Co-Curricular - Junior Sport Stage 3

Welcome back to all our students in the Junior School to what will no doubt be another busy term at St Patrick’s. With the beginning of the term, we welcome the start of winter sport. With the Anzac Day long weekend ahead of us, games won’t start until Saturday 2 May. This will give all our teams an opportunity to train before starting the season. Boys are reminded to read the training schedule and be prepared for all their sessions.

On the last day of Term 1, a small but enthusiastic group of 12 boys headed out to The King’s School to take part in the annual IPSHA Cross Country Carnival. The 2km and 3km courses are deceptively challenging with rough terrain and steep inclines. On a day designed for running, our boys in the 10s, 11s and 12 years age groups all performed strongly, finishing in the top half of over 100 groups in each race. A special mention to Phoenix P who had an excellent run finishing eighth in the 11-year race. Phoenix has now qualified to represent IPSHA at the upcoming CIS Carnival at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. I know that the SPC community will join me in wishing Phoenix well for his upcoming run.

During the holidays, the Junior School had two touring groups representing the College. Our Football players headed to Brisbane for the annual EREA Football Tournament, while our Rugby players travelled to Armidale for the annual TAS Rugby Carnival.

The tour to Brisbane did not start well. Once on board the Virgin plane, the group were informed that they would be delayed an hour and half and would need to stay aboard for the duration of the flight. Thankfully, the wind died down, and we were given permission to jump the queue, so only 45 minutes late. With some special permission at the Brisbane end, the squad disembarked only 25 minutes after the scheduled arrival time. From there everything ran smoothly and the boys took to the field to play some excellent football.

In what can only be described as perfect conditions, the first day returned positive results, two victories from two games. Putting St Patrick’s College in a strong position for the second day. After some well-earned R’n’R, the boys settled in for the night. Day 2 again saw conditions perfect for football, and it showed. The boys from SPC played their best football again winning strongly and moving through the pool phase undefeated with a clean score sheet. 

The tournament structure places the top team from each of the pools into the final. Being undefeated placed us at the top of our pool and the host school Nudgee at the top of theirs. The final had aura about it, with the obvious top two teams playing each other. Both teams battled hard, but neither could find the back of the net. The game would be decided by penalties; exciting, but stressful! With only a best of three penalty shootout, it was the boys from SPC who held their nerves and came away winners, three goals to two in the shootout. SPC once again returning from Brisbane victorious. This is the fifth year in a row that a team from St Patrick’s has won the competition and the only the second to have kept a clean sheet throughout. 

A big thank you to all the boys for their efforts on and off the pitch. You kept your standards high and you were noticed, for all the right reasons. Thanks also to all the families that trekked north with us, giving so much needed support. Finally, to Mr Conneely, thank you for leading the boys so well and inspiring them to dream big and have the confidence to perform at their best.

With great success on the tours, the winter season ahead looks very promising. I wish all our teams and coaches all the best for the beginning of the season.

John Locke

Head of Co-curricular - Stage 3

Armidale Rugby Carnival Report

Our students and families experienced country hospitality at its finest during the Armidale School Rugby Carnival. From the moment we arrived, it was wonderful to see families and siblings on the sidelines, proudly supporting our team and contributing to the strong sense of community that defined the weekend.

Day 1 delivered classic country conditions, with dry and warm weather setting the stage for an exciting opening to the carnival. Day 2 began quite differently, with a brisk four‑degree morning greeting the team as they assembled for early photos before the day gradually warmed. Despite the contrasting conditions, our players remained focused and determined.

With high expectations and strong competition across the carnival, our team rose to the challenge. They delivered an outstanding performance, securing six wins from six games to finish undefeated and emerge as the winners of our pool. The growth and development shown as the tournament progressed was particularly pleasing. The boys gained confidence with each match, demonstrating resilience, teamwork and maturity both on and off the field.

Congratulations to our team and their families on a highly successful tour. Their commitment, enthusiasm and support were evident throughout the carnival and contributed greatly to the positive experience for everyone involved.

A sincere thank you goes to Mrs Tatola, Mr Morris and Mr Pasternatsky for their dedication in preparing the team in the lead‑up to the carnival, their guidance and mentorship throughout the weekend, and their ongoing support of the SPC Rugby Program. Their efforts played a significant role in the team’s success and development.

Macquire Tatola

Head of Rugby