As I write this article, I find myself reflecting on this past week, which has provided so much uncertainty and challenge for many in our community and beyond. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our families for your understanding, support and patience as we navigated Tropical Cyclone Alfred. I do hope you and your loved ones remained safe and well. However, we are also aware that people in our own College community, as well as in our local area were impacted with significant damage to homes and have been without power since last Friday.

As Mr Paul Corfield, College Dean of Identity reiterated in his Realm notice on Tuesday, our College has a proud history of keeping our community close and assisting wherever we can in times of need. This unprecedented weather event is no exception. This is what makes our community so unique. We are a community of action – not just words. In light of this, we encourage people to reach out to us if you or someone you know needs some support or assistance at this time. We would also like to find a way to help connect families who wish to assist other families, who may have found themselves doing it tough at this time. Help could be in various forms including meals, groceries, supplies, assisting with clean up, ensuring a family without power has fresh and dry linen, towels and clean clothes etc. To help facilitate this work, Mrs Stacey Bishop, Director of Marketing can be contacted on 07 3631 9000 or via email at foundation@stpatricks.qld.edu.au. Alternatively, you may wish to contact your son’s House Dean, who can relay a message to us.

Alternatively, you may wish to support via a donation to our Certa Bonum Certamen Fund which is designed to assist our community with crisis or emergency support by donating here. The College Foundation uses these funds when required to care for our community members under these types of circumstances. All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible.

As a College we also support our wider community through partnerships with the Redcliffe Breakfast Club and SANDBAG to assist with meals and other support. The Redcliffe Breakfast Club is currently assisting those in their community and have asked for donations of:

• Towels
• Two (2) Person Tents
• Yoga Mats
• Small Tarps
• Sleeping Bags

If you are able to assist with any of these items, please contact Mrs Helen Righetti, PA to the Dean of Identity via email at hrighetti@stpatricks.qld.edu.au.

Ash Wednesday
On Wednesday last week the whole College gathered in House Groups to acknowledge the beginning of our Lenten season with an Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Lent lies at the very heart of our Catholic faith. It is a time to reflect on the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The three Catholic observances we follow during Lent include prayer, fasting and acts of charity, engaging us in body, mind and spirit. This deeply reflective time helps deepen our trust in, and relationship with God. As a College community, we will gather prior to the end of Term to engage in an Easter Liturgy, bringing the importance and meaning of this season to life for our students and staff.

As we look to the next three weeks, I encourage you to work in partnership with our staff to support your son to finish the term strong and well.

Live Jesus in our Hearts!

Academic Progress Meetings
This week we welcomed parents and caregivers to our Academic Progress Meetings. These Term 1 meetings provide an invaluable opportunity to build a collaborative partnership between home and the College as we work together towards the academic success and wellbeing of students. They offer a space to have meaningful conversations about student goals, academic progress and diligence in learning.

As we continue in our Year of Gratitude, these meetings present as a reminder of the deep appreciation we have for the continued and enthusiastic engagement of parents and caregivers in your son’s College journey. The commitment reflects the appreciation we have for the dedication that staff show in supporting every student in their care. We are grateful for the honest and constructive conversations that focussed a collaborative approach to help each student achieve their full potential.

These meetings have opened a dialogue between teachers, parents and students and while they provide an opportunity to discuss your son’s journey it is important to continue these discussions at home through regular conversations with your son about their academic progress, engagement and assessment.

Thank you to all our teachers and staff that came together to make the day happen. As a College community we extend our gratitude to the families who took part in these Academic Progress Meetings and to our committed staff for their guidance and support for your son. As we move through the year, we look forward to your continued engagement and collaboration with the College in celebrating and supporting your son to achieve his very best.

Creating a Safe and Supportive School Environment
We all want a school that is safe, welcoming, and supportive — where every single person feels valued, respected, and heard. But when bullying happens, when students feel disconnected or excluded, that safety is shattered.

It affects their ability to learn, their mental health, and their overall well-being. As a community we are not powerless in this. Our students, regardless of their age, can make a huge difference.

The choices that students make are often the determining factor. As a College we appreciate that adolescents may not always get it right. However, the standards we are working to create are ever-present.

• Where students think before they speak.
• Where students understand the impact of their words and actions.
• Where students make the choice to make people’s days better!

It is frustrating when students justify their behaviour by saying, “Ah, but sir, it was just banter – we were just joking.” As adults we know that the impact of our choices can have a lasting effect!

Role of Senior Students
We know that our Senior students are viewed as role models. I consider the students from Year 10 upwards as our students who have the capacity to bring wisdom, by sharing their experiences with the younger boys in their Tutor Group, or on the bus, etc. The challenge, always, is to encourage the young men to use their voices to support their younger peers. They have the power to listen, to guide, and to advocate.

The Challenge to all within the St Patrick’s College Community
Imagine a school where everyone feels empowered to stand up to bullying, to support their peers, and to speak out when something’s wrong. A place where we celebrate the diversity of the student body — whether it’s race, religion, abilities, backgrounds, or sexuality. A school where everyone, no matter their identity, feels included, treated with dignity, and felt safe. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful place to be? This was the challenge that Senior leaders and staff placed to the students during the Men of Action Week and supporting Assembly (pictured).

Ultimately, the question we should all be asking ourselves is: Do people leave an interaction with you feeling better for having spent time with you? If the answer is yes, then we are on the right track. Imagine the kind of school we would have if every interaction left someone feeling empowered, respected, and valued.

Our Men of Action Week was topped off with a wonderful Showcase evening (pictured). I want to congratulate the Senior students for their creativity, sense of fun and drive for creating wonderful performances. They all should be very proud.

Year 5 Big Day In
“The best day of the year!” was the description offered by several students following the recent Year 5 Big Day In.

Designed to provide an opportunity for students to challenge themselves personally, and encourage collaboration with others from across the cohort, the day was certainly a success for all our Year 5s.

The initial activity, the Positive Peer Relationships Workshop presented by Mr Pete McAuliffe from Unleashing Personal Potential, challenged students to consider how their developing personal and social skills can be applied in different contexts to enhance the quantity and quality of their interpersonal interactions.

The students certainly took Pete’s words onboard in the second session where they were grouped with others from different Houses and classes and tasked with solving a range of challenges. The students learned that active listening and utilising the skills and knowledge from within the group was the best way to solve perplexing problems. From spider’s webs to lava-filled chasms to unsolvable mazes, they worked together and built new connections with others.

Reflection discussions covered topics such as the transition process, the first four weeks at St Patrick’s College and what activities and events are coming up, before the students enjoyed a cool ice block after a busy day of activities.

Many thanks to the Year 5 Core Class teachers and House Deans that were involved with delivering activities on the day; the students were very grateful for the opportunity to be able to work together.

Coming to GRIP with Leadership
After receiving their badges (pictured) at the Men of Action Week Assembly in Week 4, our Year 6 Morrissey Men of Action Leaders wasted no time getting to work.

They recently attended the GRIP Leadership conference in Week 5 where they learned that leadership is about serving others and requires skills such as Generosity, Responsibility, and Integrity to ensure that initiatives best serve the majority of People (pictured with Director of Junior School Mrs Tracey Mortimer).

Our Leaders collaborated well, brainstorming possible initiatives for 2025 including social, environmental and academic activities designed to unite our Year 5 and 6 cohorts and make them more aware of how they too can be of service to others. We look forward to seeing their ideas put into action across the Junior School.

Many thanks to Director of Identity & Formation Ms Kate Mulvihill who accompanied the students to the conference.

Culture Season Launch Assembly
St Patrick’s College has long been renowned for its outstanding cultural and performing arts programs, and this excellence was proudly celebrated earlier this month at our Season Launch Assembly.

The assembly honoured three of our largest and most competitive activities - Music, Debating and Dance Crew - recognising the dedication and achievements of students in these programs. A key highlight was the formal acknowledgment of our 2025 Captains and First Teams.

These exceptional students took the stage to share their personal journeys and motivations, offering inspiring insights into their leadership aspirations for the year ahead. It was truly heartwarming to hear them express deep gratitude to their parents, teachers, and the wider College community for their unwavering support and contributions to their development.

Adding to the festive spirit of the occasion, the assembly featured two spectacular performances. The talented musicians of Percussion Ensemble 1 delivered a vibrant rendition of Gloria Estefan’s classic hit Conga, filling the auditorium with infectious energy. This was followed by an uplifting performance of John Farnham’s anthem You’re the Voice by Pier Pressure, leaving the audience both inspired and moved. These performances were made possible through the dedication and expertise of their Ensemble Directors, Dr Kent Windress (Percussion Coordinator) and Mr Laurent Dubois (Co-Curricular Music Coordinator), whose leadership continues to nurture and develop our students' artistic talents.

The Season Launch Assembly was a fitting tribute to the passion and commitment of our cultural and performing arts students, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead. We look forward to witnessing their continued success and growth throughout 2025.

Music
Our award-winning Music Department features 25 amazing ensembles rehearsing weekly throughout the year. With over 500 ensemble members and 20 staff, they will give more than 180 performances this year.

• 2025 Captains of Music - Kian Hooper-Nguyen and Zen Sutton (pictured)
• Coordinator of Co-Curricular Music - Mr Laurent Dubois
• Music Administration - Mrs Mel Bell

Debating
St Patrick’s College has a strong tradition in debating, and this year our teams are plentiful and promising. With over 40 dedicated young men participating across multiple teams, the program continues to flourish. They are guided by a team of nine talented teachers and coaches who work tirelessly to refine and develop their skills.

Debating at St Patrick’s College is more than just a verbal competition - it is an opportunity for students to gain invaluable skills in oral and written communication, critical thinking, poise, public speaking, persuasive argumentation, and confidence. These essential skills will serve them well both in their academic pursuits and future careers. We commend the dedication and hard work of our debating students and their mentors, and we look forward to an exciting season of spirited discussions and intellectual growth.

• 2025 Captains of Debating: - Archie Hickmott, Alexander McKay
• Debating 1sts – Lewis Bullock, Jed Maguire, Alexander McKay Hudson McKay (pictured)
• Coordinator of Debating - Ms Clare Murray
• Cultural Administration - Mrs Julie Sutton

Dance
St Patrick’s College is proud to have two outstanding and award-winning dance teams that continue to excel year after year. Our Dance Crew provides a dynamic environment for those who enjoy physical exertion and coordination, fostering teamwork and creativity in a fun and cohesive group. Meanwhile, our Dance Troupe focuses on developing outstanding performance skills and regularly competes in statewide competitions, showcasing the dedication and talent of our dancers on a larger stage.

These young men are guided and inspired by the expertise of Mrs Marissa Price, Mrs Briellen Bagdonas, and Mr James MacCallum, whose leadership and passion help shape the success of our dance program. Their commitment to fostering technical excellence and artistic expression has been instrumental in the achievements of our teams. We wish our Dance department all the best for 2025 and look forward to seeing their performances captivate audiences throughout the year.

• Captain of Dance - Alexander Townsley
• Coordinator of Dance - Mrs Marissa Price
  

Showcase 2025
The 2025 Showcase was our best display of performances yet! From the moment the Audio-Visual team set up, food trucks rolled in, and live music filled the air, the excitement was palpable. This whole-College community event featured every student in their House Choirs, each delivering a 10-minute, all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza for the enthusiastic crowds.

Whether the audience of over 4,000 took in the action inside the Christian Brothers Building auditorium or watched on the big screen outside on the oval, they were treated to outstanding performances from all our students. The evening was filled with fun, energy, and remarkable talent, making it a truly entertaining experience for all.

While all Houses put in worthy performances, only four Houses won over the hearts of the audience and our judges on the night:

JUDGES VOTE:
1st - Quane
2nd - Mooney
3rd - Xavier

AUDIENCE VOTE:
1st - Xavier
2nd - Coffey
3rd - Mooney

This now sees the following Houses in the lead with the Leadership Points Tally:
1st - Ryan
2nd - Mooney
3rd - Quane

A huge thank you to everyone at the College who was involved in making this event such a resounding success. By all accounts, this year’s Showcase was our smoothest, biggest, and best yet. We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence in the years to come.

Interschool Chess Competition
Late last month, St Patrick’s College proudly hosted the Gardiner Chess Brisbane North Interschool Chess Tournament (pictured). This exciting event brought together 11 schools and approximately 200 students, including top GPS and interschool champions such as Brisbane Grammar School (BGS), Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC), and St Joseph’s Nudgee College, alongside leading state colleges and independent schools.

St Patrick’s College was well represented by three teams: one in the A-grade competition, one B-grade team, and two students competing in C-grade. It was a massive day of seven intense rounds of chess, with all teams facing strong competition.

Notably, our B team performed exceptionally well, earning a total of 15 points. Jordan Welling and Marius Graham received individual merit awards for scoring 4.5 points or more. Harrison Lawther and Nathan Mangilit also contributed to the B team’s success, with Nathan experiencing his first interschool tournament. In the C-grade competition, Tom Burton and Jacob Blyth showcased their skills, with Jacob earning a Merit award for his outstanding play.

These competitions provide our students with an invaluable opportunity to connect with other chess players from different schools and colleges to gain a Queensland Junior Chess rating, which can open doors to future competitions and achievements. Thank you to Ms Veronica Bannan our Chess Co-ordinator and to our wonderful Chess team for a great start to the year (pictured).

St Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday 15 March will see the city come alive and celebrate everything Irish at the annual Brisbane St Patrick’s Day Parade. The Parade will feature our very own St Patrick’s College Marching Band, so come along and support our young Men of Action. The Parade will commence at 10.30am leaving from the City Botanic Gardens in Alice Street. For more about how you can join in the fun visit the Brisbane Irish Festival website.

St Patrick’s Day Mass
The Annual St Patrick’s Day Mass, organised by the St Patrick’s Day Parade Association, will be celebrated again this year in the Cathedral of St Stephen, Elizabeth Street at 10.00am on 17 March 2025. Fr Gerard McMorrow will be the celebrant.

All are welcome to attend. And, for those who may be unable to do so, the Mass will be live-streamed through the Cathedral website on this link - St Patrick's Day Mass.

Cultural Support Group Raffle
The St Patrick’s College community has a unique opportunity to own an exclusive piece of artwork while supporting our talented cultural students. Renowned artist and staff member Mrs Claire Devine from The New Devine has generously donated her painting ‘Nora’ (pictured), a stunning expressionist artwork valued at over $2,000, for our Cultural Support Group (CSG) Raffle. This is your chance to take home a one-of-a-kind masterpiece while contributing to a great cause.

Tickets are available for purchase by scanning the QR code below:

• $5.00 for 1 ticket
• $23.00 for 5 tickets
• $45.00 for 10 tickets

Please note: You must be over 18 years of age to purchase a ticket. Ticket winner will be drawn at the Music Ensemble Evening on Thursday 20 March and will be notified by phone call on Friday 21 March.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Devine for her generous support of the College’s cultural program.

SSG Ladies Lunch
Don’t forget to book your tickets for the Sports Support Group (SSG) Ladies Lunch at 1pm on Saturday 22 March at the Full Moon Hotel, for what is set to be an unforgettable afternoon filled with great company, inspiring conversations, and plenty of fun.

Tickets are $65 per person which includes a two-hour drinks package and canapes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow members of the SSG and learn how you can get involved in supporting your son's sporting journey at St Patrick’s College.

Joining us will be our special guest, Mrs Deanna Ryan, who will be sharing insights and inspiration on her son’s sporting journey, as well as our new College Principal Mrs Amber Hauff.

Secure your seat by booking via the QR Code below, as spaces are limited.

We can't wait to see you there!

CSG The Big Night Out Event
Attention St Patrick’s College parents! Are you tired of the DJ calling ‘last song’ at our legendary Trivia Nights? If so, we have fantastic news for you!

The Cultural Support Group (CSG) is thrilled to introduce ‘The Big Night Out’—a brand-new event designed for a night of fun, dancing, and socialising. Get ready to hit the dance floor as our DJ spins your favourite tunes from every decade, ensuring a night filled with energy and excitement.

• When - Saturday 29 March
• Time - Doors open from 6.30pm with the fun commencing at 7.00pm. Event concluding at 10.30pm
• Where - St Patrick's College Callan Centre - 60 Park Parade, Shorncliffe
• Cost - $15 + Booking Fee
• Contact - culture@stpatricks.qld.edu.au

This is your chance to connect with fellow College parents and celebrate in style. Bring along your own platters or dinner to share, but please note that BYO alcohol is not permitted. Instead, you can enjoy a fantastic selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase from the Cultural Support Group, with every dollar raised going towards supporting our incredible Cultural Department.

Dress to impress in your best Black and White attire (our theme this year) and you will be in the running to win great prizes. Whether you're there to dance, mingle, or simply soak in the atmosphere, this promises to be an evening to remember!

Mark your calendars and gather your friends—this is one event you won’t want to miss. See you on the dance floor. BOOK NOW