Principal

Celebrating College Spirit

Having recently returned from two weeks of Long Service Leave, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr Adrian Byrne for the outstanding job he did as Acting Principal in my absence. 

During that time, I was also delighted by the announcement that Mr Stephen Gough will succeed me as Principal. Stephen and I have worked together professionally for more than 25 years, and I know first-hand the dedication, wisdom and commitment he brings to educational leadership. I have every confidence that he will make a wonderful contribution to the College in the years ahead. 

I was particularly pleased to be present at our successful Back to Breen Day on Saturday, which brought together current families, Old Boys and supporters for a terrific day of competition against Oakhill College. It was especially rewarding to welcome back members of the Classes of 1996 and 1981 for their 30-year and 45-year reunions respectively. I also thank our P&F Association, whose efforts in running the Supporters' Day barbeques at the Powell Pavillion and Breen Oval contributed so much to the warm and vibrant atmosphere enjoyed by all.

We keep Year 12 in our prayers over the next two weeks as they undertake their Trial HSC Examinations.

Slow Down, Show Up, and Trust the Ordinary

Whilst I was away on leave, I came across an article about the Inaugural Enhanced Games in Las Vegas this year, featuring 42 athletes competing in swimming, track, and weightlifting, where performance-enhancing drugs were permitted under medical supervision. The organisers were purportedly pioneering a new era in athletic competition that embraces scientific advancements to push the boundaries of human performance.

They came and went in May this year, and they were widely viewed as an underwhelming commercial and athletic flop, despite achieving their goal as a high-profile marketing exercise. What can we learn from this?

• Drugs Do Not Replace Talent and Training: Science and steroids are only add-ons; exceptional skill, precision, and proper coaching remain the true drivers of world-class results. 

• Excellence Requires Holistic Systems: Peak performance cannot be bought quickly via a "biohacking" shortcut or corporate hype. 

• Scepticism of Commercialised Health: Public audiences and markets reject spectacles that prioritise marketing experimental health protocols over genuine athletic integrity. 

   

The narrative surrounding the Enhanced Games mirrors the toxic "win-at-all-costs" mentality that some parents project onto their children. The event provides clear warnings on how to constructively support a child's development.

• Shortcuts Bypass Critical Character Development. The Enhanced Games attempted to replace years of gruelling technical mastery with chemical protocols, resulting in poor execution. When parents give children "shortcuts"—such as doing their homework, over-relying on external tutors to game tests, or forcing hyper-specialisation at age six—the child misses out on learning resilience, problem-solving, and the value of hard work.

   

• External Pressure Warps Natural Motivation. Many athletes turned to the Enhanced Games because they felt inadequate or broken by the immense pressure of the traditional Olympic cycle. When parents tie a child’s worth strictly to gold medals, perfect grades, or University admissions, children internalise anxiety, depression, and body image issues. They often end up burning out or quitting the activity entirely once they gain autonomy.

   

• Prioritising the "Product" Over the Person is Destructive. The organisers of the Enhanced Games treated athletes as a vehicle to boost stock prices and sell consumer products. Similarly, parents can fall into the trap of viewing their child’s success as a personal branding tool or "status symbol" to show off to neighbours and social media. Children must be valued for who they are, not for the trophies they bring home.

   

• Foundation and Fundamentals Beat External "Hacks”. The failure of the doped athletes against clean sprinters proved that biological hacks cannot outwork flawless technique and deep-rooted discipline. In life, there is no substitute for the basics. Parents should focus on building a child's fundamental foundation—adequate sleep, mental well-being, healthy relationships, and a love for the game—rather than seeking the latest "biohack" or competitive edge.

   

In a world where parents are constantly encouraged to enrol children in more activities, programs and enrichment opportunities, Dr Justin Coulson reminds us that the most important ingredient in a young child's development is not another lesson or app, but the time and connection they share with caring adults. 

One of his recent articles challenges the growing pressure to "optimise" children from an early age through packed schedules and structured activities. While these promises often claim to provide children with an advantage, research suggests that the strongest predictor of healthy development is a child's relationship with their parents and caregivers. Children thrive when they feel seen, heard, valued and loved. 

Dr Coulson highlights the importance of everyday moments: reading familiar stories, playing simple games, allowing children time to explore, and even letting them experience boredom. These ordinary experiences help develop creativity, resilience and a sense of security. 

The key message is that success in childhood is often built through simple, repetitive and unremarkable experiences rather than through constant stimulation and achievement. Parents are encouraged to slow down, be present, and trust that meaningful connection and unhurried family time are more valuable than any enrichment programme. 

Takeaway for Parents:The greatest gift we can offer our children is our presence. Rather than feeling pressure to do more, we can support their growth by spending quality time with them, nurturing relationships, encouraging play, and allowing them to enjoy childhood at its natural pace.

MMG Survey results 2026

Earlier this year, I commissioned an independent, confidential 'experience' survey of all school parents (Years 5 to 12), staff and students (Years 5 to 12) as part of our commitment to continually monitor and improve the quality of education we provide to our students. 

This information is most important for the College for our operational and strategic planning, as well as for tracking changes in our performance. 

For the 2026 review, a total of 502 parents completed the survey. 

The surveys were extensive and covered more than 300 aspects of education at the College.

Overview of Key Areas

The 'MMG Wheel' below reflects the average scores for all parents across key areas.

Parents noted 'very high' scores for 12 of the 12 areas. The overall score is 'very high' (84%).

Expectations Met or Exceeded

The following charts detail the percentage of parents who noted their expectations had been met or exceeded across key areas, ranked in order of the importance they placed on these same areas when choosing the College for their sons. For example, 87% of parents noted their expectations had been met or exceeded for 'quality of teaching’ – the noted most important area.

Expectations Met/Exceeded for Top 5 Most Important Areas

1. 87% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the quality of teaching

2. 95% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the College's reputation

3. 91% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the focus on student wellbeing, providing a safe and caring environment

4. 97% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the College's values

5. 89% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the quality education at reasonable expense

    

Academic Program

The following chart shows parents’ level of agreement with statements relating to the Academic Program at the College.

Son's Life at the College

The following chart shows parents’ level of satisfaction with aspects of their son's life at the College.

Open Responses

Parents also provided valuable 'open-ended’ comments on a number of areas. These responses added greatly to the value of the review. In response to the question about what parents valued most at St Patrick's College, the top five areas noted are detailed below.

• Community and Belonging: A welcoming community where families, students, staff and old boys feel connected through shared identity, school spirit, involvement and pride.

• Catholic Values and Tradition: The College’s Catholic ethos, Edmund Rice tradition, moral formation, respect, discipline and continuity across generations as important influences on their sons’ character.

• Holistic Student Formation: The College’s focus on developing well-rounded young men through personal growth, confidence, wellbeing, independence, respect, social awareness and preparation for life beyond school.

• Academic Quality and Support: Strong teaching, academic standards, differentiated programs, learning support, communication about progress and an improving academic culture that helps students achieve their potential.

• Sport and Co-Curricular Opportunities: The breadth of sport, rugby, debating, performing arts, chess and other opportunities that build participation, confidence, teamwork, friendships and engagement beyond the classroom.

   

Overall, we are very pleased with the results. However, there are areas identified where further attention will be given. These include an ongoing pursuit for academic excellence, aspects of the co-curricular sporting program and aspects of communications.

We wish to thank the 2026 parents sincerely for their feedback and for the extent of information and quality of views expressed.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the information in this document or any other matters.

Staff News

• Congratulations to Mr Antonio Morris and his wife who recently welcomed their third child.

• To add to the wonderful news, Ms Ellen Pittorino has welcomed her daughter, Francesca (Frankie) Evans, on 28 July. Mum and bub are doing well.

In Memoriam

We pray for Marlo G (Year 12) and Old Boys Michael Boyle (’16), Joseph Boyle (’20) and Nicholas Toms (’17) on the loss of their beloved grandfather last week.  

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero