Dear parents and carers,

I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all students for the positive and very calm way they have returned to school and for the manner in which they have so quickly settled into class for this final term of the school year.

As a College community, we keep Year 12 students in our thoughts and prayers as they commence their current HSC examinations. Our prayer and wish is for all of their individual and collective efforts to be richly rewarded and for each student to produce their very best over the coming weeks. As a College, we remain very proud of all students.

A Prayer for our HSC Students
Heavenly Father, we bring before You our HSC students.
May they be enriched by the gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, knowledge and courage.
Bless them with clarity of mind as they sit for their exams.
Grant them the confidence they deserve from years of diligent study.
May they be affirmed in their efforts, and may they know that You are there with them.
We pray they will stay calm under pressure and work to the best of their ability.
May they feel Your loving presence in their lives, now and always, and may they be strengthened by the prayerful support of us, the Edmund Rice College community.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen

During recent days, our Year 11/12 students have participated in the senior retreat program at various conference venues. Thank you to Mrs Hurley, the Identity Team, and the Pastoral team of teachers for the generous planning and facilitation of such meaningful and reflective experiences for our young people. These senior retreats have once again played a significant role for our students as they took the opportunity to pause and continue to nurture their spirituality as they commence their final school year.

Last Wednesday, the College was honoured to host the inaugural Barry Walsh Memorial Trophy match, contested by the Under-14 football teams of ERC and St Dominic’s College, Penrith.

This special occasion paid tribute to Mr Walsh’s outstanding service and his lasting legacy at both schools. It was a privilege to welcome members of Barry’s immediate family, who were proudly in attendance. Following a spirited and respectful match played in his memory, including going into extra time after a 16-16 all draw, the inaugural trophy was presented to St Dominic’s after a final score of 20-16. In this same way, we look forward to continue honouring Mr Walsh’s legacy in the years ahead.

Dr Stephen Gough

Welcome to Term 4

Thank you to those parents who have ensured that their sons have returned in their full Summer Uniform and have met our expectations around personal presentation, we appreciate your cooperation and support greatly. Please note that any temporary variance in uniform or personal grooming must be communicated to your son’s Pastoral Care teacher and coordinator.

A reminder that every day of school matters and that all absences should be explained within 7 days of absence, preferably via the TAS parent portal.

On Tuesday the 28th of October we will mark the conclusion of the Preliminary HSC Course for our Year 11 students with the Academic Awards ceremony commencing at 8.15am.

On Wednesday the 29th of October Year 11 students and their parents/carers will have the opportunity to meet with their teachers. Bookings are available through the TAS parent portal.

Before school drop off and after school pick up, parents are asked to avoid stopping in the bus zones both at the front and the back of the school between 7.30am and 8.10am and between 2pm and 2.40pm.

Please find below some important information regarding school travel for 2026.

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to re-submit their details.

If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card. Note: a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a replacement application if a School Opal card is lost.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

Mrs Hughes
Deputy Principal

Welcome back to our final term for the year! As we head towards end-of-course assessments, now is the perfect opportunity to ensure your study approach is as effective as possible.

To support you, we are offering dedicated study skills sessions during Homework Club. These workshops are perfect for any student looking to gain confidence and improve their revision techniques.

Why should you join?

• Build a Personalised Plan: Effective study isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ll explore the essential elements of successful revision and help you develop an approach that is tailored to your needs.
• Learn Active Revision Techniques: Discover the difference between passively reading your notes and actively preparing for an assessment. We’ll show you how to mimic exam conditions so you are ready for the real thing.
• Access Hands-On Resources: You’ll be provided with sample materials and templates to practice with, helping you to hone your skills and find the strategies that will lead to success.

If you’re interested in gaining an edge, please register using the link below. We will then coordinate a time in the coming weeks to work through the session with you.

Register for Study Skills Sessions Here

Let’s make this your most successful term yet!

Mr Hughes
Director Learning & Teaching

Higher School Certificate Examinations

The Higher School Certificate Examinations commenced yesterday and Year 12 students are to be commended for the respectful and responsible manner in which they have started this examination period. We continue to keep Year 12 students in our prayers that they will remain calm and have clarity of mind to perform to the best of their ability in each of their examinations..

Year 11 Reports and Year 11 Student/Parent Teacher Conferences

Year 11 students commence their Year 12 HSC courses this term, and Year 11 Preliminary Reports will be published on the Parent Portal early in Week 2 this term. Year 11 Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday 29 October from 3:00-7:00pm in the Narandha Learning Centre and appointment bookings with your son’s teachers can now be made via the Parent Portal. Bookings will close on Tuesday 28 October at midday. Should you have difficulty accessing the Parent Portal, please contact the College IT Department via helpdesk@erc.nsw.edu.au

Semester 2 Years 7-10 Examinations Timetable

The Semester 2 Years 7-10 Examinations Timetable is attached to this week’s College Newsletter. Students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 should now be in the process of preparing their study notes and revising to achieve their best in these upcoming assessment tasks.

Mrs Bell
Director of Studies

Students in Years 7 – 10 will be sitting their Semester 2 Examinations this Term. A live timetable will be shared with students and staff.

• Year 10 from Thursday 23 October – Monday 10 November
• Year 9 from Tuesday 11 November – Monday 25 November
• Year 8 from Thursday 13 November – Monday 24 November
• Year 7 from Monday 10 November – Monday 24 November

SEMESTER 2 EXAMINATION TIMETABLE

Recently our First Nations Prefect Ruben Mayers attended the Northern Illawarra Aboriginal Education Consultative Group’s Deadly Graduation celebration. Ruben is to be congratulated on representing Edmund Rice College, and we have great pride in his commitment and success in completing Year 12.

There were graduating Year 12’s from across the Northern Illawarra High Schools, and Ruben did the College proud with his impeccable uniform and blazer. He was cheered on by family and our First Nations Education Officer as he received his medal and clap sticks from renowned local Elder and artist Uncle Kevin Butler.

ERC would like to thank the NIAECG Volunteers for putting on this deadly event to celebrate Ruben and the other graduating First Nations Year 12’s.

Mrs Jennison
First Nations Education Officer

Your Wellbeing Matters! Term 4 Kicks Off with Retreats, Leaders, House Spirit and a Mental Health Check-in.

Term 4 is in full swing, and we’ve already had some big events!

Our Year 11s got the term started with their Retreats, focusing on the theme “Building a future full of Hope” as they step up to become “Men for Others.” Next week, we’ll celebrate their hard work at an assembly acknowledging their Term 3 Exam results. This assembly will also be a major highlight as we Induct our new 2025/26 Student Leaders—a huge congratulations to them!

A massive shout out to our Year 12 students who kicked off their HSC Examinations this week!

We know you’ve all been working incredibly hard, and we are sending you the very best of luck and good vibes for the coming weeks. Focus up, breathe deep, and crush those exams! You’ve got this!

Remember to look after yourselves during this stressful time. We are all behind you!

Introducing House Time: Building Stronger Connections

This week marked the introduction of our new House Pastoral Administrative lesson, which had its first run on Tuesday.

This isn’t just another admin period! This dedicated time is all about strengthening our House spirit and building genuine connections across all year levels. Whether you’re in Year 7 or Year 12, you’re a vital part of Waterford, Rice, Ignatius, Crown, McMahon, or Keira.

These sessions will focus on fun activities, information sharing, and small group tasks designed to help students get to know the other members of their House, regardless of their age.

We look forward to seeing the increased camaraderie and spirit these sessions will bring!

It’s Mental Health Month: A Time to Act

October is Mental Health Month, and it’s the perfect chance for us all to think about, promote, and get involved in activities that boost our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us.

The Mental Health Association, WayAhead, suggests there are important roles we can all play in promoting positive mental health. Which role do you think you play best, or which one could you start playing today?

Incredible Individuals (That’s You!)

• Take Charge: Your mental health is important—own it!
• Take Time Out: Step away from the screen and your desk! Spend time in nature, enjoy a hobby, or get active.
• Plan Your Study: Break your study sessions into bite-sized chunks. This keeps stress levels down and makes the task feel less overwhelming.
• Challenge Your Thinking: If your friend was feeling as stressed as you are, what helpful advice would you give them? Often, we’re tougher on ourselves than we are on our friends!
• Remember, not all stress is bad! Stress can be a great motivator. If it starts to feel overwhelming, that’s when you should seek help.
• Use Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing is a powerful tool to help you manage your emotions and calm the body’s natural “flight or fight” response.
• Fuel Your Body: Eat well, get quality rest, and stay active.

Amazing Allies (Be a Great Mate!)

• Talk About It: You are not alone in what you’re going through.
• Share the Experience: Chat with friends who are having similar experiences—you can help each other out.
• Be Supportive: Be there for your mates.
• Reach Out: If you’re concerned about a friend (or yourself), there are mental health services available to help.
• Make Gratitude Cards: A small affirmation or thank you card for a friend can make a huge difference to their day.

Camp is Calling: Year 8 Adventure Ahead!

In Week 4, we wish the Year 8 students and their teachers an awesome time at Killalea National Park for their Outdoor Camp along the coast!

These camps and retreats are a long-standing tradition at the College, and they’re a huge priority for your education and wellbeing. You get to:

• Enjoy the natural environment
• Connect and make new friends
• Build resilience and overcome fears
• Learn new skills
• Work as a team to overcome challenges in activities like canoeing, surfing, bike riding, and more!

These experiences create lifelong memories. Past students constantly remind us how pivotal these camps were in helping them discover themselves and overcome personal challenges. We know the Year 8s will come back with a heap of great stories!

Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

House Friday arrived a little early this week, taking place during Tuesday’s extended Pastoral Class. Led by our 2025/26 Student Leadership Team and the Year 12 cohort, students engaged in activities that promoted house pride, spirit, and a strong sense of belonging across the College community.

I really look forward to House Chants on Founders Day because it brings the whole College together as they compete for the title. Meeting in our Houses will give us a chance to practice more often and build stronger friendships across year groups. Aiden Masi, Year 9

House Friday is a great way to encourage all students to lift house spirit. It was great to connect with students in different year groups in our Houses. It allowed us to bond with each other and recognise each other’s strengths whilst being brilliantly led by our Year 12 leaders. Cale Riegler and Samuel Shaw, Year 9

The House Friday initiative was an incredible way to get involved in leadership opportunities to encourage comradery and the togetherness of year groups. Whilst it was a challenging experience, we found a newfound respect for the teachers but also for the Edmund Rice spirit, as the boys came together really well to foster an environment of unity and conversation. Nathan Mihalopoulos and Leonardo Attorre, Year 12

With the goal of having a dedicated time to foster connection and teamwork between year groups, House Friday was a great success. We witnessed mentorship and mateship, developed through engaging activities led by Year 12 Leaders. It was a testament to the willingness of Edmund Rice students to be active leaders, trying new things to improve our College. Harrison Macdonald, College Captain

Mrs Haines

During this week’s Tuesday Extended Pastoral Period, our Year 11 students stepped into a leadership role by helping to plan upcoming House Friday activities. Working in their pastoral and house groups, the boys collaborated with House Captains and staff to brainstorm fun, inclusive and community-building activities that will bring the entire school together.

The session encouraged teamwork, creativity and responsibility, as students shared ideas, discussed logistics and considered ways to involve younger year groups. From friendly competitions to service-based initiatives, Year 11 showed maturity and enthusiasm in shaping activities that reflect the Edmund Rice values of belonging, participation and spirit.

This planning experience not only prepares engaging House Friday activities for the school, but also gives Year 11 an opportunity to practice the leadership skills they will carry into their senior year and beyond. The College looks forward to seeing their plans come to life and to the positive impact these activities will have on the whole ERC community.

Mr Belsito
Asst Year 11 Pastoral Care Coordinator

On the 10th September the Opens ERC Football team traveled to Valentines Sports Park for the NSWCCC Finals Series. This squad who previously won the tournament back in 2023 were raring to go back to back in this competition.

The semi final took place against Marian College, Griffith with Edmund Rice coming out victorious with a comfortable score line of 3-0. The team then progressed to the grand final against All Saints, Maitland who beat Marist College, Eastwood 3-2 in their semi final match up earlier in the day.

The final started with immense intensity from both sides as the 30mm of projected rain began to fall. Possession was extremely even in the first half as the scoreline remained 0-0. With a few halftime changes the tide swung quickly in ERC’s favour, especially after an All Saints player was sent off for a second yellow card.

Midfielders Luca Spaseski, Noah Hewett and Oliver Morgan began to get more control of the game as the onslaught of attacks began to flood. Forwards Willem Robaard, Tzar Harb and James Benedetti were on the end of some fantastic through balls and continued to apply pressure until the opening goal from Willem Robaard put All Saints well and truly on the back foot.

The game ended 2-0 with Edmund Rice coming out winners for the second time. This group of boys who have played together since they were 13 finally stood on the halfway line at the end of a hard fought victory with nothing but joy. Their goal for all those years was finally achieved.

A massive congratulations to this group of players, we look forward to seeing their progress in football outside the ERC gates.

Squad List: Kiran Dhami, Andre Dzeparoski, Kyan Hawke, James Benedetti, Haider Raad, Lachlan Taylor, Luca Spaseski, Conor Mathie, Alex Heron, Gabriel Corvalan, Lucas Tancevski, Ryan Plumridge, Tzar Harb, Oliver Morgan, Noah Hewett, Willem Robaard, AJ Duffin.

Coach Mr. Belsito

The ERC U13 Rugby League side capped off a remarkable season with a hard-fought 14–12 victory over Warner’s Bay High School in the Country Cup Final, played at Jack Arrow Oval in Bathurst.

The boys, led by coach Mr Sullivan, knew they were in for a tough contest and were tested early as Warner’s Bay applied relentless pressure in the opening 15 minutes. But sticking to their game plan and showing plenty of resilience, ERC broke through with the first try of the match courtesy of Dion Smith. Tom Mann calmly added the extras to give ERC a well-earned 6–0 lead heading into the half-time break.

Warner’s Bay came out firing in the second half, levelling the scores with a quick try. But the ERC lads remained composed under pressure, tackling hard and executing their structures with precision. Their efforts were rewarded with further tries to Jack Kauter and Vila Schwenke, pushing the lead out to 14–6 with just five minutes left on the clock.

The closing stages were not for the faint-hearted. Warner’s Bay struck again with a converted try to narrow the gap to just two points, setting up a nail-biting finish. However, an expertly placed kick from Harry Thomson and disciplined defence across the park allowed ERC to hold on and secure a memorable 14–12 victory — and the title of 2025 Country Cup Champions.

This triumph marks the College’s third Country Cup title, following previous wins in 2019 and 2024, underlining ERC’s continued excellence in junior rugby league.

The team will now set their sights on an even bigger prize — the U13 Schoolboy Championship — where they will face the winner of the City Competition this term.

Congratulations to all players and coaching staff on an outstanding achievement!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

A huge congratulations to our Year 7/8 Basketball team for their sensational performance at the NSW CCC Basketball State Finals in Penrith! Competing against the top 12 teams from across the state, our boys showcased incredible skill, teamwork, and heart, ultimately achieving a phenomenal top 4 finish in New South Wales.

This incredible result marks the first time in several years that a team from the College has made it back to the NSW CCC finals, making the boys’ achievement a testament to their commitment to training every Wednesday.
The tournament was a fierce test of skill and resilience right from the tip-off. Our boys battled hard through the pool stages, securing two thrilling wins:

• St Peters College Tuggerah: Loss 27−24
• Xavier College Albury: Won 31−28
• St Dominic’s College Kingswood: Loss 50−36
• St John’s College Dubbo: Won 53−51
• Trinity College Adamstown: Loss: 34−19

Despite a mixed record in the pool, the quality of their performance earned the boys a place in the Quarter Finals.

Facing the highly-ranked St Francis de Sales Regional College Leeton (the first-place team in Pool B), our boys delivered their best performance of the tournament. They played with exceptional offensive assertiveness and patience, complemented by brilliant tenacity on the defensive end. The outstanding team effort saw them dominate the court and secure a major upset win: 43−30!

This stunning victory propelled the team into the Semi Finals – putting them in the Top 4 teams in the entire state!

In the Semi Finals, our boys once again faced a talented Trinity College side. Going in as the underdogs, they produced another gutsy team effort. They held the lead by a point at halftime! Unfortunately, Trinity made some tough shots in the second half to take the lead. While the result didn’t go their way, the team showed tremendous grit and pride to compete at the highest level.

To finish in the top 4 in the state is a fantastic achievement and a genuine indicator of the high standards and dedication the boys have set.

A huge thank you for the effort, enthusiasm, and engagement shown by every student in the squad: Lachlan Barlow, Fletcher Browne, Harvey Mack, Lucas Mahfouz, Dominik Raschilla, Darcy Stepanovski, Jacob Svarc, Mitchell Taylor, Tane Tupuhi, Claude Vincent, Aiden Webb

Finally, thank you to Mr MacDonald for his invaluable input during training and games. Your insight and dedication were a great asset to the students throughout this successful campaign.

We are incredibly proud of the entire squad for their impressive performance and for representing the college with such distinction. We can’t wait to get back to training and start planning for a fantastic 2026!

Ms Sparks

Our Super 8’s cricket squad enjoyed a fantastic day at Reed Park, Dapto on Wednesday 24 September, winning three of four pool games to qualify for the final. In a tense decider against Holy Spirit College, the match went down to the very last ball, with Holy Spirit narrowly taking the win.

The team should be highly commended for playing in the true spirit of the game, combining sportsmanship with excellent cricket—smart batting, sharp fielding, and great camaraderie throughout the day. A special mention and big thank you to Mr Marning for assisting on the day.

Team: Nash Ferguson, Vivek Gohil, Oscar Krauss, Arlie Martin, Charlie McQuire, Aidan Rayner, Samuel Shaw, Alexander Sjostedt, Thomas Whitmee, Christopher Wojewodka; with thanks to Owen Marsh for assisting the coaches.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

Congratulations to Year 8 student Charlie Kerr on his outstanding performance representing Edmund Rice at the Jack Newton Shield, held in Week 10 of Term 3 at Moore Park Golf Club. Competing against some of the best young golfers in the state, Charlie showcased impressive skill, consistency, and composure across the two-day event.

Charlie finished 4th overall in the Year 7–9 division and claimed a fantastic 2nd place in the Year 8 category, carding consistent rounds of 74 and 74. His performance is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and growing talent on the golf course.

This is an incredible achievement, and with Charlie set to compete in the top age division next year, he will no doubt be aiming to go one better and chase top honours.

Well done, Charlie!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

During the Term 3 school holidays, a number of Edmund Rice College students competed at the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships held at Sydney Olympic Park, producing some outstanding performances on the track.

In the Boys 12 Years division, Archie Galvin dominated his events, claiming first place in both the 800m and 1500m. Archie ran an impressive 2:15.88 in the 800m before backing it up with a superb 4:36.20 in the 1500m.

In the Boys 17 Years division, William Mason also took home gold in both of his events, winning the 800m in 2:02.12 and the 1500m in 4:02.01 — an outstanding double at state level.

Alex Torta of Year 8 and Patrick Smith of Year 10 also represented the College in the 1500m & 800m – narrowly missing top 10 places.

Congratulations to Archie and William on their exceptional performances and their qualification to the Australian Titles later this year!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

Crime Story Investigation Workshop

Our college hosted the interactive crime story 2-day workshop attended by 4 other schools as well as 18 Edmund Rice College students.

Crime Story’s Problem Solving and Transferable Skills for workplace readiness, is an experiential workshop bridging real transferable skills to industry, commercial, retail, trades, life and leadership positions.

Their critical thinking skills were transferred from the classroom to the workplace learning the value of their contribution within a team environment.

Day 1: Skills

• Crime Scene Investigations (2 crime scenes).
• Forensic Demonstration and Skills Participation
• Witness and Suspect Interviews – Conversation Frames, Conversation Management.
• Brief Preparation and Court Proceedings (Factual Reporting)

Day 2: Transferring Skills (involves Industry involvement dependent on location)

• Interview Panel with Guests Student Led Exercise with Industry Participants Transferring the Crime Scene evaluation/investigation/conversation management skills to Work.
• Examination of WHS/Common workplace scenarios. Communication in workplace (written and verbal, hierarchical, conflicts)
• Managing Expectations and Mental Health for Resilience.
• Resumes and acknowledging your new skills.
• Presenting for interview – Confidence in one-self and how to sell it!

At the heart of the Crime Story learning experience are possibilities and unanswered questions…to solve them you need to ask the right questions.

There is no doubt an interactive learning environment, interesting and memorable experiences create positive relationships and transferable skills…it all starts with a connection.

Transferable skills are skills which are relevant across every profession, and are increasingly valued by employers over discipline-specific technical skills and knowledge.

Who would have thought at the beginning that the café owner did it!

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Please access the Careers Website: which provides the latest information to help students make decisions about their future careers and life beyond school.

• Go to erccareers.com
• Then to important information
• Click on to School Careers newsletter

Mr Cajar
Careers Advisor

2024 Edmund Rice College Yearbook

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CANTEEN MENU

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EDMUND RICE COLLEGE CALENDAR 2025

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TERM DATES 2025

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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.

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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.

Senior School Blazer Fittings

Students in Year 10 are invited to book a fitting time for their Senior School Blazer on the following dates:

Community Fun Day 

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Empowering Parents Information session: Respectful Relationships

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Learner Driver Events for November 2025

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LIFELINE BIG BOOK FAIR

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