9 December 2022

Newsletter Articles

Something Franciscan

I would like to thank all the Old Boys for your continuing support you give Padua College. It is much appreciated! By your efforts you are helping form and educate a new generation of the "Good Men of Padua".

I would like to especially thank you for the personal encouragement and support many of you have given me as the new chaplain. It was a bit of a challenge following in the footsteps of Fr John!

This year was a challenge for students and staff at Padua with floods and COVID disrupting many plans. Peter Elmore and the Paduan staff rose to the challenge and a full program of camps, sport and co-curriculum activities were held. One example among many was the effort put in by Scott Maguire (OB 1988) and the Paduan sports team to ensure the 1st XV Rugby played Marists despite every other game being called off due to rain. Nothing stops Padua!

This year saw us deepen a relationship with the Emmanuel City Mission's homeless service in South Brisbane. Many students, staff and families have had an opportunity to cook a meal and chat with people doing it tough. This initiative alongside the Timor Franciscan Appeal, Rosie's and support of the local St Vincent de Paul helps students see that they can make a difference in the world. Another great initiative by staff this year (especially Chris O'Shea (OB 1994) & Jeremy Duggan) was the opening of the pre-school Pedrocchi Cafe. It gave an opportunity for students to practise some business skills and share a bit of hospitality. The Franciscan spirit of service is alive and well at Padua.

Next year Michael O'Brien and myself will be leading a student pilgrimage to Padua and Assisi. Hopefully we will be in Assisi for the Feast of St Francis. If you ever want to know more about pilgrimages to Assisi or Jerusalem please ask!

The Franciscan community in 2023 at Kedron will see some coming and going. Old Boy Paduan Fr Mario Debattista, who was parish priest at Kedron and an occasional teacher at Padua, will be returning to the Franciscan mission in South Sudan for three years.

Fr Joseph Nguyen Tri, who was very popular with St Anthony's student and teachers, will return as Kedron parish priest.

The basketball playing Fr Harry Chan will be away for the first six months of 2023. He will be going to the Holy Land and Scotland for sabbatical studies.

Fr Steve Bliss, the pastor to the Ipswich Catholic Communities, will join the Padua College Board in the new year.

You might also see out about the very debonair Fr Davor Dominovic, a Bosnian friar, who serves as the chaplain to the Croatian Catholics in Brisbane.

Fr John Boyd-Boland has moved into Regis Aged care in Perry St, Lutwyche. While Fr John is a little unsteady on his feet he is very open to visitors.

YOUR STORIES ARE IMPORTANT: The Friars and current Paduan College students would love to hear about the life stories of Paduan Old Boys. If you have a story to tell or some wisdom to share please send me a photo and a page or two.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU: The Friars are always available to help any Paduan Old Boys and their families with baptisms, blessings, funerals, weddings, parties and anything!

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

All the Lord's peace and goodness.

Pace e Bene.

Fr Joe McKay ofm

Email: jomckay@padua.qld.edu.au

All communication treated as confidential.

The Rector

I trust that the pages of this latest addition of the Old Boys’ Newsletter, bring to life some of the highlights of the 2022 school year. ‘Cast your voice and catch the Spirit’ was our slogan for 2022 Student Leaders, and after the challenges of the last couple of years, it was a call for all of us to catch the ‘Spirit’ and become involved as we returned to many of the activities that had been cancelled or moved online during the pandemic.

It seems like a long time ago, but many in our College community have probably forgotten that the start of the school year was delayed to avoid opening during the predicted COVID-19 outbreak. It was only a couple of weeks later that we had the floods, immediately followed by the day when the government closed schools because a storm was coming. This was a difficult time for many in our community. A disrupted Term 1 was followed by a spike in COVID-19 cases in Term 2 and increased absences in schools – staff and students. The end result has been a year where we have again had to make adjustments to the calendar and another year of uncertainty. Acknowledging these difficulties is important as we reflect on another positive year at Padua College.

There has been a lot written about the lasting impacts of the pandemic on learning, and in particular, on student (and even staff) engagement as we emerge from the period of lock downs and gathering restrictions. Over the last three years, remoteness replaced connection, masks hid faces, screens replaced classrooms, chairs were left empty, and many significant events moved online. To this end, it was pleasing to begin our school year with an academic assembly that celebrated the academic achievements of students and staff, and to end the year with the Padua Celebrates Prize Night ceremony. It was great to have parents and fellow students present to publicly recognise the achievement of our students and staff in 2022.

In March, not long after our first academic assembly, we again experienced the cancellation of school, as South East Queensland was devastated by flooding. Our staff spent time cleaning up after flood waters inundated our sporting facilities at Banyo as well as the water damage around the College. We rallied to support our families and other school communities who had been impacted by the flooding. While lockdowns may have ended, and social distancing measures eased, the impact of COVID-19 continued, with schools experiencing high absenteeism. Our staff provided support to students who were away from school for an extended period. Many parents acknowledged the importance of the phone call to check in on students who were working from home due to illness or isolation.

The start to the year certainly had some unexpected turns, and some of the scheduled calendar events, including House Eucharists and camps, were postponed. We did however decide to continue with the Australian Council of Education Research (ACER) School Improvement review of Padua in the final week of Term 1. The National School Improvement Tool (NSIT) brings together findings from international research into the practices of highly effective schools and school leaders. The ACER review team interviewed 85 percent of staff, as well as parents, about the College’s improvement agenda across 9 domains. The feedback was very positive about the College’s learning culture, staff morale, and improvement agenda, and it highlighted the fine work that had been done by staff over the last few years.

While the NSIT review spoke to our school wide improvement agenda, it is sometimes the small pleasures that provide the most happiness. The opening of Pedrocchi Café has certainly been one the simple pleasures of 2022. The café is named after the original Caffè Pedrocchi located in the city of Padua, and like its namesake, it has quickly become a place of gathering for staff and students. Pedrocchi Café, located at the top of the College grandstand, was officially opened by Fr John in Term 1 and it has been well supported by staff during the year. The opening of the café has been an important part of staff connection and wellbeing, and it adds to our theme of seeking ways to reconnect in 2022.

Our students were also eager to gather, and Padua pride was certainly on display as ANZAC Day heralded the start of Term 2. We had arguably our largest ever representation of students at our local ANZAC Day services. Despite the rain, we had over 300 boys march to the Kedron-Wavell Services Club for the ANZAC Day service. The large number of boys present on the day certainly made a statement about how Padua connects with the broader community, and it was a statement that we were returning to normal programming. Term 2 saw Masseo celebrate the first of our House Eucharists, the FCIP Rock Symphony, the Sportsman’s Dinner, Padua Open Day, and Year 10 Camp. These events, and the many others showcased in the 2022 Paduan, remind us of the learning and growth that comes from the many co-curricular offerings at Padua. Collectively, we build a vibrant and healthy community. The pandemic has undoubtably changed how we view the world, but it has also made us appreciate how we connect and sustain relationships.

Our longing to reconnect was certainly highlighted by record attendances at some of parent gatherings, such as our Father Son and Mother Son Breakfasts, as well as the ‘Fashion and Fizz’ Day. We have also had the joy of parents being back on site for events like the Year 5 Advocacy Day, sports carnivals, and parent engagement evenings. Despite the best efforts of schools during the pandemic, the inability to gather made the building of community difficult. Celebration and ritual are such an important part of the Paduan journey and our partnership with parents is strengthened by their presence at community events. In 2022 our Parents and Friends’ Executive have promoted and supported parent gatherings. We have had an active group under the leadership of Kevin Ryan (OB 1972) with an average attendance of 54 parents at each P & F meeting and they have worked to foster parent involvement and connection.

COVID-19 has underlined the importance of schools and more specifically, the work of teachers and school support staff. While there is some debate on the overall impact of the pandemic on the loss of student learning due to lockdowns and disruptions, there is no debate on the pivotal role teachers and school support staff play in supporting student well-being and pastoral care. This has been the real lesson as we emerge from the pandemic.

As you read this, the energy and rhythm of the school year will have slowed as we head into the Christmas holiday period. Our staff, students and parents have done amazing work in 2022 and as we reflect on the year, I am most grateful for the ways in which all groups have responded to the challenges of 2022. I am sure that we will all look back on the year with many good memories.

My blessing as you reflect on your own year, and I hope that the pages of this edition of the Old Boys’ Newsletter brings back good memories of your time at the College.

Peace and all good
Peter Elmore

Up & Coming Events

2023 Date Claimers

Where are they now?

David Frisina (OB 1978)

David was a recipient of a Conspicuous Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1993 and served as a flight Avionics Tech on the Prime Minister’s airplane supporting several Prime Ministers during his posting to the VIP Squadron in Canberra. David has since left the RAAF and now works for KPMG here in Brisbane. David attended the Academic Assembly earlier in the year with his brother, Air Commodore Greg Frisina (OB 1982).

Old Boys Jazz Group

The Old Boys Jazz Group performed at the Senior graduation Dinner at the Convention Centre in November. All are studying at the Qld Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University

Mark Mirhan – (OB 2019) Currently 3rd Year Jazz Piano
Sam Hudson – (OB 2020) Currently 2nd Year Jazz Bass
Connor Dinneen – (OB 2021) Currently 1st Year Classical Percussion
Staff – Daniel Allen (OB 2005) Graduate Bachelor of Music Jazz Voice Performance.

Raleigh family

Patrick Raleigh (OB 2009) and Andrew Raleigh (OB 2006) both christened their babies at the Little Flower Church recently. Fr Mario performed the service. Alex Riley (OB 2006) was Godfather to Hudson Raleigh. Andrew was Godfather to Hugo Raleigh.

Dad/Grandfather Vince Raleigh was awarded joint Coach of the Year Award recently too.

Well done to Old Boys Liam Usher (OB 2016) and Max Johnson (OB 2021) who played in the Wests Rugby Team that won the Premier Grade final v UQ in October.

Ken Rogers

Ken Spoke at Term 3 Assembly and is also great advocate for Blue Hope, the Police Charity the College supports.

Lindsay Collins (OB 2013)

Great article on Lindsay, who became Padua’s 5th Kangaroo Player

Collins class: Lindsay proud to continue Lionel's legacy

Martin Lenehan & Brad Walter
NRL website
Tue 18 Oct 2022, 04:01 PM

Each morning as Lindsay Collins makes his way into the Kangaroos team room, he gets a powerful reminder of the family legacy he will carry on when he makes his Test debut against Scotland in Coventry.

Having fought his way back from a knee reconstruction and a number of concussions, the 26-year-old Rooster is set to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather Lionel Williamson when he pulls on the green and gold jersey on Saturday.

Williamson played 11 Tests for Australia between 1968 and 1974, crossing for six tries on the end of backline which included future Immortals Graeme Langlands and Bob Fulton and Rabbitohs great Eric Simms.

So accomplished was the Innisfail-born winger that he was part of two World Cup triumphs for Australia, scoring a double in the 20-2 victory over France in the 1968 decider and crossing again in the 12-7 defeat of England in the 1970 Final.

For Collins, a glance at the Kangaroos' Honour Roll on his way to breakfast shows Kangaroo #429 Lionel Williamson sitting comfortably alongside #427 Bob Fulton, both men having debuted in the same year in 1968.

Another 400 names have been added to the list since Williamson was doing his bit for his country, and Collins is filled with pride as he prepares to take his place in the green and gold brotherhood.

“It’s hard to get an Australian jersey and then you’ve got two in your family, it’s a little bit emotional,” Collins said.

“My grandfather was just happy for me and said ‘enjoy the experience’. He made a lot of sacrifices to achieve his goals, he was just a boy from Innisfail and he moved away from his family.

“I’ve heard about his tours, he just told me some old war stories, the three-month boat ride to go to England.

After rupturing his ACL against the Knights in round eight of the 2021 season, and then battling concussion symptoms in 2022, Collins could have been forgiven for thinking it’s a dream that may have eluded him.

Having debuted for the Maroons in the stunning series upset win in 2020, he would have been a certain starter in Paul Green’s team in 2021 but the knee injury put paid to that.

The powerhouse prop fought his way back to the Origin arena this year but he was knocked out in the brutal opening stages of Game Three and then suffered another concussion in his return match for the Roosters two weeks later.

After three more games on the sideline he was back in Round 24 to face the Storm but copped a four-match ban for a hip drop tackle, effectively ending his season.

Collins admits to being a “bit worried” about his chances of making the World Cup squad given his lack of football after Origin, but he had enough runs on the board to get his shot at emulating his grandfather.

“The ACL is the biggest thing - this time last year I was learning how to run again,” Collins said.
“It has been a long journey right from the start, if you go back to my debut for Origin a couple of years ago and then last year the setback with the knee.
“I was fine mentally and physically through the head knocks. That was just precautionary. I look after myself and my well-being. I was probably more worried about the suspension than the head knocks.
“There’s been a bit of adversity there but I set out a few goals and now I have the opportunity to play in a World Cup.
“I’m grateful to be here and I’m humbled to be here.”

When Collins speaks of “setting a few goals”, it runs much deeper than a throwaway line in a TV interview or telling a few mates he’d love to play Test footy one day.

Through the adversity, the endless hours of rehab and the grind that is life in the NRL, Collins remained focused on where he wanted to be, regardless of how long it took to get there.

“I write down goals every day in a notebook as a constant reminder of what you’re working towards, even when you don’t want to hop in the ice bath or you don’t want to stretch,” he said.
“It’s the same goals until I achieve them, keeping yourself accountable every day.
“It builds up over time and creates good habits and I can see what I’m striving for.”

Come Saturday morning Australian time and the resilient Rooster will be able to tick off ‘Play for Australia like Grandad did’ as he readies himself to rip into the Scots.

Steven Hooper (OB 1985)

Athletics Performance Trainer for the Kangaroos. Pictured here with Lindsay Collins

Steve has a very impressive career including the following.

Australian Kangaroos (2016-current)
Tonga (2015)
Junior Kangaroos (2014-2015)
France World Cup (2008)
QLD State of Origin (2006-2008)
QLD U19s (2005)

Steve is currently with the Gold Coast Titans.

Stephen Loth (1991)

Stephen is a police officer with the Queensland Police Service (QPS), having joined directly after completing year 12 at Padua.

His intake of February 1992 was the last QPS intake that included recruits who had just completed high school. Interestingly the senior year of 1991 holds the record of 9 students who at some stage joined the QPS, with 5 still serving.

Jesse Catterall (OB 2003)

Congratulations to Jesse Catterall who recently was the winner of the Coaching Excellence – Performance Award at the 2022 Queensland Tennis Awards.

Jesse is Head Coach and Owner of Southern Cross Tennis.

Will McCulloch (OB 2021)

Congratulations to Will on his selection for Australian U18s.

Oskar Baker (OB 2015)

Congratulations to Oskar on his success winning the VFL Grand Final.

Good luck to Oskar as he moves to the next stage in his career. Oskar has left the Melbourne Demons.

Max Johnson (OB 2021)

Congratulations Max! Max has been selected in the U19 Rebels team.

Joshua Pelusi (OB 2019)

Well done to Joshua who played in the Para Football State Championships at the Gold Coast performance centre recently.

Hudson Creighton (OB 2017)

Hudson was named in the Wallabies Australia A Squad for the Japan Tour. Congratulations Hudson.

Cameron Thew (OB 2016)

Cameron Thew has been named as a Development Player to the Adelaide 36ers. He started out at Northside Wizards playing for Padua at the Club level, and then progressed to Representative basketball in U21s.

Quote from the CEO: We’re thrilled to see Cameron be offered this opportunity at the professional level with the Adelaide 36ers. As a Northside Wizards JR, Cameron has rapidly developed in the last couple of years in our NBL1 Squad, and we’re super excited to have another Wizard become a 36er.

Northside Wizards

Lawson Creighton (OB 2015)

Congratulations to Lawson who has been named in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific Squad.

Jakub Lodziak (OB 1999) – Padua College Board Member Profile

I graduated in 1999, having started in year 8 in 1995.

After Padua, I undertook retail and hospitality work while I studied a dual degree at the University of Queensland. In the last two years of my degree, I clerked at a private criminal law firm before commencing with Legal Aid Queensland on the morning after my final law exam in November 2005. Legal Aid supported me with my practical training to see me admitted as a solicitor in 2006 before I decided I wanted to focus on advocacy and Legal Aid, again, supported my wishes to complete the Bar Practice Course. I was admitted as a barrister in 2009 and ultimately secured a permanent in-house counsel position in 2011. I remain working in that capacity, although I have been fortunate to have been promoted a few times since. I currently hold an Assistant Public Defender position. I take great pride in the crucial work Legal Aid Queensland does in educating, advising and representing members of our community. My time at Padua fostered my commitment to community and I am humbled to have the opportunity to express my gratitude and be a part of the school’s future.

I joined the Padua Board of Directors in August 2022.

Tom O’Toole (OB 2016)

Tom dropped into school earlier in the year and presented the school with his 1st test jumper. Tom now lives in Ireland and represents Ireland in Rugby.

Brian Procopis

Brian Procopis is a past parent of Padua with three of their four boys attending Padua College (John Nichols, Danny and Andrew Procopis. Their fourth son Alexander attended Aspley Special School). He recently attended an event with Padua Staff.

Brian is a community development worker and musician, the Chair of Sweet Freedom Inc. and Coordinator of Community Development Programs for Lifeline. With his academic background in sociology and psychology he has had roles as a project co-ordinator and community musician with Uniting Care Community and other organisations. He is well-known for his work with the Scattered People’s Choir in the Pinkenba Detention Centre in Brisbane. Brian is now retired and remains closely connected with the Scattered People.

Reunions

First Paduans (Vintage) Old Boys’ (1950-60s) Christmas Morning Tea

Old Boys Choir

We were so proud of these men.

In rehearsal

Performing at the Old Boys & Memorial Mass 2022

Christmas Liturgy performance for the students

All Old Boys are welcome to join this great new group

1992 Reunion

A great evening was held for the 1992 reunion at the Northern Suburbs Bowls Club. Dominic L’Huillier couldn’t make it but sends his regards to all.

Jeff Hoare and Dale Sherwood backed up for the College Race Day also!

The 50 Year Reunion of the Padua First XIII – Class of 1972 – Gold V Gala Day

The reunion was held at the Gold V Gala Day, the day Padua celebrates Rugby League.

Members of the 1972 1st team presented jerseys to the current 1st team and Rugby League Old Boy captains present were invited on to the field for the coin toss.

2007 reunion

A great night had by all – including the Padua Specials!

1982 Padua/Mt A Reunion

On 8 October 2022, the former students of Padua and Mt Alvernia Colleges from early grades to the year 12 grades got together to celebrate our special moment in time we had shared at our schools. It was a poignant event for the organiser, Len Doo, as his son was graduating from Padua College in 2022 just a mere 40 years later.

This reunion was special as we had the both School Captains and Vice Captains attend for the first reunion together. Thankyou Stephen Dunne, Monica Johnson nee Janssen, Margie Sambo and Robie Jayawardhana. It was also special as we had a turnout (including partners) of 53 former students (including quite a few first time attendees) all keen to catch up and relive those moments in time.

Len was a little disappointed his old school music mix didn’t quite get the hearing it deserved with the room alive with the rhythms and buzz of old fashioned conversation but he plans to recycle the list for the 45th year reunion!

Len said he remembers the 1982 Dux of Padua College, Mark Lunney’s RSVP the best as he remembered the strong bonds and memories that tie us to the these reunions (and Mark had written an article for the 1982 Paduan as well). Len thought Mark would not mind sharing the email below:

Dear Len,
A quick note to say how pleased I am that a 40-year anniversary is being organised and how sorry I’ll be to miss it. I haven’t lived in Brisbane for over 30 years and, at the moment, am spending most of my time in the UK and sadly will be out of the country when the event is held. I’ve had a look at the guest list and there are lots of people I remember so please pass on my best wishes. I really hope the stars align and I can make it to an event at some stage. I have great memories of my time at Padua.
Hope all is going well for you.
Best wishes
Mark
Professor Mark Lunney
Professor, Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London,

Thankyou everyone who attended and thankyou to everyone (like Mark Lunney and the Board Chair - Mark McSweeney) who were unable to attend but RSVP’d, I look forward to 2027 when we can do it all again and get some more old school friends together for the trip down memory lane.

Len Doo
1982 Senior (and proud father of one of the newest Padua Old Boys)

1979 Class

Michael Brown is the chief organiser but basically, we meet up at the Brekky Creek, from 12 noon on the first Friday in March and September, every year. (Editor: We would love a photo next time please! Email oldboys@padua.qld.edu.au )

Events

Padua Golf Day

Padua Race Day

Padua Old Boys & Memorial Mass 2022

Looking Back

Can you help?

Our Vintage Old Boys have been trying to name people in this photo. Can you help? Please email oldboys@padua.qld.edu.au

Grade 3 1954 – St Anthony’s School

Adam Gleeson (OB 1999)

Adam is the General Manager at SAL Commercial Pty Ltd

He recently found these great photos from 1992. Mr Hill was the teacher and coach winning a Rugby League Grand Final held at Lang Park. Are you in the photo?

More football gold

Photo received from Benjamin Charles. Can you name any players?

Bottom row right corner Ben’s brother Casey Charles

Some familiar names here. What a great find.

Padua Football Team 1957 or 1958 10 Jul 2022. Original from Zane Devlin

Sean Flint (OB 1983)

Sean sent these in. He played in the First XII in 1982 and was the 1983 Vice-Captain. We invited Ashgrove to the Gold V Gala Day to commemorate the 40th anniversary of match, but we never got a response.

Local history courtesy of members of our Vintage Old Boys

Aerial photo of the area 1936

Last tram from Stafford 1969

Kedron Old Memorial Hall and KFC 1969

Around the school

Ryan Pembroke – Cricket Success

Senior Graduation 2022

Our newest Old Boys graduated in style at a series of events including ringing the bell gifted by the 2021 Seniors and a war cry battle against the Year 11s, initiated by the Seniors of 2014.

Old Boy staff members were honoured to present students with Old Boys’ Caps at the Vale Assembly. Pictured here are David Wren (OB 1983) Simon Stower (OB 1985) and Danny Jackson (OB 2005)

Fr Mario Debattista (OB 1976) concelebrated Graduation Mass with College Chaplain Fr Joe McKay.

Fr Mario also presented the Past Friars’ Award at the Graduation Dinner.

Padua’s First International Cricketer

Braithyn Pecic Year 11 is returning from Europe as Padua’s first international cricketer.

Braithyn is an accomplished cricketer who will represent Padua for his third Year of First Cricket in 2023. He is also a grade player at Toombul.

Braithyn was chosen earlier this month to represent Serbia in the growing European Cricket League Competition. He enjoyed great success throughout the carnival scoring 127 runs at an average of 21.33 recording the most dismissals for any wicket keeper with 6 catches, one stumping and 3 run outs. His team was also successful becoming the first ever Serbian team to win the ECL Competition. Braithyn’s performance earned him selection for a special training camp for identified European Cricket talent in England in July next year.

Great work Braithyn. Keep the runs and dismissals coming for First XI Cricket next year!!

Luke Emlyn-Jones (OB 2000)

Luke is Head of Middle Phase at Padua College. He is also an excellent photographer. His photo of a STEM Class has been used widely this year on Billboards and advertising, and now as the cover to the 2022 Paduan Yearbook. Thanks Luke!

Stark Family

As the third College Captain in the Stark family, Will is a proud Paduan. Will is Grandson of Peter (OB 1964) and nephew of Dennis (OB 1994). Both Peter and Dennis were College Captains. Will is the son of James (OB 1990).

Head of Junior Phase appointment

Chris Webb (OB 1997)

Chris has been appointed as Head of Junior Phase. He is replacing much-loved Mr Brendan Downes who has accepted a position at Stuartholme. We wish them both well in their new roles.

Old Boy Lawson Creighton (REDS) presenting Andrew De Jager, Jake Spellacy and Mitchell Ross their QLD Schoolboys jersey. The boys did Padua Proud at the recent National Rugby Championships.

Fire Brigade visit

The Queensland Fire Brigade visited our young prep friends from St Anthony’s, using the Padua grounds. You may spot an old boy in this photo if you look carefully.

Legal Studies Youth Parliament 2022

Steve Fields (OB 1991) accompanied Legal Studies students to Parliament House

Sebastian Mazza (OB 1994)

Sebastian Mazza, old boy from 1994. He made contact with the College to offer his services with regard to showcasing careers in Business, Accounting, Financial Advising, Entrepreneurship, Wealth Management, Portfolios and Self-Employment.

He represented Padua College at a National Economics Competition back in 1994 - see attached photo and story which I enjoyed reading. Apparently Simon Stower took them down to Canberra for the competition and despite losing, Sebastian had a great time he told me. He is a Chartered Accountant and Licenced Financial Planner, owning and managing his own practice in East Brisbane for 10 years.

Sebastian is keen to collaborate with Business/Accounting/Economics teachers to offer career advice in classes and has offered “A day in the life of a Financial Adviser” work experience opportunity.

Continued success for Padua College Space Design

The Bulletin (August)

You would be aware that 10 of our graduated and current Padua students have been participating online in the 2022 International Space Settlement Design Competition Finals over the past 4 days. The finals were held at Kennedy Space Centre, Cape Canaveral, Florida from Friday 29 July to Monday 1 August, USA Eastern Time.

The 4 International Teams competing as Space Design Companies at the Finals were:

“Dougeldyne AstroSystems & Fletchel Constructors”, “Grumbo Aerospace”, ” Rockdonnell” and “Vulture Aviation”, each comprising 64 students from countries across the globe.

Harry Richards & Tom Plackett (graduated), Tan Hojnik & Kayden Beyer (Yr12), and Noah Duncanson & Henry Tomczak (Yr10) were in our Australian Finalist Team along with 6 St Aidan’s College students, competing in the Grumbo Aerospace Company.

Alastair Ross, Derrick Matthew & Liam Coughlan (Yr10) and Aidan Lanskey (Yr9) were in our Australian Invited Team along with four St Aidan’s College students, competing in the Rockdonnell Company.

The 2022 Competition was set in the year 2092, and Space Design Companies were tasked with designing “Anconioh” the first large settlement of 8800 people on Mercury. Its purpose was to mine, treat and export a new space-age metal called “reardonium”.

The ISSDC Finals Presentation Ceremony concluded at 8am Tuesday morning Brisbane time, with Vulture Aviation being declared 2022 ISSDC International Champions.

While neither of our International Space Companies “Grumbo Aerospace” and ”Rockdonnell” came away with a win, I want to sincerely congratulate our Padua students on their marathon effort throughout the 4-days of intense competition at the 2022 ISSDC Finals. They had to overcome the disadvantage of working in an isolated environment with no opportunity for in-person collaboration with most of their team mates, and also had to quickly adjust their body clocks to USA Eastern Time - 14 hours behind Brisbane time. Despite these disadvantages, the quality of our Padua boys’ design work and that of their respective International Teams “Grumbo Aerospace” and “Rockdonnell” was clearly of a very high standard.

Our students will receive certificates to commemorate their participation in the 2022 International Space settlement Design Competition – a world renowned secondary school competition.

Well done boys, and we wish you every success in your future careers which are likely to be in the Space Industry!

Mr Peter Morris
ISSDC Australian Team Co-Coach

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