Principal
Thanking our Educators: World Teachers Day (29 October 2021)
Teachers are at the heart of learning.
"Let us thank all those who teach in Catholic Schools. Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life." Pope Francis
This year’s celebration coincides with the commemoration of 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. The themes for both events (‘Faith in the Future’ and ‘#BrightFuture’) inspire us to look beyond the here and now to the months and years ahead. From my perspective, it is easy to do this with great confidence because of the wonderful teaching staff at St Patrick’s.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly disruptive to so many aspects of our lives, including the work of teachers and schools. If we were to seek a silver lining though, it would be that the disruption experienced by students and their families has helped reclaim the nobility of teaching in our society and proven that schools—and their campuses, classrooms, and professional educators—are essential to delivering high-quality learning and giving children the best possible start in life.
Teaching is noble work. It's the profession that creates all other professions. The theologian, Tom Groome, suggests that “teaching is a vocation to love—often stretched and tested to the limits”. This year, teachers have truly been stretched and tested, but they have maintained their commitment to faith, hope, and love. Teachers are superheroes and their superpower is the power to create a better, brighter future tomorrow by providing positive learning experiences in the lives of young people today.
In many ways, this superpower is a biblical one. Scripture provides no shortage of metaphors about seeds and the importance of sowing patiently today in expectation of a future reward. One such metaphor is found in Paul’s letter to the Galatians where he urges the first-century believers not to “lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary”. (Gal 6:9)
In our day, and in our fast-paced, instant gratification society, Pope Francis reminds us that “...the results of sowing do not depend on our abilities: they depend on the action of God”. He tells us that while it is up to us to sow with love, commitment, and patience, “..the strength of the seed is divine. This is our trust, this is what gives us strength to go forward every day with patience, sowing the good that will bear fruit.”
Excitement. Exhilaration. Enthusiasm. These three words spring to mind when I think about my career as a teacher.
There is no doubt that being an educator is a demanding job and while it can come with frustrations, the rewards are huge – witnessing a student unlock the joy of reading, supporting a student as they overcome their barriers to learning or simply observing their developing maturity as both learners and contributors to their community.
Teachers are there every step of the way of a student’s learning journey – inspiring them to flourish in a changing world. In my role I am grateful to be able to spend time with our teachers and I am constantly amazed by their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to education. I sincerely thank all our teachers at St Patrick’s College for all they are, and all that they do.
From our early career teachers to the wonderful teachers who this year celebrate 10, 20, 30 and yes, even 40 years of service – they are all remarkable and deserve the recognition at this special time when we celebrate all teachers.
Teachers are at the Heart of Learning.
So, when you see a teacher this week, take the time to say thank you for the important and transformational role they play every day, both inside our classrooms and out in the community.
A BLESSING FOR TEACHERS
Cultivators of hearts and minds, may you be strengthened in your sacred and needed work.
May you know that each moment you spend pouring into another is full of meaning whether you are teaching ABC’s, algebra or baking bread.
May the teachers who have journeyed many years find their bodies strengthened and their hearts encouraged.
May the teachers who are just beginning find their nerves calmed and their path well guided.
May the teachers who are in the thick of it find one more light of inspiration again and yet again.
May you wake to new mercies and fall asleep refreshed by the great Teacher’s presence.
May parents teaching at home be filled with supernatural patience, joy and endurance as you journey with those closest to you.
May believers teaching in dark, hard places find ways to till the ground, planting seeds of light, and may grace surround so that darkness cannot overcome.
May men and women teaching in gospel centred schools ring out our Maker’s truth clear and radiant.
May friends, family and mentors gathered teaching around coffee cups, dinner tables, running trails, board meetings and farm fields know the love they share is powerful.
May we all know that the best way to instruct is to walk beside and that our own failure is a beautiful opportunity to model repentance and humility.
May you always be learning, stoking the fire of curiosity so that you can overflow and nourish others.
May you find joy in the journey even when assignments are not finished and attitudes flare.
May you know that you are never overlooked by our great God. Your work is known, appreciated and honoured. Whatever you do for the least of these echoes in eternity.
May you see and feel the rewards of a job well done even when that does not come with a rich pay check or accolades, acknowledgement or appreciation.
May you teach others to seek and to find in this wonder-filled treasure hunt with Jesus.
May you “never, never, never give up,” and as you pass this grit onto others, may your friends, family and community draw near to support you.
Most of all may you hear a “thank you” today. [Sharon McKeeman]
Year 12 (2021) Last days on Campus
Last week, the Year 12 students had their last lessons with their teachers. We will see them again when the HSC commences on 9 November, and we will honour their contribution together at Speech Night. They will also have a Graduation Mass, Assembly and Dinner with their parents/carers; a lot to look forward to with a lot to accomplish before we can celebrate properly.
Announcement: Deputy Principal 2022
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Adrian Byrne as Deputy Principal at our College from 2022. Mr Byrne joins us as an experienced educational leader and highly accomplished educator with proven success in leading innovative teaching and learning outcomes and faith formation. We look forward to welcoming Mr Byrne into the St Patrick’s College and EREA community early in 2022. More information about Mr Byrne’s appointment can be found here.
Attend a Webinar for Parents/Carers at no charge
Our school has a membership with Parenting Ideas, one of Australia’s most trusted sources of parenting education and support. As part of this membership, all the parents/carers in this school community can attend some fantastic webinars in 2021 at no cost. We’re pleased to let you know about an upcoming webinar.
Using birth order knowledge for a parenting edge
Effective parents and carers are always looking for an edge to help them raise happy, confident, resilient kids. Many people do a brilliant job of learning on the run, but can miss a rich vein of knowledge that’s right in front of them – a child’s birth order position. In this webinar, Michael Grose explains how birth order position impacts on a child’s personality, attitudes and behaviour. He provides insights to help bring out the best in every child, reduce destructive sibling rivalry and increase family harmony.
Key learning and discussion points include:
• how birth order works and why it sometimes doesn’t make sense
• why birth order applies to both large and small families
• how to conduct a birth order audit for your family
• the impact that your own birth order has on your parenting
• essential parenting strategies for kids who don’t quite fit the birth order mould.
Presented by: Michael Grose, Bestselling author and professional speaker
Video overview: Click this link to view the video overview: https://vimeo.com/505493809
When: Wednesday 10 November 2021 at 8:00 PM AEDT
Redeem your webinar now - it's easy:
- Click this link: https://www.parentingideas.com.au/parent-resources/parent-webinars/webinar-using-birth-order-knowledge-for-a-parenting-edge
- Click ‘Add to cart’
- Click ‘View cart’
- Enter the coupon code ORDER
- Click ‘Apply coupon’
- Click ‘Proceed to checkout’
- Enter our school’s name to verify your eligibility. The $39 discount will then be applied.
- Fill in your account details. These are the details you will use to login to your account and access your webinar and resources
- Click ‘Place Order’.
This offer is valid until 31 December 2021. If you’re unable to make the broadcast time, just register anyway and you will get access to the recording.
Staff News
We were delighted to hear news from Ms Katherine Nikiforos announcing the birth of her first child, a son, Raphael Alexander Sinadinos. Mother and son are doing well, and we wish Katherine and Alex all the very best as they commence the amazing journey of parenthood.
Keep in your prayers
Ethan Aflak (Year 8) who is battling a serious health condition in the Children’s Hospital at Randwick. Keep him at the forefront of your prayers and pray for a speedy recovery.
In Memoriam
Please also keep in your prayers Max Francis (Year 11) on the loss of his grandfather, Graeme Francis, earlier this week.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
Dr Vittoria Lavorato
Principal
SPC boys can do anything!
**except divide by zero