Senior School

Wednesday, 23 October marked the last official day of classes for the Year 12 Cohort of 2024. 

This year’s group have shown great character throughout their final year, from cheering on our rowing crews and the crews of other schools from the spit earlier in the year to their contact inside and outside the classroom always leading the school by example.  

Following the standard they had set for themselves; the boys finished their time with us showing the same level of class and integrity. Wednesday was a day of reflection and gratitude.  Commencing with breakfast at the OCA Pavilion here on campus, a majority of the cohort gathered for a bacon and egg wrap, washed down by some orange juice.  

From here it was off to homeroom and their final official three lessons. With exams just around the corner, the boys were reminded that the job is not done just yet. 

In Lesson 4, they returned for one last time to their homeroom groups, where the letters they wrote to themselves in Year 7 were distributed. Six years is a long time in a young person’s life, and there were many students reminiscing on just how far they had come in six years.  The boys were also given an opportunity to write a “gratitude” letter to someone they wanted to thank for the support they had received in their time at St Patrick’s College.  Many choose teachers, and I know from speaking to colleagues, this made their day as we all pour our hearts and souls into what we do, and the students are always front and centre in the decisions we make and effort we put into our work.

The boys then made their way down to the Cathedral for a rehearsal for the Thanksgiving Mass before returning to the College for one last event - the Leave Taking Ceremony.  Hot pies and donuts awaited the boys with Mr Shane Murphy opening proceedings as MC. Ms Kat Ward read a reflection for the boys before I addressed them about what the journey that lies ahead for them in their life after St Patrick’s.  I spoke of making the most of their opportunities and not fearing failure as we hope that their time with us has enabled them to see that these are simply learning opportunities and situations that not to be feared.  I acknowledge that some may be uncertain about what the future holds, and that is okay.  J.R.R. Tolkien put it best when he said, “Not all those that wander are lost”, so it’s important that they remain open to opportunities that may arise. 

It was then the boys turn, with School Captain Noah Quick offering his thoughts and reflection on their cohort’s time at the school, expressing gratitude for the role staff had played.  It was then onto a presentation of Look-a-Likes, an end of year video and the “Homeroom Awards” before closing with a collage of photos ranging from when the boys first commenced with us, to this year.

Later that evening parents, students and staff gathered for the Thanksgiving Mass, a moving ceremony to close out the day and the boys' time with us as students of St Patrick’s College.  The image of the boys lined up in the aisles of St Patrick’s Cathedral with only the light from their candles lighting the way symbolic of the opportunities that lie ahead.

For many, the exams commence next week, and on behalf of all the staff I would like to wish all students sitting their VCE exams with us all the best.  We know that there will be reward for the effort they continue to put into their studies over the coming weeks.  We look forward to seeing you all at the Valedictory Dinner on Thursday, 21 November.