8 May 2018

Newsletter Articles

THINGS FRANCISCAN

Dear Paduans,

The year began in first gear. We started with welcoming new Year 5, Year 7 and other new students. Then the Commissioning of 2018 Student Leaders with our Provincial, Fr Phillip Miscamble ofm presiding. The Senior Class went on Retreat/camp to “Amaroo”, then in very hot and humid conditions Year7 camps were held. The weather moderated for Year 5 camps that followed. Meanwhile Cricket, Volleyball and Swimming began our AIC competition, all the boys participated in the Swimming House Carnivals.

Fr Mario Debattista ofm, Guardian at the Adele Street Friary has been appointed Chaplain at University (St. Lucia campus) and is also begins teaching part time at Padua. It is good to see a little more of the brown on campus.

This year, Bishop Ken Howell lead us in our Inaugural Eucharist. We welcomed him as a newcomer to Padua. It is pleasing to continue hearing the high quality of the boys’ singing.

Ash Wednesday began our Lenten observance, and at this time the boys showed their generosity with their donation to The Little King’s Collection. A commendable effort! We completed this Liturgical season with a celebration/pageant on Holy Thursday.

Then a squad of Rugby players took off to Europe - with games in Northern Ireland, Ireland, England and France. They were fortunate in being able to visit the World War I Cemeteries in Belgium and France and visit the Menin Gate and Ypres. In the meantime, our footballers were at a training camp closer to home - Twin Waters.

There have been a number of sessions for the Seniors in preparation for QCS tests later in the year, and ‘The Learning Nest’ flourishes with increasing numbers of boys staying back after school and being tutored by a number of Old Boy university undergraduates.

The Paduan winners of the National Space Design competition have be rewarded with a trip to the United States. Our College Vice Captain, Riley Clarke won the State Lion Youth competition, and goes on to complete in the National competition. Max Johnson (Year 9) is currently in Thailand as an Australian team member in an International Meet for his country. Old Boy Tom O’Toole (OB 2015) is playing in Under 20 Rugby team for Ireland. Quite apart from a number of Paduans who are in European universities for a term or two as part of their university studies - the ex Paduans making the world their home!

Best wishes.

Pace e bene

Fr John

The Rector

Welcome to the first Old Boys’ Newsletter for the year and a belated welcome to the start of the 2018 school year. We have had a positive start to 2018. I share the following news with you around the celebrations in the lives of some of our staff:

• Matt Hardy (OB 2000) and his wife had a baby.
• Adam Mueller and his wife had a baby.
• Fr John Boyd-Boland is taking Long Service Leave in May.
• Sarah Young and her husband had a baby.
• Kristen Griggs and her husband had a baby.
• Fr Paul Rout (OB 1966) will be coming back to Padua for an extended visit in Term 3.
• Fr Mario Debattista (OB 1976) is now on staff.
• Cheryl Cacciola retired from the Uniform Shop.
• Paul Garufi is taking Long Service Leave in July.

Strategic Plan – We are purposeful, we are proud, we are Padua.

In the final weeks of 2017, all families were sent a copy of the College’s Strategic Plan for 2018-2020 in the mail. This plan was the culmination of a year of consultation with the community and the discernment of the College Board and College Leadership Team. For me in my first year as College Rector, it was a great opportunity to immerse myself in the community and find out first-hand the wonderful mission and vision of this community. As a College staff we now look forward to working with the community to deliver on this plan over the next three years. The plan continues on from the last strategic plan “Padua as One’. A copy of the strategic plan is available below or you can have a hard copy by contacting Sue Weston at the College on admin@padua.qld.edu.au.

Space Design – Congratulations on being National Champions

We began the year by announcing that six of our boys were the national winners of the Australian Space Design Competition. Mr Peter Morris described the result as ‘one of Padua’s finest achievements’ in the history of our involvement in this prestigious competition. As a College, we are incredibly proud of the outstanding efforts from our boys throughout the gruelling weekend of competition. Their success means that Padua College has the opportunity to nominate six students to be members of the Australian team that will compete in the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) at the Kennedy Space Centre in Titusville, Florida in July this year.

AIC Sport Review

Last year the Association of Independent Colleges (AIC) undertook a review of our Saturday Sport Competition. The review was conducted by Professor Cliff Mallett from the University of Queensland. The review process began in July 2017 with the commencement of an on-line survey. During this phase, the intention was to garner relevant information about the ‘current state of play’ and in doing so, identify strengths and key issues of the AIC Competition. This was then followed closely by a second phase (September-October) that consisted of a series of focus group workshops where each college had the opportunity for face-to-face meetings to highlight and further discuss issues relating to current and future AIC sporting processes. The report has now been delivered to all AIC Colleges. The report was most complimentary around the quality and excellent outcomes of the AIC sporting program. The main findings of the report were:

Recommendation 1: Continue with current sports offerings.

Recommendation 2: Develop a clearly articulated philosophy and mission of the AIC.

Recommendation 3: Expand the current offerings to include a trial of Australian Football and Rugby League as seasonal sports.

Recommendation 4: (a) Review and reconsider the timing of sport offerings. (b) Stipulate a minimum number of teams for each college per age group in each sport.

These recommendations are now in the hands of the Heads of Colleges to consider if and how these recommendations may be implemented. Significant to the review was the feedback that families and students across the association were very pleased with the operation and offerings of AIC Sport.

‘Back to Banyo Day’ and Proposed Refurbishment of Facilities

We are putting the call out to all Old Boys to join us for the final round of AIC Fixtures in Term 2 on June 9. The College is theming the day around mens’ mental health initiatives. We are inviting all Old Boys to join us for what we expect to be a day of good sportsmanship and comradery against St Patrick’s College.

You may also be interested to know that we are in the process of preparing plans for the refurbishment of the facilities at Banyo. A new canteen, outside barbeque area, function room and remodelled change rooms are all part of the plans to modernise the current building. We hope to have this project completed by the end of the year.

Peace and all good

Peter Elmore

Padua Memorial Wall

Contact oldboys@padua.qld.edu.au if you have any information.

Looking back

1968 Paduan

1993 Paduan

Reunions

30 Year Reunion

Can you name this culinary delight?

Image courtesy of Russell Maddock (OB 1987)

This year represented the 30th anniversary of the Paduan graduating class of 1987 and this was an opportunity to get all the boys back together for a reunion.

The day started with a tour of the Assisi campus which was led by Jon O’Driscoll - a current teacher at Padua and a 1987 Old Boy as well. All of the old boys were impressed with the changes and improvements to the school over the last 30 years. It was agreed that whilst the school looked very different, it had still managed to maintain a comforting link to the past.

The tour of Assisi finished with a delivery of Paduan Specials to the school which was one of the highlights of the day.

After the tour finished, the group of about 35 headed to the Kedron Park Hotel for a few drinks and to tell a few old stories. The attendees to the reunion included Old Boys who had flown in from overseas, previous teachers, Old Boys who had only spent a couple of years with the group and Old Boys who only lived a few minutes away. Whilst most people looked totally different (not Craig Ricato who doesn’t seem to be getting any older), the stories remained the same and the laughs during the night ensured that another reunion will not be too far away.

Paul Wood (OB 1987)

2018 Franciscan Pilgrimage Fundraiser – Padua Budgy Smugglers

Hurry! Last chance to get your limited-edition Padua Budgy Smugglers at the low, low price of $50 a pair!! This offer will not be repeated so get yours now! Last day for sales will be 12th May.

Due to a glitch on the website payment page please phone Lisa Farry on 3857 9982 or Sharyn Biddle on 3857 9910 to make your order.

You know you want them!

Old Boys’ Cricket Match v Padua Firsts 2018

Old Boys and their families are welcome to attend the upcoming Annual Open Day

Follow Padua Old Boys’ on Facebook to stay up to date

Where are they now?

2017 OB QCS support visit

A group of last year's seniors are returning to Padua to assist with the set-up of the Hall for the Year 12s first day and to show their support of the new senior cohort on their first day of their final year.

Landseer Whippy has organised the group for us. He was joined by Darcy Creighton, Emile Chandran, Dominic Cotter, Jacob Andrews and Brian Tin.

Kirby House Eucharist

Old Boys who attended the 2018 Kirby House Eucharist

Chris O’Shea, Kirby House Guardian and OB 1994, now invites all Kirby House OBs to the annual House Eucharist. This has proved very successful. In fact, next year we will let you know when all House Eucharists are on and you will be welcome to attend.

A nice email received a while ago…welcome Warren!

Warren Cullinan (OB 1964)

I went to school with Sam Samartino and my younger brother brought this matter to my attention from the newsletter which I don't receive. My son also went to Padua and is also an Old Boy. I started at Padua in 1957 and played football with John Crowdey and we were premiers under the banner of Brothers Padua. My name is Warren Cullinan and the only priest I know is still around is Father Benignus from my day.

David John Evans

Following the call out for information about students who had died during their years here at Padua, we received this photo from Jim Doherty (OB 1965) with the following explanation. Thanks to Jim and Sam Sammartino (OB 1965) for tracking this down.

The boy was David John Evans who died 2 January 1961 aged 12 years & 10 months. David was a Padua student who died when a “cave” he was digging with his mates collapsed. The cave was at Stafford on the site that currently houses the Everton Park State High School.

Brett Wilson (OB 2015) ran into Scott Maguire (OB 1988) at the ANZAC Day March at Kedron Wavell RSL recently.

Military visit
John Bell (OB 2010)

Now with the 2/14th Light Horse Regiment Qld Mounted Infantry and his colleagues kindly visited the College in April. The students enjoyed climbing all over the vehicles and meeting the soldiers.

Noosa

Fr John met up with a group of 2017 Old Boys when on Noosa Beach earlier in the year whilst on camp.

Vietnam Veterans’ Group

Representatives of the Vietnam Veteran’s Group attended the College’s ANZAC Day Liturgy.

Josh Musgrave/Strider (OB)

Josh would like to contact Ms Hitchinson to thank her. If anyone has her contact details please let Josh know phantomstrider@gmail.com

Lawson Creighton (OB 2015)

Lawson represented Australia last week playing for the Under 20s Wallabies. Congratulations Lawson!

Lawson Creighton (OB 2015)

Harris Andrews (OB 2014)

Harris, Brisbane Lions player, kindly dropped into AFL training last term. The young Paduans loved seeing him!

Joe Higgins (OB 2013)

The Catholic Leader sent out their intern Joe Higgins, Padua OB & past School Captain to cover the story about Padua’s success in the Australian Space Design Competition.

Old Boys’ Art

Learning Nest

Old Boy tutors returned this year to help students with their homework and assignments after school each day. Welcome back!

2018 Staff Pilgrimage

Steven Fields (OB 1991)

In October 2017 I was afforded the opportunity to attend a Franciscan Pilgrimage; to follow in the footstep of the poor little man from Assisi, whose spirit still permeates so much of what we do at Padua. Accompanied by Vice Rector Ben Lowrie, my wife Natasha, a group of like-minded Americans and expertly led by leading Franciscan scholars Fr Andre Cirino and Sr Suzanne Kush, the group quickly bonded (over bounteous portions of food and wine) and in the spirit of fraternitas, we immersed ourselves in the spirituality of the beautiful medieval town of Assisi, as well as Rome, home of the mother Church to which Francis remained faithful throughout his life.

The story of Francis’ conversion is well known. Son of a wealthy cloth merchant, who had high hopes of his son becoming a knight, the young Francis was carefree and boisterous, known to skip and sing his way through the streets of Assisi. However, while praying before a crucifix in the decrepit San Damiano church, Francis heard the words, “Can you not see my house is falling down? Go then and repair it for me.” Taking these words literally, Francis re-built this and numerous other chapels with his bare hands before reaching the conclusion that the Church needed restoring in the broader sense. Many Paduans over the years have viewed Franco Zeffirelli’s Brother Sun Sister Moon and will well recall Francis literally stripping himself bare of his material wealth, to follow a lifestyle of devotion to Lady Poverty and ministry to the poor and marginalised, most notably the lepers of Assisi.

The highlights of the Pilgrimage were many: visiting Francis’ childhood home and the ancient St Stefano’s church where he prayed, the sacred churches Francis himself rebuilt, including San Damiano and the Portiuncola (“Little Portion”), a tiny chapel that was the spiritual home of the fledgling order which remains standing inside the Santa Maria Basilica. We visited many breathtaking locations – many of these were mountain top hermitages where Francis took retreat to contemplate - the tiny caves where he and his brothers slept rough, were a stark reminder of the hard life Francis chose to live. Even in death Francis was a model of humility, instructing his closest brothers to bury him on the outskirts of Assisi, in a place known as a hill at the west side of Assisi, known as "Hill of Hell" (Colle d'Inferno) where previously criminals were executed. On this site, now fittingly known as “Hill of Paradise” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, stands the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, which houses the crypt of Francis, the scene of a moving Eucharist celebrated by the Pilgrimage group. A highlight of the visit was a guided lecture on Italian master Giotto’s frescoes which line the walls of the Basilica.

Francis’ message centres on bonum and his life serves as a reminder for us to see the good in others and to be the good for others. Paduans well remember the gift of the Friars during their time at the College and the spirit and precious charism of Francis – care and concern for others, respect for all of Creation - continues to permeate Padua College. In closing I wish to express my deep gratitude to Fr John Boyd-Boland and the Friars for generously enabling the staff of Padua to participate in such an enriching and life-changing endeavour.

What is happening around school

ANZAC Day parade

I express my deep and sincere gratitude to the boys and their families who attended the Kedron Wavell Service ANZAC Day ceremonies. We had a strong representation at the Dawn Service and over 200 boys attend the March and Ceremony at Kedron Wavell Services Club later in the day. Indeed, there were some boys and their families present at both services.

I felt a great sense of pride in our College community as we marched to the ceremony at Kedron Wavell Services Club. The large number of boys present on the day certainly made a statement about how Padua connects with the message of ANZAC Day and our hope as Franciscans for peace in the world. It was also great to see so many parents at the event and I particularly recognise the current and former service men who joined our boys for the march. I thank all the parents who supported and encouraged their son to attend the College’s ANZAC Day contingent.

It was also great to see our boys represented at the Schools’ ANZAC Commemoration at ANZAC Square on April 23.

Peter Elmore

Padua’s Vocation program would like you to come on board to play a vital role in developing, guiding and give our students real life opportunities in the workforce.

Padua has a large number of students who are interested in many occupations across all Industries and Trades.

Padua’s Vocation Program gives our students the opportunities to try various occupations through our work experience program.

Work Experience

Padua’s Work Experience Program is the stepping stone to an apprenticeship for our students.

Work Experience is attended one day per week on the same day each week for an agreed duration of time between the employer and student. We encourage our students to make the first contact with their potential employer before they begin work experience.

School Based Apprenticeships

Padua’s Vocation Program is also about helping our hard working and dedicated students obtain a School Based Apprenticeship with their employer.

A school-based apprentice would attend work one day per week and attend school for the remaining week. If the apprenticeship is in the field of Electrical, the apprentice would attend two days per week. The days of work are to be negotiated between the employer and student.

If you would like to support Padua’s Vocation program and play a part of fulfilling our students aspirations, please feel free to contact me on,

Phone: (07) 38579948
Email: agray@padua.qld.edu.au

New Student Leaders

Riley Clarke – Lions Youth of the Year Winner

Riley Clarke won the State Final of Lions Youth of the Year. The State Final was held in Rockhampton. Riley now progresses to the National Final in Townsville in May and becomes our most distinguished Paduan in this competition. He is an outstanding ambassador for Padua College and a worthy winner from what was an evening with many other outstanding candidates. The Lions Youth of the year is a prestigious event which boasts many high-profile Australians among the ranks of former entrants. These include: Kevin Rudd; Peter Beattie, the ABC’s Sabra Lane and Senator Simon Birmingham.

Commonwealth Games

Two of our students, Casey Hoole and Jack Mercer, were lucky enough to be baton bearers at the Commonwealth Games recently.

New Students

We welcomed a great new cohort of Year 5 students.

Callum Gannon

Callum made the Australian Age Swimming Championships in Sydney.

Samuel Pettigrew

Sam was named in the Queensland U15 All Nations AFL Team (Nationality, Ireland) and competed in the 2018 Diversity Championships in Blacktown (NSW).