Acting Principal

As we approach the end of the school year, I would like to express my sincere thanks to every member of this community for their support, generosity and goodwill during my time as Acting Principal. St Patrick’s College is a remarkable community, one that lifts, supports and encourages one another, and it has been an honour and a privilege to serve in this role. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the many conversations, moments and shared efforts that have shaped Term 4.

This week we commenced Head Start, which will continue through until next Friday, 5 December. It has been inspiring to see how energised students have been, as they step into their next year level. In speaking with boys across year levels this week, many expressed that the transition has felt seamless, a testament to the tireless work and dedication of our staff. Our boys have embraced the expectations and maturity of their new year level with real pride, and this speaks volumes about their character and their willingness to grow.

We value every precious opportunity for boys to learn and are committed to ensuring meaningful learning experiences right through to the final lesson of the year. Head Start gives students momentum, lifts them into the mindset of their 2026 year level and allows us to make the very most of the teaching days we have with them. Parents have consistently shared with me how much they value this program, and their reflections highlight how the benefits are tangible.

Importantly, Head Start is not only an academic program. It also supports student wellbeing in profound ways. When our boys already know their classes, teachers, routines and expectations before they leave for the summer break, they are far less likely to experience the return to school anxiety that many young people feel after holidays. This early familiarity fosters confidence, calm and readiness when they walk back through our gates in 2026, and that is something we are deeply committed to nurturing.

Last Thursday, we held our Year 12 Valedictory Evening. It was a wonderful celebration of the achievements, growth and resilience of our 2025 Year 12 cohort. It was a memorable night of gratitude, stories, laughter and pride, a credit to all who contributed and a fitting acknowledgement of an amazing group of young men.

In this context, I would like to acknowledge and offer my sincere congratulations to our Year 12 Valedictorians of 2025. Whether you completed your VCE VM pathway back at the end of Term 3, or whether your final exam concluded only recently, this is a milestone of enormous significance. 

Last night I had the great pleasure of attending the opening night of our Year 7 to 9 musical, Aladdin Jr. What a show it was! It was entertaining, funny, spirited and full of energy. The songs were beautifully performed, and you could not help but want to sing along! Our students, together with students from Loreto, Damascus and Ballarat Clarendon College, displayed exceptional talent and their dedication, commitment and effort to bring this production to life was clearly evident in every scene. 

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every member of the cast and crew, as well as the hardworking and passionate staff who supported our young performers and guided them through the creative journey of staging such an impressive musical. If you have not yet seen it, I highly recommend coming along tonight or tomorrow. It is a show not to be missed!

Looking ahead, this Tuesday 2 December we look forward to welcoming our 2026 Year 7 students for their Orientation Day. This is a momentous step in their journey, and an equally meaningful day for their families. They will spend the day with their teachers and in their Year 7 classrooms, gaining a valuable introduction to the learning environment awaiting them next year. From the orientation experience we ran last year for our current Year 7 group, we know the impact of this day, it builds early relationships, reduces anxiety and strengthens the sense of belonging that sits at the heart of life at St Patrick’s College. This will also be a student free day for all 2025 Year 7 students (2026 Year 8 students) and we are confident that this structure will benefit all students in supporting a smoother and more confident start to 2026.

In addition, our end of year liturgies for each year level are taking place this week and next week. These liturgies provide us with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the year, to express gratitude and to centre ourselves in prayer. These moments of shared faith bring the Gospel message of Christ to life in the everyday rhythms of our school and continue to deepen our understanding of Christian community and service.

As we prepare to enter the Christmas season, I wish every student, every staff member and every family a peaceful, joyful and blessed Christmas. Thank you for your ongoing support, kindness and commitment to our boys and to the College.