Co-Curricular

What We Choose 

In the final days of 2025, my thoughts turn to the fact that none of what we achieved this year happened by accident. It was a choice. Day by day, moment by moment, our boys chose to show up, to engage, to take risks, and to perhaps accept that failing is really the only way to succeed. 

The Christian worldview is framed by choice. Not simply the choice to trust in God, believe in Christ, or love others, but fundamentally the very nature of choice at the heart of existence itself. The poetic-prose, theology and symbolism of the creation story mean there are perhaps an infinite number of ways to approach finding meaning in it. One approach is to contextualise the relationship between God, humanity, and existence by reducing it to the concept of free will. We have the ability each day to decide whether we live God’s way or our way. That decision shapes the way our lives impact others and the purpose for which our talents are used. 

You may recall that the ideals of the Olympic motto - Citius, Altius, Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger) - were never really about running faster, jumping higher, or lifting heavier. They were about character.  

“God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars.” 

Elbert Hubbard

Citius is the choice to be ready. To turn up to rehearsal on tired afternoons, to lace the boots when it was easier to stay home, to listen, to prepare, to try. 

Altius is the choice to aspire. To stretch what we thought was possible, whether that was a Year 7 boy taking a risk to audition, a drummer pushing timing and discipline, or a Firsts team chasing an extra percent in the gym or on the pitch. 

Fortius is the choice to endure. To stay in the contest when things didn’t go our way, to support a teammate, to carry the load as a group. It is deciding that your goals are worth the perseverance required. 

And throughout the year, in sport, music, service, debating, retreats and daily life, the small moments – as they so often are – were the ones that mattered most. The handshake after a loss, the shared laugh on the bus to Bathurst, boys carrying equipment for each other in the buzz of Showcase bump-ins. When the memories of success and achievements begin to fade, these are what we will remember. They are what shape us. 

As we end the year, I also want to acknowledge someone whose presence has become a familiar and valued part of our co-curricular landscape. Mr Samuel Boggs is stepping down from the Head of Sport role after two years of service. Sam has invested in our boys, in our programs, and in the culture of St Patrick’s. His care, his approachable demeanour, and his trademark big smile – often recognised and appreciated by parents and the boys – have left a meaningful impression. 

We are grateful for his commitment to the College and pleased that he will continue in his teaching capacity and remain involved in our Rugby Program next year.  

I encourage every boy to look back on 2025 and recognise the choices he made. The choices to grow, to try, to persevere, to step forward.  

Hoping that the break brings rest, gratitude, and time with the people who matter most, I thank you for a year lived with purpose and heart. 

We look forward to beginning again, together, in 2026. 

Adam Watson 

Director of Co-Curricular 

“Choose this day whom you will serve.” Joshua 24:15