FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – OPERATIONS, STAFF & COMMUNITY

Firsts, Lasts, and the Courage to Have a Go

As Term 1 unfolds, I have been reflecting on how much of this time is defined by firsts and lasts.

For me, this year marks many firsts as I settle into the role of Deputy Principal. My first College assemblies, first sporting events, first productions, and first opportunities to stand alongside students, staff, and families as we celebrate what makes this community special.

For many of our new students, it is also a season of firsts: first classes, first steps in building relationships, first challenges, and first moments of belonging to the St Patrick’s College Townsville community.

At the same time, for our Year 12 students, this year represents a series of lasts. The last first day, the last swimming carnival, the last performances, games, and shared experiences that have shaped their journey. These lasts are powerful. They remind us that growth is not just about beginnings, but about recognising how far we have come.

What connects both these firsts and lasts is challenge.

Whether you are new to a role, new to a school, or preparing to leave one chapter behind, growth rarely comes from comfort. It comes from having a go, from stepping forward even when the outcome is not guaranteed. As a school community, we ask our students to do this every day, to attempt a new skill, to share an idea, to perform, to compete, to lead, and sometimes to fail.

Failure is not the opposite of success; it is often the pathway to it. When students are willing to try, to take risks, and to learn from what does not work, they build resilience, confidence, and character. The same is true for us as adults. Settling into a new role has reminded me that leadership, like learning, requires humility, reflection, and a willingness to keep improving.

What makes learning and growth possible is community. A supportive school community gives people permission to have a go, to try something new knowing they will be encouraged, challenged, and supported along the way. I have already felt that support strongly, and I thank students, staff, and families for the warmth and openness you have shown.

As we continue through the year, my hope is that we embrace both the firsts and the lasts with intention. That we celebrate effort as much as achievement, courage as much as success, and growth in all its forms. The most important learning happens when we are willing to step forward, take a risk, and have a go, together.

I look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with our families through community events and shared experiences throughout the year. When schools and families are connected, students thrive. I welcome the opportunity to listen, learn, and work together in the spirit of partnership.

Patrick Morrow

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – OPERATIONS, STAFF & COMMUNITY