Principal's report

Welcome to Term 3

We've hit the ground running upon our return to school this term and I extend a warm welcome to all students, staff, and families. A special welcome to those who are new to the SPC community this term. I trust that everyone returned refreshed from the mid-year break, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the second half of the school year.

Term 3 marks an important and busy period in the life of the College as we not only continue to deliver a range of high-quality learning experiences and educational offerings, but also begin preparing in earnest for 2026 and the new school year ahead. Over the coming weeks, we embark on several important processes that will set up and shape the direction of the 2026 academic year.

One of the key starting points and processes is the subject selection process which commenced in Week 1 of the term for students. Students and their parents have been guided through thoughtful reflection and consultation with relevant staff to make informed choices about their learning pathways in 2026. These preferences play a crucial role in determining which subjects will be offered next year, helping us map out a curriculum that reflects both student interest and educational priorities.

Later this term, the College will begin the complex and detailed task of constructing the timetable for the upcoming year. This includes decisions around staffing, class structure, and resource allocation—all essential in ensuring a smooth and successful start to 2026— based on and reflecting the student preferences for subjects made during the subject selection process. Of course, a number of staff continue to prepare for the introduction of our new school structures – the Middle School consisting of Years 7, 8 & 9, and the Senior School of Years 10, 11 & 12.

For our Year 12 students, Term 3 holds particular significance and in many ways, is the beginning of the end of their time at SPC. This is a time of both celebration and reflection as they prepare for the culmination of their journey at the College. The Year 12 Formal, held last week, is a highlight—a moment to celebrate friendships and achievements—while students also continue working diligently towards their final assessments and exams in their Unit 4 subjects. A week of vitally important practice exams is scheduled for Week 9 of the term and all students undertaking their written VCE exams in Term 4 are expected to attend and undertake these.

More will be said as we farewell Year 12, but I acknowledge their leadership, resilience, and contributions to the College, all of which are deeply valued as they begin their transition toward their lives beyond school.

At the same time, we have begun the important process of selecting the next generation of student leaders and members of the Student Council for Term 4, 2025 and into 2026. Through applications and interviews, we look to identify those students who will carry forward the College’s values, lead their peers, and represent the student voice in the coming year. This is a formative experience for all involved, and we look forward to announcing the new leadership team in the final week of the term.

As always, we are grateful for the commitment and enthusiasm of our entire College community. Term 3 is a time of both momentum and anticipation—grounded in the work we do today and inspired by the future we are building together.

SPC recognised in local awards

Clontarf Academy

I was thrilled to receive notification that the St Patrick’s College Clontarf Academy was named as a finalist in the 2025 Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards (Accessibility and Inclusion category). The awards will be presented at a gala dinner next week and I look forward to being there to support our colleagues, Dave Friebel and Darren Burns. 

The Clontarf Academy continues to do a tremendous job in supporting and encouraging our indigenous students as they make their way through each week, term and year at the College. It is really encouraging to walk into the Clontarf Room and to feel the sense of belonging, connection and welcome, and wonderful to see the growth and achievements of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. 

City of Ballarat Youth Awards

Year 12 students Mitchell Chalmers and Brendan Monaghan were both recognised as finalists in the City of Ballarat Youth Awards Ceremony last Friday night in the category of ‘Positive Leader Award’. The program for the ceremony stated: 

‘This category recognises a young person who demonstrates leadership in their own unique way. Leadership isn’t just about titles – it’s about stepping up, supporting others and making a difference. This could be through taking action on important issues, supporting family members, being a great teammate, striving towards big goals, or holding a leadership role at school, work, or in the community’.

I was very pleased to be at the ceremony to support both Mitchell and Brendan. Despite not winning this category, the College is very proud of these young men and the strong and positive leadership they have shown during their time on the Student Council and at the College.