St. Patrick's College, Silverstream

Infobox NZ school
name = St. Patrick's College
badge =
motto = Sectare Fidem
type = State integrated boys Secondary (Year 9-13)
established = 1931
address = 207 Fergusson Drive,
Silverstream,
New Zealand
principal = Philip Mahoney
roll = 680
decile = 9
MOE = 252
homepage = [http://www.stream.school.nz/ www.stream.school.nz]

St Patrick's College is a State Integrated Catholic boys' day and boarding Secondary School located in Silverstream, Upper Hutt, New Zealand. It was established by the Society of Mary (Marists) in 1931 when the original St Patrick's College, Wellington was intended to be moved to a larger site more suited to a boarding school. In fact both Colleges survived and today share not only a common history, motto and spirit but also a good natured rivalry and competition in many endeavours.

The Silverstream College, quite often referred to simpy by the suburb title, is situated in 7 hectares of grounds between the Hutt River and the Silverstream Railway Station close to the suburbs of Silverstream and Heretaunga.

At its foundation much of the original College was transferred from the Wellington site including many of the Marist teachers, much of the memorabilia and the College colours. The brother Colleges today share an Old Boys' Association in recognition of their common heritage.

Over the years of the College it has evolved from being primarily a boarding school into a largely day school with a small boarding facility. This demographic shift has resulted from several pressures including the huge increase in number of residents in the local area. In more recent years it has been necessary to cap the roll and introduce an enrolment scheme to ensure an equitable educational outcome for all local pupils.

The College celebrated its 75th Jubilee in 2006.

St Patrick’s College as a Catholic School bases it educational philosophy on Christian teachings and on the Marist tradition under which the school was founded.All students participate in religious tuition. The staff strive to encourage each student to take his place in the world by displaying the virtues of tolerance, humility, empathy, and service to the community.

The Marist Tradition

The Marist heritage incorporates three characteristic features in education. It stresses the uniqueness and value of the individual person, the importance of the Christian community and the involvement of parents and family in the education of students. This concept stems from the Christian principle that each child is unique, invaluable and created by God. All students have positive and special value and the school endeavours to meet their individual needs and develop their special talents. Teachers aim at formation of the total person so that each becomes free and responsible, an integrated human being. By experiencing the respect and genuine concern of the school community students learn to love and respect others.

At St Patrick’s emphasis is placed on academic excellence in a broad range of subjects suited to the needs of each boy. Spiritual and pastoral care are also important facets of the educational philosophy. The whole College community provides an environment for students to develop as persons and at the same time learn to relate all human activity to the Christian message. It is important that the student realise that as a member of the college he joins a community steeped in tradition which values him as an individual and cares for him as does a family. Christian values and Catholic morality are respected by the entire college community, staff and students alike.

The extensive playing fields and sporting facilities at Silverstream offer good opportunities for recreation and for the development of skills. Sportsmanship, team spirit and a high standard of physical fitness are encouraged through participation. All students, whatever their abilities, are catered for in team or individual sports.

The school in 2008 officially changed their house group system. There are now four houses in the school instead of the original 6. they consist of Patrick house, Chanel house, Marist house and the Trinity house. Each of these houses represent one corner of the school's crest.

Notable alumni

* The Hon Bill English Deputy Leader of the National Party
* Sir Michael Fay
* Michael King (historian)
* Patrick Power (Opera singer)
* Tumu te Heuheu (Te Heuheu Tûkino VIII), Paramount Chief of Ngâti Tûwharetoa
* Bishop Patelesio Finau (late Bishop of Tonga)
* Bishop Soane Foliaki (Bishop of Tonga)
* Bishop Stuart France O'Connell (Bishop of Cook Islands)
* Bishop Robin Leamy (Bishop of Cook Islands (1984 - 1996); Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland (1996 - ))
* Vincent Ward cinematographer
* John Leslie Otago and Scottish Rugby player