Acting Principal's report

Dear members of the SPC Community,

As we progress into the second half of Term 2 and the prospect of exams commencing next week, it is reasonable to say that Term 2 is in ‘full swing’. 

Teaching and Learning Review

As communicated previously, a comprehensive review of the teaching and learning agenda at St Patrick’s is underway this term.  Staff have been surveyed and staff and students have been given the opportunity to speak with the panel leading the review.  

The purpose of this review is to comprehensively examine all aspects of the teaching and learning landscape.  This includes subjects offered, pedagogical approach, timetable structure and an examination of the Teaching and Learning culture at the College. The Community voice is important in such an important review, and I encouraged staff and students to contribute via the survey or interviews. 

St Patrick’s has a very comprehensive offering of subjects, potentially too diverse. The Explicit Instruction pedagogical framework has been in place for the last few years and warrants examination. Similarly, the current timetable structure has been operating for the last couple of years and again warrants examination.  

Our ‘core business’ is teaching and learning and so it is critical that this aspect of the College is the best it can be in order to ensure students obtain their best possible academic results.  My observation is that there is some potential for change and improvement in this aspect of the College and the review provides an opportunity to gather data and provide recommendations.

Reconciliation Week

This week is Reconciliation Week and an opportunity for our country and our College to continue the path of Reconciliation.  Tuesday, 26 May was National Sorry Day and saw the College, in conjunction with Loreto College and Damascus College, celebrate our Reconciliation Assembly. 

St Patrick’s has a long and proud history with our Indigenous students.  Whilst sadly records can’t confirm, it is known that from the earliest years, Indigenous students from as far as Darwin attended SPC and contributed greatly to the richness and diversity of the College.  In 2026, SPC has 61 Indigenous students from Victoria, NSW, NT and WA.  

Our assembly on Tuesday highlighted this richness and diversity within our community. As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, our Touchstone of Inclusive Community guides us as to how we can contribute to nurture this inclusivity.  My thanks to the many staff and students involved in our special assembly. 

Semester Exams

The end of Semester exams commence on Monday, 1 June and run through until Friday, 5 June.  A full school marking day is scheduled for Tuesday, 16 June with reports made available on Friday, 26 June.  Exam timetables for Years 7 – 11 have been published and it is important that all students are ready for these upcoming exams. 

Early preparation, a consistent revision program and adequate sleep are key ingredients to successful exam results. Students also need to have the correct equipment for their exams and be focused throughout the exam period. Exams are naturally stressful; however, good preparation is the key to success.  Good luck to all students next week.

Co-Curricular Program

Our extensive co-curricular program continues in full swing with AFL, soccer, rugby, basketball and badminton games continuing each week.  Congratulations to our basketballers for their excellent performance at the NBA Rising Stars Tournament recently.  They were placed second in their pool in a very highly regarded competition, ultimately finishing fifth overall. 

Our students were also champions in the ACC Culinary competition and performed well in the band performances this week. The annual ‘Lap of the Lake’ is scheduled for Friday, 12 June.  More details will be made available in the coming weeks. 

Other Activities

The Year 10 One Night of Homelessness was held last night with our Year 10 students and a number of staff ‘sleeping rough’ and supporting those within our community doing it tough. This is a special activity and my thanks to staff and students involved. 

A number of other events are scheduled over the coming weeks including:

• Year 7 Retreat
• Year 9 Social with Loreto
• Year 10 Work Experience
• Year 9 Retreats
• Year 9 Melbourne Experience
• Year 11 & Year 12 GAT 

As you can see, the upcoming few weeks are busy and I take this opportunity to thank the many staff involved in the organising, coordinating and supervising the many activities.  A strength of SPC is the diversity of activities that occur.  However, it is important to note that these activities would not occur without the support and commitment of the staff so thank you to the staff. 

Conclusion

As the busyness of Term 2 continues to consume the staff, parents and students, it is reassuring to know that next weekend we have a little bit of a respite with a long weekend for the King’s Birthday Holiday.  As a Queenslander, we do not have this long weekend, so I am thankful for being in Ballarat at this time. 

Finally, I selfishly share a proud dad moment with the SPC community.  I have been away from the College recently and travelled back to Queensland for my daughter’s wedding.  It was very special for the Carroll family as we celebrated with family and friends.  I do wish to acknowledge the College’s Leadership Team who assumed greater responsibilities during my absence.  It was very much appreciated by myself and my family. 

Have a great week.

God bless.