Co-Curricular

To Compete

In the interview for my current role, I used the word ‘competitive’ to help describe my view of the culture of St Patrick’s College. On his recent arrival to the College, Head of Sport, Mr Timothy Donlan used the same word to describe his experience playing against the Blue, Black and Gold as a student. My experience was the same. 

I witnessed our boys in action during the ISA Basketball finals at Penrith Valley on Saturday. There is something about the way our students approach competition. 

Does it come from our parents – the family backgrounds that shape our community? Does it come from the traditions and culture developed and passed down by each cohort since 1928? Or from the expectations of staff and College leadership upheld over decades? Maybe it’s just the care that students’ have for their school and the desire to represent it well. 

The importance of choosing to give our best in whatever we do and to compete in all relevant aspects of our lives cannot be overstated. In the sporting world, winning and losing is inevitable, and we know we learn a lot from both. Therefore, winning cannot be everything because losing is never nothing. 

In watching the Winter Olympics, where gold and silver – or sometimes even a medal and 12th place – are separated by milliseconds or the subjective judgement of an official, the following quote came to mind:

              “Winning isn’t everything, the will to is.”

I am unsure where I heard or read it, but it speaks to much of what we intend for the Co-Curricular Program. That developing through the effort of mastering a skill, in the pursuit of excellence, is a natural path to a desire to compete. To the will to win.

I hope you enjoy reading of the success of finals week in the reports and secondary school articles, regardless of the results.

I encourage you to join us this evening for the Athletic Development presentation in Robson Auditorium from 5:30 PM. 

We also host the finals of Public Speaking this Friday evening in the Robson Auditorium where two St Patrick’s College students will compete!

Adam Watson

Director of Co-Curricular

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” - Ecclesiastes 9:10

School of Rock!

Get ready to turn up the volume as our College presents this year’s major production, School of Rock: The Musical, at the Bryan Brown Theatre this May.

Based on the beloved hit film and featuring music by legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, this high-energy musical tells the story of Dewey Finn, an ambitious but struggling rock musician who lands a job as a substitute teacher at a prestigious school. What begins as a way to make some extra cash soon transforms into something much bigger as Dewey inspires his class of straight-A students to discover the power of music and form an electrifying rock band.

Packed with humour, powerful songs and unforgettable performances, the show highlights the incredible talents of our student cast. With live instruments, dynamic choreography and plenty of rock-and-roll spirit, audiences can expect a performance full of energy that will have the theatre shaking.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, laughter and pure rock energy.

See our talented students from SPC along with students from Santa Sabina College, Strathfield Girls High School, MLC and The McDonald College, take the stage and bring the energy, music and spirit of School of Rock to life. Click here to book your tickets.

Rebecca Duff

Head of Performing Arts | MIC of Production