ERC Newsletter - Week 1 Term 3 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to the start of Semester Two. It was pleasing to see that the vast majority of students have quickly returned to the College’s routines, demonstrating their commitment to our uniform standards and high expectations.

The beginning of a new semester provides a valuable opportunity for all students to build on their developing skills, reflect on the feedback provided through Semester One reports and parent-teacher interviews, and set clear, actionable goals for improvement. While Year 11 students are now entering their final term of the Preliminary HSC course and Year 12 students are preparing for their upcoming Trial HSC examinations, we will also take time next week to recognise the achievements of students in Years 7–10 through our Semester One Awards. In celebrating these accomplishments, I also thank the parents and carers who will be able to join us for this occasion and support our focus on learning and growth.

During the recent holiday period, the 50th annual NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) celebrations took place across Australia, recognising the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations peoples. At next Tuesday’s assembly, our College will reflect on this important event by focusing on the 2025 NAIDOC theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” which celebrates the strength and leadership of our young people. I would like to thank Ms Melanie Jennison, our First Nations Education Officer and member of the Identity Team, for her ongoing commitment in providing meaningful and enriching opportunities for our College community.

The 2024 Annual Report to the School Community has now been published on our College website. This report is a Commonwealth requirement and includes key messages from school leadership, highlighting our progress and achievements over the past year. You can access the report via the following link: [2024 Annual Report to the School Community].

Best wishes to everyone for a successful and rewarding term ahead.

Dr Stephen Gough

Student Learning

As we move into Semester 2 we encourage students to consider their recent report data and begin addressing areas of learning that were identified from Semester 1.

This might be an entire subject or it could be a range of skills that provide the basis from which you can begin working towards achieving higher grades.

Your classroom teachers know you as learners and they are the best people to work with in relation to your desired improvement.

Where your teachers have indicated that you need to prepare more thoroughly for assessments/examinations I would encourage students to review their study habits, ensuring they have regular connection with their course work and that any revision is active developing stronger and deeper connections with course content and being able to apply this information in a variety of ways.

Last term we offered study skill sessions to students who felt it would be helpful to access some support with their study habits. These sessions take place during Homework Club (2:05 – 2:55 pm) in the Library and would benefit students of all ages who are looking at methods to consolidate their learning of both knowledge and skills.

If this is of interest to you I ask that you fill out this GOOGLE FORM and a member of the College will coordinate with the students to find a suitable time to offer this support.

As always there is lots happening in the area of Learning & Teaching;

Year 10 students will this term finalise their patterns of study for their Preliminary year through subject interviews. This semester also acts as an important period of preparation for this transition.
At the end of the term our Year 11 students will complete their Preliminary exams, an important stepping stone towards their HSC year in 2026.

and

We also wish the Year 12 cohort the best of luck as they embark on their Trial HSC examinations that start in week 3.

Mr Hughes
Director Learning & Teaching

Year 10 into 11 2026 Student/ Parent Interviews

Student/ Parent interviews for our current Year 10 Parents, Carers and Students will take place next Tuesday 29 July in the Edmund Rice Centre for parents who have made an appointment between 2:30 and 6:30pm. Students are required to wear full College uniform to this interview. We look forward to discussing your son’s course preferences as we endeavour to ensure each student has a pattern of study which will set them up for success in the Higher School Certificate.

College Academic Awards Assemblies

These will take place on Thursday 31 July in the Edmund Rice Centre. The Years 7 & 8 (Stage 4) Academic Awards Assembly is scheduled to commence at 8:15am, while the Years 9 & 10 (Stage 5) Academic Assembly will commence at 9:15am. The purpose of these assemblies is to celebrate the excellent achievements of our learners in Semester 1 and encourage students to strive to achieve their personal best in all their courses next semester setting firm foundations for the years ahead.

2025 Trial Higher School Certificate Examinations

These are scheduled to commence on Monday 4 August. From Monday 4 August to Monday 18 August, Year 12 students are only be required to attend school when they have an examination.

A reminder that the College Assessment Handbook contains important assessment procedures for illness or misadventure situations which must be adhered to including the stated valid independent evidence. Students have received a copy of the Trial Higher School Certificate Timetable via the Year 12 Google Classroom as well as instructions for these important examinations. A copy of these will be emailed to parents, carers and students again early next week as a further reminder of the process which must be followed in the case of illness or misadventure. We wish all students all the very best of luck as they complete their preparation for these final school based assessment tasks.

Mrs Bell
Director of Studies

Image credit: Image by Hermann Traub from Pixabay

Reading literature provides us with a rich tapestry of diverse perspectives, voices and experiences.

This term, our Year 10 students are embarking on a literary journey that extends far beyond the classroom walls. Through their study of novels, they are discovering how reading opens windows into diverse worlds.
Literature serves as a powerful bridge between cultures, experiences, and viewpoints. Students reading Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby are transported to 1920s America, where diversity of class and the complexities of wealth and privilege is examined, while those looking at Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird explore underlying racial inequalities.

In contrast, Marcus Zusak’s The Messenger and Felicity Castagna’s The Incredible Here and Now present contemporary Australian society through the eyes of young protagonists. Their encounters with diverse communities from different social backgrounds reveal how characters from various walks of life navigate their challenges and contribute to our varied identity.

Reading diverse literature encourages our students to step outside their own experiences and consider different cultural, economic, and social realities. Through class discussions and analytical writing, they’re developing empathy and critical thinking skills that help them become more understanding of differences.

We encourage you to discuss the novel your son is studying this term. Conversations around the plot, characters, language and how diversity is represented in the narrative can help foster a reading culture.

What are you reading?
Name – Ryan Griffiths
Title: English Teacher

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. A compelling read which argues that the loss of play-based childhood and its replacement with a phone-based childhood is not suitable for human development. It suggests this is the source of increased mental distress among teenagers.

The Courage to be Disliked – by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. This is an enormous bestseller in Asia, and demonstrates how to unlock the power within yourself to be the person you truly want to be.

Shōgun by James Clavell – recently adapted by Netflix, this historical novel chronicles the end of Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568–1600) and the dawn of the Edo period (1603–1868). Loosely based on actual events and figures, Shōgun narrates how European interests and internal conflicts within Japan brought about the Shogunate restoration.

Mrs Guest

Pastoral Care

A Warm Welcome to Term 3!

Welcome back to a bustling Term 3! I’d like to extend a huge thank you to all our students and families for the exceptionally high standard of presentation and grooming as we started the term. It’s great to see everyone looking so smart.

This term is shaping up to be a busy one, as most terms are! Our Year 9 students will be heading to the southern slopes in Week 4, which is always a highlight. Meanwhile, our senior students are already gearing up for their HSC Trials, which kick off in Week 3. We wish them the very best of luck and encourage them to put their heads down over the next couple of weeks as they tackle this crucial examination period before the final HSC later in the year.

The Year 11 Student Leadership nomination process will begin next week and wrap up in Week 5 after nominations are tallied and final interviews are conducted. We wish every candidate success and commend them for considering the important role of student leadership. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our young men to develop as role models and set a high standard for the younger students who look up to our seniors.

Term 3 also features some significant events focused on well-being and community. We’ll be observing Advocacy Week in August and RUOK Week in September. Our theme for this year, “Everyone Belongs,” perfectly aligns with our Touchstone of Justice and Solidarity. As we prepare for these events, our focus remains on ensuring everyone in our College Community feels safe and cared for.

We’re excited to be introducing several new activities this year, led by the Student Representative Council Prefects for Community & Culture and Well-being, with support from our Pastoral Care Coordinators and College Counsellors. These initiatives aim to further engage our students in meaningful ways.

Just a few reminders of upcoming events:

Thursday 7th August: Junior Winter Sleep Out
Wednesday 13th August: Year 7 Social Day and Twilight Disco with St Mary’s
Thursday 4th September: Father’s Day Breakfast

Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

Sport

The annual football showdown between Edmund Rice College and Holy Spirit College was held at Ian McLennan Oval, Kembla Grange, and proved to be a brilliant day of football. The event showcased some of the best talent from both schools across the U13, U14, U15, and Opens divisions.

With a points system in place to determine the overall winner, each match carried great significance and intensity.

Please see below for a summary of each game.

U13

The Under-13s from Edmund Rice College (ERC) kicked off the Festival of Football against Holy Spirit College in an exciting, competitive match at Ian McLennan Park. The game started evenly, with both teams trading attacks and showing great energy. Holy Spirit took the lead by scoring an excellent free kick from just outside the penalty box, and right before halftime, they converted another free kick from a similar position, leaving ERC trailing 2-0. In the second half, ERC came out with fierce determination, dominating play from start to finish. Man of the Match, Harley Sanders scored a brilliant long-range goal for ERC, narrowing the score to 2-1. Despite creating several chances, ERC couldn’t capitalize further and ultimately lost 2-1. Mr Jardine

U14

The U14 Edmund Rice College football team delivered a dominant performance against Holy Spirit College at the Festival of Football, securing a convincing 5-0 victory. The boys controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing skill, teamwork, and determination. Callum Cajar was the standout, scoring a hat-trick and earning Man of the Match honours for his outstanding display. Beyond the score line, the team demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and proudly represented the College both on and off the field. A fantastic effort from all involved! Mr Crapis

U15

A very slow start by ERC led to Holy Spirit dominating the early parts of the match and scoring a well-deserved first goal. Holy Spirit maintained their lead until just before half-time when Max Smith scored a stunning goal from 20 yards. In the second half the game opened up and ERC started to control possession with the midfield playing some accurate and well-timed passes. This resulted in three more goals for ERC with Max Smith scoring from close range, one scrappy own goal and Xavier Godbee bundling in a goal of his own after good pressure. Mr Tyler

Opens

In the headline Opens match, Edmund Rice College started slowly and found themselves trailing 2-0 at halftime. However, a determined second-half comeback saw ERC fight back to level the score at 2-2, thanks to a brilliant performance from Luca Spaseski, who was named Man of the Match for his outstanding contribution. This hard-earned draw in the Opens match, combined with strong results in the junior fixtures earlier in the day, meant that Edmund Rice College took home the overall trophy for the Festival of Football. It was a proud day for the College, celebrating teamwork, perseverance, and school spirit. Mr Belsito

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

Over 850 schools Australia wide participate in the Bill Turner Cup under 15 football (Soccer) KO each year.

We have progressed to the regional final this year and were drawn to play against Illawarra Sports High, (ISH), at their home ground.

On the morning of the game, before a ball was kicked in anger, Coach Mr Crapis was faced with an enormous dilemma that 6 regulars were missing from the starting side. A number of injuries and a call up by the snowfields meant that the bench was going to play an important role. Tactical maestro Mr C. assembled the lads and delivered his pre match address.

Goalkeeper: Ethan Mathie
Defence: Rocco Scagila, Stefen Anagnostopoulos, Christian Ugonotti, Edward Page
Midfield: Ethan Dzeparoski, Max Smith, Callum Cajar
Forward: Fabian Gaudiosi, Xavier Godbee, Alexander Bradshaw-Wett
Reserves: Travis Potter, Jeng Croghan

ISH was always going to be a strong challenge, however, early one way traffic soon paid off when fouling Xavier was the only way of stopping another raid into their danger zone. Up stepped Max who delivered his free kick into an area of the net that their keeper had no way of reaching. 1:0 and more was to come. A corner whipped in by Max and Christian was on hand to make it 2:0. Many more chances and their keeper proved to have more arms than an octopus stopping shot after shot.

Tragically a rare attack by ISH resulted in a penalty. Ethan had no chance of stopping the well taken penalty. Near the end of the first half Fabian’s well directed corner found Alexander lurking at the far post and his thunderous first-time strike gave us breathing space and at 3:1 the lads trudged off fearing a half time dressing down by coach Mr C., which never came, as it was evident that this game should have been ‘in the bag’.

The second half started off the same as the first. Early domination and then a well-orchestrated move by Edward to Callum who shrugged off several defenders only to see the post stop a certain goal. Xavier’s strength and speed on the ball caused many problems for their defenders combining well with Fabian and Alexander. Midfield generals Max, Ethan and Callum controlled the ball and Stefen, Christian and Edward were solid as a rock in defence. Ethan was a spectator for long periods but was safe when required.

Two changes early in the second half as Travis and Jeng came on, kept the momentum going. Again, many chances, but no rewards meant that the half time score was also the fulltime score and progression to the next round against a very strong Santa Sabina College. Hopefully the snow has melted and injuries healed by then. Coach Mr C will have some selection headaches with all hands back on deck.

Mr Cajar

Edmund Rice College Hockey Team

The Edmund Rice College Hockey team recently represented the school with pride and determination at two competitive carnivals, displaying strong teamwork, talent, and a hunger to improve.

Diocesan Hockey Carnival – Narellan, Monday 23rd June

The first event took place at the Diocesan Carnival in Narellan. The team performed exceptionally well in the round games, going undefeated across four matches – a fantastic achievement showcasing their early cohesion and effort.

In the semi-final, the team battled hard in a tight contest that ended in a draw. Unfortunately, due to for-and-against points, they narrowly missed out on progressing to the final, finishing 3rd overall. Despite the disappointment, the players walked away with valuable experience and a clear sense of growth as they began to truly gel as a team.

NSWCCC Hockey Championships – Bathurst

Later that week, the team travelled to Bathurst for the prestigious NSWCCC Hockey Championships. The first day saw a strong start, with the boys claiming three wins from four games – a testament to their resilience and rising confidence.

Day two proved more challenging, resulting in a loss and a draw. However, these results were still enough to earn the team a spot in the semifinals, where they faced a well-drilled Redbend College side. Despite a valiant effort, Edmund Rice fell short against the eventual champions.

Leadership and Team Spirit

The team was expertly captained by Riley Edgar and Febin Binoy, whose leadership both on and off the field helped guide this young squad through two demanding competitions. The group demonstrated impressive skills and great potential, offering a promising glimpse of what’s to come in future seasons.

Special thanks go to Henry Jones, who supported the team as coach. His advice and motivation played an important role in lifting the boys’ performance and morale throughout both carnivals.

Congratulations to all players for representing Edmund Rice College with pride and passion!

Mrs Timmins

Community Announcements

EDMUND RICE COLLEGE CALENDAR 2025

*******

TERM DATES 2025

******

PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS / CARERS

Parent Appointments

As a College we respectfully request that any parent wishing to discuss a matter of concern with a member of staff contacts the relevant staff member via email or via telephone through the College Office and requests an appointment. Staff members will get back to you at their earliest convenience. Parents presenting at the College Office may be asked to make an appointment and return at a mutually convenient time. For specific information about who to contact please refer to your son’s diary on pages 6, 7, 30 and 31.

Collecting your son from school

A reminder to all families that should a circumstance arise where you need to collect your son from school before the end of the school day we require you to come to the College Office. Students will not be permitted to walk to the carpark or the street to be collected. If they leave to attend a pre-arranged appointment we request that this is communicated to the College Office in writing via note or email. If you wish to have someone collect your son that is not currently listed on TASS then you will be required to communicate this clearly in writing, you will also receive a call to verify that you did in fact authorise this arrangement. All students arriving late or departing early are required to sign in and out through the Student Office.

******

Change in Student/Family Circumstances/Contact Information/Medical Conditions

If any change has occurred/occurs in your family – separation, divorce, serious illness, the College should be notified as soon as possible. The College seeks to be supportive of families in such circumstances and such events always have a bearing on a child’s education. Likewise, a change of address, email or phone number (work, home or mobile) or emergency contact should be advised immediately.

If your son suffers from a medical condition it is vital that you inform the office of his condition and what treatment is required in an emergency. An emergency management plan must be developed for any students with serious conditions.

Please verify all information via the TASS Parent Lounge.

Contents

Downloads

Principal's Message

2024 COLLEGE YEARBOOK

Student Learning

Learning - An Ongoing Process

From the Director of Studies

ERC Gladiator School

Reading diverse perspectives

Pastoral Care

From the Acting Director of Pastoral Care

Sport

NSW All Schools Cross Country – Outstanding Results

ERC Victorious in the Festival of Football Vs Holy Spirit College

Bill Turner under 15’s football

Student Achievements - Year 8

Student Achievement - NSW U14 Hockey

Diocesan and NSWCCC Hockey

Community Announcements

Careers Newsletter

Parents & Friends Association

🎉 ERC P&F Gala Dinner – A Night You Don’t Want to Miss!

Notices