Principal's report

The Lion King Jnr

A big congratulations to all members of the cast and crew for last week’s Years 7-9 production of ‘The Lion King Jnr’. The standard of this show was exceptional and I was thoroughly entertained on both the opening night and the final performance on Saturday afternoon. 

I am so proud of what is going on and being produced in the performing arts at the College and last week’s production was certainly a high note on which we can end the year! Well done to all students and to the staff involved in the Lion King Jnr – a memorable show of energy, wonderful talent and sheer joy! Bravo! 

SPC heads to the US

Today some of our Basketball and Performing Arts students will be heading over to America with key members of staff.   The tour starts as a combined trip but they then head in separate directions.  Cities covered will be New York, Washington, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.  The tour will return on 22 December.  I wish them all the most amazing and enriching time and I look forward to hearing all about their travels and adventures. 

Speech Night

I am looking forward to celebrating the major academic, cultural, sporting and community achievements of students during 2024 at next Monday night’s Speech Night in the Performing Arts Centre. This celebration event is important in the calendar of a school like St Pat’s and also provides a showcase for a number of key performances as part of the program. 

Mr Justin Quill will address the gathering as guest speaker and I am looking forward to hearing Justin talk to not only his career experiences as a barrister, but also how St Patrick’s prepared him for his success in this.  

A number of key performances will be a feature of the program as well, and I am looking forward to watching and enjoying these on Monday evening. Congratulations to all those students who will receive recognition via awards and prizes at Speech Night! 

Holding the Light 

Please see below information provided by Fr Justin Driscoll regarding the ‘Holding the Light Service’ to be held at St Alipius’ Church Tuesday, 10 December at 5pm.

Remembering Victims and Survivors of Family Violence

This ecumenical service offers an opportunity to remember and mourn those who have been killed as a result of domestic violence, to stand in solidarity with victim survivors and to reflect and commit ourselves to addressing the causes of violence in our communities. 

The service will be held on Tuesday, 10 December at St Alipius Church, Ballarat East, at 5pm. 

10 December is the UN Human Rights Day, concluding the 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women). This ecumenical service will name the dimensions and dynamics of the serious problem of violence in our society. 

We will name the God present in and through all our efforts to create lives free from violence. We will seek to hold the light for those who are in dark places and for those whose lives are emerging from darkness. Joce Bignold, CEO of McAuley Community Services for Women. will be the guest speaker at the service. All members of the community are invited to gather for this service.

End of Year Thoughts

As another school year draws to a close, we pause to reflect on the extraordinary efforts and achievements of our students and staff at St Patrick's College. 2024 has been a year filled with challenges, growth, and many moments of immense pride.

To our students, whether in the day school or in our boarding community, your dedication to your studies, co-curricular pursuits, service to others and to the life of our community has been truly inspiring. Each of you has contributed positively as custodians of the College and to the story of St Patrick's, and we are grateful for the energy you bring to each day, and the way you embody the spirit of our College and the values of the Edmund Rice tradition.

To our staff, your unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of every young man in your care is the cornerstone of our community. Your hard work, creativity, and compassion have guided and inspired both students and colleagues, and we are deeply appreciative of your efforts.

As we now prepare to embrace the joy and peace of the Christmas season, let us remember the true meaning of this time—the celebration of hope, love, and new beginnings. May the light of Christ shine brightly in your hearts and homes, bringing comfort and happiness to you and your loved ones.

Wishing all members of the St Patrick’s College family a happy and holy Christmas, filled with blessings and the promise of a restful and rejuvenating summer holiday. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year for another chapter in our shared journey of faith, community and learning.

Merry Christmas and God bless.