Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of St Patrick’s College,

Like Christmas, Mothers’ Day rolls around again with increasing velocity. And, much like Christmas, it is easy to get swept along in the commercialism of the event and be spoilt for choice about the myriad things we really should be buying for our mums to let them know how much we love them. Or at least that is what the advertising might have us believe.

As a member of an all boys’ school it is such a privilege to watch the interaction of boys with their mums. I regularly see boys of all ages readily embrace their mum and give her a big hug and kiss as they say goodbye in the mornings. I delight in the pride that is evident on a boy’s face when he is playing sport and knows that his mum is there on the sidelines watching. And it is so obvious that a boy relishes the opportunity to share his

academic success and have his mother affirm his efforts. There is simply something really very special about a son’s relationship with his mother. This transcends childhood; it is something that endures for life. Regardless of how old we get, the love a mother has for her son is indeed unique. It is almost palpable. Sons intuitively know it and mums absolutely feel it.

Mothers soften boys. And I do not mean in traditional feminine ways. They allow males to be more introspective – they give us permission to just be. They smooth the brash, rough

edges, they temper heated conversations and they often lift the tone of a group of boys, particularly of multiple sons! Many of our families have more than one son. I know that some families here have four or even five sons. That much testosterone in one house, particularly in the adolescent years, can be more than just loud and boisterous but it can also be quite competitive and just plain full-on. Without a mother or mother figure in the picture I think that chaos may well be the order of the day.

My mum had three boys and one girl. When I was young our house was extremely lively! Windows were regularly smashed, doors barged into, games that were too physical

were concocted – wrestling matches that got out of hand, backyard cricket that-morphed into peg-the-ball-at-each-other and there were fairly regular visits to hospitals for split foreheads, broken arms and the like. I remember one time when we were quite little and discovered matches and nearly burnt the house down. Mums take all of this in their stride.

More important than any of these stereotypical growing-up scenarios though, is the firm knowledge that boys are loved unconditionally by their mums. Mums allow the inner to be expressed and they coax out of boys their fears, their anxieties and their dreams and passions. Boys find it easy to tell mum these things. A boy’s private hopes for his future will often be shared firstly with his mother. In contrast, mums can often serve up the tough love that boys need; the reality-check and the “pull your head in” talk. Boys know when mums are to be taken seriously. They can sense this in the same way they can sense their innate love!

Some in our community have lost their mothers. To all of those people, Mothers’ Day can be a tricky time: grieving for a mother who is no longer here, and wishing she was still around, as well as fondly remembering times spent with mum. We offer our prayers this week for families whose mum has died.

Our Mothers’ Day Masses on Friday will be a celebration of mums and of mothering. I hope that Sunday is a day not to necessarily shower mum with gifts (though I am sure they will nonetheless be appreciated), but to let our mothers know just how much they mean to us, and how much we are grateful for their very special love: the care, the time and the energy they boundlessly shower on us. Happy Mothers’ Day to all those in mothering roles in our community.

Condolences Please pray for Patrick Cleary (Year 8) and his family as they mourn the loss of his grandmother Anne Cleary. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

Live Jesus in our Hearts, Forever. Craig Wattam Principal

Vol 31, No 13 – 9 May 2018

BLUE, BLACK & GOLD DINNER FRIDAY 25 MAY

Last Chance to purchase tickets. Get in quick.

http://www.trybooking.com/utfr

J U N I O R S C H O O L St Patrick’s College takes very seriously the responsibility to safeguard children from bullying and cyberbullying. One aspect of our strategy is to engage students in these issues through the arts, and I wish to acknowledge and thank Mr Simpson, Director of Wellbeing, for organising a fantastic performance for our Year 5 students last week. Perhaps it is best to hear about it from the students themselves:

On Friday 4 May, Year 5 went to the library to see a performance by Brainstorm Productions. The performance was about two 12 year old children who didn’t like their life and were sucked into a video game. They had to use teamwork and friendship to find discs, defeat the boss of the game and restore the ring of friendship. The children went through a series of challenges involving telling the truth, being a better person and listening to each other. The performance was enjoyable because it was entertaining, humorous and it taught us about friendship in a fun way. It was a great way for them to teach us about mateship and trust through acting. Christopher Costa & Matthew Plunkett (Year 5 Students)

The performance enabled students to see some of the dangers of smartphones and life online, but importantly, showed young people learning positive lessons and developing the capability to make good choices. I like that an emphasis was on REAL, FACE TO FACE relationships. Technology is not, in itself, bad; however nothing can take the place of a real human being.

I hope if you haven’t already done so, have a chat with your son.

Ben Munday—Director of Junior School

J U N I O R S C H O O L S P O R T

Congratulations to Alex Conti, Mitchell Woods, Fin Mitchell and Jack Roberts who have made the IPSHA Rugby Union Squad to trial for NSWCIS later this month. With all the NSWCIS trials about to take place, it is important to note that the school is sanctioned into how many players can be sent to those trials. Boys must have representative experience and in some cases need to be in Year 6. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Well done to all boys for the way you conducted yourself at the Supporter’s Day. For some it was a very long day, leaving home before 7.00am. I know the Senior boys really appreciated your efforts. We should all try and get to as many games as possible this year, not because we have to but because it creates a great school community.

Congratulations to the Football teams who had an impressive start to the IPSHA season, with 14 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses, it was a very successful day. Well done also to the Prep A and B Rugby who had solid wins over Barker, The 7’s Rugby who won 3 out of their 4 games. The U11’s and 10’s had some close matches but were beaten by better opposition on the day. With our first real training session under our belt now, hopefully all teams can start to establish some sort of team unity. AFL had an impressive start to their season with a one-sided game against Knox Grammar – this week against a stronger Barker outfit will hopefully see the boys more challenged.

Grant Andrews—Junior School Sportsmaster

G U I D E L I N E S F O R M O T H E R S ’ D AY M A S S E S We are very much looking forward to celebrating Mothers’ Day at St Patrick’s College on Friday – it is a very special day for mothers and sons.

Due to the large numbers of people, the following points may help you on the day:

Parking will be made available on the Tennis Courts – please follow the instructions from the ushers.

If you park on the streets please DO NOT park on Hydebrae St (coming off Francis St) or in the Kiss & Drop Zone.

The Berg, Coghlan and Crichton Mass will start at 7.45am so mothers and sons will arrive together.

The Hanrahan, Hickey and Rice Mass will commence at 9.30am—boys are to go to normal homeroom and the start of period 1. They will then meet their mothers near No.4 oval and go in to Mass with them after 9.15am.

Please do not enter the Gym without your son/s.

Please do not enter the gym via the doors near the pool – for both Masses we ask everybody to enter the Gym via the back doors on both sides.

It is recommended you use the bathroom before leaving home due to limited facilities.

The Morning Tea following each Mass will take place in the Robson Auditorium (the new building next to the Chapel).

Parents are not expected to seek early departure as it is a normal school day and students are to return to class after their Mass.

Have a wonderful day on Friday and Happy Mothers’ Day for Sunday.

Gillian Daley—Director of Identity

B U S E S The new bus timetable started on Monday morning with no issues on most routes. We did have some issues with the 466 bus from Cabarita, this route has been changed and now only has one dedicated bus for the boys to catch in the morning. If boys miss this bus they need to catch the next 466 bus, get off at Burwood, catch a train to Strathfield and then catch the 407 bus to the College. This is not ideal and we are working on a solution. The College has done a number of things last week and this week to help the boys and parents catch the correct bus, they are:

Called and talked to Burwood bus depot on a number of occasions to seek clarification on the change and complain about the change.

Called Transport NSW to complain about bus route change and what happened on Monday morning and future solutions.

Called the local Member – John Sidoti regarding this change and future solutions.

Parents who are not satisfied with this bus service should ring Transport NSW and their local member.

This is just a reminder for all students to make sure to use their opal cards to tap on and tap off for every journey.

If you have any questions regarding Transport please email the College.

It is great to hear some good news from this situation where our older boys are helping the younger students. On Monday morning some of the older boys guided a number of junior boys to the train station, then proceeded to help the junior boys get the next bus to the College. Today a number of boys got off the bus ushered junior boys onto the bus so they wouldn’t be stranded at the stop.

Damian Chase—Deputy Principal

C U R R I C U L U M Year 12 Semester One Academic Awards At last Friday’s College Assembly we acknowledged Year 12 academic excellence for Semester One, given the HSC course commenced in fourth term of Year 11. Recipients were presented by Dr Wattam with their First Place in course and/or All-Round Academic Excellence certificates. To receive an All-Round Academic Excellence certificate, a student is highly placed in at least 10 HSC course units.

2018 HSC Written Examination Timetable now available online The 2018 HSC examination timetable is now available for viewing online via the NESA website at: http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/key-dates-exam-timetables/hsc-written-exam-timetable

HSC students can view their personal timetable via their Students Online account. It is requested that students check their examination timetable to ensure that all their examinations appear correctly. Any student with a concern regarding their HSC Timetable must notify Mr Cutrupi promptly.

Michael Cutrupi—Director of Curriculum

A C A D E M I C A S S I S TA N C E

It has been great to see many boys taking advantage of the support available to them in the Diverse Learning Centre. Teachers in the DLC are available every lunch time to assist boys in any Key Learning Area.

Likewise, parents and students are reminded that Homework Club is on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 3.30—4.45pm. Homework Club is open to ALL students and is supervised by teaching staff in the McGlade Library. Teachers are there to assist students with their homework, assessments and study. So if you would like some extra support with tasks, please consider attending.

Diverse Learning Team

Anthony Assaf All-Round Academic Excellence

John Aspite All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in Chemistry

1st in Economics

Arthur Barakat All-Round Academic Excellence

Lachlan Beattie 1st in English Standard

Matthew Bottaro All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in English Extension 1

1st in Music 2

Matthew Bryson 1st in PDHPE

Daniel Chalker 1st in Geography

Nicholas Cranston All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in Economics

Nicholas Doherty All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in Business Studies

Anthony Fioretto All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in Religion, Catholic Studies

1st in Mathematics Extension 1

William Halloran 1st in English Standard

Rhys Hughes 1st in Entertainment Industry

Alessio Incampo All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in Legal Studies

Matthew Kazzi All-Round Academic Excellence

George Maksour All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in Mathematics Extension 1

1st in Mathematics Extension 2

1st in Modern History

Jamison Merhi All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in English Advanced

1st in Italian Continuers

1st in Italian Extension

1st in French Beginners

Paul Merzliakov All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in Visual Arts

1st in History Extension

Nathan Nicolas All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in Mathematics

1st in Mathematics Extension 1

1st in Physics

Christopher Nuzzo All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in Studies of Religion I

1st in English Extension 1

1st in English Extension 2

1st in Biology

1st in French Beginners

Finn O’Connor All-Round Academic Excellence

Alexander Panzarino All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in Studies of Religion II

1st in Ancient History

1st in Modern History

Tobias Pickett All-Round Academic Excellence

1st in Drama

1st in English Advanced

1st in English Extension 1

Owain Pierce 1st in Industrial Technology

Patrick Pruscino 1st in Engineering Studies

Pasquale Rombola All-Round Academic Excellence

Nathan Saade 1st in Construction

Zachary Sansone 1st in Mathematics General 2

Zachary Saric 1st in Music 1

Dimitri Sclavenitis 1st in Information Process & Technology

Marco Signorelli All-Round Academic Excellence

Paul Sleiman 1st in Information Process & Technology

7 G E O G R A P H Y P R O J E C T B A S E D L E A R N I N G

Students in Year 7 Geography 1 have been studying landscapes and landforms in Term 1. As a Project Based Learning task, they have been creating a series of picture books which answer the question “If we care for the environment, why do we change it?” Their picture books are needed to discuss the values of the environment, the changes humans have made to them, and the management of these environments for future generations. The class then read their picture books to 5 Blue on Wednesday last week in the McGlade Library. Year 5 then looked deeper into the meaning of the book and conducted a ‘grand discussion’ with each other talking about what this book, and the message that lies within, means for them. Well done for all students involved.

Gregory Sciortino—Geography Teacher

F O U N D E R ’ S D AY 2 0 1 8 Friday 8 June marks the celebration of Founder’s Day. We would like to advise parents/carers of the following:

Compulsory attendance by all boys in full College uniform is expected. Boys who are absent on the day will be required to obtain a medical certificate and present it to their homeroom teacher on their first day back.

Boys are required to attend school at the normal time and they will be dismissed at 2.00pm. Younger boys will be escorted down to Strathfield Station by members of the College’s Student Leadership Team.

Boys will not be required to bring bags/belongings to school on this day. The exception to this may be competitors in the annual Waterford Mile who can store any clothes in their lockers.

Boys will be expected to attend the Founder’s Day Mass, Concert and Waterford Mile.

Canteen facilities will operate during Recess with all menu items being available.

A BBQ lunch will be provided for all boys following the Founder’s Day Concert.

Founder’s Day Barbecue Parent Helpers:

Parents who are available between 11.00am and 1.30pm on this day to assist with the organisation and preparation of the barbecue are asked to email Mrs Viney at ingrid.viney@spc.nsw.edu.au and provide their name, telephone number, son’s name and son’s House by Thursday 31 May.

The College will then be in contact in advance of the day with further details. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. We require 10 parents per House.

Dietary Requirements: If your son requires gluten free ingredients for the Founder’s Day BBQ, please ask him to see Mr Simpson or email robert.simpson@spc.nsw.edu.au by Thursday 31 May.

Robert Simpson—Director of Wellbeing

*Please note: dates are subject to change*

Term First Day Last Day

1 Years 5 & 12 & New Students only: Wednesday 30 January

Students: Thursday 31 January (Years 6-11)

Students: Friday 12 April

2 Students: Monday 29 April Students: Friday 28 June

3 Students: Monday 22 July Students: Friday 27 September

4 Students: Monday 14 October Students: Friday 6 December

P R I O R I T Y B U S P A S S E S

The Priority Bus Pass exists for those students who require the opportunity to depart the College as early as possible at the end of the school day due to the excessive distance or time it takes to arrive directly home. The Pass allows holders to board the first available bus in the afternoon to Strathfield Station. While this will not cut down on travel time from the College, it will allow students to begin their journey home earlier. With this privilege comes the responsibility to ensure that the Pass is always used appropriately and for its intended purpose.

Families are advised that as a result of a recent review and audit, the College is updating its list of students who may qualify for a Pass. Existing passes for students will become invalid at the end of May. New passes will be issued over three time periods.

Students have been notified via daily announcements that they can speak to the Director of Wellbeing to collect an Application Form and a letter that provides additional information. If you have any queries about the Pass or its use, I encourage you to contact the College.

Robert Simpson—Director of Wellbeing

2 0 1 9 T E R M D AT E S

N E W S F R O M T H E B A N D M A S T E R

Congratulations to all boys who represented the College in the Sydney ANZAC March on ANZAC Day. The Marching Band had the honour to lead a World War II veteran from the 36

th Signalling Battalion.

Would your son like to learn a musical instrument or join an ensemble? Now is the perfect time to start!

For any matter relating to the tuition or ensemble programme please contact us on music.admin@spc.nsw.edu.au .

Derek Rose—Bandmaster

Long sleeve shirts have now arrived, great for winter.

Don’t forget to purchase your son’s tracksuit for the chilly weekend sports events.

A reminder—that we have limited sizes of pre-loved blazers and trousers in stock. U N I F O R M N E W S

J U N I O R S P O R T F I X T U R E S

FIXTURES AND GROUND LOCATIONS are published live online (includes cancellations): Go to http://www.spc.nsw.edu.au/co-curricular/sporting/ or visit the College website and select Sports Fixtures on the Quick Links menu or via the Team App.

WET WEATHER UPDATES: call 02 9763 1000 and follow the prompts; Twitter at http://twitter.com/SPCSeniorSport; or on the Fixtures Pages above.

HEAD OF SECONDARY SPORT

The Black and Green Aggregate Shield Last Saturday saw our Rugby teams contest The Black and Green Aggregate Shield for 2018. It is unfortunate that our Football or Tennis teams did not play a role in gaining points for the Shield this year. However, I am pleased to announce that St Patrick’s retains The Black and Green Aggregate Shield winning 10 games to 7. Well done to all teams.

Congratulations Congratulations to Old Boy Ben Gibson from the class of 2010, gaining selection for the 2018 World Rowing Championships part of the ‘Para-rowing Crew”. After suffering a horrific leg injury, Ben was left with permanent nerve damage. Ben has overcome some immense struggles over the past year and now is part of a National Championship rowing team in the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four and the PR3 Mixed Pair.

Well done to Dylan Parks of Year 7, after placing First in the Queensland State Sports Climbing Titles two weeks ago. Sports Climbing Australia (SCA) sent an application to the world’s largest youth climbing festival for U14’s for Dylan to compete for Australia in Arco Italy and I am pleased to announce that Dylan was accepted. Dylan’s next climb will be representing Australia at the Nationals as a Youth B Athlete (Over 15s). A fantastic achievement and opportunity as Dylan is only 12 years old.

Anthony Calavassy—Head of Secondary Sport

F O O T B A L L

Prep A v Barker 8.00am Wyatt Park 1

Prep B v Barker 8.45am Wyatt Park 1

Prep C v Barker 9.30am Wyatt Park 1

Prep D v Barker 10.15am Wyatt Park 1

Prep E v Scots 11.00am Christison 2

11A1 v Cranbrook 10.45am Dangar 1

11B1 v Cranbrook 10.00am Dangar 1

11C1 v Cranbrook 9.15am Dangar 1

11D1 v Waverley 11.00am Wyatt Park 1

11A2 v Waverley 10.15am Queens Park 9

11B2 v Waverley 9.30am Queens Park 9

11C2 v Waverley 8.45am Queens Park 9

11D2 v Waverley 8.00am Queens Park 9

10A v Newington 8.45am SPC No 3

10B v Newington 8.45am SPC No 3

10C1 v Newington 8.00am SPC No 3

10C2 v Newington 8.00am SPC No 3

R U G B Y

Prep 1st XV v Kings Breen Oval 8.45am

Prep 2nd XV v Kings Breen Oval 8.00am

Prep Black 7s v TBC Koola Park 9.20-10.20

Prep Gold 7s v TBC Koola Park 9.20-10.20

11A v Riverview Airey Park 9.30am

11B v Riverview Airey Park 8.45am

11C v Riverview Airey Park 8.00am

10A v Redfield Redfield Rugby 9.00am

A F L

Team A v Barker St Luke’s 8.00am

Venues: Bark Huts—Elliot St, Belfield

Airey Park—Bates St, Homebush Wyatt Park—Church St, Lidcombe (between Pool and

Basketball Centre) SPC No 3—Cnr Francis St and Merley Rd, Strathfield

Koola Park—26A Koola Ave, East Killara Queens Park—Darley Rd, Waverley St Luke’s—3 Stanley St, Concord

Dangar—Kent Rd, Rose Bay Christison Park—Old South Head Rd, Vaucluse

Redfield Rugby—855 Old Northern Rd, Dural

R U G B Y

1st XV v Barker 3.15 Barker Oval

2nd XV v Barker 2.00 Barker Oval

3rd XV v Barker 1.00 Barker Oval

4th XV v Barker 12.00 Barker Oval

16A v Barker 9.00 Barker Oval

16B v Barker 8.00 Barker Oval

16C v Barker 12.00 Taylor Field

15A v Barker 10.30 Breen Oval

15B v Newington 8.00 Old Boys 1 (Newington)

15C v Barker 9.30 Breen Oval

14A v Barker 11.30 Airey Park

14B v Barker 10.30 Airey Park

14C v Barker 9.00 Hudson Park

13A v Barker 3.00 Taylor Field

13B v Barker 2.00 Taylor Field

13C v Barker 1.00 Taylor Field

13D v Oakhill E 8.00 Hudson Park

T E N NI S

Div 1 v Oakhill 8.00 Strathfield Sports Club

Div 2 v Oakhill 8.00 Oakhill Courts

Div 3 v Oakhill 8.00 Strathfield Sports Club

Div 4 v Oakhill 8.00 Oakhill Courts

Div 5 v Oakhill 8.00 Strathfield Sports Club

Div 6 v Oakhill 8.00 Oakhill Courts

Div 7 v Oakhill 8.00 Strathfield Sports Club

Div 8 v Oakhill 8.00 Oakhill Courts

Div 9 v Oakhill 8.00 Strathfield Sports Club

Div 10 v Oakhill 8.00 Oakhill Courts

C R O S S C O U N T R Y

Knox Invitational 8.30 St Ives Showgrounds

F O O T B A L L

1st XI v Redlands 9.15 Macquarie - Campbell

2nd XI v Oakhill 3rd 10.00 BC Oval

3rd XI v St Pius 3rd 11.00 Walsh

4th XI v Redlands 2nd 10.30 Macquarie University 2

5th XI v Barker 6th 1.30 Rosewood B

6th XI v Barker 7th 2.00 Rosewood A

7th XI v Newington 11.00 Tempe 1

8th XI v Newington 10.00 Tempe 1

16A v Redlands 8.00 Macquarie - Campbell

16B v Chevallier B 1.00 Chevallier Far 2

16C v Oakhill C 9.30 Mason Park 2

16D v Shore D 8.30 Mason Park 2

16E v Newington 11.00 Tempe 2

16F v Newington 12.00 Tempe 2

15A v Redlands 10.45 Macquarie - Campbell

15B v SPC C 8.30 Mason Park 1

15C v SPC B 8.30 Mason Park 1

15D v Shore B 9.30 Mason Park 1

15E v Newington 11.00 Tempe 4

15F v Newington 12.00 Tempe 4

14A v Redlands 10.30 Macquarie University 1

14B v St Pius B 1.30 Mason Park 1

14C v St Pius C 12.30 Mason Park 1

14D v Shore D 11.30 Mason Park 1

14E v Shore E 10.30 Mason Park 1

14F v Newington G 11.00 Tempe 6

13A v Redlands 9.15 Macquarie University 1

13B v Redlands B 8.00 Macquarie University 2

13C v St Pius C 12.30 Mason Park 2

13D v St Pius D 11.00 Chaplin 2

13E v Shore C 11.30 Mason Park 2

13F v Shore E 10.30 Mason Park 2

13G v Newington E 11.00 Buchanan 2

13H v Newington F 10.00 Buchanan 2

S P O R T S F I XT U R E S — S AT U R D AY 1 2 M AY 2 0 1 8

SENIOR SCHOOL SUMMER SPORT PHOTOS Parents are advised that their sons will be informed of the Photo timetable for the College Summer Sports activities via their Homeroom Noticeboards. Photos will be taken in the College Hall on Tuesday 22 May.

I would kindly ask that parents ensure that their son’s Summer Sports uniform is clean and in good condition for the photos. Details relating to the purchasing of photos online will be forwarded to parents via the Especean in the near future.

Steve Fochesato—Director of Co-curricular