Co-Curricular

Skill, Spirit and Sound: Co-Curricular Life in Full Voice 

With the conclusion of Week 2 of the term, another rich and spirited week has been the highlight across the Co-Curricular life of SPC, with our boys continuing to demonstrate commitment, confidence and pride in all they do. 

A real highlight has been the continued growth of Chess at the College. Our Intermediate A team produced one of the great moments of the season, securing the exact result they needed in the final round to progress to the knockout finals. They then travelled across Sydney to face Sydney Boys High School, where Myles C (Year 10) claimed a strong win on Board 4, while Xavier T (Year 9), Andrew P (Year 10) and Julian R (Year 10) fought deep into tightly contested matches. All boys represented SPC with great respect and outstanding sportsmanship. 

The Chess story continues with our Junior A team in Year 7 of Yul C, Ethan C, Cormac W, Bryan Z and Ethan T securing an impressive playoff win over Ashfield Boys High School to earn their place in the Week 4 finals. Their achievement reflects steady effort, teamwork and growing confidence throughout the season. We wish them every success as they now compete for the championship. 

There was also much to celebrate in Music, with the Senior Drumline competing in the Australian Drumline Competition at PLC. Against strong competition, the boys placed sixth in Division B and eighth overall, delivering a performance full of energy, precision and College spirit. Their result is a wonderful reflection of the discipline, creativity and teamwork that sits at the heart of our cultural program.  All this was doubled down with their support of the sports program on Saturday at Back to Breen day, a fantastic example of school pride. 

Debating has also concluded a highly successful 2026 season, with the Catholic Schools Debating Association competition wrapping up on Friday. The SPC Debating fraternity can be very proud of the way our students represented the College throughout the season, demonstrating confidence, discipline, teamwork and thoughtful engagement. Congratulations to the 11 B team on reaching the semi-finals of the CSDA competition, and to all Year 11 and 12 debaters who contributed to St Patrick's College being named joint winners of the Senior Aggregate Shield. This is an outstanding recognition of the strength of our senior debaters and the dedication of their coaches, Ms Kristy Bartels and Mr Christopher Duncan. We look forward to celebrating the season further at the Debating and Public Speaking Presentation Evening on Wednesday 19 August.

Across Sport, Back to Breen Day was a tremendous celebration of community, with strong support from students, families and staff.  It was particularly special for our Year 12 boys and their families, who had the wonderful opportunity to share in their final Back to Breen Day across Football and Rugby. The celebrations throughout the day, including team presentations and the family walkout through the tunnels, provided a fitting and memorable tribute to the commitment, pride and friendships these boys have built through their time in the Black, Blue and Gold. Football and Rugby enjoyed several excellent results, including Grand Final qualification for the First XI and 15 A Football teams, while seven Rugby sides now head to Bathurst for ISA Semi Finals. 

(Please click on the images below to access the full photo gallery from the 'Back to Breen' Football and Rugby matches.)

Families are also reminded that SPC sports and special photos can now be viewed and ordered online through The School Photographer using the ordering code T6ZN6WCM. Photos are available online only and are priced at $15.00 each. Please see the attached for further details. 

Across all areas, it is clear that Co-Curricular at SPC continues to build not only skill and achievement, but camaraderie, character and pride in the Black, Blue and Gold. 

Lachlan Fear 

Director of Co-Curricular 

Senior Drumline Makes Some Noise!

On Sunday, the College Senior Drumline competed in the Australian Drumline Competition at PLC, facing strong competition in Division B.

For the first time at the competition, the boys incorporated movement into their routine, adding an exciting new visual dimension to their performance. They played fantastically, placing sixth out of ten ensembles in Division B and an impressive eighth out of thirteen overall—finishing ahead of St Pius X College, Chatswood, which placed seventh and eleventh respectively.

The competition was adjudicated by Bobby Lopez from Texas State University. Congratulations to the boys on an outstanding result and a performance full of energy, precision and College spirit!

Music in the Spotlight – Co-Curricular Music Showcase 2026

Music has an important place in College life, bringing students together through shared experiences, creativity, and teamwork. 

On Thursday 20 August, students from our Co-Curricular Music Program will present the St Patrick's College Co-Curricular Music Showcase (formerly Performing Arts Showcase), an evening celebrating the progress, dedication, and enjoyment they have found through making music together.

Throughout the year, students from our Bands, Orchestra, Drumline, Choir and small ensembles have committed themselves to regular rehearsals before school, during lunch, and after classes. 

The showcase provides an opportunity for them to share the results of their hard work with family, friends, and the wider College community.

The evening is also an excellent opportunity for families who are considering enrolling their son in the Co-Curricular Music Program; whether your son is thinking about learning an instrument, joining the Choir, or becoming part of an ensemble, the showcase offers a firsthand look at the many opportunities available and the enjoyment that comes from making music with others.

Together, these ensembles reflect the breadth of our Music Program and the enthusiasm with which our students embrace music.

We warmly invite all members of the College community to join us for this special evening as we celebrate our students' commitment and musical journey. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 Co-Curricular Music Showcase.

Dr David Taylor

Head of Co-Curricular Music