Wellbeing Report – December 3, 2015

It is time to start putting the pace and demands of the school year behind us, and turn to the most important things that Christmas brings; family and the gift of the Christ child, who in his birth completes the Holy Family, of which all our own families are an echo and a part. Families are sacred, with the birth of a new child the most sacred of moments. Christmas is the time to return to that experience and knowledge, focused on the birth of our Saviour. It is also a time to think of people without family and those families in difficulty; to take time for them where we can, particularly when it involves those close to us or even ourselves. Christmas is a time for care, love and giving; through our presence to each other reflecting the presence of a loving God in our lives.

Thank you to all the members of our school community-”students, parents, families, staff and volunteers-”for all your contributions to the college over the year, from simple and routine matters through to all the extras that people provide without which a school cannot survive, and by receiving, schools can achieve great things.

As we do each summer break, there will be a number of physical developments undertaken around the school, made possible by the absence of students for an extended period and by the efforts of the Maintenance Staff. General refurbishments and upgrades will occur where necessary ensuring that the boys have the optimal learning environment when they return.

Thank you and farewell

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, students and parents of the St Patrick’s College community for the wonderful support I have experienced over the past 2 years. I have been fortunate to be part of this very special college community and feel blessed to have been given this opportunity to work closely with the students at St Patrick’s.

Although I am saddened to be leaving St Patrick’s College I am excited about continuing my work at St Edmund’s and St Gabriel’s, Sydney to continue my work in a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition. I know that St Patrick’s will always have a special place in my heart and I will have fond memories of my time here at the College.

I wish the college community all the best in the future and I know that I will be watching from a distance the developments of this very special school.

God Bless.

Jon Franzin

Deputy Headmaster – Wellbeing