How many roads must a man walk down before they call him a man? …….
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
(Bob Dylan)

The road to manhood within the broader context of our evolving Australian society is more complex than ever. In this, my 35th year of working in Catholic education across a variety of school settings, including five all-boys schools, I have learnt and continue to see firsthand how important the road that the boy walks down should be a path filled with purpose, integrity, and resilience.

As parents and educators working together, we know from our experiences that there are, and will continue to be, many bumps and bruises along the way and that it is not a single road but many – each filled with challenges, opportunities, and lessons that shape our young men into responsible and empathetic individuals. That is why it is a timely reminder that the best outcomes for our students are when school and home are in sync together and that we support each other in providing our boys with the right foundation to learn and grow. Clear expectations and consistent role models help foster trust, perseverance and forgiveness – essential skills for life.

At ERC, we do not seek to impose a rigid definition of manhood. Instead, we acknowledge and celebrate that modern manhood takes many forms. Our role as mentors is to guide boys through shifting cultural expectations by fostering Gospel values, nurturing character, and empowering them to stand up for what is right. Above all, we strive to create an environment where they feel safe to express themselves respectfully.

One such example of this commitment was our recent Founder’s Activities Day, a celebration of community and self-expression. The day featured inflatable rides, a spirited Battle of the Bands, and diverse food trucks, culminating in the much-anticipated House Chants. These moments of camaraderie and school pride provide students with the confidence to engage, lead, and step out of their comfort zones and express themselves in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.

At the end of the day, the question Bob Dylan poses has no single answer. Each young man’s path is unique, shaped by his experiences, choices, values, and the guidance he receives. What remains constant is our role as educators and parents to walk alongside them, offering the encouragement they need to navigate their individual journey with kindness.

As we approach the upcoming school holidays, may this Easter season be a time of reflection, renewal, and joy for you and your families. Just as we guide our young men on their journey, may this time remind us all of the importance of the support of a strong community. May it be a time to celebrate the values of love, compassion, and hope, and may you all experience a blessed and peaceful Easter.

Live Jesus in our hearts – forever.

Dr Stephen Gough

Easter challenges us to reflect on how we engage with others—how we extend forgiveness, seek reconciliation, and contribute to a culture of mutual respect and understanding. As we celebrate this sacred season, we are called to live out these values in our interactions with others fostering a community where forgiveness, compassion and hope are central.

Within our College community, restorative justice provides a framework for addressing conflict and harm in a way that upholds the dignity of all involved. Rather than focusing solely on the consequences of poor decisions we seek to encourage accountability, dialogue, and provide an opportunity for growth. This mirrors the example of Jesus, who consistently responded to wrongdoing with both justice and mercy, always seeking to restore relationships.

We encourage students to:

• Listen actively and try to understand different perspectives.
• Acknowledge hurt and harm and work towards genuine reconciliation.
• Engage in restorative conversations, with the support of staff to resolve conflicts in a way that upholds respect and dignity for all.

In this way we mirror Christ’s call to forgiveness ensuring that our school remains a place where every individual is valued and supported.

I wish you and your families a very happy and holy Easter and look forward to Term 2.

Term 2 return

School returns for students on Tuesday 29 April. Students should come prepared, with devices charged and ready to continue with their learning for Day 2 (Tuesday Week A) of their student timetable.

At all times the College uniform is to be worn properly by students. This includes travelling to and from school. The ERC uniform policy not only includes various parts of the uniform but how the uniform is worn. Shirts should be completely tucked in at all times, top buttons done up and ties done up properly, wearing a black belt with shoes being polished and clean. Students are reminded that they are to be clean shaven, long hair must be tied back with hair not exceeding the collar and should be off the face.

Students return in Term 2 wearing the full College Winter uniform as indicated in the student diary, the College winter uniform guidelines are as follows:

Years 11 & 12 (All year round)

• College grey trousers (worn with College grey/stripe socks)
• Plain black belt (to be worn at all times)
• Ice blue shirt with College crest
• College black blazer with senior tie (compulsory in Terms 2 & 3)
• Plain, black, polishable leather school shoes
• ERC red jumper/vest (worn under the blazer in cold weather, not instead of)

Years 7 – 10 Winter Uniform (Terms 2 & 3)

• College grey trousers (worn with College grey/stripe socks)
• Plain black belt (to be worn at all times)
• Ice blue shirt with College crest AND College tie
• Plain, black, polishable leather school shoes
• ERC red jumper with junior tie and/or ERC jacket (black, red and white) with junior tie.
  Note: Jacket is optional, but both jacket and jumper can be worn on colder days in winter.

During the School Holidays, students may be tempted to make poor choices in relation to hair cuts and piercings. Please note that the College has clear guidelines around presentation, including hair, shaving and piercings and all students are expected to present in accordance with these guidelines on Day 1 of Term 2.

Mrs Hughes
Deputy Principal

Our College’s Founder’s Fun Day was made even more special by the highly anticipated Battle of the Bands event. Students showcased their incredible musical talent with performances ranging from soulful piano and cello solos to high-energy band tunes.

Highlights included powerful renditions of classics like Motley Crue’s Livewire by the Year 10 band and Enter Sandman performed by the recently formed Year 8 band, keeping the crowd on their feet. The excitement peaked with an unforgettable performance by the staff band – Dr Gough and the Band 6’s. The staff brought the house down with their rendition of the classic hit Johnny B. Goode, leaving students and teachers alike cheering for more.

The Battle of the Bands was a celebration of the diverse musical talents within our community, and it was the perfect way to honor the spirit of fun and togetherness that defines Founder’s Day! Congratulations to the winners and a huge thank you to all the entrants for making this event extra special.

Prize winners on the day:

Solo Items: 1st Place – Matthew Hay (Guitar) ; Runner Up – Max McManus (Cello) ; Highly commended – Samuel Curcio (Guitar)

Group Items ; 1st Place – Year 10 – Livewire (Matt, Kai, Caden, Bowen) ; Runner Up – “Temu Metallica” (Yr 8 Band) with Enter Sandman ; Highly commended – Jazz Band and Yr 12 James, Aaron and Caelan

Mr Bonaccorso and Mr Haybittle

The following students were awarded prizes during Founder’s Activities Day.

Battle of the Bands First Place Movie passes – The Trooper (Y10 – Mat, Kai, Bowen, Caden) ; JB Hi FI Gift Card –Jasper Hasham Y10 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Nathan Silveri Y10 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Zac Alenaddaf Y10 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Cohen Armstrong Y10 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Nate Warren Y10 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Lucas Markovski Y10 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – KJ Sullivan Y10 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Isaac Ayers Y10 ; Battle of the Bands, Solo Item First Prize Movie passes – Matthew Hay Y10 ; Teen Gift Card – Lucas Pucillo Y10 ; Teen Gift Card – Sterling McEwan Y10 ; Rebel Gift Card – Christian Ugonotti Y10 ; HC – Samuel Curcio Y11 ; JB Hi FI Gift Card – Christian Yeo Y11 ; Rebel Gift Card – Oliver Hasham Y11 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Jack Manns Y11 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Cooper Paloff Y11 ; Teen Gift Card – Euan Egerton Y11 ; Single Adult Movie Pass – Luke Davis Y11 ; Chess Set – Asher Percival Y11 ; Gift Voucher for a Strength and Conditioning Program with Scott Mutton, head physio for the Hawks valued at $200 – Kade Gardiner Y12 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Cristian Mitreski Y12 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Kieran Karlis Y12 ; Rebel Gift Card – Maxim Lazaroski Y7 ; Teen Gift Card – Leon Gavriloski Y7 ; Teen Gift Card – Brandon Sheekey Y7 ; Teen Gift Card – Jack Price Y7 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Kostas Stratis Y7 ;Child Movie tickets double pass – PJ Pedron Y7 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Brian Lou Y7 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Brody Norrie Y7 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Marcus Siskoski Y7 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Marlow Nortje Y7 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Lynkin Walter Y7 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Max Biela Y7 ; Child Movie tickets double pass –  Munashe Nyachoto Y7 ; Teen Gift Card – Harry McInnes Y7 ; Teen Gift Card – Michael Whitehead Y7 ; Single Child Movie Pass – Jack Frizell Y7 ; Single Child Movie Pass – Riley Perry Y7 ; Pringles Ball & Hat – Diaz Blanch Y7 ; Pringles Ball & Hat – Jack Calcraft Y7 ; Gift Voucher for a Strength and Conditioning Program with Scott Mutton, head physio for the Hawks valued at $200 – Isaac Gizzi Y8 ; Band Runner Up – movie pass – Temu Metallica (Y8 Emmett, Finlay, Max, Harcharan, Jayden) ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Johnny Antoniou Y8 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Claude Vincent Y8 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – River Reilly Y8 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Archie Clifton Y8 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Cooper Everingham Y8 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Sonny Fogarty Y8 – Child Movie tickets double pass – Salvatore Raschilla Y8 ; Double Movie Pass – Lewis McLeod Y8 ; Teen Gift Card – Aston Di Pietro Y8 ; Teen Gift Card – Emerson Eckermann Y8 ; Pringles bag / ball / hat – Hunter Barrett Y8 ; Single Child Movie Pass – Darius Risorto Y8 ; Runner up Movie pass – Max McManus Y8 ; Aerobie Pro Frisbee – Riley Cooper Y8 ; Pringles Ball & Hat – Braxton Shrestha Y8 ; Pringles Ball & Hat  – Bill Bramble Y8 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Ansu Kamara Y9 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Malachy Hurley Y9 ; Adult movie tickets double pass – Lawson Long Y9 ; Teen Gift Card – Jaxon Vasiliou Y9 ; Rebel Gift Card – Kalel Gersbach Y9 ; Rebel Gift Card – Max Protolipac Y9 ; Teen Gift Card – Ash Anderson Y9 ; Single Adult Movie Pass – Cameron Browne Y9 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Cody Wilkinson Y9 ; Child Movie tickets double pass – Luca Thomas Y9 ; Double Movie Passes – Harrison Clarke Y9; Double Movie Passes – James Rouen Y11 ;  Double Movie Passes – Sebastian Jacque Y7 ;  Double Movie Passes – Christian Saveski Y9 ; Double Movie Passes – Isaac Papakosmas Y10

The Power of Process – Regular Revision

As we approach the end of Term 1 and for many of our students a number of assessment tasks, it is an opportune time to discuss the importance of work ethic consistency for learning.

Obviously it goes without saying that learning in the classroom requires consistent effort to ensure all knowledge concepts and skills are fully understood. If this is not the case, you are guaranteeing challenges (stress, confusion, frustration) when the time comes to revise or prepare for assessment items.

How can you prevent this from happening?

Regular revision of classwork (creating notes, quizzes & practice questions) is a valuable process. It helps maintain your connection to learning from the classroom and allows you to apply this when assessment tasks are released.

Strategy idea for junior students:

Create a schedule that provides time for revision of all subjects on rotation. For example: Monday could be Maths, Tuesday English, Wednesday Science and this continues until all subjects have been completed. Working Monday to Thursday is a good idea providing students with the weekend to refresh and commence again in the following week.

Senior students can also implement this strategy but will likely have additional responsibilities/requirements resulting in increased time on task to achieve at their potential.

In Term 2 we will invite students (through a Google Form) to attend Homework Club and explore a range of revision/study strategies that support their ongoing learning and preparation for tasks. Until then we hope that you enjoy the student vacation period, have a blessed Easter and we look forward to working with everyone next term.

Mr Hughes
Director of Learning & Teaching

The Edmund Rice College Stage Band kicked off their first Primary School Tour of 2025 with a vibrant and engaging performance at St Therese Primary School. The students and staff were treated to an energetic show filled with lively music and interactive moments.

A highlight of the performance was the enthusiastic participation of St Therese staff, who joined in on some numbers, much to the delight of the audience. Another crowd favorite was the “Name That Tune” segment, which had students eagerly guessing well-known songs.

The tour marks an exciting new chapter for the Stage Band as they share their passion for music with younger audiences. With such a successful first stop, the band is looking forward to bringing their show to more schools throughout the year!

Mr Haybittle and Mr Bonaccorso

In this episode we introduce the new voices behind the mic! Our students share their interests, podcasting aspirations, and the roles they’re most excited to take on—whether it’s hosting, editing, or researching. They also reveal their dream interview guests and the topics they hope to explore this year. Tune in to hear their insights on what makes a great podcast and their message to listeners as we continue another year of storytelling, conversation, and creativity.

Listen now on Spotify!

Mr Bonaccorso

Edmund Rice College’s annual athletics carnival will be held on Tuesday 6th May at Beaton Park. This is a whole school event, where students will either compete in championship track and field events or participate in novelty sports with their year group.

Students wishing to compete in the championship events must register via the Google Form, which has been sent to all students. Registrations close at the end of Term 1, so please ensure your son has signed up if he wishes to compete.

We look forward to a fantastic day of competition and school spirit!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

On Friday, 21 March, Edmund Rice College hosted its annual Cross Country Championships, with students taking on the challenging course around the College grounds and Keira Park. The event showcased incredible determination, endurance, and house spirit as students battled it out for individual and team success.

The competition was held across three periods, with the U14 & U15 races kicking off in Period 2, followed by the U12 & U13 competitors in Period 3, and finishing with the U16, U17 & U18 runners in Period 4.

A massive congratulations to all students who participated and pushed themselves on the course. Special recognition to our top three finishers in each age division:

🏅 12 Years

🥇 Archie Galvin (Year 7) ; 🥈 Harley Schulze (Year 7) ; 🥉 Xavier Kelly (Year 7)

🏅 13 Years

🥇 Clancy Mayers ; 🥈 Zachariah Crook (Year 7) ; 🥉 Mitchell Taylor (Year 7)

🏅 14 Years

🥇 Alexander Torta (Year 8) ; 🥈 Callum Cajar (Year 8) ; 🥉 Rio Morand (Year 8)

🏅 15 Years

🥇 Stefen Anagnostopoulos (Year 9) ; 🥈 Lachlan Mason (Year 9) ; 🥉 Calvin Perkiss (Year 9)

🏅 16 Years

🥇 Patrick Smith (Year 10) ; 🥈 Luke Green (Year 10) ; 🥉 Oliver Johnson (Year 11)

🏅 17 Years

🥇 Harry Fraser (Year 11) ; 🥈 Harry Jackson (Year 11) ; 🥉 Leonardo Attorre (Year 11)

🏅 18 Years

🥇 Henry Jones (Year 12) ; 🥈 Lachlan Godbee (Year 12) ; 🥉 Tyler Williams (Year 12)

A huge thank you to the staff and student volunteers who helped run the event and ensure everything went smoothly. The top 6 runners in each age group will now advance to the Diocesan Cross Country Championships, where they will represent ERC.

Well done to all competitors on a fantastic day of racing!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

ERC U16 Soccer Diocesan Report

Team: Lukas Markovski, Stefen Anagnostopoulos, Samuel Jovanovski, Lewis Andrews, Darius Hamod, Christian Ugonotti, Samuel Ugonotti, Fabian Gaudiosi, Ethan Dzeparoski, Jarrah Longbottom, Aiden Rayner, Cohen Martins, Leo Halios-Lewis, Max Smith, Isaac Papakosmas, Xavier Godbee

Results: Lost 1-0 to St Benedicts ; Won 3-0 against Mt St Carmel (Cohen Martins, Sam Ugonotti, Leo Halios-Lewis) ; Won 2-0 against Magdalene (Cohen Martins, Isaac Papakosmas) ; Won 5-1 against John Terry (Leo Halios-Lewis x 2, Max Smith x 2, Isaac Papakosmas) ; Semi final Won 2-0 against St John’s, Nowra (Max Smith, Cohen Martins) ; Final 0-0 against Holy Spirit. Won 4-2 on penalties (Lukas Markovski two penalty saves in goal)

Congratulations to the ERC Under 16 soccer team who won the Diocesan Carnival. Arriving to Mt St Carmel without much preparation, resulted in a frustrating one-nil loss to St Benedict’s in the first game. This result immediately made qualification for the semi-finals difficult, however the players bounced back impressively winning the next two group games comfortably. In the final group game with opposition John Terry and ERC both needing to win to progress, the ERC team played arguably their most impressive game of the day winning five-one to finish top of the group. This was an excellent come back from their earlier loss and set them up for their semi-final well.

The semi-final opposition, St John’s Nowra, was somewhat of an anticlimax with ERC winning a scrappy contest two-nil. The final is always a war of attrition with both teams having played five games already on the day. Holy Spirit and ERC fought out a nil-nil draw to take the game to penalties. Impressive goalkeeper Lukas Markovski saved the first two Holy Spirit penalties with Christian Ugonotti, Max Smith, Jarrah Longbottom and Ethan Dzeparoski scoring theirs to result in a 4-2 penalty win to ERC.

The players represented the College impressively with their conduct and sportsmanship throughout the day. In terms of football, the wins were built on rock solid defending and goalkeeping, hard work and creativity in midfield and some excellent, calm finishing from the front four.

The U16 team now qualifies for the CCC Knockout in June.

Mr Tyler
Coach

A huge congratulations to Milton Stepanovski (Year 10) for his outstanding performance at the Australian Schools Triathlon Championships in Rockingham, Perth! Representing NSW, Milton took on some of the country’s best young triathletes and delivered an incredible effort across both individual and team events.

🔹 Individual Triathlon – 9th place
🔹 Teams Event – Silver Medal 🥈 (Intermediate Age Group)

This is a fantastic achievement for Milton, showcasing his dedication, endurance, and skill at the highest level. The College are proud of his efforts and can’t wait to see what’s next for this talented triathlete!

Well done, Milton!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

A massive congratulations to Jonah O’Dea (Year 12) on his selection in the NSWCCC Open Boys Volleyball Team! This is an incredible achievement, reflecting Jonah’s hard work in the sport!

Jonah will now represent NSW Combined Catholic Colleges at the upcoming NSW All Schools Championships, where he will compete against the best volleyball players from across the state.

Jonah is pictured here with his fellow teammates (far right back row).

Well done Jonah and we can’t wait to see you in action on the big stage!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

The Young Athlete Development Program is designed for school-aged athletes (12–15 years old) of all skill levels. This comprehensive program focuses on strength & conditioning, injury prevention, agility, holistic health, and nutrition, providing young athletes with the tools to excel in sport and life. Participants will also receive athlete pathway support (including the US College Pathways), helping them navigate their sporting journey, and develop a growth mindset to achieve long-term success on and off the field. This program introduces athlete training, open to all young people who are eager to enhance their skills and unlock their full potential, regardless of their background, experience level, or sport. The Young Athlete Development Program offers similar content for younger age groups, serving as an introduction to our high-performance program.

There will also be 6 weeks free at the UniActive gym for parents who have their children participating in the 6-week program.

Each component of the program is delivered by expert coaches:

• Claire Rayner – Athlete Wellbeing Specialist
• Sam Burford – Lifting Technique Specialist
• Charlotte Flynn – Personal Trainer

Program Details:

• Start Date: May 21st ( Wednesday for boys), May 22nd (Thursday for girls) – the program runs for 6 consecutive weeks.
• Finish Date (Last Sessions): June 25th (Wednesday for boys), June 26th (Thursday for girls)
• Location: UniActive Wollongong Campus (Sports Hub)
  Schedule:
• Wednesdays for boys 4:30pm – 6pm
• Thursdays for girls 4:30pm – 6pm

Registration & More Info: The Young Athlete Development Program

Give your child the opportunity to develop key life and sporting skills with expert guidance!

On Wednesday the 26th March, the Eco-ERC team completed the biannual waste audit, helping the College monitor the amount of rubbish produced. Specifically, students collected our paper recycling, general waste and return and earn bins before weighing them and recording their total weight and their respective amount of contaminants.

The College produced:

• 87.37 Kg of general waste (being sent to landfill), with 6.4% of this being recyclable materials. This included approximately 175 cans and bottles.
• 152.4 Kg of paper waste (over approximately a month), with 3.8% of this being contaminated.
• 11.3 Kg of recyclable cans & bottles in our bottle bins (since the beginning of the year)

Overall, while a significant portion of the College’s general waste could be recycled students should be commended for minimising contamination in our paper recycling. On average, 12% of recycling in Australia is contaminated, whereas our paper waste contamination stands at just 3.8%.

Using this data, the Eco-ERC team will look at school systems and work to see where we can improve, especially in the return and earn area.

Thanks to the passionate Eco-ERC team lead by Miss Leate who worked tirelessly throughout the day, keeping spirits high and really coming together for the common good. Also, a big thanks to our team member Mitchell for documenting the day through photos and film.

Heath Crowther – Year 12 Sustainability Prefect

The past fortnight has been a vibrant period of connection and learning for our students and staff. We’ve seen a wonderful display of community spirit through various activities.

Project Compassion: On Tuesday, 1 April, our student body engaged in meaningful discussions led by Student Advocacy, focusing on the core principles of Project Compassion.

House Chants & Founders Activity Day: Last week, the energy was palpable as students embraced their House spirit, practicing their chants in preparation for the upcoming Founders Activity Day.

Founder’s Activity Day: Despite the grey skies and occasional downpours, Founders Activity Day was a resounding success, filled with vibrant energy and good-spirited fun! The boys embraced the day with enthusiasm, creating a truly memorable experience.

The atmosphere was electric, with a fantastic array of activities to keep everyone entertained. From the bouncy Inflatables and the thrilling Side Show Alley to the engaging fun activities and the highly anticipated Battle of the Bands, there was something for everyone. The Dunk Tank provided plenty of laughs, while the delicious offerings from our diverse Food Vendors – Piggy Moo, Steve’s Pizza, Nani’s Indonesian, Sweet & Sour Lollies, Ryan’s Gozleme, Mr & Mrs Pancakes, Canteen Milkshakes, Steve’s Hot Chocolate/Coffee and Scoop Gelato – satisfied every craving.

The day was a testament to the strong community spirit, with numerous fun games and competitions keeping the boys engaged and excited.

A heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated staff, the wonderful food vendors, and the external companies who generously provided their services. Your collective efforts made Founders Activity Day an unforgettable occasion.

My Futures Program: Year 11 teens in late high school may feel lost, anxious & uncertain about the years ahead. The My Futures Program leads students to develop habits & goals that bring confidence.
Students will learn:

• Learn to plan their future in light of their strengths
• Discover what motivates them
• Set goals for critical areas of life and development
• Receive a take-home goal setting and resilience journal

Fortnightly Pulse Survey: Concurrently, we conducted our Fortnightly Pulse Survey to monitor student wellbeing. This survey provided valuable insights into students’ experiences, particularly regarding their commute, school environment, classroom dynamics, and the pressures of assessments and homework as we approach the term’s end. I also note that in 2025 a further question on bullying was added to ensure all boys feel safe and if at any time they do not feel safe to report any behaviour that is not aligned to our values and expectations.

Wishing You a Joyful Easter Break!

To all our students and their families, I extend my warmest wishes for a holy and blessed Easter holiday. May this time be filled with rest, rejuvenation, and a renewed sense of spirit as we look forward to Term 2. To help you make the most of your break and encourage some screen-free fun, I’ve included a list of exciting holiday activities.

Holiday Activities:

• Royal Easter Show
• Things to Do For Teens In The Illawarra

Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

On Thursday, 3rd April, and Friday, 4th April, our Year 11 students participated in the MyFutures School Program, an engaging and transformative experience designed to help young people uncover and embrace their unique character strengths.

This program builds upon the foundation set in previous years, allowing students to deepen their self-awareness and further develop their strengths in more meaningful ways. The sessions encouraged students to shift their focus from weaknesses to strengths, fostering confidence, resilience, and a greater understanding of how their strengths influence their relationships, decision-making, and future pathways.

Through interactive workshops, students explored practical strategies for managing stress, overcoming self-doubt, and navigating peer pressure—essential skills as they approach their final years of schooling. The progression from earlier MyStrengths sessions has enabled them to refine their personal growth and apply their strengths with greater clarity and purpose.

It was fantastic to see our Year 11 students so engaged, reflecting on their strengths and how they can apply them to school, friendships, and future career aspirations. A big thank you to the MyStrengths team for delivering such an impactful program—we look forward to seeing how our students continue to grow from this experience.

Mr Belsito
Acting Year 11 Pastoral Care Coordinator

As Term 1 comes to a close, it’s clear that it has been an eventful start to the year for our Year 9 boys. The students have returned to school with maturity and a strong sense of personal growth, embracing new challenges and opportunities along the way. They should be commended for their enthusiasm, resilience, and commitment throughout the term.

The boys have actively participated in a wide range of College opportunities, representing the school in sports such as Rugby League, Swimming, Mountain Biking, and Cross Country. Their curiosity has been on display in events like the Ethics Olympiad and Mock Mediation/Trial, while whole-school/cohort initiatives such as the Year 9 Social Day, Indigenous Cultures Day, and the Founders Day Activities have fostered a sense of community and tradition. Additionally, they successfully completed the nationwide NAPLAN testing as well as their first Stage 5 assessment tasks, demonstrating their dedication to academic growth.

This term also provided valuable learning experiences beyond the classroom. Senior Constable Jai, the Police Youth Engagement Officer, delivered an insightful presentation on the serious implications of harassment, bullying, and assault, encouraging students to reflect on the impact of their choices. Complementing this, our College Psychologists and Counsellors, Ms Potter and Mrs Herrald, led an engaging session on Healthy Masculinity – What it means to be a ‘good man’ and how to navigate peer pressure in a positive way. We are grateful for their time and expertise in guiding our students.

As we head into the holidays, I encourage all Year 9 students to take this opportunity to rest, recharge, and return next term ready to build on their achievements. A reminder that Term 2 begins on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, with all students expected to return in their College Winter Uniform.

Enjoy the break, and in the meantime, please take a look at some snapshots of our Year 9 cohort in action throughout the term!

Mr Panozzo
Acting Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Rafael Johns Murphy careers conversation with Sir Peter Cosgrove

Rafael Johns Murphy spoke with Sir Peter Cosgrove about entry into the Defence Force. The information that Sir Peter spoke to him about was very insightful, in depth and Rafael is incredibly honoured to have had this opportunity.

Sir Peter Cosgrove

Sir Peter Cosgrove is a retired senior officer of the Australian Army and a former Governor-General of Australia (2014–2019). He is one of Australia’s most respected military leaders, known for his service, leadership, and contributions to the nation.
Military Career.

• Born: 28 July 1947, Sydney, Australia
• Education: Royal Military College, Duntroon
• Vietnam War Service: Served with distinction, earning the Military Cross for bravery
• Commander of INTERFET (1999): Led the multinational force that stabilized East Timor, making him a national hero
• Chief of the Defence Force (2002–2005): Highest-ranking officer in the Australian Defence Force
• Governor-General (2014–2019)
• Appointed by Queen Elizabeth II on the advice of Prime Minister Tony Abbott
• Represented the Crown in Australia and performed constitutional and ceremonial duties

The topics covered were:

1. Entry Requirements & Process
   • Age, citizenship, and educational qualifications
   • Fitness and medical standards
   • Application and selection process (aptitude tests, interviews, physical exams)
2. Career Pathways
   • Different roles in the Army, Navy, and Air Force
   • Officer vs. enlisted pathways
   • Training programs (e.g., ADFA – Australian Defence Force Academy)
3. Advice & Leadership Insights
   • Cosgrove’s personal experiences in the Defence Force
   • The importance of resilience, discipline, and teamwork
   • Insights into military life and challenges
4. Deployment & Service Commitments
   • Expectations regarding deployments, training exercises, and postings
   • Commitment periods and career progression
5. Values & Leadership
   • The role of leadership in the Defence Force
   • Ethical responsibilities and representing Australia

Peter Cosgrove, as a former Chief of the Defence Force and Governor-General, would likely provide guidance based on his own experiences, emphasizing dedication, service, and leadership in the ADF.

Legacy & Contributions of Sir Peter Cosgrove

• Known for his strong leadership, humility, and dedication to service
• Advocated for veterans, disaster relief efforts, and national unity
• Wrote an autobiography, You Shouldn’t Have Joined

If Rafael spoke with Sir Peter Cosgrove about Defence Force entry, he received valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and the realities of military service.

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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

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.