The Calling: Term 2Week 3 | St Patrick's College

The start of this term has reminded us of the importance of being a strong, connected caring community. Last week, the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) community received the very sad news of the passing of three extraordinary community leaders, Br Ted Magee, Br Paul Conn and only in the past few days we have been advised about Br Jon Hansen.

Br Magee's contributions included his leadership as Principal of St Edmund’s College and Principal of St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace, where he was the last Christian Brother to serve in this capacity. He also served as a member of the Provincial Council.

Br Conn is remembered for his leadership roles, including Deputy Province Leader of the Christian Brothers Oceania Province, and his Principal positions at St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace, Ignatius Park College Townsville, and CBHS Lewisham.

Br Hansen was a much-loved former member of staff at St Laurence’s College and Ignatuis Park College.

The impactful contributions they have made to the Christian Brothers, EREA and wider community, will be remembered with great affection and gratitude.

Our College community extends our condolences to the families of Br Magee, Br Conn and Br Hansen, keeping them close in our prayers and sending them all our love and strength at this difficult time.

Community Events
After what seems like a moment, we find ourselves at the end of Week 3 reflecting on several significant community events held since returning from the Easter break. From our College ANZAC Day Liturgy (pictured) and proud participation and representation at the Sandgate Anzac Day Dawn Service and March, to the significant Year 10 Blazer Ceremony held this week where we were blessed to have Year 11 student Finn O’Keefe and Class of 1998 Old Boy (and current parent), Aaron Sheppard who shared his personal reflection on wearing the College Blazer.

Another celebration of community and heart was the Mother and Son Breakfast, where the Christian Brothers Building (CBB) was full of love and gratitude. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for this event and to the Marketing, Café and Facilities Team for their incredible work in bringing this event to life. We are thinking of all our families this weekend as they gather and highlight the importance of family.

An absolute highlight of 2025 would have to be the Senior Musical production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I had the privilege of attending opening night with the College Leadership Team and representatives from the other Colleges involved in the production.

It was such a professional, high quality and impressive performance full of so much fun and laughter. I personally love any opportunity that enables our young people to shine, and they shone brightly and proudly. Congratulations to the cast and crew of this musical. I cannot even begin to imagine the investment and sacrifice made by the Culture Department here at the College, the students, their families, our Culture Support Group, large numbers of volunteers, the College Facilities Team, led by Mr Darren Wells, the Marketing Team, led by Mrs Stacey Bishop and the generous support by local businesses and community organisations.

I know I have said this a number of times; but thank you to everyone who gave so much to ensure this musical was so successful. I would also like to acknowledge the incredible musical talent of our staff and students, and participating schools St John Fisher College, Mary Mackillop College, Mueller College, Southern Cross Catholic College and Kedron State High School. The excellence and talent within our community continues to amaze me.

We have also, in partnership with St John Fisher College, commenced the Darkness to Daylight walks together on Friday mornings during the month of May. This important initiative raises critical awareness about the very real and devastating statistics on the prevalence of domestic and family violence in and across our nation.

Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to all of the families who reached out to say thank you to our College staff at the end of last term. Thank you for your acknowledgement that unprecedented weather and other extenuating circumstances provided significant adversity for our extra-curricular leaders and our academic staff team. I completely understand that it can be very frustrating for families, when schools announce what seems like last minute changes to events and activities, however, please be assured decisions made by the team at this College are made with careful consideration and always with the safety of our community members at the heart.

I also understand that given the late cancellation of the final day of term Interhouse Cross Country Carnival, there may have been some confusion about expectations. I can assure you that unless it is a gazetted public holiday, designated pupil free day (which would be published in our College REALM Calendar), a Government mandate for school closures or there has been communication from my office to advise that our College is closed, there is an expectation and requirement for your son to attend school.

Live Jesus in our Hearts!

St Patrick’s College Remembers Them – ANZAC Day 2025

On Thursday, the 24th of April, we gathered together as a College for our traditional ANZAC Day Ceremony. ANZAC Day is always an important event for the College, marked with reverence and respect in honour of those who served.

This year, we were honoured to be joined by Captain Will Hetherington (pictured). Captain Hetherington has completed deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. His speech reflected the values we hold true here as a College—those of Faith, Humility, and Service. Captain Hetherington shared a simple yet powerful message about the importance of understanding our own purpose and living with a sense of purpose. He emphasised that knowing our purpose means recognising our call to serve others. He challenged us to discover our own purpose and to seek out opportunities for service in our lives.

We were also joined by Sandgate RSL representatives Mr Don Baker and his wife Jacquie, as well as past students Mr Jared Littin, Mr Miles McEwen, and Mr Chris Caughey. We are honoured to share the stories of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

On ANZAC Day, it was a great privilege for our students to attend the Sandgate Dawn Service. A highlight was student Tom Neville sounding the Last Post at both the Dawn Service and our own College service. This is a great honour, and the College is very proud of Tom for the way he conducted himself.

At 9am, led by our Marching Band, students and staff participated in the traditional ANZAC Day March in Sandgate. Reflecting the commitment of our community, over 300 students took part in the march.

In 1993, Mr Paul Keating, then Prime Minister of Australia, gave a speech at the interment of the Unknown Soldier—a soldier from the First World War—at the War Memorial in Canberra. Speaking about World War I, he said:

“For out of the war came a lesson which transcended the horror and tragedy. It was a lesson about ordinary people – and the lesson was that they were not ordinary. On all sides they were the heroes of that war; not the generals and the politicians but the soldiers and sailors and nurses – those who taught us to endure hardship, to show courage, to be bold as well as resilient, to believe in ourselves, to stick together.”

A sentiment that still holds firm today.

Strong Pre-Season Showing from Football and Rugby Squads
During the Term 1 holidays, our Football and Rugby squads participated in two high-level pre-season tournaments as part of their preparation for the 2025 Australian Independent Colleges (AIC) Term 2 season.

The Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Football Tournament is a national event, drawing teams from EREA schools across the country. This year, the tournament was once again hosted by Nudgee College, with more than 60 teams in attendance.

St Patrick’s College was proudly represented with teams across Years 5 to 10. The standard of competition has continued to rise in recent years, and the fast pace and high quality of football provided an excellent early-season challenge for our players.

Despite difficult weather conditions and testing playing surfaces, our students showed great resilience and gained valuable experience that will serve them well in the season ahead.

The Ballymore Rugby Cup was held at the South Pine Sports Complex, though uncertain weather cast doubt over the event until the final hour. Fortunately, Queensland Rugby confirmed the full draw would go ahead, and our teams were ready.

Field conditions were especially heavy on Day 1, adding another layer of difficulty. St Patrick’s College entered three teams: U14, U16, and Opens.

U14s performed admirably, progressing to the semi-finals where they faced a formidable St Laurence’s College side. Although they fought bravely, they were ultimately outmatched. However, the boys rebounded strongly in the third-place playoff, defeating Sunshine Coast Grammar School 24–17.

U16s, the reigning champions, entered the tournament looking to defend their title. After a tough opening loss to Rockhampton Grammar, the team regrouped and won all remaining matches to earn a rematch in the final. In a tight contest, a few unforced errors proved costly as the boys went down 10–20, finishing as proud runners-up.

Opens competed for the first time in this tournament. With many players new to senior-level rugby, the event was an invaluable learning experience. The team secured two wins from five matches, gaining crucial match fitness and cohesion ahead of the AIC season.

A heartfelt thank you to all staff and coaches who generously gave their time during the holiday period to support and guide our teams. Your commitment is deeply appreciated and continues to strengthen our sporting culture at St Patrick’s College.

Chess Season Kicks Off with Grit, Glory, and a Thrilling Victory
We are thrilled to launch the 2025 Chess season with the announcement of our stellar Firsts team: Max Phillips, Will Jones, Oliver Allen, and Isaac Lawther. Each of these players brings a wealth of experience from interschool tournaments and top-level representation for the College — a combination that promises a season full of strategy, spirit, and success.

Leading the charge this year are Co-Captains Max Phillips and Hamish Gaskell. Both are passionate ambassadors for the game, embodying leadership, dedication, and a fierce determination to elevate SPC Chess to new heights. Together, they are shaping a legacy that will inspire teams for years to come under the guidance of Ms Veronica Bannan (pictured).

The season opened with both trial and competition rounds, offering immediate challenges and valuable lessons. For our Juniors, the trial round underscored key fundamentals — from mastering the touch piece rule to understanding the importance of taking time with each move. It is all part of the learning curve that transforms potential into performance.

In Round 1, our teams faced a powerhouse: St Peter’s Lutheran College (SPLC), former AIC premiership winners. It was a tough start, particularly as SPLC demonstrated their commanding presence when playing White. But our Firsts IV didn’t let that stop them.

Round 2 saw a stunning comeback. With focus, resilience, and sheer determination, our Firsts became the only team to defeat SPLC so far this season — a testament to their mental toughness and tactical brilliance. The victory came down to a single nail-biting game, keeping spectators on edge until the very last move.

SPLC will no doubt continue to be fierce competitors across all divisions, but our SPC teams have shown they’re more than up for the challenge. We are immensely proud of every player in the Chess program — your dedication, sportsmanship, and fighting spirit reflect the very best of the College.

Keep strategising, keep growing, and above all — Fight The Good Fight.

Lights, Laughter, Action – The 2025 Theatresports Season Has Begun!
The stage is set, the games are on, and the 2025 Theatresports season is officially underway — and what a spectacular start it’s been!

A thunderous round of applause goes to Daniel Matson and Jack Goves, who have been named this year’s Theatresports Captains. These two electrifying performers have shown outstanding leadership, quick wit, and a genuine passion for the craft, making their selection a proud and well-deserved moment.

They were honoured during assembly by Miss Laura McBeath (pictured), our dedicated Theatresports Coordinator, and Mrs Amber Hauff, College Principal, to roaring cheers from the student body.

The excitement doesn’t stop there — our Senior Mix 1 team (Daniel Matson, Jack Goves, Jesse Burgess, and Alex Collins) will be the first to take the spotlight, competing right here in the Waterford Building Drama Rooms on 12 May, where we can expect an afternoon bursting with energy, sharp improvisation, and big laughs.

And that’s just the beginning. This season will also feature an incredible lineup of performers across multiple teams:

Senior Mix 2 – William Howe, Angus Pitman, Alex O’Malley, and Patrick Clarke

Senior Mix 3 – Eli Bock, Seth Donnelly, Oliver Howe, Ben Torrisi, and Ethan Volker

Junior Mix – Patrick O’Dea, Ben Ingram, Harvey Bell, Thomas Dearling, and Harry Ingram

With such a talented group of improvisers, we’re in for a season filled with surprises, clever comedy, and unforgettable performances.

Mark your calendars and bring your enthusiasm —Best of luck to all teams as they bring the drama (and the laughs) this season.

St Patrick's College Soars with Spectacular Production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Last week, St Patrick’s College recently transported audiences on a magical journey with its dazzling production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, leaving the community both enchanted and inspired. Over 75 talented students took centre stage in this whimsical musical, captivating theatregoers with their energy, dedication, and charm.

The production was a true community effort, featuring not only St Patrick College students but also 28 girls from five local schools (St John Fisher College, Kedron State High School, Mary MacKillop College, Southern Cross Catholic College and Mueller College) who joined the cast and backstage crew. Their involvement added extra sparkle to an already vibrant ensemble, showcasing the inclusive spirit and collaborative ethos that the College is known for.

Beloved characters like Caractacus Potts, Truly Scrumptious, and the comically wicked Baron Bomburst were brought to life with heart and humour. Their performances were elevated by a dynamic live band that ensured every note of the show’s iconic songs hit all the right marks with the audience.

Of course, the magic didn’t stop at the music. Behind the curtain, a skilled backstage crew worked tirelessly to manage props, lighting, sound, and, of course, the jaw-dropping effects of the show’s most famous character—Chitty Chitty Bang Bang herself. The flying car wowed the crowd and added a cinematic flair to the stage production.

Adding to the atmosphere were student ushers, who warmly welcomed guests and helped make the three evening performances an enjoyable and seamless experience. Their involvement reflected the school’s commitment to building leadership and community spirit in every corner of campus life.

The production received glowing praise from audience members, many of whom were moved by the professionalism and passion displayed by the young performers. One attendee summed it up best: “It was a fantastic production that truly showcased the incredible talent and hard work of the students. A memorable experience for everyone involved!”

That level of excellence didn’t come without hard work. The cast and crew devoted countless hours to rehearsals—twice a week, plus additional Sunday sessions—to perfect every scene, song, and scene change. Their dedication paid off in a performance that was both polished and deeply heartfelt.

Behind every great student production is a team of dedicated adults, and this show was no exception. Staff members provided steady guidance throughout the process, while parent volunteers supported everything from costume changes and makeup to refreshments at intermission. Their collective effort was instrumental in making the show a resounding success.

This production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang wasn’t just a Senior College Musical—it was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the boundless talent of the St Patrick’s College community. For those on stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience, it was an unforgettable ride.