Acting Deputy Principal
With Gratitude: A Heartfelt Farewell to the St Patrick’s Community
As my time at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield draws to a close, I want to pause and give thanks for the extraordinary gift of this community. Over the past nine weeks, I have had the privilege of serving as Acting Deputy Principal, and it has been a truly enriching experience, professionally and personally.
From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth and generosity. The students, staff, and families have shown me what it means to live the values of Blessed Edmund Rice: compassion, justice, and respect for the dignity of every person. These values are not just spoken here, they are lived every day in classrooms, playgrounds, and conversations.
Throughout my time, I’ve witnessed the strength of this community in countless ways:
In the quiet leadership of students who care for one another.
In the dedication of staff who teach with heart and purpose.
In the shared commitment to creating a school culture where everyone feels they belong.
I’ve been inspired by the way St Patrick’s integrates faith, formation, and academic excellence. Whether through the spirit of Ubuntu, the celebration of sacred spaces, or the emphasis on emotional intelligence and wellbeing, this College truly nurtures the whole person.
To the staff: thank you for your professionalism, your passion, and your unwavering care for students.
To the students: thank you for your energy, your kindness, and your openness to growth.
To the families: thank you for your trust and your partnership in education.
It has been an honour to walk alongside you, even briefly, and I leave with a heart full of gratitude and admiration. I look forward to seeing how this community continues to flourish, and I will carry the spirit of St Patrick’s with me always.
As we approach the holy season of Christmas, may we remember that the birth of Christ is the ultimate gift of love, hope and renewal. May peace guide your steps, joy fill your celebrations, and light shine brightly in the year ahead. Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Jodie Connor
Acting Deputy Principal