Two are better than one . . . for if they fall, one will lift up the other. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

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

All Saints and All Souls This week we celebrate All Saints Day on 1 November, and All Souls Day on 2 November. These solemn days recognise those who have died: the Saints of the Church, and those who perhaps have been Saints to us in our personal lives. We pray for the dead this week on these two days. The beauty of our tradition is that we come together, as one Church, one community, to pray for all of these people whether we know them or not.

Teaching is a human vocation and profession I want to preface this little piece by stating that although I was born in Yorkshire, England, I am not a Luddite, nor am I a technophobe.

It seems that questions are being asked in the education sector about the relevance and place of teachers in a world where technology is by now a very adequate and competent teacher. Perhaps teachers are becoming redundant?

Technology can do a great deal as a teacher. YouTube can teach us a whole lot of stuff, complete with video demonstrations! Dr Google is handy for all sorts of questions, queries and problem solving. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking off at an exponential rate, and the capabilities of our computers are growing at an equally alarming rate. Technology however, cannot demonstrate patience, diligence, motivation or empathy. Our humanness is what makes teaching a profession that has not seen its day. AI and all sorts of software can provide step-by-step instruction, can model answers and can provide many different ways of doing things. What any technology does though, is to mimic reality. That which engages one human being with another, in real time and in person, cannot be achieved by technology. Sure, remote learning is handy, is time-efficient and gives us the anywhere-anytime possibility. But, we come to the physical environment of a school to learn all sorts of things in addition to the prescribed curriculum.

At school we also learn about human relationships, and these at times can be tested and even difficult. The process of socialization; learning to be together, learning to share, taking turns, losing gracefully, and, even being a little embarrassed are all life skills that we will encounter outside of the context of school, yet we experience them at school as well. Schools are microcosms. The best way we can teach and learn in our contemporary world, is not to eschew technology, but to work with it as a partner in the teaching and learning process. It cannot and will not ever replace the learning (both curricular and extra-curricular) that we gain from interacting with each other. Technology can never be your son’s champion, a role model or trusted guide. Technology will never spark a new love

for a particular field of endeavour that can be shared in a conversation and it will never provide a word of comfort or understanding in quite the same way that can be expressed by people in community. I hope that at St Patrick’s we utilise the best that technology has to offer, and allow our students to

continue to explore the benefits that technology brings to their learning and their lives, but not so that it is at the expense of our boys’ learning about the human condition – theirs and that of their peers and teachers.

In a boys’ school, it is often said that boys learn their teachers before they learn the subject. I would strongly suggest that this is a fundamental part of the human condition. If we can relate to the person who is attempting to teach us a new concept or skill, we are far more likely to engage and then learn. Getting to know our students as people is our first task. As teachers in a Catholic school, it is essential that our getting to know them is also inclusive of us allowing them to get to know God.

We delight when our students grasp a new concept, particularly when they have struggled to understand. We are thrilled when our students develop a passion for our particular subjects and loves, we are relived when they work hard and reap the results of which they are capable and we feel for them when they experience hardship and difficulty.

College Board Dinner Last night the College Board gathered for the annual dinner. At this evening we offered an enormous vote of thanks and gratitude to both Mr John Pierce, who after seven years as Board Chair is stepping down at the end of 2017 and to Dr Michael Nicholl, who also has served on the College Board for the last 7 years. I would like to publicly acknowledge and thank both of these gentlemen for their generosity, support and wise contribution to the College Board over many years. These roles are honorary and volunteer positions, and ones that add a significant additional workload to members. The College has benefited enormously from their work and advice.

Live Jesus in our Hearts, Forever. Craig Wattam Principal

Vol 30, No 33 – 1 November 2017

This Saturday 4 November the Uniform shop will only be trading for Year 5 Orientation Day.

2017 College Board

Congratulations to Dylan Parks who won at Bayside and is the Youth D Victoria State Bouldering champion. Although not confirmed until all State Titles are run he will retain

the No. 1 Ranking for Bouldering to add to his 2017 National Ranking for lead. This is the second year in a row he has achieved this result and he looks forward to moving into Youth C age category next year. Well done to the Prep A and B Cricket teams who both beat the undefeated Riverview teams last weekend. Congratulations to Samuel Pearson in the B’s who scored 51 n.o. With summer rapidly approaching it is extremely important that all boys wear hats (when appropriate) and take water bottles to every training session and game. It is also imperative that all boys who are injured or sick give a note to Mr Andrews or their coach as soon as possible. We had too many boys missing on Saturday, leaving some teams with no reserves. If you are injured, you are still required to attend your fixture and assist with scoring, etc. A reminder that the Junior School Sports Dinner is on Friday 24 November, please book your seats asap. Ticket includes dinner and dessert, please bring your own nibbles and drinks.

Grant Andrews—Junior School Sportsmaster

It is a busy time. Our preparation for the Junior School Speech Night performance has begun, our assessment period is coming to a close and we are in the middle of our Summer

sport season. On Tuesday night of next week, 7 November, the boys in 6 Black will be presenting a “Night of the Notables” in which each boy takes on the character of a famous or notable person in history and delivers a presentation about themselves, their life and their achievements. It should be a mind stretching evening, the fun kicks off at 6.00pm. I would like to thank Mrs Timillero and Mr Fields for their great work with these boys in preparing them for this notable night, a great opportunity for the boys to truly broaden the scope of their learning and delve deeply into fascinating subject matter. On Thursday 16 November, Years 5 Green, Red and Blue will be presenting their Instrumental Concert in the Duffy Music Centre. The boys have been working very hard in preparation for this concert learning their string, woodwind and brass pieces with great enthusiasm. The concert is the culmination of the Semester Two Instrumental Programme, an introductory experience for most boys that gives them a taste of these instruments, something that will hopefully lead them into a lifetime of music. The concert commences at 11.00am and parents are most welcome to attend.

Jim Walters—Director of Junior School

The College will hold an Apology for victims and survivors of historical sexual and physical abuse on Monday 27 November. All who wish to be present at this event are invited to attend – no RSVP required. The event will be simple, including an official apology and reflection. It will commence at 4.00pm in Bicentennial Park, Homebush on the grassed area next to the Waterview Reception Centre (in front of the carpark area) – look for the College flag. Following the Apology, tea and coffee will be served in the Bel Parco room of the Waterview until 6.00pm. (If you would like further information please contact the College on 9763 1000.) We hope this goes a little way to acknowledging the wrongs of the past and planting seeds for the future.

St Patrick’s College, Strathfield Apology

Over the course of this year, the College has provided links to various sites to support parents in developing their knowledge and strategies in dealing with their son/s growth.

As part of the National Safe Schools Framework (NSSF), there is a complimentary site - the Student Wellbeing Hub [www.studentwellbeinghub.edu.au]. It has a range of resources that will provide parents with information on a number of different topics such as Healthy Minds & Bodies, Protecting Against Bullying, Respecting Diversity, Building Positive Relationships, Safe & Responsible Choices, and Being Safe Online. For parents of boys in the Junior School, I recommend you visit https://www.studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/parents/primary#/ whilst for parents of boys in the Secondary School, please visit https://www.studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/parents/secondary#/

Robert Simpson—Director of Pastoral Care

7 Geography 2, 8 Geography 3 and Year 11 Geography students have been working on improving their writing and literacy skills through a number of workshops over the course of the year. Since the beginning of Term Four, the College’s literacy specialist, Mrs Sinnadurai, has been working closely with the students in these classes to improve their argument construction, paragraph structure and general literacy skills. Year 7 Geography have completed a joint construction of an exposition piece. Year 8 Geography have created various blog posts regarding human rights abuses occurring around the world, which focused on using professional voice in their writing. They also completed a gallery walk on Friday where they peer reviewed other students’ work providing constructive feedback for others. Year 11 Geography have been deconstructing practice HSC questions and also constructing short answer questions to develop their skills for the HSC exam in approximately a years’ time.

Luke Reynolds—HSIE B Coordinator

PASTORAL CARE

All families in the College have been sent a link to a very short survey regarding

donations for Night Patrol (feeding the homeless). We ask that everybody complete this, especially those who wish to be on the roster. We are starting the roster from scratch so if you already donate we still need you to complete the survey. There is no need to email Robbie Boyle or me to remove yourself from the roster. This survey will help us create the list of people on the roster. We really need you!! We cur rently have 4 nights a month that we donate food for and we are running a bit short on some of these nights. You will need to donate on 6 nights throughout the year and reminder s will be sent to you. We hope that as many of you as possible jump on board to continue the great work of the College as we put our faith into action in a small way and aim to make life a little better for those who live on the margins. Could all surveys be completed by Monday 6 November please? Thank-you!

Gillian Daley—Director of Identity

All homerooms and classes in the College will shortly begin compiling Christmas Hampers for those less

fortunate than ourselves, because indeed we are a very blessed community in so many ways. These hampers will be sent to families through our four designated justice partners – St Vincent de Paul, Catholic Care, the House of Welcome and a home for survivors of domestic abuse. We ask that you bring in non-perishable food items, toiletries and Christmas presents to fill these hampers in order to bring joy to somebody else’s Christmas. All items must be new, not used. We ask that you give what you would like to receive rather than what you want to get rid of. All hampers need to be completed by 24 November. Thank-you, in advance, for your generosity and compassion for those who live on the margins as we aim to bring Justice & Solidarity to all. Our Social Justice Prefect, Harrison Armour, will be leading the charge to ensure we ‘lift up the other’, and to bring light to the recent Australian Catholic Bishops Social Justice Statement for 2017/18 called Everyone’s Business, which is based on the parable of the workers in the vineyard and aims to bring about an inclusive and sustainable economy. To see this document click on this link http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/files/SJSandresources/2017-SJS-Statement.pdf Again, thank-you!

Gillian Daley—Director of Identity and Sherrie Rodricks—Social Justice Facilitator

Humanity is designing its own demise? This was the question that was debated last Tuesday night at the Sydney

Town Hall at the IQ2 debate. The IQ2 debates are run by the Ethics Centre and are one of a number of programmes they run that allow people to explore the challenging, ethical issues we face today. The debate is a forum for many voices with the chance for audience members to have their say or ask a question of the panel once the debate has concluded. On arrival at the Town Hall we were asked our opinion on the question that was to be debated. There were four speakers, a futurist, a philosopher and professor, a professor of artificial intelligence and a science journalist. After the speakers presented their arguments we voted again. The moderator informed the audience that 51% believed that humanity is designing its own demise but that was after quite a swing from a number of voters initially being undecided. In Year 10 Philosophy, students recently completed a topic on futurism and the IQ2 debate really provided some interesting arguments on the part we as humans play in our future. In 2018 The Ethics Centre will run four debates. I encourage any students from Years 10-12 to register their interest to attend any of the debates. Topics can be viewed at: http://www.ethics.org.au/events/event-details/iq2-debates-2018-season

Janine Timillero—Diverse Learning Coordinator

Harrison Vellar, Lawrence De Pellegrin and Julian Thomas at the IQ2 debate.

2018 HSC Assessment Handbook and BOSTES HSC Rules and Procedures Booklet

On the first Monday back this term, I addressed Year 11 at a special assembly about the 2018 Higher School Certificate and Assessment. At this assembly the boys were meticulously “walked through” the College’s 2017-18 Edition of the Higher School Certificate Assessment Handbook and the Assessment Tasks Calendar for the remainder of this year. Both documents have been emailed to students. Furthermore, this week all students received hardcopies of the NESA 2018 Higher School Certificate Rules and Procedures Booklet.

It is expected that all boys would thoroughly familiarise themselves with all this information in order to plan and prepare for the rigours and demands of the HSC year ahead. I would also urge parents to read this information with their sons.

The information presented in these documents focuses on the rules associated with procedural matters governing the HSC, particularly assessment and examinations, such as conduct, malpractice, illness/misadventure, etc.

It is also important to note that the boys will confirm they have read, understood and agree to abide by the HSC rules and procedures when they sign their HSC Confirmation of Entry from BOSTES in first term next year.

In the event the NESA booklet is lost or misplaced, please contact the College to organise a replacement.

Andrew Brennan—Acting Director of Curriculum

IQ2 Debate

The Wind Ensemble welcomed Dr Bruce Pearson an internationally known author, composer, clinician, and conductor from the United States on Wednesday 18 October. Students were treated to an extremely successful workshop which included students from Years 7 to 10. All boys were challenged to build, develop and stretch themselves beyond their current proficiency level as a musician both individually and as an ensemble. By the end of the workshop the overall sound of the Ensemble had been transformed.

Well done to all boys who participated.

Derek Rose—Bandmaster

A survey relating to the College’s Co-curricular Programme was forwarded to over a third of the student and parent cohort along with the entire College teaching staff towards the end of Term Three this year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who responded to the survey and advise that relevant findings will be disseminated amongst the current College community as soon as possible. There was a great deal of feedback provided including numerous suggestions and as such will take a little time to discern, consider, map out and put plans into action. In order to ensure that there is no bias and that transparency occurs, an outside agency will be asked to synthesise the feedback and advise the College Executive in the first instance.

In the meantime, please know that the information respondents provided will assist with the future direction of the programme whilst maintaining areas of strength and addressing those that require further development in order to benefit the boys.

A reminder in relation to the attire worn by our boys making their way home on public transport at the conclusion of an afternoon’s training session.

Students are permitted to wear the following College attire:

Full Summer or Winter College Uniform depending on the season as per current expectation Or

The College Supporter’s shirt, College Crested Black shorts, white socks and runners/sandshoes. The College Tracksuit is optional yet highly recommended to be worn during the winter season.

On the first occasion, students failing to wear the correct attire will go without the privilege of wearing College sports gear home on public transport for a period of two weeks. Subsequent instances will result in boys not being given this privilege for the remainder of the season.

Parents are asked to note the following details in relation to ordering Junior School Sports, Senior School Winter Sports and Cultural Co-curricular photos:

All group photos are available for parents to purchase online. To order photos please visit our website: www.leadingimage.com.au, On the home page please click on the tab Order Y our School Photos, Enter the Shoot Key: 32VL8VRD and your email address.

All groups photos are $10.00 each with one $8.00 postage and handling fee per order. All orders will be sent to parents postal addresses and not to the school.

If parents have any questions regarding their photo order please forward them on to us. Our parent hotline number is 1800 750 586.

Steve Fochesato—Director of Co-curricular

On Sunday 24 September, ten Year 11 students along with Mr Kirby and Mr van der Meer left for Australia’s Red Centre. The group was absolutely buzzing. One of our main priorities was to get to know all the fellas who attended the St Joseph’s flexi centre as quickly as possible. Barriers were broken down through discussing common topics amongst ourselves, like sports and rap music.

Experiences with the fellas, like going to the aquatic centre and enjoying kangaroo tail together, were times when we lapped up being in one another’s company. Harry Armour sums it up well: “I felt like, when we played some footy in the pool with the fellas, it was no longer St Pat’s and St Joseph’s, we were all one group, on the

one team.”

Further into our journey we had the privilege of experiencing some of the natural wonders of central Australia, memories such as visiting Simpson’s gap and seeing almighty waterfalls crash off Uluru were memories we will all cherish, connecting us to Aboriginal Dreaming.

For me personally, it was my discussions with the staff of St Joseph’s that led me to this discovery: Whilst we may have many questions or answers surrounding Aboriginal affairs, I received great insights into the Indigenous education system… Do we have the solutions? Must we force our ideas upon our Aboriginal brothers and sisters when we come from different perspectives? We need to reach a common ground.

Tim Brattoni—(Year 11 Student)

CO -CURRICULAR SURVEY

CO-CURRICULAR UNIFORM – TRAVELLING ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

CO -CURRICULAR PHOTOS —ORDERING

SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2017

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

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

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT WEEKLY DRAW SUMMER ROUND TEN 4/11/2017

VENUES:

Auburn Basketball Centre: Wyatt Park, Church St, Lidcombe Cooke Park: Madeline St, Belfield

SPC Courts, No 3, No 4: Edgar St, Strathfield Phillips Park: Nicholas St, Lidcombe

Rudd Park: Cnr Clarence & Varidel Strs, Belfield Brick Pit: 1A Dartford Rd, Thornleigh Dangar Courts: Kent Rd, Rose Bay

Gowan Brae: Pennant Hills Rd, Inside the King’s School All Sorts Alexandria: Building 8, 190 Bourke Rd, Alexandria

Johnson Field: Stanmore Rd, Stanmore – Inside Newington Senior School Taylor and Phipps Field: College Crescent, Waitara

CRICKET OPPOSITION VENUE TIME

TRAD 6A Barker Taylor Field 8.00am

TRAD 6B Barker Phipps Field 8.00am

SUPER 8’S 6A St Aloysius Rudd Park 9.30am

SUPER 8’S 6B Kings Phillips Park (bottom) 9.30am

SUPER 8’S 6C Kings Phillips Park (bottom) 8.00am

SUPER 8’S 6D St Aloysius Rudd Park 8.00am

TRAD 5A Riverview Cooke Park 8.00am

TRAD 5B Riverview SPC No 4 8.00am

SUPER 8’S 5A Newington Wyvern Johnson Field 8.00am

SUPER 8’S 5B Cranbrook Phillips Park (top) 8.00am

BASKETBALL

TEAM A Barker Brick Pit 1 8.15am

TEAM B Barker Brick Pit 1 7.30am

TEAM C Barker Brick Pit 2 8.15am

TEAM D Barker Brick Pit 2 7.30am

TEAM E Coogee All Sorts Alexandria 10.15am

TEAM F Coogee All Sorts Alexandria 9.30am

TEAM G BYE

TEAM H BYE

TEAM I Barker Auburn 1 9.00am

TEAM J Barker Auburn 1 8.00am

TEAM K Barker Auburn 2 9.00am

TEAM L Barker Auburn 2 8.00am

TENNIS

TEAM A Cranbrook Dangar Courts 8.00am

TEAM B Kings Gowan Brae 7.30am

SOFTBALL

TEAM Black St Pius X & Trinity (3 way) Breen Oval 8.00am

CRICKET

1st XI v St. Pius X 10.00 Oxford Falls

2nd XI v St. Pius X 10.00 Breen Oval

3rd XI v St Spyridon College 10.00 Coral Sea Park

16A v St. Joseph's College 9.00 St Joseph's College 5

15A v Oakhill College 8.30 Meadowbank Park 10

15B v Sydney Grammar D 9.00 Weigall 4

14A v West Epping 8.30 Upjohn Park

14B v Carlingford Waratahs 8.30 Meadowbank Park 8

13A v Concord Briars 8.30 Mason Park 2

13B v Gladesville RSL 8.30 ELS Hall Park (Full Astro)

BASEBALL

1st IX v Macquarie 8.30 Waterloo Park

2nd IX v Stealers Lions 8.15 Golden Jubilee 1

16A v Westboomers 11.00 Major’s Bay Reserve

14A v Rosebank 8.30 Major’s Bay Reserve

BASKETBALL

1st V v St. Augustine's A 1.00 SPC Gym

17A v St. Augustine's A 12.00 SPC Gym

17B v St. Andrew's A 2.00 Syd Uni Sports & Aquatic (1)

17C v Chevalier College B 10.00 MV Basketball Stadium (1)

17D v St. Pius X E 12.00 Oxford Falls Gym 1

17Black v Oakhill College Yellow 2.00 Benildus Hall (Oakhill)

15A v St. Augustine's A 11.00 SPC Gym

15B v St. Andrew's A 1.00 Syd Uni Sports & Aquatic (1)

15C v Chevalier College B 11.00 MV Basketball Stadium (2)

15D v St. Pius X E 1.00 Oxford Falls Gym 2

14A v St. Augustine's A 10.00 SPC Gym

14B v St. Andrew's A 11.00 Syd Uni Sports & Aquatic (2)

14C v Chevalier College B 10.00 MV Basketball Stadium (2)

14D v St. Pius X E 12.00 Oxford Falls Gym 2

14 Black v Redlands D 8.00 Nth Beaches ISC 3

13A v St. Augustine's A 9.00 SPC Gym

13B v St. Andrew's 11.00 Syd Uni Sports & Aquatic (1)

13C v Chevalier College B 9.00 MV Basketball Stadium (2)

13D v St. Pius X E 12.00 Oxford Falls Gym 3

13 Black v Oxley College C 11.30 Oxley College PCC 1

13 Gold v Oakhill College Green 1.00 Benildus Hall (Oakhill)

GOLF

Squad v St. Joseph's College 12.00 Massey Park

Weekend Wrap Up! A busy weekend of sport saw many tremendous performances.

Last Friday night, our College Swimming Squad ventured over the bridge to North Sydney Pool to compete in the St Aloysius Invitation Carnival. On a fairly pleasant evening, it was a great opportunity for the squad to refine their strokes and perform together as a team for the first time this season. Our own St Patrick’s Invitational will be held this Friday night at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre set to commence at 7.30pm.

On Saturday the Blue, Black and Gold colours were high on display around the College grounds and across Sydney. After a 9 point win last weekend, unfortunately our First V Basketballers could not get back-to-back victories, going down to Chevalier College who played a very fast pace game.

On Breen Oval it was different story, where our First XI Cricketers continued their dominant form with a comprehensive victory over Chevalier College. Tom Brooks continued his great early season form, scoring 60 runs but the star of the day was Patrick Braithwaite with 6/12 off 5 overs.

Well done to our College Baseball teams who won three of the four games on the weekend and to our First IX Baseballers who remain undefeated.

Our recent re-formed Golf team did extremely well with a 4 nil whitewash over opposition Riverview Blue. Nicholas Cullen won 3/1 having to give 10 shots to his opponent which is quite a lot in golf, akin to giving a Football team a 2 goal head start or a three try head start in Rugby. While the team had a resounding win placing them at the top of the table after two rounds, what was more impressive was the way in which each of the games was played.

Congratulations After recent reports I extend my congratulations on behalf of the College to Year 9 students Seamus Meaker and Thomas Winters alongside Finn Gray of Year 8 who all trialled and were successful for the Under 15s NSW CIS Cricket team.

Anthony Calavassy—Acting Head of Secondary Sport

Parents, Friends and students are invited to the Years 5-10 Visual Arts Exhibition Opening, Thursday 9 November, 3.30pm – 5.00pm,

light refreshments will be provided. Students will also have the opportunity to view the artworks at lunch and recess,

Wednesday 8 to Friday 10 November.

SAVE THE DATE