Did you know St Patrick’s College Strathfield began as a practice school? It’s quite a story. Founded in 1928 it served student teachers from the Australian Catholic University.
St Patrick’s College Strathfield was opened by Dr M. Kelly. He was the Archbishop of Sydney. Initially thirty-nine students were enrolled. They were divided into three grades. Brothers L. S. Carroll P. K. Kent and J. R. Crichton taught them. M. B. Hanrahan acted as principal that first year. He was also Provincial Consulter and Master of Method. The school had six large classrooms. Four other rooms were for physics chemistry art and woodwork. By the end of the first year St Patrick’s College Strathfield had over 100 students.
The College’s history includes a shift in leadership. The number of Christian Brothers declined in Edmund Rice Schools. In 1992 Grahame Smollett became the first lay principal in a Christian Brothers’ school in New South Wales. He became the longest-serving principal in the college’s history.
The house system at St Patrick’s College Strathfield fosters competition. It dates back to the 1930s. Originally there were four colored houses. They were Red Gold Green and Blue. They were used for swimming and athletic carnivals. By the 1970s the college expanded to six houses. Each was named after someone significant to the college. In 1996 Power House became Rice House to honor Edmund Rice.
Since 2012 the College Cup has encouraged healthy competition. House points are awarded for academic achievement co-curricular involvement and school spirit. These points are combined with swimming and athletic carnival results. The house with the most points wins.
Berg House honors Brian Berg. He was the first Old Boy Brother to teach at St Patrick’s. Coghlan House remembers J. V. Coghlan. He was Principal of St Patrick’s College for two terms. Crichton House is named after John Rewi Crichton a long-time teacher. Hanrahan House recognizes Michael Benignus Hanrahan the first Principal. Hickey House honors Patrick Ignatius Hickey. Rice House pays tribute to founder Edmund Rice.
St Patrick’s College Strathfield offers diverse co-curricular activities. Students from St Patrick’s College Strathfield and Santa Sabina College perform in an annual musical and drama production.
The College anthem has a special history. It was composed in 1958. Br Robert Charles Hill wrote the words. Br Colin Declan Smith composed the music. A choir of over 600 voices first performed it. This took place at Speech Night in the Sydney Town Hall.
The college crest reflects important values. It was designed in 1938. The shield symbolizes strength and fortitude. The motto is Luceat Lux Vestra. It’s Latin for “Let Your Light Shine”. The star signifies that the college lights the way to knowledge and to God.
St Patrick’s College Strathfield also has a rugby club. It was established in 1964. Originally it was a rugby league club. In 1965 the college changed to rugby union. The club followed suit. It now plays in a black jumper with a gold collar.
Today St Patrick’s College Strathfield continues to educate young men. It upholds the traditions of Edmund Rice. The college encourages students to let their light shine.