Acting Principal

2026 Student Council Announcement

After a comprehensive process of applications, interviews, and consultation, I am proud to announce the St Patrick's College student leadership roles for 2026.

College Leadership

• College Captain: George Charles
• College Vice Captains: Taj Bobrowski, Cameron Belleville

Boarding Leadership

• Boarding Captain: Lachlan Lloyd
• Boarding Vice Captain: Rory Bell

Touchstone Leaders

• Liberating Education: Noah Eales
• Gospel Spirituality: Patrick Buttler
• Inclusive Community: Hunter Vansomeren
• Justice & Solidarity: Archer Mohr

First Nations Students’ Leader

• Daniel Rivas

House Captains

• Galvin House: Eli Cudia, Jack Manley
• Keniry House: Daniel O’Brien, Finn Curran
• Nunan House: Archie Elliott, Mason Bullen
• Ryan House: Jordan Atkinson, Harry Waight

I want to thank all the students who applied for these leadership roles and commend them for the effort they put into their applications and interviews.

Congratulations to all the successful candidates who will form the 2026 Student Council. We shall formally recognise our new leaders at the Student Leadership Assembly on Thursday, October 9. The new Student Council will take office from that date. This assembly will also be an opportunity to thank our outgoing Student Council for their efforts in 2025.

It is appropriate to acknowledge the tremendous leadership shown by the 2025 Student Council. The council has been a pleasure to work with, and I thank them for their contributions to the St Patrick’s College community. Special thanks are extended to the 2025 College Captain Hugo Johnston and Vice Captains Brendan Monaghan and Harrison Grant for their dedication and leadership over the past 12 months.

In and Out of the Classroom 

The last few weeks have certainly been action-packed, both in the classroom and through our co-curricular programs. Alongside many SACs and assessments, our students have excelled in their co-curricular pursuits. 

The annual Purton Oratory was held earlier last week, a tradition stretching back 85 years. Congratulations to Brendan Monaghan, who won this year’s title with his speech, “The Invisible Battle.” We look forward to hearing Brendan deliver this at Speech Day on Friday, 16 October.

Our Stage Band and Symphonic Wind Ensemble also participated in the Royal South Street Eisteddfod, acquitting themselves well. Thank you to Matthew Pankhurst and Tim Snibson for their work in preparing both bands. 

Sporting Highlights 

Sport has been busy with a number of major events over the past two weeks.: 

• Our First XI Soccer boys took home the BAS Soccer title last Tuesday in a 3-1 win against Ballarat Grammar. Our First XI Soccer team has held the BAS title since 2015 and this year’s win continues this tradition. Congratulation to Pietro Angeli, Ryan Williams and their boys for their efforts. 
• Our basketballers were narrowly defeated in extra time in their ACC semi-final against White Friars College. Congratulations to Josh Ebbels and his crew for their superb efforts this year. 
• Last Wednesday, the SPC Cross Country team participated in the annual BAS Lap of the Lake, achieving some pleasing results.  Our team also competed in the ACC Cross Country event at Bundoora on Wednesday of this week winning the Division 2 title. Thanks to Shane Hayes and Amanda Rossato for their dedicated efforts in preparing the team. 

Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast 

Last Friday morning, we proudly hosted our annual Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast, welcoming over 400 fathers and sons to celebrate the profound role of fatherhood within our College community. 

Father’s Day is a meaningful opportunity to honour the men who guide, support, and inspire us. At St Patrick’s, we recognise that fatherhood takes many forms, and last week's gathering was a testament to the strength of those bonds. Whether biological fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, or mentors, each plays a vital role in shaping the lives of our young men. We are in the business of forming hope-filled, confident, and compassionate young men ready to take their place in the world. 

The Mass offered a moment of reflection and gratitude, while the breakfast provided a warm space for connection, strengthening family ties and reinforcing the values of love, respect, and community that lie at the heart of our college. 

We extend our deepest thanks to Father Eladio for his generosity of spirit in celebrating the Mass, where he related the importance of his own father's influence and formation. It was also pleasing to hear from the College Choir led by Majella Muller. Singing is an important part of the liturgy, and the more opportunities we have for our boys to sing, the better. Geoff Brodie, Ebony Corden, and Tanya Drake are also to be thanked for their guidance and organisation of the Mass, as are Nyarth and the catering staff for preparing such a tremendous breakfast. 

We thank all who attended and contributed to making this morning so special. May this Father’s Day be a reminder of the enduring impact of fatherhood and the importance of celebrating those who walk beside us on life’s journey. 

Holidays

Today marks the end of a productive term at St Patrick’s. Students in Years 7-11 will enjoy a three-week break. Next week, the majority of our Year 12 students will be undertaking practice exams in preparation for the final exams in November. The practice exams have been scheduled from Monday, 15 September to Thursday, 17 September and will be an excellent opportunity for our boys to gain some real-world exam experience.

On Monday and Tuesday of next week, our College staff will engage in our annual Staff Formation program, this year lead by Emily Re on the topic of self-leadership. The annual formation program is an important event on the College calendar and is a great opportunity for our staff to stop and reflect the year to date and plan a way forward for the remainder of the year.

Term 4 class will commence on Monday, 6 October and we look forward to seeing everyone then.