As we enter the second half of Term 1, be mindful that course assessments will begin to appear within many courses as more content is being covered. This can often lead to individual stress, anxiety and evidently poor choices and decision making due to irritability and a lack of patience with one another. One of those areas of concern and care is within unstructured times during recess and lunch. Unlike many other schools, ERC is blessed with such a large campus. Students from different cohorts are able to have the luxury of space and in most cases have an individual area to retreat to during these breaks. There are times where we all need to be reminded that our personal choices can have a direct impact on other people’s safety and wellbeing. Along with some certain behaviours are associated risks and safety concerns which can indeed often result in consequences being enacted. Please take the time to go through with your son the ‘Hands Off’ Policy (Student Diary Y7-10 Pg 33) to ensure we maintain the safety of everyone at the College.

College ‘Hands Off’ Policy (Student Diary Y7-10 Page 33)

Edmund Rice College has a ‘Hands off’ rule to preserve the dignity, safety and wellbeing of all members of our community. This is one of the most important safety rules for students to keep in mind in relation to student management. It requires that students keep their hands off others and the property of others. Appropriate physical greetings are not included in this rule.

The College cannot condone violence for any reason, instigation and retaliation will not be tolerated. Those who are found to be engaging in physical conflict such as fighting will be suspended from classes until the matter can be investigated and resolved. This is inclusive of students who instigate a physical altercation/interaction with another student(s) AND those who retaliate. It should be noted that self-defence is defined as the minimum required force to put oneself in a position of safety.

Conversations Build Relationships – Year 7 Camp

Have you ever thought about the impact of a conversation? We are all busy and have a million things to do. However, having a conversation with people plays such a key role in building relationships. In order for those relationships to be meaningful, listening is very important. Listening involves being present and giving our full attention and putting our distractions aside.

Earlier this week I attended the Year 7 Camp. There were many highlights for me including the amazing levels of participation by the students in the evening ‘Talent Show’ after dinner where there was such a range of talents on display.

The biggest highlight for me though were the conversations being had throughout the afternoon between students from different groups discussing their day. Speaking to and listening to so many of the staff as well about their experiences and their day. Conversations about group participation, individual achievements from those boys that they did not expect it from. I could tell by listening, they had so much enthusiasm and pride in seeing boys excel and develop a sense of achievement within themselves, even just within their own groups. This too was evident in the talent show, boys without question putting themselves out front, to perform dance routines e.g. the macarena and the nutbush, comedy routines, capital cities Q & A, a gymnastics display and musical performances for their cohort / peers (and teachers) without hesitation or concern was a credit to everyone involved.

Sometimes the art of conversation gets lost these days when we switch off and zone out and do not take the time to listen to each other. I encourage everyone in our community throughout this Lenten period to slow down, minimise distractions and make the next conversation you have with someone meaningful. It is time to stop and listen, as the next conversation you have may just make a difference.

Mr Walsh
Deputy Principal