The Journey
Fairfield Primary
1953 - 2003 
Fairfield is one of the major cities of Sydney. It is approx- imately 25km south-east of Sydney city. Light industry is the main sourse of revenue.
Map
The call to Blacktown and Fairfield
came almost at the same time, especially when there was an exodus
of population to the outer suburbs..
 
In August, 1951, the Brothers received a letter from Archbishop O'Brien on behalf of His Eminence Cardinal Gilroy, requesting staff for a new boys' school planned for Fairfield. At this time, Fairfield was an outer and rapidly expanding suburb of Sydney with a large concentration of post-war migrants from Europe. Whereas there were primary convent schools at nearby Cabramatta, Smithfield and Villawood as well as Fairfield, there were no opportunities for senior pri- mary and secondary Catholic Education for boys in this new centre.
 
The Provincial, Brother Norbert and his Council agreed to the Cardinal's request and Brother Kevin Samuel, Brother Eugene Kelly and Brother Peter Johnson (Superior and ]Principal) formed the first Patrician Community at Fairfield. The Brothers took up residence in an old weatherboard homestead which was on the 10 hectare property, which had recently been acquired by the Arch-diocese as a site for the school
 
When Cardinal Gilroy blessed the Monastery and officially opened the school on March 8th, 1953, there were 170 pupils enrolled in Years  4, 5 and 6.
 
The Primary School from the 1960s to 1992 before moving across the creek. During this time the Primary consisted of the three buildings circled. 

Primary Principals
For many years the College did not have the formal position of Primary Principal, the College Principal was head of both the secondary and primary. However, with the increase of numbers in the College and the new approaches to education the position of Primary Principal was formally installed.

Br Celestine Mulhall
Br Richard Doheny
Br Joseph Byrne
Br Thomas Rice
Br Nicholas Harsas
 
Primary School
The Brothers withdrew from the Primary School at the end of 2003
with Prinicpal Brother Nicholas Harsas moving on to another primary school.
The Primary will close at the end of 2006.
Background

In 1952, at the initiative of Cardinal Gilroy, The Patrician Brothers accepted the invitation to open a regional school for boys in the district. The original Primary school was located on the same campus on which the Secondary school now flourishes. In the process of rationalisation in 1992 the Primary school moved to the premises previously occupied by Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School in Weston Street, Fairfield under the leadership and ministry of the Patrician Brothers. The original motto of the school "Maria Duce' (Mary as Leader)continues to be the inspirational banner presented to the school community for their patronage.

While today, both sections of the school are separated by a creek, there continues strong and unifying traditions linking both schools, while each maintains it's own individuality and independence.

Religious Dimension

The Primary School provides a Catholic learning environment, which endeavours to enhance the development of the whole person. Its comprehensive curriculum and pastoral programs are regularly reviewed and up-dated to present meaningful educational outcomes in an ever-changing society.

The Religious Education program has an integral position in all aspects of the school's teaching and learning. Situated on the Church grounds the school has ready access to the Parish Church for meaningful and prayerful liturgical celebrations. The school also enjoys the privilege of having a school chaplain who visits the school weekly and ministers to the students.

Key Needs of the School

The school welcomes and appreciates the support it receives from Catholic Education Office, Sydney. It is currently implementing recommendations from the "Educational Audit" and "School Review and Development' through the Annual Development Plan.

Through the implementation of these core processes the school is ambitious to upgrade and enliven all areas of curriculum and educational policies that impact on the development of the students' character, learning and life.

Curriculum

Due to the high number of NESC (Non-English Speaking Background) students within the school, literacy is an area of high priority. Substantial staff development has been undertaken to assist in the implementation of the NSW English K-6 Syllabus and the National ESL Scales as part of the Literacy Advantage Project. Current teaching practices in the school reflects this ongoing development of the staff Technology, Boys Education and the 'outcomes approach' to teaching and learning, are other key curriculum areas being addressed at the present. All students have access to CD ROM computer facilities and the Internet is available in all classrooms.

Students

The school population currently stands at 352 boys in Years 5 and 6 (6 classes in each year). The background composition of the students embraces over fifty ethnic backgrounds. The major ethnic groups are Vietnamese, Spanish, Filipino, Arabic and Chinese. The school respects the richness of its multicultural environment and is constantly seeking avenues to celebrate the cultural heritage of it's clientele and at the same time endeavours to integrate all into an Australian Society.
Brother Charles Barry (Principal) and Brother Rodan Bergin (Provincial) entertain Cadinal Gilroy during the opening of buildings at Fairfield in 1967
Brother Nicholas Harsas, 
the present Principal of the Primary. 
Brother Nicholas is the second Principal 
of the school since it moved 
to its present location. 
He was preceeded 
by Brother Thomas Rice.
Prayer is an integral part of life at Patrician Brothers Primary. The boys are always enthusiastic to be involved in making prayer meaningful and enjoyable,
Students working together to solve a problem: modern education
Students learn better through interesting and challengeing activities
 
Brother Nicholas spending time with students. Some of the students involved in Jubilee 2000 A happy spirit pervades the whole school.
 

Approximately 82% of the student population come from non-English speaking backgrounds. The school also caters for the students with special needs and those who are gifted and talented.

The students from the Primary (Years 5-6) and Secondary (Years 7-12) pride themselves on being part of the Patrician Brothers' tradition in the area, which is obvious by the manner in which they demonstrate their friendliness, wearing of similar uniform and their positive response to common expectations and charisms.

Staff

The school staff consists of twelve classroom teachers who are supported by specialist teachers in Music, Special Education, ESL, Teacher Librarian and Executive Release staff Religious personnel are also available (part-time) to provide services which bond the home and school relationship. Ancillary staff at the school includes two secretaries, a library assistant, a groundsman and a canteen coordinator.

The Staff Executive consists of the Principal, the Assistant Principal, the Religious Education Coordinator and two Coordinators. The School Executive meets fortnightly. General Staff Meetings are held weekly.

 
School Community

The school prides itself 
on its involvement 
with parents and with the clergy 
of the local parishes of 
Fairfield, Cabramatta, Villawood 
and Smithfield. 
Parents are not only
welcomed but are encouraged to 
assist in a variety of school 
programs and activities, 
these include: 
Reading Program, Working Bees, 
School Finance Committee 
plus a variety of social and 
sporting gatherings.

Phone: 9724.9777   Fax: 9724.9680
Email:
admin@pbps.fairfield.syd.catholic.edu.au

Website: http://www.pbps.fairfield.syd.catholic.edu.au