Focus Newsletter - Term 3 Issue 5 - 2025

Acting Principal Leader

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

This week Term 3 concluded for students and staff - but not before we experienced a wonderful Year 12 Graduation Day. The day included our Year 12 Graduation Mass, a whole-school guard of honour to applaud the students out of the school, and then a glittering Graduation Ceremony in the evening, where parents and other families joined us for the presentation of report portfolios, subject awards and major awards, followed by a very generous supper in the Bottom Quad.

While some people would think that every graduating class is fairly similar, most parents, and certainly all teachers, would realise that every group is unique. Among this Year 12 cohort, the College was blessed with spectacular musicians, gifted artists, eloquent debaters and public speakers, elite sportsmen, rapidly emerging cultural leaders. and brilliant academics.

This Year 12 group repeatedly notched up first-evers and best-evers during their final year at Patties. Among a long list of achievements in the last 12 months, they organised the first ever Push-Up Challenge for Mental Health, our biggest ever RUOK Week and Bronut Day, arguably our best ever CAPA Major Works Showcase evening, widely-acclaimed cultural leadership by our Indigenous and Pasifika students, the revitalisation of our SRC, and finally, a second successive NSW title in the NRL Schoolboy Cup Rugby League competition.

More importantly, this group had a very deep sense of pride and loyalty to their school, and the way that they embraced their graduation events this week spoke very clearly to this genuine feeling of brotherhood.

In farewelling Year 12, we make special mention of the unwavering support, encouragement, and sacrifices made by their parents and carers over the past 6 years. Without this support, these young men would not have experienced anywhere near the same levels of achievement and success.

We also paid tribute to the staff who have guided and mentored these young men during their time at the College. Of course, this includes not only their classroom teachers, but also the office and ancillary staff, coaches, and mentors - whose tireless commitment to these students has been nothing short of extraordinary. Our staff have nurtured their faith, challenged their values and priorities, and inspired their curiosity. Their passion for education, and dedication to each student, have left an indelible mark on the lives of these young men.

We included a special shout-out to Mr Dominic Williams, the Student Formation Leader for this cohort for the last 2 years, who has guided and encouraged them with patience, wisdom and care. Mr Williams has been closely supported by Ms Melanie Gearing, whose energy and care seem to have no bounds. I hope all our graduating students have people in the next stage of their life who will mentor them with the same generosity and dedication.

But for all the glowing tributes and great memories that were shared on Graduation Day - the true measure of success for this Year 12, and our College, will be whether they use their Patrician education to contribute positively to the world they are about to enter. They need to act with kindness, be open to God-moments in their life, and strive for excellence in all that they do. They are the young men, the partners, the husbands and fathers of the next generation - and we desperately need them to be good.

Congratulations - Class of 2025 - we are incredibly proud of you and we can hardly wait to see the amazing and surprising things you will accomplish in the future. As you leave us, please know that you have the support, belief and prayers of everyone at Patties who has been part of your journey.

Brian Edmonds
Acting Principal

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Acting Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

Delany Foundation Reach Out Program
In Week 2, Term 3, the Delany Foundation Reach Out Program was launched with students and staff at our College Assembly. As has been previously shared, the Delany Foundation Reach Out Program, is a registered not-for-profit charity, established in 2008 as a legacy of the Bicentenary of the Patrician Brothers, and named after their founder, Bishop Daniel Delany.

The foundation provides education, health care, pastoral ministry, food and water to communities of great need in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Kenya and Ghana. Donations will ensure that Patrician outreach services to these communities will be continued.

During Term 3 the students had a mufti day as the main fundraising event. However, students/parents/carers were also able to make a voluntary contribution of any amount via the QKR app. Access to this donation portal will close on Friday 10 October. So if any community members would like to make a donation, please access the QKR app and donate as much or little as you want (the smallest donation amount is $1). Any support, even the smallest amont,  is greatly appreciated.

Just a reminder that the QKR app has replaced all cash and coin payments in Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese. Instructions for installing and using the QKR app can be viewed in the instructional video here.

Thank you for the donations already made and in advance for your support of the Delany Foundation.

Term 4
Just a reminder that we return in summer uniform in Term 4. Students will not need to wear their ties or blazer (except for special occasions - to be advised). I suggest all students work with their families to get their blazers dry-cleaned over the school holidays so they can be put away until next year. Having the blazers dry-cleaned and put away will help preserve them and make them last as long as possible.

Students are reminded that their sports uniform is just for Thursdays and during PE/PASS/SLR lessons. The boys have been very casual as the weather has warmed and wearing the incorrect uniform on the incorrect day. Parent support in this area is greatly appreciated.

As we step into the holidays, I hope the boys' days are filled with sleep-ins, snacks and maybe even a little bit of schoolwork! I hope they enjoy a well-earned break, recharge their batteries, and most importantly, stay safe.

But I’d encourage the boys to not get too comfortable in holiday mode, because in just two short weeks, Term 4 will be waiting with open arms (and plenty of learning). So (hopefully) whilst they are relaxing and helping around the house in equal measure, I would like to encourage the boys to dust off the school bag and ensure everything is ready and in order to prevent the frantic “Where’s my other shoe?!” on day one of the new school term.

Wishing you a happy, restful, and laughter-filled holiday. See you all bright-eyed and ready for a strong finish to 2025! I wish everyone in our community a safe and relaxing break. School will resume for students on Tuesday 14 October. 

Assistant Principal - Learning, Teaching and Innovation

Farewell Year 12
It was with great pride that we farewelled our Year 12 Class of 2025 last Tuesday. As a College, we were immensely proud of their uniform, personal presentation and the reverence that they showed during the Graduation Mass and the spirit with which they participated in the Graduation Ceremony. We wish them all the best in their preparations for the upcoming HSC examinations and whatever life has in store for them in 2026 and beyond. 


Year 9 and 11 2025 Subject selections
Year 9 2026 Subject Selections are now closed. Thank you to the students for adhering to the published due-by date. Confirmation of elective subjects for 2026 will be communicated via Compass early in Term 4.

Year 11 2026 subject selection confirmations will also be emailed at the beginning of next term. We consider this process closed at this point in time. If students or parents have questions regarding their pattern of study, please make contact with Mr Borg through the College office.

Finally, I hope all staff, students and their families have a wonderful break over the holidays. 

Heath Borg
Assistant Principal
Learning, Teaching and Innovation

Religious Education and Mission

Thursday Morning Mass
This term we have seen an increase in the number of staff and students who are regularly attending Thursday Morning Masses.  We are particularly grateful to our altar servers and our Year 12 Leaders for their generous and consistent service.  Masses will resume in Week 1 of Term 4.

Year 12 Graduation Mass
Our College theme for 2025 is “Let Your Light Shine”, and our Graduation Mass carried this theme through the readings, homily and symbolism.  Our Gospel called our graduating students to see themselves as “the salt of the earth” and as a “light to the world”.  Father Wim’s homily drew out the implications of these callings: that as the salt of the earth, these young men are called to help others and make a positive contribution; and as a light to the world, they are called to shine the light of Christ to others and to live the Breastplate of St Patrick.

We give thanks to our graduating cohort for their dedication over many years, and for their contribution towards shaping the culture and traditions of our College.  We give thanks to Fr Wim and Deacon John for celebrating the Mass of Thanksgiving with us.  We give thanks to our choir and band, led by Ms Jane Solo and Mr Clemens Del Rosario, for leading us in the hymns and school song.  We give thanks to Greg Beacroft, and to our altar servers for preparing the Mass and preparing the sanctuary. We give thanks to all of the readers, extraordinary ministers, and procession members for contributing to the solemnity of the celebration of Mass.

As a part of the entrance procession for the Mass, the Year 12 students adorned the sanctuary with symbols representing the “gifts” they have received from God as a part of their Patrician formation.  The script that accompanied the procession of symbols is provided here.  It showcases the achievements of the graduating class, and provides genuine insights into the contribution that they will surely make to their world.  

In today’s Gospel we will hear about how we are all called to be “the salt of the earth and a light to the world”.  As we celebrate our graduation in this Mass of Thanksgiving, the graduating class of 2025 give thanks for the many gifts God has given us through our formation at Patrician Brothers’ College. We pray that we might cherish these gifts, and use them to shine the light of Christ as we move out into the world.

We give thanks for the gift of Spiritual Formation. Our College Masses, Formation Days, Senior Retreat, Religious Education lessons, and daily interactions with the College staff, students, and clergy have all shaped us as men committed to seeking and nurturing our faith.

We give thanks for the gift of Stewardship. Through the care shown to us by the staff in the front office, the grounds-staff, and our teachers, we have learned the importance of caring for others, and for the earth - our common home.

We give thanks for the gift of Service. The opportunities to raise funds for the Delaney Foundation and Project Compassion, to serve on the Vinnies Van, and donate food and toys for the Christmas appeal have all taught us that we should see Christ in all, and that we should be of service to all.

We give thanks for the gift of Patrician Hospitality. Serving at Breakfast Club, leading parent groups at the Year 7 Open Night, Peer Support, and welcoming guests to the school have all taught us the importance of making people feel welcome, comfortable, and respected.

We give thanks for our Academic Formation. Our teachers, peers, and generations of past students have shown us the importance of having a go and of seeking excellence, and they have modeled for us Daniel Delany’s belief that, through a Patrician education, we might be able to make a positive difference in our world.

We give thanks for the gift of Creative Formation. Through our creative and performing arts classes we have been taught to harness our creative skills.  Through opportunities to share our talents at college assemblies, liturgies, and showcases, we have learned that our talents can be used to inspire and lift others.

We give thanks for the gift of Athletic Formation. Through the inspiration of our Cllege staff and alumni, opportunities in academic study, Thursday Sport, and a vast array of representative sporting opportunities, we have learned that we can achieve the greatest heights of success, while also using our God-given talents to show the light of Christ to the world.

We give thanks for the richness of our Cultural Identity and Formation.  Through Multicultural Days and community celebrations such as NAIDOC Week and Fia Fia Night, we have learned to celebrate our diversity and our unity so that we can be a light to the world.

We give thanks for the gift of Resilience. Through the unique period of COVID quarantines and the support we received from our teachers and families during that time, we learned the importance of responding positively to change and being willing to adapt.

We give thanks for the gift of Christian Community. Through the formation we have received from our Student Formation Leaders, Homerooms, classes, and other daily activities, we have become a part of the Patties family. Once a Patties boy; always a Patties boy!

Anthony Pope
Acting Leader of Learning - Religious Education

Dean of Knowledge Management and Analytics

On Tuesday evening, the College celebrated 13 years of education with its Year 12 students and their families. During the ceremony, students who achieved top marks in their subjects were recognized for their academic accomplishments. The College also presented its Year 12 Major Awards, and the criteria and recipients for these awards are detailed below.

Congratulations to all the students in Year 12 on their graduation.

Major Awards

College Leadership Award
Awarded to the student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout their time at the College.

Award Recipient:
Zackary Armitage

The Reuben F Scarf Award
Awarded to a student who is persistent and dedicated.

Award Recipient:
Patrick Stewart

The ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award
Recognises students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the College and the broader Community and who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, respect for others and “mateship”, that are integral to Australian society.

Award Recipient:
Jack Green

The ADF Future Innovators Award
recognises students who demonstrate innovation and learning in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Award Recipient:
Emilio Bellido

The Social Justice Award
recognises a student who reaches out with generosity of heart to build a Community that values the dignity of each person, within the College and in the Community.

Award Recipient:
Joshua Jurgeit

The Patrician Integrity Award
Is presented to a student who personifies the College Theme. For 2025, the College Theme is Let Your Light Shine.

Award Recipient:
Maxwell Harvey

The Bishiop Daniel Delany Awards
Is presented to a student who has enriched the spiritual life of the College and the Community.

Award Recipient:
Marc Cuevas

The Jarara Award
Is awarded to an Indigenous student whose resilience and capacity for growth have enabled him to consistently
build on his strengths during his time at the College.

Award Recipients:
Liam Robertson
Tyrone Campbell

Dedication and Commitment to Creative and Performing Arts
This award goes to a student who has used his creative talents at every opportunity possible, within the College   and the Community.

Award Recipients:
Unaloto Vaka'uta
Tobias Stevenson

The Debating and Public Speaking Award
This award goes to the student who has demonstrated excellence and commitment in the fields
of debating and/or public speaking.

Award Recipient:
Daksh Soni

The School Service Award
Recognises commitment and a strong sense of service, taking part willingly
in activities within the College and Community.

Award Recipient:
Daniel Sinclair

The Brother Patrick Lovegrove Award
This award recognises a student who has dedicated themselves to their studies and achieved their personal best.

Award Recipient:
Arjun Pillay

The Brother Gerard Histon Award
This award is for a student who makes an outstanding contribution to the academic and cultural life of the College.

Award Recipient:
Evan Ng-Lam

Sportsman of the Year Award
Is awarded to the student in Year 12 who has consistent excellence and commitment to sport.

Award Recipient:
Roman Tuaimau

The Excellence in Vocational and Educational Training
Is awarded to the student who has excelled in their vocational and educational training courses.

Award Recipient:
Harley Serle

The Br Bernard Bulfin College Dux Award
Acknowledges the outstanding achievements of a student in the graduating class.

Award Recipient:
Emilio Bellido

The Patrician Brothers’ Award
Is presented to the student who has shown strong commitment to a wide range of activities
during his time at the College, Academic, Cultural and Sporting.

Award Recipient:
Zackary Armitage

Subject Place Awards

Mark Robinson
Dean of Knowledge Management and Analytics                      

Pathways and Partnership Update

VOYSE Program with ACU
This term, a small group of Year 10 students took part in the inaugural Voice of Young Social Entrepreneurs (VOYSE) program with the Australian Catholic University (ACU).

The VOYSE project was an exciting 8-week program designed to introduce Year 10 students to entrepreneurship through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving. It was delivered by ACU in collaboration with ACU’s Co-Lab Business Incubator.

During the term, students completed a number of modules and designed a social enterprise that would positively impact their school community.

Teams from a number of schools then pitched their idea in a high-energy showcase event held at Bowman Hall, where local social entrepreneurs quizzed and questioned the students about their idea.

After impressing the entrepreneurs and local community at the showcase, the students then set to work to put together a video pitch that will be judged. The winner of the program will then go on to present their idea to the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber.

Congratulations to the following students involved in the program:

The College is incredibly proud of your efforts and wish you all the best for the judging of the video!

A huge thank you to Ms Maria Valore for her tireless work with these students this term. Her efforts are most greatly appreciated.

YES Program Update
Congratulations to Ryan Ereira of Year 10 for his outstanding involvement in the Youth Engagement Strategy (YES) program in Carpentry at Nirimba TAFE this term. The 7-week program culminated in the students completing an impressive chopping board. The TAFE teacher spoke highly of the level of enthusiasm and skill of this group in particular. Well done, Ryan!

Year 12 - Career Pathways Drop In Sessions
A reminder to our Year 12 students and their families that a number of career pathways drop in sessions will run next term. These sessions are an opportunity for students to get some additional help and guidance for planning for their post-school pathway. This includes resume help, applying for a job, apprenticeship, traineeship, scholarship or any other career pathways related assistance needed.

Students can also contact Mrs Lane via email if they have any career pathways related questions.

Marie Lane
Pathways and Partnership Leader

Resource Centre Update

QBD Book Week Competition
To celebrate Bookweek, QBD bookshop held a National competition to give schools the chance to win a voucher for their libraries. With these vouchers school libraries would have the opportunity to get new books.

Over the course of Term 2, a dedicated unit of students worked effortlessly to earn points for our College, determined to win the voucher so that the Resource Centre could supply new fiction and non-fiction books for students to borrow.

The competition closed on August 23rd and our students waited patiently over the following weeks to see if their efforts would be rewarded and on Tuesday 16 September it was announced that Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown had won!

A massive thank you to Oliver Beresford, Nick Lobb, Riley Egan, Nathan Serle, Logan Serle, Jeeval Kumar, Jonathan Sant, Fabian Monzon-Solar, Oskar Pace, and all other students who assisted in earning points for the school - we appreciate the effort and energy you put into helping with this competition.

A reminder for Year 12 2025
First and foremost, Con-GRAD-ulations to our Year 12 2025 students, prayers and well wishes to you all on your upcoming HSC and future endeavors.

A reminder; that if you have ANY school texts - text books, class novels, fiction, non-fiction, ANYTHING with a Resource Centre sticker or barcode please return it to the school at your earliest convenience.

You can drop books to the Resource Centre between 8:00am-4:00pm every day or you can return them to the office.

Beth Head
Senior School Assistant -  Resource Centre

English Extension 2 Showcase

The English Extension 2 course is demanding, challenging - but ultimately very rewarding. The course is offered to Year 12 students and involves the creation of a Major Work of the students' own choosing, with options varying from Short Fiction to Film. The student develops a concept that is thoroughly researched and discussed with their mentor teacher before any writing begins. The writing process itself often involves lots of drafting and re-writing, all in the name of producing a polished piece of work. 

This year, we had one student, Evan Ng Lam, who undertook this course. He wrote a short fiction entitled ‘Manlimorphosis’, where the two central characters undertake a journey to discover their identity in a world of hypermasculinity. As a satirical piece, it often pokes fun at the notion of masculinity in a contemporary world.

On Monday 15 September, we gathered for a celebration of Evan’s achievements, where he read through extracts from his Major Work and Reflection Statement and explained his process, research, and purpose. He also answered questions from the audience with thoughtfulness and insight.

We are immensely proud of Evan and his accomplishment in completing this course. Thanks must also go to Mrs Danuta Paton, who mentored Evan throughout the process. We wish Evan all the best in his future endeavours and hope that he continues to pursue writing into the future.

Zorica Bicanic
Leader of Learning - English

Food/Agriculture and Digital Technologies

Herb Stars: Patties Better Gardens Edition
Our students have been busy discovering the wonderful world of herbs! 
As part of their creative group task, students researched a chosen herb, paired up with a classmate, and produced a 1–2 minute video presentation in the style of a gardening show.

Their videos covered:
 The name of the herb
 Where it grows best
 What it’s used for
 A top growing tip

From basil to mint, and rosemary to parsley - the students impressed with their knowledge, creativity, and confidence. We received so many fantastic contributions but could only showcase a few highlights with the Patties community.

Congratulations to all involved for becoming true herb stars — happy growing and happy cooking! 

Ms Daniela Fedele
Food/Agriculture and Digital Technologies Teacher

Merit Awards

Sports Report

NRL Schoolboy Cup 
National Final

Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown
vs
Keebra Park State High School

With Blacktown losing the national final on the last play of the game in 2024, hopes were high for another chance to reach the national final this year. The match, broadcast live on Channel 9, saw Keebra Park start the stronger side, scoring the first try to lead 4–0. Blacktown then controlled possession for a period of time and, after an exciting backline movement, Leo Latu crossed for a try to level the score at 4–4. Keebra regained field position, and with the help of a few penalties, scored two more tries to lead 12–4 at halftime.

In the second half, Blacktown fought hard and scored two tries through Leo Latu and Cordell Arama, but despite their efforts, we went down 20–12. It was still an outstanding season, with the team winning the NSW title and narrowly missing out on the national final once again. This brings our record in national finals to 1 win from 9 appearances. Hopefully, 2026 will be the year that sees our fortunes change.

Congratulations to all the players and coaching staff on a great season, and may 2026 be the year the national title finally returns to Blacktown.

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