Headmaster’s Message – August 3, 2017

Dear Parents, Carers, Friends and Students of St Patrick’s College,

Next weekend the College hosts its annual Legends Dinner. As part of this evening, we formally acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of past students who have excelled in their particular fields of expertise. This year, we formally induct Chris Nolan as a Legend of the College. Stephen Hill, Deputy Headmaster Learning and Teaching provides the following summary of Chris’ life and achievements at every Chris Nolan Academic Awards Assembly. I include it here for you to read:

Chris graduated from St Patrick’s College in 1985 as College Captain. As a student at the College, Chris regularly achieved strong academic results and in his final year he was awarded:

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – the Headmaster’s Award for Leadership

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – the History Prize

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – the Sir Hugh Devine Prize for Impromptu Speech

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – a W.T. Doyle Prize for Debating and;

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – the 1st XI Cricket Bowling Award

Chris demonstrated his intelligence and ingenuity shortly after leaving St Patrick’s in his role as one of the co-founders of the now highly acclaimed Meredith Music Festival. He completed his Law Degree at Monash University and went on to practice law in Vietnam. In 1996, 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).

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

In addition, we will formally acknowledge ballet dancer Callum Linnane and builder Jake Laidlaw as Young Achievers of the Year. Both of these award recipient demonstrate the variety of talents and skills presents in students who have attended St Patrick’s College.

Finally, we will recognize two incredibly committed members of our current staff who have contributed a great deal to the College over many years. Margaret McIntyre and Clare Kavanagh have dedicated over 46 years between them to provide the highest quality of teaching to the students in their care. In recognition of their contribution, they will both be presented with the Facere et Docere Award. Clare started at St Patrick’s College in Term 4, 1995, and since that time has taken up a number of teaching and Leadership roles within the College included Head of Science, Head of Mathematics and, more recently, Academic Extension Coordinator. Margaret has worked tirelessly to develop the profile of Languages at St Patrick’s College, holding the position of Head of Languages for many years. Throughout their time at St Patrick’s College, they have both maintained an incredible commitment to Catholic education and we are so proud of their achievements.

As a school community we acknowledge all of our recipients and wish them well for next Saturday evening in the College Pavilion.-

Important information on the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD).

The College is currently preparing for the upcoming requirement to provide data for the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability. The NCCD is an annual data collection which all schools must participate in. In short, the NCCD counts the number of students with a disability and the level of educational adjustments they are provided. Parents or carers who DO NOT consent to the collection of their child’s data are required to fill in the PDF that is attached at- this link– and return it as soon as possible to our Enhancement Coordinator, Mrs Helen McLennan at HMcLennan@stpats.vic.edu.au– – Your prompt attention to this requirement is greatly appreciated.

Have a great weekend.

John Crowley

HEADMASTER