Dear Parents and Carers,

As we commence the 2026 academic year, I extend a warm welcome to all members of our College community. This year is a significant milestone in our journey as we celebrate our Centenary — marking 100 years of Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition.

We are delighted to announce that our Centenary celebration will be officially launched at next Friday’s Opening Mass at the College. This will be a special occasion for our community as we begin our year of commemoration. Please note that due to limited seating arrangements, any parents who wish to attend are required to make a booking through the College Website.

I would like to particularly acknowledge our Year 7 students for their enthusiasm in navigating their transition. My thanks to Mr. Panozzo, Mrs. Field, and the Year 7 Pastoral Team for their commitment to providing such a supportive Transition Program. I also express my gratitude to our Year 11 Peer Support Leaders for their guidance in ensuring our newest students feel welcomed into our community.

We also welcome several new staff members to our team:

• Mr. Brett Ferguson: Director of Pastoral Care
• Mrs. Sandra Egan: Mathematics Teacher
• Miss. Georgina Devalentin: Science Teacher
• Mr. Digby Woods: Sports Administration Assistant
• Mrs. Rebecca Bailey: Returning from maternity leave

A Vision for Tomorrow: The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan

This year, we are proud to launch our new Strategic Plan (2026–2029), which has been developed through meaningful consultation with our entire community to guide our next chapter with purpose and clarity. Rooted in our Catholic identity and the motto Deus Fortitudo Mea (God is my Strength), this plan invests in a future where our young men are the agents of change.

Our focus for 2026 is the Touchstone of ‘Liberating Education’. Through this lens, we aim to open hearts and minds so that our students are hope-filled learners. This is supported by our four key strategic pillars:

• Faith Formation: Strengthening service and spiritual growth.
• Future Ready: Empowering young people for a changing world through innovative learning and technological fluency.
• Community and Belonging: Fostering strong connections and effective partnerships with parents and alumni.
• Sustainable Legacy: Ensuring long-term sustainability through responsible stewardship and strategic master planning.

The full Strategic Plan (2026–2029) can be found on the College website.

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Next Tuesday morning, we will hold the High Achievers Assembly, where we acknowledge the Class of 2025. Their success reflects our commitment to excellence, where boys are motivated to discover what is possible within themselves.

As we embark on this historic year, I encourage all students to set goals that reflect the qualities of the ERC Graduate: to be faithful, compassionate, curious, and leaders of integrity. With best wishes for a successful Centenary year.

Warm regards,
Dr Stephen Gough

Welcome to the 2026 academic year, in particular I extend a very warm welcome to those families joining our community in 2026.

I take this opportunity to remind all members of our community of our commitment to Child Safety. We take very seriously the privilege of working together with you as parents/carers to ensure that your son experiences a strong sense of belonging, is safe and supported as a member of our community.

Student voice is highly valued in our community, we encourage the boys to speak up and assure you that we take any concerns raised by students or their families very seriously. In readiness for the commencement of the academic year our staff have undertaken a wide range of training including annual safeguarding training.

Communication is crucial to the success of our community and the College will always include parents in discussion pertaining to decisions that affect their sons, recognising the important role that all parents play in Child Safety.

College policies pertaining to Child Safety and the process for making complaints can be located on our College website – Our College – Reports and Policies.

When parents have concerns regarding their son’s wellbeing their first point of contact should ordinarily be your son’s Pastoral Care Teacher, in the event that the matter is of a sensitive nature it may be more appropriate to speak directly to your son’s Pastoral Coordinator or in more serious cases a member of the College Leadership Team.

For matters pertaining to academics the first point of contact should be your son’s subject teacher, if your concerns extend beyond one subject you are encouraged to contact your son’s Assistant Pastoral Care Coordinator who assumes responsibility for supporting students in the academic domain. If your question or concern is unable to be resolved with the classroom teacher please contact the Head of Department.

Bus travel 2026

Families are reminded that students travelling on school sanctioned bus services must have a valid Opal card. Drivers have the authority to refuse travel if students do not have their Opal card or evidence that they have applied for one, the exception to this is for Year 7 students until the end of February. If your son is not entitled to travel for free he is welcome to access these services with a child or concession Opal card.

Furthermore families are reminded that all students travelling to and from school are obliged to behave in accordance with expectations in relation to travel on public transport. These guidelines were developed to ensure the safety of all students travelling to and from school and are published on Page 31 of the College Diary. Disruptive and disrespectful behaviour demonstrates a disregard for the College and compromises the safety of other students, the driver, and everyone travelling on the roads. Please ensure your son understands the importance of appropriate conduct. Please refer to the Premier Illawarra notice link here.

Parking and Driving around ERC

Families are reminded to be mindful of where they park in relation to the College. It is important to be aware that not only do decisions to ignore parking have a financial and possibly detrimental impact on one’s driving licence, they also compromise the safety of all members of our community, including local residents. Most importantly, families are reminded

• Do not park in bus zones.
• Do not double park.
• Ensure 10 metres from an intersection.
• Do not obstruct a driveway.

A reminder that the front gates will be closed each afternoon between 2pm and 2.20pm

A reminder that senior students are required to complete an Authority to Drive form. This form outlines the expectations of our students and allows us to follow up with a student should there be an issue.

A reminder to all families about the correct procedures for signing in late and for signing out.

All students who arrive late are required to present to the Student Office and have the details for their late arrival recorded before moving to class. Ideally, when this is not related to bus or train travel this will be explained by a note from the parent. If you need to sign your son out as a consequence of unavoidable, one-off circumstances then your son must have a note and show this to the Pastoral Coordinator prior to the commencement of the school day, once this note has been signed it must be presented to the office. Parents/carers are reminded that for safety reasons they are required to come into the office and sign their son out. Parents are reminded that NESA expects that students will be at school 95% of the time and therefore we strongly discourage non urgent interruptions to the school day

Mrs Hughes
Deputy Principal

Welcome back to another year of potential and growth.

The start of a new school year is the ideal moment to set ambitious targets for your academic achievement. Whether you are aiming to elevate a grade, master time management, or refine the learning habits that drive your success, we all have the capacity to identify growth areas and execute the strategies necessary to conquer them.

A critical component of this success is the mastery of study skills.

Why prioritise this?

Information quickly fades without active reconnection. If you only engage with your course material when an assessment or examination looms, you create unnecessary pressure and risk missing the depth of knowledge required for excellence. Consistent revision and disciplined study are not just habits—they are the essential foundations of your academic success.

If you are ready to challenge yourself and refine your approach to learning, we invite you to register your interest for our study skills sessions via this FORM. While these will primarily be held on Wednesday afternoons, we are committed to your progress and can offer sessions on Thursdays or Fridays to accommodate your schedule. Once registered a member of the team will communicate with you about the availability of upcoming dates for each session.

We look forward to working alongside you this year as you strive for, and achieve, your highest academic goals.

Mr Hughes
Director of Learning & Teaching

Year 12 student Jaeden Soncy has won the 2025 Insight Creative Writing Competition.

Announced late last year, Jaeden along with Nathan Mihalopoulos (Year 12) were both shortlisted for this national competition, with Jaeden taking out first place in the Year 11 category.

These talented writers submitted imaginative pieces as part of their Extension English assessment. which required them to reconceptualise a short story studied in class. This task also coincidentally fitted nicely with Insight’s competition’s theme of Soulmates.

Insight is an Australian publishing company specialising in the publication of secondary English textbooks.

Congratulations Jaeden and Nathan on your achievements!

Mrs Guest

Mathspace is an online program used in Years 7 and 8 by the College. Mathspace is hosting a webinar (via zoom) for parents and carers to show how you and your child can use our platform to track their progressive mathematical learning. If interested, register via the QR code link to the presentation you would like to attend.

Mr Richardson

The College Music Department is currently seeking dedicated students to join our Jazz and Stage Bands. These ensembles offer a sophisticated platform for musicians to refine their craft through a regular rehearsal and performance schedule.

Program Highlights:

Weekly Rehearsals: Focused sessions held within the Music Department to develop technical precision and ensemble skills.
Public Performance: Students gain invaluable experience performing at both internal College functions and occasional performances within the community.

Current Vacancies: We are particularly seeking vocalists, brass, and wind players. Prospective members should possess foundational experience in reading music and a commitment to collaborative excellence.

Interested students are invited to contact the music teachers for further details regarding auditions and rehearsal times.

Mr Bonaccorso and Mr Haybittle

Music Tuition – Make Music Part of the School Day!

The Peripatetic Music Program is back for 2026, offering professional instrumental tuition right here on campus during school hours. Save time on after-school travel and let your child’s talent flourish during the day!

We currently have tutors for: Guitar, Piano, Brass

Please complete our expression of interest form to secure a spot and receive more information or contact the tutors for detailed information.

Guitar Lessons – rsorensen@erc.nsw.edu.au, Piano Lessons – mdominis@erc.nsw.edu.au, Brass Lessons – dcannings@erc.nsw.edu.au

Mr Haybittle

As we commence the new academic year, we are pleased to invite both new and returning members of the College community to engage with our official podcast, The Rice Bowl. Now entering its third year of production, the podcast continues to serve as a hub for campus discourse, offering a sophisticated platform for exploring the diverse voices and intellectual pursuits that define our College community.

Currently, the series boasts an archive of 18 episodes, providing a significant library of content for listeners to explore. From student achievements to College perspectives, these recordings offer an excellent way to integrate into the College culture as the semester begins.

Any student in Year 10 or 11 interested in joining the team as a host or in a technical capacity can contact Mr. Bonaccorso for more information.

You will find the Podcast on Spotify (LINK). By subscribing, you ensure timely access to our upcoming releases and contribute to the growth of our digital community.

Mr Bonaccorso

Starting back with success in 2026

Welcome back to all our families, and a special welcome to those joining our community for the first time. As we look out over the escarpment and the ocean, I hope you have all enjoyed a restful Illawarra summer.

This year is unlike any other. 2026 marks our Centenary Year. For 100 years, this school has educated young men in the Illawarra, and your sons are now part of that living history. Whether your son is putting on his uniform for the first time in Year 7 or stepping into the leadership shoes as Year 12, he is walking in the footsteps of a century of brothers before him.

In the world of Positive Psychology, we often talk about “PERMA”—the pillars of well-being. A crucial element of this is Meaning: belonging to and serving something bigger than oneself. This Centenary gives us a powerful anchor for that meaning. It reminds every student that he belongs to a legacy that supports him.

Building Brotherhood in a Changing World

For our incoming Year 7s, this year is historic for two reasons. Not only are they the “Centenary Cohort,” but they are also the first group navigating high school with new boundaries around social media.

While some boys may feel a sense of “FOMO” (fear of missing out), psychologists suggest this is actually a powerful invitation to return to the basics of human connection—the kind of connection this school was founded on 100 years ago. As Daniela McCann, Director of the Australian Association of Psychologists, recently noted, while online pressures may decrease, the importance of face-to-face socializing will skyrocket.

Our Goal: We want to encourage your sons to find their “tribe” offline. This means joining a sporting team, the chess club, the band, or the surf life-saving squad.

Friendships in an all-boys environment are forged through shared activity. If your son feels awkward at first, remind him that this is normal. As parents, you can support this by facilitating real-life catch-ups—perhaps organizing a lift to the beach or encouraging them to catch the bus with a mate.

3 Strategies for a Strong Start

Drawing from recent expert advice and Positive Psychology principles, here are three ways you can support your son’s transition back to school during this milestone year:

1. Prioritize the “Biological Basics” (Sleep & Routine): Puberty is a storm of hormones that affects memory, mood, and energy. The “night owl” habits formed over summer need a gentle reset.
   The Fix: Establish a “tech-down” time an hour before bed. Sleep is the engine room of resilience for young men.
2. Practice “Hunt the Good Stuff” (Gratitude): It is easy for boys to focus on the negatives—the heavy bag, the hard maths problem. The organization Smiling Mind recommends practicing gratitude to shift this mindset.
   The Fix: At the dinner table, ask: “What went right today?” It sounds simple, but scanning the day for positives rewires the brain to spot opportunities rather than just threats.
3. Validate, Don’t Fix: Your son may come home moody, withdrawn, or exhausted. As Nina Laitala, a parent navigating the Year 7 transition, wisely puts it: “It’s not just the child that’s transitioning, it’s the whole family.”
   The Fix: Listen more than you speak. If he is anxious, validate it (“It makes sense you’re nervous”) rather than dismissing it (“You’ll be fine”). Then, pivot to a solution: “How can we tackle this together?”

Looking Ahead

We are excited to see your sons “come into their own” this year. High school is a journey of independence, and we are here to walk that path beside you. Let’s make this a year worthy of our 100-year history—a year of strong character, genuine connection, and resilience.

Mr Ferguson
Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

Starting Year 7 is an extremely important milestone and our Transition Program is designed to ensure every student feels welcomed, supported and confident as they begin their journey with us at Edmund Rice College. Across the opening days of the year, students are gradually introduced to the routines of secondary school through pastoral care activities, campus tours and opportunities to meet key staff.

A highlight of the program is the support provided by our Year 11 Big Brothers, who assist our new students in navigating the campus, building connections and settling into daily routines. Sessions focusing on identity, wellbeing, resilience, sport and peer support help establish strong foundations for positive relationships and personal growth.

We have been extremely pleased with the way our Year 7 boys have started the year. They have approached the transition with enthusiasm and respect, engaging positively and respectfully with staff, their peers and the activities on offer. These early signs reflect a cohort eager to learn and grow together.

As we look forward to watching the boys grow in confidence, we are also busy preparing for the Year 7 Camp. Earlier this week, you would have received communication from the College, with information on how to complete the required medical forms and permission to attend the Year 7 Camp. It would be greatly appreciated if this can be completed by Monday 9th February. We thank you for your attention to this matter.

We are excited to partner with you to ensure a successful start to your son’s secondary school journey. Please enjoy some photos below from our Year 7 Transition Week.

Mr Panozzo / Mrs Field
Year 7 Pastoral Care Coordinators

This week, our Year 9 students attended an eye-opening presentation from the Wollongong Police Youth Liaison Officers regarding the rise of E-bikes in our community. As these bikes become a more popular mode of travel, the session provided a timely and insightful look at the specific rules, regulations, and safety standards that apply to riders in NSW.

The officers cleared up several common misconceptions, particularly the difference between a legal E-bike and an unregistered motor vehicle. Students learned that for an E-bike to be legal on roads and shared paths, it must be a pedal-assist model with a motor that cuts out once the rider reaches 25 km/h. The police warned that many high-powered or modified bikes (especially some of the popular “fat tyre” styles) actually exceed these limits and are legally classified as motorcycles. Riding an uncompliant bike can lead to significant fines and the loss of the bike itself.

Safety was a major focus of the discussion, with a strong reminder that helmets remain a legal requirement for every journey. The officers also spoke about the importance of being respectful on Wollongong’s shared pathways, reminding students to stay to the left and always give way to pedestrians.

The session wrapped up with a vital warning about battery safety and the fire risks associated with non-compliant chargers. We would like to extend a huge thank you to the Wollongong Police for delivering such a practical and contemporary session. It was a great reminder that while E-bikes are a fun and efficient way to travel, they come with serious responsibilities to keep both the rider and the community safe.

Mr Forshaw
Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

It is an exciting term ahead for Edmund Rice College Sport, with several opportunities for students to showcase their talents. Nomination forms for ERC Representative Teams, the College Swimming Carnival, and Diocesan Trials have now been sent directly to student email accounts and published on the TASS Daily Notices. Furthermore, NSWCCC pathway registrations are now officially open; please be aware that closing dates for several individual sports are fast approaching. For detailed instructions on registration and trial pathways, please refer to the ERC Sport Information Flyer that was recently emailed to all parents.

We encourage all students to check their emails and TASS notices regularly, as coaches will continue to provide specific updates regarding trial dates and logistics as the term progresses. Please note that all internal ERC nomination forms are restricted for security—students must be logged into their school email account to access and submit them.

Sports Coordinator

Nominations are open for the 2026 Girls & Boys U14’s Southern NSW AFL Trials to be held at Bob Prenter Reserve, Macquarie Fields on Monday 6 March 2026 (Back up date 24 March 2026).

This trial is open to boys and girls turning 12, 13 or 14 in 2026. (students who are turning 12 must apply for consideration through their school sport coordinator).

The structure has changed and a Southern NSW team will be selected from the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, Parramatta, Bathurst Diocese and the Diocese of Wollongong. The selected team will play at the NSWCCC trials in Wagga Wagga over two days – 4 & 5 of May, 2026.

Please note this nomination is the first step in the selection process, all nominations will be reviewed by sport coordinators, students will be notified directly if they have been approved to attend the trial.

To nominate your son please access this FORM

Sports Coordinator

Individual nominated sports for Term One – Expression of Interest registrations will open by the end of November.

Look out for further updates via the CNSW Sport website and on the ERC TASS DAILY NOTICES.

If you have any questions please contact Mr Timpano at the College.

Sports Coordinator

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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

2026 TERM DATES

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CANTEEN MENU

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PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS / CARERS

Student Absences

Whilst the preferred method of communication regarding absences is via the TASS Parent Portal we understand that sometimes access to the portal can be limited. We therefore ask parents/carers to provide daily absence information (Whole day absences/late arrivals/early departure/absence notes etc.) via the following email address: absences@erc.nsw.edu.au

Reminders:

• Leave required for 4-9 days needs to be requested by emailing the College: office@erc.nsw.edu.au
• Leave requests for 10 or more days requires completing an Application for Extended Leave Form (which can be found on the College website under Quicklinks).

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.

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, 28 and 29.

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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.

WANT TO LEARN AN INSTRUMENT – CITY OF WOLLONGONG BRASS BANDS

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SHAMROCKS – JUNIOR RUGBY UNION REGISTRATIONS

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