I would like to welcome back students and their families to Term 4. It is hard to believe how quickly the year has progressed; the next eight weeks provide a great indication on how the five dimensions of wellbeing at the College are practised. It will be an extremely busy time with many students involved in retreats, social justice forums, summer co-curricular commitments and final examinations or assessments.

It will be important for students to be well-organised, utilising their diary to ensure that key activities and tasks are noted; similarly, it is an opportune time for students to be reflecting on their Semester 2 goals that were entered during Term 3.

Finally, I pass on my best wishes to our Year 12 students as they commence their HSC examinations tomorrow. As a parent of a student who completed their exams in 2022 and with one about to commence their HSC year, I appreciate the experience of stress, tears, laughter, and pride in achieving goals and results. As much as the focus is on our students, I take a moment to thank parents and carers for all that you have done to support your son’s wellbeing over the last 12 months.

Catholic Care - Parent Education Program

I have recently received a brochure promoting a number of upcoming parent courses offered by Catholic Care. Several of these are conducted online via Zoom call.

Seminar

Date - Online via Zoom

Time

Anxiety Coach

Mondays

20 October - 3 November

Wednesdays

26 November - 10 December

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Turning into Teens

Wednesdays

22 October - 26 November

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Emotion Coaching

Tuesdays

25 November - 9 December

Wednesdays

26 November - 10 December

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Further details can be found at their website www.catholiccare.org or you can email parenteducation@catholiccare.org.

Robert Simpson

Director of Senior School

Meet the 2026 Student Leaders

Francesco Mazza

What is your leadership portfolio?

College Captain.

What is one way you hope to make a positive impact on the school community this year?

I want to make a positive impact on the SPC community this year by being someone people can really lean on and trust. High school isn’t always easy, and when things get tough, it can be hard to stay positive.

From my own experience, talking to older students who had been through similar things really helped me. That’s why I want to be a down-to-earth role model, someone who is easy to talk to and understands what it’s like to be in those shoes. I hope that boys feel comfortable coming to me to chat about anything on their mind, whether it’s school-related or personal. By being there and listening, I want to help create a supportive space where everyone feels heard, and we can all get through tough times together.

If you could have dinner with any leader (past or present), who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with any leader, I’d pick Marcus Bontempelli, the Western Bulldogs’ captain. He leads his AFL team not just with his skills but by supporting his teammates and remaining calm under intense pressure. I truly admire how he stays grounded and humble, ensuring he remains connected to the community despite the media attention he receives. I would love to hear how he stays motivated and how he encourages others to give their best.

What motivates you on tough days?

On tough days, I remind myself why I show up, not just for myself but for the people around me. Sometimes it’s a friend, teacher, family member, or teammate who’s counting on me. That’s what drives me to keep going, even when times get difficult. I also try to see the bigger picture, knowing that one bad day doesn’t define who I am. Listening to music, training, or having a laugh with a mate can reset my mindset. It’s these small things that keep me going.

What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?

A good theme song for my life would be “Take Care” by Drake and Rihanna because it touches on the idea of being there for others and always offering support, no matter what someone has been through. This is expressed clearly in the line, “If you let me, here’s what I’ll do, I’ll take care of you.” In my everyday life, I try to be a safe space for the people around me, happy to take others under my wing and care for them in rough times while making sure they feel comfortable reaching out. This song reflects my strong belief in empathy, forgiveness, and standing by others when they need it most.

Ryan Scullion

What is your leadership portfolio?

College Vice Captain.

What is one way you hope to make a positive impact on the school community this year?

This year, I hope to make a positive impact by building strong connections with all boys across the College. I aim to be someone that everyone can relate to, confide in, and rely on. I want to model that it’s always better to be yourself, to stand firm in what you believe, and to stay authentic to your true self, even when it’s not the easiest path to take. Through encouragement and example, I hope to help create a community where everyone feels supported to be their best selves, always remembering that we are stronger together. Ultimately, I want our College to be known as a place where boys grow into strong, kind, compassionate, and resilient young men who carry those values beyond the school gates and make a real impact in the world.

If you could have dinner with any leader (past or present), who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with any leader, it would be Tim Tebow. Tebow is a retired American football player who had the ability to motivate, inspire, and lead his team both on and off the field. What stands out most about Tebow is that his leadership didn’t stop when his football career did. He continues to inspire others through his words, actions, and most importantly, his faith. His work through the Tim Tebow Foundation brings faith, hope, and love to those who are less advantaged in life. Tim Tebow embodies the ability to make a huge difference in people’s lives through compassionate and purpose-driven leadership.

What motivates you on tough days?

On tough days, I find motivation through the love and support of my family. Talking to them reminds me that no problem is too big to overcome when you have the right support. Spending time with friends and having a good laugh (especially on the golf course) is always a great way to push through tough times. I also try to stay grounded in gratitude, reminding myself of all the blessings in my life, which helps me keep things in perspective. Focusing on the positives and controlling what I can helps me move forward. I draw strength and courage from my grandmother in heaven, whose memory reminds me to stay kind and resilient no matter what challenges I face.

What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?

“Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw would be a good theme song for my life as it’s a constant reminder to stay true to myself while treating others with kindness and respect. The song places deep emphasis on being a good person, which is more important than being the best or most successful. The lyrics “Say please, say thank you” and the repeated line “But always stay humble and kind” remind me to always be grateful and lead with compassion in everything I do.

Marco LoRusso

What is your leadership portfolio?

College Vice Captain.

What is one way you hope to make a positive impact on the school community this year?

This year, I want to stress the importance of brotherhood, connectedness, and love for all. My eyes were opened during my time on the Alice Springs immersion, where I learned about the power of love and connection to one another and to faith. High schools around the world can sometimes feel like places of judgment, where students fear expressing themselves. At SPC, I want to create an environment where all people, both students and teachers, can lift one another up and recognise that we are all on the same journey through life. I am really excited to work alongside the leadership team, teachers, and peers to achieve this goal and leave a lasting impact on the school community.

If you could have dinner with any leader (past or present), who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with any leader, I would choose Paolo Maldini, a sporting role model of mine and former captain of AC Milan and the Italian national team. Maldini led by example, showing loyalty, discipline, and resilience throughout his entire career. He inspired his teammates through action, not words, and adapted to every challenge to stay at the top of his game. I would love to learn how he remained calm and focused under pressure and how he effectively motivated others to achieve collective excellence.

What motivates you on tough days?

My family, teachers, and friends always remind me that “many hands make light work.” Having the support of people I trust and knowing that I am surrounded by an uplifting community motivates me to do my best through life’s challenges. On tough days, I am not afraid to reach out to those I trust and rely on their support. Over time, I have realised the importance of reciprocating this support, that being there for others is just as meaningful as receiving help, and that even small moments of kindness can have a powerful impact on someone’s day.

What would be a good theme song for your life? Why?

“All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles is a fitting theme song for the way I try to live my life. The song’s title perfectly sums up its message: love is the answer to everything, and acting with love for one another is essential. This classic hit reminds me to live in the moment, appreciate the people around me, not stress over things beyond my control, and love others as God does.

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Friday	7:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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