College Houses & College Song

COLLEGE HOUSES

We have four College Houses, named Thrones, Principalities, Powers and Dominations.  The names are taken from the Old Testament and are four of the nine Choirs of Angels.

Since the fourth century, several classes of angels were identified in the bible and popularised in the Middle Ages. Theologians divided the angels into three hierarchies, each of which contains three orders, or choirs:
Angels, Archangels, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Dominations, Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim.

Together they form the "hosts of heaven" or the "choirs of angels".

At St Patrick's College Townsville our four houses are:

• Thrones - House colour is Blue. The angels of the 7th Choir are Thrones. The scripture says of the Lord, that He is seated on Thrones. Hence, these blessed spirits are living symbols of God's justice and authority. They are angels of pure humility and peace.
  
  
• Dominations (Doms) - House colour is Green. Zeal for the Divine glory distinguished the angels of the sixth Choir, Dominations. They are consumed by their  yearning for the interests of God - their principal office is to manifest His will.
  
  
• Powers - House colour is Yellow.  The angels of the 4th Choir are the bearers of conscience and the keepers of history. They are also the warrior angels, created to be completely loyal to God. The angels of this choir appeal tall and wear Alb and dalmatic, which is coloured according to the virtues of the souls they serve.
  
  
• Principalities (Princes)  - House colour is Purple. The Principalities form the 5th Choir of angels. They are shown wearing a crown and carrying a sceptre. Their duty is said to be bequeath blessings to the material world. They are the educators and guardians of the realm of earth.

House spirit at St Patrick's College Townsville is very strong and the houses compete throughout the year for spirit points. The House with the most spirit points at the end of the year receive the Melville Cup.

Our Pastoral Care Group system is vertical. This means that girls are in House Pastoral Care Group with students from Years 7-12. There are six Pastoral Care Groups per house. This sets up an immediate buddy system for the younger girls and gives the older students great mentoring experience.

COLLEGE SONG

Where there are seagulls crying;
Where there are blue waves flying,
You’ll find a spot that’s endeared to me.
With joy our voices singing
With love our hearts are winging
True to St Patrick’s
St Patrick’s by the sea.

 (Chorus)

Fair by the sea it stands
Fair by the shining sea
Symbol of truth and of boundless charity.
Gold we shall never cherish
Honour ‘twill never perish
While we’re still faithful to
St Patrick’s by the Sea.

Though we are young in years
Not knowing doubt of fears,
Loyal to our heritage we ever shall be.
Proud of our “Alma Mater”
Our love will never barter
True to St Patrick’s
St Patrick’s by the Sea.

Through life these treasures prize
Where e’re our pathway lies
Virtues of faith, hope, love and purity.
Mother of Mercy guiding
In God our trust abiding
True to St Patrick’s
St Patrick’s by the sea.