Deputy Principal

Opportunity

Over the holidays I was speaking with my son who had just returned back from a school trip to India, and he told me something that has really resonated with me. He said, “when I am sitting down to study and it is hard, I need to remember that I get the opportunity to study.” This is very powerful as there are millions of young men and women around the world who have no access to a basic education that  we all take for granted. Our young men often do not realise until it is about time for them to walk out the gates for the last time, how privileged they are to receive an education here at St Patrick’s College; an education that you all work extremely hard for by paying for your son’s fees.

We are a College of opportunity, a College that provides a well-rounded education for every student. Our primary goal is to ensure each and every student achieves their academic best. We also focus on developing our students spiritually, socially, emotionally and physically. 

To achieve all of this, we must work together as a community. Our students will thrive if the College, the student, and their parents/carers all work together to achieve the best outcome for each student. To do that it is important that there is open communication between all of us. Sometimes we will not always agree, however, I can guarantee you we will always act in the best interests of your son.

Over last week and this week, we have launched our new Student Management Policy entitled ‘Shining the St Patrick’s Way’. 

This policy originated from feedback provided by students, staff, and parents/carers that we needed to be more consistent in the way we approached student management. They need a safe learning environment that allows them to do their best. We will continue to reinforce our expectations daily to our young men and we ask that you do the same at home. 

We also have high expectations of our young men regarding their personal grooming and uniforms. Constantly I am given feedback from parents/carers about one of the reasons they send their sons to St Patrick’s - that is, that we have high standards in personal grooming and uniform. We will continue to have these expectations, and many of our families support this wholeheartedly. I know it is not always easy telling a teenage boy to get their hair cut or to ensure that they get a haircut that meets our standards. It is important that we all work together on this to ensure consistency amongst our student body.

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal