Deputy Principal

Expectations and Building Community

Over the last two weeks, as the school year has started, we have held a number of events that have outlined the expectations that we set for our students, staff, and parents/carers as well as events that help build the SPC community. 

Before the students entered the gates for the first time this year, the staff held three professional development days where, as a community, we talked about our new Strategic Plan, which was launched at Speech Night last year. This document gives us an important road map for the direction that the College is going to take over the next five years. The staff also engaged in collaborative workshops involving academic and wellbeing sessions where student learning and happiness was the focus. We know that connection plays a big part in student outcomes for our young men and we will continue to look for opportunities for them to find connection to SPC.

All our young men have also been part of a College Assembly, where we celebrated achievements over the term break and reminded our students of the privilege they have being a part of this school community. Our College Captain Francesco Mazza, who spent a few days in Adelaide with other Edmund Rice School Leaders, challenged our students to look outside the view of their own window, that is to be appreciative of what they have. He also called them to step up and move outside their comfort zone as we seek social justice for all of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. 

We have held a number of parent information evenings for Year 5 right through to Year 11. We are grateful that so many parents attended these nights. We celebrated the achievements of our HSC results and reminded parents about where their own son’s cohorts sit academically and spiritually, and the importance of their son’s wellbeing. We reminded our parents of our high expectations and as we did with our students, we went over Shining the St Patrick’s Way. We are committed to collaborating with our parents/carers and students to achieve the best outcomes for the young men in our care. I would ask for the same commitment from all parents/carers and students at the College.

The shining light of the last two weeks was our College Opening Mass followed by our 2025 High Achievers’ Assembly. These were two events that highlighted what is important to us as a College. First and foremost, through celebrating Mass together, we are reminded that we are a Catholic School with Gospel teachings at the centre of everything we do. We have challenged our community to ‘do everything with love.’ Our High Achievers’ Assembly showcased our young men who worked so hard to achieve outstanding academic results. As Mr James Martin, Director of Curriculum read out their achievements, there was a clear balance between academic rigor balanced with sporting, musical, stage and leadership achievements. As a comprehensive school we are so proud of our holistic education where every young man is challenged to achieve his best.

I look forward to seeing each and every one of you at every opportunity where we can come together as a College as we continue to build the SPC community.

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal