Acting Principal's report
Dr Michael Carroll, Acting Principal
Dear members of the St Patrick’s College Community,
Welcome to Term 2 and the first edition of The Crest for this term. I wrote to all families at the end of the holidays to introduce myself so will not repeat that. However, I do want to reinforce my excitement to be part of the SPC Community during Term 2 and look forward to our journey together over the coming 10 weeks.
Term 2 has commenced well with a number of key events.
It was excellent to see and meet so many parents at the Parent Teacher meetings this week and last week. I firmly believe that a strong relationship between school and home is crucial for the students to maximise their experience at St Patrick’s. I thank parents for the warm sense of welcome I witnessed, and I look forward to continuing the connection throughout the term.
Saturday marked a significant day for Australia as we united, acknowledged and gave thanks to those men and women who went into conflicts so that we have the opportunity to live in this special country. ANZAC Day is our opportunity to reflect and importantly acknowledge those who sacrificed their lives for all Australians.
Our ANZAC Day Assembly was a moving tribute to all who have served and sacrificed their lives for all Australians.
Year 11 student Noah Vallance sounds the Last Post.
Acting Principal Dr Michael Carroll accepts a book from Old Collegians Major Brian Broadribb and Alan McKinnon on behalf of Ballarat Legacy.
Dr Carroll and our student leaders lay a wreath beneath our Wall of Remembrance with our special guests.
Our ANZAC Day Assembly was a moving tribute to all who have served and sacrificed their lives for all Australians.
Year 11 student Noah Vallance sounds the Last Post.
Acting Principal Dr Michael Carroll accepts a book from Old Collegians Major Brian Broadribb and Alan McKinnon on behalf of Ballarat Legacy.
Dr Carroll and our student leaders lay a wreath beneath our Wall of Remembrance with our special guests.
The College had its ANZAC liturgy last Thursday. it was an excellent gathering and allowed staff and students to pay their respect to our ANZAC. I thank Mr John Richards for his reflection, and the many staff and students involved in this assembly. On Saturday, the commitment of the St Patrick’s Community continued with a number of staff and students involved in the various Ballarat ANZAC services and commemorations. The ANZAC Parade was again led by the St Patrick’s College Marching Band. My thanks to the staff who work with our marching band program. As one of the schools within the Ballarat region, it is important that we have a visible presence at the ANZAC ceremonies and I thank the many staff and students for their commitment and presence on Saturday. LEST WE FORGET.
This term the College will embark upon a review of our teaching and learning practices. The review will be an extensive investigation into our Teaching and Learning Framework, classroom practices, student engagement and look at the culture of learning that exists at SPC. Ms Carol Roberts, Deputy Principal – Academic Culture, will lead and have oversight of this project throughout the term. The College has engaged Mrs Marg Blythman to undertake the review. The review process will include surveys and interviews with staff, students and parents to gauge an insight into the teaching and learning culture and in turn develop recommendations to further enhance the teaching and learning. I encourage parents to be involved with this review. Ms Roberts will share more about the Review as the term progresses.
At the start of this year, the College introduced the concept of The St Pat’s Way which is aimed at outlining some simple processes that staff and students can follow in regard to the teaching and learning agenda. Last term, the focus was ‘Strong Start’ which was aimed at starting the lesson well with correct equipment, being on time and ready to commence the lesson. This term, the focus is ‘Strong Focus’. Put simply, this asks students to be present and ready to learn and ensure they give their best effort during the class. A positive and productive classroom environment is key to successful results and importantly a positive classroom experience for all. The staff will continue to emphasise both a ‘Strong Start’ and ‘Strong Focus’ throughout this term.
The Term 2 sporting program has commenced, and I had the pleasure of watching our First XVIII take on St Joseph's Ferntree Gully last Wednesday afternoon. I have to admit, it was my first school football game I have ever watched but very much enjoyed the sportsmanship, passion and skill on display. Congratulations to the team on a good win. On Tuesday, SPC competed in the BAS Swimming Championships. It was another positive day for SPC sport with many creditable performances recorded throughout the day. My thanks to Louise Macquire and the other staff for their work in preparing the team and ensuring the day ran well. Tonight, the Rowing Presentation Evening will take place and will be a great way to acknowledge a very successful rowing season. My thanks to the staff and coaches involved in the program and the ‘Friends of Rowing’ for their coordination of the night.
As I near the end of my first fortnight at St Patrick’s, I have enjoyed my journey. I will continue to emphasise to the students the importance of doing the little things well – be at class on time, shirts tucked in, correct uniform, and correct equipment for their classes. The staff will continue to remind students of these ‘little’ but critically important things, however, your support in reinforcing that message at home will be very important and greatly appreciated.
Finally, I not only thank you for the warm welcome but also ensuring the ‘warm’ weather has continued to prevail.
Have a great weekend.
God Bless.