Peter Harney (SPC 1964-65, PY1966) found his old school reports, dating back to 1960-64 and neatly folded up and hidden away in one of the drawers, while cleaning out his mother’s dresser.

While faded and yellowed in colour, the nine reports were still in excellent condition.

The reports detail Peter’s academic journey from Sixth Grade at SPC in 1960 through to Intermediate class in 1964.

A day student from Linton, Peter continued his studies at SPC until Form 5. Peter said the discovery of the school reports provided an opportunity to reflect and reminisce on his school journey at SPC, which he enjoyed.

After re-reading and showing the school reports to his family, Peter kindly donated the collection to the College’s archives while attending this year’s St Patrick’s Day Lunch, which co-incided with Peter’s Class of 1966 60-Year Reunion.

Each report features subject scores and general remarks. Most of the remarks are handwritten, common practice at the time, and have been written or signed by some of the College’s most well-known figures, including Br W.T. (Bill) O’Malley, Br W.B. Smith, Br K Tuck, Br O.V. Wynne and Mr P. R. (Peter) Farley as well as College Principals of the time, Br J.L. Kelty and Br V.I. Murphy.

Fortunately, the school reports spoke highly of a “quiet student” who “when viewed in the light of the heavy demands of daily travel, has done very well and his conduct is excellent”.

Thanks Peter for shining the spotlight on our history!

During his time at the College, John Lawless distinguished himself academically, achieving the highest overall merit in the Commercial Class, with studies that included typing and shorthand, reflecting the changing educational landscape of the late nineteenth century. He was also actively involved in school life beyond the classroom, representing the College on the First XVIII football team.

After leaving St Patrick’s College, John married Elizabeth Kennedy and spent his working life as a farmer in Burramine South. He was widely regarded as a community‑minded man, known for bringing people together through social gatherings held in the family barn, including card nights, music evenings and dancing. Highly trusted within the local community, John later served as a Justice of the Peace and was remembered as a man of integrity.

Sadly, Kate lost her grandfather at the age of 10, but one cherished memory remains with her: John singing to her “I’ll take me home again Kathleen’, a small but enduring reminder of his warmth and character.

John Lawless passed away on September 27, 1960, aged 83.

The Lawless family’s ties to the College deepened through John’s cousin, James Lawless, who was a student from 1893 to 1897. James entered the priesthood and was later honoured with the papal title of Monsignor. In 1953, he returned to the College as an Old Boy to take part in the Jubilee celebrations at Melbourne Town Hall, joining over 200 former students and fellow priests to mark this important milestone.

Kate may also have uncovered evidence suggesting that Michael Lawless (SPC 1916) was a nephew of Monsignor James Lawless. Following the tragic death of their parents, Michael and his two siblings, Mary and Anne, were taken into the care of their uncle, Monsignor James, who became their guardian.

Together, these stories reflect the enduring bonds that tie past and present members of our community, and the lasting impact of a college education across generations.

– By College Archivist Halina Sztynda

He is survived by his wife Heidi and children Tom, Jack, Pippa and Ellen. He is also survived by his brothers Michael (SPC 1960-62, PY1963), Bernard (SPC 1965-66, PY1967), Anthony (SPC 1965-68, PY1969) and Gerard (SPC 1969-70), and his sisters Marie, Annette and Gabrielle.

Brendan spent many years as a ranger with National Park Victoria and was well respected in the Kyneton district.�� He was buried at Kyneton Cemetery after a service at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Kyneton.

Thanks to Shane McKinley (SPC 1965-67) for assisting with this tribute.

More than 110 people from the SPC community turned out for the lunch celebrations at the College’s Old Collegians’ Association, overlooking the Main Oval, where students participated in fun St Patrick’s Day activities in and around the wet weather.

There was a wonderful turnout of Old Collegians and partners present celebrating Class Reunions, including members of the Class of 1966 for their 60-year anniversary, and the Class of 1976 celebrating a half a century milestone of 50 years.

The Class of 1966’s Peter Howley led a warm welcome to his cohort, followed by Simon Grigg who greeted his Class of 1976 classmates.

The Most Reverend Paul Bird took grace after officiating at the College’s student-led Assembly earlier in the day.

In a first for our St Patrick’s Day Lunches, Class of 1966’s Peter Klopotowski and his wife watched the day’s proceedings from their computer screen at their home in South Australia after the escalating fuel scarcity crisis forced them to abandon their plans to drive interstate join the reunion festivities.

College Principal Steven O’Connor said SPC’s special “sense of community is clearly evident at gatherings like today”.

In welcoming the audience, Old Collegians Association president Dr Charles Flynn said there were many reasons to celebrate.

“In a time when the world seems to be a little bit crazy, we celebrate the fact that we live in a country that is a long way away from conflict,” he said.

“We celebrate the fact that this school has been educating young men for 130-plus years. We celebrate the commitment of the thousands of academic and administrative staff who have helped to shape the minds of the tens of thousands of young men who have graduated from this school.

“We celebrate the fact that the school has been continuous use as a springboard that has launched young men into an impressively diverse range of careers. “

Dr Flynn said this tradition continued today with the young men entrusted in SPC’s care “to have the optimal school experience to help each individual to become the best possible version of themselves”.

Guest speaker John Larkins (SPC 1961-67), who is currently chair of the Victorian Liquor Commission following a successful career as a barrister in Melbourne, recounted many fond memories of his time as a boarder.

“We managed to have a lot of fun out of very little,” he said, highlighting the camaraderie often experienced by fellow boarders, even decades on, after “having an experience together that really cannot be replicated”.

John brought along his father’s 1932 high jump trophy from home. He remembered watching his father writing out a cheque for his SPC education “but for the life of me, I can’t remember if it was 50 guineas (equivalent to $100) for a term or the whole year”.

John said he was delighted to catch up with classmates at the lunch, some he had met on his first day of SPC at the tender age of 11.

He recalled the in the boarders dining room where the entire process was based around “seniority”.

“I also remember two (food) strikes in my time … in relation to ‘red dogs’ … they were very red sausages and the boys remained steadfast in their seats and refused to go up and get them,” he laughed.

He recounted Br Tuck’s interesting coaching style as a member of the 1966 First XVIII Football team, and the “legendary William Thomas O’Malley” and “what an experience that was”.

In reminiscing, John said Br O’Malley often reminded him of having taught, not only his brother – but his father as well – when he felt it was time for John to pick up his grades.

Sixty years on, John also confessed a secret of intercepting an important College letter which warned of expulsion following his involved in some mischievous behaviour.

“I always remember the last line.��‘Would you please impress on him the importance of this warning’.

“I thought I’ve got the message and there’s no need for my father to see this … and my father went to his grave knowing nothing of this.

“But I still think it was the right thing to do,” he laughed.

John said he was especially thankful for his education at SPC.

“I was to say I’ve found revisiting my youth in this regard, and I don’t know if everyone feels this way, to be quite a profound experience to be thinking back 60 years to who you were, how you went about things, the mistakes you made, the growing up you did, in many ways painful and how it prepares you for the vastitudes of life, and I found that to be a pretty good exercise.”

As a special keepsake from the day, group photographs were taken of the two reunion groups, and a personalised framed photo was presented to each member of the Class of 1966 in attendance to signify the special 60-year milestone.

Moments like these are a great reminder of the strong bonds that make St Pat’s so special.

It was the first time in over a decade that the couple had visited SPC, and they were impressed with the addition of new facilities and offerings available now to students.

Brian was even more impressed by the sight of the Boarding Precinct, which sleeps two to a room, compared to his own boarding sleeping arrangements of 40 or so boarders to a dormitory.

Brian was a boarder from Melbourne and spent three years at SPC before farewelling the College early as his family moved to Queensland.

Despite this, Brian recounted memory after memory of his time at SPC, from classroom anecdotes, to cadet shooting training, and meal-time antics.

Thanks Brian and Sue for visiting us!

Brian passed away on 6 March, 2026, aged 90 years. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Brian’s life was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mildura on 16 March.

Brian was a prominent community figure in Mildura and primarily known for his instrumental role in establishing the La Trobe University Mildura campus, and his service as a local Mildura Rural City councillor.

Students and alumni of La Trobe’s Mildura campus have Brian to thank for his determination and dedicated campaign to establish a university campus in the regional setting.

He was the founding chair of the La Trobe University Regional Advisory Board, established in 1993, and led the campaign to establish the standalone La Trobe Mildura campus on Benetook Avenue.

The campus’ Brian Grogan Building is named in his honour, serving as a hub for education that houses a lecture theatre, laboratories and the Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre.

Brian talked about his determination to establish a regional campus and what it continues to provide for the town and future students on the 20^th anniversary of the Brian Grogan building two years ago in an interview

He also served on local government as a councillor for the Mildura Rural City Council, where he was involved in critical planning decisions, including advocating for developers to fund local infrastructure (roads, drains, parks).

Brian was a vocal advocate for recognising the rapid population growth in Mildura, often urging state and federal governments to better understand the region’s needs, particularly regarding its cross-border nature.

He was recognised as a community champion with a long history of contributing to the development of the region, particularly in education and as a water industry leader.

He received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2007 for his service to the community and water industry in the Mallee region.

In moving tributes following his passing, Brian has been remembered as a “caring person who contributed much to the local community” of Mildura.

Brian started at a SPC in Second Year and was a boarder from Kerang, in north-central Victoria.

He was a bright student and was involved in football, cricket and athletics. He was a member of the College’s First XVIII Football team across two years in 1952 & 53, culminating in a member of the BPS Champion side in 1953.

He was described as having “all the attributes of a good footballer” and “capably held down the responsible position of full-back”.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his sons Sean, Justin, Eugene (dec) and Luke and their extended families.

He was the son of the late Ben and Jean Ward and is survived by siblings, Leo, Mary and Anne, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral mass was celebrated in the chapel at St Joseph’s Home on 14 January, 2026.

Br Ward shared his life story with the College back in 2021 in this story here

Br Ward was a student at SPC for three years, departing after completing Leaving class. He was better known to many as ‘Ben’ Ward (after his brother Ben who was there before him). He said his decision to join the Christian Brothers “was built on a long-time desire to give me life to God and life as a religious teacher seemed to fill the bill”.

Mr Ward returned to St Patrick’s on staff and was living on site when the Ballarat community was closed in 2012. He moved to the Edmund Rice Hostel in St Kilda.

Br Ward has been remembered by current staff for his “strong presence of faith”.

We had over 25 attendees at the Autumn lunch, who all enjoyed the every three-month get-together at The Emerald Hotel, capably organised by Old Collegians Noel Sheehan (SPC 1964-70) and Michael O’Dowd (SPC 1964-69).�� With everything going on around Melbourne over the long weekend, this was a good crowd and get together. A big thankyou must be given to the organisers in the way and presentation of these regular luncheons. As you would be aware organising anything can be an awesome task, and this one is run like clockwork- as always.

The photo, above, shows the group before having their lunch – similar to the days as boarders at SPC. Again, a big thankyou must be given to The Emerald Hotel (Jane and Andrew Lewis in particular) and staff for such a wonderful afternoon.

It was pleasing to note that at least seven of the participants were over the age of 80. None of the octogenarians look their age and are in very good health and high spirits and enjoy coming along catching up with the “younger” OCA guys. Again, many stories were re-told of the days at SPC and how the schooling shaped their future in the world.

During the various speeches, everyone could hear the Formula One (F1) cars preparing through practicing for their big day on the Sunday (8 March) at Albert Park.

Many stories related to the commencement of the AFL season, the night before and of Melbourne Storm’s great performance also on the night before at Melbourne Park defeating the Parramatta Eels 52 – 4. The Storm have nearly one every first game of their NRL seasons – a great achievement. Of course, being an Old Collegian, many conversations turned to Saturday’s horse racing at Royal Flemington with the running of the Sires, the Newmarket, the All-Star Mile and forerunner to the Australian Cup and of the Adelaide Cup to be run on Monday, 9^th March 2026.

The second Paddies Luncheon of 2026 will be held at The Emerald Hotel, Clarendon Street, South Melbourne on Friday, 5 June 2026 (World Environment Day) commencing at 12 noon. It would be pleasing to get some younger OCA SPC guys – those particularly who have been away from SPC for 20 years or so. Fresher faces to continue these Paddies Luncheons is desirable as we are all getting older. To hear stories of the ‘young’ OCA guys compared to the ‘older’ OCA guys would be great.

Hoping to see you at the next Paddies Luncheon. Place it in your diary and contact either Noel at��noel@stafforgserv.com.au or via phone on 0418 509 809 or Michael at�� or via phone on 0407 680 682.

Thanks to Shane Pianta (SPC 1973-74) for compiling this story

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Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

Life’s journey has tracked not as I envisaged, but I have achieved more than I expected. From university to bookmaking and form analyst, international airline operations, and for the past two decades I have been working as a Protective Security Adviser and Program Security Manager for major Australian Defence Programs including the Future Submarine Program stationed in France, and now with the SEA 5000 Hunter Class Frigate program.

I married a Swiss-French girl (should have kept up French at school) and have two children and now one granddaughter.

Do you have family ties with SPC?

I was one of seven brothers with two sisters. Six of us attended SPC.

What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?

I definitely enjoyed the sport as well as being a member of such a large community where I was guaranteed to find friends and appreciate the diverse range of interests of others.

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

I can’t single out one teacher because it took six years and multiple teachers who were instrumental in my education and experiences. If I had to call out a few it would be:

• Br Peter Noonan for his common sense and sincerity
• Vicki Richards for her professionalism and strength
• Br “RA” – well he was an institution, as large and solid as the “ooga-dooga” tree.
• Br Trevor Parton for his unique style, humility and humour.

How has your education shaped your professional life?

Although I didn’t recognise it at the time, our education was not just schoolwork, it included developing teamwork and creating community. St Pat’s opened my eyes to the power of teamwork that we developed whether it was in class with fellow students, at recess with friends, or on the field with teammates. The experience, situational awareness and resulting skills have often been – in principle – the foundation for sustained personal and career success or in some cases, survival. I learned a lot observing the boarders noting their solidarity and commitment to work and live as a team; success followed them.

How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?

Again, I reflect back on the broad community and the eclectic nature of successful individuals and groups. The most important team in anyone’s life is family, whatever I takes! My son is an engineer – pray for me!

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?

Define a vision, establish a plan, and when events do not go your way – Reset, Adapt and Go again.

James was a member of the junior band and gymnastic club during his time at SPC.

Fern followed in the footsteps of his father Fern (SPC 1926-28) and was the older brother of College Legend David Gallagher (SPC 1965-68), Peter (SPC 1965-69, PY1970) and younger brother of Brian (SPC 1952-58, PY1960).

Fern was a day student from Ballarat North and was a member of the Nunan House premiership team in the St Roch’s football competition in his first year.

Fern completed Form 4 and spent his career as a technician at the Channel Six (BTV6) television station in Ballarat North. Fern spent the majority of his life in Ballarat before retiring to Port Lonsdale.

Fern was also the loving husband of Maree and father of Sean, Dion, Corey and Liam and a grandfather of seven.

A Funeral Mass was held for Fern at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Queenscliff on 18 December 2025.

Don was a boarder and long-time resident from Shepparton, in northern Victoria. He began his studies at SPC in Sub-intermediate B class in 1945 and completed his Leaving studies in 1948.

He enjoyed playing both cricket and football at SPC, and was named the fourth Dux of Class in Sub-Intermediate.