Autumn/Winter 2022

Newsletter Articles

Something Franciscan

College Chaplain

A little bit about me….

I grew up in the beautiful Blue Mountains, west of Sydney in a family that loved camping and travelling. Moving to the Wollongong area after school I worked for twenty years in heavy industry and mining as a chemical engineer. My work included everything from building new furnaces, research on new steelmaking methods, writing environmental impact studies and being part of the steelworks risk and emergency response team.

Alongside my work I volunteered with the Society of St Vincent de Paul looking after homeless and mental health services. This experience with St Vincent de Paul led me to being more involved in the Church. With what was left of my time, I was on the board of Professionals Australia and served as a company director in the education, insurance and labour contracting sectors. Before joining the friars, I also travelled extensively through the Middle East on backpacking holidays.

I woke up one morning and looked out the window and said to myself “God, what can I do for you in return for this beautiful day?” I was surprised to find myself reflecting on this at the end of the day and set out on an adventure trying to answer the question!

Joining the Franciscan Friars in 2008 I helped put together the Franciscan World Youth Day events in Sydney while living in the Minto Housing Commission estate in western Sydney. I spent 2009 in Singapore as a novice living in a very multi-cultural community.

My first contact with Old Boys of Padua was at the Singapore ANZAC Dawn Service in 2009 when several came up to say hello and asked after some of the friars.

During temporary profession (2010-2014) I studied at the friars’ theological school in Box Hill, Melbourne for three years. While living there I volunteered mentoring migrants in English and visited the immigration detention centres in both Melbourne and Sydney. I was involved in assisting Melbourne Archdiocese’s Interfaith and Ecumenical Commission, a highlight of which was organising multifaith retreats and a multifaith pilgrimage to Jerusalem. I also spent a year working in a locked mental health unit at Werribee Mercy Hospital as a pastoral carer.

A great experience in 2011 was spending three months in the Aboriginal community of Llyentye Apunte (Santa Teresa) in the Northern Territory and visiting many of the remote communities to celebrate Christmas. There I met several old Aboriginal stockmen who had been all over Australia, on the back of a horse, droving cattle.

In 2014 I was solemnly professed (made a life commitment to be a friar), ordained a deacon in a classroom in Townsville in early 2016 and was ordained a priest in Wollongong in December that same year.

With the Franciscans you tend to be a “jack of all trades” and since being solemnly professed as a friar I have had a number of hats. In 2016 I was acting parish priest in our parish in Auckland and served at our retreat house in Auckland, New Zealand. The parish community there is a great multicultural community with Islanders from Tonga and Samoa, and Indian migrants from Tamil Nadu and Goa.

In 2017 I moved to Melbourne to serve as Guardian of our St Paschal community. Alongside looking after the health of our aging friars I became spiritual assistant to the Secular Franciscans movement. This gave me the opportunity to give retreats on Franciscan Spirituality across Australia. I was also a regular visitor to the Australian Catholic University chaplaincy and was visiting priest to the Remand Prison (which means I am unlikely to ever do jury duty again!).

My engineering skills have come in handy helping schools and parishes look at the practical side of implementing Pope Francis’ encyclical on caring for the earth, Laudato Si’. They have also led me to be a member of an international network of Catholic religious and professionals looking at the effect of mining and other extractive development on local communities and the environment.

With the Franciscans I have had the opportunity to travel to Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam. It has been a great experience of different cultures and building up contacts with the friars across Asia. In 2019 I attended a Franciscan conference on Peace and Justice in Jerusalem and celebrated Pentecost in the original site of the Upper Room. I haven’t been to Assisi, yet!

Alongside work at Padua College, I have also helped Fr Mario at the Catholic Chaplaincy of University of Queensland. Normally on weekends you will find me saying Sunday mass at a parish anywhere across Brisbane Archdiocese and beyond. I am involved in the Kedron Parish Justice Peace and Creation Committee and assist the local migrant and refugee network. I work with Franciscan International and the Order’s Justice and Peace Committee on global environmental and human rights issues. I also assist the Franciscan School Association, which is a network of school who share the Franciscan charism, giving talks and retreats to students and teachers.

Following Fr John’s long service to the school I have big sandals to fill and continue to learn from his wise advice and example.

I have a passion for sharing the Gospel, Franciscan Spirituality, and ensuring the Padua College students discover the best of themselves and are ready to face whatever their future brings! I hope to give them a living experience of the Gospel and Church that is relevant to their lives.

The School Chaplain is open to be contacted by Old Boys.

Email jomckay@padua.qld.edu.au

All peace

Fr Joe McKay ofm

The Rector

I hope this edition of our Old Boys’ Newsletter brings back good memories of your time at Padua. I also hope my short summary of some of the events that are covered in this edition will enable you to reconnect with the story of the College. When we look at all thriving organisations, whether it be schools or your own workplace, all of them have a strength through their connection to story and traditions. This sense of connection is about building this story at Padua and honouring our past. While connection to our past is important, our future rests in how this story also connects with our relevance and innovation. I trust that as you read this edition, you will see this in the events and the initiatives at the College.

For our Year 12 students, the end of last term also marked the beginning of their year level celebrations, with their Formal at the Greek Club. We also had the Padua Dash, Term 2 Sports Awards, and a Mass to celebrate the feast day of St Anthony. Our full name, the College of St Anthony of Padua has been lost over time and in some regards, so too has the story of St Anthony. Over time, we have become known as ‘Padua’, but our full name is on our foundation plaque that is outside our current Learning Enrichment Centre (in a former life, this building was the College’s administration building).

When we speak of St Anthony, many Catholics will know that he is often called upon when we have trouble finding lost objects. Many of us have prayed to St Anthony when we have lost something. However, St Anthony is also well known for his outstanding preaching, being a teacher to the friars and for living an austere lifestyle. The decision to name our college after St Anthony was no doubt supported by his excellent teaching and preaching skills. St Anthony’s superior, St Francis, was cautious about education but said of St Anthony, “It pleases me that you should teach the friars sacred theology, provided that in such studies they do not destroy the spirit of holy prayer and devotedness, as contained in the Rule.”

Our Year 12 Leaders probably didn’t draw the connection to St Anthony, when they came up with their 2022 motto, ‘cast your voice, catch the spirit’. As Christians, we are all called to speak up, to spread the Good News and to be those who bear witness to God. However, St Anthony also reminds us that words alone are not enough, and they must be supported by our actions. ‘Actions speak louder than words; Let your words teach and your actions speak.’ Our service learning programs and groups such as the PC Eagles, provide tangible ways for our boys to live by the words of St Anthony.

Recently, all staff were involved in a week of professional learning. This included an annual LEX meeting at St Laurence’s College. The conference was titled Designing Curriculum and Assessment that Promotes a Culture of Thinking. The Learning Exchange (LEX), or Institute for Learning and Teaching Excellence, is a joint venture between St Laurence’s, Iona, and Padua Colleges. LEX aims to build on excellence in professional practice between the schools and share resources and expertise through highly effective professional learning communities. This involves meeting regularly to share practices and to have staff present innovative ways they are teaching and engaging students.

The professional learning week also included a Staff Spirituality Day, and the theme is, ‘Deep Listening in Dialogue’; Journey with an open heart, mind, and awareness to discover First Nations ways of knowing, being, doing and valuing through the lens of the Franciscan Schools Australia (FSA) 2022 theme of Embrace. The keynote speakers were Dr John Davis - Uluru Statement from the Heart, and Dr Mayrah Driese – Senior Manager at Brisbane Catholic Education.

Despite the challenges with weather and the pandemic, our co-curricular programs continue to be a big part of enhancing student wellbeing as we have emerged from the disruptions of the past couple of years. Last term, we had over 1000 boys involved in sport and chess along with many other boys who were involved in debating and theatre sports. We also had many boys involved in the Australian Space Design Competition. Our Senior Space Design team have again won the Australian competition and are now competing for the international prize, with Mr Peter Morris leading the way.

Finally, the College’s Master Plan has been completed. It has been presented to staff and we have also provided a summary copy to the P & F for parents to view, which is now available in the Parents and Friends’ portal. The master plan includes a number of significant projects, and it is an outcome of the College’s Strategic Plan. M3 Architects have carefully examined the opportunities and constraints of our site, including heritage, and developed a master plan that reflects the College’s mission and vision.

We hope to announce the first stage of the master plan this term and we also continue to work with Mount Alvernia College around the master plan for the Shared Precinct site.

Peace and all good
Peter Elmore

Up & Coming Events

Gold V Gala Day

Enjoy a day of Rugby League at Padua Playing Fields, Elliot Road, Banyo 20 August 2022. All Old Boys are welcome for a simple gathering post-match.

We are trying to locate all 1st Rugby League Captains to include in proceedings at this year’s Gold V Gala Day.

Can you help? We don’t have contact details for the following old boys.

Please email oldboys@padua.qld.edu.au if you can help us.

Padua College Race Day 2022

Follow updates on social media for ticket sale details.

Old Boys & Memorial Mass 2022

This event grows each year. We were so pleased to welcome over 100 people last year to the Mass and to the refreshments afterwards in St Francis Hall. All of our community are welcome to attend. Please email oldboys@padua.qld.edu.au if you would like to add someone to our Memorial list.

Two of our old boys, Geoff Harding and Michael Kennedy, are still keen to run this.

The Choir aim to perform at this year’s Memorial Mass. Please contact them if you are interested.

Where are they now?

Greg Frisina (OB 1982)

In the Australia Day awards, an old boy, Greg Frisina (finished Padua, 1982) received an AM – Military. Greg is an Air Commodore in the RAAF. That is the Air Force equivalent of a Brigadier General in the Army. The citation says it was for ‘exceptional service in flying training, aviation training implementation, and personnel administration for the Australian Defence Force.

Greg followed his brother David into the RAAF. David served as flight staff on the Prime Ministers’ airplane, attending to several Prime Ministers.

Lindsay Collins (OB 2013)

Lindsay Collins was selected in Queensland Coach Billy Slater’s 22-man squad to face New South Wales in Origin.

The front rower will took his place in the State of Origin arena following his debut series in 2020, having missed last year through an ACL injury and will be looking to continue his impressive form in the Maroon jersey.

Jamie Young (OB 2000)

Jamie returned to play in the A-League after a long career playing professional football in England. He recently moved to Western United in Melbourne after an extended period with the Brisbane Roar. In his first season as their starting keeper, Jamie with his team were able to secure the A-League premiership against the favourites Melbourne City. Jamie has become the first ever Paduan to be part of a football team to win the A-League title. Well done to Jamie and his teammates.

Craig Wright (OB 1987)

Old Boy and Bitcoin inventor, Craig was in the press for winning a US lawsuit.

Jason Roberts (OB 1987)

Jason Roberts is a Director of Aurora Super Yacht Logistics. Jason is also a Director with a volunteer-based, registered charity for under-privileged and disabled children, Aussie Kidz Charity.

Matthew Bannon (OB 2002)

For many years was working in Rome for the International Development Law Organisation helping developing nations, then with the United Nations on Women’s Rights and has now recently moved to Kenya to further his work.

Anthony Hodge (OB 2002)

Anthony Hodge, since studying medicine and becoming a fully qualified doctor is now a specialist in anaesthesia.

Timothy Jucha (OB 2002)

Timothy now works as a town planner project manager for the Government to form our neighbourhoods.

Jacob Elordi (OB)

Seen recently hosting the Academy Awards, Jacob attended Padua in years 5 & 6 before moving to Nudgee in 2008.

Jacob's first experience on a Hollywood film set was in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales as an extra. His first acting role was on the Australian film Swinging Safari[6] in 2018, playing the role of Rooster. Jacob came to fame starring as Noah Flynn in the Netflix romantic comedy film The Kissing Booth, which premiered in May 2018.[7] He reprised the role in the sequel The Kissing Booth 2,[7] which filmed in mid-2019 in Cape Town and was released in July 2020.[8] He also starred in the third film in the series, The Kissing Booth 3, which was released on Netflix on 11 August 2021.

In 2019, he starred in the horror film The Mortuary Collection and began playing Nate Jacobs in the HBO television series Euphoria.[9]

Source – Wikipedia

Harris Andrews (OB 2014)

Congratulations to Harris who recently celebrated 150 games.

Hudson Creighton (OB 2017)

Hudson was recently named in the Australia A squad.

Lawson Creighton (OB 2015)

Lawson was named Reds’ Rookie of the Year for 2022.

Stuart and Jennifer Creighton were interviewed about Lawson and Hudson’s game against each other. The College is in the background of this news item. Stuart is on staff here at Padua.

Tom O’Toole (OB 2016)

Tom was named in New Zealand summer tour in the Irish squad.

Tom also visited the school recently and gifted his first test jumper. Amazingly generous of him.

Andy Trafford (OB 2004)

Andy is a Clinical mental health nurse studying masters at ACU. He kindly took a day off work so could be the ACU rep at Padua for careers day this year.

Dan Gordon (OB 1998)

Dan was spotted showing his Padua colours at a Villanova Cricket game in Term 1

Stephen Dionysius (OB 1997)

Brisbane financial advisor Stephen Dionysius will join an elite group this summer with his inaugural appointment to the Cricket Australia Supplementary Umpire Panel. He has also joined forces with Rohan Reibelt (OB 1997) to form Venro Finance

Eden Taylor and Maclean Herman (OB 2021)

Mac and Eden continue to be involved in the You Choose Youth Road Safety campaign with Founders Peter and Melissa McGuiness.

Max Johnson (OB 2021)

Max Johnson now plays for Melbourne Rebels and was named in the Junior Wallabies squad.

Dan Ritchie (OB 2005)

Dan is a middle school teacher at Brisbane Grammar. He is also Head Coach Colts 1 at North Brisbane Rugby Club.

Paduans to the Rescue

Olympian Steven Bradbury won some media attention recently following the rescue of multiple people at Happy Valley, Kings Beach, Caloundra. However, an amazing number of the Paduan community were involved also. The unknown young man that ran up the beach was a Padua Old boy. One of the two adults that swam out to assist was a second unknown Padua Old boy (he was not with the first unknown old boy). On Patrol were Aaron Clarke, Chris O’Shea and David O’Shea who are all Padua Old boys. Patrol driver of the rescue boat was Andrew Richards, whose son graduated from Padua in 2021 and was also on Patrol. A mighty Padua effort.

Spotted at the KP

Seen having a Christmas beer at the Kedron Park Hotel were 3 old boys from 1969. Left to right, Kevin Rout (retired teacher), John Porter (retired property valuer) and Lenny O’Brien (retired customs officer). All 3 are Padua old boys and attended from Grade 1 @ St Anthony’s in 1957 until Grade 12 at Padua in 1969.

Reunions

First Paduans (Vintage) Old Boys’ (1950-60s) Morning Tea and Padua Visit

Without a doubt, everyone had such a great day in the old friary at the college, a venue with great nostalgia and personal meaning for all. The guided tour afterwards was excellent. An offer was made by Peter Elmore for us to have our next Coffee Morning also at Padua College in “our” Friars Dining Room.

Attendees

• Rod Brewer
• Dave Cox
• Zane Devlin, and Nola (debut)
• Jeff Ferguson – travel medal - Warwick
• Carmel Hennessy
• Syd Humphrey
• Dare Jones
• Rob Lynam
• Peter Metcalfe
• Jim Miller
• Peter Murdoch
• John O’Keeffe
• Ray Pradella - debut
• Ray Simon
• John Spinaze
• Michael Stark
• Peter Thistleton
• Terry Thistleton
• Mike Willett

Apologies

• Mick Brosnan
• Peter Cross
• Warren Cullinan
• Brian Cunningham
• Michael Curtin
• Michael Kennedy
• Bernard Metcalfe
• Richard Nikola
• Michael O’Flynn
• Stephanie Ryan
• George Smith
• Mike Vincent
• Gary Wheldon

Mike Willett (OB 1965)

First Old Boy’s morning tea and visit

2007 Reunion

The reunion was held in June at Blute's Bar, Fortitude Valley, and even featured Padua Specials!

2002 Reunion

The 2002 reunion was held in May, to coincide with Back to Banyo. Unfortunately, B2B was postponed because of bad weather, but the reunion went ahead as planned.

Sportsman’s Dinner 2022

The ‘back to basics’ format of the revamped Sportsman’s Dinner continues to be successful. A wonderful night was had by all. Gorden Tallis was an engaging presenter and Pat Welsh again did a good job as MC.

1972 Reunion

1973 Reunion

1992 Reunion

Looking Back

John O’Keefe (OB 1965) visited the school and wore his prefect badge. Do you still have one? Send us a photo to oldboys@padua.qld.edu.au

Peter Metcalfe shared some fabulous images with us some time ago. Please enjoy a selection of them.

Around the school

Confraternity Carnival 2022

The Confraternity Carnival was held in Mackay recently. It continues to be a much-loved event in the Padua Calendar.

QISSRL article interviewing Scott Maguire (OB)

Padua College will bring its rich Confraternity Carnival history to Mackay next week, aiming to match its positive experience in the city in 1987.

Padua’s Head of Sport Scott Maguire played for the school in that first Mackay carnival and was named in the QISSRL Merit team alongside the likes of future Kangaroos fullback Paul Hauff (Aquinas College).

This will mark Maguire’s 25th Confraternity Carnival as a player, coach or administrator and he hopes that this year’s Padua team will enjoy the same emotions as his first Mackay carnival.

“We arrived really having no idea what to expect and, by the end of the carnival, it felt like the most fun I’d ever had,” Maguire said.

“I was in Year 11, playing with a bunch of Year 12 players, and we formed friendships that still stand today. We have such positive memories of that trip to Mackay.”

Padua reached the quarterfinals in 1987, falling to eventual champions St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon.

The two schools will meet again in the first round of this year’s carnival to extend a rivalry that has spanned decades and includes their memorable 2019 quarter-final clash in Bundaberg.

That year, Padua trailed 18-0 but stormed back in the second half to draw 18-all. The Brisbane school advanced after scoring four tries to St Brendan’s three. It was a stunning performance against a Carnival heavyweight from a school that had been playing rugby union in previous months.

Padua will be among six schools from the Associated Independent Colleges competition that will travel to Mackay following their recent rugby union competition.

Some of the AIC schools won’t play a warm-up game, preferring intensive camps and opposed sessions to prepare for the testing week in Mackay.

But that hasn’t stopped the AIC schools from figuring strongly in previous seasons when they have been regular semi-final contenders in the top-tier Confraternity Shield.

Padua will again be coached by the experienced Gary O’Brien, who took over in 2019 after Maguire had coached the previous 18 carnivals.

O’Brien’s squad will include about six players who featured in last year’s Covid-shortened carnival at Iona College.

“We do have some players who experienced the Carnival last season so that will be a benefit going to Mackay,” Maguire said.

“We know that some of our players can be tired after the rugby union season so we try to keep them relatively fresh.

“This carnival is always tough because there are so many talented teams but we want our players to really enjoy the week and to take away memories that will go with them for a long time.”

Padua Confraternity team pictured with College Rector, Peter Elmore, Mark McSweeney (OB 1982) and Chris Humphrys (OB 1996)

Great to see Brisbane Broncos Captain Adam Reynolds at Padua with Confraternity Co Captains Noah Harney and Mitch Rogers

Simon Tayler (OB 1991) and his team from Testing Limits Together worked with our Confraternity team again this year in their preparation for the competition.

Confraternity State of Origin players

It was wonderful to see Michael Watkins, Terry Nodwell, Phil Hennessy, John Taylor, and Michael Robinson at the Confraternity Shield Carnival in Mackay. They were there to support Padua, as very Old Boys of the College!

Brisbane Floods

Students helped in the clean-up at North’s Rugby Club at Shaw Park following the floods earlier this year.

While the College suffered little damage in the floods, our playing fields at Banyo were inundated and the road into Amaroo was flooded. Thanks to the wonderful staff who volunteered to clean up at Banyo. We are very blessed to have such a great community.

The College donated desks to a school impacted badly by flooding in Lismore. Pictured here is Courtney Franklin (OB 1995) loading them onto a truck prior to distribution.

CEO Sleepout

Rector Peter Elmore participated in the CEO sleepout this year, raising over $12 000. This amount was more than double his initial target of $5000. With tremendous support from our Padua Community, we offer our sincere gratitude for each and every generous donation. The realities of homelessness are ever present in society. We are honoured to able to contribute these funds raised by our community.

Under 11 Met North Rugby League Team

Brisbane Broncos halfback, Adam Reynolds, presented the Under 11 Met North Team with their jerseys. Our Head of Sport, Scott Maguire was there to congratulate our 4 Paduans, Charlie O'Regan, Manning Vera, Boston Ketu and Jack Walsh as they received their Jersey.

Mitch Rogers named in AIC First XV Team of the Season

Link to Courier Mail article for subscribers

Mitch Rogers also trialled for the Bulldogs in January. Pictured here with Gus Gould, he scored 2 tries in the game.

Padua AFL doing well

Padua boys who played the State Championship Grand Final in Hervey Bay recently.

Jordan Chambers
Damon Humphrys
Lachlan Chambers
Darby Breeden
Tom Waters
Tom Levi

Music – Wind Ensemble

Well done to all the members of the Wind Ensemble that performed at the Queensland Youth Music Awards (QYMA) with 5 other Concert Bands (B Grade). I can't be happier with the result even though we were not in the placings, the growth and the effort put in by the students was reflected on stage with a polished performance against some of Brisbane leading music Programmes. It was lovely to see so many supportive parents attending as well to cheer us on! Big thanks to Mr Tweddell, Mrs Jamieson and Mr Baras for helping on the evening.

Trevor Beyer

ANZAC Day

The Padua College Anzac Day Liturgy was held at the College on Friday 22 April 2022.

A most dignified service. Sgt Greg Woodward, Padua Old Boy, gave the oration and ode; fine words, well delivered. Active Servicemen from 6RAR formed the Catafalque Party.

Wreaths were laid by Melinda and Bev McCormack, John O’Keeffe and Mike Willett, and Rector Peter Elmore.

Mike Willett

Hundreds of students and staff marched in the ANZAC Day parade at the Kedron Wavell RSL despite the weather.

Continued success for Padua College Space Design

Congratulations to Harry Richards (OB 2021), Liam Richards (OB 2021), Thomas Plackett (OB 2021), Alan Benoy (Year 12), Alastair Ross (Year 10), Derrick Matthew (Year 10), Kayden Beyer (Year 12), Leo Lofaro (Year 12), Luqmaan Baichoo (Year 12), Noah Duncanson (Year 10), Tan Hojnik (Year 12), Tom James (Year 11) and their competitions partners from St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School and Marsden High School.

After 50 hours of enquiring, consulting, planning and designing, 12 students from Padua combined with students from St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School and Marsden High School to form the Centaurus Company which won the Australian Space Design Competition’s Finals Event.

Their brief was to propose the design, development, construction, and operations planning of a generic base occupying a natural lava tube on the surface of Mercury. They had to meet specific requirements as laid out in the request for tender and make their 50 slide presentation to a panel of 4 industry expert judges.

From here, the team qualify for the International Competition.

Space Design Competitions Australia has just approved selection of the following 6 current and graduated Padua students in the Australian Team to compete at the 2022 International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) Finals:

Harry Richards (graduated)
Tom Plackett (graduated)
Leo Lofaro (Yr12)
Tan Hojnik (Yr12)
Kayden Beyer (Yr12)
Noah Donaldson (Yr10)

Open Day 2022

Mr Longhurst was one of the original Paduans. He visited the College on Open Day this year to see how much it had changed. He is pictured here with Simon Stower (OB 1985).

Editor: Looking back through some old photos generously provided by Peter Metcalfe (OB 1962), we may have stumbled upon a photo of the same gentleman or a least a relative. What do you think?

Athletics 1965 – Len Metcalfe, Alan Rockett, Rod Longhurst competing in the Under 16 100 yards race

Back to Banyo

Article in the Catholic Leader by Old Boy, Joe Higgins (OB 2013)

RUGBY and soccer teams from Padua College were kicking off their gameday for police mental health awareness at their regular fixtures last Saturday.

The teams, parents and staff were supporting Blue Hope Services Limited.

Founding director Andrew Ayres, a detective sergeant in the Queensland Police Service, said back in 2014 he had identified shortcomings in support methods for police who were struggling.

“I just thought I’d do something about it,” he said.

He said the service went from drinking coffees and letting people vent to now operating a business premises at Eagle Farm with a full-time psychologist.

The connection with Padua was through his boss, who was an old boy, and because of the significant number of police families at Padua, he said.

Padua College Rector Peter Elmore said the college had supported Blue Hope at their fundraising sports day, Back-To-Banyo, for a few years because of how many Padua Old Boys currently served in the QPS.

“Along with our Padua families, we strive to raise young men of quiet strength and character, so we support charities such as Blue HOPE and their efforts to improve men’s mental health,” he said.

There was a large turnout for the final matches of the gameday with many old boys filling up the stands.

Luke McKenna represented the class of 2002 and did the coin toss for the first XI game. Peter Johns kindly did the same for the 1st XV. Money was raised in support to Blue Hope.

The donation was presented to Blue Hope Director Andy Ayres and Ken Rogers (OB 1989) at Assembly recently.

Parliament House visits

Students from Padua and Mt Alvernia visited Parliament House as lunch guests of Jimmy Sullivan MP (OB 1999). Year 6 students visited Parliament House as a part of their studies and saw Jimmy also.

Old Boys v 1st XI Football Match

The Cull Cup was introduced this year to begin our First XI football season. Named after Mr Dan Cull who coached many First XI teams and continues to work tirelessly for the betterment of Padua Football. Recent First XI Old Boys were invited to take part in this match and were coached by Mr Cull to ensure a competitive outing for the current First XI squad. The match was played in a great spirit between the two sides and there was plenty of 'Franciscan aggression' on display. Taking an early lead the Old Boys were pegged back until a couple of late goals ensured a 3-1 victory for the Old Boys. Many lessons were learnt by our current First XI so it was an invaluable experience. Captain of the Old Boys - Josh Stephenson - gracefully accepted the inaugural Cull Cup for his side. Many thanks go to Mr Andrew Stephenson for his work in creating and organising this fixture and thanks to Moreton Bay United for loaning the jerseys to our Old Boys.

The intent of the game was to provide the current cohort of students who were trialling for the school’s senior team with a competitive game that the coaches can use to assess the merits of each player. It was also an opportunity for former students to engage with the school and generate support for the current playing cohort while also celebrating their time with the college as part of the old boys’ network. The College was able to promote its football program and its proud history to current students and their families.

Fr Joe McKay ofm

On Friday 11 March Joe McKay was officially installed by Phillip Miscamble as the new Chaplain of Padua College. Joe succeeds John Boyd-Boland who has been Chaplain, Teacher and Rector of Padua since the 1970s. Joe started at Padua last year after moving from St Pascals, Box Hill where he had been living for several years. Joe has settled into the routine of school life well.

Model United Nations

Six Paduans represented Kenya and Romania at the Bond University High School Model United Nations, discussing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Under the Water.

A massive thank you to the organisers at @Bond for running the event again this year. Each of the students learnt a lot about the United Nations process, as well as diplomatic reasoning.

It was also great to see Padua OB 2021 Charlie Bergman at the event Chairing Committee Two over the two days.

Film & TV

Young Paduan film-makers enjoyed the experience of an Immersion Day this week where they took part in an intensive production skills workshop. Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 all collaborated in a live shoot where they devised a short film based on an improvised narrative. Showing their creative spark and flexing their technical muscles, the boys were able to execute a whole range of skills that relate to cinematography and editing in a production environment. The workshop was facilitated by Oscar-winning cinematographer Greg Huglin – originally from California but now based at Noosa - who has worked in the industry for over 50 years. The boys take away valuable production experience that will embolden the technical and creative choices they’ll soon be making in their upcoming production assignments.

Dom Thurlow (OB 1989)

Basketball

Darby and Dustin from Grade 10 just won Queensland Basketball U16 State Championships Premiership on the Gold Coast.

Athletics

On Sunday 4th April Cooper Carswell competed in the 3000m at the Australian Track and Field Championships in Sydney. Cooper ran a PB of 8:52 to place him 11th in Australia out of a field of 36 athletes. He still isn't 100% post Covid, therefore a great run despite the reduced training load and illness in the lead up.

Christmas card project

Year 9 students were encouraged to write to returned service men. The response from one of them is here.

Dear Quinn,

Thank you, Quinn for the Christmas Card, which was forwarded to me by Kedron Wavell R.S.L. Sub Branch, (of which I have been a Member for many years.) I am a little older than you. I was 93 last September. My wife, Valerie & I have been married for 69 years. We have two daughters, twin Grand-Daughters, & two Great Grandsons. I live at “Parkview” which is an aged care facility at Chermside. I came to “Parkview” following an accident when my mobility scooter capsized on top of me on 23 February last year. I spent 76 days in various Hospitals before entering “Parkview” in May last year. II was interested in your love of cricket----I played a lot of cricket in both District & Warehouse Clubs. As a matter of interest----my cardiologist, Professor Darren Walters, was a student at Padua. I think he was Dux & he played Rugby League for Padua Firsts. He is renowned for his work in cardiac research. Thank you again, Quinn –I will follow your progress with interest. Kind Regards Lloyd

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