INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY 065 ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE STRATHFIELD LUMEN 2024 “Be strong, and let your heart take courage” – Psalm 31:24 Being men of H.R.T. means showing Honesty, Respect and Trust and demonstrating Honour, Resilience and Teamwork. The theme for Year 7 2024 challenged the boys to transition from the Junior School into young men of the Senior College. Sometimes we take this transition for granted considering the students have already been at the College for two years, however it is important to recognise the challenges and changes students face when moving from a Primary to a High School setting. Throughout 2024, our Year 7 cohort have been enthusiastic and focused on getting involved in all the new activities and experiences on offer since putting on their long pants and taking off their blue caps. The year started with a very practical orientation day: getting the students accommodated to high school life, getting to know their timetables, classrooms, expectations and homeroom teachers. This was capped off with a beautiful liturgy, beginning the year with prayer and intentions for the journey ahead. Term 1 saw quick growth in the boys, workloads increased, and assessments were many. Although the boys were challenged, they quickly adapted and with the support of the staff have grown into senior students throughout the year. While expanding their knowledge in the classroom the cohort also got to participate in their first Senior School Swimming and Athletics Carnivals, as well as their annual Reflection and Study Skills days. These key community events cemented the cohort together and connected them with the much larger St Patrick’s community. This development was capped off with our four-day adventure at Camp Somerset which pushed many students out of their comfort zone. The camp allowed students to strengthen existing friendships and create new ones while learning about independence, resilience and self-sustainability. Throughout the year I have consistently been impressed with the attitude of the cohort, who have been consistently willing to be involved in all aspects of College life. From participation in multiple Co-curriculars, College events such as the Lenten Dance and numerous fundraisers, the Year 7 cohort has done a wonderful job of getting involved and putting their hands up to be active members of the community. I thank the 2023-2024 Year Ambassadors Camilio Chelala, Anthony D’Arrigo, Jack Ronzini and William Gotsis for their leadership and role modelling throughout the first three terms of this year. They now pass the torch on to Brando Flammia, Wadih Ghossayn, Luke Ilacqua and William Zeng who I am sure will do a fantastic job leading the cohort forward into Year 8. Finally, this year would not have been as enjoyable or successful for the Year 7 group without the time, effort and support of their homeroom teachers and class teachers. I would like to thank all the staff who have worked with our boys this year through their transition, teaching them not only subject knowledge but life lessons and skills. It has been a wonderful experience working with this cohort and their families in 2024. I look forward to watching them continue to grow into outstanding young men of heart throughout the rest of their time here at SPC. Mr J Bottalico Year 7 Coordinator Luke Ilacqua, Sebastian Di Martino & Max Stacey Cooking Up A Storm In Tech Year 7 Students At Their Annual Supporters Day Joel Mascitelli And Matteo Rossetto YEAR 7 COORDINATOR
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