Honouring excellence at St Patrick’s College

Meredith Music Festival co-founder, disability campaigner, former College Captain and all-round advocate for academic excellence Chris Nolan (SPC 1980-85) will be inducted as a Legend of St Patrick’s College in August this year.

Mr Nolan headlines an incredible line up of high achievers who will be honoured at the evening.

2016 Telstra Australian Ballet Dancer of the Year Callum Linnane (SPC 2008) will be recognised as a co-recipient of our Young Achiever of the Year alongside 2016 Housing Industry of Australia Apprentice of the Year Jake Laidlaw (SPC 2008-12).

Previous inductee Chris O’Brien, who has recently been appointed as the Performance Manager at the Australian Institute of Sport following his stint as national coach of Rowing Australia, will deliver the keynote address.

The OCA is also delighted that the College has decided there will be two recipients of the prestigious Facere et Docere Award for excellence in teaching. Head of Language Mrs Margaret McIntyre will be honoured for her excellent work developing an outstanding Japanese curriculum at the College over many years while Academic Extension Coordinator Mrs Clare Kavanagh will also be honoured for her continued excellence, particularly in the subject of Science at St Patrick’s College.

St Patrick’s College Old Collegians Association President Allan McKinnon (SPC 1966-69) said the annual Legends Dinner was always a highlight on the College calendar.

-Excellence has always been honoured and recognised at St Patrick’s College across multiple disciplines -“ both for students and Old Collegians,- Mr McKinnon said.

-This year we are particularly happy to be able to honour Old Collegians across a diverse range of fields.

-Our 2017 inductees come from the fields of performing arts, the trades and academic excellence while our keynote speaker represents excellence in the world of sport.

-It is particularly pleasing to see Chris Nolan honoured as a Legend. Chris was one of the brightest stars to ever emerge from St Patrick’s College and had a glittering career as a successful lawyer and co-founder of the Meredith Music Festival.

-His life took a tragic twist in 1996 when, after several years in Vietnam, Chris acquired severe brain injuries from a viral infection leading to total organ failure.-

Chris is profoundly disabled physically and is very limited in his communication. With the ongoing support of his family, carers and friends, Chris has continued to fight against these disabilities.

Chris and his family, and in particular, Chris’ mother, Mary, are actively involved in developing awareness and support for young people with acquired brain injuries. Mary’s long-term work in this area was duly recognised in 2011 with membership in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM). Chris continues to be highly respected by his classmates and teachers for his commitment and enthusiasm to all aspects of College life.

Twice each year high, the highest achieving students in all year levels are awarded a Chris Nolan Award in recognition of Chris’ pursuit of academic excellence.

-During his time at St Patrick’s, Chris clearly exemplified the pursuit of excellence across a range of our important educational programs and activities,- Mr McKinnon said.

Headmaster John Crowley said the College was delighted to be honouring Mrs McIntyre and Mrs Kavanagh for their dedicated years of service and excellence in teaching.

-The Facere et Docere (to do and to teach) award is a relatively recent introduction to St Patrick’s College, having been awarded for the first time in 2010,- Mr Crowley said.

-However in that short time it has honoured many great teachers whose names have been synonymous with the College.

-I’m very excited that with Margaret and Clare joining the honour board another proud chapter to the life of St Patrick’s College is being written and celebrated.-

Tickets for the 2017 Legends Dinner are now on sale. The ticket price is all inclusive of drinks and provides a sumptuous three course meal and a night of wonderful entertainment.

Tickets can be purchased for $75 per person at this link: https://www.trybooking.com/OXPO