Principal's report

This year has commenced very positively at SPC and the College routine quickly got up to speed in the first couple of weeks. It is always an exciting time for new students, particularly those in Year 7, to commence at their new school. I commend all our new boys on the positive approach they have brought to their first few weeks at St Patrick’s College. I hope that the start of term has been engaging and positive for all our new students.  

During Week 2, our 230 new Year 7 students enjoyed their time at Log Cabin Camp at Creswick. Members of the College Leadership Team and I enjoyed the opportunity to visit the boys at camp during the week and taking members of the Year 12 Student Council to spend time with the Year 7 boys. A big thanks to Mr Tom Nash, Head of Middle School, the Year 7 Year Level Leaders, Mrs Margie Dodd and Mr Josh Ebbels, the Year 7 Homeroom Teachers and the other staff who organised and conducted the camp. 

We acknowledged and celebrated members of the VCE Class of 2025 for their successes, as well as the Chris Nolan Award recipients at our Academic Excellence Assembly on 12 February. I congratulate our academic award recipients and encourage all students to commence the 2026 school year with focus and determination in relation to their learning journey. At the College Welcome Assembly, I commented to the students:

Gentlemen - your role in your education is pretty important…your parents have chosen to send you to St Pat’s – that’s a blessing and a gift you should appreciate and cherish. Your teachers and the College staff are exceptional – entirely focused on providing you with the best possible education in the classroom and outside; we are ready to support and guide you positively as you commence the 2026 school year…be aware of this, get to know your teachers and work with them and tap into their expertise and commitment to each and every one of you. And you are at a school which has amazing facilities and resources…you have every ingredient for success right here.

But your role in this is crucial…your education and how you engage with it is going to determine a lot of things for you in your adult lives. Make the most of each lesson, engage with it positively and enthusiastically. Complete every piece of homework to the best of your ability, knowing that it is reinforcing the skills and knowledge you have been taught in class – this process is really important. 

Thank you to the many parents and guardians who attended the Middle and Senior School Information evenings in the first couple of weeks of the term. It was terrific to see so many parents in attendance as the partnership between the College and parents is so important in ensuring that each boy makes the most of every opportunity and engages constructively and meaningfully with his curricular and co-curricular opportunities at SPC. I ask that parents check in regularly with their son(s) about their learning journey, homework and assignments set and their learning aspirations. Of course, making contact with your son’s Homeroom and subject teachers is encouraged, as we work together to ensure that each boy makes the most of his time at St Patrick’s. 

New Staff at SPC in 2026

On behalf of the College community, I also welcome the following new staff to the College: 

• Teaching Staff:
  • Mr Brendan Tudball (Head of VET/VM)
  • Mr Romain Gorge (Head of Languages)
  • Ms Ganisha Doma (Head of Mathematics)
  • Mr Richard Hallam (Science)
  • Mr Jacob Dalli (Mathematics and RE)
  • Mr Damian Quinn (English)
  • Ms Eloise Alison (Mathematics)
  • Ms Hannah Elliott (Humanities)
  • Mr Tim Snibson (Head of Music Performance)
  • Mrs Rita Cousens (Language & RE)

• Education Support Staff/Administration 
  • Mr Brock Healy (Sport & HaPE Trainee)
  • Mr Brendan Monaghan (Community & Identity Engagement Trainee)
  • Ms Brittany Lindorff (Learning Support Officer)
  • Mr Sean Weigall (Learning Support Officer)
  • Mr Dean Romeril (Learning Support Officer)
  • Ms Erin Mawdsley (Learning Support Officer)
  • Ms Janelle Leneghan (Learning Support Officer)
  • Ms Nicole Van Berkel (Learning Support Officer)
  • Mr Billy Twaits (Learning Support Officer – Term 1, 2026)

I am looking forward to working with these colleagues as members of the SPC team in the months and years ahead, and I know they are looking forward to working with the College community in their respective roles.

Head of the Lake – 22 February 2026

This weekend the annual BAS Head of the Lake regatta will occur on Lake Wendouree on Sunday morning. I am conscious of how hard and focused all our rowers and their coaches have been this season and I wish all involved, all the very best for Sunday. The dedication and efforts of our boys will stand them in good stead for the day, but regardless of the results on Sunday, they will know that we are very proud of their efforts! 

The College has enjoyed some very strong results in the Head of the Lake in recent years, and I know that all crews will strive to perform at their best on Sunday – good luck, boys! 

I acknowledge the tremendous leadership of the Captain of Rowing, George Charles and the two Vice Captains, Cameron Belleville and Tom Cosgriff. These young men have been wonderful role models and very generous in leading and supporting all crews throughout the season. Thanks George, Cameron and Tom.

Thanks also to Bec Gribble, the SPC Rowing Coordinator and to Dave O’Doherty, our senior coach for their tireless efforts and commitment to the rowing program during the 2025-26 season; we are indeed lucky to have Bec and David leading our rowing program. I thank all coaches for their efforts throughout the season and wish them the best of luck as the season draws to a close. 

A big thank you to our rowing parents and to the Friends of Rowing, for the wonderful support they have provided to all crews and to the College this season. Your involvement and interest is really valuable and appreciated! 

Vale Mr Daniel Sutton

It is important that we commence the year by acknowledging the profound loss our College community experienced in December with the sudden passing of our much-loved friend and colleague, Mr Daniel Sutton.

Daniel was a dedicated educator and a true gentleman whose contribution to St Patrick’s College spanned more than 15 years. Commencing in 2009 as a Learning Support Officer while completing his teaching degree, Daniel quickly became an integral part of our community. He later joined the Science faculty, where he shared his knowledge and love of the scientific method with enthusiasm and care, inspiring many young men in their learning.

In his role as Daily Organiser, Daniel played a vital part in the smooth and efficient running of the College. His servant leadership, generosity of spirit, analytical mind and exceptional problem-solving skills were second to none. He approached every day with a calm, unflappable manner and a deep respect for the inherent dignity of each student and staff member he encountered.

Daniel was admired and respected by all. His quiet wisdom, gentle presence and remarkable general knowledge brought both reassurance and joy to our community. He is greatly missed by the SPC community.

We continue to hold Daniel’s wife Fiona and his sons Orion and Austin in our thoughts and prayers. May we honour Daniel’s legacy by living out the compassion, integrity and dedication he modelled so faithfully.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,

and let Your perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God,

rest in peace.