Principal’s Welcome
Captain’s Welcome
History
Apology
Our Purpose and Our Strategic Plan
Ideal Graduate
Leadership Team
Governance
Policies and Forms
In 1926 Christian Brothers’ Provincial,
Vision
In 1926 Christian Brothers’ Provincial, Br P I Hickey had the vision of building a new Catholic boys school on the outskirts of Strathfield. More specifically he proposed that this school be built within the perimeter of the Christian Brothers’ Training College, ‘Mount St Mary’ and would thereby serve as an ideal practising school for student Brothers training there. The idea was met with some criticism, mainly due to the remoteness of the area which was largely surrounded by bush and cattle tracks, had little road access, and was situated a fair distance away from local railway stations. Br Hickey remained undeterred however and pushed ahead with his building plans.
Humble Beginnings
On January 22 1928, St Patrick’s College, Strathfield was officially blessed and opened by Dr M Kelly, Archbishop of Sydney. Thirty nine students were enrolled and split into three grades to be taught by Brothers L S Carroll, P K Kent and J R Crichton. The acting Principal in this first year was Provincial Consulter and Master of Method, Br M B Hanrahan. The school itself consisted of six large classrooms, and four other rooms designed for Physics, Chemistry, Art and technical training such as Woodwork. At the end of the first year over 100 students were enrolled at St Patrick’s College. Today enrolment at the College exceeds 1,400 students.
When looking to the future, the College strives to ensure that its heritage and traditions are kept alive whilst continuing to provide the ordinary student with a holistic education within the light of the Gospel.
Identity
Significant milestones in the College’s history include the introduction of the College Crest and Motto, ‘Luceat Lux Vestra’ in 1936, the first term review, Lumen in 1943 (which became an annual publication in 1957) and the composition of the College Anthem in 1958.
Our College colours—blue, black, and gold—are more than just symbols; they influence us deeply and reflect our journey as a community. These colours represent the core values and virtues that define our school.
The colour blue, or azure, symbolizes truth and loyalty.
It reminds us of Our Lady, Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, who embodies unwavering faith and devotion. As members of St Patrick’s College, we are called to uphold these values in our daily lives. We strive to create an environment of honesty, integrity and faithfulness, encouraging our students to seek wisdom and remain steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge. Let us reflect on how we can embody truth and loyalty in our actions and relationships, inspired by Mary’s example.
The colour black, or sable, represents constancy and resilience.
It also reflects the traditional black cassocks worn by the original Christian Brothers, founded by Edmund Rice. This colour reminds us of the strength and dedication required to face challenges and persevere. At St Patrick’s, we teach our students to draw strength from their faith and the support of our community. Let us reflect on how we can nurture a spirit of perseverance and unwavering commitment, inspired by the resilience of Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers.
The colour gold, stands for generosity and nobility.
It represents our call to generosity as part of our Catholic faith and the noble act of striving to learn, a legacy flowing through the ages from St Patrick. Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church and the example of St Patrick, we aim to uplift and support one another through education, fostering a community informed by a generosity of head, heart and hands. Let us reflect on how we can embody the gift of generosity and the noble pursuit of knowledge in our daily lives.
Growth
Countless building developments and refurbishments have taken place with a sporting oval, College Chapel, Swimming Pool, Music Centre and Gymnasium all having been added to the landscape. In 2007 a section of Edgar Street which for so long had divided the school was finally secured and developed into the beautifully landscaped gardens and pathways seen today. The statue of Blessed Edmund Rice stands proudly within these surrounds. In more recent times a state of the art Technical and Applied Studies building, Art Centre, Auditorium and the Science and Learning 'Scientia' building have also been completed, further enhancing the College’s ability to cater to the varying needs of our students as we continue into the future.
A New Era
Towards the end of the 1980s, there was a steady decline in the number of Christian Brothers teaching within Edmund Rice Schools such as St Patrick’s. After the departure of Br J Giacon as Principal in 1992 the time had come to appoint a lay Principal, the first in any Christian Brothers’ school in NSW. And so in 1993, after an extensive process, Mr Grahame Smollett was given the responsibility of leading the College into a new era. He was to remain in office for the next 15 years, making him the longest serving Principal in the College’s history.
1928
Br M B Hanrahan
1929-1932
Br E S Crowle
1933-1935
Br M R Breen
1936-1941
Br J V Coghlan
1942-1943
Br B Quirke
1944
Br M M O'Conner
1945-1950
Br J V Coghlan
1951-1952
Br R B Garvey
1953-1955
Br J A McGlade
1956-1961
Br J G Hodda
1962-1963
Br J P Hannigan
1964-1966
Br H C Gygar
1967-1974
Br T I Casey
1975-1980
Br W R Greening
1981-1987
Br J P O'Shea
1988-1992
Br J Giacon
1993-2007
Mr G K Smollett
2008-2015
Mr B T Roberts
2016
Mr J Murphy
2017-2020
Dr P C Wattam
2021-Present
Dr V Lavorato
Remembering the Past
The College pays tribute to many of our past great educators within its buildings and grounds. Names like Br J A McGlade and Br J R Crichton adorn the College Library and TAS building and the original school building is aptly called the Hickey building. Names inscribed on various Honour Boards remind us of past students who gave their lives in conflict, or became men of God through Priestly or Brotherhood vocations. There are those who have attained distinction in professional fields or public life whilst many have become exceptional husbands, fathers and role models.
Embracing the Future
Many dedicated Christian Brothers taught at St Patrick’s College over the years of its operation since 1928. 2004 marked the last year of having a Christian Brother on the staff of St Patrick’s College. Elsewhere too there were fewer Christian Brothers teaching in Edmund Rice schools and so in 2007, the Christian Brothers established EREA (Edmund Rice Education Australia) in order to unify their body of schools and reinforce the distinctive values of Edmund Rice Education.
When looking to the future, the College strives to ensure that its heritage and traditions are kept alive whilst continuing to provide the ordinary student with a holistic education within the light of the Gospel.
Archives
At St Patrick’s College we are fortunate enough to have in our custody various types of memorabilia within our archive department.
All memorabilia is identified, researched, catalogued and preserved for future use within the College community. A custom display cabinet in the vestibule allows students to engage with the school’s history in a tangible way. Items shown have included Br Crichton’s trumpet, a 1940s sports blazer, early photographs from 1928, copies of Lumen, trophies, awards and the original school bell.
Preserving these records and artefacts protects the ongoing legacy of Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, ensuring the College’s Catholic identity continues for future generations.
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About Us
St Patrick's College has built generations of leaders grounded in faith and integrity. Our students thrive academically and grow as people of conscience.
Begin your journey and let your light shine
Every boy who walks through our gates begins a journey shaped by faith, friendship and challenge. This is where confidence grows, talents emerge and young men learn to live with purpose and heart.