Senior School

As Term 1 draws to a close, it provides the opportunity for us to reflect on the term that was for the Senior School and reset in order to return in Term 2, ready to take on the challenges of the next phase of each of our student’s education.

Our Year 12 cohort started their term with a Retreat to prepare themselves for the rigors that lay ahead in 2024.  They have wasted no time in applying themselves to their studies and other aspects of their final year at St Patrick’s College. A key demand we make of our boys is that they apply themselves, by putting 100 per cent effort into all aspects of their time here at the College in order to get the best from their abilities. We want our students to leave us the best versions of themselves, ready for the next stage of their lives, whether that be going straight into employment, taking on an apprenticeship or pursuing further education.  With continued and sustained effort, the boys are sure to achieve their goals.

A highlight of the term for our Year 12 students was the Head of the Lake and the victory to the boys on the water. Our Spit Crew provided excellent support for the rowers from both St Patrick’s and our sister school, Loreto. The conduct of the Spit Crew on the day is a credit to the Spit Crew leaders, Ollie Hannaford, Archie Caldow and Max Treweek, who ensured the focus was always positive, acknowledging the sacrifices and efforts of the competitors in the lead up to the event.  We were all incredibly proud of their conduct on the day.

Our Year 11 cohort has settled into life in the Senior School and the VCE system, some finding the jump a little more challenging than they were expecting. With a concerted effort we are confident they will continue to develop the skills required to set them up for success as they progress through their final school years.  Homeroom and Classroom Teachers have focused on maintaining an environment of high expectations and accountability whilst working hard to establish positive relationships with each student.  During a Year 11 assembly, we took the opportunity to walk the boys through the requirements of the VCE and VCE VM system. We then outlined revision strategies that are proven to be effective, starting with retrieval practice through the use of cue or flash cards through to spaced or distributed practice and interleaved practice. Each Homeroom Teacher has provided support monitoring their students’ organisational skills by inspecting their diaries on a regular basis. I encourage all parents to engage in conversation with their child, asking to look at their diaries to ensure they are recording the homework they are assigned from each class, and then checking this homework of the list when it is complete. Take the opportunity to explore their preferred revision strategy by asking to see their cue or flash cards for each of their subjects. 

I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the hard work of our Senior School staff and students, and the support that our parents and guardians provide the school.  It is through sustained effort and a shared set of values that allows St Patrick’s College to achieve its mission of “educating hope-filled, compassionate and confident young men for their place in the world”.