St Patrick's College Strathfield

Founder’s Day

15/06/2022

On Friday 10 June, we celebrated Founder’s Day, our most significant community event. Staff, students and special guests joined to celebrate our Founder, Blessed Edmund Rice, at Mass, followed by an expression of student talent in the concert hosted by Year 12, then, with the drumline setting the tone, we gathered around Breen Oval to enjoy a barbeque lunch and the running of the 26th Waterford Mile.

The College Mass focused on the theme of Leadership and Initiative, as shown by the Christian Brothers who came from far away to set up schools for the benefit of Australian youth. To deepen this theme, we looked at Jesus as the Good Shepherd and how we hear his voice and follow him, just as Edmund did when he saw a need, and as we are called to do today, all the while living with the peace of Christ. We were blessed with the company of Br Tony Whelan from Treacy Villa, Br Bernard White from Vuvu PNG and Br Berg, former Deputy Principal of the College and the namesake of Berg House. We reminisced with footage of Year 12 boys interviewing Br Berg when they were in Year 7 and then again on this day. We also showcased the singing and connection to Edmund Rice of the young men from the Edmund Rice Life Training Centre in Papua New Guinea through video.

The concert, as always, celebrated the students’ observance of staff as they produced humorous pieces speaking to their passions while the Battle of the Bands contestants provided some musical entertainment. The running of the Waterford Mile is always a spectacle and this year did not disappoint as we witnessed Year 9 student, Deegan O’Brien-Kratiuk take out the trophy with Jonathan Meaker of Year 12 and Bailey Leighton of Year 10 finishing second and third respectively. The whole day was a wonderful way for all of us to come together as one in unity, showing our gratitude for all that has been done for us and our College.