Principal
Urgent Action Needed by our Parents
At the end of 2023 and during the course of 2024, behind the scenes, the College has been struggling with Strathfield Council in regard to sports playing fields. Before the Cricket season began last year, our applications to book fields such as Mason Park were rejected because we did not meet the criteria of their Sporting Grounds Allocation Policy.
From the Council’s public exhibition at the time, they stated:
The purpose of the draft Policy is to contribute to a healthier Strathfield by encouraging active sports participation and to establish eligibility and the selection criteria for the seasonal allocation of sporting grounds.
The objectives of the draft Policy are to:
- To provide a transparent, equitable and consistent methodology for the seasonal allocation of sporting grounds and facilities to sports clubs, sports associations, schools and tertiary education providers within the Strathfield Council area.
- To provide a diverse range of opportunities for participation in sport, recreation and physical activity for Strathfield residents.
- To provide access to sporting grounds and facilities which contribute to a healthy Strathfield and promote participation in active sport, physical activity and social connectedness.
- To ensure the opportunity for participation of a broad mix of groups, including participation of girls; women; people from lower socio-economic backgrounds; people with disabilities; seniors and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- To ensure that Council managed sporting grounds and facilities are occupied by inclusive, viable and sustainable sporting clubs, state sporting associations, schools, tertiary education providers and other organisations.
- To ensure that access to sporting grounds by all users has regard to the sustainability and maintenance requirements associated with good sporting ground management.
The hierarchy of use that is used by Council to prioritise the allocation of sporting grounds and their associated facilities are:
- Community-based sporting club training
- Community-based sporting club games
- Council events and events formally endorsed by Council
- Strathfield public schools competitive sporting programs and physical education classes
- Community based organisations
- Tertiary education providers
- Strathfield private schools competitive sporting programs and physical education classes
- Commercial organisations.
As you can see, requests to book grounds from St Patrick’s College (a private school) are ranked at Number 7 in priority yet together with the St Patrick’s Rugby Club, should be considered as Number 1 in priority. We were dismayed to find that, in fact, we were rejected at the time for the Summer season bookings.
I am reaching out to you now for your urgent assistance in providing feedback to Strathfield Council regarding the draft plan of management for Hudson Park. Your input is indispensable in ensuring the future of our College and our students, particularly as we confront the potential loss of valuable field space for our co-curricular activities.
A bit of history first.
Dating back to the late 1950s, Brother Hodda initiated discussions with Strathfield Municipal Council regarding the construction of sports facilities on vacant land adjacent to the Strathfield Public Golf Links. This led to the development of Hudson Park, which has served as a vital sports field for the College for over 60 years. Through long-term lease agreements with the council, the College has utilised Hudson Park Oval, and in the early 1980s, with the support of the Old Boys Rugby Club, constructed the clubhouse and changeroom block adjacent to the oval.
The current lease for Hudson Park expires in 2025. As the use of the facility is now under review with consultation over a Draft Plan of Management, we need your support.
Aside from the hours stated in the lease agreement, the Council manages and utilises Mason Park for bookings from other users and we have no desire to change that. We want to be good local citizens and we will continue to manage and improve this important resource for the benefit of all.
Considering the significance of these benefits, we are reaching out for your urgent assistance in providing feedback to Strathfield Council regarding the draft plan of management for Hudson Park. Your input is indispensable in ensuring the future of our College, our students, and the St Patrick’s Rugby Club, particularly as we confront the potential loss of valuable field space for our co-curricular activities.
The deadline to complete the council’s feedback form is 14 June 2024.
To ensure our collective voice is heard, there are three methods available for lodging submissions:
|
|---|
As an organisation, we will share our view on proposed enhancements to Hudson Park while highlighting concerns about the low priority allocation to schools. We will also emphasise the importance of improved consultation with the community regarding park usage, its benefits to the community and the investment of time and money poured into this facility by the Christian Brothers so there was mutual benefit for all.
For students and Old Boys passionate about Cricket, we think it's important to keep the turf cricket wicket at Hudson Park. Our information is that the proposal to “renovate the centre wicket” is a plan to remove the turf cricket wicket and put a synthetic wicket in. This will have a direct impact on cricket fixtures played but also playing rugby on a synthetic pitch in the middle of the field.
The loss of this amenity will have catastrophic consequences in the ability to remain in the ISA for cricket and rugby. The fields are used for training and are in walking distance of the College for our boys. We simplify could not afford to bus boys to training venues far away from the College.
I ask that you remind the Council that our young men, 1,550 boys aged 9 to 19, use this amenity for regular exercise and team sports. We know that regular exercise is essential for maintaining both the physical and mental well-being of our students, particularly through their involvement in the Co-curricular Program. Engaging in sports immensely helps our students develop physically. Research shows that when we exercise it alleviates stress, anxiety, and depression, consequently enhancing mood, self-esteem, and sleep patterns. So important for developing spirited and resilient young men. Furthermore, participation in sporting co-curricular activities at the College encourages them to make friends, work together, and learn important social skills.
Your timely response is crucial as the council heavily relies on community feedback to determine the optimal use of land. Without adequate support from our College community, securing space for our students' activities may prove challenging, heavily impacting our Co-curricular Program and ability to arrange alternative venues and transportation.
Your feedback will greatly contribute to advocating for the significance of Hudson Park for our College and its students. We sincerely appreciate your time and support in addressing this vital issue.
Many, many of you are local Strathfield ratepayers and as such, need to have your say.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. |
|---|
St Patrick's College Cookbook
It is with great pleasure that we offer you the opportunity to be part of the first St Patrick’s College, Strathfield cookbook.
St Pat’s thrives on the wonderful work of our families, who build a great community that proudly supports the College in many initiatives and projects. Countless family friendships and bonds have been forged at school events, barbeques, and on the sidelines.
We are calling on you to submit one of your favourite recipes to be immortalised within the pages of this very special cookbook. Recipes can be basic or complex – it is totally up to you. This is a unique experience to share something special to your family with the rest of the St Pat’s community. After publication, the cookbooks will be available for purchase and make a wonderful gift for many occasions.
Please click on this link for instructions and to upload your recipe. If you are interested in being part of the Cookbook Committee, please email spccookbook1@gmail.com. We look forward to receiving all your recipes by 28 June 2024.
Parents' and Friends' SPC Cookbook Committee
In Memoriam
We keep Henry O’Reilly (Year 12) and his family in our prayers on the loss of his grandmother, Mrs Deidre O’Reilly. Mrs O’Reilly had a strong connection with the College with three generations of her family attending: her four sons Old Boys Tony (’79), Tim (’82), Michael (’86) and Paul (’87); her brother Brian Woodland (’49), and Henry and his brothers Liam (’21) and Joseph (’19).
We also pray for Patrick Papa (Year 6) and his family on the recent loss of his beloved grandmother.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace. Amen. |
|---|
Dr Vittoria Lavorato
Principal
SPC boys can do anything!
**except divide by zero