The students have all come through the school’s Indigenous Education Program and have completed their schooling with great ambitions. 

Indigenous education manager Rick Balchin said last year there were four graduating boys, and the two years before there were two graduations. 

“This year is the most we’ve had graduating, the most we’ve had in the boarding house and the most we’ve had in the school at the same time,” he said. 

“Next year, we’ll also have 10 boys graduating. 

“The retention rate has improved – once they’re here, they’ve giving it their best and staying here until the end.” 

Mr Balchin said the school had in place a support structure to help the students with their education, as well as pastoral care and emotionally. 

“Once they’re here, they’re fully committed to the routine of school.”

Of the 10 students, seven are boarders and three are day students.

“It’s very rewarding to see when they first came here, to see them develop into confident young men, all with pathways they’re planning to pursue,’’ Mr Balchin said. “The biggest part is them. They’re the ones that leave the family, friends and home, to come to school here and live in this different world.”

Among the graduates there are plans to go university, take on apprenticeships,  become a sports mentor for indigenous young people, volunteer in East Timor, go to a media academy, and enter the army or the air force. 

Two of the boys graduating are Daniel Abbott from Wallace Rockhole and Daniel Briggs from Deniliquin. 

Mr Abbott said he came to St Patrick’s to try some-

thing different and to challenge himself. 

“It’s crazy to think I’m now in the situation and looking back at school. There’s a lot of good memories,” he said. 

“If it weren’t for the indigenous program I think I would’ve quit.” 

Mr Abbott is now hoping to enter a diesel mechanic apprenticeship. 

Mr Briggs said that coming to St Patrick’s was a huge change, but it was all for the best. 

“The school has given me a great set of skills to contribute to society and grow up,” he said. 

“(The indigenous pro-

gram) was one of the most beautiful things – it was such a great group and we banded together.” 

Mr Briggs has been offered an early place to study primary education at Griffith University.

nicole.cairns@fairfaxmeida.com.au