Monthly Archives: June 2022

As the cooler months rolled in, students at St Patrick’s Technical College commenced the planning and coordinating of activities to support the important work of Vinnies.

The Religious Education program provided Year 10 students with the opportunity to explore the history and work of the St Vincent de Paul Society, and as a final activity, students formed groups to plan various projects.

Students organised clothing baskets in classrooms and called upon their peers to make donations of non-perishable food items. Baskets were filled to the brim, with donations distributed through the local Elizabeth Vinnies branch.

Other groups coordinated lunchtime BBQs, raising money for various Vinnies programs, and a winter clothes drive was aimed at staff who so generously supported this great cause. Thanks to the Fred’s Van service, the donated scarves, gloves, beanies, blankets, and socks have already made their way to people in need of a little more warmth this winter.

The college values its special relationship with Vinnies and are always looking for ways to deepen the connection.

Ladies at the Vinnies Women’s Crisis Centre were recently pampered by the Year 11 Food & Hospitality and Hair & Beauty students. Creating a memorable day, the ladies enjoyed hair and beauty services, a special morning tea, and activity packs and games were given to the children staying at the centre.

St Patrick’s Technical College takes seriously its core value of service. At some stage in their school journey at the Edinburgh North college, all students will be involved in a project or activity to help people in the local community by supporting the vital work of Vinnies.

Archbishop Patrick O’Regan picked up a few handy trade tips during a recent visit to St Patrick’s Technical College. It was wonderful to welcome the Archbishop to the College, to engage with students in their trade classes and officiate a special Year 10 Liturgy.

Joined by Dr. Neil McGoran, Director of Catholic Education South Australia, the Archbishop met with many students involved in hands-on trade activities in the Construction, Metals & Engineering, Electrotechnology, and Automotive workshops and classrooms. Students were keen to share their learning with the Archbishop and to demonstrate their various trade skills.

After visiting the classes, the Archbishop led a special Liturgy for the Year 10 students focussing on the gifts and talents that marked each student. Archbishop O’Regan challenged students to always use these gifts in the service of others and to be brave like their College patron, Saint Patrick.

The College also welcomed Old Scholar Rhys Ferrari (Class of ’16) to address the assembly, encouraging students to be motivated, committed, and to seize opportunities. Rhys spoke of his amazing story since leaving school, having completed his Electronics apprenticeship, and now working on a range of defence projects as a technician with BAE Systems Australia. Last year, Rhys was appointed as a member of the College Board. Sharing his student journey and his incredible trade career story with the students, has encouraged them to find their inspiration and passion.

The visit of Archbishop O’Regan to the College once again highlighted the importance of St Patrick’s Technical College in providing a unique experience in our Catholic school system for young people in the north of Adelaide.

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