Arts

Congrats, Namtho!

Namtho Nawaphon was recently honoured with the prestigious Arts & Technology Showcase SAT Award for his outstanding final presentation pieces in Visual Communication Design (VCD). 

According to judge Hisu Lee, his work - a logo and app designed to increase safety for international travellers - earned recognition for its creativity and bold approach. Hisu Lee commended Namtho for embracing the new Interactive Experiences component of the 2024 VCE study design and skilfully applying Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception. What makes Namtho’s achievement even more remarkable is that he joined the VCD course in Units 3 and 4, without the foundational knowledge of Units 1 and 2. 

Visual Communication Design teacher Jeanean Pritchard remarked that “despite the steep learning curve, Namtho embraced the subject with enthusiasm and his dedication.” Reflecting on his experience, Namtho said he enjoyed the class immensely, finding the work interesting, creative, and meaningful. We congratulate Namtho for his perseverance, outstanding work in Visual Communication Design, and wish him well with his upcoming exams. 

Year 10 Architecture

John Davey’s path to becoming a valued teacher at St Patrick’s College is anything but conventional. A master of many trades, John began his professional journey as a carpenter and working overseas, until he made the decision to follow his passion for music, which completely reshaped his life. 

After years abroad, John returned to Melbourne to study music, where his exceptional talent as a saxophonist became apparent. His heart-wrenching solos have since become the stuff of legend, and those fortunate enough to hear him perform know that his decision to pursue music was indeed the right one. John performs with his band, Motor City Sounds, delivering captivating performances. 

While John’s nights are often filled with the smooth melodies of his sax, his days have been spent shaping the future of young minds in diverse disciplines, including music, Architecture, Woodworking, Building, and Visual Communication Design. 

St Patrick’s College is fortunate to have John leading the charge in Year 10 Architecture, where his expertise and enthusiasm have made the subject one of the most popular offerings at this level. 

In his Year 10 Architecture class, John teaches students the process of designing buildings through the use of precise technical drawings. His lessons cover planometric and perspective views, as well as plans and elevations, all drawn meticulously to Australian standards. 

John introduces students to the digital world of architecture using ArchiCAD, the industry-standard CAD program. Under his instruction, students bring their designs to life in 3D, rendering buildings with real-world materials, and gaining invaluable skills for the future. 

For many students, Year 10 Architecture serves as the perfect foundation for VCE Visual Communication Design, a subject favoured by aspiring architects looking to pursue Architecture after their completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education. John’s dedication and vast expertise ensure that students have an extra advantage when entering VCE.  

Pictured is the exceptional work of students Luke Martin, George Charles, and Taj Bobrowski, reflecting the high standard of creativity and technical accuracy fostered under John’s guidance. With such skilled mentorship, there’s little doubt that the next generation of architects are in good hands.