29 March 2023

Newsletter Articles

Rector

Passing of former Rectors, Mr Bob Out and Fr John Boyd-Boland

When I penned my piece for the last Bulletin, I spoke about the influence that our staff have on the formation of young men. I used the quote from Paul Kennedy’s book Funkytown – A Year on the Brink of Manhood in my reflection on the many good things that have happened in Term 1 and how these many events and interactions with staff are part of good formation.

“Boys are delivered twice, once into their mother’s arms, and then into the care of male elders; role models we seek beyond our fathers”

I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, that this reference would be the backdrop to the passing of two of Padua’s finest role models in Fr John and Bob Out. While both served long periods as Rector, it was in the deeply personal space of relationships and role modelling that have been the common thread of all of those who have made contact since their passing. On their passing, the communications sent out from the College for Mr Out and Fr John listed many of their achievements during their leadership of the College. However, the individualised communications did not, and could not have, highlighted that they were a team. United in their work and their unfailing love of all things Franciscan and Paduan. Mr Out was Vice Rector during Fr John’s time as Rector, and Fr John returned as College Chaplain during Mr Out’s time as Rector. The College we have today is testimony to team Boyd-Boland and Out. However, whilst their list of new programs and building works is impressive, it was in their everyday interactions that defined their time at the College, and most importantly their legacy. They were outstanding role models for so many young men and staff.

This impact on the lives of our students is well captured by Liam Murphy, who emailed me during the week. Liam, a proud Padua College Old Boy from the class of 2007, went a step further and put his reflections into a poem. A poem that I used on assembly last week when I addressed our current students about the contributions of Fr John and Mr Out to Padua College. Liam wrote the following reflection.

I was devastated to learn of the passing of Father John and Robert Out in recent days. These were men who I saw as guiding lights throughout my adolescence and who I have tried to emulate in my adulthood. It is because of the values, examples and leadership of men like Father John and Robert Out along with many others at Padua College, that I am the man I am today and that I followed into the teaching profession. I know that this may not be anything too special, but it helped me process their loss and for that I am grateful as the world became a little less bright this week. Having lost classmates, teachers and now two great leaders I wrote a poem entitled ‘Beneath the Brown and Gold’ which I hope may offer some understanding of the weight these two men have left in our hearts. We mourn with you Padua and know that there are men being moulded to replace them every day.

Mr Out and Fr John have both had a remarkable impact on the community of Padua, and following their passing, we know that we are truly blessed to be part of a tradition that believes in the celebration of life and the bonds of community. Alongside the official services there will be many more unofficial reflections and celebrations on their impact on Padua and Paduans. This will include many written reflections (like this one), but I am sure none of them will fully capture the many untold stories of how lives have been shaped by the influence and role modelling of Fr John Boyd-Boland and Mr Bob Out.

Vale Fr John and Bob Out.

Peace and all good

Mr Peter Elmore
Rector

2023 Provisional Term Dates

Please click the link below to view a copy of our 2023 Provisional Term.

Deputy Rector

Easter Blessings

Whilst the school community honour the contributions of two towering Padua figures in Fr John and Mr Out, Easter reminds us that hope prevails. The resurrection of Jesus tells us that we can all live on in people’s hearts. The sadness here in our community is palpable but so is the joy that these two lives have brought to the Padua family. Holy Week is the most important week of the Church’s calendar and I wish all families a happy, safe, and holy Easter period. We pray for all those who face challenges due to ill-health, and we especially keep in our hearts the families of Fr John and Mr Out. We pray for those whose safety is threatened by war and poverty, and we pray for the entire Padua community that this holiday time is used to renew our relationships with our loved ones.

Parent Support Group (PSG)

Thanks to all the parents who volunteered for the canteen last Saturday during our rugby and football trials. There was a great response to the calls for help during the morning. I remind everyone of the goals and philosophy of the PSG listed below. The group has developed some draft goals which will be developed throughout the year, and will provide a consistent source of guidance for the canteen and merchandise shop at Banyo. We are off to a great start.

MOTTO Provide support to create a stronger Padua community through co-curricular activities.

VISION The PSG is a parent group that supports the Heads of Sport & Cultural Activities. It provides a link between the parents and the school co-curricular programs.

MISSION Provide engagement and networking with the College and Parent communities and provide support for the co-curricular programs. The PSG will provide assistance to the vibrant Padua co-curricular program. We endeavour to provide a welcoming and friendly group, where parents and caregivers can network, form friendships, and provide support to the College, each other, and our sons.

CONTACT psg@padua.qld.edu.au

Peace and all good

Mr Marty Wiseman
Deputy Rector

Chaplain

Holy Week and Easter Services

Check the Brisbane Catholic website for your local parish services times:

For Little Flower Kedron services, please see end of my video.

Thank you for the support of Fr John

The Franciscan Friars would just like to thank all the staff, students, and members of the Paduan and the Kedron Catholic community for all the support many of you gave over the last year as Fr John’s health faded. Fr John appreciated the many social visits and practical acts of care you gave, giving him lifts to the College, sporting events and Padua get-togethers. May God bless you all.

Fr Joe McKay ofm
Friar on Staff
Ph 0412076913

Students and Wellbeing Team

Year 12 Retreat

As I write this Bulletin article from Amaroo, our Year 12 students have the pleasure of being on 12 Retreat. The boys are enjoying an array of outdoor activities at our wonderful outdoor education facility, along with meaningful reflection activities that will serve our young men well, post Padua. A big focus for our Year 12 men is leaving the legacy they leave. What does it mean to leave a legacy?

Benjamin Franklin put it this way: “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” Leaving a legacy through your work means doing something worth writing about – and changing the world.

For our students the focus of leaving a legacy is important for many reasons. It can serve as an example for future Paduans, preserving memories and teaching valuable life lessons. It can also be a source of pride and motivation, inspiring others to strive for their best.

The best way to live your legacy is by example. We tell our students every day to be kind, honest, and hardworking, but it won't mean nearly as much unless they see their parents and our staff living those values every day. When they see us standing up for what we believe in, even when it's difficult, they'll learn the power of conviction. They'll learn the importance of living purposefully when they see us following our dreams and pursuing our passions. And when they see us being kind and compassionate, even to people who don't deserve it, they'll learn the true meaning of the character. What does this mean? Live our legacy daily and show our young men what it means to be a good person, a good Paduan. That's the best way to ensure that they carry their legacy forward.

A special thanks must go to Mr O’Brien, the Mission and Identity Team, Mr Mayo, and Mr Stokan, for all their hard work preparing an action-packed and memorable Year 12 Retreat.

No doubt the boys will come home with stories of resilience, teamwork, and positivity to share with their families and friends.

Friars’ Cup Update

As we come to the end of Term One, we have an update for the Friars Cup. The winner of the Friars Cup will be announced at the start of Term 4 with the wonderful reward of a day at Wet N Wild for the winning House.

Term 1 Count Includes:

• Swimming Carnival plus attendance
• Cricket
• Volleyball
• AFL
• Debating
• ¼ FCIP
• Attendance at House Masses for Leo, Quintavalle, and Rufino

In 6Th Place- Cattani
In 5th Place- Angelo
In 4th Place- Quintavalle
In 3rd Place- Masseo
In 2nd Place- Ruffino
In 1st Place- Leo

We have many opportunities next term for House points, so remember to sign up to the events and help your House to victory.

Easter Wishes

During our vacation break, we celebrate the holiest of days with Easter Sunday, 9 April. I wish everyone in our community a Holy Easter vacation and pray that we maintain our focus on the real reason for the season.

Uniform Expectations for Term 2- Winter Uniform

All boys are required to be in winter uniform from the start of Term 2 to the end of Term 3. The College has high expectations of our students, particularly when travelling to and from school on public transport. When our students are dressed well and groomed appropriately, they send a clear message about how they want to be perceived and the pride they have in their school.

Sometimes boys will use the holiday break as an opportunity to experiment with different hairstyles. The expectation is that boys will meet the following guidelines on their return to the College:

• Hair should be neatly cut, combed, and maintained, and should be shorter than the collar
• Long hair or outlandish styles are not acceptable
• Undercut styles, dramatic layering, tracks, mohawks, overuse of product, tinting, colouring, dreadlocks, strands of hair, buns, braids, or lines, are not acceptable
• A number 2 cut is the shortest acceptable cut
• No facial hair

Please support the College with these expectations. If boys do not comply with a request to address any breaches, they will be spoken to by their House Guardian. If there are reasonable circumstances for which your son is unable to wear the full and correct uniform in accordance with our policy, please communicate this with your son’s House Guardian.

Finally, I take this opportunity to remind families that our staff are here to assist in your son’s academic, pastoral, and spiritual development. As such, we remind you that the first point of contact for any concerns, is your son’s Pastoral Care Teacher or House Guardian, who can offer the greatest support, given their holistic understanding of the students in their Pastoral Care Group/House Group.

Ms Kristy Watkins
Vice-Rector Students and Wellbeing

Mission and Identity

Peace everyone!

As we come to the end of the term and very close to Easter, let us take this last couple of weeks to prepare for the great time of Easter. I hope that every family can attend at least one of the ceremonies over the Easter Long Weekend. What we remember and reflect upon at that time is the culmination of Christ’s ministry. Eternal life does not begin with our death but with our baptism. It is from that time that we are called to live the Christian life to its fullest which then has no ending.

The Easter Triduum is a three-part commemoration of the passion of Jesus from the Last Supper on Thursday, to the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday and concluding with the Easter Vigil and Easter Day. The youth of Kedron Parish, including several Padua and Mt Alvernia students, have been preparing for the annual Parish Good Friday Stations of the Cross Liturgy scheduled for 10.00 am on Good Friday.

May the peace of this great Season of Easter bring you and your family all good.

Important Term 2 Dates to note:

1. 17 April – Easter Liturgy P5 (postponed from Term 1)
2. 24 April – College ANZAC Service @ 10.00 am
3. 25 April – ANZAC Day Dawn Service, ANZAC Day March @ Morning Service
4. 2 May – Year 5 Mother Son Night; Flu Vax Fundraiser for ECM
5. 4 May – “Stepping Stone” Event – Raising Good Fathers
6. 26 May – National Sorry Day
7. 13 June – Feast Day of St Anthony of Padua
8. 16 June – St Anthony Eucharist; Padua Dash

Rosies and Emmanuel City Mission Outreach (ECM)

ECM Meal Service:

A huge thanks to Mr Beattie, Fr Joe, and a number of staff, including Ms McKillop and James from the tuckshop, who have kept our weekly food service commitments going this term. I would also like to recognise the great support that Mrs Melissa Winney gives in coordinating the teams to go to ECM (and Rosies) each week.

It is alarming to think that the numbers being served for breakfast and lunch at ECM this year have doubled since 2022. This has put even more strain on our resources to provide sufficient food. For breakfast, we make bacon and egg burgers and provide juice, and for lunch this term, we have been making hamburgers served with juice. On some days our team has serviced upwards of about 180 patrons at a time!

In Term 2, we will hold a series of Sausage sizzles at lunch times and some raffles at Banyo to pay for our ministry at ECM. Once again, I am asking our community for any assistance, by financial donation or food stuff (bacon, eggs, vegetables etc), that we can use to create meals. Next term we will need to start providing more warming lunches as the weather cools. If you can help us in any way, please contact Duncan Beattie ( dbeattie@padua.qld.edu.au ) or Melissa Winney ( mwinney@padua.qld.edu.au ).

In Term 2, we will look at creating a donation link for ECM. Watch this space.

Term 2 Dates are filling fast for our outreach times with Rosies and ECM. Years 11 & 12 can earn service learning hours volunteering to work in either of these options.

Rosies Street Vans:

A huge thanks to the boys and staff who have served on all three Rosies Vans this term. During the term, you will find Years 11 and 12 boys working with a Rosies Team at Logan, CBD, and Aspley. I don’t know of any other school that supports the Rosies ministry as Padua does – and has done for over 20 years! Thank you, Mr Garufi and Mrs Hopes for assisting the boys on the Logan and Aspley Vans.

2023 ANZAC Day March and Morning Service

Soon after we return to school for Term 2, the College will gather to commemorate this year’s ANZAC Day. Padua will conduct its own school service on 24 April.

The Dawn Service at the Lutwyche Cemetery is a moving ceremony which allows us to gather at the hour and the time of the landing at Gallipoli. Boys are asked to join us at that service in uniform. Once again, we are also asking boys to gather at the Kedron-Wavell RSL Club for this year’s march and morning service. More details will come out this week with a link to a page for boys and families to register their intention to participate in this year’s event. In 2022 we had over 400 boys’ march. What can we do in 2023?

Term 1 Friday House Masses

Congratulations to every House for hosting their first Friday Mass this term. Attendance at our weekly liturgies has been very encouraging. We hope to continue this for the remainder of the year. Thank you everyone!

Service Learning Hours

As part of the Catholic Studies Course in Years 11 and 12, every boy is to complete 20 hours of service learning each year. Boys studying Study of Religion (SOR) are also expected to be involved in this component of their religious education learning. It has been pleasing to note the energy around boys wanting to volunteer for activities this year. A special mention to Year 11 boys who have been particularly keen to sign up for ECM and Rosies in Term 1.

At the beginning of Term 2, Catholic Studies Teachers will be doing an audit of hours for each student. It would be expected that all students should have at least 5 hours completed by then. The holidays might be a good time to get a few hours in before the audit. Catholic Studies teachers would appreciate it if parents had a conversation with their son/s about this requirement in the next couple of weeks.

‘Raising Fathers’ menAlive Evening

An invitation to fathers of boys in Years 8 – 10 to join us for an informal gathering hosted by Padua and menAlive.

This night will be the first of three events we are having for dads this year. Some refreshments will be provided, and it is also a great chance to meet other dads and hear from Robert Falzon, Founder of menAlive. At this event we will be promoting a ‘Growing Good Men’ Weekend which Padua supports. Last year the college supported about a dozen fathers and sons with a subsidy to attend this weekend. We would be looking to do the same again this year.

At the end of August, we will hold our final event – the Father Son Breakfasts – at the Kedron-Wavell RSL Blue Pacific Room. Bishop Tim Norton will be our guest speaker at one of the breakfasts. These events sell out quickly and have become a great event for dads and sons.

2023 Timor Student Sponsorships

Thank you to those families who have agreed to take on students again this year in our sponsorship program. We will endeavour to get more information about the students who are being sponsored and we apologise for not doing this as well as we should have last year. Please be assured that your sponsorship goes directly to supporting your student and his/her studies at St Francis of Assisi College.

Sponsorship payments will be made by a dedicated link to our payment portal. When this link is finalised, we will send that to you. You are giving a gift more precious than gold through your sponsorship. Thank you.

In the coming week you will hear more about the details of sponsoring a Timor student. Firstly, we will contact families who are already involved in the program and then reach out to other families as required.

If you are interested in sponsoring a student, you can email Melissa Winney to register your interest ( mwinney@padua.qld.edu.au ). Melissa will get back to you about options available. Sponsorship options range from $91 for a Junior Day student, to $126 for Senior Day student. We have 5 Senior Boarding students whose sponsorships range from $700 to $734. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer tax deductibility for these sponsorships as yet. You will be invoiced prior to payment for record keeping purposes.

Year 10 ‘Being Good Men’ Blazer Presentation and Blessing Thank you

A huge thank you to all our Year 10 Families who were part of our Inaugural ‘Being Good Men’ Blazer Presentation and Blessing Liturgy. What an important sight it was seeing our young men step into their new stage at Padua, by putting on their blazer. Parents – thank you for being a significant part of this liturgy also.

House Eucharists

Last Wednesday night saw the third of our House Eucharists celebrated for 2023. Well done to Leo House for filling the church with families and coming together as a House. How good was it to see so many Leo Old Boys come back to the college to join in with the liturgy. The highlight of the night was to see three ‘generations’ of Leo Boys – Old Boys, Year 12’s, and Year 5’s - standing around the altar at the end. Thanks to Chris O’Shea and his Leo Team, together with the Liturgy group and Fr Joe, for making the night memorable for us all.

2023 Franciscan Pilgrimage to Italy (September/October)

A meeting of families will be held next Thursday at 6.30 pm in St Francis Hall to check in and get an update on planning for the pilgrimage. It’s not too late for people to join us at this stage. If you are interested, please register your name with Melissa Winney ( mwinney@padua.qld.edu.au ) and I will get in contact with you with more information.

Peace and all good
Mr Michael O’Brien
Vice-Rector Identity and Mission

Learning Improvement and Innovation

* All Parent Student Teacher Conferences in Term 2 are Face to Face *

Greccio Parent Teacher Student Conferences – Face to Face on the Greccio Campus

Parent Student Teacher Conferences for our Greccio Students are scheduled for Tuesday 9 May – please note that the date was incorrect in the last Bulletin. These conferences are with your sons Core Class Teacher and run from 2pm to 7pm in your son’s classroom. Information, including the process for booking will be emailed this week and will be available via the Parent Student Teacher Tile on My.Padua. For families new to the College, the online booking process is done via MiClass and I ask that you ensure your log in is up to date.

Assisi Parent Teacher Student Conferences – Face to Face in La Cordelle

Parent Student Teacher Conferences for our Assisi Students are scheduled for Wednesday 26 April and Wednesday 3 May. For families new to the College, the online booking process is done via MiClass and I ask that you ensure your log in is up to date. Information, including the process for booking will be emailed this week and will be available via the Parent Student Teacher Tile on My.Padua.

Term 1 Results Via Analytics - Years 7 to 11

Term 1 Progress results for Years 7 to 11 will be available to parents/guardians via Insights (Analytics) available in My.Padua no later than 3pm on Wednesday 19 April. Please be reminded that a Term Time Progress Report is no longer published via MiClass and Insights is your source for this information.

Term 1 Progress Reports – Years 5 and 6

The Term Progress Report is designed to provide Parents/Guardians and Students an opportunity to gauge how they have begun the academic year. In Years 5 and 6, results are given for English and Maths only on this report, along with work habits indicators. Specialist subjects will be reported on the Semester Reports. Progress Reports are published via MiClass Documents and will be available to students and parents/guardians no later than 3pm Wednesday 19 April.

Year 12 Unit 3 Report

Year 12 students are currently in the middle of Unit 3 which began in Term 4 of 2022. Some students have assessment due as late as Week 3 in Term 2 and as a Result, Year 12 Unit 3 Reports will be published via MiClass in Week 5 of Term 2.

Mr Jason Pacey
Vice-Rector Learning Improvement and Innovation

Greccio Award Winners

Well done to our Greccio Award Winners. We are so proud of you!

Cultural Activities

We are over halfway through Semester 1 and our programs are firing up for a great 2023. The combined colleges musical is 5 rehearsals in and tickets sales are going well, debating has seen the start of round 1 as well as an in-depth targeted seminar to boost the student’s skills, chess are dusting off the pieces and boards readying to take the battle to the next level, Theatre Sports are beginning trials, the Vocal Ensembles are rehearsing hard, Liturgy Group is three masses down, and public speaking are choosing their words carefully.

Legally Blonde 2023

Rehearsals are underway for Legally Blonde the Musical. The cast and production team are excited to get this show on the stage having selected a strong leading cast at the end of 2022. We will be documenting the rehearsal process thanks to the generous support of Mr Dominic Thurlow (Film, Television and New Media Teacher) – this short video series will be published out to the community over the next couple of weeks. Also, over the next couple of weeks, keep an eye out for how you can secure your tickets or even help the show get to the stage!

Debating

Debating is well and truly underway for 2023 with Round 2 starting this week. So far, we have had great engagement from the students involved in being supported by a very capable coaching team. Welcoming back to the college and to our coaching team this year are Old Boys (OB) Josh Ryan (2018) Rayan Dib (2021), Jeremy Wong (2021), Nic Falzon (2022) and Sam Martin (2022). It is great continuing the Padua connections with these old boys as they take through the next cohort of debaters.

We are also bringing back your opportunity to have your say on the debating topics. Complete the form below to have your say about the Round 1 Debates.

Results will be published in the coming weeks.

We will also start working towards the Grade 6 Debating competition. Each year for the last couple of years, Padua, St Laurence’s, Ambrose Treacy and Marist Colleges have come together to test each other’s skills in Debating and Public Speaking. Hosted at St Laurence’s College, this is a great taste into debating and public speaking for our Junior Students. More information will be out shortly about teams and topics but for your planning, the competition dates are as follows –

• Round 1- May 2nd
• Round 2- May 16th
• Round 3- May 30th

Chess

Chess is back for 2023. Chess club will run in

• Break 1, Tuesday – Thursday for the intermediate and senior players (Years 7 – 12);
• from 7am Thursday mornings for Juniors (Years 5 – 6);
• Tuesday afternoons until 4:30pm for those a part of the AIC teams.

Vocal Ensembles

Assisi Vocal Ensemble

Assisi Vocal Ensemble has started for another year. We will be spending this year working towards the Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival in August. Rehearsals are held in Music 2, every Wednesday Break 1, and every Friday afternoon until 4:15pm. Everyone on the Assisi campus is welcome to join. For more information contact me at dallen@padua.qld.edu.au .

Greccio Rock Voices

Greccio Rock Voices is also back for the year. This group targets the Year 5 and 6 students on our Greccio Campus. They will also get an opportunity to sing with the Assisi Vocal Ensemble throughout the year. Rehearsals are at 7:30 am every Friday morning in the Greccio MPR led by the wonderful Mrs Justine Favell. For more information, contact Justine at jfavell@padua.qld.edu.au

For both ensembles as well as all other activities, we acknowledge that there will be training and rehearsal for other activities that may conflict with this. Please let your Musical Director/Coach know if this is the case and we will work on an arrangement.

Yours Musically
Mr Daniel Allen
Head of Cultural Activities

College Counsellor News

Grief is a natural response to loss. It might be the loss of a loved one, relationship or even a pet. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief is likely to be. Children and adults grieve differently due to their developmental stage, and this can prove difficult for parents to understand.

Young children fluctuate in and out of the stages of grief rapidly, as they may not comprehend the permanency death. They express their grief more physically. Teens on the other hand may not know how to express their grief and will need some space to process their loss. Some may choose to grieve alone, not wanting to stand out or be seen as not coping. Whilst others, who may have a greater understanding, can start to question their own mortality.

In this edition of PaduaTV, parents can learn how to acknowledge their child’s feelings and the best way to support them through the grief.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of PaduaTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact your son’s Pastoral or House Guardian and/or the College Counsellors for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Grief & Loss edition of PaduaTV

Ms Sally Maguire and Ms Rebecca Cain
College Counsellors

Career News

The Padua College Careers Expo 2023 will be held on Thursday 27 April from 8:30am-11:30am in La Cordelle. All Year 9 to 12 students will be able to visit the Expo during scheduled times and at first break. The Expo is a great way for students to explore their post-school options. On the day, students will have the opportunity to talk to representatives from education providers, student support services, employers and industry groups about careers, courses, and training and employment opportunities.

Ms Joanne O’Bryan
Careers Counsellor

Sport

FUN and PERSISTANCE
(Remembering Father John and Bob Out)

Half my life ago I sat in the Rectors Office being interviewed by Father John Boyd-Boland and Bob Out for the position of Head of Sport at Padua College. Little did I know the influence both these men would have on my professional and personal life. They both were strong advocates of the sports program and gave me unbridled support. It feels surreal that we are farewelling them both this week. Two great men of Padua. You don’t get to meet many people who make you better and epitomise all the virtues you wish you had. Both FJ and Bob lead the school the way they should all be run. Care and compassion where the staff and boys came first. I have been extremely lucky to work for two such amazing men.

It would be hard to recall a Saturday that didn’t see Fr John and Bob turning up at various sporting events, taking an interest in the performance of the teams and the welfare of the boys. Their obvious love of sport and support for the efforts of players and coaches rightfully earnt them great affection and respect.

I cannot thank them enough for their wholehearted support, advice, and encouragement.

RIP FJ and Bob.

This season I challenged myself and took on the role as coach of 5C AFL. It’s been a very long time since I coached a junior school team. The season had its ups and downs, but it also gave that reality check of why we play sport. I was also really touched by the present they after the last game. The team enjoyed their first season of Padua sport and improved out of sight winning their last match 99-1.

5C Team holding up Mr Maguire’s present

The street sign was a symbol of what sport should be and reinforced the key values of sport that both Father John and Bob were great believers of.

Few fields of endeavour can have more cliches written about them than 21st century sport. Every Fox Sports commentator, ex player, fan and armchair critic have an opinion on what separates the champions from the so-called also-rans. Everyone seems to know what it takes to win or to be the best.

Amidst all this knowledge and expertise, what advice would I give for the next generation of Padua boys (i.e., 5C AFL) beginning their experience of AIC Sport?

To be honest it hasn’t changed since the day I accepted the role at Padua and is very much in line with two things FJ and Bob said to me.

One is simplicity itself – have fun! Take part because of the joy and sheer pleasure of play in the true sense of the word. Those moments of sheer bliss, when the feet have wings, and nothing stands in your way. Play the game, whatever your game of sport because you enjoy it, and it is fun. Father John would always ask the boys “did you have fun?”

The second piece and very much Bob’s advice is tougher and less fashionable. Persist. In a world of quick fix – hang on. Once you find something you enjoy, stick with it. When the game is tough and your team is down, persist. When you don’t feel like going to that training or gym session, persist. When it’s not so convenient to be this carnival, persist. Challenge yourself. What type of resilience do you have? Bob Out is one the most resilient people I have ever seen.

American President Calvin Coolidge had this to say…

Do these two things, and by whatever measure you use, sport will be a success for you.

At the end of this sporting term everyone at the College can sit back, study the results, and feel proud of the consistent excellence of the boys’ performances. I believe for next term and every term there must be a priority on keeping it fun and keeping it going.

With such a large and successful sports programme in the College, we are dependent on many people for their generosity. Their commitment makes our sports programme possible – to all these people a sincere thank you.

Congratulations to all our award winners and to our premiership teams.

Could luck to all our Rugby and Football teams trialling and playing over the coming weeks.

Mr Scott Maguire
Head of Sport

Parents and Friends Association

Come along to our next P & F meeting.

P&F Meeting Dates 2023

• Tuesday, 18th April
• Tuesday, 22nd August
• Tuesday, 7th November (including AGM)

P&F Engagement Evenings 2023

• Tuesday, 30th May
• Wednesday, 9th August
• Monday, 16th October

Best wishes

Ms Pascale De Graeve
P&F President

Community and Events