Principal’s Message

by Principal, Mr Steven O’Connor

End of Year Exams and Head Start

This week students from Years 7-11 have been involved in completing their end of year exams and/or starting the Head Start program as they prepare for the 2023 school year. The end of year exams provide important opportunities for students to complete their academic program for the year and form an important part of assessing the skills, knowledge and understanding gained across a semester in each subject. I trust that each of our students completed the exams successfully and finished the 2022 school year on a positive note.

The Head Start program commenced for next year’s VCE 3-4 students on Wednesday, 16 November and all other year levels will start their Head Start program on Monday, 21 November. The opportunities for all students to get started with their class work for 2023 will allow them to hit the ground running when the school year commences next year. Head Start allows the boys to work with their 2023 teachers and have a good understanding of the work ahead in each of their new subjects and classes.

I thank the teachers who have prepared class activities and work for this program and by doing so, they are providing the boys with a great start to the 2023 school year.

I hope that everyone enjoys the opportunities provided by our Head Start program over the next couple of weeks.

 

End of Year Awards Ceremony

On Thursday, 1 December, the College will conduct an End of Year Awards Ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate the major achievements of our students, as well as to present the Semester 2 Chris Nolan Awards. The College presented the major awards to our Year 12 students when they finished earlier in the term so the ceremony on 1 December will be focused on celebrating the efforts and achievements of students in Years 7-11.

Parents of award recipients will receive invitations and are encouraged to join us in the O’Malley Gymnasium for an 11:30am start.

It is important that we gather as a community, particularly at the end of a school year. Celebrating the academic achievements, efforts, and presenting our major community awards is always a great pleasure and important to the College community.

 

Year 12 Valedictory Celebration

This week we farewelled the Year 12 class of 2022 at the Valedictory Celebration at the Mercure. This milestone is important in the educational journey of students, and I was delighted to see our graduands at this celebration. I congratulate all of our Year 12 students and wish them well as they prepare for the next part of their educational journey in some instances, to commence their roles in the workforce and carve out their careers.  To view a photo gallery of the Valedictory Celebration please click on the following link: SPC Valedictory Celebration

 

As custodians of St Patrick’s College, the Year 12s of 2022 have done a tremendous job and contributed significantly to the great story of the College. Thank you, gentlemen, for your generous, enthusiastic and positive approach which has characterised your time at St Pat’s. We are very proud of you and look forward to hearing about your adventures and successes ahead of you.

I wish to place on record my thanks to the staff who have worked with and supported you throughout your time at SPC. The staff continue to do incredible work with students in their classrooms and outside. I thank them for the wonderful guidance and support they have provided you, particularly through the last 12 months.

Gentlemen, take time to thank your parents and show them your love and appreciation. Parents love their children unconditionally and are aspirational – they want the very best for their sons and daughters!

As Principal of St Pat’s, I too have similar hopes and dreams. Of course, I want you to be successful in your studies, careers, in your relationships, sport, and in your cultural interests; but more than all of these, I absolutely want you to be good people who live their lives with a wisdom which comes from a moral compass borne of the Gospel values, with kindness, respect, gratitude, an appreciation of community, courage and compassion.

I have witnessed this in you and from you on so many occasions during 2022. Congratulations, gentlemen, and thanks. Stay safe and keep in touch with the College in the years ahead!

Mr Steven O’Connor

Principal