Principal
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of St Patrick’s College,
Is There a Connection Between School Spirit and Student Achievement?
On Friday 12 February, I was fortunate to be part of my first SPC Swimming Carnival. We were concerned that without chanting (due to COVID restrictions) there would be a lack of atmosphere. Many schools cancelled their carnivals however I am so proud of our staff for persisting with this key school event. Was there a lack of spirit? How wrong we were! The costumes, clapping, drumming and choreographed moves only served to spur our lads on and their creativity and athleticism was simply wonderful!
The attendance from students on the day was excellent however I must say that I was disappointed to see that 100 lads did not attend on the day across Years 7 and 12, which puts them in the minority of students who do not see the value in such a fun and memorable event. Some would have been genuinely unwell, and I trust that those lads and their families submit their reasons for their absence but in the end, it is a student’s loss when he misses out on a day that nurtures his school spirit. It is the young men who could not see the value of the event that I wish I could win over and change their mindset.
For those students and families who do not support such a whole school event, I have pondered the question about the possible link between school spirit and student achievement.
In fact, the research shows that in addition to showing support for their school, high school students with “school spirit” perform better academically, are more engaged in social and civic matters, and are happier in general than their less-spirited peers.
These findings were part of an online survey of high school students, parents and principals commissioned by a federation of state schools in the USA, and attempted to discover how school spirit is connected to the way high school students learn, lead and grow.
“School spirit” involves a student’s pride in his or her school, a student’s propensity to get other students to be active in school events, and a student’s plans to return to his or her school for special events after graduation.
From academic achievement to general happiness, the survey indicated a positive relationship to school spirit. When students feel a sense of efficacy, they tend to be more involved, and more in tune with the great opportunities which exist on their College campus. If they are not doing well in school, they are generally not involved in athletics or many of the activities. Additionally, they do not take personal responsibility for not doing well and tend to blame the school or other factors. They will state ‘they don’t care.’
Students who are achieving strongly tend to be involved in all aspects of high school. They join clubs, they start clubs, they participate in different events, activities, and sports on site. They get the full ‘High School Experience’. “School spirit is a powerful reflection of pride, achievement and determination. It goes hand in hand with positivity and is a benchmark of a school’s holistic success.”
As one principal summarised, school spirit equates to a “sense of community with students, parents, and teachers working together with a common purpose and with activities for all segments of the school population.”
Beginning of the Lenten Season: Ash Wednesday 17 February
Loving God, as we begin this Lenten journey toward a greater union with you, strengthen our faith through our devoted practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Open up new doors to deeper spirituality and discovery of your love.
Think, for a moment, about the times in your life in which you wanted recognition for something you have done. It may be a good grade on a test, an athletic accomplishment, or a favour to a friend. What rewards have you been given lately? Are there material things, like clothes, phones, jewellery, that are a source of confidence?
God asks us during Lent to set aside all our attachments to those things and rely solely on him.
We Pray,
O Lord, who has mercy on all,
take away from me my sins,
and mercifully kindle in me
the fire of your Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore you,
a heart to delight in you,
to follow and enjoy you, for Christ’s sake, Amen
— St. Ambrose of Milan (AD 339-397)
Condolences
Please pray for the O’Kane Family on the loss of Old Boy Rory O’Kane (Class of 2015) who passed away last Saturday. Please also keep in your prayers Oliver Thomas (Year 11) and Old Boys Julian Thomas (Class of 2019) and Dominic Thomas (Class of 2017) on the loss of their grandmother Mrs Gillian Thomas. Please also pray for Louis Parks (Year 12) and Dylan Parks (Year 10) whose grandmother in the UK recently passed away.
Dr Vittoria Lavorato
Principal
SPC boys can do anything! *
*except divide by zero