From The Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
In this our first newsletter, I would like to congratulate students for settling quickly into College life and especially acknowledge our Year 7 students on how they have so admirably stepped out of their comfort zones within our transition program. Thank you to Mr Bates and the Year 7 Pastoral Team for facilitating this orientation program and to the Year 11 Peer Support Leaders for their genuine example and support of Year 7.
In acknowledging our new students and parents, we also welcome the new staff members who have joined our learning community. Welcome Mr Marco Panozzo (HSIE), Mrs Jade Roper (English, RE) and Mr Rueben West (Sports Administration), along with Mrs McDonnell (Technologies), who returns after a period of leave. In other staff news, today we farewell one of our counsellors, Mrs Emily Cranney, who, along with Mr Mathew Rattenbury, has been appointed to EREA promotional positions at the Wollongong Flexi Learning Centre. Mrs Cranney has been appointed as Associate Head of Campus, while Mr Rattenbury has been seconded to the position of Acting Assistant Principal for the EREA Eastern Flexible Schools Network. On your behalf, I congratulate them both and thank them for their strong commitment to ERC and EREA more broadly.
At the same time, I am delighted to announce that Mr Timothy Rowe has been appointed as College Psychologist at ERC. Mr Rowe is currently the College Psychologist at St Aloysius’ College, Milsons Point, where he has worked for the past six years. We look forward to warmly welcoming him into our community.
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The current health-related protocols placed on NSW schools and how the ERC community continues to actively respond is a daily reminder of the positive can-do attitude of our College. Thank you to students, staff and parents for ensuring that we remain vigilant within a COVID-smart school environment each day. Please be assured of our regular communication of the latest health advice.
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We return with the Class of 2021 having achieved some impressive individual HSC results. The Dux of the College is awarded to Matthew Moss, who received an ATAR of 98.75. The list of Distinguished Achievers, including Oscar Tilden (Geography) and Elijah Hurley (Accelerated Studies of Religion II), as Top Achievers in a course, together with Ben Johnston’s nomination for OnStage (Drama) and Mathias Decker’s nomination for Art Express, clearly highlights the comprehensive nature of ERC. Congratulations to all Year 12 students, staff and parents on such a collective effort. 2021 HSC Highlights can be found HERE.
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In 1962, after 36 years of being established on Crown Lane, the College commenced as Edmund Rice College on its present campus site. In this our 60th year at the foot of Mt Keira, it is worth reflecting on the foundations of our Catholic College community and the rich charism we share from our founder Blessed Edmund Rice. The four touchstones that inform our College allow us to provide a Liberating Education based on a Gospel Spirituality within an Inclusive Community committed to Justice and Solidarity. Given the College’s focus on the touchstone ‘Justice and Solidarity’ for 2022, the College will endeavour to bring to life our recently launched Learning and Wellbeing Framework and the published Reconciliation Action Plan. In this way, we will continue to enhance our supportive learning environment and further strengthen relationships across the College and the broader community.
I offer all families my best wishes and blessings for the year ahead.
Mr Gough
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Learning & Teaching
Pastoral Care
Community Announcements
Community News
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.
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The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) is an air-minded youth organisation for young people aged between 13 and 18 years. Your local unit, 314 Squadron, is now recruiting. Information sessions will be held on Tuesday 8th 15th and 23rd February at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit www.airforcecadets.gov.au and www.314sqn.aafc.org.au, or contact the Recruitment Coordinator by emailing 314sqn@airforcecadets.gov.au
For more information about our organisation, please visit the AAFC web site at http://www.aafc.org.au or the 314 Squadron web site at http://314sqn.aafc.org.au, or contact me on the telephone number or email address below.
