Celebrating a Year of Creativity and Craft
St Patrick’s College recently marked a milestone in its VCE Arts and Technology program by hosting a celebratory showcase that highlighted the ingenuity, perseverance, and technical skill of its students. The OCA Pavilion was transformed into a lively gallery space on the evening of Wednesday, 8 October, welcoming families, friends, and staff to admire the culmination of months of work by Units 3 & 4 students in Art Making and Exhibiting, Product Design and Technologies, Media, Systems Engineering, and Visual Communication Design.
The event drew around 100 attendees who gathered to view the students’ School Assessed Tasks (SATs). Each SAT represented a major production piece or a portfolio of works, accompanied by a folio detailing the student’s design process, investigations, planning, and reflective evaluation. The showcase offered a meaningful platform where creativity met rigor, allowing students to present not just finished products but the thinking and problem-solving that underpinned their journeys.
A Night of Recognition and Reflection
Mr Roger Knight, Head of Technology and event coordinator, spoke warmly about the students’ creativity, persistence, and craftsmanship. He emphasized the value of community support—from staff, families, and industry professionals—that helps drive students’ creative ventures forward. The evening also included formal awards, recognizing excellence across each subject area.
Industry adjudicators evaluated the works on aesthetic appeal, practicality, cultural significance, and the quality of the accompanying folios. Winners received a prize of $100, a certificate, and have their names engraved on a perpetual trophy, a fitting tribute to their achievements and ongoing contribution to the college’s vibrant arts and technology culture. Deputy Principal – Academic Culture, Ms Carol Roberts, presented the awards to the recipients.
Award Winners and Acknowledgments
The 2023 award recipients included:
- Art Making and Exhibiting: Zac Procaccino
- Media: Riley Irvin
- Product Design and Technologies: Riley Irvin
- Systems Engineering: Ned Cummins
- Visual Communication Design: Blake Scott
- People’s Choice Award: Albie Eskdale
The College extended heartfelt thanks to this year’s adjudicators for generously sharing their time, expertise, and professional insight in selecting the winners. Their constructive feedback and industry perspectives helped illuminate future pathways for students pursuing careers in arts, design, and technology.
Why Events Like This Matter
Showcases of this kind not only celebrate individual achievement but also demonstrate the broader value of integrating arts and technology within the school curriculum. By presenting SATs in a gallery-like setting, students gain experience in professional presentation, public speaking, and audience engagement—essential skills for any future endeavor in creative industries. The collaboration between teachers, industry professionals, and students creates a dynamic learning environment where design thinking, technical skill, and visual communication converge.
As students continue their educational journeys, the impact of this event extends beyond trophies and certificates. It reinforces a culture of experimentation, peer learning, and resilience, encouraging students to push boundaries and pursue ambitious projects with confidence.
Looking Ahead
St Patrick’s College remains committed to nurturing creativity and innovation across its VCE programs. With support from the school community and ongoing partnerships with industry professionals, students can expect further opportunities to showcase their talents, refine their craft, and explore the intersections of art, design, and technology in meaningful ways.
