St Patrick’s College welcomes research highlighting the lifelong benefits of a Catholic education

ST PATRICK’S  College has welcomed the findings of a recent national study confirming the long-term benefits of a Catholic education—findings that reflect the College’s commitment to educating the whole person and preparing students for life well beyond the classroom.

The study, conducted by the Centre for International Research on Education Systems at Victoria University, used data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. It found Catholic school graduates experience significant advantages after school, including higher levels of employment, increased wages, greater life satisfaction, improved health outcomes, and stronger community involvement.

Principal Steven O’Connor said the research affirms the College’s mission to educate hope-filled, compassionate and confident young men for their place in the world.

“At St Patrick’s College, we are committed to developing young men who are not only academically capable but also resilient, compassionate and driven to contribute positively to society,” Mr O’Connor said.

“This study reinforces the value of a Catholic education in shaping individuals who go on to lead successful and meaningful lives.”

Old Collegian Mitch Tuddenham, College Captain in 2017 and now a PhD student in anthropology, is a clear example of how the College’s holistic approach to education can have a lifelong impact.

“The most important aspect of my education at St Patrick’s was the emphasis on my development as an all-round person, first and foremost—that is to say, my education at St Patrick’s was a holistic education,” Mitch said.

“Whilst academic growth was important, it was hardly ever placed ahead of personal growth. As such, the invaluable lessons on ‘what it means to be a great man’…

repeatedly transpired outside of the classroom—on excursions, camps, co-curricular activities, international tours, or social justice opportunities.”

He also acknowledged the enduring influence of the College’s culture and values.

“Each of these instances are entangled within an ethos that permeates throughout everything that is done at St Pat’s. This ethos is formed by the pillars and values of the strong St Patrick’s tradition… and are now enacted by the current body of staff and students.”

Reflecting on his life beyond school, Mitch said: “I have no doubt that these learnings are the reasons for where I am today.

“My education at St Pat’s had a strong emphasis on leadership, and this has become a foundation for any of my pursuits post school, especially in my professional and community life.”

To learn more about how St Patrick’s College prepares students for lifelong success, we invite you to contact the College on 5331 1688 or arrange a visit.

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