From The Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to Term 2 after the recent holidays break, where we had the opportunity to celebrate the resurrection of our saviour Lord Jesus Christ, for some the holidays may seem already a long time ago. At the conclusion of Term 1, progress reports were distributed. This is an ideal opportunity for students to reassess their goals they set at the commencement of the academic year, to continue the conversation with improving their learning for the remainder of the semester.
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At the end of Week 1 we acknowledged and recognised ANZAC Day, at the annual ANZAC Day Assembly, with 2023 being the 50th Anniversary of the proclamation to end Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. We were privileged to have welcomed our special guests, Mr Ian Birch, the President of the Illawarra Sub Branch Vietnam Veterans and others from the Vietnam Veterans Association, Robert Cohen (our guest speaker), David Bessell, Bob Green, John Wise, Nobby Clark and Ron Woods.
Students were engaged in a presentation of stories of service and a variety of campaigns from different wars. We thank Mrs Lothian (Head Of History) who challenged the assembly with the question: “What do you think of when you hear the word SERVICE?” culminating with, ‘when we choose to serve, we are giving of ourselves in order to make a difference’.
We are truly blessed with such talented students here at Edmund Rice. An example of this was Patrick Sirianni (Year 11) who played the Last Post and the Rouse, whilst there was absolute silence and respect for the occasion. There are also a number of cadets led by Timothy Armitage, who marched with flags including Stirling Roper, Kalani Thompson, Hayden Boehm, Harrison Thelan, Reuben Grundy and Daniel Morozov.
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This week we acknowledged and recognised our founder, Blessed Edmund. The Most Reverend Bishop Brian Mascord joined us on Tuesday 2 May to celebrate the eucharist at our Founder’s Day Mass. Blessed Edmund’s Feast Day is celebrated on 5 May each year, coinciding with the Founder’s Activity Day, today. Bishop Brian challenged us in his homily to remain faithful witnesses to the message of Christ; as it was Edmunds’ relationship with Jesus, and through the strength of prayer, lived the example of Jesus. Bishop Brian then called for us to be people of compassion, justice and peace, indicating that we are called to be light in the darkness, bringing hope to those struggling and in need. We too through the EREA touchstones are challenged and called to be the voice for those who may seem voiceless, living on the margins of society.
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Congratulations to the following members of the College who were recognised for their commitment to the spirit of Edmund Rice during our Founder’s Day Mass:
Edmund Rice Student Leadership Awards:
Year 8 – Jaxon Towers
Year 9 – Jay Jayaswal
Year 10 – Michael Da Silva
Year 11 – Julian Eckermann
Year 12 – Ben Connolly
Staff Service Awards:
40 years of service – Mr Russell Bates and Mr Martin Rule
Touchstone Awards:
Justice and Solidarity – Ms Natalie Glen
Gospel Spirituality – Mr Paul Dempsey
Liberating Education – Mr Andrew Edmondson
Inclusive Community – Ms Nadia Neal
Parent Award: (as nominated by the P&F community) – Mrs Ainsley Eckermann
Let us live Jesus in our hearts, as we follow in the footsteps of Blessed Edmund; Founders’ Week is a special week for the College as we recall the stories of the founder of the Christian Brothers and as always the Divine Mother in the month of May.
There will be a special newsletter edition forthcoming, to highlight the events and celebration of Founder’s Week in greater detail.
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This a reminder to parents and carers of Year 5 and Year 6 students that Year 7, 2024 and 2025 applications are currently being taken. Due to the high interest in attending ERC, the College has increased the availability of family tour bookings and staggered enrolment interviews. Current and prospective parents and carers are invited to access the College website for enrolment processes or to contact Ann Preston apreston@erc.nsw.edu.au directly if you have any questions about the enrolment process.
God Bless
Barry Walsh
Acting Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Learning & Teaching
Pastoral Care
Community Announcements
College Community News
LOST PROPERTY
There is a large number of lost property items at the Student Office
(including but not limited to)
Jumpers/Vests, Sports/PE Shirts, Sports Jackets, School Shirts, Shoes, PE Bags & Shorts, Caps.
If you think that any of these items may belong to your son you are most welcome to come and check or please ask your son to come to the Student Office to check if any of these items may belong to him.
We advise that you name all articles of clothing etc, this will assist the Office in returning these items to your son.
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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.