News
Where are they now – Kyle Faulkhead (SPC 2014-19)
The College recently reconnected with Old Collegian Kyle Faulkhead (SPC 2014-19) who returned for his Five-Year Reunion earlier this term and has many fond memories of his time at SPC. Where has life taken you since leaving SPC? Life after St Pat’s has taken me to find my current job at Platinum Institute Australia…
Book launch on John James Sheehan (SPC 1925-1932) biography
Former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks AC recently launched a biography of Old Collegian John James Sheehan (SPC 1925-1932), focusing on his special connection to the Ballarat community, education, politics, and the Catholic faith. Sheehan’s son Mark Sheehan (SPC 1969-1977), wrote the book, which began as a research project and evolved into a biography acknowledging his…
Celebration of 130 years of athletics at SPC
This year marks 130 years of athletics at St Patrick’s College. So, how did athletics begin? In 1893, Br Ryan, despite his disappointment that the College couldn’t hold an athletics competition, vowed to change this. His unwavering determination led to the first athletics carnival in 1894 at Eastern Oval—the competition, though not fiercely competitive, with…
Peter Golla (SPC 1979-81)
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Old Boy Peter Golla (SPC 1979-81) on 4 April 2024. Peter was well known in the music scene, especially for his Neil Diamond tribute show which he toured Australia with. He also sung a number of times on “Good Morning Australia” with Bert Newton. Peter’s mother…
Joseph Francis (Frank) Hutchinson (SPC 1945-47, PY1948)
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Joseph Francis (Frank) Hutchinson (SPC 1945-47, PY1948) on 16 March 2024, just shy of his 93rd birthday on 28 March. Frank’s mother died when he was 13; and a few months later, he completed Grade 8 at the Landsborough public school. Frank initially boarded at St…
Michael (Mick) Joseph Griffin (SPC 1952-53)
We were notified of the passing of Old Collegian Michael (Mick) Joseph Griffin (SPC 1952-53) back on 1 July 2021. Michael was a day student who was at SPC for two years, completing sub-intermediate B class, along with his brother Peter (SPC 1949). We extend our condolences to Michael’s family, including his wife Carmel, children…
William Nicholas (Nick) Coffey (SPC 1968-70, PY1972)
We are saddened to learn of the passing of William Nicholas (Nick) Coffey (SPC 1968-70, PY1972), who passed away on 31 October 2023. Nick was the younger brother of John (SPC 1965-69), boarders from Warracknabeal, and we extend our condolences to John and his extended family. Nick started at SPC in Form 2 and left…
Reflecting on one of SPC’s greatest sporting defeats 70 years on
Perhaps one of St Patrick’s greatest footballing arch-rivals was made welcome at the College recently. Former Ballarat Clarendon College First XVIII football captain John Birt, now aged 87 years, visited the school and took a trip down memory lane, walking out on our new and improved Main Oval once again. Some may well remember John…
Maurice Sheahan recognised for dedication to community
Congratulations to Old Collegian Maurice Sheahan (SPC 1951-55) who recently celebrated an Associate Life Membership Award for the St Augustine’s Coolangatta/Tugan Conference. Maurice joined the SVDP while a boarder at SPC, aged 16 years old, in 1953. As young boys, the Vinnies visits included trips to the local hospitals and nursing homes, taking sweets and…
Where are they now – David Pearce (SPC 1989-94)
The College recently reconnected with David Pearce (SPC 1989-94) who attended his 30-Year Reunion on the weekend and enjoyed the opportunity to tour the school, see so much that had changed and the level of investment in facilities for students and students, while at the same time see so many of the personalities from his…