Quick bites

Break the Cycle 2025

Senior students and staff are gearing up for our second annual Break the Cycle fundraiser on 30-31 August to promote respectful relationships and take a stand against gender-based violence. In addition to the 24-hour spin cycle relay, this year's event will feature a silent auction in an effort to boost our fundraising efforts. You can support our cause by sponsoring a rider, donating an auction item or making a contribution via our online fundraising page. All proceeds will be donated to Ballarat's Raven Collective, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting women impacted by domestic violence.

To learn more, download the flyer below or to donate, click on the button.

Junior Science Olympiad

The Junior Science Olympiad is a staged science enrichment program for highly motivated students in Australian high schools in Years 7 to 10. The program is designed to inspire and challenge young science enthusiasts. If they do well enough on the qualifying exam, there are digital training squad and talent development programs, intensive residential camps and international competitions. 

This year, nine students participated in the Junior Science Olympiad Exams across Year 8 -10. These are very challenging exams and the boys were competing against strong science students across the nation. These boys were from Year 8 Tobi Akindeju, Jack Roche, Xxavier Ballinger, Jack Gerdtz, Year 9; Venuk Gajanayake, Abe Ronan, Edward Cummins and Year 10 Paddy Casey. We had some excellent results and special mention to Tobi Akindeju who received a High Distinction which places him in the top 10 per cent and Lachlan Hill who received a Distinction.

Write a Book in Day competition

St Patrick’s College, the Kelty Resource Centre and the CW Club is entering a team in the 'Write a Book in a Day' competition again this year, a national initiative of the Kids' Cancer Project. 

Ten students in Years 7 and 8 will work together over one day to write and illustrate a book entirely their own. On Friday, 22 August with no chance to prepare, the team must co-operate to create their literary masterpiece. They will raise money for kids’ cancer research, and their completed book will be delivered to sick kids in hospitals - they'll make a real difference. But we need your help!

To contribute to this wonderful initiative, and help raise money for kids’ cancer research, please click below.

2027 Scholarship Program

Registrations are now open for the 2027 Scholarship Program. Scholarships are offered to new and existing students entering Years 7, 10 and 11 students in 2027 in the following categories:

• Academic Excellence
• General Excellence/Leadership
• Performing Arts (Music & Drama)
• Sport

For further information or to register, click on the button below.

Canteen Volunteers Needed

We're on the lookout for friendly, reliable volunteers to help in the College canteen. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or a just the occasional day, your support makes a big difference to our school community. No experience needed - just a willingness to help and a smile. Interested? Register here or check out the flyer below for further information.

Father's Day Mass & Breakfast

We warmly invite all fathers and father figures to celebrate with us on Friday, 5 September.

A time-honoured tradition at St Pat's, the event begins with Mass in our College Chapel at 7am, followed by a delicious breakfast in the OCA Pavilion. Join us as we gather to honour and give thanks to the special men in our lives. Bookings are essential. Register below.

Fresh Approach to Student Toilets

We’re excited to let you know that work is now underway to refurbish the student toilets adjacent the Wilding Wing; built in 2004 these facilities are currently used by our senior students.  And whilst it may not be the most glamorous project, it’s an important one.

We know from both research and listening to our students that well-designed toilets can make a big difference in how safe and comfortable they feel at school.  Modern secondary school toilets, especially in an all-boys environment, are moving away from the old, closed-off designs of the past.  The new layout will feature:

• Open, easy-to-see entrances along a passively supervised corridor to improve safety while still ensuring privacy;
• Full-height cubicles giving each student a sense of personal space; and
• Better lighting and ventilation so the area feels safe and welcoming.

Our goal is simple: toilets that are cleaner, safer, and more comfortable for every student.  We’re confident that these changes will help create an environment where boys feel at ease and can focus on what matters most, their learning and wellbeing.  All going to plan, these updated facilities will be available for use by Term 4.

- Andrew Jirik, SPC Business Manager

2026 Term Dates 

Term 1

Years 7&12 Commence: Thursday, 29 January

All Students Commence: Friday, 30 January

Public Holiday: Monday, 9 March (Labour Day)

Classes Conclude: Thursday, 2 April

Term 2 

Classes commence: Monday, 20 April

Public Holiday: Monday, 8 June (King’s Birthday)

Classes Conclude: Friday, 26 June

Term 3               

All Students Commence: Tuesday, 14 July

Boarders’ Exeat: Monday, 17 August

Classes Conclude: Friday, 11 September

VCE Practice Exams: Monday, 14 September – Friday, 18 September

Term 4 

All Students Commence: Monday, 5 October

Boarder’s Exeat: Monday, 2 November and Tuesday, 3 November (Melbourne Cup)

Years 10-11 Head Start: Monday, 23 November – Friday, 4 December

Classes Conclude: Friday, 4 December