The Paddies Winter Luncheon was held on Friday, 5 June at The Emerald Hotel, Clarendon Street, South Melbourne with over 32 attendees.
We were very privileged and honoured to be in the company of the College’s Deputy Principal, John Richards, who gave an update on most things at and happening with SPC.
John relayed SPC currently has around 1300 students with about 130 (10%) boarders. What an amazing number for each! A number of our luncheon attendees remember even when the boarders outnumbered the day scholars.
John also indicated that SPC not only educates students for tertiary education nowadays, but also various trade skills (much needed today with Victoria’s and Australia’s shortage of trades people with the appropriate skills eg builders, plumbers and electricians to name a few).
SPC is also participating in two football competitions and performing very well in both. The main First XVIII is currently holding a 4-2 win/loss, losing their first game against St Joseph’s in Geelong and their last game. The Second XVIII is competing in the Ballarat Schools competition and performing well too.
A most enjoyable time was had by all at the Paddies Winter Luncheon catching up with former school mates and of course reminiscing about their College upbringing. We were honoured to have three first timers at the luncheon from Bendigo.
The Emerald Hotel in the past six to eight weeks has changed hands and is no longer run by the Lewis Family. However, Andrew Lewis is the main barman and Jane was there catching up with friends.
The next Spring Paddies Luncheon will be held at The Emerald Hotel, Clarendon Street, South Melbourne on Friday, 4 September 2026 meeting at 12 noon and placing luncheon orders around 12.30pm. Please advise the organisers Noel Sheehan (SPC 1964-70) at noel@stafforgserv.com.au or via phone on 0418 509 809 or Michael O’Dowd (SPC 1964-69) at mjdowd@hotmail.com or via phone on 0407 680 682 if you are attending.
A reminder that members of the Class of 1974 and their partners are invited to a catch up at the Red Lion Hotel Sports Bar, Main Road Golden Point, in Ballarat, on Sunday, 8 November 2026, from 1pm for an enjoyable afternoon together. If you have any queries, please contact Shane Pianta (SPC 1973-74) at s.pianta57@gmail.com or via phone on 0433 586 892.
Thanks to Shane Pianta for preparing this story
