Our Diocesan Community - March 2013 1 - Catholic Diocese of ...

BUDDY PROGRAM!
Sacred Heart Primary School in Mildura has established a wonderful “Buddy” program
over the years with many benefits, not just for the Foundation child and the Year 6
child, but also for the parents and teachers!
Each year during October, the Year 5 children go to the kindergartens to meet their
new little Buddy. We also take with us the current Foundation children so they have
the opportunity to see their kinder teacher again and show them how ‘grown up’ they
are in their school uniform after nearly a year at school!
After the kinder visits,
we then have three
Orientation Days, where
the little children come
to experience time in the
classroom and spend time
with their special buddy.
During the Christmas
holidays, the Year 6
child writes a letter to
their buddy and includes
a
photo of them together
that was taken during the
Orientation Days.
At the start of the school year the big buddies are at the classroom door ready
to greet their new little friend, spend some time at school with them and give
support if needed.
The relationships that are developed through this ‘Buddy’ program are invaluable and can sometimes last until the little person has
grown and is in Year 6 (about to receive their own new buddy) and their big buddy is graduating from Year 12.
A day of mixed emotions for SPC
Chris Carmichael
Foundation Unit Co-ordinator
It was a day of mixed emotions at St Patrick’s College Ballarat this year when
the school celebrated St Patrick’s Day on March 17.
On the one hand it was a day of incredible joy for the school as it celebrated
its 120th anniversary with a Mass and luncheon in the Old Collegians Pavilion.
With a record enrolment of 1375 students in 2013, there is much reason to
celebrate such a significant milestone.
However, on the other hand, it was also a time of reflection and sadness for
the College as it officially farewelled the Christian Brothers, who have had
an ongoing presence on school grounds since 1893. The Christian Brothers’
community in Ballarat officially closed at the end of 2012 and St Patrick’s
College honoured those many decades of wonderful service during this year’s
St Patrick’s Day festivities.
Just one Christian Brother, Br Evan Zoch, will remain living on the College
grounds. Preparations are underway for the school to make full and appropriate
use of the grand old Brothers’ House, which is so prominent and outstanding
facing the College entrance.
As St Patrick’s Day fell on a Sunday, the school organised two separate
celebrations. A special Mass for the staff, students and Old Collegians
Association was held on Friday, March 15 while an invitation only special
Mass and luncheon took place on March 17 to acknowledge both the 120th
anniversary and to farewell the Christian Brothers.
Mr Paul Nolan
Director of Community Development
A rarely seen view from inside the Brothers’ House Library looking out over the front entrance to St Patrick’s College. Photo: Jeremy Bannister
15 Our Diocesan Community - March 2013