Principal
Achievement, Remembrance and What Truly Matters
At Assembly last Friday, the College community paused to celebrate achievement, reflect on legacy, and be reminded of what matters most in how we live and treat one another.
The Assembly began by acknowledging a number of outstanding student achievements that reflected the very best of St Patrick’s. Our rugby tour parties to New Zealand and Armidale were congratulated for the way they represented the College through teamwork, resilience and pride. Our senior footballers were recognised for claiming the Sydney FC Plate, and the College celebrated an extraordinary fifth consecutive EREA Cup victory by our boys in Brisbane. These accomplishments spoke not only of success on the field, but of character, commitment and the traditions our students continue to build upon. A special moment saw Year 6 student Mason F presented with his well‑earned trophy to generous applause from the Assembly.
Attention then turned to the Andrew Campbell Cup, contested last Saturday, 2 May, between the Knox Grammar and St Patrick’s First XV. This match commemorates Andrew Campbell (OKG 1997), affectionately known as “Big Dog”, who tragically passed away while playing in this fixture in 1997 on Breen Oval. Since that time, both schools have honoured Andrew’s legacy through plaques and traditions that serve as enduring reminders that respect, care and sportsmanship sit at the heart of this contest.
This year’s match held particular significance. Prior to the game at Knox last Saturday, Andrew’s family, Old Boys of both schools and invited guests gathered for the unveiling of a mural of Andrew in the tunnel at Knox 1, gifted by the Knox Class of 2025. The image, capturing Andrew rising strongly in the line‑out, now stands as a powerful symbol that players will pass for years to come as they take the field.
Students were reminded that attendance and behaviour on this day mattered deeply. This was not simply a sporting fixture, but a moment of remembrance. How our students conducted themselves reflected not only on the College, but on the values we hold and the legacy we choose to honour.
The Assembly then turned to a more personal reflection, shared in light of my recently announced retirement after 44 years in education. When asked what lessons endure after such a long career, the message was clear: the most important lessons are rarely found in policies or timetables, but in people and moments of human connection.
A story from early in my career illustrated this powerfully. Rushing through life, focused on the next task and the next destination, I once failed to notice a moment of urgent need—until a brick thrown at my car forced me to stop. That brick, thrown by a frightened young boy trying desperately to get help for his injured brother, became a lifelong reminder that when we move too fast, we can miss what truly matters. The dent in the car was never repaired, kept as a permanent reminder to slow down and notice others.
Students were challenged not to wait for metaphorical “bricks” in their own lives. Most people do not shout when they need help; they whisper. A quiet sadness, a lonely lunch table, or a moment of confusion or struggle can easily be missed if we are too busy, distracted, or inward‑looking.
The invitation to our students was simple but powerful: slow down, look up, notice the people around you, and respond with kindness. Sit with someone who is alone. Offer help when someone is struggling. Listen to the quiet nudge to be kind.
As was shared, changing the whole world isn’t required—changing someone’s moment is often enough.
Our hope, as always, is that St Patrick’s continues to be a place where we listen early, act kindly and look after one another. That is how legacies are built—not only through trophies and victories, but through character, compassion and care for others.
And that begins with each of us, every day.
MMG Surveys 2026
As part of our continuous improvement process, I wish to offer all parents/carers, students and staff opportunities to share feedback on their views of the College across a wide range of areas.
The research is being conducted by MMG Education, a specialist education consultancy that works with schools on strategic reviews and stakeholder satisfaction. MMG's client schools include many schools across Australia.
Parents and carers will be invited to complete questionnaires over a two-week period commencing on Monday, 11 May 2026. Staff and students will also complete their questionnaires during this period.
On Monday, 11 May, MMG Education will email you an invitation to participate in the review and provide you with your confidential, secure access to your questionnaire.
To ensure confidentiality and to encourage frank and full expression of views:
All responses will be de-identified.
The data will be reported back in aggregated form only.
All data collected by MMG Education will remain under its control and archived according to research protocols. The College will not be able to access it.
At the conclusion of the research period, MMG Education will provide me with a report. I will then provide opportunities for members of the College community to receive feedback from the research.
If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact my Executive Assistant, Cristina Polito, at cristina.polito@spc.nsw.edu.au.
I look forward to your valuable contribution to this important project by completing your questionnaire.
Launch of Our New College Website
We are delighted to announce the launch of our newly redesigned College website.
This new website is more than a visual refresh. It reflects the significant growth, renewal and intentional change our community has experienced over the past six years, while also signalling the confident direction in which we are heading.
Designed with clarity and accessibility at its core, the site makes it easier than ever for families, students and visitors to find information quickly and intuitively. Whether exploring learning pathways, co‑curricular opportunities or community life, the website provides a clearer window into the richness of the College experience.
At its heart, the website celebrates our students. Their character, achievements, creativity and spirit are proudly showcased across every section - from classrooms and sporting fields to service, leadership and life beyond the College.
Importantly, the new website also looks ahead. As we move towards our Centenary in 2028, it captures a College that honours its legacy while remaining bold, aspirational and future‑focused.
I extend my sincere thanks to Miss Daley, Mrs Fochesato and our middle leaders who generously contributed their time, insight and expertise to refreshing the content. Their work has ensured the website authentically reflects the quality, culture and aspiration of our College.
We invite families, alumni and friends to explore the new website and see an expression of who we are, and who we are becoming.
ACU Campus Works Notification
This week, two work sites for the new STEM centre building at ACU's Strathfield campus will be established in the university’s P1 and P2 carparks, both located inside the campus gates adjacent to Albert Road. Site establishment will occur on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 May 2026, with trucks arriving from 9:00 AM and finishing up before 3:00 PM.
Due to ongoing truck and crane operations, we strongly encourage the St Patrick’s College community to avoid both the university site and these construction zones during this period.
Community News
We welcome Mr Ethan Terpos, who will be working with Mr McCann as the Athletic Development Coach (new position). We have been buoyed by the positive feedback from our boys on the impact Mr McCann has had in preparing them for fixtures and in their rehabilitation back to the field. We think Mr Terpos will enhance what is currently happening in this part of school life.
I recently announced in the Especean (22 April issue), the resignation of Mr Adam Watson (Director of Co-Curricular) who will finish up with the College on Friday, 22 May. We are currently in a recruitment process for a new Director and in the interim, from Monday 25 May, Mr Adrian Byrne, our Deputy Principal, will oversee and lead this important portfolio.
We are also in the process of recruiting for an acting replacement for Mr Damian Chase, Head of PDHPE, who finishes up for the year with us on Friday 22 May. Mr Chase will be the Acting Deputy Principal once again at St Edward’s College, East Gosford for the last five weeks of this term and then he will be on previously planned Long Service Leave for the rest of the year.
I am writing to inform you that Mr Ricki Allan, English teacher, has resigned from the College. Mr Allan’s final day of duty will be Tuesday, 2 June 2026. We thank Mr Allan for the contribution made to the English Faculty and to the life of the College, and wish him every success for the future. Further information regarding staffing arrangements will be shared in due course.
Dr Vittoria Lavorato
Principal
SPC boys can do anything!
**except divide by zero