calm demeanour, composure under pressure, and ability to compete at a high level against strong opposition.
Christopher is highly regarded by his teammates and coaches for his professionalism, leadership, and willingness to support others. He leads by example, setting high standards in both effort and attitude, and contributes positively to the culture of the team. We congratulate Christopher on his appointment as Captain and look forward to the leadership and direction he will provide to the tennis program throughout the season. The Captain for First IV Tennis for 2026 – Christopher M
Blue, Black and Gold Ball
It was a joy to share in the recent Blue, Black and Gold Ball, a wonderful celebration of the strength, generosity and spirit of our College community. I extend my sincere thanks to all parents and families who attended, and in a particular way to Jaslyn Hewitt-Shehadie, our P & F President, and her dedicated committee members for their tireless work in bringing such a memorable evening to life. Their commitment and generosity continue to enrich our College in countless ways. It was also a special occasion to celebrate alongside Lina Bartorilla and Belinda Barakat, who are in their final year with SPC and whose contributions to our community have been both significant and deeply appreciated. I was personally touched by the beautiful pearl necklace gifted to me on the night—something I will always treasure, not only for its elegance but for what it represents: the enduring connection, kindness, and spirit of this remarkable community.
Community News
We welcome Mr Paul Brooks back this week following a period of Leave.
We farewell Mr Adam Watson who finishes with the College this Friday.
Congratulations to Mr David Dunne who recently welcomed his second child and son.
We also congratulate Ms Anastasia Buda on the recent arrival of her first child, a son.
We welcome Mr Sam Nolan who commenced with the College last week in the role of Secondary PDHPE teacher, replacing Mr Chase’s teaching load until the end of the year. Mr Nolan will be replacing Mr Dunne who is taking a period of Leave from 12-26 May. Mr Nolan was with the College in Term 3 last year when Mr Chase was on secondment at St Edmund’s College, East Gosford.
We congratulate Ms Danielle Laoulach, who is currently the Acting Assistant Year 9 Coordinator, as she will remain in an Acting Assistant Year Coordinator role once Mrs Maria Alvaro goes on Parental Leave.
Dr Vittoria Lavorato
Principal
SPC boys can do anything!
**except divide by zero