Welcome to Term 4
As we near the end of our Year of Gratitude, I wish to extend, on behalf of the College Leadership Team, our sincere thanks to the parents and families in this community for their ongoing support and active engagement throughout 2025.

At the beginning of the year our Leadership Team pledged to the community to be steadfast in our purpose, to ensure a strong commitment to the Mission and Vision of this College, to honour and respect the past, whilst keeping our eyes open for new opportunities to continue building for the future, supporting this College to continue thriving. I am pleased to report that the Leadership Team has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to this place and to the important work they lead.

I would also like to thank our wonderful volunteers who generously give of their time and energy in their role as members on the College Advisory Council and associated sub-committees, Foundation Board, Culture Support Group, Sport Support Group and PATSConnect Committee. Despite juggling their busy lives and work schedules, they always find time to help us design, develop, and deliver programs and activities to benefit our young men. Without their dedication and support, we simply could not have achieved all that we have this year.

I am also very grateful to parents and friends of this community, who may not be able to serve on the various committees and groups but who continue to generously give of their time to coach and mentor our boys through various sport and culture activities, serve on Canteens and information booths, sell raffle tickets and help out in wide variety of ways at the large number of College events and celebrations. I hope you know your contribution is greatly appreciated and directly impacts on the experience our students have at school.

I have also had the honour and privilege to work closely with College Captain Henley Thomas (middle) and Vice Captains Isaac Caruana (right) and Lewis Bullock (left) and have been so impressed with how they have proudly led this community with great heart, courage and enthusiasm. Supported by their peers, this 2025 Senior Cohort has authentically lived out their Motto of Together We Rise: Brothers to All in words and action.

At the beginning of this year, I highlighted the fact that living and learning with gratitude is more than just a theme or words on a poster or slide; it is a way of living that can help build a more deeply connected, authentic and inclusive community. As we gather this term for end of year awards ceremonies and celebrations, the evidence is clear. We all have much to be grateful for and we have, through the ups and downs, been able to share a journey filled with lots of joy, inspiration, and growth, which has strengthened all that is great in this community. This great work will continue in 2026, with an exciting community-wide project to design and develop our next Strategic Plan, providing the vision and direction for the next exciting phase.

College Branding Progress Update
Further to the update at the end of Term 3, the College Leadership Team began work in 2024, to refresh our website and branding. This initiative has continued in 2025 with the new College Leadership Team, working closely with Design and Digital agency Creature Creative and engaging our community throughout the process. Together, we have developed key messaging that not only honours the Mission, Vision and Values of this College, but also provides clear and contemporary articulation of what sets our College apart.

To recap, the first phase of our brand refresh led to an updated College Crest design (pictured). The updated Crest 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. This 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.

The new College website is close to finalisation and will enable a high-quality user experience and accessibility. I would like to particularly thank our College Marketing and Development Team, along with all of the students and staff that have engaged in a range of consultation workshops, photography shoots and videoing to help capture the spirit and heart of this community.

I would like to thank the community for their understanding and patience as we transition to the refreshed designs across digital platforms and future materials. Please note that there is no requirement for families to update any existing College uniforms.

Our commitment to sustainability and affordability ensures there will be a four-year phased transition for these items with a view to having students in uniforms with the new design from January 2030. It is not our intention to place any undue financial burden on our families due to these updates.

I look forward to connecting with families at the various end of year events scheduled.

Live Jesus in our Hearts!

Success Isn’t Luck – It’s Earned
At St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe, we believe in the power of growth. Not overnight success, but the kind that is built day by day, choice by choice. As we reflect on the journey of learning, one message rings true: success does not come from luck. It comes from preparation, dedication, and sacrifice.

This week, we celebrated our Men of Learning Week. During assembly, our 2026 College Captains – Jack Avilia, Himal Shakya, and Simon Priddey Delfino – delivered a powerful message to our students about the importance of hard work. They set the scene with a clip from the movie Monsters Inc.

Take one of the main characters, Mike Wazowski (pictured) – not the biggest, not the scariest, but undeniably one of the most driven. While others rested, he studied. While others gave up, he pushed forward. Mike reminds us that there are three pillars of success:

• Being Prepared. This is the time spent revising, practising, and refining your skills. Whether it is preparing for a sporting game, rehearsing for a music performance, or working on a class presentation, preparation builds confidence and readiness. It is what allows you to rise when the moment comes.
• Dedication. Staying committed, even when things get tough, is what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary. Dedication means choosing long-term goals over short-term comfort and staying focused even when distractions arise.
• Sacrifice. This is about giving up ease for growth. It is the study afternoons, the early mornings spent at tutoring, the missed social outings – all in the pursuit of something bigger. Sacrifice is not easy, but it is necessary.

To all our young men at St Patrick’s, we encourage you to strive to be one per cent better each day. That small, consistent improvement adds up to something powerful. Your future is built in the quiet moments – when you choose to keep going and when you choose to be extraordinary.

Supporting Our Year 12s Through External Assessments
From Week 4 (Monday 27 October to Tuesday 18 November), our Year 12 students will undertake their External Assessments – a significant milestone in their academic journey.
We take this moment to acknowledge their commitment, resilience, and hard work. These young men have spent countless hours preparing, revising, and pushing themselves to meet the challenges ahead. Their dedication is a testament to the values we hold dear as a College community.

To our Year 12s: we believe in you. You have shown what it means to prepare with purpose, to stay dedicated, and to make the sacrifices that lead to success. As you walk into each exam, know that your College community stands behind you – cheering you on, proud of your journey, and confident in your ability to be extraordinary.

Mass of Thanksgiving
Last Friday our Seniors had their Thanksgiving Mass as part of their graduation rituals. In our Year of Gratitude, it was very apt to gather our students and parents together to show gratitude for all they have done for their sons and the journey shared together. It was a wonderful morning celebrated by Fr John Gillen. A big highlight was at the end of the mass when our students formed a circle around the Callan Centre to sing The Call (pictured). As our young men face a series of final acts as SPC students, these last times where they sing The Call have enormous meaning.

A key part of the mass is the presentation of a compass to our students. Our school is built on the Touchstones of Edmund Rice Education. We offer what is known as a Liberating Education, so that our young people can be free to help others. We create an Inclusive Community here, so that our young people can experience a new way for our world to be. We value Justice and Solidarity, so that our young people can learn that the world can be transformed by working for the common good. And all of this is inspired, shaped and given direction by our Gospel Spirituality – our connection to Blessed Edmund Rice and to Jesus.

As our young men go into the next part of their life, there will be many paths to be taken, new journeys to be experienced and relationships to be encountered. We want our students to go into each of these with hope and courage and to find their own way on this extraordinary journey of life.

The College presented the Seniors with a symbol (pictured), a compass, as a reminder of our College community. Compasses are a great symbol of the Christian life. The compass itself doesn’t tell you where to go, it only points to the north. We know that true north is the bearing point that all others are taken from. We hope our Seniors take time to consider their 'true north' as a person. Find their passion, find their love and always follow with their heart and spirit.

In all the messiness of life, the compass is a stable point to reassure and help you to take your bearings for where you want to go. By knowing one direction we can find all the directions. By knowing one truth we have the capacity to work out others.

The compass also reminds our young men of the importance of the Band of Brothers. We hope it reminds them to liberate others, to be inclusive, to work for justice and to let your heart be inspired by the great vision of Jesus.

Celebrating Legacy and Leadership: Inaugural School Captains and 1950's Reunion at St Patrick’s College

On a crisp October morning, the spirit of St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe came alive as past and present leaders gathered for the inaugural School Captains Reunion. Hosted in the heart of the College, this special event welcomed back College Captains and Vice Captains from across generations—spanning from 1952 to 2025.  We were also delighted to be joined by many past students who commenced their time at the College during the 1950s.

The morning began with a warm welcome and a reflection on the enduring legacy of leadership at St Patrick’s College. Attendees were reminded that the College is more than a place of learning—it is a community built on values of integrity, resilience, mateship, and excellence. The reunion served as a powerful reminder that whether one graduated last year or decades ago, the connection to our College remains strong.

A key highlight of the event was the introduction of PATS Connect, a revitalised initiative designed to reconnect and support the Old Boys network. Aaron Shephard, 1998 graduate and committee member, shared the vision behind PATS Connect—an inclusive platform for mentoring, networking, and staying connected to the College. His message was clear: “Whether you wore the green and gold in the 50s or just last year, you’re part of something enduring.”

The College was honoured to welcome back Brother Damien Price (pictured), a beloved former staff member whose wisdom and compassion have shaped generations of Paddy’s boys. His reflections reminded all that while buildings may change and uniforms evolve, the spirit of belonging, service, and brotherhood remains constant.

The College also proudly introduced the 2025 College Captain Henley Thomas (right) and Vice Captains Lewis Bullock (middle) and Isaac Caruana (left). These young men were celebrated as the torchbearers of the College’s legacy, standing on the shoulders of giants and preparing to join the ranks of the Old Boys in just five weeks.

The morning concluded with a call to action: stay connected, stay involved, and stay proud. This reunion marks the beginning of a renewed tradition of connection and celebration. We thank all who attended and contributed to making this event a memorable success, and we look forward to many more reunions to come.

Honouring Leadership: The Student Handover Assembly at St Patrick’s College
At St Patrick’s College, rituals and ceremonies are more than traditions, they are powerful expressions of our shared values and identity. The student leadership handover assembly is an important moment, marking the formal transition of leadership from one cohort to the next. It is a time to pause and reflect – celebrating the fine leadership and stewardship of the 2025 Seniors and implanting the seeds of promise of a new legacy of those who will follow.

The assembly was rich in symbolism, each element carefully chosen to reflect the spirit of service, unity, and faith that defines leadership at St Patrick’s:

• The Candle was lit as a reminder that we are called to be the light of the world. It represents Christ’s guiding presence in our lives and leadership. A call to serve others with integrity, compassion, and humility.
• The Bible was presented as a source of wisdom and inspiration. Through scripture, we are reminded of Jesus’ invitation to lead with love, justice, and peace. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us in building life-giving relationships within and beyond our community.
• The College Flag was handed over as a symbol of unity, heritage, and shared commitment to excellence. More than just fabric, it embodies the spirit of the College. A reminder that leadership is a collective journey, one that connects us to generations past and future.

In a heartfelt exchange, the outgoing College Captain, Henley Thomas (pictured left) offered his best wishes to our new Captain – Jack Avila (pictured right), who in turn expressed gratitude for the service and example of Henley’s leadership team. A particularly moving moment was the handing over of the Captain’s Tie — a simple yet powerful gesture that captured the essence of tradition and continuity.

As the Seniors prepare to embark on their final exams, the College community stands with them in support and admiration. Their leadership has been marked by grace and humility, and they leave with a deep connection to the school and its values.

A time to celebrate, reflect, and farewell – The journey of our Year 12 Men
As the academic school year draws to a close, we find ourselves in the season of farewell, celebrating the transition of our Year 12 students as they prepare to step beyond the gates of school life. For many, this marks the end of an eight-year journey, rich with challenge, growth and hopefully some joyous moments as they grew from little boy to young man.

This transition is both happy and, at times, difficult. It brings with it the excitement of new beginnings, but also the emotional weight of leaving behind a community that has, in many ways, shaped them. It is a rite of passage that deserves to be honoured, so that each student can assign meaning to their experience and leave knowing they are ready for life beyond St Patrick’s College.

Our Rite of Passage program has been thoughtfully designed to support this transition. Through guest speakers who speak to life beyond school, covering themes of purpose, resilience, and identity. Just as importantly, the program creates space for shared experiences, allowing students to be present with one another in these final weeks.

One of the most memorable moments was our House Breakfast (pictured), a simple yet powerful gathering that reminded us of the strength of community and the bonds formed over years. I can think of no better venue than the Full Moon Hotel for these students to enjoy some celebratory time with staff. This was followed by our Thanksgiving Mass (pictured), a beautiful celebration with families, where gratitude and story were woven together guided by the symbol of the compass, representing direction, values, and the journey still to come. Deputy Principal Mr Frank Torrisi so articulately talked about boys finding and honouring their ‘true north’.

In a particularly moving activity, students were invited to put pen to paper, writing affirmations to their peers and heartfelt messages to the teachers and staff who have played a role in shaping who they are. These notes were more than words; they were acknowledgements of the impact people have had and the relational nature of our community.

Finally, each House gathered for farewell ceremonies led by their House Deans, many of whom have walked alongside these young men for years. These moments were emotional, thus marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

It has been a privilege to walk this journey with our Year 12 men. Their courage, humour, and heart have left a lasting impression. As they step forward into the world, may they carry with them the lessons, friendships, and memories that will continue to guide them.

We wish them every success and the very best for their exams and remind them that they will always have a place in our College story.

Australian Independent Colleges (AIC) Track and Field
On Thursday 9th and Friday 10th October our Athletes took part in the annual AIC Track and Field Championships at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Nathan. The competitors were greeted with two stunning days of Brisbane Spring weather, with the warm conditions conducive to fast running.

Over the course of the two-day Championship there were some outstanding performances, with the standard of competition extremely high with several AIC records being beaten.

This season saw significant improvement in both sprint and middle-distance events, areas that had previously been challenging for our teams. St Patrick’s College athletes consistently reached podium positions, and while the scoring system heavily favours first-place finishes, the depth of performance across the team was impressive.

The battle for points was fierce with only 0.5 of a point separating 4th place and 6th place. In the final points tally we finished a very commendable 4th overall, and only 9 points off a 3rd place finish.

This year’s squad has shown that a top three finish is well within reach, and with continued commitment to training and development, 2026 promises to be a breakthrough year.

AIC First Place Achievements
• Max Wheeler: Under 12s Triple Jump at 10.45 metres - New College Record
• Jack Whitbourne: Under 13s Division 2 100 metres
• Isiah Brodie Tomich: Under 14s Division 1 Long Jump
• Ash Brooks: Under 14s Division 4 100 metres
• Jack Mathers, Ollie Potts, Ryan Hutchings and Nate McGoldrick: Under15s Division 1 4 x 100 metre Relay - New College Record
• Tau Tamaariki (pictured above): Under 15s Division 1 Shot Put
• Ryan Hutchings: Under 15s Division 2 Long Jump
• Ryan Hutchings: Under 15s Division 4 100 metres
• Isaac Cronin: Year 5 Division 1 800 metres
• Bailey Brandon (pictured below): Year 6 High Jump at 1.53 metres – New AIC Record
• Bailey Brandon: Year 6 Division 2 Shot Put
• Travis O’Connor: Under 13s Division 1 100 metres at 11.96 seconds – New College Record

To all the athletes who represented the College in Track and Field this season thank you. Your effort, resilience, and team spirit have laid the groundwork for future success. We look forward to seeing you back in action in 2026.

2025 Sports Awards
Last night we celebrated our 2025 Sports awards - A fantastic opportunity for the St Patrick’s College community to come together and recognise the achievements, dedication, and spirit of our students, staff and coaches.

2025 has been another outstanding year for sport at St Patrick’s College. With over 1,100 students participating in our Sports program — a testament to the growing culture and the passion our young men have for representing their College.
Across the year, we fielded 160 teams in 14 different sports, competing in more than 1,200 fixtures. These numbers alone speak volumes about the scale and energy of our program.

On the night a total of 282 students were presented with awards for their performances and contributions to the College’s Sport program.

The night saw the inaugural presentation of the Kate Colahan Spirit of Track and Field award. We were fortunate to be able to have Kate’s husband Mick and son Darcy in attendance.

There is no doubt that 2025 was another extraordinarily strong year for the program, however as we look ahead, let us remember that success is not just measured in trophies, but in the courage to improve, the resilience to overcome, and the character we build along the way.

The departing Year 12 students were thanked for their contribution to St Patrick’s College sport and for the memories and the achievements that they leave behind. For the returning students, we hope that they have been inspired to dream bigger, train harder, and continue to represent St Patrick’s with pride, passion, and purpose.

Keep an eye out on our Socials pages next week where we will share some pictures from the evening's festivities.

Pier Pressure Rocks Battle of the Rock Bands
Earlier this month, our very own student band Pier Pressure brought the house down at the Battle of the Rock Bands held at Clairvaux MacKillop College, Mt Gravatt. With over 70 enthusiastic SPC students and parents cheering them on, many wearing new band shirts, the support for the band was overwhelming.

The group played a selection of their favorite rock classics, which were a hit with the crowd. However, their closing performance of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls, complete with pyrotechnics and confetti cannons, was truly unforgettable, earning loud cheers from the audience.

Their energy and musicianship earned them the Audience Choice Award, along with a $250 gift voucher. The band, which has been together for two years, delivered what many called their best performance yet. A huge thank you to the 2025 Pier Pressure band members for delivering what has been a brilliant couple of years of rocking entertainment.

Band Members:
Lewis Bullock (pictured) – Vocals/Harmonica
Zen Sutton – Guitar/Backing Vocals
Kai Laine – Guitar
Rohan Chadwick – Bass Guitar
Oscar Brown – Keys/Trumpet
Xavier Southby – Drums

A special thanks also goes to their families and caregivers for their ongoing support, helping Pier Pressure finish 2025 on a high. Special mention and congratulations to our other rock band - Pier Pressure - for continuing to represent the College with their continued flair and talent.

Senior Farewell Concert – A Night of Heartfelt Goodbyes
With the year nearly coming to an end, we took the opportunity last week to hold a moving tribute to our graduating musicians at the Senior Musicians Farewell Concert. This year, we celebrated 26 Year 12 students from the College Music Ensemble program, along with their families, caregivers, and peers.

The night was a wonderful opportunity for our community to honor these young men’s contributions to our College and music program, with the students performing in their music ensembles for the final time.

The evening was filled with the heartfelt energy we've come to love and expect from these talented young men. Staff took the time to share their journey and memories with the audience, along with the College Leadership Team’s reflections on their time at St Patrick’s College. Each graduate was presented with a special memento to commemorate the occasion—a beautiful send-off for these individuals who have shaped the musical culture of the College.

Celebration by the Sea – Music Under the Stars
Despite a questionable weather forecast, the skies cleared for our much-loved Celebration by the Sea outdoor concert this week. The event showcased performances from many of our Big Bands, Rock Bands, and Concert Bands, all set against the stunning coastal backdrop of Shorncliffe.

Hosted by our 2026 Music Captains, Alex Townsley and Hue Tan, the evening was a joyful celebration of community and creativity. It was a chance for our community to witness the musical talents of these young men. A big thank you to our Cultural Support Group (CSG) for keeping everyone refreshed with their delicious offerings throughout the night.

2025 Christmas Hamper Gift Drive

As we approach the Christmas season, the Paddy’s Van Ministries invites our College community to take part in our annual Christmas Gift Hamper Appeal. We will be running this initiative starting next week until the middle of November, collecting donations of various hamper items to support our charity partners:

• Redcliffe Breakfast Club 
• Sandbag Community Centre 
• St Vincent de Paul – Bracken Ridge

We are asking our students to deliver their Hamper items (see ideas list below) to their Tutor Group, or to directly deliver them to the Identity Office. Should you require any further information, please email identity@stpatricks.qld.edu.au