Focus Newsletter - Term 2 Issue 1 - 2025

Acting Principal Leader

The recent school holidays provided well-earned rest for our students and staff but they also included several significant moments in world and Australian history.

The events of Holy Week are always a highlight of the year for Catholics across the world but this year we saw some of the most amazing news images in recent memory as the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday captured the hearts and minds of people across the world.

Images and audio of an ailing Pontiff, mustering the strength to deliver a brief Easter blessing and interact with the faithful and their children, seemingly transformed overnight into endless rows of scarlet and white as the world’s cardinals stood mournfully alongside a cavalcade of world leaders who descended upon St Peters’ Square in Rome for the Papal funeral to pray and pay their respects.

Pope Francis will be long-remembered and respected for his tremendous compassion and affinity with the poor.  Austen Ivereigh, a prominent English Catholic commentator, has written three books on Pope Francis and his papacy. In discussing the impact of Pope Francis, Ivereigh described him as “… a Pope of the people, for the people; but most of all, he is a Pope with the people.”

In their own right, his predecessors, Pope St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, were also widely respected. However, as a Jesuit and a South American, Francis brought his unique style of papal leadership to the role. Many religious commentators have said of the three recent Popes - ‘St John Paul II taught us how to believe, Benedict XVI taught us why we believe, but Francis showed us how to live what we believe.’ His modest lifestyle and numerous leadership decisions and actions confirmed his genuine commitment to the Church’s option for the poor and pastoral mission. We now have news that Cardinal Robert Prevost, a US-born missionary and senior Vatican official, was elected Pope last Thursday evening, becoming the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church in its 2000-year history. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. Our new Pope is generally considered as ideologically aligned with Pope Francis, particularly in prioritising outreach to the poor, care for migrants, and a less hierarchical vision of Church leadership. We pray that the Holy Spirit leads him in the weeks and months ahead as he commences his role as our pastor and leader.

In Australia, we then moved into the bitter-sweet events of ANZAC Day, evoking further reflection on the intersection between life, sacrifice and death. As many commentators noted, the tragic consequences of World War 1 and Gallipoli touched every town and almost every family in our county at a time when Australia was a much smaller nation than we have today. Now, more than a century later, it is sad but heartening to realise that the memories and pain of Gallipoli still speak to our Australian psyche so deeply.

The final chapter in this sequence of events was, of course, the ongoing federal election campaign in Australia. After the dust settles on the election process, and irrespective of which side or political outlook prevails - our prayer is always that these leaders will make decisions that are morally and socially just, affordable, and good for the future of our nation as a whole.

I am sure you have reflected on these amazing events within your own families in recent weeks, and I have no doubt that students and teachers will be having extended discussions in classes in the weeks ahead as the papal installation and federal elections are finalised.

As parents would recall - Term 2 commenced with two staff development days, the first being used for collaborative planning for new NESA Curriculum documents, and the second day for the System Secondary Formation Day: Encountering Jesus (new Religious Education curriculum) and the Year of Jubilee 2025. This event involved all staff from every secondary school in the Parramatta Diocese and was an outstanding success, with CSPD convening a number of outstanding speakers, theologians, leaders and musicians who combined to provide a meaningful spiritual experience for our school staff. This can only benefit your sons and future students at our College with their own formation, which of course is the ultimate goal of what we do each day at the College.  

Finally – many thanks to the RE staff from Nagle College who worked with our teachers to prepare a wonderful Mother’s Day Mass at St Patrick’s Church last Thursday morning.

This liturgy provided an opportunity for an introduction and welcome to Fr Stephen Onyekwere who has joined Mary Queen of the Family Parish in recent weeks. Fr Stephen led our liturgy with great sincerity, and a touch of humour, providing a poignant and prayerful tribute to all our mothers. The students then joined Fr Stephen and the two school Principals to distribute roses to their mothers and grandmothers as a simple expression of their gratitude ahead of Mother’ s Day this weekend.  Special mention should be made of the music ministry group from Nagle whose singing was delightful.

As part of our Student Wellbeing program - this week Year 9 students had the opportunity to work with renowned motivational speaker Glen Gerreyn. Glen works with over 300 schools each year on issues related to mental strength such as grit, emotional intelligence, strengths, optimism, empathy, courage, and hope. Glen's simple but profound challenge was for every student to find their special talents - and work with consistency and determination to develop them. Glen's infectious enthusiasm is always greatly appreciated by our students and staff.

Thanking your for your generous and ongoing support.

Brian Edmonds
Acting Principal

Acting Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

I want to welcome all students back to school in Term 2. My hope is that all students will continue to grow in their faith and continue the great work they started in Term 1. We have had many events in the past fortnight; including Respect Week, Mother’s Day and a number of major sporting events.

I want to continue to remind parents and students that satisfactory school attendance is one of our conditions for participation in school representative sport and extra-curricular activities such as excursions. The attendance of all students who nominate for school, PDSSSC and subsequently NSWCCC representative teams will be checked by the Assistant Principals before squads/ teams are selected and announced. Students with poor attendance will not be included in these teams and a process of monitoring and review will be applied until the attendance rate of the student/s in question has improved. As the students are well aware, the same attendance rules apply to several of our elite competitions such as NRL Schoolboy Cup.

We have moved over to winter uniform and, as such, blazers and ties are expected to be worn each day, with the exception of Thursdays. I also want to remind parents and students that school shoes must be enclosed leather school shoes. Black runners are not acceptable footwear.

A reminder that hair must be of natural colour. Extremes of length or fashion are not acceptable. Student hairstyles that are not acceptable include – mullets, shaved sides, long or swept fringes, shaved lines, rat tails and all large tufts. Boys’ hair should be no longer than collar length and the fringe must be above the eyes. The school reserves the right to make rulings on the acceptability of any student hairstyles. It is expected that boys will be clean-shaven at all times. Students who do not comply with these guidelines may be sent home.

The month of May holds special significance in the Catholic Church as it is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Catholics around the world honor Mary during this time with devotions such as the Rosary, May crownings, and special prayers, recognising her as a model of faith, humility, and maternal love. Fittingly, Mother’s Day is also celebrated in May in many countries, offering a meaningful connection between honoring earthly mothers and venerating Mary, the spiritual mother of all Christians. This parallel deepens the appreciation of motherhood both in the Church and in family life.

Victor Hunt
Acting Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal - Learning, Teaching & Innovation

Year 11 2026 Subject Selection Information Events
During Week 3 of Term 2, the College will commence the Year 11, 2026 Subject Selection process with parents, carers, and students currently in Year 10. This process begins with a compulsory information evening on Tuesday 13 May, and also includes a Subject Orientation Day on Friday 16 May, and the Careers Market on Friday 23 May. Students are required to submit their subject choices online by Friday 6 June. In addition to these formal events, there will be a focus on Year 11 subject selections during Student Wellbeing lessons in the coming weeks, as well as the already completed Academic Assessment Careers Report.

Active participation in each stage of the subject selection process is essential to ensure that students, parents, and carers are well informed about the available options. This engagement fosters communication between home and the College, enabling all students to select the most appropriate pathway. This, in turn, allows students to choose the right courses at the appropriate level to achieve their desired outcomes; whether that involves selecting a pattern of study that leads to an ATAR and direct entry into university after Year 12, or attaining the HSC as a standalone certificate and/or nationally recognised qualifications through the various VET courses offered. Engagement in the process also helps to establish the high standards required for success in the HSC. We are very pleased to be working with these outstanding young men and their families as they begin the final stage of their high school education.

Heath Borg
Assistant Principal - Learning, Teaching & Innovation

Religious Education and Mission

Special Religious Education (SRE) Commissioning Mass
We are blessed to have 23 Year 10 students who have volunteered to teach Religious Education to Catholic primary school students at Blacktown South Public School.  The students completed their training in Term 4 last year, and have been teaching lessons every Thursday morning since Term 1.  The students have demonstrated great skill and commitment to their teaching, and I suspect we may have a quite a few future school teachers among the group!

On Saturday 5 April, a Commissioning Mass was held at St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown, to bless and congratulate all of the SRE teachers from the parish.  We were represented at the Mass by Joshua Cheetley, Dominic Sant, and their families.

The SRE program will continue to run until the end of the school year.  We will be inviting expressions of interest from the current Year 9 cohort during Term 4 to complete the training to teach SRE in 2026.

Good Friday Walk
The Diocese of Parramatta has continued its tradition of hosting the Good Friday Walk for the youth and young adults of the Diocese. Patrician Brothers’ College was proudly represented by several students who participated in the solemn pilgrimage in honour of the Passion and Death of Jesus on the Cross.

Mother’s Day Mass
On Thursday, May 1, we celebrated mothers and mother figures in our lives, together with the Nagle College community, with a combined Mother’s Day Mass at St Patrick’s Catholic Church. It was a wonderful event that was celebrated by Fr Stephen Onyekwere, who gave a beautiful homily linking the vocation of motherhood to the themes of the Feast of St Joseph the Worker (whose feast day was celebrated on the day). I would like to thank Mr Greg Beacroft, Fr Stephen, and Mr Daniel Mangabat and the staff of Nagle College for their efforts.

Thursday Morning Mass
Due to the Mother’s Day Mass celebration last Thursday we did not have our usual Thursday Morning Mass.  We will recommence Thursday Morning Masses this Thursday at 8:15am in the College chapel. Thursday Mass is a great opportunity to come and celebrate the Eucharist as a community. All students, staff and parents are invited each Thursday at 8.15am.

Tuesday Rosary
The weekly Rosary has resumed in the Chapel each Tuesday lunchtime. All students and staff are welcome and encouraged to learn how to pray the Rosary.

Sacramental Program
We will commence the School-based Sacramental Program next Tuesday during Period 2.  We will be preparing seven students to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.  If you would like your son to join the School-based Sacramental Program, please contact Mr Greg Beacroft (gbeacroft@parra.catholic.edu.au).

Anthony Pope
Acting Leader of Learning Religious Education

Dean of Knowledge Management & Analytics

In Week 7 of Term 2, Year 10 have their Assessment Block. About now, students start to summarise their notes for each subject. Is this the best way to study? Everyone learns and remembers in a different way, so different ideas are worth a try. There are a few websites that have some great suggestions, one great site is the State Library of Victoria website, http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/learn-skills/study-skills

Below are two other sites that are worth a look as well.

http://learnline.cdu.edu.au/studyskills/studyskills/revision.html

http://learnonline.canberra.edu.au/course/view.php?id=2101

 As always, your child’s teacher is a great place to start if you have any concerns.

Mark Robinson
Dean of Knowledge Management & Analytics

Pathways & Partnership Update

ACU - SUIT Completion Ceremony
In the Term 1 holidays, the Step Up Into Teaching (SUIT) Completion Ceremony for the 2024/5 cohort took place at the Australian Catholic University Strathfield campus. The SUIT program is a fantastic pathway program that allows high school students interested in becoming a teacher to gain a ‘head start’ on a teaching degree.

This was a fantastic opportunity to recognise the hard work of three of our Year 12 students, who over a 6 month period, completed two university units in the area of education. Not only did these students give up significant time in both the October and January school holidays, they also had to write assessment tasks for university at the same time as undertaking their Year 11/12 studies.

Congratulations to Zackary Armitage, Thomas Perry and Tobias Stevenson. The College is incredibly proud of your efforts and dedication to pursuing a vocation in education.

For students in Year 11 who are interested in the SUIT program, information will be released later this term.

2025 Careers Market
Our annual Careers Market is fast approaching! We are very excited to be hosting a range of stalls, with many new stallholders this year, especially from industry professionals.

All students from Years 10 - 12 will have an opportunity to attend the market.

Stay tuned for more information! 

Marie Lane
Pathways and Partnerships Leader

Resource Centre Update

Welcome back to all students and staff.

I hope you all had a well rested break and are ready to go for Term 2!

We have a large selection of new books in the library this term including new graphic novels and Manga, so make sure you stop by and check out our new titles.

A reminder that the Resource Centre opening times are as below.

Chess Tournament
The Resource Centre will be holding a school wide chess tournament this term, all year groups are invited to participate.

The tournament will be held Monday, Tuesday and Friday at lunch time starting at the end of Week 3, in a double elimination style bracket. Students have until Monday the 13 May to sign up and can do so by scanning the QR code below OR using the link on the corresponding Compass notification.

Beth Head
Senior School Assistant - Resource Centre

Year 10 Visual Arts Skateboard Decks

Year 10 Visual Arts Students Design Iconic Skate Decks
Our talented Year 10 Visual Arts students have recently completed an exciting project - designing and painting their own custom skate decks. Drawing inspiration from icons, symbols, and current social issues, students explored visual storytelling through bold, graphic imagery.

From pop culture references to powerful messages about the environment and identity, each deck showcases a unique perspective and strong creative voice. The project not only challenged students to consider how art functions in everyday objects but also allowed them to express their views on topics that matter.

We’re incredibly proud of their creativity, thoughtfulness, and craftsmanship!

Carly Eluna
CAPA Teacher

Year 7 Patrician Induction Day

The Year 7 Leadership Team, along with a select group of students, had the incredible opportunity to attend the Patrician Induction Day. This event provided a deeper understanding of the Patrician tradition and charism, giving students a chance to reflect on what it means to be a Patrician student.

A highlight of the day was an engaging interview with Br Nicholas Harsas, the Patrician Province Leader, where students had the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the rich history of the Patrician community. Br Nicholas was joined by Br Thomas and Br Aengus, both of whom have served the Patrician community for many decades. Their wealth of knowledge and experience provided students with a profound connection to the Patrician legacy.

This day was not only educational but also inspiring, as it helped our students develop a greater sense of pride and responsibility as part of the Patrician community.

Merit Awards

Mother's Day Mass

Sports Report

NRL Schoolboy Cup

Round 1

Patrician Brothers' Blacktown vs Matraville Sports High

Match Report

With an earlier start to the season due to the NRL introducing Magic Round to the schoolboy competition, our team entered the match with limited preparation, as many players had only recently completed their junior representative commitments.

With only four returning players from last year’s team and thirteen players making their debut in the competition, facing a team comprised mainly of Souths and Roosters players, a tough contest was expected.

In the early stages of the match, Matraville had several opportunities to score, but strong scrambling defence kept them out. When we eventually got our chance to attack, Steve Nunn crashed over for our first try. That was quickly followed by a length of the field try from Phoenix Tauasa, Cobi McCloskey scoring off a great pass from Tyler Peken, before Charlie Xuereb crashed under the posts taking the halftime score to 22–0.

In the second half, Blacktown continued to play attacking football, with great tries scored by Riley Davis, Leo Latu, Tyler Peken, Isaiah Wynbergen Titoko and another by Phoenix Tauasa, to take the full-time score to 54 to 6.

The 2025 campaign is off to a promising start. However, as we progress through the competition, the team must continue to improve, with greater challenges ahead. Our next match will be played at school on Tuesday 3 June against fellow Patrician  school, Holy Cross Ryde.

Patrician Brothers Blacktown 54

Matraville Sports High 6

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Oztag Gala Day

Patrician Brothers' Triumph at Oztag Gala Day
The recent Oztag Gala Day proved to be a tremendous success for Patrician Brothers' Blacktown, with both the Junior and Intermediate teams securing first place. Competing against six strong regional schools, our students demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

Each match showcased the dedication and preparation of our teams, culminating in a series of well-earned victories that ultimately led to both teams claiming the regional gold medal. 

As a result of their success, both teams will now advance to the prestigious Champions of Champions tournament, where they will represent our school at the next level of competition.

Coaches 
James Bunoza - Junior coach  
Chelsea Te Ariki - Intermediate coach 

Years 4 to 6 Rugby League Day

Our Rugby League Day is fast approaching, and spots are filling quickly.

This is a fantastic opportunity for boys who are considering enrolment at Patrician Brothers’ to experience a day of Rugby League skills, games, and teamwork – all guided by our expert staff and coaches. Whether you’re a beginner or have a passion for the game, you’ll get a taste of what makes our Rugby League program one of the best in the country.

Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this exciting day.

Register now via the flyer QR code or by clicking the link below:

https://forms.gle/2XQNinkEaTyEZ94i6

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the field.

Enrol Now