The St Patrick’s College community gathered in the Performing Arts Centre on Thursday, 16 October, for its annual Speech Day – a highlight of the College calendar celebrating the achievements and spirit of students from Years 7 to 12.
About 500 students, families, staff and special guests attended the event, which recognised excellence across academic, sporting, cultural and community life, while also honouring the graduating Class of 2025.
Throughout the ceremony, awards were presented to students who have demonstrated outstanding effort, leadership and contribution to College life across all year levels.
College Principal Steven O’Connor reflected on the day as a moment to both celebrate and give thanks.
“Today, we’re taking time to acknowledge and celebrate a number of key community, sporting and performing arts achievements of our students from Year 7 through 12,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We also recognise our Year 12 students as they complete their formal studies and prepare to graduate. This is an important milestone and we thank them for their contributions to the College as our senior cohort.”
Mr O’Connor spoke about the enduring mission of the College to educate “hope-filled, compassionate and confident young men for their place in the world”, drawing inspiration from the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice.
“This mission is not just aspirational; it’s lived out in the daily interactions, experiences and opportunities we provide for our boys,” he said.
“We seek relentlessly to form young adults who are confident, compassionate, respectful, authentic, relational and importantly, optimistic — qualities that enable them to thrive in an ever-changing world and contribute meaningfully in every capacity to society.”
This year’s guest speaker, Old Collegian Dr John Daffy (SPC 1983–85), Director of Infectious Diseases at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, shared reflections on his own time at St Pat’s and how it shaped his career.
“When I first got the call to give this speech by Andrew Jirik, who’s also a classmate from 1985, I initially expressed concern that I wasn’t qualified for the role. As a fifth-generation dairy farmer from Camperdown, I arrived in Ballarat in 1983. What this school has done ultimately done for me has been life changing,” he said.
“I always knew that the day I arrived at St Pat’s was the day I won Tattslotto. The sky was the limit, the rest was up to me. That same opportunity is available to everyone at St Pat’s in 2025.”
He also spoke about the values that have guided his work in medicine.
“My education at St Pat’s, with its Catholic ethos, taught me that every human life has intrinsic and equal value, no matter what — which holds me in good stead every day in my work,” he said.
“No matter how much talent anyone has, ultimately there is no easy way — hard work and commitment are required. You don’t have to be the best, but you do have to be your best.”
Addressing the Year 12 cohort, Dr Daffy offered a simple piece of advice as students approach exams and prepare for life beyond school.
“Try and relax and just do your best. It’s not possible to do better than your best. That said, doing your best means being organised, concentrating and working hard. It’s also important to take breaks, stay fresh and sleep well. In short, everything your mother’s telling you to do is indeed true.”
In his final address as College Captain, Hugo Johnston reflected on the significance of the moment for the Class of 2025.
“Today is a day of celebration — to laugh, maybe tear up, and to take in the fact that this is the final time we’ll all be here together like this,” Hugo said.
“To the Class of 2025, congratulations. Completing 13 years of schooling is no small feat. You’ve shown determination, resilience and the Paddy spirit throughout. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished.”
He encouraged his peers to carry the lessons and values of their St Pat’s journey into life beyond school.
“As you step forward, carry yourself with the Paddy Boy spirit from the lessons you’ve learned, the friendships you’ve built, and the sense of belonging that have shaped you. Each and every one of you have helped make this community stronger. Your presence and your example will continue to inspire those yet to come,” he said.
“On behalf of the entire College, thank you for your contribution, your leadership and your spirit. Wherever life takes you — be kind, be courageous, and be proud to be a Paddy Boy. Thank you and forever, Ecka Dora.”
The College extends its congratulations to all award recipients recognised during the event, and its gratitude to families, staff and guests who joined the community in celebration.
