Principal

New Br Berg Scoreboard

Over the last vacation period, the new electronic scoreboard was installed on Breen Oval. It went into operation for the first time on Saturday 24 October in our First XI Cricket fixture against St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown. Our first “four” was scored by the Captain, Aidan S and our first “fifty” was scored by Flynn B. They were memorable moments. 

Adding an electronic scoreboard has been a significant and lasting enhancement to cricket and rugby at the College. It has created a stronger sense of occasion, improved the spectator experience and this term, provided our cricketers with a match-day environment worthy of the pride and tradition associated with representing the College. It is an investment not simply in infrastructure, but in the experience and memories of generations of players to come. 

Once again, I thank all the members of our Community who donated money to realise this infrastructure: 

Security Measures for the Especean

Recently, the eCommissioner published advice for schools on student privacy. Anonymous social media accounts have increasingly harvested photos from official school websites, newsletters, and social media pages to create AI-generated face swaps, dance videos, fabricated stories, and non-consensual illicit deepfakes (including child exploitation material).  

We will be responding by making our Especean a protected publication. This means the program will automatically blur student faces for unauthenticated or public viewers. A password will be sent to all current recipients of the newsletter, and that password will unlock the publication and its images. 

Staff News 

• We congratulate Mr Andrew Viney on the exciting news that he became a grandfather following the arrival of Rome Leo Viney last Wednesday evening.  

• I am pleased to share that Mr Damian Chase has been appointed Acting Deputy Principal at St Edward’s College, East Gosford, for the 2027 school year. This is a wonderful professional opportunity for Mr Chase and recognises the experience and leadership he brings to Catholic education.  

We congratulate him warmly on this significant appointment and wish him every success as he takes on this important leadership responsibility. As a result of accepting the Acting Deputy Principal position, Mr Chase has decided to step down as Head of PDHPE at St Patrick’s College. The substantive position of Head of PDHPE will be advertised shortly on the College website for commencement in Term 1, 2027. 

While we will certainly miss Mr Chase’s presence at SPC throughout 2027, we are delighted that this is not a farewell. We look forward to welcoming him back to the teaching staff of St Patrick’s College at the start of the 2028 school year, enriched by the experience and opportunities this senior leadership role will undoubtedly provide. I know our community will join me in congratulating Mr Chase on his appointment and wishing him every success and God’s blessing as he embraces this exciting next chapter in his professional journey. 

Prayers 

We keep Samuel C (Year 9), Nicolas C (Year 12) and their mother Joanna in our prayers as their maternal grandmother is moved into palliative care. Such situations take an enormous toll on families and we wish them grace at this time. 

We extend our condolences to the following community members and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.  

In Memoriam

• Ms Taylah Cooper (PDHPE) following the loss of her beloved Nonna last weekend.  

• Luca N (Year 11) following the loss of his beloved Nonno Carmelino.  

• Romeo C (Year 8), Emilio C (Year 10), Old Boys Gianni C (’24) and Alessio C (’26) following the loss of their paternal grandfather.  

• Archie B (Year 10) and Old Boys Chris B (’90) and Tony B (’92) following the loss of their grandfather and father, Leo last weekend.  

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero