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.