Middle School

As we move through the opening weeks of Term 3, it has been wonderful to see our Middle School students return with enthusiasm, purpose and a positive attitude towards their learning. The start of a new term always brings renewed energy, and it has been pleasing to see students settling quickly into routines, engaging positively in their classes and embracing the many opportunities that lie ahead.

Term 3 has also seen our extensive co-curricular program continue to thrive. Whether through the basketball and rowing programs, involvement in the upcoming production of Grease, table tennis, or the many other opportunities available at the College, it has been pleasing to see so many students pursuing their interests beyond the classroom. 

Participation in co-curricular activities plays an important role in fostering a sense of belonging and connection to the College community, and I encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunities available and contribute positively to the life of the school.

Middle School Assembly

We commenced Term 3 by gathering all Middle School students for our first assembly of the semester. The assembly was expertly facilitated by Jack Ward and Xavier Ballinger, who did an outstanding job leading proceedings and engaging their peers throughout the event.

A particular highlight was the thoughtful and inspiring Acknowledgement of Country delivered by Kiaan Kickett, which set the tone for a respectful and meaningful gathering.

The assembly also included a welcome from Mr O'Connor, along with an engaging Q&A session with Mr Howard Clark, providing students with valuable insights and an opportunity to learn more about the experiences and perspectives of key members of our College community.

As Middle School staff, we also took the opportunity to reinforce our expectations and values as members of the St Patrick's College community. The beginning of a new term is an important time to reset, reflect and recommit to the behaviours, attitudes and standards that help make our College such a positive place to learn and grow. We look forward to seeing our students continue to demonstrate these values throughout the term.

Mother (or Female Mentor) / Son Evening

We have been delighted with the level of interest shown in our upcoming Mother (or Female Mentor) / Son Evening. The strong response highlights the value our families place on meaningful opportunities to connect and spend quality time together.

This event provides an opportunity for students and their mothers or female mentors to strengthen relationships, share experiences and create lasting memories in a positive and supportive environment.

The evening will be held on Wednesday, 5 August, and there is still time for families who have not yet registered to consider being involved. We encourage families to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and look forward to an enjoyable evening together.

Brainstorm Productions – Verbal Combat

Our Year 7 and Year 8 students recently attended Brainstorm Productions' Verbal Combat, an engaging and thought-provoking performance that explored a range of issues facing young people in today's digital world. Topics such as online influences, cyberbullying, friendships, mental health, privacy and responsible decision-making were presented through relatable characters and realistic scenarios.

The boys engaged positively throughout the performance and were encouraged to reflect on the impact their choices can have both online and offline. Importantly, the presentation challenged students to consider how they can be positive contributors within their communities rather than simply bystanders or followers.

We hope students took away valuable messages about empathy, respect, resilience and responsible digital citizenship, and how these qualities can help them make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Year 9 Melbourne Experience

Our recent Year 9 Melbourne Experience was an outstanding success, and I would like to congratulate the boys on the positive manner in which they engaged with every aspect of the program. Throughout the week, students embraced the opportunities presented to them, represented the College with pride and demonstrated the maturity and respect we have come to expect from the Year 9 cohort.

A particular highlight was the consistent feedback from staff regarding the students' efforts, attitudes and willingness to challenge themselves in unfamiliar environments. We regularly commented on how proud we were of the way the boys conducted themselves and the positive contribution they made to the experience for both their peers and staff.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the staff who supported the program. Experiences such as these require significant planning and commitment, and their willingness to invest in our students helps make these opportunities both meaningful and memorable.

Looking ahead, we are excited for the upcoming Year 9 Camp in the Grampians during the early stages of Term 4. This promises to be another fantastic opportunity for students to build connections, challenge themselves and create lasting memories together. As one of the final shared experiences of their Middle School journey, the camp will provide an opportunity to reflect on how far the boys have come and celebrate all they have achieved before they transition into the next stage of their schooling.

2027 Subject Selections

Last night, we were pleased to welcome a large number of families to our Subject Selections Information Evening. Thank you to all parents and students who attended and engaged so positively in this important stage of planning for future learning pathways.

For our current Year 8 and Year 9 students, subject selection is a significant decision and one that deserves careful thought and discussion. The choices students make will help shape their learning experiences and open opportunities as they progress through their senior years.

We strongly encourage students to be active participants in the process, working closely with their families and seeking guidance from College staff. Our teachers, Heads of House and Careers team are available to support students as they consider the range of pathways available to them.

Most importantly, students should choose subjects that align with their interests, strengths and emerging career aspirations—not simply follow the choices of their friendship group. While career goals may evolve over time, selecting subjects that students genuinely enjoy and are motivated to engage with provides the strongest foundation for future success.

We look forward to supporting our students as they make informed decisions and begin exploring the many opportunities available to them in the years ahead.

Student Spotlight

Mylo Wealands (Year 8)

One of the great joys of working in Middle School is celebrating the achievements of our students, both within and beyond the school gates. This month, we are delighted to recognise Year 8 student Mylo Wealands for an outstanding series of achievements in ballet.

During the recent school holidays, Mylo was awarded a scholarship to train with the Western Ballet Project in Melbourne. As part of this opportunity, Mylo spent a week rehearsing for the production Medvec & Morozko, undertaking intensive training each day from 8:00am to 4:00pm from 7–11 July before performing in the production on 12 July.

In addition to this achievement, Mylo competed at Comdance Melbourne as a member of the Dance School of Distinction Ballarat Under 15 Classical Troupe. The troupe delivered an exceptional performance and was awarded first place in the competition.

The success continued at the Ballarat Dance Eisteddfod, where Mylo performed a ballet duo with a long-time dance partner. Having danced together for approximately three years, the pair delivered an impressive performance and were also awarded first place.

These accomplishments are a reflection not only of Mylo's talent, but also of the dedication, perseverance and countless hours of practice required to perform at such a high level. Balancing the demands of school with a rigorous training schedule is no small feat, and Mylo's commitment to excellence is to be commended.

Congratulations, Mylo, on these outstanding achievements. We look forward to following your continued success and are proud to celebrate your contributions to the performing arts.

Stories like Mylo's highlight the incredible talents and passions of our students. We encourage families to share these achievements with us, as celebrating student success is something we greatly value and can only do when we are aware of it.

Charlie Clarke (Year 8)

Congratulations to Charlie Clarke, who recently represented Victoria at the School Sport Australia Championships. Charlie played an important role in helping the Victorian team reach the Grand Final after an outstanding tournament, remaining undefeated on their path to the decider.

We are incredibly proud of Charlie's achievement and the commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship he has shown while competing at the national level. Well done, Charlie, on representing both Victoria and our school with distinction.