Junior School

The first four weeks of Term 3 have been full of energy and opportunity, with no shortage of activities for the boys to engage in. Already this term, they have enjoyed a diverse range of experiences, including a thought-provoking performance from the Brainstorm Productions team, the Year 7 and Year 8 Retreats, and a vibrant co-curricular program featuring basketball, hockey, soccer, and the Aladdin Jnr production. We’ve also celebrated the success of our junior teams in the BAS Cross Country, as well as the efforts of our junior debating and chess teams—just to name a few highlights.

Adding to the busyness, our Year 8 students have completed their subject selections for 2026, an exciting milestone that allows them to draw on their Junior School experiences—thanks to the breadth of our curriculum—to choose subjects aligned with their strengths, passions, and future aspirations. Earlier this term, our Homeroom Teachers worked closely with the boys, guiding them through the process and encouraging them to make considered, responsible choices that will set them up for success in the Senior School years.

These experiences, along with opportunities such as the recent Year 7 Humanities session on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures facilitated by the Clontarf program, highlight the variety of learning available to the boys. During this session, some of our Indigenous students generously shared stories about their home and culture with their peers, offering personal insights that brought a real depth to the topic. The student presenters spoke with confidence and pride, and it was clear from the attentive and engaged audience that their words were valued. Experiences like this not only enhance the boys’ understanding of their studies but also provide meaningful opportunities to develop empathy, respect, and cultural awareness—skills that are essential to being active, thoughtful members of the community. 

GRIT Awards

We also congratulate our GRIT Award winners for the first month of Term 3. At SPC, GRIT stands for Growth Mindset, Respectfulness, Inclusivity, and Tuned In—qualities that are essential both at school and in life. These boys have demonstrated GRIT in a variety of ways, whether it be pushing through a difficult task, showing persistence in sport or study, or finding a way to adapt when things didn’t go as planned. GRIT can come and go, but the more it is practised, the better equipped we are to problem-solve during moments of challenge. It is a skill necessary for success in adulthood, and it’s important that we continue to reference and value it—not only in our school setting but in the many other communities our boys are a part of. 

Coming Up

Looking ahead, there are several experiences our Year 8 students can look forward to over the coming weeks. Each Year 8 Homeroom will soon have the opportunity to visit Nazareth House and connect with the residents there. These visits, as outlined in the communication on PAM, are a chance for the boys to spend time in conversation with members of our community who have a wealth of life experience and stories to share. It’s an opportunity to practise empathy, patience, and active listening while also offering companionship to those who may greatly appreciate the visit. Encounters like these often leave a lasting impression on both the students and residents, fostering mutual respect and understanding across generations.

On Thursday, 5 September, the entire Year 8 cohort will take part in Values in Action II. Families will receive specific communication about the program next week, but the day will focus on:

• Engaging young people in discussions about respect and healthy relationships with peers, teachers, family, and the community.
• Promoting awareness of where young people can access help or support if they, or a friend, are experiencing gender-based violence.
• Raising awareness and developing positive “upstander” actions to encourage speaking out against gender-based violence and discrimination.

This day builds on the work the boys have done earlier in the year and aims to deepen their understanding of respect, empathy, and the role they can play in shaping safe and supportive communities.

The boys are doing a great job as they continue to learn more about who they are, what they enjoy, who their friends are, and how to engage respectfully with their time at St Patrick’s. This progress is supported by our dedicated Junior School staff, who work hard every day to guide, encourage, and provide opportunities for the boys to grow academically, socially, and personally. We look forward to the remainder of Term 3, with more activities, learning experiences, and opportunities for the boys to continue building their skills, confidence and connections.