Co-Curricular

Perspective

On Friday evening the College hosted the CSDA Public Speaking Grand Finals. Marcus G and Xavier T represented St Patrick’s in the Year 9 division held in the McGlade Library. I watched and listened as all finalists presented highly creative, measured and engaging speeches. The level of quality in content and delivery was seriously impressive; Mr Rob Simpson and I exchanged several knowing glances after many speech that essentially communicated the same thought: wow!

Marcus delivered a commanding speech on ‘crises’ that earned him second place, while Xavier dazzled on a ‘single story’ as the only speaker without notes. Either boy could have been judged the best of the evening – so too the majority of the 12 finalists, such was the level of competition.

There was one speech – one that I was surprised did not make the top four placings – that captured the essence of meaning and purpose in a crisis. The student crafted the nature of the eucalypt seed and its response to the intense devastation that is a bushfire, into a challenge to reconsider the human perspective in the aftermath of tragedy. They proposed that crisis and tragedy do not define or shape us: rather, it is our response to them that does. In other words, the actions we choose to take, shaped by our perspective and the options we perceive, are what ultimately form who we become.

Public speaking is not an easy arena. It asks young people to stand alone, to give a voice to their thoughts, and to accept that their words will be measured by peers, adults, and adjudicators. I was very proud of our boys and of all the students who stood up and gave their best. 

Special thanks to Debating and Public Speaking MIC, Mrs Maria Cesarano for her hard work in hosting the event alongside our great staff. A mention to our outgoing MIC, Mrs Denise Lombardo who has been a huge support during the transition and in attendance on the night.

On Saturday morning, I had the pleasure of coaching one of our Junior Touch Football teams. I could not have asked for a better spirit in which the game was played. The boys demonstrated a balance that we hope to see in all our activities: fun, competitive drive, a genuine respect for opponents and officials, care for each other, and a winning post-match war-cry for good measure. They did their school proud.

Yesterday our swimmers competed in Division 1 at the ISA Swimming Championships arena at SOPAC. We congratulate all students who represented SPC on their outstanding achievement, finishing 8th overall. Thank you to all staff involved, as well as our Year 11 students for their support and attendance.

Adam Watson

Director of Co-Curricular

“When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2