Focus Newsletter - Term 2 Issue 2 - 2025

Acting Principal Leader

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students,

In the last week the weather has transformed dramatically and there is no doubt that winter has arrived.  Sadly, this impacted our annual Athletics Carnival, which had to be cancelled last week after torrential overnight rain and bitterly cold winds descended on Blacktown following weeks of quite pleasant autumn conditions. We will look for another suitable date but venues in this region of Sydney are heavily subscribed so we may have to be patient.

The last fortnight has included a number of important events that are worthy of mention.
Respect Week
Last week we paused to acknowledge Respect Week. Since its inception in 2021, we have used Respect Week to highlight the importance of respect for women and to provide guidance for our students around respectful relationships. The week also provides focus and context for a range of activities, resources and guests speakers that are embedded in our Student Wellbeing program across the entire year on this same theme. If we are true to our Patrician mission of nurturing good young men who will be the fathers, partners, husbands and brothers of the next generation of Australian and Western Sydney society - we have a responsibility to have honest and heartfelt discussions with them about the values and attitudes they will take into their future relationships, and in doing so, hopefully shape a better narrative for their lives and those who depend on them. I would encourage all parents and carers to find a few minutes to talk to their sons about the ideas and issues raised during this week.

Year 11 2026 Subject Selection
Year 10 into 11 2026 Subject Selection Night was held last week and attracted a huge crowd of parents and carers, keen to support their sons in making the best possible decisions around their pattern of study for Years 11 and 12. While this support may seem insignificant to some, especially to parents who have been through this process with several older sons or daughters, it carries an important message of encouragement for your son as he faces the step up into senior studies with a myriad of options to choose from.

Career Market
Our annual Careers Market was also held this week, featuring a huge range of career options and destinations for our students. Feedback from our staff and the various stallholders indicated that our Years 10, 11 and 12 students showed great interest during their respective sessions and posed some very mature and thoughtful questions for the presenters. Thanks to Mrs Marie Lane, our Pathways and Partnerships Leader, for her tireless work in coordinating this event.

NRL Schoolboy Cup
Last week we also played our first game in the NRL Schoolboy Cup Rugby League competition for 2025. Our team scored a strong win over Matraville Sports High School and we look forward to the next game in the first week of June.

Student Wellbeing Program - Safe Driving
Last week our senior students were also involved in a presentation by Blacktown Police on Safe Driving as part of our Student Wellbeing program. The presentation covered a wide range of topics and questions, including defensive driving, common distractions for young drivers, the dangers of speed and careless driving, and detailed information on driving fines and penalties. The information generated a significant number of questions afterwards and will hopefully encourage our young drivers to carefully consider their driving behaviour.

In the coming weeks we look forward to a number of major school events including - Year 10 Examinations, further rounds of CSDA Debating, Winter Sports Photos, Year 7 Science excursion to Australia Zoo, mufti day for the Delany Foundation, and further rounds of the NRL Schoolboy Cup competition for 2025, including a home game against Holy Cross College from Ryde, a fellow Patrician school and traditional rival.

We will also pause and reflect on several major events on the liturgical calendar – namely Pentecost Sunday on Sunday 8 June and the Feast of Corpus Christi (The Body of Christ) on 19 June, celebrated for practical reasons on Sunday 22 June. Both of these events are integral to the way we understand and live out our faith.

Brian Edmonds
Acting Principal

Acting Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

I would like to congratulate the way in which students have approached their studies. It has been pleasing to see that students are being rewarded for their efforts in class. 

Student Attendance
A continued reminder 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, and they will be fully enforced if neccessary.

Tell Them From Me Survey 2025
Between 26 May and 7 June 2025, all students in Years 7-12 will be given the opportunity and time to participate in this survey during regular school hours. Students who agree to complete the survey will be given a random username and password to access and complete the survey online. Students’ names cannot be linked to their responses which allows it to be completely anonymous. Results will show all student scores combined together – it is not possible to single out individual students in the results. 

We also invite parents to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at Patrician Brothers' Blacktown.

 The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You are able to access the parent survey (20 different languages available) on your computer or mobile device by using the URL below:

http://tellthemfromme.com/patties2025

Victor Hunt
Acting Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal - Learning, Teaching and Innovation

Writing for Purpose - Literacy Focus in 2025
To enhance student writing skills in 2025, Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown has implemented a comprehensive literacy improvement strategy across the entiore student community with a particular focus on Writing for Purpose. This strategy emphasises explicit instruction, regular practice, and targeted feedback to support student growth. Central to the strategy is teaching students a logical process for planning and editing their writing, ensuring clarity and coherence in their work. Students are being taught the importance of using subject-specific terminology, appropriate syntax, and developing their capacity to construct compound and complex sentences, ultimately fostering a more sophisticated writing style.

Consistent formative assessment, complemented by a variety of informal and formal feedback methods, is embedded within this initiative. These practices enable critical conversations between students and teachers to identify individual strengths and areas for further development. By adopting this consistent approach across all Key Learning Areas, we aim to build student confidence, enhance clarity of expression, and significantly improve writing skills across the curriculum.

Bookwork is a central component of this initiative. The focus of Learning Walks during Term 2 by the College Leadership Team, including the Principal and both Assistant Principals,  will be to monitor and support the implementation of these strategies, ensuring that consistently high standards of writing and presentation are maintained in all classrooms. As active and valued partners in this Writing for Purpose improvement journey, we encourage all parents and carers to read their son’s bookwork and facilitate conversations about what is being learned in their lessons each day.

As always, we are very appreciative of your ongoing support and partnership in your son’s educational journey.

Heath Borg
Assistant Principal
Learning, Teaching and Innovation

Religious Education and Mission

Diocesan ‘LIFTED’ Events
During the last week, students from Years 7-10 have participated in a range of Diocesan events celebrating faith and Catholic identity.

On Thursday, May 15, some of our boys from Years 7 and 8 attended Lifted Rise, where they met with other junior high school students from across the Parramatta Diocese for a day of prayer, music, inspiring talks, and Mass.  The keynote speaker was Sr. Rosie Drum.

On Friday, May 16, some of our students from Years 9 and 10 attended Lifted Unleashed. Throughout the event, the boys engaged in various activities, including small workshops aimed at fostering personal and spiritual growth. These workshops provided them with the opportunity to reflect on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they can be manifested in their daily lives, empowering them to become agents of positive change in their communities.

Thank you very much to Mr Daniel Huynh, and Mr Jye Mamo for accompanying our students on these days.

Vinnies Van
Each fourth Wednesday of the month, staff and students from our College volunteer with the Vinnies Van. This is a valuable opportunity for our community to give back and support those in need. I would like to thank the staff and students who generously volunteer their time for this important service.

Thursday Morning Mass
Thursday Morning Masses will recommence next Thursday 29 May. Thursday Mass is a great opportunity to come and celebrate the Eucharist as a community. All students and parents are invited each Thursday at 8.15am in the College Chapel.

Tuesday Rosary
We have started praying the Rosary in the Chapel each Tuesday lunchtime. All students and staff are welcome and encouraged to learn how to pray the Rosary.

School-Based Sacramental Program
We have started our preparation lessons for students who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.  Our lessons take place during Student Wellbeing lesson time (Period 2 on every second Tuesday), and will continue throughout Term 2.  If you would like to find out more about the College Sacramental Program, please contact Mr Greg Beacroft (gbeacroft@parra.catholic.edu.au).

Year 10 Reflection Days
On Tuesday 20 May half of our Year 10 Homerooms participated in their Reflection Day.  The day was led by Chris Doyle, who helped the boys to step out of their comfort zones to seek God’s presence in their lives through music, song, and dance.  Unfortunately, Mr Doyle had to leave mid-way through the day due to a family emergency, so the last sessions of the day were facilitated by Miss Ellen Lombo and myself.  Miss Lombo led the students through reflection on the First Letter of St Paul to the Corinthians, with a focus on the ‘Gifts of the Spirit’ and how we live them out as a grade, while I led the boys to reflect on their own unique gifts, and how they are cultivating and celebrating them.

The second half of the Year 10 Homerooms will have their Reflection Day rescheduled when we are able to confirm a new date for Chris Doyle to join us.  We will advise families of the new date once it is locked in.

Thank you very much to the students of Year 10, both those who participated in Day 1 of the Reflection Day for their dedication and openness to the Holy Spirit working with them; and to the remaining students for their patience while we wait to reschedule Day 2.  Thank you also to Miss Ellen Lombo (Year 10 Acting Student Formation Leader, and leader of our Faith in Action Team) for facilitating the day, Miss Maria Valore (Acting Assistant Student Formation Leader) for working closely with the students throughout the day and ensuring the smooth running of the activities, and to the Year 10 Homeroom Teachers for their guidance and support of their students throughout the day.

Anthony Pope
Acting Leader of Learning - Religious Education

Dean of Knowledge Management and Analytics

Year 10 Assessment Block
In Week 7 of this term, Year 10 students will have their Assessment Block. The examination timetable, along with a letter from the College, has been published on Compass.

It is imperative that the boys have a structured study plan. This includes breaking down the material into manageable chunks and allotting specific time slots for each subject. Such an approach not only helps avoid last-minute cramming but also ensures thorough coverage of the syllabus.

Equally important is the ability to prioritise. Students should identify the topics that require more attention and allocate additional time to mastering them. By focusing on weaker areas while maintaining strength in others, they can optimise their study efforts and maximise performance.

If your son needs assistance in developing a study timetable, he is welcome to see me or Mrs Lane in the Resource Centre.

Mark Robinson
Dean of Knowledge Management and Analytics

Pathways and Partnership Update

Careers Market 2025
Last week we held our fifth annual Careers Market. The College Hall was full of excitement with over 30 stalls, with many of our regular attendees such as universities, TAFE, group training organisations, emergency services and Defence Force Recruiting. Additionally, we continued our focus on industry this year and were lucky to have a diverse range of industry professionals in attendance. These included Blacktown Council, Fabinox Welding, K&S Metal Fabrication and Mainfreight to name a few.

The students walked into the Hall with a clear focus on which stalls they wished to visit and it was great to hear so many students initiating conversations, asking specific and inquisitive questions. We received positive feedback from many of the stallholders praising the boys for their manners and how well they engaged in conversation.

I hope that all the students who attended found the experience enlightening, informative and empowering. We also welcomed students from Nagle College for the session after lunch.

We look forward to what the 2026 Careers Market will hold!

Marie Lane 
Pathways and Partnerships Leader

Resource Centre Update

Chess Tournament
The 2025 Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown Chess Tournament started last week. I would like to extend a massive thank you to all students who signed up to participate.

We had an overwhelming 49 entries, which was more than we had anticipated, so thank you all for your enthusiasm.

Due to the large number of entries, we’ve broken the tournament into 4 brackets, with the top 4 from each bracket then competing in a championship bracket to determine the top 2 and then finally our 2025 champion.

Bracket A and B played on Tuesday 13 May, with Bracket C playing on Friday 16 May and Bracket D playing on Tuesday 20 May.

We had a lot of fun and intense games, with the following boys moving on to Round 2;

Round 2 was held this week, with Round 3 starting next week - good luck to everyone.

Puzzle Update
For Term 2 our first Resource Centre school puzzle was Spiderman themed, and not surprisingly, the students completed the puzzle with great enthusiasm in just 4 days!

We then started another Spider-verse themed puzzle, which took the students an astonishing 3 days to complete!

A big shout-out to James Lasu, Lacesin Paurini, Seedorf Lado, Christian Faauila, Jozaiah Fakalangi, Andrew Kaufononga, Ziyon Lepolo, Hosea Sale, Luke Graf, Jayden Dabit, Jodeci Vahaakolo-Fifita, Asa Visesio, Callum Hulbert, Oliver Beresford and Mr. Egarchos who worked meticulously on both puzzles until they were complete. This was a great team effort requiring intense concentration. 

Beth Head
Senior School Assistant - Resource Centre

Lifted Live 2025

On Thursday 15 May a group of our students from Years 7 and 8 attended the LIFTED RISE event, a vibrant and inspiring event for Catholic youth across the Parramatta Diocese.

The day was filled with uplifting music, prayer, and dynamic talks, including a powerful address from Sr. Rosie Drum. Our students engaged in meaningful discussions about faith, leadership, and identity, which allowed them to explore their beliefs, values, and spiritual development in a supportive environment. The celebration of Mass provided a moment of reflection and renewal, leaving them inspired and hopeful.

It was fantastic to see the students connect with their peers and deepen their understanding of their faith within our College community. This event not only fostered a sense of belonging but also encouraged them to embrace their spiritual journeys with enthusiasm and commitment.

Jye Mamo
Religion Teacher

On Friday 16 May a group of Years 9 and 10 students attended the second day of the event which was titled LIFTED UNLEASHED. The students engaged positively in all the workshops and it was evident that they appreciated the opportunity to continue their faith journey with students from other schools within the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese. 

"A really great day where we explored our faith and shared our stories with fellow students from the Diocese. We sang, we danced, and we lifted." - Hunter Puapua, Year 9

Daniel Huynh
Religion Teacher

Respect Week

On Wednesday 7 May, as part of Respect Week, the school launched a powerful initiative encouraging students and staff to reflect on the women they respect in their lives. From mothers and sisters to partners, grandmothers and teachers, the boys wrote heartfelt notes expressing gratitude and admiration.

The Respect Wall was a great success, with many students contributing multiple messages in honour of the women who inspire and support them. Thank you to the staff and student leaders who helped lead this initiative.

A special thank you to Danielle Bracci for organising such a meaningful week. Using thoughtfully researched and curated videos shown in Homeroom and College Assembly as starting points, discussions were held in class about how young men can demonstrate respect in their lives, whether at home, on public transport, or in the workplace.

What a wonderful and successful celebration of respect and reflection!

Year 7 Merit and Attendance Awards

This week, Year 7 recognised our Class Captains as this group of outstanding young leaders received their badges. We also celebrated students who earned their first Patrician Bronze Merit Award, congratulating them for their academic and behavioural excellence. Additionally, boys were presented with Perfect Attendance Awards in recognition of their commitment to school and thjeir own education. As a College community, we congratulate our Year 7 students on their impressive achievements in Term 1.

Merit Awards

Sport Report

PDSSSC Cross Country Championships 2025
On Friday May 9 our College Cross Country squad competed bravely at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park. All participating athletes completed individual races with great pride and determination for Patties and their families. 
Our school spirit was on full display throughout the day with genuine encouragement from all boys towards their team mates. This was exemplified by Johnathan and Saleem Asfour as they cheered on all other runners from our school. A special mention to the following athletes who have qualified for the NSWCCC Titles. 

Bernie Irvine  U13 years
Devai Lafaele U12 years
Maxwell Harvey U18 years

Thank you to all athletes and to Mr Niulesa for his help on the day.

Rob Bangel
Coach

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