Students at Benalla’s FCJ College took part in a moving presentation against violence by the Pat Cronin Foundation on Tuesday, September 3.
Students from years 7 to 12 listened intently to the presentation, which teaches students the message that violence is never okay, as well as how to deal with anger and conflict in a safe and healthy way.
The Pat Cronin Foundation began its mission of preventing violence after the death of teenager Pat in 2016.
In its four-and-a-half years of service, the initiative has reached a quarter of a million Australian teenagers.
This was the foundation’s second visit to the school; its visits now a part of the school’s wellbeing program.
College director of wellbeing Renae Hughes said she believed it was important that everyone heard the foundation’s messages.
“We’re committed to maintaining a safe and supportive school environment, which is why we’ve integrated the presentations into our Wellbeing Program for all 460 students across the whole school,” Ms Hughes said.
“They contain a lot of practical tips for handling conflict and making better choices – life skills that can have a lasting impact.”
The story behind the foundation is one of deep, personal tragedy.
It was founded in memory of 19-year-old Pat Cronin, who went out for some beers with mates in 2016 but never came home.
Pat was struck from behind in a ‘coward punch’ attack while trying to pull a friend away from a fight. He walked away from the scuffle, only to suffer a seizure two hours later.
A fracture in his skull had caused a brain bleed, and two days later his parents, Matt and Robyn, made the difficult decision to turn off his life support.
Determined to spare other families from the anguish they endured, the Cronins established the Pat Cronin Foundation.
“We set up the foundation because we didn’t want other families to suffer the pain we went through,” Mr Cronin said.
“Sadly, thousands of people are hospitalised each year in Australia due to assault, with many tragic lifelong consequences for victims, perpetrators, and their families.
“Every presentation shares Pat’s story while raising awareness about the potential long-term impacts of senseless social violence.
“While we offer practical tips and strategies to deal with anger and aggression, we’re also trying to change the culture around violence and fighting.”
For more information about the foundation, visit patcroninfoundation.org.au