As an Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) school, the St Patrick’s School Advisory Council has as its Mission to provide a Catholic Education in the Edmund Rice tradition within the wider Catholic Church.

Further, within the ministry of Governance, EREA School Boards embrace this Mission through fidelity to the Charter and the cultural characteristics of Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition. The EREA Governance Framework articulates the roles, delegations, authorities and responsibilities of EREA Council, EREA Board, EREA Executive, EREA Principals and EREA School Advisory Councils.

The School Advisory Council works in partnership with the Principal in order to undertake a range of delegated responsibilities aimed at providing optimum learning outcomes for all students attending the College.

The 2022 school advisory council are:

• Mr Adam Carter (Advisory Council Chair)
• Mr Zane Barron
• Mr Greg Bolton
• Associate Professor Kerry Manton
• Mr Michael Marlow
• Mrs Emily Pritchard
• Mr Ian Turton
• Ex-Officio Member: Mr Chris Mayes (College Principal)
• Guest Member: Mr Frank Torrisi (College Deputy Principal)
• Guest Member: Mr Liam Casey (College Business Manager)
• Advisory Council Secretary: Mrs Lisa Locke

College Board Report 2021

This is the third year I have had the pleasure to Chair the College Advisory Council.  

It has been a privilege to be a part of the St Patrick’s community over the last eight years where I have not only seen my two boys grow into the men they are today, but I have also seen many boys exceed their own expectations during this challenging year and work together as a community and a team. 

My oldest son, Liam, finished this year after commencing at St Patrick’s in year 5. During his eight years here, I have truly seen what this great school has achieved in turning young boys into Men of Action in the classroom, culturally and on the sports field. 

I would like to congratulate and thank the Year 12 cohort and their leaders for a great year, and welcome the new Year 12 Student Leaders into their important roles for 2022. 

Some of the key highlights this year 

Schools are generally busy places, with much happening throughout the year. My highlights for this year include: 

• Announcement of the next stage of the Masterplan 2020-2030; 
• new Student Office; 
• upgrade of O’Connor Building and offices; 
• refurbishment of the Tennis and Basketball courts. 

The College has also undertaken some major capital works with the purchase of the corner block (Pier Ave/Yundah Street) as part of the Masterplan. Exciting times ahead for future generations. 

I have enjoyed the live streams and watched many of the events expertly facilitated by the school. I did have the pleasure of attending the Sports and Cultural Awards and see how we should never underestimate a “Paddy’s Boy”. We had many great on-field sporting, academic and cultural successes in 2021.  

Our Vision:  

To liberate young men through a Catholic Education in the Edmund Rice Tradition. 

I was able to attend the National School Advisory Council Chairs’ Forum in March in Melbourne earlier this year. This was facilitated by Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) with a focus on School Governance. It was pleasing to hear that St Patrick’s Shorncliffe is considered to be progressive and one of the leading EREA schools through the hard work of Chris Mayes, the College Leadership Team and all hardworking staff. 

There has been a lot of consultation on improving governance structures in EREA schools throughout the year and there has been a change in the EREA governance structure. The College Board is now known as the School Advisory Council. 

I would like to again thank all those who give up their time to serve on the various College Advisory Council sub-committees as well as the Foundation Board. Your expertise and commitment to the College is what brings such great value to our community.  I would like to thank my fellow Advisory Council members and sub-Committees for volunteering their time and expertise to the College. I would like to thank Mr Greg Bolton, Associate Professor Kerry Manton and Mr Zane Barron. The Advisory Council have brought with them a vast experience in governance, finance, compliance, executive management, education, and construction. 

We recently undertook a recruitment drive for new Advisory Council and Foundation Members. There was strong interest, and several members are in the process of being appointed. We look forward to welcoming Ian Turton and Michael Marlow who are in the process of joining the Advisory Council. 

We continue to balance the affordability for families and the continuing need to provide quality education opportunities for students. We have strong demand in student numbers and growth as we strive to be the choice of School on the Northside of Brisbane. I want to thank the parents and community for choosing this great School and the sacrifices and time you make to send your son to St Patrick's College. We all strive to form Men of Action who will make a positive difference throughout their lives. 

I would also like to thank the College Leadership Team for the support they provide the College staff and the strong comradeship they have with each other and students.  

Finally, I would like to thank the CLT, all teaching, support, Finance, Admin, Maintenance, Sporting, Cultural and volunteer staff for their commitment and support to the students of St Patrick’s throughout 2021.  

“It always seems impossible until its done“ Nelson Mandela 

Go forth and prosper Senior Students of 2021 and continue to be proud Men of Action. 

Certa Bonum Certamen – Fight the Good Fight  

Mr A Carter 
College Advisory Council Chair