Junior School

A Year in Review

The 2023 school year was certainly an eventful one. In fact, it’s hard to believe that so much actually fit into just under 40 weeks of learning!

The year began with a flourish as our newest cohort of students officially commenced their journey at the College when they celebrated the Year 5 Orientation Day event in the College Gymnasium. The Summer sports season kicked off not long afterwards, before both grades enjoyed their own unique camp experiences and greatly benefitted from the opportunities provided to interact with their peers, form new friendships and further develop important life skills.

Various excursions and incursions were littered throughout the year for students to benefit from and further develop their own knowledge and understanding of key concepts taught in class. Our Year 6 students visited the Powerhouse Museum, Mary MacKillop Place and even enjoyed a one-off camp day at Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre. On the other hand, Year 5 hosted our annual Grandparents’ Day event, experienced their first Belonging Day at the College, participated in a unique STEM Day incursion, and even welcomed volunteers from the Mooney Mooney Fire Brigade! 

The Junior School is nothing if not a student-centred environment and all parents/carers were given various opportunities to experience this firsthand throughout the year. Whether it was through different information sessions and interviews, phone calls, overview emails, Celebration of Learning events, Book Week festivities, house carnivals, academic assemblies or even our inaugural Junior School talent show, it is hoped that all parents/carers felt a strong sense of connection to their son’s educational journey at the College.

The Junior School student leadership team clearly benefitted from leading by example as they represented the College at numerous events throughout the year. The boys led over 800 parents/carers around the school on College Tours, assisted in making the 2024 cohort of Year 5 students feel welcome during their Orientation Day event, organised their Stage 3 peers during house-based competitions and even helped to support all manner of everyday occurrences that arose during the course of the year at school. 

Developing community partnerships was a strategic focal point in 2023 and it was fantastic to be able to provide the boys with several opportunities to collaborate with the girls in Stage 3 from Santa Sabina College. In Term 1, the Junior School student leadership team travelled to the Quaycentre at Sydney Olympic Park to attend a unique leadership conference in collaboration with their fellow peers from SSC. In recognition of Science Week, our Year 6 students ventured to Santa Sabina College for a special STEM Day event as the boys and girls worked together to complete a range of creative activities. Then towards the end of Term 3, nearly 30 selected representatives across both schools participated in an inaugural Stage 3 public speaking competition held in the Robson Auditorium. Our boys were also truly surprised on the day by our special guest adjudicator for the event, Mr Michael Robson, himself!

While I could continue to make mention of many other highlights that our Junior School students also experienced throughout the year, ultimately, the boys and their teachers worked tirelessly in 2023, often going above and beyond expectations and it was certainly a great privilege to be a small part of such a talented and dedicated community at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield.

The Final Stretch Ahead

A friendly reminder that your son’s Semester 2 school report is now accessible electronically via the TASS Parent Lounge. All parents/carers are encouraged to read the report with your child, congratulating them on not just their achievement, but also their effort throughout the semester, as well as the year in general. Our students have worked incredibly hard this year and can be most proud of everything they have accomplished, both within and outside of the classroom.

This Friday evening, 1 December, we will celebrate our annual Speech Night and Prize -giving and we look forward to sharing this special occasion with all Junior School families. I do hope you enjoy attending this incredible event at the Quaycentre at Sydney Olympic Park, commencing at 6:30 PM.

To our Year 6 families, we wish you all the best as your sons move into the next stage of their educational journey in Year 7, knowing that their contributions will be just as strong as they have been during their time in the Junior School. Our staff look forward to hearing about their continued success in the future!

I would like to thank our parent community very much for their steadfast support throughout the year. The boys’ success comes through a strong and trusting partnership where communication between the College and home is open and respectful. Thank you for the crucial part you have played in this important partnership.

I would also like to acknowledge two Junior School staff members who will be departing the College at the end of the year. Mr Tropeano will be pursuing other career opportunities in 2024 onwards, while Mr Leary will have a second attempt at retiring from teaching! On behalf of the Junior School community, I would like to thank both Mr Tropeano and Mr Leary for their valuable contributions to the College this year. Their hard work and dedication to the boys they have taught is sincerely appreciated and I wish them well in their future endeavours.

Finally, as my own time at St Patrick’s College nears its conclusion, I would like to sincerely wish all students and families a wonderful break over the school holiday period as we prepare to say farewell to the 2023 school year next Tuesday 5 December. I look forward to hearing about the continued success of the Junior School, and its students, over the coming years!

2024 Student Leadership

It is my great pleasure to announce the 2024 Junior School student leadership team. Please view the list below to see who has been elected to represent the Year 5 and Year 6 students in a specific role next year.

During our Year 6 assembly last week, an announcement was made regarding the four students who were selected by their peers to be a Year 7 Student Ambassador in 2024. Congratulations to the following boys (in alphabetical order) who received this honour and will be leading the cohort next year.

• Camilio Chelala
• Anthony D’Arrigo
• William Gotsis
• Jack Ronzini

I would like to wish all of the 2024 student leaders the very best as they soon take on their specific elected position of responsibility.

Semester Two Parent/Teacher Interviews

A reminder that next Wednesday 6 December, there will be an opportunity for all Junior School parents/carers to meet in-person with their son/s classroom teacher for an optional 10-minute Semester Two interview to discuss his report and also review his year of learning. Times will be made available by staff between 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on the day.

The interview booking facility, which is currently accessible via the TASS Parent Lounge by clicking on the ‘Parent Teacher Interviews’ tab, will close at midday on Tuesday 5 December. Thereafter, any parental requests to change an interview time must be made by mutual agreement with the relevant teacher via email. 

All interviews will be conducted onsite in your son/s specific classroom in the Junior School section of the College. Students are also expected to attend their scheduled interview time wearing their full school summer uniform.

For parents/carers encountering difficulties logging on to the TASS Parent Lounge in order to book an interview, please contact the College’s IT Department via our College Reception (9763 1000), or by sending an email to the following address (itsupport@spc.nsw.edu.au).

Parents/carers are reminded that if you would like to organise an interview with your son/s Mathematics teacher (if he or she is not already your son/s classroom teacher), or to meet with one of his specialist teachers, then please don’t hesitate to email the relevant member of our staff directly so that a suitable time can be arranged. Parents/carers are also asked to please note that these particular interviews to discuss Mathematics and/or a specialist subject are only 5-minutes in duration. 

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.

May God bless you,

Glenn Stephenson

Director of Junior School

Year 5 Achievement Awards

Today, the following Year 5 students were recognised for their fine achievements across various subject areas across the year. A fine achievement, particularly in their first year at the College. Congratulations! 

Year 6 Achievement Awards  

Next Monday, the following Year 6 students will be recognised for their fine achievements across various subject areas across the year. Congratulations to all boys for their outstanding efforts!