Term 3 Reflection
As Term 3 comes to an end, it is truly uplifting to look back and celebrate the many remarkable achievements of our College community. I continue to be impressed by the very heart of this community, its people and feel very humbled that I am able to be part of this incredible place. It has been a dynamic and busy term with our students excelling across a vast array of activities, making this term one full of joy, energy, growth, and success.

Spiritual formation and development remained at the heart of Term 3, with personally transformative experiences such as Year level Retreats and Kairos, as well as a number of rites of passage events including the Year 11 Dinner Dance, Senior Rite of Leadership, and Year 12 Rite of Passage.

It was an absolute pleasure to welcome so many families at our Parent Information and Subject Selection evenings, the Father Son Breakfast, and to introduce future students and their families to our community during our Twilight Tour and Experience Day. These events and gatherings reflect the strength and warmth of our College community.

The College’s spirit was on full display throughout Queensland Debating Union (QDU) and Interhouse Theatresports, where creativity and confidence flourished. Friendly rivalry also thrived in the Interhouse Chess competition, bringing students together in a celebration of strategic thinking. At the Queensland Catholic Music Festival (QCMF), over 600 musicians from 26 ensembles represented us with pride and passion, bringing home an impressive 14 Gold, 9 Silver, and 3 Bronze Awards. Such strong results are testament to the talent and commitment within our music program, which was again put proudly on display at the September Arts Festival held this week.

Our unwavering commitment to academic excellence continues to evident with learning gains and progress a common theme through Academic Progress meetings, the Future Careers Expo, Year 10 SET Planning, and Year 9 JET Planning, all of which supported students to set personal goals and forge their own unique pathways to success. The new Year 12 Study Night Program was also a huge success with an average of 50 students getting involved, alongside a large number of incredibly generous parent volunteers preparing delicious home cooked meals and desserts for these evenings.

In the Australian Independent Colleges (AIC) competition, our sporting teams shone brightly, with Basketball, Tennis, Rugby League, and Golf all delivering outstanding performances. We celebrated premierships in 4th IV Tennis, 3rd V Basketball, and both 7A and 7B Rugby League, these incredible results that speak to our continued focus on developing and strengthening fitness and skill levels of our young people. We also celebrate and acknowledge the Year 7 to 12 students who proudly represented our College in the Brisbane Club Hockey Competition. I am very grateful to our volunteer coaches, managers, assistants, referees and umpires alongside dedicated staff that continue to generously support the College Sport program so our students can develop and thrive in their sporting pursuits.

Br Chris Pritchard- Celebrating a Legacy: Honouring a Dedicated Servant of St Patrick’s College
After 27 years at the College, I wish to advise that Br Chris Pritchard (pictured with his current Year 9 Tennis Team) will be retiring at the end of 2025. It is with immense gratitude and deep respect that I provide some details on the extraordinary journey of a true pillar of St Patrick’s College, who has shaped the fabric of our community since 1998.

Br Chris’ contributions have been as varied as they are impressive. In 2000, Br Chris became a valued member of the Sandgate Parish Pastoral Council, representing the College and providing spiritual guidance that continues to this day. Recognising the importance of spiritual care, he advocated for the appointment of Fr Liam Horsfall SVD as College Chaplain, a decision that benefited our community for nearly two decades.

Br Chris’ impact in the classroom has been equally profound, nurturing young minds in Religious Education, HPE, Maths, English, and Social Studies, particularly within our Middle School. While his formal classroom duties concluded in 2022, his legacy of learning continues to inspire.

Beyond the classroom, Br Chris’ energy is boundless. As a supportive presence to Quane House and as a reliable bus driver until 2018, he became a familiar and trusted figure for students and families alike. His passion for the arts saw him supporting the College Band as a second trumpet in 2016.

Perhaps most remarkable has been his unwavering commitment to the College Sport program. Serving as secretary to the Sport Support Group (SSG) since its inception in 1998, Head of Athletics and Swimming, as well as coach and mentor across Cricket, Football, Rugby Union, Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball, Cross Country, and Tennis, his guidance has led to countless team championships and the development of so many talented athletes. His recognition as an Australian Track and Field Coach at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games stands as a testament to his expertise and passion.

He demonstrated dedication to his professional development by earning three master level degrees in Education Leadership, Theology, and the Applied Science of Sport Coaching. Br Chris consistently demonstrates a hunger for learning and growth. Despite opportunities for doctoral study, his heart remained devoted to St Patrick’s College and its community.

As we approach the end of 2025, we will celebrate Brother Chris’ 66 years of dedicated service to the Christian Brothers and EREA education—a milestone marked by kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to our College’s values.

On behalf of the entire St Patrick’s College community, I offer heartfelt thanks for the countless ways, Br Chris has enriched our lives. Br Chris’ legacy will endure in the spirit of our College, in the achievements of our students, and in the grateful hearts of all who have had the privilege to learn from and work alongside him.

Our community will be acknowledging and recognising his dedicated service to the community at various events throughout Term 4.

College Crest Update
Over the past 12 months, the College Leadership Team has been working closely with, marketing agency Creature Creative to engage in consultation with various stakeholder focus groups about our current College brand, deeply listening to what St Patrick’s College means to them.

In August, we were excited to unveil the first phase of our brand refresh with an updated College Crest. As you will notice, the updated Crest (pictured) continues to feature the shape of a shield, the cross, rays, embattlements, and our motto “Certa Bonum Certamen which is Latin for Fight the Good Fight. Many of you may, recognise the Crest as being very similar to that original created by the Christian Brothers in 1952. The most obvious change is the removal of the external frame that was added in 2002 to signify the Jubilee Year Celebrations.

There have also been two additional battlements added to the design, to reflect the nine Houses standing together in solidarity to Fight the Good Fight. The Crest has been inspiring St Patrick’s College young men for over 73 years, and our new refreshed Crest will continue to be a source of pride for future generations. The new simplified version of the College Crest not only embraces our bold contemporary future but also deeply honours and acknowledges our proud history and traditions. St Patrick’s College continues to be passionate about our Vision and Mission and our commitment to educating young men in the Edmund Rice Tradition is unwavering.

Further information on the College brand refresh and the launch of a new website will follow in Term 4.

As we transition to the new branding across digital platforms and future materials, please note that there is no requirement for families to update existing College uniforms. Our commitment to sustainability and affordability ensures there will be a four-year phased transition for these items. It is not our intention to place any undue financial burden on our families due to this update.

Student Leadership 2026
I would like to thank Dean of Students Mr Sean Toovey and Dean of Identity Mr Paul Corfield for their dedicated focus through a refreshed Senior Rite of Leadership Program, which beautifully culminated in an outdoor Mass and Ceremony on Wednesday night this week (pictured). I am extremely proud of the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the 2026 Senior cohort throughout this rigorous leadership selection process and am excited for the year ahead.

Holiday Tours and Activities
Finally, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all staff and students embarking on various holiday tours and activities. Whether you are competing at Champion Basketball School of Queensland (CBSQ) Tournament, heading off to the slopes of Jindabyne and Perisher Ski Fields, preparing for the AIC Track and Field Championships, or participating in the SHEP and AHEP Honours Music Ensemble Programs, may your journeys be safe, enriching, and filled with unforgettable moments.

I would also encourage members of the community to get along to catch the Under 19 Australian Cricket Team take on India in Brisbane, supporting Year 12 student Steven Hogan. The action starts this Sunday 21 September with a 50-over match held at Ian Healy Oval from 2.30pm.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated staff who generously volunteer their time, often sacrificing precious moments with their own families, to ensure our students can enjoy and benefit from these remarkable experiences. Your commitment is deeply appreciated.

Wishing everyone a restful break and I look forward to seeing you in Term 4!

Live Jesus in our Hearts!

Final Preparations Underway for Senior Assessment
As we approach the final phase of the academic year, our Year 12 students are entering the critical QCAA external assessment window. These assessments, which run from Monday 27 October to Tuesday 18 November 2025, mark the culmination of their Senior studies and contribute significantly to their final ATAR results. The full QCAA external assessment timetable is available here.

Throughout Term 3, our Senior students have demonstrated commendable commitment to their studies. Over 40–50 students regularly attended Senior Study sessions on a Tuesday night, making the most of the structured support and quiet study environment, with the additional support of our wonderful community providing dinner and dessert.

Across Weeks 8 and 9, our Year 12 students completed their Mock External assessments, providing valuable practice and feedback to refine their exam strategies. Looking ahead, we encourage all students to take advantage of the September Holiday workshops, which offer targeted revision and subject-specific support. These sessions are designed to boost confidence and consolidate learning before the final exams.

In Term 4, the first two weeks will follow a normal class schedule, allowing teachers to reinforce key concepts and address any remaining gaps. From Week 3, students will have access to Masterclasses, offering intensive revision and exam preparation tailored to each subject, or personalised study at home. External assessments officially begin in Week 4, so this structured lead-up ensures students are well-prepared and supported.

As students gear up for their final exams, it’s essential they arrive equipped with the required materials, including black or blue pens, pencils, erasers, calculators (where permitted), and their Student ID. We also remind students to check subject-specific requirements, located here, and arrive early to each exam venue.

It is important that during the External Assessment window that our students keep a normal routine. As parents and caregivers, we ask you to encourage your sons to continue to exercise, eat well and get plenty of sleep. We wish our young men all the best for their final preparations and that they continue to Fight The Good Fight.

Year 12 Rite of Passage - Senior Tie Presentation and Leadership Commissioning Mass
On Wednesday evening, our Year 11 students took the final steps of their leadership journey, being presented with their Senior ties and badges. The ceremony was held during a Mass celebrated by Fr John Gillen in front of our historical Morven Building, the spiritual heart of St Patrick’s College.

The Morven Building holds significant historical importance. It was the original building where the Christian Brothers established the College and where the first classes were held. Morven is also the birthplace of the St Patrick’s College story, with a legacy built by the students, Brothers, and staff during those early years. Our Seniors stand on the shoulders of all those who have walked the hallways of Morven before them, and with the presentation of their ties and badges this week, they have now become part of this enduring legacy. With this privilege now comes the responsibility of upholding and maintaining it for future generations.

We were blessed with a beautiful evening, with the sea breeze providing a cool respite. During the Mass, parents and caregivers were invited to stand in front of Morven, where they had the honour of presenting their sons with their ties and badges. This was a deeply meaningful moment, symbolising that the St Patrick’s College journey is not only for the students but also for their families, and it was heartwarming to witness them celebrate this milestone as one.

Our House Leaders and College Captains were also presented with their symbols of leadership, now carrying the great privilege of being the storytellers for the next generation.

Fr. John concluded the evening by blessing all our students, while Mrs Amber Hauff reminded them of the significance of their role and legacy, drawing from her own experience. As a fitting end to the evening, our boys stood proudly, shoulder to shoulder, leading us in a rousing rendition of The Call (pictured), demonstrating their strength and understanding of the College’s legacy. We look forward to the Servant Leadership that the 2026 Senior cohort will bring to our College next year.

A Journey of Connection: The Rite Journey
At St Patrick’s College, we are committed to nurturing not only the minds but also the hearts and spirits of our young men. In Term 3, we hosted the Father/Significant Male and Son Walk, an important part of The Rite Journey (TRJ) program, offering students and their mentors a dedicated time to pause, connect, and reflect.

Building on the experiences of the Term 2 Mother/Significant Female and Son Walk, this event focused on the term’s theme: Relationship with Spirit. It provided a meaningful opportunity for young men to explore their own beliefs and better understand the important people who support them along their journey.

A sense of calm anticipation filled the air as participants gathered for the morning and afternoon walks. Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, mentors, and other significant male figures joined their sons in stepping away from daily distractions to engage in intentional listening, sharing, and connection.

Guided by thought-provoking questions, pairs reflected on concepts of spirit, happiness, meaning, and purpose, exchanging stories that revealed both their unique perspectives and shared experiences.

Some of the questions included:
1. Do you consider yourself a happy person?
2. Is it possible to be happy even when ‘bad’ things happen?
3. Why do you think ‘bad’ things occur?
4. Have you ever experienced a truly awe-inspiring moment?
5. Have you ever changed yourself to fit in with a group?
6. What do you believe is the purpose of life?

These prompts sparked deep and meaningful conversations, allowing fathers/significant males and sons to express thoughts and values that often go unspoken in everyday life.

Following the walk, sharing light refreshments together created a relaxed space to continue these conversations, reflect on the experience, and enjoy each other’s company.

The Father/Significant Male and Son Walk was far more than a TRJ activity, it was a moment of genuine presence, vulnerability, and growth. It strengthened bonds, encouraged open curiosity, and highlighted the importance of creating space for heartfelt dialogue.

Throughout The Rite Journey, we remain dedicated to supporting our young men as they explore their identity, purpose, and spirituality. This walk was a significant step on that path, reminding us all that relationships deepen most profoundly when we listen attentively, share honestly, and walk together in trust.

As we near the conclusion of this transformative journey, we eagerly anticipate coming together as a community for The Return and Homecoming on Monday, 24 November. This culminating ritual is a powerful celebration of growth, reflection, and the enduring connections forged along the way and a testament to the strength and spirit of our community.

College IT Service Outage
As we approach the end of the College term, we want to inform you about some essential IT infrastructure upgrades taking place next week. These upgrades may result in temporary disruptions to certain services as outlined below:

Monday 22 September: Full-Day Onsite Outage
• College Campus Closed.
• Parent Lounge Access.
• College Phone System (36319000) – Incoming calls will be diverted to an alternative working phone line on this day.

Tuesday 23 September: Potential Intermittent Service Interruptions
• College Office Open.
• Parent Lounge Access.
• College Phone System (3631 9000) – Incoming calls will be diverted to an alternative working phone line on this day.
• Year 12 External Exam Preparations: The sessions scheduled for Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 September will be going ahead and will be held in the Brother Dwyer Library.

Thursday 25 & Friday 26 September: Phone System Unavailable
• College Office Open.
• The College Phone System will be undergoing major infrastructure enhancement
• The College Phone Line (36319000) will continue to be diverted to an alternative working phone number on this day.

We apologise for any inconvenience these interruptions may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our IT services. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the College Office on 3631 9000.

Experience Day: Reimagining New Student Orientation
St Patrick’s College proudly hosted its refreshed orientation program, now known as Experience Day, earlier this month. It proved to be an inspiring and memorable occasion, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our incoming 2026 students.

The purpose of the event was to provide our newest young men with a meaningful introduction to College life. Supported by their Big Brothers, House Deans, and teaching staff, our guests stepped forward with courage and enthusiasm—leaving their families for a day dedicated to connection, discovery, and the first steps towards belonging at St Patrick’s.

Throughout the day, students took part in a variety of activities designed to build friendships and confidence. These included experiments in the science labs, constructing catapults in our design classrooms, engaging with the Health and Physical Education department, and exploring our music and drama programs. It was heartening to see the Big Brothers enthusiastically connecting with their Little Brothers to create lasting memories in preparation for day one next year.  A particularly moving moment was watching our guests don their SPC green caps with pride—a symbol of their growing unity and spirit within the College community.

The day concluded with a powerful and moving moment as both new and current students stood arm in arm to sing the College song—an expression of solidarity and shared purpose that will echo throughout their journey at St Patrick’s.

Experience Day was a celebration of beginnings, tradition, and the values that define our College. We warmly welcome our newest students and look forward to the many chapters yet to be written.

Senior Rite of Leadership
On Wednesday, 17 September, the College marked a significant milestone in the SPC story with the commissioning of our 2026 Senior cohort. This symbolic ceremony celebrated their transition into Senior leadership as each Year 11 student received their Senior Tie from a family member, a gesture rich in meaning and tradition. Alongside the tie, students were also presented with their Senior Badge, and our newly elected College Leaders for 2026 were officially commissioned:

College Captain – Jack Avila (middle)
College Vice Captains – Simon Priddey Delfino (left) and Himal Sakya (right)

Coffey House Captains – Merrick Conlon, Alex Foltak, Izaah Hughes-Musu
Kennedy House Captains – Ryan Colsen, Matthew Phillimore, Angus Turton
Mooney House Captains – Patrick Clarke, Dylan Maskell, Benjamin Whiteside
O’Rourke House Captains – Dashiell Crutcher, Max McKay, Harry Parchimowicz
Quane House Captains – Samuel Noud, Alex O’Malley, Lewis Tatti
Rice House Captains – James Black, Jaxson Inch, Aiden Pett
Ryan House Captains – Hudson McKay, Hamish Page, Jack Woolf
Treacy House Captains – Cael Armitage, Mitchell Jakavicius, Isaac Lahiff
Xavier House Captains – Jack Davis, Ethan Esaias, Henry Moore

This year, the ceremony adopted a format that reflected the spiritual heart of the College, taking place around the Morven Building precinct. The setting provided a powerful backdrop for a moment that blended tradition and community.

Surrounding this event, the Year 11 students also participated in a Leadership Retreat designed to help them explore their purpose as emerging leaders. Together, they began articulating their vision for their Houses and the wider College community. Our newly elected leaders played an active role in guiding parts of the Retreat, supported by their House Deans and the College Leadership Team.

We were also honoured to welcome back several Old Boys from across the generations, who shared their stories and wisdom to help our newest Seniors understand the legacy they are stepping into and the importance of standing shoulder to shoulder with their Band of Brothers. Br Damien Price also joined us, inspiring the cohort to imagine their leadership journey with depth and purpose.

Creativity and collaboration were also on display as students worked together in their Houses to create a shared piece of artwork, building teamwork and communication amongst the groups.

We are incredibly excited to see where this remarkable cohort will lead us in the coming year. Their energy, insight, and commitment promise a bright future for our College.

Term 3 AIC Sport Wrap-Up
With the conclusion of Round 7 this past weekend, the Australian Independent Colleges (AIC) sporting season has officially finished for the year.

Throughout the term, there have been some outstanding performances from our teams in Basketball, Rugby League, and Tennis. While a lack of consistency proved to be the downfall for many teams, several age groups and individual teams have shown significant improvement over the season:

• Our 1st Teams have fought hard in their respective competitions, proudly representing the College.

• Congratulations to our 1st IV Tennis team for finishing the season in a very commendable third place overall. In fact, our Open Tennis teams have been strong across the board, with all four teams finishing in the Top 3. The 1st and 2nd teams both placed third, the 3rd team secured second place, and the 4th team won the Premiership.

• Our 1st Basketball team (pictured) finished in 4th place overall in what has been one of the strongest competitions in recent years. They also deserve special mention for qualifying for the Champion Basketball School of Queensland (CBSQ) Tournament, with the finals taking place this weekend. We wish the team the best of luck in what will be St Patrick’s first appearance at this prestigious tournament.

• The 1st XIII Rugby League team fought valiantly each week, with their season highlighted by a hard-fought, ‘backs-to-the-wall’ victory over Marist College Ashgrove. 

• Elsewhere, a big congratulations to our 3rd V Basketball team, who dominated their competition to be crowned AIC Premiers.

• Also, well done to our Year 7 Rugby League teams. The Year 7 cohort has proven to be a talented group of students, and this was evident in Term 3 as both the 7A and 7B teams claimed AIC Rugby League Premierships. Congratulations to all players and coaches involved.

As the AIC Sporting year draws to a close, I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff and coaches who have contributed to the St Patrick’s College sporting program. It’s a massive undertaking, and I’m deeply thankful for the dedication of our coaches, who generously give up their time week after week throughout the year.

AIC Track and Field
Preparations for the AIC Track and Field Championships are well underway. Over the past four weeks, our athletes have competed in four warm-up competitions at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC).

There have been some impressive performances, particularly in the sprint events, and I’m excited to see how our boys will perform on the big day.

Training will continue over the holidays, leading up to the Championships, which will take place on the 9th and 10th of October in Term 4.

Cultural Award Assembly
The recent Cultural Award Assembly was a vibrant celebration of student achievement and artistic expression. Brilliantly hosted by our Cultural Leaders and College Music Captains, the event featured dynamic performances from Pier Pressure, who are currently preparing for next month’s Battle of the Rock Bands Festival at Clairvaux MacKillop College, as well as high-energy showcases from our Dance Crew and Big Band 1.

Students were recognised across the full spectrum of cultural activities offered at the College, including:
• Art Club
• Chess
• Dance
• Debating
• College Musical
• Tech Crew
• Theatresports
• Ensemble Music Program

Over 90 awards were presented during the assembly, with an additional 22 awards scheduled to be awarded to the Year 12 cohort at their Senior Music Farewell Concert to be held on 14 October.

A highlight of the assembly was the announcement of the Interhouse Theatresports winners, with Mooney House taking first place, followed by Xavier House in second and Quane House in third. The excitement continued with the official reveal of the 2026 Junior Musical—Madagascar Jnr—sparking enthusiasm among students and staff alike as preparations begin for another spectacular College production.

Special thanks to our Cultural Activity Coordinators, our dedicated staff team, and our Culture Administration Officer, Mrs Julie Sutton, whose efforts ensured the assembly was a true celebration of our students and the department.

Arts Festival
Earlier this week the College’s Culture department proudly hosted our annual Arts Festival, a celebration of student achievement across the year to date. The event offered a recital-style evening for students involved in instrumental and vocal lessons, held across the College dedicated to Vocal, Piano, Guitar, Strings, Percussion, Brass, and Woodwind performances. These intimate spaces provided a safe and supportive environment for students to show off their progress and talent this year.

It was fantastic to see so many students rise to the challenge of performing for a live audience, brilliantly supported by their friends and families, who relished the opportunity to see the students’ shine.

Complementing the musical performances was a stunning display of visual art created by the Art Club. Their year-long efforts were showcased through clay tiles, 3D sculptures made from recycled materials, paintings, and collaborative collage work (pictured).

A heartfelt thank you goes to the entire Co-Curricular Music team, our sessional accompanists for the afternoon, as well as the Coordinator of Co-Curricular Music, Mr Laurent Dubois and Co-Curricular Music Administrative Officer, Mrs Mel Bell, for their tireless planning and support.

Cultural Support Group Trivia Night
The recent annual Cultural Support Group (CSG) Trivia Night was considered a roaring success by all of those in attendance. Themed around the glamour and excitement of the 1920s, the Callan Centre was transformed into a dazzling speakeasy.

Guests at 24 tables dressed to impress in flapper dresses and gangster suits, creating an electric atmosphere that made the night one of the key fundraising highlights of the CSG calendar. The event raised significant funds to support cultural initiatives and programs at the College.

DJ Kyle kept the energy high throughout the evening, with the dance floor packed until the very end, with guests reluctant to leave as they danced the night away. The success of the evening was made possible by the dedicated team of CSG parent volunteers, who arrived early to set up and stayed late to pack down. Special thanks also go to the Property and Maintenance team, whose behind-the-scenes support ensured the Callan Centre was perfectly prepared and swiftly restored for the next school event.

Reminder: 1950s Old Boys & College Captains Breakfast

St Patrick’s College is delighted to welcome back our 1950s Old Boys, College Captains, and Vice Captains for a special breakfast celebration.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends, share stories from your days at the College, and celebrate the unique bond that unites us across generations.

The breakfast will be held on Thursday, 16 October 2025, in the Christian Brothers Building, 60 Pier Avenue, Shorncliffe, with arrival from 6:45am for a 7:00am start.

Guests will enjoy a complimentary breakfast while hearing from our guest speaker, Brother Damien Price, who will share his inspiring insights on faith, leadership, and community.

We would love to see as many of our Old Boys, College Captains, and Vice Captains as possible, so please help us spread the word so that no one misses the chance to reconnect with the College and old friends. We can’t wait to see you all again and celebrate the incredible journeys that began here at St Patrick’s College.

Please RSVP HERE by Tuesday, 30 September 2025 to secure your place.

For further enquiries, please contact us at oldboys@stpatricks.qld.edu.au

Share The Dignity
From 24–30 September, St Patrick’s College, in partnership with the charity Share The Dignity, will be hosting our annual Sponsor a Bag Packing Event.

Together, we will pack bags filled with essential items for women, girls, and those in need. This event will also help raise awareness of how a single bag of basic hygiene products can bring hope to those who receive it.

We need your help to reach our new goal of packing 10,000 bags! These bags will be distributed to charity partners across Australia, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence.

EVENT DETAILS
Location: St Patrick’s College, Callan Centre

Date: 24–30 September

Dress Code: Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes

Key Tasks: Packing bags, light lifting/moving items, unpacking, opening boxes, and walking

Who Can Attend: Volunteers aged 10–17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

Parking: Plenty of free street parking available nearby

Transport: The closest train station is Shorncliffe Train Station

Join us for a couple of hours and discover how a single bag can offer hope to someone in need.

Register your interest here - SHARE THE DIGNITY BAG PACKING EVENT

Let’s come together as a community and make a real difference!

It's Not Too Late to Donate: Support Men’s Mental Health Today!
The arduous journey began for Head of Sport Mr Jim Potts and Health and Physical Education (HPE) teacher Mr. Doug Locke on Thursday evening when they began their 200km rowing challenge, each rowing for 18 hours straight, finishing at midday today.

This intense feat was not just about physical endurance but to send a powerful message to the community: You Are Not Alone.

The event, which took place in the Callan Centre, saw Jim and Doug joined by fellow staff members, each rowing in 20km/2-hour shifts, with the goal of raising crucial funds for the You Are Not Alone charity, an organisation that provides vital mental health resources for men in need.

Mental health is a pressing issue in Australia, especially for men and the statistics are stark:
• In 2014, 2,864 Australians died by suicide — that's nearly 8 lives every day.
• Seven suicide attempts happen every hour.
• Men account for nearly 75 per cent of all suicides, highlighting the urgent need to address mental health stigma and start conversations.

Jim and Doug's effort (pictured with Your Are Not Alone Charity Founder Mr Tom Price) was an important reminder to all of us that it's okay to not be okay, and it's okay to ask for help.

Though the event is over, it's not too late to donate. The St Patrick’s College and broader community are encouraged to show their support by donating via this LINK, as every single contribution helps fund vital mental health programs that can save lives.

Your donation can make a lasting impact, so let’s come together and show our support as a community for this important cause.