Welcome to our Green, White and Blue newsletter

Welcome to our second full edition of the "Green, White and Blue" e-newsletter for St Patrick's College Old Collegians for 2026. We especially welcome any new Old Collegians to our e-newsletter. The "Green, White and Blue" is distributed at the end of each school term and is full of news for and about our Old Collegians. We hope you enjoy!

Join us as we celebrate our great achievers 

The Old Collegians' Association is delighted to extend a warm invitation to our 2026 Celebration Dinner, to be held on Saturday 22 August 2026 at the College's OCA Pavilion, overlooking the Main Oval, where we look forward to celebrating the remarkable achievements of four Old Collegians including Brigadier Eamon Lenaghan AM (SPC 1985-90), Archbishop Shane Mackinlay (SPC 1977-82), Flight Lieutenant Paul Pardoel (SPC 1982-87) and the Honourable John Sheehan (SPC 1925-32), who will be inducted as College Legends.

Tickets are priced at $70 per person and we would love to see you there as we enjoy a fantastic evening of celebrations.

A great honour for Brigadier Shaun Hoffmann

We are delighted to share the news that Brigadier Shaun James Hoffmann (SPC 1985-87), pictured above, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Military Division in the recent 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List. The award formally recognises his exceptional service and leadership within the Australian Defence Force, especially for his exceptional performance of duty as the Director General of Land Manoeuvre Systems.

Raindance film nomination for Matthew Michalik 

Congratulations to Old Collegian Matthew Michalik (SPC 2018-23), pictured above, whose film is to premiere and is up for nomination at UK’s largest independent film festival, Raindance, which is currently on in the heart of London’s West End between 17-26 June. 

Matthew, who was the College’s Media Dux in 2023, is in the UK for the film festival, which prioritizes works by first-time filmmakers. Raindance has historically hosted high-profile UK premieres for now-cult films, including The Blair Witch Project, Memento, Pulp Fiction, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape. Good luck Matthew!

Banter galore at Class of 2021 Five-Year Reunion

It was a great turnout on Saturday night as members of our Class of 2021 gathered for their Five-Year Reunion at the Lake View Hotel in Ballarat.

There was plenty of banter as over 60 Old Boys made the most of reconnecting and reminiscing with each other. For some, it was the first time reconnecting with former classmates since finishing school, during what were unprecedented covid pandemic times.

Class of 2016 celebrates 10-Year Reunion

Members of the Class of 2016 came together recently, renewing old friendships, reminiscing and seeing where life has taken them over the last decade. Around 50 Old Boys converged on the Old Collegians’ Association Pavilion for their 10-Year Class Reunion recently.

First edition of The Shamrock for 2026 out now 

The latest edition of The Shamrock is here and in true SPC style, it's packed with stories of faith, tradition, excellence and joy!

Special accolade for John Mooney OAM PSM 

Congratulations to College Legend John Mooney (SPC 1960–65) OAM PSM, pictured above, who was recognised earlier this term for an extraordinary 60 years of teaching service. Honoured at the Victorian Education Department’s annual Recognition of Service Awards, John has dedicated six decades to public education and improving outcomes for students with disabilities.

Honouring the life of Year 12 student Cody Breen

The St Patrick's College community has united in faith, reflection and solidarity as we honour the life of Year 12 student Cody Breen. Cody tragically passed away in a motorbike accident recently. As a College community, we continue to hold Cody’s family, friends, teachers and classmates in our thoughts and prayers.

SPC 1st XVIII Football in BAS grand final tomorrow

Cheer on our 1st XVIII Paddy boys as they take on the undefeated Ballarat Clarendon College outfit in the BAS Football Grand Final tomorrow (Wednesday, 24 June).

The game is being played at Ballarat Clarendon College, starting at 3pm. It is open to the public and access is available via the Wanliss Street entrance. 

SPC has enjoyed a strong season, losing only one game through the season. 

1st XVIII Results - 

Ballarat Grammar 5-12-42 lost to SPC 98-3-51

Monivae College 4-5-29 lost to SPC 12-7-79

SPC 5-15-45 lost to Ballarat Clarendon College 11-11-71

Mercy Regional College 4-10-34 lost to SPC 13-12-90

SPC won against Ballarat High (game forfeited by Ballarat High)

Good luck to SPC tomorrow!

Unfortunately, our boys missed out on making the finals in the Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) competition this season.

ACC Division 1 Results - 

SJC Geelong 10-9-69 beat SPC 9-9-63

SPC 15-13-103 beat St Joseph's FTG 3-8-26

SPC 7-8-50 beat St Bede's 6-9-45

SPC 8-8-56 beat Whitefriers 6-7-43

Parade 15-5-95 beat SPC 6-3-39

De La Salle 7-9-51 beat SPC 5-12-42

SPC 5-4-34 lost to St Bernard's 12-9-81

The grand final is also being played tomorrow between St Bernard's College & Parade College, starting at 2pm at the ETU Stadium in Port Melbourne.

Rowing opens doors for Angus Murfett

When Old Collegian Angus Murfett (SPC 2021-24) made the decision to move to St Patrick’s College in Year 9, he was excited by the opportunities the College’s rowing program could provide. Today, he is studying and rowing on scholarship at Jacksonville University in Florida, a journey that began on the water at Lake Wendouree and one that has taken Angus by surprise.

Paddies Winter Lunch a hit at the Emerald

Over 30 Old Boys, including some first-timers attended the Paddies Winter Luncheon at the Emerald Hotel in south Melbourne recently.

📆 Emerald Lunch dates in 2026 - (Spring) Friday, 4 September; (Summer) Friday, 4 December.

Where are they now - Ned Fay (SPC 2016-21)

The College recently reconnected with Ned Fay (SPC 2016-21) who is currently studying law and is a fourth-generation Old Collegian.

📆SAVE THE DATE - 2026 MENtal Brekky

The 2026 MENTal Brekky will be held on the morning of Friday, 23 October 2026 at the College's Old Collegians' Pavilion, as the main fundraiser for the College's Chris Yeung Fund, which assists current families where the father is struggling with his mental health.  This year's guest speaker is Sean Bell, a world record-breaking ultra-runner, high-performance speaker, resilience and leadership expert. Tickets are $65 per person and available by clicking on this link here

What have our Old Boys been up to lately...

Look out for Austin Reinehr (SPC 2018-21), pictured left, and Tom Foley (SPC 2017-22), pictured right, who will be competing on the world rowing stage in the coming months. Click on the button below to read more about this pair and other Old Boys who have made the news recently.

Classes of 1986 & 1996 celebrate big reunions

We held a joint celebration in welcoming back the Class of 1986 for their 40-Year Reunion and the Class of 1996 for their 30-Year Reunion earlier in the term at the College’s Old Collegians’ Association Pavilion.

It was an evening full of conversation, and as one Old Boy commented, plenty of “good food, good company and great memories”.

Is your Class Reunion still coming up this year?

Make sure you lock in these dates if you have your Class Reunion coming up this year!

Hosted by the SPC Old Collegians' Association, we'd love to welcome you back.

Don't forget to ensure your contact details are up-to-date so we can get in touch with you about your reunions. 

When the bonds of friendship remain steadfast 

The bonds of friendship remain steadfast and true at SPC and we are delighted to share this photo of Old Boy Tony Martino (SPC 1956-61) visiting much-loved former teacher Bob Aron during a recent hospital stay.

Bob is remembered fondly by many of our students from the 1980s as a Deputy Principal, Year 11 & 12 teacher, Boarding Master of Kenny House, 1st XVIII Football coach, Rowing master and Athletics coach. Back then, Bob was known to students as Br Aron, and he later left the Christian brotherhood. Bob has returned to many SPC events over the years, including numerous Class Reunions. 

We wish Bob a speedy recovery and send our best wishes and prayers.

Have you heard of SPC Care?

Some members of our SPC community have been battling deeply personal, traumatic, and for some life-altering challenges during the first six months of 2026.

Never before has our pastoral program, known as SPC Care, been needed to shine a light of hope and support to those during these challenging times.

Supporting current and future Paddy boys

Through this year's Annual Giving Appeal, we are seeking your support for two initiatives that will make a lasting difference at St Patrick's College - scholarships for Indigenous students and the refurbishment of the Colleges's outdoor basketball courts. 

Donations to both projects are tax deductible and a gift, of any size, will support these worthwhile projects.

To donate to the Basketball Courts update, click here 

To donate to the Endowed Scholarship Fund for First Nations students, click here

Tony Hickey (SPC 1979-81) in Cricket World Cup

Congratulations to former boarder Tony Hickey (SPC 1979-81) who has been selected to play cricket for Australia in the Over 60's squad and will travel to Canada in October to defend the World Cup. Best wishes to this Paddy boy!

Obituaries

St Patrick's College honours those Old Boys who have sadly left us and recognises their contribution to the life of the College and to broader society in general. The College received news in recent times that these Old Collegians have passed away, including:

• Denis Bonollo (SPC 1960-63)
• Henry Brewer (SPC 1974-78)
• Bernie Carey (SPC 1945-55)
• Vince Colbert (SPC 1951-55) 
• Danny Cunningham (SPC 1966-71)
• Aaron Davis (SPC 1995-97)
• Aaron Duncan (SPC 1995-97)  
• Francis Hallam (SPC 1945-46, PY1948)
• Eamon Lenaghan Snr (SPC 1952, PY1956)
• John McArthur (SPC 1941-44), College Legend, pictured above
• Br Peter Richardson (former staff)
• Dr Kevin Shannon (SPC 1952-54)
• Paul Sharp (SPC 1993-97, PY1998)
• Callum Smail (SPC 2013-17, PY2018)

We also extend our condolences to Old Collegian Chris Bates (SPC 1969-74) on the recent passing of his wife Carmel, and Peter Connell (SPC 1962-69, PY1970) on the passing of his wife Margi.

We are also thinking of Jo Hutchings and sons Ayden (SPC 2007-2011, PY2012), Jake (SPC 2003-08) & daughter Zoe on the passing of husband and father Robert on 23 April 2026 following a short illness. 

Please click on the button below to read more about these much-missed members of our community.

Honouring the legacy of Mark Waddington

We are honoured to promote a youth football event, to be played in July in Africa in honour of former staff member Mark Waddington, who sadly passed away in 2022.

Mark left an indelible mark on the world and he was awarded the College's Facere et Docere award in 2022.

Mark and wife Jacinta first met Eve Radol during a trip to Africa and were impressed with the young woman's determination to make life better for African girls growing up in the second largest slum in Africa, Kiberra, through sport.

In the ultimate tribute and with the support of Mark's family, Eve has organised the Play4Mark Tournament, a youth football event, to be held on 18 July near Nairobi.  

"It aims to bring together over 100 young players from different informal settlements to play, connect and celebrate the values Mark stood for - kindness, generosity and love for the game," says Eve.

The aim is not just competition, but to create a positive and supportive environment where young people feel seen, encouraged and inspired, just as Mark made me feel.

"There will also be a special 'Play4Mark Spirit Award' to recognise a player who best demonstrates teamwork, respect and kindness".

We wish Eve all the very best in honouring Mark, who many Old Boys will remember as a truly great man.

Launch of book showcasing Chapel architect 

A Prize in My Heart: A Story about Cyril Kelly, Architect by Stephen Clements was launched at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, recently, an especially fitting setting given the College’s enduring connection to Cyril Kelly as the architect of its Chapel. 

The Chapel is featured on the book’s front cover, underscoring the significance of Kelly’s work to the College’s history and heritage.

St Patrick's Chapel - the heart of the College

The history of the Chapel at St Patrick’s College is a powerful account of faith, remembrance, and community spirit. More than a place of worship, the Chapel stands as the spiritual heart of the College, embodying its traditions, values, and shared history. It was conceived not only as a sacred space but also as a lasting memorial to former students who served and, in many cases, lost their lives in times of war. Through its architecture, symbols, and stories, the Chapel continues to connect generations and inspire reflection on faith, sacrifice, and purpose.

Welcome donation from Martin family

The College recently welcomed a generous donation from the Martin family, consisting of cherished items belonging to Michael F. Martin, who attended St Patrick’s College from 1956 to 1960.

Remembering Roy at this year's ANZAC Assembly 

A central focus of this year's ANZAC Day service was the story of Old Collegian Roy Alexander Fregon (SPC 1909-1911) as part of the College’s annual ANZAC tradition of sharing the wartime story of a former student. Roy, a boarder from Bruthen in East Gippsland, enlisted in 1916 and served with the 57th Battalion in France and Belgium before being killed in action at Passchendaele in September 1917 at just 22 years of age.

SPC senior soccer championship victory in ACC

Congratulations to our ACC Soccer team on an outstanding Division 2 Grand Final victory over St Mary’s last week, prevailing 4-3 in a thrilling contest at The Home of the Matildas.

The win caps off a remarkable undefeated season for the boys, who showed skill, determination and resilience throughout the campaign. Special congratulations to Ollie Behrens, who produced a match-winning hat-trick, while Harry Waight also found the back of the net. A fantastic achievement and a fitting reward for a season of hard work and commitment. Well done, boys! 

SPC opens student-run Shamrock Cafe

A student-run cafe has officially opened at St Pat’s and is proving a hit with students and staff alike. Part of our VET Hospitality program, the cafe is giving our boys a taste of the industry in a real-world setting.

Students contribute to NASA space research

St Patrick’s College Year 11 Biology students are taking part in a globally recognised science initiative that is helping shape the future of space exploration.

The College was recently selected to join the NASA-supported Growing Beyond Earth program — an achievement made even more significant by the highly competitive application process and the limited number of schools accepted each year.

Edmund Rice Day highlights faith and community

St Patrick’s College celebrated Edmund Rice Day early last month, highlighting the faith, compassion and community that continues to shape life at SPC.

The day began with a whole-school Mass, before students and staff hit the pavement for our annual walkathon, raising funds for our justice partners: Edmund Rice Foundation Australia, Caritas Australia, OnTrack Foundation, and Mirror of Hope CBO.

The festivities continued in the afternoon with a fundraising lunch, House activities and everybody’s favourite talent quest, ‘St Pat’s Got Talent’. 

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA & FACEBOOK - To keep fully up to date with all happenings in and around the College and the OCA we strongly encourage you to join our Instagram page and like our Facebook page and join the thousands of members of our community already receiving regular updates into their daily news feed, simply click on these links - @spcballarat & https://www.facebook.com/spcoca/ 

Etch your name into our Performing Arts Centre

A special opportunity also exists to etch your name into the future of performing arts at St Patrick's College. Old Collegians are warmly encouraged to consider "buying a seat" in the upper level of the auditorium - complete with your personalised plaque.

To find out more, please click on the button below.