Junior School
Mr Tom Nash, Head of Junior School
Week 3 has been a productive time for the boys, marked by their enthusiasm both in and out of the classroom. The warmer weather has been a welcome change, allowing students to enjoy each other’s company outdoors and engage with the fantastic resources at their disposal. Our messaging to the Year 7 and 8 students has focused on finishing the year strong, encouraging them to stay productive and foster a positive mindset as they look ahead to the 2025 academic year.
World Teachers' Day
During our Pastoral Care lesson on Thursday, students were provided with an opportunity to communicate a note of gratitude and thanks to a member of staff at St Patrick’s. The response was incredibly positive and I commend the students on taking the moment to responsibly reflect on the 2024 academic year and to recognise a member of staff that has had a positive impact on them. As I write this, I take the liberty of also thanking the staff who work with our Junior School students for their commitment and effort in supporting their boys in the early years of their secondary education.
GRIT recipients – October:
Congratulations to the following students who have been recognised by a member of staff for demonstrating GRIT. We remind the boys regularly that GRIT is an important character trait and is the combination of passion and perseverance. Students can demonstrate GRIT by practising a growth mindset, by always being respectful, ensuring that they are inclusive and by tuning in to the many opportunities that St Patrick’s offers.
| Homeroom | Student |
| 7A | Matt Zuidland |
| 7B | Jinup Lual |
| 7C | Carrington Taylor |
| 7D | Zayne Lunn |
| 7E | Will Elliott |
| 7F | Will James |
| 7G | Isaac Thomas |
| 7H | Jed Henderson |
| 7I | Tom Byvoet |
| Homeroom | Student(s) |
| 8A | Freddie Rex and Kade Howden |
| 8B | Charlie Davies |
| 8C | Sam Mitchell |
| 8D | Nash Hutchinson |
| 8E | Ollie Major |
| 8F | Rjwinder Parihar |
| 8G | Abel Giles |
| 8H | Thomas Sharp |
| 8I | Te Nawai |
Year 8 Retreat
Our Year 8 students are engaging in their Retreat Day in Week 4.
The focus of this year’s retreat day is on the theme ‘Life Choices'. Students will be invited to appreciate more fully their own worth and dignity, and that of those around them. Students will also be invited to consider that a good decision is one that values both themselves and others, and that a personal relationship with Jesus is a path to a flourishing and full life.
The Retreat is held at Russell Square and students will be bused to and from the venue. Students are able to wear casual clothing for the day. The boys will be accompanied by their Religious Education teacher and is facilitated by the Youth Ministry Team (YMT), a group of young volunteers dedicated to helping make young people’s lives better through the lens of the Christian Tradition. We trust this day will contribute to the faith and character development of your son and ask for your support in ensuring his full participation.
Badminton Tournament: Laurie Larmer Cup
The Year 11 VM – Work Related Skills students have organised a special event for the Year 7 students – a badminton tournament to further foster community spirit and engagement of our Year 7 cohort.
On Wednesday, the Year 11 students visited the Year 7 Homerooms to advertise the tournament and gather interest, and let's just say the Year 7 Coordinators office was busy immediately after the VM students left – the student engagement was exciting to see!
The Laurie Larmer Cup is on Tuesday, 29 October at lunchtime in the gym and will feature fast-paced, two minute games with the winning team being crowned Kings of the Court and awarded the Laurie Larmer Cup.
Tom Nash, Head of Junior School
Margie Dodd & Jacinta Burge, Year 7 Coordinators
Sam Cue & John Hearn, Year 8 Coordinators