Principal

Connected to One Another

Each morning, I spend some quiet time reading the daily Mass readings. This week, as I read St. Paul’s words to the Ephesians, photographs from my visit to Ephesus exactly one year ago unexpectedly appeared on my phone. Suddenly, the ancient city was no longer simply a place I had visited. It became personally connected to the living Word before me.

For me, this was more than a remarkable coincidence. It felt like the Holy Spirit gently reminding me that the Gospel continues to travel through ordinary people willing to receive and share it. St. Paul proclaimed the Good News in places such as Ephesus. Today, that same invitation comes to each of us: to spread the Gospel through kindness, forgiveness, courage, and how we care for one another.

Inspired by Fr. Ron Rolheiser’s reflections on St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, we are reminded that Christian faith is not lived in isolation. We encounter Christ through one another, through our relationships, our shared responsibilities and our willingness to build a community of love.

St Paul calls us to “be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another” and to “live in love, as Christ loved us” (Ephesians 4:32–5:2). He reminds us that we are “light in the Lord” and asks us to “live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). Our connection with others becomes visible in the compassion we offer, the words we choose, the forgiveness we extend and the goodness we bring into each day.

Paul also writes, “Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). Within every relationship, we are called to move beyond self-interest and practise mutual respect, faithfulness and self-giving love. Christ-like love protects others' dignity, nurtures belonging, and places their wellbeing alongside our own.

We are not strangers to one another but “members of the household of God,” joined together like stones in a sacred building, with Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19–22). In our College community, every student, staff member and family has a place. Each person contributes something essential, and our community's strength depends on how faithfully we support and care for one another.

Paul’s image of the “armour of God” reminds us that sustaining these connections requires courage (Ephesians 6:10–20). We are called to stand firm in truth, righteousness, peace and faith. Our struggle is not against one another. Instead, we stand together against all that divides, diminishes or isolates people.

May we live as children of light, connected through Christ and committed to kindness, forgiveness, mutual respect and peace. In doing so, we become more than people who share the same school. We become a community in which every person is known, valued and never left to walk alone.

WhatsApp, Privacy and Protecting Our Boys

One of the great strengths of our St Patrick’s College community is the connection and support among our families. Parent WhatsApp groups can strengthen this by helping parents share practical information, stay connected, and support one another.

Like all forms of communication, these groups work best when used thoughtfully and with respect for others' privacy and dignity.

At times, parents may understandably have questions or concerns about something that has occurred at school. We recognise that parents want to support and protect their sons, particularly when issues involve friendships, behaviour or wellbeing. However, confidential matters involving individual students should not become the subject of discussion, speculation or commentary in parent WhatsApp groups.

This includes behavioural, disciplinary, academic and pastoral matters, as well as allegations involving bullying, misconduct or other concerns about identifiable students. Our College WhatsApp guidelines similarly ask parents not to discuss individual students in relation to these matters or share confidential information concerning another child or family. 

Every student is entitled to have his privacy, dignity and wellbeing respected.

In any situation involving young people, parents participating in a group conversation may understandably know only part of what has occurred. Discussion based on incomplete information can quickly lead to assumptions, speculation, or the circulation of information that may unfairly affect another boy, family member, or staff member.

Remember that something posted in a private WhatsApp group may not stay there. Messages can be copied, photographed, forwarded or circulated beyond the original group. 

For these reasons, concerns about a student's safety or wellbeing are best raised directly with the College, where they can be listened to carefully and addressed through the appropriate processes. Our guidelines make clear that WhatsApp groups are not the appropriate forum for discussing or escalating complaints. 

This expectation is also reflected in the College’s Parent Code of Conduct. The Code speaks to our commitment to respectful relationships and identifies qualities such as respect for the innate dignity and worth of every person, open and honest communication, trusting relationships, and responsible actions. It also asks parents to treat staff and other parents with respect and courtesy. 

Parents can read the Code directly here: St Patrick’s College Parent Code of Conduct 

These principles are especially important when communicating online. As a Catholic community in the Edmund Rice tradition, we should always speak with and about one another in ways that reflect the dignity we recognise in every person.

Parents should always feel confident in raising legitimate concerns about their son's learning, relationships, safety or wellbeing. We simply ask that parents bring these concerns directly to the appropriate member of College staff rather than discussing them in a group chat. This allows the College to listen, respond appropriately and ensure that everyone involved is treated with respect and fairness.

Perhaps the most helpful reminder comes from our own WhatsApp guidelines. Before posting or forwarding a message, we encourage parents to pause and ask three simple questions:

• Is it true?
• Is it respectful?
• Is it helpful? 

When we let these questions guide our communication, parent WhatsApp groups can remain what they're meant to be: positive spaces for connection, support, and community.

Most importantly, by protecting confidential student matters and speaking respectfully about one another, we work together to create the safe, caring and inclusive community that every boy at St Patrick’s College deserves.

Staff News

• We congratulate Mr Wasfi Al-Share, a valued member of our IT Team, and his wife on the arrival of their first child, a son named Mohammed, last week. 

• We keep Mrs Jessica Lonard, our Head of Library Services, in our prayers following the loss of her beloved mother-in-law, Gaye Lonard, on Friday. May the late Mrs Lonard now rest in perpetual peace.

In Memoriam 

We keep Scott D (Year 11) in our prayers on the loss of his beloved grandfather, John Dunlop.  

Final Friday Morning Mass for the Year

Throughout this year, it has been a great joy to catch up with parents at our many College functions, including Trivia Night. I have been deeply touched by the number of parents who have taken a moment to speak with me personally and offer their good wishes as I prepare to finish my time as Principal.

The final Friday morning Mass on Friday, 27 November 2026 will be a Mass of Thanksgiving for my six years at the College. If you would like to join us, you would be very welcome. There will be no ceremony or fuss, just a simple Mass of thanksgiving for the people, relationships, and experiences that have made these years so special.

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero