The St. Patrick;s Day Mass, Annual General Meeting and Communion Breakfast were held at Newman College on Sunday 20th March 2011.

Following Mass celebrated by Fr. Michael Head SJ, 19 members made their way to the College dining room for breakfast and the Annual General Meeting. Simon Clark was elected the new President and Fr. Michael Head was elected Secretary.

The new President paid a tribute to John Kendall who has retired as a committee member, a position he has held continuously since 1945. Sadly, John passed away on 20 June 2011.

The 2007 SPOCA Dinner was enjoyed by 83 people who gathered on Friday 19th October at Eastern Golf Club, Doncaster

The 2007 St. Patrick’s S.J. Old Collegians' Association Dinner was held at the Eastern Golf Club, Doncaster on Friday 19 October. 83 people, who included 26 ladies and 5 clergy gathered in the club lounge for pre dinner drinks and canapes. When all had been seated at their tables the ladies were presented with a gerbera each.

Father Ross McKenney proposed a most eloquent toast to the Society and Father Michael Head SJ responded in his usual dry and witty way.

In his welcoming introduction to the evening, President Terry O'Meara read out the list of 31 apologies, noting that this was unusually large.

Fr Tom Lees lead us all in grace prior to dinner being served.

After dinner much catching up was done while continuing to enjoy the excellent wine provided.

An unusual backdrop to the evening was a dvd collection of 8mm movies taken in the 1950's, displayed in large format on one wall of the dining room. Nostalgic scenes from school sports, St. Patrick's Day parades, Puckapunyal cadet camp and several other events, drew much interest and comment from the assembly.

John Cahir was the lucky winner of the door prize of two bottles of Domain Chandon and a set of SPOCA coasters.

Judging from general comments, the evening had been a good occasion to relax and share memories with old school friends in a very comfortable setting.

Photos of the Dinner below

St Patrick's Day Mass, Communion Breakfast and AGM were held on 18 March 2007 at Newman College

29 members attended including Frs Bill Dwyer SJ (recently returned from India to become Assistant Mission Director, based at Hawthorn), Michael Head SJ and Tom Lees SJ who concelebrated. Fr Jim Muirhead SJ also joined us for breakfast.

At the AGM Terry O'Meara was elected for a second term as president. Fr Michael Head SJ was elected as secretary.

The 2006 SPOCA Dinner was enjoyed by 64 people who gathered on Friday 3rd November at Eastern Golf Club, Doncaster.

The 2006 SPOCA Dinner was enjoyed by 64 people who gathered on Friday 3rd November at Eastern Golf Club, Doncaster. The diners which included 10 guests and 19 ladies were welcomed by a beautiful spring evening. On arrival the ladies were presented with an orchid bouquet.

At the commencement of the night Father Tom Cassidy OP (1951 - 1959) Provincial of the Dominicans, proposed a toast to the Society which included several humorous anecdotes about his school days. Fr.Gerard Healy SJ responded on behalf of the Society.

Following grace said by Fr. Tom Lees SJ, a splendid meal and good wines were enjoyed by all. Between courses, Patricians of varied ages mingled freely throughout the dining room, which overlooked the tranquil, manicured grounds of the golf course.

Many favourable comments were forthcoming as to how the venue had facilitated a most convivial night.

Photos of the Dinner below

5 December 2004 - Report

On Sunday 5 December 2004 a gathering of 70 Patricians attended St Patrick's Cathedral to celebrate a Mass of Remembrance for those who have died in the last 12 months and to acknowledge the 150th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of St Patrick's College.

Seven Old Boy priests concelebrated, including chief celebrant Fr Jo Dirks SSS and Fr Gerry Healy SJ who delivered the homily. Fr Healy spoke about the circumstances in which the stone was laid. The government had offered a grant of land to each of the 4 main religious denominations if they would set up a school and Bishop Gould received 2 acres next to the cathedral. The Eureka Stockade had occurred on Sunday 3 December 1854 and some of the participants were present on the Tuesday for the laying of the foundation stone. Peter Lalor was present and subsequently found an accommodation with the authorities and went on to become a member of parliament, He also sent his two sons to St Pats.

Note: By Gavin Wayland