Since 1952
St Patrick’s College opened its doors on 29 January 1952, welcoming 172 students and marking the beginning of a band of brothers.
Four visionary Christian Brothers, led by Br Coffey, the College’s first Principal and Superior of the Brothers’ Community, laid the foundation for a school that would shape generations of young Men of Action. Their presence continues to be felt in the history and ethos of our College today.
Guided by the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers, St Patrick’s College embraces a non-selective enrolment policy, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Inspired by Edmund Rice’s concern for the poor and marginalised, the College fosters a deep commitment to compassion and service. This mission extends beyond our classrooms, through impactful initiatives like Paddy’s Van Ministries and immersive outreach programs, challenging students to live a life of service and use their education to make the world a better place.
Throughout our history, St Patrick’s College has been shaped by outstanding and passionate educators, men and women, religious and lay. Their efforts, supported by the partnership of parents, continue to enable young men to attain their full potential.
At the heart of our College stands Morven, more than just a building, it is a symbol of tradition and progress. Constructed in 1864 as the home of Queensland Parliamentarian John McConnel, Morven later became the summer residence of the Governor of Queensland, Sir Henry Wylie Norman, before being acquired in 1951 by Father O’Rourke, parish priest of Sandgate, with the intent of beginning a school for young men. Renovated in 2023, Morven remains our central landmark, embodying the spirit of growth and transformation.
Our Identity
The Motto
Our motto, Certa Bonum Certamen—Latin for Fight the Good Fight—is a call to action. Selected by our first Headmaster, Br Coffey, it urges every student to strive with courage, integrity, and perseverance. At St Patrick’s College, we don’t just teach this motto, we live it.
To fight the good fight is to lead with heart, stand up for what’s right, and never back down from making a difference.
The Crest
Designed originally in 1952 by Br Brian Saward, one of the College’s four founding Christian Brothers, the crest has always stood as a beacon of what we strive to instil in every SPC student. It takes the form of a shield, a universal symbol of strength and protection, and features a cross, a nod to our Catholic faith and the spiritual foundation of our community. Surrounding it, rays of light shine outward, representing both the light of Christ and the positive example our students set beyond the College gates. The battlements at the base remind us that living a life of purpose can be a challenge, but one worth fighting for.
In 2002, to mark our Golden Jubilee, the crest was updated with a circular frame, deep blue ovals bearing “Est.” and “1952,” and the addition of gold detailing, each a tribute to fifty years of St Patrick’s tradition. But in 2025, as part of a bold rebranding strategy shaped by input from students, staff, alumni and parents, the decision was made to remove the circle and embrace a cleaner, more contemporary version of the crest. Two new lines have also been added to the battlements to represent our nine College Houses, each one an integral part of our community.
College Prayer
God our Father, bless the community of St Patrick’s.
Help us all – students, staff, parents and friends – to grow in strength as Christians and to be a good example to all.
Encircle us with your loving care. To the sick grant health, to the aged bring serenity, and to those in sorrow, joy.
Through the intercession and example of St Patrick, our College Patron, and Mary, our Mother of Perpetual Help, may we grow in faith and may our love for You and one another become deeper in our daily lives.
Amen.
The College Song
We’re the sons of S.P.C.
Faithful, true and loyal we’ll be.
Raise her Green and Gold
And cheer with voices bold
Rah! Rah! For S.P.C (you rah rah)
We will try in every game,
Strong of heart and true to her name.
We will ne’er forget her,
And we’ll cheer her ever,
Loyal to S.P.C.
Chorus
Cheer, cheer, for old S.P.C.
Our Alma Mater facing the sea.
We’ll uphold the Green and Gold,
No matter what the years may hold.
Weather the odds be great or small,
Good old St Pat’s will win over all/
While her loyal sons are marching Onward to victory
(Repeat chorus)
1952 - First Day of Classes
1952 - Solemn Blessing & Opening of St Patrick's College
1958 - Christian Brothers Community
1962 - First Seniors from Grade 3
1970s - Extension to O'Connor Building and Dowd Hall
1980 - Aerial View of the College
1980s - View from The College
1991 - Big Brother - Little Brother Program
2009 - Opening of Dowd Building
2011 - Opening of Waterford Building
2022 – Well Discovered Beneath Morven
2023 - Renovation of Morven
