Junior School

Term 2 - Week 2

“A beacon for boys’ education”. These words define the College’s strategic direction as we seek to ensure that the Junior School at St Patrick’s College truly reflects a school of excellence in all areas of its operations. I recently read a book titled Sevens Heaven which detailed Rugby Union coach Ben Ryan’s account of how he took the Fijian Rugby Sevens team to victory at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The heart of the book was centred on Ryan’s philosophy 'the standard you walk past is the standard you accept'. During the lead up and throughout the Olympics, he maintained that standards were not negotiable. Having this mindset makes you do what needs to be done, even when it’s difficult or when you are tired and don’t have the desire to continue. Once you ignore things or simply start to walk past them, standards fall, and along that route lies failure.

Having high standards inspires, empowers, and challenges us to achieve at higher levels...not to take shortcuts because doing so becomes habit forming and soon you start cutting corners in other aspects of your life. Each standard we cultivate in the Junior School becomes part of what it means to represent the College. How we act and the decisions we make says a lot about our character, what we stand for, and the standards we have for our College community.

Not all actions are heroic...sometimes it’s just people simply doing the right thing. Yet, I am very aware that doing the right thing is not always easy for young people and the implications can be surprisingly difficult at times. Nevertheless, it should still be the baseline for our behaviour. It should be the standard by which we live our lives, from one decision or moment to the next. Ultimately, the standard you walk past is the standard you accept and therefore, what you become.

On another note, the annual NAPLAN tests are due to be held next week and although there is often a focus centred on these assessments and subsequent results, please be mindful not to place undue stress and pressure on your son. All parents/carers are reminded that NAPLAN is simply a snapshot of where your son’s skills are aligned at a specific point in time, as all learners grow and develop at different rates.

Finally, I trust that all the mothers and significant female figures in the boys’ lives will enjoy a special Mother’s Day this coming Sunday. I have no doubt that your son/s will have some lovely surprises planned for you and hope that all mums have a relaxing and well-deserved day of being spoilt and appreciated for the many sacrifices which you make.

As always, if you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.

May God bless you,

Glenn Stephenson

Director of Junior School