Co-curricular

Senior School Winter Sports - Presentation Evenings 

Parents/carers and students are advised that the Senior School Winter Sports Presentation Evenings are scheduled to take place at the following venues and times:

Wednesday 18 September 

Secondary Football Presentation Evening     7:15 PM            College Gymnasium

Thursday 19 September        

Secondary Tennis Presentation Evening       7:15 PM            Robson Auditorium

Secondary Rugby Presentation Evening        7:15 PM            College Gymnasium

There is a clear expectation that all students involved in these activities will be in attendance and dressed in their full College Winter uniform (blazers included).

The College requests that no cars park in Hydebrae Street (which runs at ninety degrees from Francis Street and the Senior Library) at any time. Its narrowness makes resident parking difficult and non-resident parking can present a safety risk by preventing the access of emergency vehicles.  

Please be aware that the Presentation Evenings are scheduled to conclude by 9:15 PM for Football and Rugby. The Tennis event is expected to finish around 8:15 PM. With these timings in mind, please arrange your transport accordingly, especially for picking up your son/s.

Sports Team Photographs

Parents/carers and boys are advised that sports photographs will take place in Week 9 in the College Hall. Years 5 and 6 sport photos will take place on Tuesday 17 September. Years 7 to 12 Winter sport photos will be taken on Thursday 19 September.

Photo schedules have been published for student viewing via the daily notices in homeroom and SPC App.   

May I remind all boys to ensure they wear the correct playing attire for these photos including rugby/football boots.

Further details will be distributed to parents/carers and boys later this term with details on purchasing photos. 

Anthony Calavassy

Director of Co-curricular

Tournament of Minds

On Sunday 8 September, three teams from St Patrick’s College competed in the Tournament of Minds regional competition at UNSW. This international competition encourages students to think outside the box, collaborate effectively, and solve complex problems in innovative ways. Our students competed in three divisions, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Language Literature and Social Sciences. 

The weeks leading up to the competition were filled with intense preparation. The teams met regularly, transforming their ideas into a cohesive project. They built models, created multimedia presentations, and rehearsed their skit, ensuring every detail was perfect. Students took full ownership of their project, demonstrating remarkable independence and initiative.

On the day of the competition, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. The teams presented their solution with confidence and creativity, impressing the judges with their thorough research, innovative ideas, and engaging presentation. 

When the results were announced, the Social Science team was awarded first place in the regional competition. the team’s hard work and dedication paid off. They were declared the winners of the Social Science category, earning accolades for their outstanding performance. The judges praised their ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and present their ideas effectively. The victory was a testament to the team’s perseverance, creativity, and teamwork. Social Science team is now training for the State Level Tournament of Minds Competition on Tuesday 22 September at UNSW. 

Although the other two teams did not qualify for the State Competition, the true essence of events like the Tournament of Minds lies in the journey, the learning, and the growth experienced by all participants. This year, these two teams stood out for their exceptional spirit, creativity, and teamwork, proving that greatness is not always measured by trophies. STEM team’s project was lauded for its depth, empathy, and real-world impact. Their presentation included a powerful skit that moved the judges, highlighting the importance of removing plastics from our oceans. The team’s dedication to making a difference in their community was truly inspiring.

Language Literature Team reinterpreted a classic literary work to highlight the impact of bullying in schools. Their performance was a highlight of the competition. Their innovative approach, combined with outstanding acting, original rap, and a compelling script, captivated the audience. The judges praised their creativity and the boldness of their reinterpretation, recognising the team’s ability to breathe new life into a classic story.

The triumph of the Social Science team and the accolades received by the STEM and Language Literature teams at the Tournament of Minds regional competition is a shining example of what can be achieved when students are given the opportunity to explore their potential and work together towards a common goal. Their journey is a reminder of the importance of fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in education. 

Surekha Chander

Head of Science