Principal

Founder’s Day

Last Friday, we commemorated our Founder, Blessed Edmund Rice. It was a wonderful day that commenced with a Mass and then moved into lunch, the Waterford Mile and the inaugural Founder’s Day Staff vs Students Football Cup.

In my address at the end of Mass, I spoke of my hope and vision for the College. My hope and vision are that our schools will today, tomorrow, and always be faithful to Blessed Edmund’s special charism of reaching out to the poor and marginalised in our midst.

His mission of educating those most vulnerable is our mission as well. Here is part of my address to the student body.

My hope and vision are that in this school, there is a strong emphasis on the following:

To my young men of St Pat’s: You are like sons to me and my brothers in Christ.
We need to read the signs of the times, it does appear, that there will be a day when the Christian Brothers will no longer be available to be with us on our educational journey.
This is not that day. Let me repeat that – this is not that day. And may it be a long way away indeed.
But, when that day does come, my hope and vision is that we will be secure in knowing that you, our students and staff, will continue the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, in ensuring that the Touchstones of an Edmund Rice Education, and all that entails will remain today, tomorrow and always at the heart of the school community.

These things I know today –

Our school is a remarkable educational centre that, despite occasional setbacks, educates the hearts and minds of young men.
Our school is accomplished and recognised by others as being steeped in our Catholic faith, and as being an institution that cares for our community, especially the less fortunate.
Our school lives up to the words on the documents that define our mission, vision, and values.
Our school is in good hands because they are at once and always in the hands of 1600 amazing young men and in God’s hands.
Our school is a beacon of hope for the thousands of young people who count on us to be role models, calm voices that speak to them with honesty and integrity, in a society that at times leaves them behind.

So, today, my hope and vision for our College is that tomorrow, we will always remember who we are and where we come from.

That we will remain forever faithful to our roots and foundation. That we will always strive to be true to our calling. That we will always know and feel Blessed Edmund’s presence among us. And that we will always live within God’s loving and compassionate embrace.

Let me conclude by saying that, due to your parents’ choice, you are beneficiaries of an Edmund Rice education. Like you, I was the beneficiary of such an education with the Sisters of Charity, an education that changed my life, liberated me and indeed, I achieved my goals.

At the end of Mass, I announced the Founder’s Day Award winners. The students nominated their own choices and there was also a staff winner. This year, we have five very worthy winners who epitomise our Touchstones.

Elio Alessi, Alexander Bogoeski, Jake Samaan, Albert Maroun, Mrs Sarah Tatola

Stage 3	Alexander Bogoeski
Stage 4	Albert Maroun
Stage 5	Elio Alessi
Stage 6	Jake Samaan
Staff	Mrs Sarah Tatola

The nominations spoke loudly about their commitment to others, their preferential option for the poor and isolated individuals and their sheer optimism for life. Congratulations!

Staff News

This week, we welcome Mr Christopher McBride to the College in the position of TAS teacher. He is a very experienced TAS teacher with extensive experience in HSC and Preliminary Design and Technology, Engineering Studies, Industrial Technology – Timber Furnishings (Wood) and VET Construction.

Mr McBride has also taught Stage 5 Graphics Technology/Technical Drawing, Industrial Technology – Wood, Year 9 and Year 10, and Industrial Technology – Metal Year 9 and Year 10. This fabulous appointment fills the gap left in TAS by Mr Calavassy.