Mission & Identity

“Everything that was written long ago in the scriptures was meant to teach us something about hope from the examples scripture gives of how people who did not give up were helped by God. And may he who helps us when we refuse to give up, help you all to be tolerant with each other, following the example of Christ Jesus, so that united in mind and voice you may give glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom 15:4-5) 

A school is a challenging environment. For our students, there are the demands of the curriculum, assessment, daily routines, and the discoveries of friendships and responsibilities. Sometimes, there is a responsibility to tolerate and negotiate some personalities. As we reach the end of the 2025 school year, we should celebrate the example of over 1,200 students who did not give up and crossed the finishing line full of joy and energy. Praise God! Whenever we celebrate students, we spontaneously and inevitably celebrate families and their example of love. Students and families, united in mind and voice with the staff of St Patrick’s College, witness the God who is love and who has given us all that we have. (1 Cor 4:7)  

This Sunday is the commencement of the Season of Advent, in which we prepare for the great joy of Christmas. When we celebrate that God so loved the world that he sent his only Son (Jn 3:16) as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14:6), we place ourselves in the right relationship with God, family, neighbour, and all creation. For in knowing and loving God, we come to understand how we relate, in and through love, to all that God has given us. Stopping to praise God might be a hard truth to recall at the end of a busy year and in the hectic activity leading up to Christmas. But the invitation of Advent is constant. Let us be still and know our God (Ps 46:10) and receive that gift of peace in our hearts that the world cannot give (Jn 14:17). However, once received, it floods our hearts (Rom 5:5) so that, through us, God’s love flows out into the world. 

Perhaps this is how we should view the goal of a St Patrick’s education. With hearts overflowing with love, our young men transform the suffering and evil of this world into a creative and healing peace that mere human effort cannot attain. Wonderfully, cooperation with God is the goal of our community. Let us look at some the evidence of 2025.  

Our Global and Local Impact

As a community committed to assist many in dire need we have supported our partners in justice: organisations that embody the mission of Edmund Rice in our contemporary society:

• Edmund Rice Foundation – An international development organisation delivering sustainable education programs in developing countries and supporting marginalised groups in Australia.

  • 2025 Donation: $10,791.19

• Edmund Rice Community Services – An organisation that focuses on building authentic relationships with children, young people, and families facing vulnerabilities such as trauma, poverty, or refugee backgrounds.

  • 2025 Donation: $3,924.07

• Edmund Rice Camps – Delivering camps, homework programs, cultural groups, and community engagement events empowering young people.

  • 2025 Donation: $6,867.12

• Caritas Australia – Through initiatives such as Project Compassion, Caritas delivers clean water, education, emergency relief, and sustainable farming in over 30 countries, transforming lives across the globe.

  • 2025 Donation: $3,655.54

Faith in Action and Community Spirit

Beyond fundraising, our community embraced service through initiatives that respond to the dignity of every person and the gift of God’s creation:

• Ballarat Soup Bus – Food stalls raised over $1,000, as well as student led cook-ups delivered every fortnight directly to the Soup Bus.

• Nude Food Day – Led by SAGERS, a day aimed at reducing waste and funding a native garden and veggie patch for our College grounds.

• Easter Egg Drive – One of our largest collections ever, ensured the Easter joy was experienced by patients and residents at Grampians Health, St John of God, and Nazareth House.

• Winter Appeal – A trailer full of food and personal items donated to Ballarat families, ensuring warmth and dignity to those in need, during the colder months.

Reverse Advent Calendar – “It is in giving that we receive.”

Right now, we are encouraging the spirit of Christmas through the Reverse Advent Calendar initiative. Each day, boxes are being filled with food and essential items to help local families doing it tough feel the joy and hope of the season. We invite everyone in our community to join us in this act of generosity. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Together, let’s ensure that every family experiences the warmth and happiness of Christmas.

These lived commitments are more than numbers. They represent the love that floods our hearts, lived as the hope, care, and solidarity that transforms our world. We are Christ’s hands in this work. Thank you to our families, students, and staff for continuing the tradition of service that makes St Patrick’s College a true Edmund Rice community. May God bless our summer with strengthened family bonds of joy and may the love that exceeds all understanding be with us, and remain with us, no matter where our roads lead us. 

Finally, my personal thanks to Mr Mitch Leviston for his leadership in Semester 1 and his knowledge and wisdom over the entire year.