Principal's report

Year 12 Graduation Mass

On Wednesday, 23 October, the College community gathered to celebrate the milestone of our Year 12 Graduation Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. This was a wonderful celebration and expression of the community support always offered to our Year 12 students at this time. 

I have been very pleased with our Year 12 students this year. They have been diligent and focused with their schoolwork, they have been cooperative and enthusiastic senior students and have contributed much to the College during the year. The College Captain, Noah Quick, Vice Captains Paterson Meneely and Angus Rothe and the entire Student Council have led incredibly well and for this, I am very grateful. 

I ask that the College community keep our Year 12 students in their prayers as they now prepare to complete their VCE written exams in the days ahead. I wish them every blessing and success in the examination period ahead and look forward to formally celebrating the completion of the exams at the Valedictory Dinner on Thursday, 21 November. 

I offer this as a prayer for those students who are preparing for their written exams:

Lord, I know you are with me and love me. 

Give me peace of mind as I prepare for this time of study.

Help me to focus on my books and notes,

keep me from all distractions so that I will make the best use 

of this time that is available to me.

Give me insight that I might understand what I am studying, 

and help me to remember it when the time comes. 

Above all, I thank you for the ability to be able to study 

and for the many gifts and talents you have given me.

Help me always to use them in such a way

that they honour you and do justice to myself. 

Thank you, Year 12 – and all the very best for the weeks ahead! 

Appointment of Deputy Principal – Community     

I am very pleased to advise the College community of the appointment of Mr John Richards to the new role of Deputy Principal – Community, commencing at the beginning of the 2025 school year. As outlined to parents recently, the College will be served by two Deputy Principals from 2025; Ms Carol Roberts will take on the role of Deputy Principal – Academic Culture and Mr John Richards the role of Deputy Principal – Community. 

Mr Richards’ appointment comes following the recent recruitment and interview process, which involved a panel consisting of men and women who brought significant professional expertise and insight into the process. Those who were shortlisted and interviewed were strong candidates and the panel enjoyed the opportunity to explore in detail their qualifications and experiences relevant to the role. At the end of the interview process, the panel was unanimous in its recommendation that Mr Richards was the best candidate for the role.

Mr Richards is well known to the College community. He is an Old Boy of the College (1988 PY), has been on staff for 18 years and has served the College in a variety of senior roles during this time. Prior to joining the staff at SPC, John enjoyed a number of leadership roles in schools in the Diocese of Ballarat. John is a passionate teacher of History and RE, and an enthusiastic contributor to and supporter of the College’s co-curricular programs.  

I congratulate Mr Richards on his appointment to this important role. I am very much looking forward to working with Mr Richards and Ms Roberts in their new roles as Deputies from next year.