Wellbeing - Middle School

Middle School Leadership

It is my great pleasure to announce the 2025 Primary School (Stage 3) Student Leadership Team. We wish them all the best as they lead the respective Year 5 and 6 cohorts next year. They have been announced to the current Year 5 cohort, and we will have an opportunity to formally present them, along with their families in attendance, at an assembly early in Term 1 2025.

Congratulations to the following boys who received Year Ambassador honours and will be leading their respective cohorts in 2025.

I would like to wish all of the 2025 student leaders the very best as they soon take on their specific elected position of responsibility.

Friday Assembly - 22 November

At last Friday’s Middle School assembly, our final one for the year, we had a range of important themes that were presented to us. Anthony Naim, Social Justice Prefect spoke to the Middle School students about the importance of giving back in this time of celebration, especially for those lesson fortunate:

Our annual Christmas appeal began a couple of weeks ago, and we ask for your assistance. This is the biggest opportunity to support those in our community who need it most through charitable donations. Specifically, these donations will go to organisations supporting the homeless and marginalised, including St Vincent De Paul (SVDP) and their Vinnie’s Van, as well as a Women’s Shelter, St Merkorious and Catholic Care.

 

The Vinnie’s Van, SVDP and St Merkorious services cater to those in need of a meal, hot drink, blanket, toiletries, and most importantly, companionship, which is extremely valuable particularly during Christmas. Additionally, the Women’s Shelter house women and young children who are survivors of domestic violence, a concept directly opposing that of Christmas, and Catholic Care support adults and young people with disabilities. The theme is clear – these organisations serve the less fortunate, ensuring that everyone is safe and supported during Christmas, regardless of their circumstances. I encourage each and every one of you to fully commit yourselves to this appeal. It will only take a little effort on your part to massively impact someone in a positive way.

Patrick Bressa, Student Wellbeing Prefect, spoke about the important men’s health topics related to Movember. Below is part of his address which was followed by a video in which staff and students were interviewed with inspiring words of the men in their lives:

Movember began with two men challenging each other to grow Mo's during the month of November, with no fundraiser on the line, just a vision. Two decades later and the Movember foundation has raised over $1 Billion for cancer research and encouraging men to seek professional help for issues regarding their mental health.  

 

This is a critical topic in our society as on average men live 6 years less than their female counterparts, this may not seem like a long time but in reality, it is nearly 2 and a half thousand less days that you can spend with loved ones.

 

It is important to remember that everybody has something, no matter how big or small, every person is fighting their own battles, and it's our job as the new generation to break down these barriers.

 

By promoting open conversations about men’s mental health, we take one step closer to living fuller lives. Together, we can create a future where seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Mr Calavassy, Director of Co-curricular presented outstanding achievements of students who had represented the College in numerous co-curricular pursuits this year. The following boys represented in five activities: Camilio Chelala (Year 7), William Zeng (Year 7) and Nathaniel Hoang (Year 8). Ryan Stanmore (Year 8) represented the College in seven co-curricular activities - an outstanding achievement. Mr Calavassy also presented Sebastian Natalegawa (Year 7) with a special award for his ISA and more broader amazing achievements in diving. Well done to all.

We had a wonderful musical item by Lachlan Tsai who played Arabesque by Johann Barmuller - a delightful romantic-era piano piece that captures a light, lyrical character typical of salon music of the time. And finally, Mr Byrne addressed the students regarding how we “Shine the St Patrick’s Way” in all that we do, with our high expectations in behaviour both inside and outside of the classroom. He urged all our students to finish the year strongly, as men of faith and character.

We look forward to celebrating the year with you at Speech Night this coming Tuesday evening, 3 December and a reminder, that it is a compulsory event for all students. I expect all to be there for one of our most important College events of the year.

Alexandros Sinadinos

Director of Middle School