Co-Curricular - Junior Sport Stage 3
St Patrick's College
It has been such a great experience coming back after a short period of leave. The smiling faces of the boys, genuinely welcoming me back, has made the challenge of dealing with some jetlag so much easier. Having spent some time recently in Europe, it has highlighted to me just how fortunate we are to live in Australia, but also the quality of education afforded to students in Australia and those at St Patrick’s College. Sometimes a little distance provides the best opportunity to build perspective.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Donlan, Head of Senior Sport for covering my role while I was on leave. I can’t imagine the challenges involved with managing the entire College’s Sport Program. Mr Donlan has done this for three weeks and has done it so well that I have been able to walk back into my role, like I never left. I would also like to thank the Sport Office team, Mrs Durance, Mr Tatola, Mr Davidson, Mr Falzon and Mr Conneely for their support of Mr Donlan in my absence. I would also like to thank Ms Osorio Narvaez for coaching the Junior School Softball Team in my absence.
St Patrick’s College entered two teams in this year’s Sydney FC Primary School Cup — SPC Black and SPC Blue. With 22 teams competing in the tournament, the 7-a-side format provided a great opportunity for students to experience a variety of playing styles and different challenges throughout the competition. Following the excitement of last year’s tournament, where SPC defeated Waverley 2–1 in the final, this year was certainly going to test both teams. The Tournament featured four groups, with two groups of five teams and two groups of six teams.SPC Black progressed through the group stage undefeated, finishing top of their group and securing their place in the finals. SPC Blue competed strongly in a very challenging group and narrowly missed out on progressing to the next stage.
In the final, SPC Black faced Christian Brothers’ Lewisham. The boys produced an outstanding performance, playing with confidence, composure and determination to secure a convincing 4–0 victory and be crowned champions.
I was extremely proud of both SPC teams and the way they represented the College throughout the tournament. The students demonstrated pride, resilience, determination and teamwork, both on and off the field.
Congratulations to all the students who participated and to our coaches for their efforts and commitment. To go back-to-back as Sydney FC Primary School Cup champions is a fantastic achievement and another wonderful result for the St Patrick’s College Football Program. A special mention to Aston B from the SPC Black, being awarded the Player of the Tournament.
During the School holidays, Nicolas O of Year 5 competed at the Australian National Taekwondo Championships in Canberra, where he won the gold medal, scoring 16 to 0 in his final round and became the Australian National Champion in his division! This is a well-earned reward for all the incredible hard work, dedication and training that Nicolas has put into achieving this result. Congratulations Nicolas! I know the whole College community will join me in praise of this huge achievement.
Another great achievement by a Junior School student was at the recent NSW PSSA Athletics Carnival. Charlie C of Year 5 ran in the final of the 200m. In this race Charlie set a new personal best (PB) time for the event and in doing so, came fourth in the final. This places Charlie as the fourth fastest schoolboy of 200m in his age group. An outstanding achievement! I know all the College community will join me in congratulating Charlie. Well done.
As we hit the halfway mark of Term 4 summer sport, just a friendly reminder that boys should not be leaving training early to attend club commitments. Boys and families are reminded that all College training and games are to be given precedence over that of external/ club training. Boys should be working hard to help develop themselves and their teammates at training.
Upcoming Events
Junior School House Swimming Carnival – Friday 13 November at Birrong Pool. Further information to follow for the boys regarding selection of activities for the Carnival.
Junior School Summer Sport and Representative Sport Presentation Evening. This will be held in the College Gym, and the time and date will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Good luck to all out teams competing this weekend. May the close calls fall in your favour.
John Locke
Head of Co-curricular Stage 3
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