Curriculum and Learning
Major Works Exhibition Viewers' Choice Awards
In what is a very popular night for the College community, this year’s Major Works Exhibition showcased works from 22 Industrial Technology students, 18 Design and Technology students and 18 Visual Arts students. The evening saw many members of the College community attend and cast their votes for the Viewers’ Choice Award in each of the three subjects. As we were unable to present these awards in front of the College community at an assembly this year, the students were presented in their classes. We also recognised them here for this achievement. Thanks must go to the P&F for donating the prizes for these awards. Congratulations to these students on this well-deserved achievement.
Industrial Technology – Luca Giannini
For my 2025 Major Work Project, I designed and manufactured a medium-sized desk with multiple drawers for storage and a long, flat surface to hold a monitor and other items. I aimed to challenge myself and apply the skills I have developed through previous timber projects to create my best work yet. The desk is replacing an old, small, and outdated one, currently used in the study room that both me and my brother use daily. I made a dual-purpose desk with designated areas for both of us, ensuring tidiness and efficient use of space. I selected a high-quality hardwood, Blackbutt, and an aesthetic soft wood, Accoya, to prevent dents and damage from regular use while creating an aesthetic look for a professional design. I used a Danish Oil finish to add a protective layer to ensure the desk is durable while enhancing the grain of the timber to create an aesthetic look. I am happy with how to project turned out as it showcases the development of my timber skills since starting the subject.
Design and Technology – Daniel Bechara
My project, a Pedestrian and Traffic Light Ecosystem, focuses on addressing two significant issues relating to car and pedestrian traffic: the challenges faced by disabled pedestrians, particularly the elderly, who often struggle to cross at pedestrian crossings before the lights change, and the difficulties experienced by colourblind drivers who may misinterpret the direction of the traffic light, increasing the risk of accidents.
To solve these problems, I developed a system that combines two interconnected products, which I have named Pedestrian Angel and Vision Angel. The Pedestrian Angel operates through an RFID swipe card system that allows vulnerable pedestrians to scan before crossing. This action triggers additional crossing time by keeping the traffic light red for longer, thereby providing a safer and more comfortable experience. The Vision Angel complements this by incorporating easily recognisable symbols onto existing traffic lights, making it much simpler for colourblind drivers to identify traffic directions quickly without relying solely on the position of the light. Together, these two products form a unified system aimed at improving road safety and accessibility for both pedestrians and drivers.
Visual Arts – Alexander Poulos
Unfortunately, as the Visual Arts Major Projects have not yet been marked, we are unable to publish a photo of Alexander’s sculpture.
'The Draped Cage’ aims to explore the bleak paradox of entrapment and escapism within the human psyche. This Body of Work carries innuendoes to my lived experience, yet it breathes as a universal response to internalised struggle. Merging the poised solemnity of Greco-Roman sculpture with the chaotic, accelerated force of Italian Futurism, a contemporary marble-like figure is presented who is masked in sweeping drapery that is at once elegant and oppressive. This tension between classical stillness and modern distortion mirrors the psychological weight of a relentless environment that confines and silences the self. Cast in stark white, the figure appears muted voiceless in a way, yet within the stillness, human nature persists, and resistance stirs. His hands twist and press against the rigid folds of fabric, fingers straining to tear through the draped cage that binds him. This gesture is not passive but rather, defiant. The Draped Cage does not dwell solely in suffering; it becomes a visceral expression of liberation, of the human instinct to resist stagnation, reclaim agency, and break free, particularly when the battle is fought within the confines of a war-ridden mind.
Book Week – Book an Adventure
This year’s Children’s Book Week has been celebrated in St Patrick College’s libraries over the past few weeks, finishing with an awesome visit from award-winning children’s author Jeremy Lachlan.
Jeremy spoke to our Year 7 and Year 8 students about how he created his Jane Doe series, where his ideas come from, and how our own emotions and experiences can inspire great stories.
Isaac Clarke
Isaac Clarke
For graduating Year 12 student Isaac Clarke, it was a memorable way to finish his time at St Patrick’s. Isaac had the chance to meet Jeremy—an author whose books he had loved all through high school.
Both the Westcourt and McGlade Libraries have been buzzing with activity during the celebrations.
Students from Years 5 to 12 joined in different competitions, including:
Escape Room Puzzle Adventure – Students had to solve tricky puzzles and crack codes to reveal a final answer. Clues were hidden in library books and even the Library Catalogue was part of the challenge! Our winners were:
Lachlan Feige (Year 9)
Hayden Cook, Hudson Cook and Vincent Nguyen (Year 10)
Amazing Race – A fast-paced scavenger hunt around the school. Congratulations to our winners:
Isaac Neville and Sebastiano Costa-Puntillo (Year 9)
All winners celebrated with a well-earned pizza lunch!
Even though Book Week has wrapped up, the SPC libraries are still here to support students with assessment tasks and to keep providing plenty of chances to read, relax, and make the most of our library spaces.
Jessica Lonard
Head of Library and Information Services
"Read outside our lived experience, that is where the real growth happens".
Jeremy Lachlan
Year 7 Taronga Zoo Science Excursion
Last week, Year 7 went on a science excursion to Taronga Zoo, the famous Sydney zoo that harbours intriguing life. Despite the rain, we persisted, aided by Mrs Chander and other supervising staff, in particular Mrs Spires was our group leader. We got to see various biological life and their environmental adaptations. The first exhibit we visited was the outback which simulated the red Australian desert inside where fluttering zebra finches soared through the sky eating, drinking and hanging along a dead tree. While on the ground roamed the nocturnal bilbies tired yet cute as they were woken up to the sound and smell of food.
The instructor pulled out various animals for us to touch and observe such as small, camouflaged leaf bugs hanging from a eucalyptus leaf, Ninja the Turtle with her webbed claws, green frogs and one of the most adorable ring-tailed possums who despite being scared kept snacking on her lunch while wrapped in a fluffy blanket.
After this we went a bit further away from most groups looking at the aquarium and seals who put on a show for us, a reptile cave with massive turtles and small amphibians like frogs. After this we stopped for a break in the monkey enclosure watching them swing across various obstacles and then moved on to a stuck wallaby trying to jump on our umbrellas and kangaroos who seemed to be enjoying the rain.
Overall, our excursion was definitely fun despite the poor weather. We got firsthand experience on the maintenance of zoo animals, biological life and their adaptations over time and as a cohort I guarantee that we are all grateful for this opportunity.
Felix Nguyen | Year 7 Student
Free Thinkers' Forum
On Monday 1 September, a group of Year 9 and 10 boys attended the Free Thinkers’ Forum at Rosebank College. This forum brings together young people from different schools to discuss issues that affect our society, and issues that are important to them.
Our representative was Luca Franze of Year 10, who gave a “spectacular, thought-provoking speech about Nowism” as noted by Year 9 participant, Matthew Boumelham. Luca spoke about how Nowism “reflects trends in our society, and how that drop of dopamine can lead to detrimental factors in our lives.”
The participating schools included Kincoppal Rose Bay, Emanuel School and The King’s School. A student from each school delivered a speech while other students formed a panel of adjudicators, giving constructive feedback.
The audience were able to pose questions for discussion, as well as vote for the ‘Most Engaging’, ‘Most Original Perspective’ and ‘Best Argument’ prizes. Other speech topics were ‘Australia, You Can’t Handle the Truth’ from Domremy College, addressing racism and exclusion; and an interesting viewpoint on how the commodification of humanity is just another plan to economic growth from Sydney Boys High School.
Matthew again speaks of his experience:
“One of the best speeches of the day was by Ethan from Rosebank. He was passionate and engaging and spoke about overcoming adversity in his life. He topped it off with a breathtaking piano performance.
To end off an amazing day, a debating activity took place. A scenario was displayed, and we had to stand on one side if we agreed, stand on the other side if we disagreed, or stand in the middle. Some interesting ideas arose as we had to back up our choices.
Overall, it was a great experience, learning things I have never even thought of was a great way to think more.”
Matthew Boumelham Heidi Viney
Year 9 Learning Enrichment Teacher