Especean

Curriculum and Learning

Farewell to the Class of 2025

As third term draws to a close, our prayers and best wishes go with the young men of Year 12 who graduate next week after thirteen years of schooling – a relief for many parents/carers.

 

While we acknowledge and celebrate the gift of these young men to the College through farewells and graduation ceremonies, we are reminded of the challenge that lays ahead for them in the coming weeks with the Higher School Certificate written examinations, commencing Thursday 16 October.

 

We are also reminded of the very busy and eventful term it’s been for Year 12. Parents/carers would know, having just got over the Trial Higher School Certificate examinations in August, that many of the boys completed a significant practical component of their externally assessed Higher School Certificate examinations such as oral examinations in Languages, major works in English Extension 2, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Visual Arts, as well as performances for Drama and Music.

 

Parents/carers would agree their son’s time here at St Patrick’s has been filled with some setbacks as well as joys and successes but overall, parents/carers ought to feel a sense of pride in their son reaching this milestone at this College.

 

I wish every young man of the Class of 2025 all the best for the future as he embarks upon a new stage in his life. Farewell Year 12, good luck and God bless.

Year 11 Changes to Program of Study for Year 12-2026 HSC

Next week I will address Year 11 regarding possible changes to their senior program of study prior to commencing the HSC course next term. Parents/carers and their sons are reminded of the following points:

 

  • All HSC students at St Patrick's College must undertake a minimum of 10 units.

     

  • The total number of units undertaken must include mandatory course units in Religion and in English. Thus, most students will undertake 11 units of study for the 2026 HSC as most undertake Studies of Religion I (1 unit).

     

  • The 1-unit course in Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies will discontinue as it is a Year 11 Content Endorsed Course. Students will automatically pick up study periods instead.

 

  • Depending on their program of study students may drop a 2-unit subject (except English) and / or drop a course or level within a subject, e.g., drop Mathematics Extension, drop English Extension, change from English Advanced to English Standard, change from Mathematics Advanced to Mathematics Standard 2, change form Studies of Religion II (2 units) to Studies of Religion I (1 unit).

 

  • A few students will apply to take up HSC extension courses in English, History, Italian, Mathematics, Music or Science. Enrolment in these courses is based on demonstrable academic excellence in related courses. There is no guarantee that an HSC extension course will run.

 

Most students know already the changes they would like to make to their program of study. Understandably, some students are waiting on their examination results prior to making informed decisions. However, it is important students commit to their final HSC program of study as soon as possible as procrastination will just undermine effort over time.

Year 12-2026 HSC Assessment Student and Parent/Carer Information Evening

As per the College Calendar and Diary, on Tuesday 14 October, Year 11 students and their parents/carers will have an information evening where important information about the 2026 Higher School Certificate and course assessment will be disseminated and addressed.

 

The HSC Assessment Information Evening will be held in the College Gymnasium on Tuesday 14 October, commencing at 6:30 PM and concluding 8:00 PM. It is expected that all current Year 11 students attend in Senior College summer uniform and are accompanied by at least one parent/carer.

 

The evening will “walk through” the 2025-26 edition of the HSC Assessment Handbook, which includes the College’s HSC Assessment Policy and a set of HSC assessment schedules for each subject. An HSC Assessment Tasks Calendar for fourth term will also be issued. These documents will be posted on the CANVAS Year 11 page and the TASS Parent Lounge/Parent Orbit App in the first week of next term.

 

It is expected that all students thoroughly familiarise themselves with this assessment information to plan and prepare for the rigours demands of the HSC year ahead. I also urge parents to read this information with their sons.

 

Michael Cutrupi 

Director of Curriculum

2025 Minister’s Awards for Community Languages

On Thursday, 4 September, I had the pleasure of accompanying Edward Evangelos Wilson and his family to the NSW Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Student Achievement for Community Languages Schools at the University of New South Wales. 

Here, Edward was the proud recipient of the 2025 Junior Minister’s Award for his engagement in study of Greek through the Cyprus Community of NSW in Petersham on a Saturday. In addition to receiving this prestigious award, Edward also introduced special guests for the presentation of the Highly Commended Awards in Greek. In his speech he spoke about what he enjoys about studying Greek and the rich family connections developed through his study of the language.

 

This is an enormous achievement, and Edward is to be congratulated on his commitment and diligence in his study of Greek. 

Here is the testimonial submitted by his teachers: 

Edward is a dedicated student with a deep commitment to studying Greek over the past six and half years, regularly arriving early to class, well-prepared and eager to participate. His excellent attendance, sense of responsibility, and genuine passion for the language positively enriches the classroom every Saturday. 

 

Edward participates enthusiastically in all Greek School activities, from theatrical productions and cultural presentations, to singing performances. Beyond the classroom, he has participated in the Certificate of Attainment Level 1 examination and received a certificate from Greece. Edward also incorporates Greek into his daily life, regularly conversing with family and friends to strengthen his language skills.

 

Edward fully embraces Greek culture as a vital part of his identity. He listens to Greek music, recites songs and watches classic Greek films, absorbing the nuances of Greek humour, storytelling and cultural values. He also reads works by Greek authors. Edward’s love for Greek customs extends beyond the classroom, as he proudly shares stories of his visits to Greece and encourages his friends to explore their Greek heritage. 

 

At his day school, Edward is an ambassador for Greek culture. He often shares insights about Greek history and philosophy, confidently talking about famous Greek thinkers and their modern relevance. Edward’s open and friendly sharing of his Greek background fosters understanding, curiosity and respect, helping build bridges across cultures in a natural and enthusiastic way. 

Stephanie D’Arcangeli

Head of Languages