Principal

The varied and unprecedented challenges of 2019 and 2020 have forced a spotlight on the importance of community. Bushfires, storms and floods have destroyed landscapes and torn physical communities apart, but paradoxically have strengthened relationships, as individuals in communities have supported one another to recover and rebuild. COVID-19 has necessarily changed the ways we come together to work and play, presenting challenges to relationships in our private and communal worlds. St Patrick’s, like all communities, has had to find new ways to come together to support one another, reinforce our shared values and to celebrate who we are.

As we move through life we gather, and sometimes discard, many relationships. These can be key, foundational relationships with our families and partners, or the sort of relationships that add colour to our everyday: the people we have a chat with in the shopping centre or on the sidelines at Saturday sport. Often our relationships at work are hugely important too. Of course, our family relationships last a lifetime and some friends will stay with us. I still catch up with two of my primary school friends, friendships forged in the Year 2 classroom and developed throughout the years through weddings, holidays, divorces and children. They are our travelling partners through life. 

A community is a social unit with its own norms, religion, values, customs and identity. Communities may share a sense of place attached to a geographical area. We are a community at St Patrick’s in every sense of the word. 

Relationship and community work hand in hand. St Patrick’s has a remarkable community atmosphere, from the Old Boys to the new students in Year 5 and their parents – there is something about this place that people want to be a part of and cherish when they join the community. This spirit is strong with the boys as most have eight years together from the Junior School, co-curricular events, classes, Homeroom, reflection days and Masses they all build relationship with one another and this strengthens the community for all, beyond the gates of the school.

This year it is much harder to develop relationships and community with the current restrictions but these things are more important than ever. If you haven’t been in touch lately with someone, give them a call. Each year we promote RUOK day. This year it is crucial. RUOK day is on Thursday 10 September, but everyday is a day to check in with members of our community.

Mrs Robbie Boyle is a Year 12 Parent and a member of the Identity Board Committee, please read below her and husband Mick's reflection of St Patrick's College.

Condolence

We remember and pray for the repose of the soul of Professor Brian O’Brien, Old Boy from the Class of 1950 and Luceat Laureate for 2019 who died recently. Professor O'Brien addressed the College community at Speech Night last year. His achievements were extensive and included the invention of the Apollo Dust Detectors which were used on the Apollo 11, 12, 14 and 15 Moon missions. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

Damian Chase

Acting Principal

Parent Reflection

For many families of graduating students, this term marks the end of a school era. For us personally with four children, it concludes 21 school parent years, including 12 years associated with St Patrick’s. While looking forward to the freedom away from school timetables and routines, we have been reflecting on the element of the school parent journey for which we are most grateful. It comes down to one word - community.

When our first child started school back in 2000, we had only recently moved into the Strathfield area. We had no family here and knew very few people. We were unsure of how the whole school system worked. Looking lost at the opening school BBQ, one of the parishioners approached us and introduced us to another new family – that was the seed that let us grow into the community. Within weeks we had met a group of parents who were in the same situation and we formed an informal network of support. Fortunately we have been able to build that network by volunteering in school and community life – canteen and BBQ duty, committees, coaching etc and that has rewarded us with the opportunity to meet so many lovely people and their families.

As the years progressed we have had to do the work/school/sport/extra-curricular juggle.  Each Saturday in particular was timetabled to make sure everyone got to where they needed to be. That network of local friends was often a godsend as we ferried each other’s children all over Sydney and beyond. Initially we were reluctant to ask for help, but actually found that when we did it created the opportunity for others to ask back – reinforcing the community web of support.

Gradually as each of our children learnt to drive, then graduated, the transport logistics burden reduced but the network is still very much there. Be it giving guidance on uni course selection, finding job placements, offering life advice or supporting the Old Boys, the network continues to support the students and their families.  As we come to the end of our journey at SPC it is nice to see the community networks still bringing new people through the process.

One of the main delights of our involvement in the broader school community is how much joy and pride we feel from seeing students we have known through the years receiving awards, leadership positions, community service acknowledgements or even just photos at Speech Night or in the Especean. Our joy is as great as it is for any achievements of our own children.  Similarly, as the years have passed we love seeing the students mature.  Young kids who used to squabble and muck up around our house or on the sporting field have emerged into polite, thoughtful, humble and funny young adults - it truly buoys our hearts.

While education is the hub of the school, the relationship examples of respect, good manners, messages of faith and social justice and humility hold strong at the College.  That is backed up by the parent community at home, and the graduates we have seen through the years are a reflection of that.

Like most people we will be happy to see the back of 2020, but as we look towards 2021 and the graduating class we have a lot of hope for the future. COVID-19 has had devastating impacts, but it has provided the opportunity to reflect and get closer to what is important. For us that is looking after the community - building a web of support. And that can come from a small gesture such as an introduction, a wave, a smile, a text message or a phone call – letting people know they are acknowledged, supported and can ask for help – even after their time at SPC has finished.

All the very best to the graduating students, their families and the staff who are moving on – in particular Dr Wattam in his new role.

Robbie and Mick Boyle

Parents of Joseph (Year 12) and Michael (2016)