Parental Engagement

St Patrick’s Primary School understands the importance of parental engagement in student learning. Parental and family engagement can impact a student’s learning by up to 80%, so it is our role as a school to ensure parents are provided with opportunities to engage in their child’s learning through organised Learning Walks, Parent Teacher interviews, curriculum nights, the See Saw digital platform and Student Expos.

Annual Report 2023

School Advisory Council

The St Patrick’s School Advisory Council is the leading advisory group for the principal, as an active forum for parent and community participation, providing support and advice principally in strategic planning and school improvement.

The Advisory Council includes the Principal, the Deputy Principal, and members of the parent community.

Below is an introduction of these dedicated parent members on our council.

Liz Hernan

My name is Liz Hernan and I am married to Matt. We have four children, three of whom currently attend St Patrick’s. We were welcomed into the St Pat’s community at the start of 2023 when we relocated to Wangaratta from Ballarat. I decided to join the Advisory Council because I saw it as a way to meet some new people and to lend a hand. I enjoy being a part of the Advisory Council as it allows me to help make our school a wonderful environment for our children to be in.

Brigid Malcolm

My name is Brigid Malcolm, this will be my fourth year at St Patrick’s Primary School as a parent. I have three children currently attending the school ranging from Foundation to Year 6. I am currently the Senior Leader of Catholic Identity and Performing Arts Teacher at Our Ladys Primary School Wangaratta.

After living interstate, my family and I moved to the area several years ago. We have found the school a wonderful place for the children to learn and develop a sense of self and belonging. The school community comprises of many wonderful people who together make St Patrick’s an exciting and vibrant place for students. I look forward to supporting the school and its community in this role.

Michael O’Keefe

My name is Michael O’Keefe (aka Mick) and my wife is Nicole. We have two children at St Patrick’s and we joined the school community in 2019. I am local to the region and attended the Boorhaman Primary School. Looking back, I really appreciated the close-knit community of teachers and parents that supported my schooling at Boorhaman and this is why I joined the Advisory Council. I work for the State Agriculture Department and have worked within agriculture across Australia since finishing university in 2003, where I studied Environmental and Civil Engineering.

Matt Joyce

I’m Matt, and with my wife Sam we have one child at St. Patrick’s – Hannah, with Emma starting in 2024. Growing up in Wangaratta, I attended St. Bernard’s Primary School then Galen College before heading to Melbourne for university. Our family have a long relationship with St. Patrick’s with several members teaching at the school over the years and by joining the Advisory Council, this is a way of giving back to the school that has served the local community for many years.

Pat Arcuri

My name is Patrick Arcuri and this is my second year at St. Pat’s as a parent of a child in Grade 1. I work as the Deputy Principal (Pastoral Care & Wellbeing) at Galen Catholic College Wangaratta. I have been a Secondary Teacher for the past 20 years and have worked as a Principal of an International school in Italy. I have a Masters of Education and Leadership and am currently completing a Masters of Theology and Education.

St. Pat’s Primary school was my primary school growing up and I have nothing but positive memories. I love the history of the school and the connected feeling of community when you walk through the gates. I am excited about the future of the school with new buildings and an extensive master plan overseeing the play area, gardens and grounds. I look forward to assisting the school and the Advisory Council as it navigates through the next chapter of its proud history.

Parents and Friends

The Parents and Friends Group at St Patrick’s is responsible for providing social gatherings which connect families, fundraising through the Annual Mayfair and other events. Over the years the Parents and Friends Group have not only raised significant funds for the school, but most importantly provided a place for parents to meet and form positive relationships which enrich our inclusive school culture.